By the time "Hebrews" was written the abeyance was a fact, and the apostle could

write, "But now we see not yet all things put under Him" (Heb. 2: 8). Strictly speaking,

the "abeyance of the kingdom" is untrue, for the kingdom has never been set up yet by

Christ.  We should be more correct in speaking of the abeyance of the hopes and

conditions which were connected with the good news of the kingdom. You will surely

see that the gospel of Matt. 10: 5-8 is not the gospel of Eph. 1:, 3:

You will also see that the terms of Mark 16: 16-20 were fulfilled right up to

Acts 28: 1-9, but from that moment they abruptly cease. They are then in abeyance,

together with all the other accompaniments of kingdom things.

D.M., Burntisland.--Mark 16: 15-20 and Col. 1: 23 have no reference to

each other. The one has relation to the kingdom and miracles; the other is

connected with neither. The idea that the gospel was preached to animals

is absurd, for animals do not believe, neither are they baptized, neither do

they hope for resurrection.

The introduction of the word "new" in "new tongues" (which is omitted in the R.V.)

ruins the marvellous numerical design of the passage, which is made to teach that the

apostles spoke a new kind of language which animals could understand.

F.H., Birmingham.--"Will you kindly look at Eph. 6: 12, and when you

have time express your opinion as to whether the `heavenly places' are

here referred to as the location of evil spirits. There appears a difficulty in

believing that that region of peace (Holy of Holies?) is disturbed by

satan's emissaries. . . .

In answer to these questions we would say to the first, Yes, "heavenly places" in

Eph. 6: 12 are that habitation of evil spirits; but to the second, No, evil spirits have no

access to the heavenly holiest of all, where we are blessed with all spiritual blessings.

Eph. 6: 12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of

the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Turning to the Word itself we shall find out difficulties vanish in the clear light thrown

upon the subject in this epistle. Let us examine what is said of these "heavenly places" in

Ephesians. The first reference, like the last (the one under notice), does not definitely say

anything as to locality; it reads, "Blessed be God. . . . Who hath blessed us with all