OUR QUESTION CORNER by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 3, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 22.

OUR QUESTION CORNER.

By Editor

[From time to time we will reply under this head, if deemed advisable, to such candid inquiries on scriptural topics or moral questions as may be sent us. Questions which minister strife to no profit to our readers will not be answered here. Correspondents wishing a reply to their questions must give their full name and address, not for publication unless they wish, but as an evidence of good faith on their part, and to give us opportunity to reply by letter if deemed best. It is always well to inclose stamp. The questions will be numbered continuously.]

THE following questions come from the isles of the Pacific:—

81. OUT OF WHAT WERE WORLDS MADE?

1. Sabbath, January 14, question 3 on Heb. 11:3, in our lesson book reads: "Out of what were the things made which are now seen?" Is it known? If the word not is placed between the words things and made, in the question, as it is in the S.GNS, would it not change the question and also the answer?

82. VISIBLE WIND.

2. Lesson 4. Will you please state in some simple way how it can be shown that the wind is visible, as all are not satisfied upon this point, but some are going to investigate the question indicated in the SIGNS on John 3:3-8.

83. DISCERNING OF SPIRIT.

3. Are the results of the moving of the Spirit visible?

1. Whatever the material universe was made of, or whether it was made of nothing, we do not believe that Heb. 11:3 states. "God spake and it was." "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." Ps. 33:6. God spake the universe into existence; beyond this we do not know. Heb. 11:3 certainly does not state in our common version out of what the worlds were made, but out of what the worlds were not made; therefore, to our mind, the question should be asked with the negative.

2. One common experiment which will show the visibility of the wind is to stand by a solid board fence with a straight top during a strong wind. On the side from which the wind blows, if the point of observation be correct, it can be seen pouring over into the still air below. We have used a wide board or plank for the same purpose, turned upon edge in a strong wind. It must rest on the ground so that the air will not pass freely under it.

3. The results of the moving of the Spirit of God are often visible and often invisible. They are seen in the tearful eye, and other manifestations of repentance, and in the manifest fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, goodness, etc., but the counterfeit is readily taken as the genuine by those who are carnal. The movings of the Spirit of God cannot be seen, and its fruit can only be truly discerned by those who have the Spirit of God. See 1 Cor. 2:10-16.