(The reader should always turn to the Bible and read the passages referred to.)

QUES. 5. – Does Deut. 26, with Acts 4:34-37, show that the place where we should bring our offerings (in connection with the collection) is marked out? Is it scriptural to refuse to give in the assembly offering, and claim that it should be individual giving only?

ANS.- There should be no question about it being scriptural for the assembly as such to minister both to the Lord's work and in supplying the needs of poor saints. This, of course, does not preclude individuals of the assembly ministering individually as they may be led. But it would be wrong to make that the exclusive mode of giving, so that no assembly collection was taken up and the assembly in its unity be thus deprived of ministering in this way. This should be evident from the following testimony of Scripture.

Paul having just received the things sent by the Philippians (4:10,18), says, "And know also ye, O Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I came out of Macedonia, no assembly communicated anything to me in the way of giving and receiving save ye alone; for also in Thessalonica once and even twice ye sent for my need."

Again, 2 Cor. 11:7, 8:"Have I committed sin, abasing myself in order that ye might be exalted , because I gratuitously announced to you the glad tidings of God? I spoiled other assemblies, .receiving hire for ministry toward you" (comp. chap. 12:13). To the same purport are his remarks in 1 Cor. 9:11-14 as to the supporting of those who labor in spiritual things.

As .to ministering -to the poor saints, it was done by the assemblies. Paul says in Rom. 15:25, 26, "Now I go to Jerusalem, ministering to the saints; for Macedonia and Achaia have been well pleased to make a certain contribution for the poor of the saints at Jerusalem." Further, he says in 1 Cor. 16:1, 2, "Concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the assemblies of Galatia, so do ye do also. On the first of the week let each of you put by at home; laying up in whatever degree he may have prospered, that there be no collections when I come." And we read in 2 Cor. 8:i-5, "We make known to you, brethren, the grace of God bestowed in the assemblies of Macedonia; that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty has abounded to the riches of their free-hearted liberality.. .begging of us with much entreaty to give effect to the grace and fellowship of the service which was to be rendered to the saints."

These scriptures show that such giving was a matter of assembly action, in fact of assemblies acting in unity. This is also intimated by what Paul says about the brother sent with Titus in carrying out this service:that he was "chosen by the assemblies as our fellow-traveler with this grace." Such service grows out of the truth of the one Body, we being members in it and members one of another (1 Cor. 12:25, 26).

That individuals as such may minister of their substance in addition to the part they take in assembly-giving may be gathered from such scriptures as Heb. 13:1; 1 Pet. 4:9; 3 John 5,6.

It would be as wrong to deny their right as individuals to minister as they might be led to do, as it would also be wrong to refuse to give in the assembly offering.

Believing that the things written aforetime were written for our learning we may find instruction in what is enjoined upon Israel. For example, Deut. 26 would suggest that our offerings are to be brought to the place of the Name and the altar-the place of worship. Such offerings were for the priestly house, as we learn from Num. 18, and so were for the maintenance of the Lord's service. The lesson here is that of our responsibility as God's redeemed people to give first place to His claims as the One to whom we owe every blessing. Upon Israel's obedience in these matters depended her enjoyment of God's blessing. Comp. Mal. 3:8-12. Here we see an individual responsibility, the fulfilment or the non-fulfilment of which affected the whole nation. The principle of this abides for us. It is a feature of that government of God under which we are as His people-His house. Israel's place of the Name and the altar may well suggest the Christian's divine center of gathering-the name and work of Jesus from which springs all true worship. All our giving is to be in connection with this divine center, be it corporate or individual. With this center the celebration of redemption is intimately connected, whether as with Israel in the keeping of the Passover or with us in the Lord's supper; and no more fitting occasion could we, who are bought with a price and are no longer our own, select to present our offerings both of a spiritual and material character, as witnessing to this holy claim of Divine love which it is the joy of all rightly exercised hearts to acknowledge in the fullest measure possible. -JOHN BLOORE.

It has been pointed out in former answers to correspondents (vols. 35, 39) that we have a corporate and individual place in the world. As individuals we have duties toward humanity as a whole (Gal. 6:10; 1 John 3:17; Acts 10:38). As to the assembly, it is especially linked with Christ, rejected by the world, but owned of God and glorified. The assembly's offerings are connected with its worship and thanksgivings, and are seen in Scripture (as we have shown) ministering to Christ's servants and the saints.