or It-to prove the Messlahship of Jeeua, and therefore to proclaim the gate or life open. History of Divine grnce pointing to day of salvation. The course of thought in Paul's own mind, which led him to faith. II. The HAIN STRENGTH of the argument-the facts of the Saviour's death and resurrection. Paul could speak with special emphasis, though prudently avoided bringing in at this point his own conversion. . III. 'fhe SPIRITUAL APPEAL twofold. 1. You need this salvation; for the Law of Moses will not justify you. 2, How can you escape if you neglect it? resist not the Holy Ghost. IV. The MARKED EFFEOT of sincerity and earnestness. 1. Inquiry. It is much to break through stolid indifference. 2, Devout aetention led to faith. Many followed them; that is, declared themselves convinced. Fruit gathered even among the Jewe.-R. Ver. 22.-The character of David. "And when be bad removed him," etc. Divine testimony to the character as one of the most wonderful. L All 11:rew out of CONSECRATED GROUND. No evolution explains such a man. The grace of God from a child. Converse with nature in his shepherd life (see Words- worth's' Excursion'). Forgetfulness of self. Patience. Courage and fortitude. But all led up to Divine anointing. II. Fashioned by PROVIDENTIAL DEALINGS. Sufferings in the school of affliction. His discipline in conflict with Saul. III. A MINGLED CHARACTER. Great faults beside great virtues. Tempted by luxury. Yet illustrating in his recovery that same grace which had raised him to the height. Goodness and severity of God. Our David is perfect.-R. Ver. 38.-The proclamation. "Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren," etc. The change in the world since Paul was at Antioch ; yet the proclamation as necessary as ever. The nearer we come to apostolic simplicity, the greater our success. Nothing but the gospel can accomplish the work, and that because it changes the heart through the forgiveness of sins. L The FBEEDOlll of the proclamation. Forgiveness, not purchased or wrought out, but simply announced. IL 'l'he invitation to FAITH. Through this Man, whose Name can be published, whose authority we testify. Religion is not a self-constructed edi.8.ce of spiriiual feelings to which the Name of Christ is attached to give it a Christian sanction; it is the fruit of faith, and faith is surrender to the authority of Christ. III. Knowledge the root of RESPONSIBILITY. "Be it known nnto you;• therefore, as made known, take heed that you incur not the guilt of its rejection. A very small amount of knowledge enough to point to the" Man Christ Jesus." But if the light be darkness, by neglect, perversity, prejudice, pride, how great that darkness !-R. Vere. 44-52.-Jewish opposition 011erruled to the world's good. L T1IE TEST oF L!IINOEBITY applied to the professedly zealous. The city stirred by those who " followed not with them." The true zeal is that which is actuated by the true charity, which "rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in truth." II. The best success is that which is obtained by simply FOLLOWING Drvn.'11 DmEOTION, "It was necessary" to encounter the prejudice of the Jews, but the work of the world's evangelization was promoted by the causes which seemed to thwart it. III. THOSE THAT EXALT THEMSELVES ARE ABASED. To thrust opportunity away is to judge ourselves unworthy of eternal life. The facts will be condemnation, withou\ human accusation. IV. THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE oosPEL is its original charter of right to possession of all nations. The light was created before the aun, and the grace of God preceded the call of the Jews. The patriarchal religion testifies to the breadth of the meese.11:e. _V. PERSECUTION is the last resort of defeated opponents of truth. When argument~ fall, try abuse. The old priestly spirit at work, "urging on devout women." VL MoVI1:11ENT is the law of life. If Antioch Bhuts its gates, Iconium opens a i22 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. Lo11. :uu. 1-52.
new sphere. The mes~engers must think first of the work-last of themsulvcR, Ohne Ba8t, ohne Rast.-R.