to conform to his brethren's practice in this matter. Whatever may have been his spcculRtiYc opinion, he was willing to give to the Jewish community the public proof aBked for_ b_y St. Jo.mes, that "he himself also walked orderly and kept tho Law,' and actr,ally Jomed the four NaZ&rites in their vow and was at charges with them, and went through the legal ceremonies in the temple with them (ver. 26, and eh. xxiv. 18; xxv. S). The practical lesson, therefore, plainly is that compromises are lawful nnd right, provided no essential t111th is sacrificed. In the diversity of the human mind, nnd the diversity of influences to which different _minds are subject, it frequently hap[ens, as e. matter of fact, that conscientious and upright men, who agree upon many vita and essential truths, disagree upon others which are less important, disagree sh&rply nnd pointedly. If both parties are to maintain their own views with unbending rigidity, there can be no common action, no harmony, no peace. A compromise by which both parties, without giving up their own belief, agree t.o keep the points of difference in the background, and to concede something to each other in practice, is the only possible way of preserving unity and concord. It is the way sanctioned and recommended by the great example of St. Paul. Only we must not forget to notice the further instruc- tive lesson conveyed by this section, that the most laudable and best-planned efforts at conciliation are often doomed to failure by the unreasonable and fanatical violence of those who are most in the wrong. Compromises imply a measure of humility and a sincere love of peace. Where there is an arrogant assumption of infallibility, and an overbearing spirit of domination, men prefer the forcing their own opinion upon otherR to an equitable compromise, and love subjugation more than peace. The highest wisdom and most exalted piety will propose concessions, which fanatical bigotry will fling back in their teeth. lt is in religion as in politics, There will always be a party of irreconcilables. A St. Paul in the depth of his love may offer a compromise to which the Jewish fanatic in his blind bigotry will reply by blows and conspiracies unto death. And yet in the end the love will triumph, and the violence will be laid in the dust.
HOMlLIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 1-17.-Hwman affection cuul sacred service. God has so made us and so related us that we find ourselves closely and tenderly attached, one to another, in various bonds. It is impossible that these should not have great influence on our minds as the children and servants of God, great effect on our lives as co-workers with Christ, What is that effect? L HUMAN .AFFECTION HAS A LARGE CONTRIBUTION TO OFFER TO BAOBED SERVICE, We find it inciting all the disciples, including "the wives and the children," to accompany Paul on his way, to pray with and for him, and thus to cheer and hearten him (ver. 5). We find it leading Philip (vers. 5--7), and afterward;i Mnason (ver. 16) and "the brethren" (ver. 17), to entertain the ambassador of Christ with open-handed and full-hearted friendship. And we find it now constantly leading men and women (1) to educate and train, (2) to entertain, (3) to shelter, (4) to influence by example, (5) to evangelize the sons and daughters of men. IL Hu:r,u.N AFFECTION SOMETIMES FORCillLY mTERPOSES BETWEEN MEN A.ND THE SACRED SERVICE THEY WOULD RENDER, It did so here. Paul and his party had to tear themselves away from the elders of Ephesus (ver. 1). It required a very great effort to" get away." Clearly the entreaties of affection produced a very strong impres- sion indeed on the susceptible heart of the apostle, and called forth the tender and touching remonstrance of the text (ver. 13). I t ~ a like effect on the ~ind of the Master himself, and evoked a rebuke of no ordinary strength (Matt. XVL 21-23), When conjugal, or parental, or filial, or fraternal love lays its <letaining hand on the ehoulder and. says, "Go not on this perilous mission; sta}'. with us in these pleasant places of affecti.Dn," it ia hard for the hUIIl&D soul to resist that gentle but powerful pressure. ill. HUMAN AFFECTlON H.U OFTEN l!UCR TO URGE ON 1TB OWN BEHAJ,F, The disciples at Tyre claimed to foUild their counsels on communications which they l.i:ul from God hilll6elf. 'l'hey said "through the Spirit" that J>a.ul " shoiud 11ot go up," 011. xxr. 1-40.] ·rm~ ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 170