hu~a~ race (88 their enemies falsely said), but as bein~ tnie lovers of their kind, that Christians banded themselves together and refUBed all fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Thie love, then, was especially to be shown in their united prayer~. When they co.me together, though perhaps their enemies were thirsting for their blood, thoy were to offer up their unit<,<l prayers for all men. Specially, with a view to the peace and order of society, should they pray for king~ nnd governors and all in authority, that by God's blessing upon their government the course of this world might be iv peaceably ordered that hie Church might serve him joyfully in all godly quietness And if we consider how much human happiness depends upon good government on th, part of the rulers, and upon quiet obedience to the laws on the part of the people, we shall see how much need there is for such prayers. In our own days the restless spirit that is abroa.d, the impatience of all control, and the general weakening of rule and authority all over the world, increases the need both of wisdom and strength in rulers, and consequently for the strengthening of their hands by the prayers and intercessions of the pebple of God. IL THE PERSONS WHO ARE TO PRAY IN THE CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLIES. These are limited to the men. The prayers and the teaching in the congregation are to hE conducted by men only. The difference of sex, and the different social and religious functions of each sex, are really of Divine appointment. As St. Paul says to the Corinthians (1 Cor. xL 9), "the woman was made for the man, and not the man for the woman;" and all the subsequent relations of the man and woman, in the family, in the state, and in the Church, are naturally evolved from their primeval state o.s ordered by God. It is obvious, too, that there must be harmony in these various relations, and that the principle which rules in one department of life must rule in the others also. Anyhow, it is distinctly laid down, on the apostolic authority of St. Paul, that in the Church assemblies the functions of public prayer, and public teaching and preaching, are confined to men. The wide field of more private female ministra- tions is still open to godly women, and seems to be amply justified by the existence of prophetesses in the primitive Church, and by such examples as that of Priscilla (Acts xviii. 26). As regards the character of the men who lea.d the prayers of the congrega- tion, three qualifications are named: holiness, quietness of spirit, simplicity in the petitions. The hands that are lifted up to God in prayer must be clean hands, unstained by blood, untainted by bribes or dishonest gain~, unpolluted by any evil deeds. 'l'he prayers that are offered must come from hearts where no malice or ill will dwells. no resentment for wrongs received or injuries endured; and from minds where the spirit of controversy is dumb, and no cavilling is to be found. Sincerity and godly simplicity, with an honest faith in the faithfulness of God, are essential to acceptable prayer. III. The third feature in the public assemblies of the saints on which St. Paul insists is THE MODEST DRESS AND DEMEANOUR OF THE CONGREGATION. This applies especially to the women, but it is true of the men also. Christians come to church to worshiJ• the glorious God, to humble themselves before his holy presence, and to hear hi, Word, not for display, not to attract notice, not for vain-glory or worldly vanity. It is, therefore, quite out of place for either men or women to make a parade of finery in church. The ornaments best suited for persons professing godliness at al.I times. but especially when they approach the throne of God, are those of a pure heart a11,, a meek spirit, and an abundance of good works. It is the hidden man of tb.e hea, , which needs adorning for its access to the court of heaven.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. L-Tlae regulatioo of public W<Yrihip. The apostle gives Timothy • 11t1rles of injunctions respecting the assemblies for public worship, which sprang naturally out of the solemn charge he had given him in the previous chapter. I. 'fHE PARAMOUNT DUTY OF PUBLIO PRAYER. "I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, supplications, thanksgivings, be made for all men." 1. The leading place given to prayer in this series of instructions respecting the udministratiun of the Ohwrch, proves its pre-eminent impqrtan~. It is the breath of vital godliness. (1) God promiaea to hear public 1-Jl'&Ver (2 Chron. vii. 14-16); (2) Cli.ri!it sanctifi~~ 1• 88 THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY. [OH. 0. 1-15