Ques. 1.-Will the new heaven and earth of Rev. 21:1 be an entire new creation, or formed from the ashes or remains of the former ones? Give scriptures.

Ans.-Seasoning from analogy, we would say that this earth and its heavens (in immediate connection with it) will be renewed and prepared for the eternal abode of the earthly redeemed, including Israel. There was apparently a destruction recorded in Gen. 1:2, and from the formless void God in the six days prepared the earth for man's abode. At the Flood, Gen. 6:, we again see the earth destroyed by water ; but again the same earth was restored. Fire is a more thorough and effective agent than water, but it does not annihilate. Does not the analogy of the dissolution of the body, its turning to ashes as it were, and subsequent resurrection in glory, suggest and imply a similar change in the case of the earth ? God never wastes ; and would it not be a triumph for the very earth in which sin brought such ruin, to partake of His redeeming power?

Ques. 2.-To whom does Matt. 12:20, "a bruised reed shall He not break," etc., refer? To the individual, the remnant, or the nation at large?

Ans.-The connection in Matthew would seem to show that it primarily refers to the remnant; and the same may be said of the portion in Isaiah from which the quotation is taken. Israel as a nation has turned from God, but a remnant, in weakness and brokenness, is waiting upon Him. The nation should have been God's faithful servant, but was not; then His own Servant, Christ, came, perfectly fulfilling His will. But He does not despise the lowly ; so in Matthew we see Him healing the helpless, while the leaders of the nation look on with contempt. He, blessed be His. name, does not despise the afflicted, nor quench the feeblest flame of faith, yea, though it be but a smoke. Of course there is a sweet and precious application to the individual also.

QUES. 3.-Is there a scripture to show where the Jews and earth's inhabitants are, at the time of the white throne judgment?

ANS.-The white throne is in eternity, and the (first) heaven and earth flee away from the face of Him who sits upon it. There would seem to be a necessity for some change like that of the saints caught up at the coming of the Lord to take place with Israel and the saved nations, who would thus be prepared for their eternal earthly abode at the very time when it was being prepared for them. Scripture does not give us details, but encourages a prayerful attention to its minutest word, and to the analogy of God's ways throughout its pages.

QUES. 4.-Is there not a Godward aspect of reconciliation (necessitated by His holiness), or is it limited to the sinner's heart being turned to God?

Ans.-We are not aware of any scripture which speaks of God being reconciled. Of course, Scripture does speak of His being propitiated by a sacrifice, of His auger being turned away. And unquestionably His holiness and righteousness demanded the fullest satisfaction, which has been made by Christ's death. But reconciliation seems to suggest the removal of enmity, and that was only on man's side. "God so loved the world."