secutions is restrained; men's passions are not roused into violence; their minds are allowed to return to the ordinary concerns of life; one party ceases to disturb, and the other is able to pursue its own course in quietness. Such was the change here described, when the churches had rest. And they were edified. Their trials had proved and confirmed their faith: but their rest would promote their edification. They were enabled to give themselves more earnestly "to the word of God, and to prayer." They could meet without fear, they could encourage one another, instruct one another. They had suffered for a while," which gave evidence of sincerity; now they might be "stablished, strengthened, settled." 2

They are beautifully represented as walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the

2 Though no mention is here made of the manner in which these churches were superintended, it is evident that there must have been some superintendence. There must have been some to "teach, and rebuke, and exhort." "The apostles could not be always present and it seems most probable that a ministry resembling that of the seven deacons was established in every place where there were believers." By degrees the want of an individual to superintend the whole would be experienced: and this "was the natural and almost necessary origin of a new office being established in the church, that of presbyters or elders." For a while, the apostles served as such: but when the churches were multiplied, they could not everywhere be consulted, and they appointed a local or stationary presbyter to act in their stead. This first appointment is not related: but it must have taken place before the year 43 or 44, as appears by Acts xi. 30.—See Burton, Lect. on Eccl. Hist. 1. iv. p. 95, &c.

Holy Ghost. In the fear of the Lord, as studying his word, seeking his guidance, and afraid of declining to the right hand or the left. Such fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and the summit of "understanding." And it has nothing in it of distress or alarm. It is not fear of that nature which "hath torment."3 There is nothing in reverential awe which is inconsistent with peace and love. The child has no dread of a good parent, while attentive to that parent's instructions. And that reverence of a heavenly Father, which makes us sober, and vigilant, and circumspect, instead of disturbing the quiet of the soul, is productive of the best and surest peace which this world can ever give. So we read here; the churches walking in the fear of God, walked also in the comfort of the Holy Ghost. They experienced the fulfilment of their Lord's promise: "If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." These loved their Lord and Saviour: they had shown it, by the persecutions which they had borne; they kept his words, and were walking in his fear; and now they enjoyed in their hearts the presence of the Father and the Son, brought home to them by the Holy Ghost the Comforter. "Blessed are they that hear the joyful sound. They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance."

4

5 יי

3 1 John iv. 18.

4 John xiv. 28.

5 Ps. lxxxix. 15.

VOL. I.

H

We are not surprised when it is added, that the churches were multiplied. Men would be struck by what they saw. They saw large companies of persons living in a manner which the conscience of man, even of fallen man, approves: " abhorring that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good: kindly affectioned one towards another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord: rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation ; continuing instant in prayer." Seeing this "good conversation," they would inquire into the source from whence it proceeded, the motives by which it was sustained. And then they would be led to him, in whom "it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell," as in a treasury from which men might seek it: who " when he had ascended up on high, received gifts for men, even for his enemies, that the Lord God might dwell amongst them." 8

Let all Christians so live, as to be thus witnesses in the cause of the Lord" who bought them." So others may be brought to the same faith, being won by the heavenly conversation which they behold, 9 directed by the fear of the Lord, and cheered by the comfort of the Holy Ghost.

6 Rom. xii. 9, &c.

7 Col. i. 19.

8 Ps. lxviii. 18. Eph. iv. 8.

9

1 Pet. iii. 1.

LECTURE XXVII.

ENEAS

IS

HEALED BY

PETER, AND

CHARAC

DORCAS RESTORED TO LIFE.

TER OF DORCAS.-A. D. 39.

ACTS ix. 32-43.

32. And it came to pass, as Peter passed through all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.1

33. And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34. And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35. And all that dwelt in Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

In performing this miracle, the apostle uses words which exactly describe the purpose and the power of the Lord, whose messenger he was. Peter said unto him, Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole. Christ came to those who were as much oppressed by sin, as Æneas by disease. As the prophet expresses it, "the whole head is sick, the whole heart faint." Out of this hopeless state he

A town on the coast, about forty miles from Jerusalem, and ten from Joppa.

came to raise them: to recover them of their infirmity. The promise is clear; and says, "I give unto them eternal life; and no man shall pluck them out of my hand." My grace is sufficient

for them."

"Sin shall have no more dominion over them." And as the promise is clear, so is the corresponding duty. "Arise; arise immediately; set your affections on things above; and let others see your good works," if peradventure they too may turn unto the Lord, unto him who hath given such grace to men.

36. Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

37. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

39. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed: and turning him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.