claim of sovereignty is closely joined to the promise of salvation. "If Christ seeks to rule over men it is that ho may save them." It is usual to note the meani □ 0"S of the llesurrection viewed in its relation to the redemptive scheme· but it is not so usual for Cbristi11n teachers to dwell on our Lord's office, dizuity' commission authority and active operations as exalted to the right hand of the' Father. 'l'he circle of the ChriHtian doctrine is by no means complete on this side, a.nd the mystery of the Ascemic,n is but very imperfectly unfolded. A sentiment has been allowed to prevail that Christ is practically abMent now from us: the affairs of Christ's Church aro delegated to tho ministry of the Holy Spirit, and Christ is comin" some day to assume place and power, and establish an everlasting kingdom here .;'n earth. 'l'he apostles declare that the Lord is exalted now to his royal princely place. They affirm not only that he no1v has, but also that he now claims, his royal rights. It is not their way of putting it to say that "He will take to himself his great power and rei••n. " they say, "Him hath God exalted," or, as Revised Version, "Him did God eiZalt." 'l'his is a trutl~ which tho mo~ern Ch_urch needs ~o have more fully and frequently presented to 1t. Duo attention to 1t would relieve the tendency to e::rnggerateu representations of salrntion by faith in our Lord's work. The salvation is revealed to faith in the Lord Ghrist himself, the Priuce and Saviour. Christ is actually now- I. THE Pr.INCE, OR THE RULING ONE. Explain the ancient theocracy as the direct rule of Jehovah, and show that the idea is realized spiritually in our Lord's present relation to his Church. It should be no disability to regenerate and spiritual men that he is unseen. The quickened soul can have spiritual communications, and the secret soul-life of the Christian man is his real life. Whoever controlll it controls the whole bodily life and relations too. In the line of the text it may be shown that, as Prince, Christ's law and claim, brought home to men's souls, bow them dowu to 11enitence; and Christ. has in full commission the expression of the Divine mercy iu forgiveness and restoration. II. THE SAvroun, on THE SAVING ONE. Salvation is not declared to be a. result of man's faith in Christ's redemptive work, but of man's faith which opens his soul and life to the present redemptive workings of the living Saviour. The moral forces now actually working at tho subduing, and persuading, and renewing, and sanctifying of men are the present and active forces of Christ, the exalted and gloritied Saviour. So apostles preached unto men "Jesus," bade them open their hearts to his love and power, carry to him tho burden of their sins and needs, and expect that he would as really-though in a spiritual manner-deal with them as he dealt with the sorrows and the sins of men while he was with them in the flesh. 'l'his is the great glory of the 1;ospel message, and the point of it to which prominence should be given in these our times-" Jesus lives." He is exalted, he holds his commission. His "Father worketh hitherto, and he works." As tho Prince, he demands our submission and our obedience. .A.sour Saviour, he takes our whole case upon him, and delivers, redeems, and sanctifies.-R. T.
Vers. 33-42.-The advice of the cautious. Such was Gamaliel. See expository portion for an account of him, and of the rabbinical school to which he belonged. Interest attaches to him as the teacher of Saul of Tarsus, but how great is the col!trast between tho calm and prudent Gamaliel and the intense and impuhive Saul! 'l'he scene in the Sanhedriru when this honoured teacher rose to calm the prevailing e:s:cite- ment, and plead for what he would caU a" masterly inactivity," may be ctfoctivcly pictured, 'l'he situation in which the Sanhedrim was placed was an exceedingly difficult one, and certainly one which could not be dealt fairly with while the council was undor the influence of roused prejudices and religious excitement. 'l'he c:i.utious temperament should bo described. '!'hose who have this characteristic quality havo their place, their influence, and their work; they are often valuable drags ou wheels driven too hurriedly• but they hnve also their disability, and bck the c:\pacity to enjoy much that appeals t; other natures. '!'hey know_ nothing ~f cmo_tion_, ent_husiasl:!l, self- forgetl"ulncss, or rapturo. Such a one was Gamaliel, nnd his a<lv1co 1s quite a model of thnt nlways given hy the cautious man. l. 'l'u1s C4tJTIOUB MAN FALJ,S BACK ON PRECEDENT. Gamaliel finds some instances 192 THE ACTS OF THE A.POSTLES. [OJI, VI, 1-16,