all the attempts of Elymas to pervert it, and himself became an avowed disciple of Christ. This was a conduct worthy of him, and worthy to be pursued by every wise and "prudent" man. We earnestly recommend it then to all to follow his example. Be diligent in inquiring, and avail yourselves of every opportunity of gaining instruction in the religion of Christ Be candid in judging, and do not suffer your- selves to be prejudiced by the scoffs or calumnies of the unbe- lieving world Be firm also in acting : do not be afraid
of following the convictions of your own conscience ; or think, that your being in a place of great power and authority will be any excuse for not obeying its voice : it is rather a reason why you should be the more bold for the Lord, because you may influence so many more by your example. Had this Roman governor put off his convictions, like Felix, he would probably have been left to perish in his sins : but now he enjoys, in all its richness, the truth he embraced. Know then, that ye likewise will soon receive the final recompence of your conduct ; in happiness, if faithful to your convictions ; but in misery inexpressible, if you dissemble with God.]
2. Those who are opposing it —
[Greatly is it to be regretted that the Gospel has still its adversaries, and that persons in authority are peculiarly beset with them. Satan knows how extensive is the influence of the great : and therefore he sends forth his emissaries to encompass them around, and to prejudice their minds against the faith of Christ. But be it known to all, that Christ will triumph at last, and that " his enemies ere long shall surely become his footstool." By some it may be thought a light matter to dis- pute against the Gospel, and to obstruct its influence on the minds of men : but our Lord has told us, that " it were better for us that a millstone should be put round our necks, and that we should be cast into the midst of the sea, than that we should offend one of his little ones." Let those then who will not embrace the Gospel, beware how they labour to pervert the faith of others : if they must perish, they had better perish alone, than under the guilt of destroying the souls of others. But let us hope, that those who have acted thus as Satan's instruments, will do so no more ; but that rather their own eyes shall be opened, and that they will embrace the faith which they have endeavoured to destroy. If however any will persist in their impiety, let them tell us what are those ways which they call " right;" and let their principles be compared with those of the Apostle. We fear not the issue, if only this comparison be made : we have no doubt but that the Gospel alone contains the " right ways of the Lord," and that those only who embrace and walk in them will ever enter into life.]