3. “J. B.,” Otley. To the one troubled about the use, or non-use, of the form of what is called the Lord’s prayer, the question is this: did the Lord intend to teach His disciples the spirit of prayer suited to their then position—His Jewish disciples; or the form of prayer suited to the use of the church? We judge, if the latter, the form of words must have been alike in Matthew and Luke; and would have been in His blessed name. (See John 16:23-26.) The petitions are specially suited to an earthly people.
As to the difficulty felt in the prayer in Notes on Leviticus, page 123, “hasten thy kingdom,” when we think of all the present increasing sin, misery and sorrow, and rejection of Christ, we can say, “hasten thy kingdom,” in the same sense as those words: “And the Spirit and the bride say Come.” And in response to the precious words of Jesus, “Yea, I come quickly,” we can say, “Amen; come, Lord Jesus.” When we pray thus, it is not only for His coming to take us to be with Himself, but for His glorious appearing and kingdom.
4. “W. C. O.,” London. It is most timely to have our attention called to 1 Tim. 2:1-6. The neglect of this exhortation is sure to lead to sectarian narrowness of mind. How often instead of supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men, the desires of our hearts do not go beyond the little circle of ourselves. No doubt much prayer has gone up to God for the queen of these realms; and what cause for thank-fullness that she and the royal family have been preserved in answer to those prayers! The Christian has greater power with God hearing prayer, than in army or navy. God can cause the Mahdi’s hordes’ to melt away.
In the short paper of a reply, we could not notice each clause in this important scripture. May our hearts be enlarged, and our prayers and thanksgiving be more led by the Holy Ghost, according to the mind of God our Savior. There are no barriers on His part, “who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” Yes, “God so loved the world,” though the world rejects His grace: “who gave himself a ransom for all.” This does not alter the fact that believers only have redemption through His blood.
5. “J. H,” Liverpool. Your question is scarcely suited to the general readers of this magazine. If a Christian is convinced that there is anything at a funeral service dishonoring to Christ, or contrary to the scriptures, it is evident he cannot attend, though it be the funeral of a parent. The scripture does not supply or recognize any funeral ceremony; but then, as at all times, if subject to the Holy Ghost, He will lead us to do what is pleasing to God and suited to the occasion. And we do not judge that He ever dictated the same form of words to be read over the remains, or at the funeral, of believers and unbelievers. The ignoring of the presence of the Holy Ghost is, no doubt, the root of this and many other mistakes.
We are not under the ceremonial dispensation to which Lev. 21:1, 3, 10, 11, refers. And 2 Cor. 6:17, whilst referring specially to separation from idolatry, would also teach us the holy principle of separation from all known evil. Therefore if you see it to be evil, do not do it.