Ques. 11.-Is the worship expressed in a hymn we may be singing in the assembly acceptable to the Father, if the heart and mind are not going on with the voice ? For example, if during the singing of a hymn, my soul and spirit went out in adoration as my voice went on with verses one and two, but during the singing of the third verse, my mind has been turned to something else, and my voice goes on with the singing, does Ex. 28:36-38, teach that Christ would present to the Father the worship expressed in the third verse ? Does the infinite value of the sin-offering not only atone for sin, but make all our worship acceptable, though part of it is not the soul and spirit going out to God, on account of the mind being occupied with something else than the voice may be expressing.

Ans.-We most unhesitatingly say that no worship save that in spirit and in truth can possibly be acceptable to God. Otherwise unconverted people could offer acceptable praise. True our Great High Priest offers our feeblest praises to God in all the value of His precious person, and on the ground of His atoning work, bears the iniquity of our holy things. If the mind has wandered, as, alas! it is prone to do, He, in grace, offers that portion which has been more than mere lip service. But to call that worship which is but the vacant voice would indeed be taking carnal ground.

While upon this subject we may be permitted to call attention to the singing of hymns. If real, no exercise is more, delightful and elevating; but it is easily subject to abuse. Without much exertion one may give out a hymn which is perhaps beyond the state of those who are to sing it. Nothing can be more deadening to the conscience than giving utterance to sentiments which do not express the true condition of the soul-to declare the deepest love for Christ, the intensest longing for His coming; to state experiences which are not true-these, in plain language, are uttering falsehoods to God. Far be it from us to check the feeblest whisper of praise, but we ask, Is there not a danger of singing hymns as a matter of course? We would affectionately suggest a deeper exercise of conscience and more waiting upon God in these matters. There would probably be less singing, and more praise.

Ques. 12.-Did the publican say,'' God meet me at the mercy-seat ! " or, " God be merciful to me the sinner! "

Ans.-The literal rendering would be " God be propitiated unto me," but not the "mercy-seat." " The sinner" is correct, and suggestive, as though there were but one sinner, so far as he was concerned.

Ques. 13.-"What version is it' that says, " Show forth the Lord's "death"?

Ans.-"We know of no version which inserts 'forth" which is probably an unconscious adaptation from the Psalms:"Show forth His salvation." The literal rendering is. "Ye announce the Lord's death, till He come."