How extensive would this kingdom be? Ans. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together, in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance. EPH. i. 10, 11. Why were those who had fed the hungry, clothed the naked, given drink to the thirsty, and visited the sick and the prisoner, prepared for this kingdom? Ans. Because they truly loved their fellowmen, and would receive with gladness the truth that God loves them and will save them. Where would they walk? Ans. In the light respecting God and his providence, and they would see the world and man and heaven and Christ in that great light. Why are the goats placed upon the lefthand side, the side of disfavor? Ans. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and visited me not. MATT. XXV. 42, 43. ye What preparation for Christ did John the Baptist require? Ans. He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. LUKE iii. 11. Had these on the left-hand side made this preparation for Christ? Ans. They had not. As they did not love men, could they enjoy the truth that God loves them, and enter the kingdom of heaven? Ans. They could not. Where would they walk? Ans. In darkness respecting God and his providence. Is this walking in darkness deplorable? Ans. It is. The glory of God and Christ cannot be seen, and the beauty and glory of God's works and purposes are hidden. What does the Saviour say of this darkness? Ans. If thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness? MATT. vi. 23. BARNABAS. Tell me something of the charity of the early church. Ans. Neither was there any among them that lacked, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. ACTS iv. 34, 35. Who is named as a generous giver? How much did he give? Ans. Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. ACTS iv. 37. What did the young lawyer do when Christ required him to give all his possessions to the poor? Ans. He went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. MATT. xix. 22. We hear no more of that young man. Do we hear of Barnabas again? Ans. We do. Who was the leader in the first missionary work of carrying good news of God to all nations? Ans. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. ACTS. xiii. 2, 3. What preparation required by John the Baptist, for Christ and the kingdom of heaven, had Barnabas made? Ans. He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. LUKE iii. 11. What was the effect of this noble preparation upon him? Ans. It prepared him to receive with joy the kingdom that ruleth over all. Upon which side was Barnabas, and where did he walk? Ans. Upon the right-hand side; and he walked in the light of the love of God and Christ for all the nations and kindreds and families of the earth. 2 STEPHEN. How many persons were chosen to superintend the charity of the Jerusalem Church? Ans. Seven. ACTs vi. 5. Who was placed at the head of these? What was their duty? Ans. To see that the widows and orphans of the believers did not suffer from want. To what places did the disciples flee from the persecution against Stephen? Ans. Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phoenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. Acts xi. 19. What did the church at Antioch do? Ans. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barna |