assuredly go to their own company-will seek out those persons :md those things with ,vhicb they sympathize. ,\-·e can only do this (1) by implanting right principles, and (2) cultivating pure tastes. These, and these only, will lead the young, in the <lays when they net for themselves, to shun that which is wronu and to pursue that which i,; holy, wi~e, useful. " Ill. _Tm;: nEsroxsm~ITIES ?F FREEDOM. Young peoplo I 1. You will soon stand at the point wl~ere you _will decide on your own course. 2. If, then, you are right at hrarr, you will walk m the path of life; choosin~ the company of the good, the ways tJ[ wi~dom. 3. If, t_hen, your heart is not right with God, you will be tempted to follow an eYd bent. It will be a most perilous hour with you. (1) To give way to the lower lllclinations is to enter the road of ruin. (2) If you love life and hate death, go not "- I: ither you wo'lild, hut where conviction tells you you should. Hearken to the heavenly Yvice which says," This is the way; walk ye in it,"-C. T"crs. 23-37.-Tl,e resource of tlie devout, etc. Released from tho restraint of law, the apostles returned to" their own con~pany," and there they related what they had passed through. We may be sure that the whole of that community of brethren entered, with deep and strong sympathy, int-0 the feelings of their two leaders; they nil felt that a very critical hour had come to that new cause which they represented, Under these circumstances they bethought themselves of- . I. THE nEsouncE OF THE DEVOUT. "They lifted up their voice to God with one accord" (ver. 24). They felt, as their prayer indicated, that: 1. All power was in his rnighty band: "Thou art God, who hast made heaven," etc. Vainly would the heathen rage, and kings and rulers conspire against the "holy Child Jesus," the Son of the living God. 2. A gracious purpose was in his sovereign will. However earthly poten- tates might imagine they were carrying everything their own way, they were but "doing what his hand and counsel determined before to be done" (ver. 28). 3. He could impart a power which would make them superior to all fear of man. 'l'hcy asked for boldness of speech (ver. 29), and, with this end in view, for signs of his presence (vcr. 30). Prayer is the constant, unfailing resort of all holy souls. What time we are afraid we must trust in him; we must flee unto him to hide us. II. Drvr~,E ENCOURAGEMENT. (Vers. 31-33.) The Lord responded to his people's prayer, and granted them: (1) a manifest sign of his presence and favour (ver. 31); (:2) the fearlessness of spirit they so much desired (ver. 31); (3) power to testify of Christ ( ,·er. 32); and ( 4) inward, spiritual confidence and joy: "Great grace was upon them all" (ver. 33). God now vouchsafes to his waiting children the blessings they seek of him: the assurance of his presence, power to act as his witnesses, success in their labours, rest and joy of heart in him and in his service. III. TIIE COJIOHTh'ITY OF THE FAITHFUL. (Vcrs. 32, 34--37.) The essential part of this passage is the opening sentence, "'l'he multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul" (ver. 32). The measure which they adopted, viz. a ::ommunity of goodR, was peculiar, exceptional, transitory. It is not a practical method, suited to such conditions as those in which we fmd ourselves. It is not enjoined by apostolic word, nor is it sustained by subsequent apostolic practice. It was evidently ~pecial, local, temporary. But it is essential that those who belong to the same heavenly J:ingdoru, and especially those who are members of the same Christian Church, should (1) ci;.ltivate a true and deep sympat.hy, "oneness of heart," and (2) take some practical measures to supply the wants of the necessitous from the trtaHury of thoss '\·ho havt: more than they need.-C.
Vere. 1-22.-Clirisf's servants before the tri"buruil. I. TIIEm APPREHENSION, ]Ls causea. 1. The jealousy of those in ecclesiastical power. Caste, privilege, and established professions are ever jealous of popular influence. It is ill for learning and for religion when they come to be identified with the interests of a class. But neither can be shut up to the few. Light and truth are the common property of all, .A.s there is no function higher than that of the genuine teacher of religion, so there is none which attracts more suspicion and jealousy. The essence of bigotry is exemplified by the Sadducees. Not believing in the Resurrection, they would put down any teaching of it by force. The force of persecution never comes from love of truth, but dlI. IV. 1~37.] THE ACTS OF TlIE APOSTLBS.