[They desire to rise to the occasion, and to have their energy increased in proportion to the difficulties which thev have to contend with. Their own concerns are swallowed ud as it were in the honour of their God. Happy attainment ! How surely must those supplications prosper, which are dic- tated by such a principle, and proceed from such hallowed
The acceptableness of their prayer will be best seen in,
II. The answer they received —
" The house was shaken wherein they were assem- bled," in token that God had heard them, and that he was able to effect whatever should most conduce to their welfare. The Holy Ghost also was poured out upon them in a more abundant measure, not in his miraculous powers, but in his gracious and sanc- tifying influences : so that the effect was immediately visible in all. Observe the effect which was instantly produced ; J
1. On the Apostles — [In them we see an immediate increase of zeal and con- stancy : « They spake the word of God with boldness; not only not intimidated by the threats of their enemies, but greatly strengthened to execute their office with energy and effect • insomuch, that "with greater power than ever, they crave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesusc." Mark the con nexion of this with their persecution ; and see how influential their trials were to render their ministry more extensively beneficial. Their own souls were quickened by the opposition which they met With ; they were strengthened from on hio-h in answer to their prayers : every word they uttered was attended with unction and with power: having within themselves the fruits and evidences of Christ's tender care, they could not but commend him to others, as an able and all-sufficient Saviour, and urge all to seek the blessings which they themselves so richly enjoyed.
Now it is thus that ministers are formed at the present day it they have experienced but few trials, they possess, for the most part, but little energy. It is only when, under difficult and trying circumstances, " their eyes have seen, their ears heard, and their hands handled the word of life," that they can speak of Christ with a feeling sense of his excellency. In
c ver. 33. x 2