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

QUES. 17.-The following are questions which I much desire you to answer:(1) Some say that baptism takes the place of circumcision, and that a child should be baptized before it knows evil and good. (2) Also that baptism brings them into the Covenant as circumcision did in the Old Testament. (3) I do not believe in baptism till one is saved, but they say that Paul baptized the jailer's household with himself.

ANS.- (1) Yes, water baptism is to the Christian much what circumcision was to the Israelite-it is the symbol or sign of what we are connected with. Read Gen. 17:9-14 with Acts 2:38-40, and 16:14,15, 33.

(2) Does not the Christian parent feel the need and earnest desire to take with himself the children that God has given him? If you were a heathen or a Jew just brought to faith in Christ, would you leave your children in heathenism or Judaism, or bring them with you into Christianity where Christ and the truth are confessed? This is the Christian's privilege, to "present his children to the Lord" (Luke 2:22,23), placing them as it were in His arms for His blessing and ownership.

1 Cor. 7:14 shows that the believing parent's children are by their connection with their parent in an external relation to God-a covenant relation we may call it. Like circumcision, baptism gives an external place only. Many in circumcised Israel proved unfaithful, as, alas! many of the baptized do; and baptism has been terribly abused in Christendom by the "christening" of unconverted parents' children. To such John scathingly said, "Generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" (Matt. 3:7-9). But how precious are God's promises to faithful parents (Gen. 18:19; Prov. 22:6, etc.). See how the Lord received the children that were brought to Him-Mark 10:13-16.

(3) You "do not believe in baptism till one is saved." Right; no right-minded Christian would baptize one grown up to years of responsibility who is not a believer. But would it not be as an insult to Christian parents to call their young children "unbelievers?"-children whom the Lord takes in His arms and says, "Of such is the kingdom of God.'" Christian parents are the divinely appointed guardians and instructors of their children in the way of the Lord:see Gen. 18:17; Deut. 6:7; Ps. 78:5-7. This is our responsibility and privilege, to bring them up as belonging to the Lord, and confess Christ's name and authority over them. Remember that baptism is the mark of discipleship-not the testimony of an inward state of soul.

The above, dear brother, are the reasons for my faith as to baptizing children of Christian parents.

QUES. 18.-There is a difficulty amongst us as to who of several brethren in the assembly should preach at the Lord's Day evening meeting. Can you give us a word in Help and Food as to it?

ANS.-The great object of ministry is the edification of the hearers, as we read in 1 Cor. 14:16; and in chap. 4:6 we are warned against making preferences to our liking. So much is edification kept in view as the object of ministry, that those having the gift to speak in foreign tongues were to be silent if there was no interpreter (chap. 14:18, 19). Whilst freedom of ministry is fully maintained (ver. 26), others (the hearers) are to judge if the ministry is to edification, or not.

As to fitness for gospel addresses, the hearers will soon determine if the speaker is fitted for it or not. Not many are gifted to profitably address an audience. And ability to speak is by no means all that is needed, but a life of fellowship with God, an ardent love for our fellow-men- "pulling them as out of the fire" (Jude 23). It is no reflection upon the piety or virtues of those who are not able to speak in public, for there is that which is greater than gift in God's sight (1 Cor. 13); and love will lead those unable to take the public place, to pray for both the speaker and the hearers. But let each one watch his own heart as to any spirit of jealousy, and judge before the Lord any movement of his heart in that insidious sin.

A large and precious ministry is open to all the members of Christ in seeking souls for Him. The field for this is very large indeed. There is much lowly work which, while not so attractive to the flesh as addressing an audience, may be more valued by the Lord. Opportunities for this will always be found if one looks low enough for an occasion to serve the Lord and seek our fellow-men and their children for Him. Oh, dear brethren, there are only too many such places for service unfilled by the saints. It would be well if it were made a subject of earnest prayer in the assemblies. How much spiritual joy and encouragement might come out of visiting and ministering to the afflicted and the poor, amongst whom love finds such large fields of lowly service! Small beginnings, too, often grow to larger ones as the Lord and practice enable us for it. Then when the Lord gives blessing, or opens doors for any ministry, let it be communicated to the assembly, for encouragement and prayer.

QUES. 19.- (a) Is Acts 2:42-47, and 4:32-37 an example of the Church in the beginning manifesting first love? (6) Would placing our all in one common treasury as they did, be laying down our lives for the brethren? (c) By so doing would we fulfil John 15:12? Please answer in Help and Food.

ANS.- (a) It was the overwhelming joy of salvation expressing itself-like a tidal-wave overflowing its usual bounds. Think of 3,000 souls experiencing together that joy in their Saviour!-first-fruits of the Spirit sent down by Jesus glorified. It was the birth-day of the Church, though not yet in its ordered, permanent form as established by the apostle Paul's ministry.

(b. 100:) 'Placing all in one common treasury" would no more bring back or repeat the overwhelming joy of those early days than making a bonfire would be like the all-pervading light, warmth, and power of the sun. Neither was it commanded, but was an outflow of an abounding and spontaneous joy, of but too short duration. It was not their having "all things common" that united them as one family, but it was the fruit of their joy in the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. "Laying down our lives for the brethren" may be, and usually is, connected with suffering and reproach from the world.