Ver. 5,-171e influence of personal affection on Ohristian minietera. The scene described here may be compared with that at Miletus (eh. xx. 26, 27). The impression that it was the last time they would see the great apostle among them intensified the expression of feeling, but it could hardly be said to increase the affection which the disciples cherished towards St. Paul. That strong personal attachment the apo,tle wor.. wherever he went. Some men are remarkable for the power of drawing forth the affection and love of those whom they seek to serve for Christ's sake. Some men are never more or other than officials, valued and trusted only for " their work's sake." Others are beloved "for their own sakes," and the work they do is glorified by the beauty which, to men's eyes, they put upon it in the doing of it. Some think that personal affection for a pastor or a teacher is rather a hindrance to him, as the truth he teaches may come to be valued for his sake, and not for its own. Others urge that trnth never really reaches them and sways them until it comes with the persuasions of one whom they wholly trnst and whom they intensely love. Every true pastor will dread 1mtting himself in any sense between souls and Christ; but every pastor will rejoice if, by winning the love of men, he can bring them to love Christ. Picturing the scene of out text, Canon Farrar says, "When the week was over St. Paul left them; and so deeply in that brief period had he won their affections, that all the members of the little community, with their wives and children, started with him to conduct him on his way, Before they reached the vess_el, they knelt down side by side, men anu women and little ones, somewhere on the surf-beat rocks near which the vessel was moored, to pray together-he for them, and they for him-before they returned to their homes; and he went once more on board for the last stage of the voyage from Tyre to Ptolemais, the modern A.ere." We dwell on the following points:- 1. ST. PAUL'S POWER TO COMMAND A:ND TO WIN AFFECTION. This was a pa.rt of his natural gifts. It belonged to his disposition and character. But we may especially note two things: (1) he freely gave love to others, and only those who can love can win love; (2) he had a singular power of spiritual insight, a.nd wherever that is found men have unusual charm to the view of others. II. THE KIND OF FAREWELL BROUGHT OUT THE EXPRESSIONS OF AFFECTION, A.II farewells test friendship and love. This was peculiar, (1) 11s being a last farewell; (2) as ta.ken i=ediately before anticipated scenes of sorrow and affliction. Compare our Lord's view of Mary's act, anointing his feet with nard. It was a preparatory anoint- ing for burial, and so an unusual expression of love. Ill, 'J.'HE INFLUENCE OF SUCH MANIFESTED AFFECTION ON THE MTh"'ISTER IDMSELF. Especially (1) its power to constrain him to do his very best; (2) the gracious and tender tone which it puts on all his teaching and relations; (3) the adaptations it enables him to make of the truth to individuals, since love is the greatest rc,ealer of men to their fellows; and (4) the hopefulness it leads him to cherish concerning those for whom he labours. IV. 'l'HE INFLUENCE WID0H SlJCB AFFECTION HAS ON THOSE wno FE.EL IT. Especi- ally notice that it opens their hearts to receive instruction and counsel as nothing elm can ; and it constantly acts as An inspiring force, moving them to be worthy of those whom they love. The mini~ter's great 11ppeal is to men's hearts. If he c11n win their love, he will not foil to instruct their minds an~ sway their wills.-R. T,
Ver, l&.-Bt. Peter ancl St. I'aul comf'tlr«l in boarting. Thie strong dechration, HlO THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. [oa. xn.1-4.0.