nal one hundred and twenty who had probably adhered to the upper chamber where they at first assembled. "And they reported all that had happened unto them, and united in one common ascription of praise to the God who made heaven and earth; with intreaties for the continuance of his favour and blessing. The inwrought fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Their petition was heard, and a shaking of the house was the signal of of acceptance. "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul, and had all things in common."

Among those who sold their possessions, to add to their general stock, was one who deserves particular mention. This was Joses, by the Apostles surnamed Barnabas, (the son of consolation.) He was a Levite, and had likewise lands in the country of Cyprus. His priestly office was neither alienable nor saleable; but his possessions in the Island of Cyprus he sold, and brought the money to the Apostles, that by every means in his power, he might assist the Christians. But the fairest sky will have its clouds; the brightest day is sometimes overtaken by a storm; and this flourishing church was about to receive a check, in the falsehood of some of its members.

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IV. This leads me to reflect a moment on the awful punishment inflicted upon false professors.

"A certain man, named Ananias, sold a possession, and kept back a part of the price; his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part," as the whole, "and laid it at the Apostle's feet." Then Peter rebuked him, declaring, that he had not lied unto men only, but unto God. He mildly expostulated with him, saying, "Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?"

This reasoning of the Apostle, by the way, gives additional force to a remark I made the last sabbath, respecting community of goods. We here see, that even the short time it existed in the church, it was not compulsory; Peter does not blame Ananias for bringing a part only, but for bringing that part as the whole. And Ananias, hearing the awful declaration of Peter respecting the extent of his crime," fell down, and gave up the ghost." You all know, that the companion of his life was his companion in guilt, and proved the companion of his grave. Doubtless this event must have struck great awe into the church; but it was highly necessary that an example should be made, especially in this early

stage of its progress, of those who dared to resist its authority. Many are the instances upon record in the Old Testament, where the transgressors of a new law have been severely punished by the Almighty. When Nadab and Abihu offered strange fires, they were consumed; when Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, arose in the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, the earth opened and swallowed them up; when Uzzah touched the Ark, the anger of the Lord was kindled against him, and he smote him, and he died; so that we see the necessity, under the gospel dispensation, of an example being made, to prove, that though Jesus was a Saviour, he was also a Prince and a Lawgiver, and was possessed of supreme authority in his church.

V. Let us consider the behaviour and councils of the Sanhedrim.

The Jewish Rulers, and especially the High Priest, equally with the Sadducees, were indignant at the popularity acquired by the Apostles; and they concurred in committing not two only, but all of them to prison. It was a kind of dernier resort, and they thought by this proceeding to crush Christianity in the bud. "But the angel of the Lord, by night, opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, saying, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the

up,

people all the words of this life." And when they were summoned in the morning to appear before the Jewish Council, instead of finding them imprisoned, they found them in the temple, heralds of the everlasting gospel. After various consultations respecting the treatment they should receive, Gamaliel stood and offered his advice. This is a name which we shall often have occasion to mention in the last of our four Lectures; for he was the Tutor of St. Paul. He stood in high reputation among the Jews, both for learning and for sanctity. To borrow a beautiful expression from Job; "When he passed by, the young men saw him, and hid themselves, and the old men arose and stood up;" so great was the veneration in which he was held. And Gamaliel said, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do, as touching these men." He then recalled to their minds many who had appeared for a short time, and then sunk into obscurity, and their followers were dispersed; and he there gives the memorable advice contained in the text; "And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for, if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought;" it will crumble away as dust, or as the chaff before the wind; "But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye

be found even to fight against God." And his advice was listened to and accepted.

"And when they had called the Apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name; and daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus Christ."

My friends, where were these men when Judas entered the garden? Where were these men when Christ was brought into the hall of judgment? Where were these men when he was afterwards insulted and mocked? Where were these men when he was dragged to Calvary? Now they rejoice in being counted worthy to suffer for his name, and are ready to exclaim in the language of the great Apostle of the Gentiles, "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Amen.