Ques. 34.-In a reading on 2 Cor. 3:11-17 it was stated that the word " Spirit," verse 17, should be read with a small s, and not with a capital S, as in the Received Text, and that in every instance where the word occurs it should be read with a small s; in confirmation of which he affirmed that the Lord was not the Spirit, that it was simply an allusion to the ministry of righteousness in contrast to that of condemnation, of the former of which Christ was the spirit.

On verse 17 Mr. Darby writes, "when it is said 'now the Lord is that Spirit' (capital S) allusion is made to verse 6; verses 7 to 10 is a parenthesis." (Syn., second edition, page 324.) The Revised Version gives verses 17, 18 with a capital. I notice that verse 6 gives the word "spirit" with a small s.

If "in every instance where the word occurs" we are to read it with a small s, what about the following texts, namely, Rom. 8:9:1 Pet. 1-11; 1 Pet. 3:18, 19; Gal. 3:5, and other scriptures where the Spirit is spoken of?

Ans.-As to never using a capital in the word Spirit, we think there must become mistake; surely whenever it refers to the Holy Spirit it should be written with a capital. To deny it would be to question His personality. As to the passage in question, the use of the capital in verse 17 would not suggest that it referred to the Holy Spirit, but that referring to the Lord, it was so spelled. Such use might be questioned, however. The meaning seems to be that the Christian dispensation, as centering in the person of Christ, is spiritual as contrasted with the law. Of course, the second use of the word " the Spirit of the Lord" would suggest the Holy Spirit. Then, too, this whole dispensation is that of the Spirit. It is sometimes difficult to draw the line between the operations of the Spirit and the Person. This is particularly true of this passage. Its general meaning is plain.

Ques. 35.- How did the Holy Ghost speak to man? – in an audible voice? For example, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul." (Acts 13:2.)

Ans.- The matter of first importance is the fact, not the manner of the Holy Ghost's speaking to men. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Pet. 1:21.) "In the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth." " He that is spiritual judgeth [discerneth] all things." (1 Cor. 2:13, 15). We gather from these scriptures that the Spirit acts upon the mind and judgment, moving by His almighty power and wisdom the instrument He has chosen. Of course, that instrument would make known the mind of the Spirit in an audible voice, as was doubtless the case at Antioch. But the Spirit Himself would act-as God usually does-in the still quiet, unobtrusive way, so different from man's thoughts.

Ques. 36.- Who are "the rest of the dead" in Rev. 20:5? Some say it is the Old Testament saints, and that they do not rise till after the thousand years,- that is, do not rise when the "dead in Christ" rise. (1 Thess. 4:) Please give scripture to refute this, if it is error.

Ans.- The scripture already given (1 Thess. 4:) refutes it clearly,–else the Old Testament saints are not "in Christ,"- "they that are Christ's." (1 Cor. 15:) Moses and Elias ire given as types of the sleeping and translated saints partaking in the glories of Christ's kingdom. (Luke 9:30, 31.) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are in the kingdom. (Matt. 8:11.) Doubtless the Old Testament saints are at the marriage supper of the Lamb, as guests. (Rev. 19:) Our blessings and theirs are connected together. (Heb. 11:40.) Such scriptures preclude entirely the thought of their having no part in the first resurrection. And this is emphasized when we remember what is the character of the second resurrection. (Rev. 20:12-15.) It is the prelude to the judgment of the Great White Throne, where none but the ungodly stand, and is unquestionably the same as the resurrection of damnation, or judgment (John 5:29), the resurrection of the unjust (Acts 24:15). It becomes a grave error when the beloved people of God are in any way connected with the ungodly. There are, no doubt, reasons why such teaching should be advanced. It will surely be sufficient to guard our readers against accepting it.