ry a terase de git ranges-Is. Is aried at de nitrate vers amazet z hear CLE es viloves Salicans sent in very ngle. Acta i 7,1

41. Tere diese mitno zmenes, or were fier sich w zach nation key mi esi? underBand-They were erent vel know, and mdestood perfectly, vich vu de ng that SO much atonished the percie. Ciclown tongues wold have answered to such pose as the macie was meant to serve: namely, to enable the apostles, who were unleamed men, to address the people of various nations who were there assembled, each in their own language, and so make known to them the gospel. Acts I. 7, 8.

468. What apostle first preached to the assembled multitudes after the descent of the Holy Ghost?-Peter. Acts ii. 14.

4. What success had his preaching?-"They gladly received his word, and were baptized: and the same day there were added unto the Church about three thousand souls." Acts ii. 41.

470. Were any of the Jewish priests converted? "A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts vi. 7.

471. What effect had this success of the apostles on the mind of the chief priests and others? "They were grieved that they taught the peole, and preached through Jesus the resurrection the dead." Acts iv. 1, 2.

472. What steps did they take against the apostles?" They laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide." Acts iv. 3.

473. Did they succeed in silencing the apostles? -No Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Acts iv. 18-20.

474. Why did they not proceed to punish them, and so silence them by force ?-Because of the people for all men glorified God for that which was done. Acts iv. 21.

475. Was the power of working miracles continued along with the gift of tongues?-Yes it was continued; for many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. Acts ii. 43.

476. What is the first miracle recorded after the descent of the Holy Ghost?-The healing of a lame man at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, by Peter and John. Acts iii. 1-9.

477. What especially marks the difference between the power of Christ and the apostles in working miracles?-Christ wrought them by a word of himself: the apostles wrought their miracles in the name of Christ. Read Acts iii. 6, 12.

478. How did the primitive Christians shew their mutual love and disregard of worldly things? -They had all things in common, and sold their

possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. Acts ii. 44, 45.

479. Was this a duty absolutely commanded, or was it voluntary?-It appears plain from Peter's words to Ananias that it was voluntary. Acts v. 4.

480. Why then was Ananias punished with death? For lying: he pretended to give the whole of his property to the common stock, like the rest, but he kept back a part.

481. What induced these primitive Christians thus to have all things in common ?-The peculiarity of the times they lived in, when they were so persecuted that neither life nor property was safe for a moment.

482. How does it appear that this system of having all things in common did not continue ?There could have been no need of collections, had all things been in common. 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2.

483. How does it appear from the Scripture, that God never intended mankind to have all things in common?-The Lord God told Moses that "the poor should never cease out of the land;" and commanded him, therefore to open his hand wide to the poor and needy. And Jesus said to his disciples "The poor ye have always with you." Deut. xv. 11. and Matt. xxvi. 11.

484. What rule does the scripture lay down as the duty of the rich towards the poor ?-St. Paul orders Timothy to "charge the rich in this world not to be high-minded, nor trust in uncertain

riches, but in the living God: to do good, to be ready to distribute, willing to communicate," &c. 1 Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19.

485. What punishment was inflicted on Ananias and Sapphira for trying to deceive in this respect by telling lies?—They were both struck dead. Acts. v. 5 and 10.

486. What does scripture say shall be the fate of all liars in the next world?" All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Rev. xxi. 8.

487. Who was the first martyr?-Stephen.

488. What office did he bear in the Church? -The office of a deacon.

489. What number of deacons were there ?Seven. See Acts ii. 3.

490. How came deacons to be appointed?In order to relieve the apostles of some part of their labours, which were too great for them when the number of disciples increased.

491. Does it appear that any of these deacons had like power with the apostles of working miracles?—Yes; Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Acts vi. 8.

492. What appears to have been the chief duty of the deacons ?-The care of the poor. See Acts vi. 1-3.; and they appear also to have

had power to baptize and to preach. See Philip's conduct. Acts ix. 38, 40.

493. Were these deacons, then, ordained to their ministry?—They were. See Acts vi. 6.

494. Is there any text to prove that no man ought to take upon himself the office of the ministry without ordination ?—Yes; St. Paul says, "No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." Heb. v. 4. And Rom. x. 15. "How shall they preach, except they be sent ?"

495. How does it appear that ordination and especial appointment was the practice of the Church in the days of the apostles?-St. Paul tells Timothy, "Lay hands suddenly on no man ;" and again; "The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." 1 Tim. v. 22, and 2 Tim. ii. 2.

496. Is there any instance of any unordained person taking upon himself the office of the ministry, mentioned in Scripture ?—Not one.

497. What was thought necessary to be done, even in the case of the deacons, before they entered upon their office?—The apostles, when they had prayed, laid their hands on them. Acts vi. 6.

498. Is the practice of women preaching, allowed by Scripture ?-No; St. Paul forbids it. 1 Cor. xiv. 34, 35.