Answers to Correspondents.
DAVID HONEYWELL: On Acts 7 we refer you to pages 77–79 of the book entitled “Man’s Nature and Destiny,” published at this Office. C. O. T.: In the General Conference Address on Organization, page 13, you will find as follows:—“We understand the duties of a deacon to be confined exclusively to the temporal matters of the church.” This is the view now generally held; and this is, perhaps, a sufficient answer to your question. W. M.: In the tract above referred to on Organization, directions for electing officers are as follows:—“Let the minister read the scriptures setting forth the qualifications requisite to the office of elder and deacon, and then let the minister select two brethren of good judgment who with him shall act as a nominating committee to nominate candidates.” And their nomination is to be ratified by a three-fourths vote; and provided that no valid objection is offered by those not voting in the affirmative. These directions, are, however, for the organization of a church. In churches already organized it is customary to vote by ballot, both in nomination and election. All elections of officers should either be by ballot or by the course marked out in the Address, to prevent confusion. H. H.: The texts quoted to prove the “return of the Jews” have often been noticed in the Review. You will find the subject examined more fully in the pamphlet on the “Age to Come,” than we could now examine it in the paper. We hold to the doctrine of “the restoration of Israel,” but only on the gospel plan. If there are any promises of special or temporal benefits to the Jews, we have mistaken the intent of the gospel. “Is the original word for death ever translated separation?” G. A. K. Never. No word in either Testament signifying death is ever translated, separation; nor is any word which signifies separation ever translated, death. The words are not kindred, and are perverted if used interchangeably. The question concerning the keeping of boarders who do not observe the Sabbath, has been before the Literary Society a number of weeks. Several essays on the subject were read, and it was brought up for discussion, in order to give it a full examination. Finally, by a unanimous vote, the following was adopted as the opinion of the Society: “Circumstances are so various that it is impossible to lay down a rule to govern all cases.” J. H. W.