place, we had occasion to remark, when engaged in the contemplation of the former chapter. The interest which their return from so long and important a journey would awaken in the minds of the Christians in that city could not but be great. Nor did they lose any time in assembling them together, and communicating to them the welcome tidings of their success. "And when they were come, (it is said,) and gathered the Church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."

Now mark, brethren, the humble and devout terms in which they conveyed the cheering information of their marvellous and extensive usefulness. "They rehearsed all that God had done with them." They boasted of nothing which they had wrought they accounted themselves as the mere instruments of the divine power; and to Him who alone can give the increase, let who may plant or water, they

ascribe the undivided glory. And in rehearsing the particulars of their success they lay special stress upon the circumstance, that many of the Gentiles, the pagans, the idolatrous heathen, in the parts which they visited, had become obedient to the faith-that God had opened to them a wide and effectual door-and that henceforth other sheep than those of the original fold were to be gathered unto Christ, that with them they might all be one fold, under one shepherd.

It is not difficult to imagine with what heartfelt thankfulness and joy the Christians at Antioch would listen to such tidings as these. It ever has been, and it ever will be, the character of Christ's true disciples to rejoice in the furtherance of that gospel which has made them wise unto salvation. And if, my brethren, we be like-minded with those whom Paul and Barnabas gladdened with missionary intelligence, we also shall delight in similar accounts as they reach us from year to

Yes, if

year, and from month to month. we have ourselves tasted that the Lord is gracious, we shall sympathize with those, whether in Eastern or in Western lands -whether of light or of swarthy racewhether of barbarian or of civilized tribes, who have welcomed the tidings of salvation through a crucified Redeemer, and have found peace and joy in believing.

Dear brethren! such tidings do reach us-such assurances are vouchsafed to us frequently, and in rich abundance. Every propitious gale that wafts our merchant vessels from distant climes bears on its wings some missionary information—some pleasing news wherewith to excite our gratitude, and cheer our hopes. And sometimes we receive such intelligence from the lips of the missionaries themselves, who, like Paul and Barnabas, return home for a season to the country whence they were recommended to the grace of God for the work they had to fulfil. Would that we all felt more interested in their

M. VOL. II.

pious and self-denying labours, and were more earnest in prayer to God for them. Why should we not exert ourselves more in their behalf-why not contribute more largely for their support? May a gracious God stir us up more effectually to bless him for what he has done, and to give him no rest until he open a door to the Gentiles still wider, and still more inviting until he bring all nations to the obedience of faith, and make the kingdoms of this world the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ.

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LECTURE X.

ACTS xv. 1-6.

And certain men which came down from Judea, taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and elders about this question.

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice, and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the Apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circum