of A higher power. The oredulity of men Wll8 made a eouroe of sordid traffio both by phi](lsophy and false religion. Hence the trouble in the mind of Paul. It WBB not for his own S&ke, but for the gospel's. . I. TRUTH l>"EED~ NO FALSEHOOD TO HELP IT, The Church of Rome has acted very differently. Had 1t not been stopped, the gospel would have been regarded at Philippi as another form of divination. Simplicity the greatest strength. II. THOSE THAT ARE BESTING ON THE BOCK OAN AFFORD TO WAIT, "After many days" the spirit was cast out. III. The kini::dom of Christ brought into collision with the kingdom of Satan reveals ITS VICT<lRious MIGHT. So throughout the history. "That very hour." 'l'ho Name of Jesus Christ exalted, all the more for the evil device against it. Mercy to the deluded and miserable. J udgments to the deceivers. The swine and the spirits perish together.-R. Vera. 19--40.-TM jfrst European penecvtion, I. It was in no way instigated by Jews, but it proceeded from RULERS AND MAGISTRATES, under the instigation of HEATHE1''"16H ERROR. .An importe.nt distinction. Christianity, when it enlarged its sphere or operations, had to encounter the opposition of: 1. The state. 2. Falso philosophy reyarding it as folly. 3. Heathen priestcraft, fearing the loss of their profitable 11t1perstitiona. 11. The method of persecution was generally through LAWLESSNESS AND tl'PBOAB. There Wll.'l no trial, no proper charge. Only the multitude against them. IIL The gospel brought into light WHAT WAS GOOD IN THE ANCIENT WORLD, and drew it to itself. Roman order and discipline is here distinctly on the side of the persecuted., and the persecutors are afraid. So henceforth, when the gospel is seen at work in Europe, we find the Bome.n law serving it. IV. God speaks among the heathen by the voice of his PROVIDENCE and of NA.TUBE. The earthquake assisted the cause of truth. .A wonderful testimony to the whole city and neighbourhood. V. The conversion of the Philippie.n jailor a GLOR!OUS OONSIDOlATION OF THE PER- SECUTION. So always-the wrath of man praises God. YI. THE C01''TRAST of the praying and singing prisoners and the terrified authorities a striking t.estimony to the truth. Lydia and her companions prayed too. The little Church at Philippi, increased by the whole occurrence, " comforted them and departed." "Filling up that which is behind of the sufferings of Christ for his body's sake, which is the Church."-R. Ver. 25.-Light in the d,a;rknu,. "But about midnight," etc. Power of facts to speak for Christ. The miracles of Christ accompanied his message, "Believe the works." We must push this evidence of facts on unbelievers, because they are not prepared to open their hearts to the truth. I. A BRIGHT EXAMPLE OF FAITH. 1. It overcame fear, shame, suffering. 2. It lay hold of t,he future--praying and praising, under the influence of hope. The time was midnight, but there we.s morning in their souls. 3. It was faith which was proved by experience; they remembered past deliverances. "His love in time past," etc. lL Gon wonx:s WITH HIS PEOPLE. 1. He opens their lips, when the world would ihut them. The inner prison and the stocks cannot silence truth. The audience • is there--the prisoners and the Roman ja.ilor. 2. Fellow-workers called in, "'l'he earth helped the woman" (Rev. :x:ii.16). God is doing much under the surface of events. Str= of providential government unite with streams of spiritual influence. The revival of intelligence and humanism preceding the Reformation. The two great currents of the eighteenth century, spiritual and political; and now science helps the advancement of Christianity. 3. Leave God to find opportunity for us. Be patient, end hope to the end. The trouble ~f Christianity to the world works out peace.-R. Vers. 29, 30.-.A ,·emarkable wnver,wn. '"l11en he called for a light," etc. The 1igr,ificance of the jailer's case, as a Roman, and almost instantaneously converted, 11s illustrating the comparative religioUB freedom of a Roman colony, the openness of the Gentile mind to impression, the yearning of the heart after a true religion.prevailing i.t tl,at time in the better cle.ss of people. CH, XVI. 1-40,] THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 47
I. AWAKENED ANXJETY. 1. A realizatffm of personal dangers and need. 2. A for- saking of all other refuges. 8. An appeal for help to those who, by their confidence and pence, showed that they had a betJer hope. IJ. SINGLE-MINDED INQUIBY, 1. Different from mere curiosity or speculation. 2. Ready humbly to wait for brotherly sympathy and direction. 3. Ca.stin<Y the will as well as the mind on the truth. "What must I do?" "' HI. RISING FAITH. 1. Salvation possible, therefore sought arter. 2. Self-surrender at the feet of the messenger, o.s expressing desire for the message. 3. Doubtless "the way of salvation," of which the city had heard, was something definitely before his mind as something to be found. Why is not such earnestness universal ?-R.
Ver. 34,-Houseliold salvation. "And he brought them," etc. The family greatly honoured in the Bible. Patriarchal religion the religion of families. The household the unit of thi, Jewish nation. All true redemption of society must be th.·ough individual conversion, but by way of natural relationship. L THE HOUSEHOLD JOY, 1. A new beginning. Contrast with the old. 2. A new security-both against the evils of a disordered earth and the infirmities and sins of human life. 3. A new fellowship. A family may be a Church; daily worship, common service; mutual joy, development of individuality in the light of faith. 11 THE HOPE OF THE WORLD. 1. Rapid spread of religion when household faith- fulness is maintained. 2. Education is the basis of Christian teaching. 3. The young the hope of the Church. 4. The representative character of Christian profession. We cannot assume responsibility for children, but we can surround them with a circle of light. Our baptism should be their baptism, not imtead ef the baptism of the Holy Ghost, but in view of it.-R.