Q. 37.-"Kindly reply to the following in correspondence of Help and Food:Some say, 'I left system, to maintain the unity of the body,' what do they mean by it?"- J.C.L.

Ans.-The expression quoted is plainly at fault, when we remember it is "by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body," and also that " whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever :" nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it, because a divine work, therefore unalterable. And yet it is well not to make any " an offender for a word," and if we can but apprehend their true meaning, accept it. Is it not this :we are exhorted in Eph. 4:"to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"? This unity being the "gathering together in one of the children of God which were scattered abroad," which Jesus died to accomplish, and formed by the descent and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. If, therefore, we are seeking obedience to this divine command, of necessity it must be in owning what God has formed as the only true and right thing, and neither adding to nor taking from it by forming or upholding something other than it, of human origin. This in its practical carrying out would lead to "gathering together to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," and alone as "members of His body," owning, of course, all who are His as entitled to the same privilege, and as far as seeking to follow Him, welcoming them in His name. Being thus gathered, i Cor. 12:-14:furnish us with very precious instruction for the further carrying out of the truth as to this matter in three distinct things.-

1. The sovereignty of the Spirit of God. "All these [gifts] -worketh that one and self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.

2. "The love of the brethren" seeking not our own, but "every one to please his neighbor for his good to edification."

3. The authority of the Word of God, as to "the assembling of ourselves together," laying down but two rules in brief, pointed simplicity. " Let all things be done unto edifying, . . . decently, and in order." The first, relating to the welfare of one another, and the second, to the holiness of Him "who is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him." In other words, that nothing should be done except with a view to the good of others and the glory of God. This, in brief, gives the practical bearings of this important and too-little-accounted-of matter, which if humbly and seriously acted out, will most surely bring its blessing from the Lord. For an example of it, see Acts 2:-" They continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers;" and as to its abiding obligation, even though the house of God has become in disorder, 2 Tim. 2:-"Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." May the Lord so enable us for His name's sake ! B.C.G.