portant, than extraordinary. With this facility, they were at once prepared, without the labour of study, to spread a knowledge of the Gospel to the different nations, to whom they might be sent.

Sec. 4. A rumour of this stupendous miracle getting abroad in the streets of Jerusalem, la multitude of Jews, with others from various nations, then visiting the metropolis, were soon collected on the spot. To these Peter explained the mystery, by delaring it to be effected by the mighty power of that Jesus, whom they had wickedly slain. The explanation, and the charge being accompanied to their consciences by the spirit of God, led to the very sudden conversion of 3000 souls) who were forthwith baptized. This may be considered as the gathering, or organization of the first Christian Church in the world.

To those who had borne a part in the crucifixion, nothing could have appeared more astonishing than the miracle above mentioned. So unaccountable was it to some, that they ascribed it to the effects of wine. A slander so weak and perverse, was met with becoming zeal by Peter, and the honor of his master rescued from reproach. From the manner of Peter, on this occasion, ministers may learn, with what point they should at least sometimes address the conscience, and from the distress produced in the hearts of these sinners may be perceived the power of the Spirit, and what is the usual method which he takes in bringing them to repentance.

Sec. 5. Shortly after the above miracle, the

Sec. 4. What took place in Jerusalem, when the news of this miracle was spread abroad? Who explained the miracle to the multitude? What did Peter say ? How many were converted? What took place upon their conversion?

How did some account for this miracle? Who repelled the slander? What does the manner of Peter at that time teach ministers now?

Sec. 5. What miracles soon followed the descent of

the Holy Spirit? To what did it lead?

healing of a poor cripple, accompanied by a second discourse from Peter, led to the conversion of about 5000, who in turn were added to the Church.

Sec. 6. This rapid increase of the followers of Christ greatly alarmed the Priests and Sadducees the latter of whom had, at this time, the chief sway in the Jewish state. Hence, they seized the two apostles, Peter and John, and committed them to prison. The next day, being brought before the Sanhedrim, the language and conduct of Peter were so bold, that it was deemed impolitic to prosecute the subject any further softhe apostles were dismissed, with a strict injunction, not to teach any more in the name of Jesus.

Sec. 7. This injunction, however, had not its designed effect upon the apostles; for instead of being intimidated, they all continued boldly to proclaim Christ and him crucified.

Sec. 8. Fired with indignation, at their boldness, the enemies of religion at length seized the whole company of the apostles, and confined them in the common prison. From this, however, they were miraculously released in the night, and to the amazement and confusion of their enemies, were found in the morning in the temple, teaching the people,

Sec. 6. What effect had this increase of the followers of Christ on the Pharisees and Sadducees? What did they do with the apostles? What is said of the conduct of Peter at this time? What was its effects upon their enemies?

Sec. 7. Did the apostles observe silence, according to the injunction?

Sec. 8. What was now done with all the apostles ? How were they delivered? Where did their enemies find them?

The efforts of the Jewish authorities to destroy the cause of Christianity were strenuous and unremitted; but they seem to have been made to little purpose. Opposition served only to enkindle a higher ardour, in the breasts of the apostles. Stripes and imprisonment had no effect to subdue them. From the prison, the council, the scourge, they departed" rejoicing," and daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Nor were their labors in vain. Converts multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and many were obedient to the faith. The spiritual edifice, in the erection of which the apostles were employed, rested on a foundation, which the powers of earth could not move.

Sec. 9. At this interesting period, the circumstances of the Church requiring the institution of (the office of Deacon, the apostles, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, created the office, and the church proceeded to appoint a convenient number, from their body, to fill it. The occasion which led to the institution of this office was a dissatisfaction on the part of some Grecian converts, because their widows did not receive a competent supply of food, from the common stock. Hitherto, the distribution had been made by the apostles, or under their direction. But, finding it difficult thus to superintend the temporal concerns of the Church, the apostles relinquished these to officers appointed particularly for this purpose.

The office of deacon thus instituted, was designed to be perpetual; and, accordingly, it has existed in all periods of the Church. In some cases, particularly in the Church of Jerusalem, it seems to have been united with that of a higher and more sacred order. Philip, one of the seven deacons, in the same place is called an evangelist, but the office of deacon itself seems to be distinct, and separate from that of the pastor.

Did the opposition of the unbelieving Jews appear to injure the cause of Christianity? On the contrary what effect had stripes and imprisonments, and the like?

Sec. 9. What office about this time was instituted in the Church?

What was the occasion of appointing deacons? Who had before this distributed food from the common stock? Was the office of deacon designed to be perpetual? Was it ever united with any other office? Should it be distinct?

Sec. 10. Notwithstanding the persecuting spirit of the Jewish rulers, none of the followers of Christ had as yet been called to suffer death, for his name. But near the end of the year 35, Stephen, a man pre-eminent for his piety, was furiously attacked, on an occasion of defending his doctrines, dragged out of the city and stoned to death.

Stephen, who was thus called to lead in the "noble company of martyrs," was a deacon in the Church at Jerusalem. He was not less distinguished by his eloquence, than his piety. His defence delivered before the Sanhedrim, recorded in the 7th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, is a practical illustration of the zeal and boldness of the primitive disciples of Christ.

Sec. 11. On the death of Stephen, the storm of persecution became so violent, that the disciples, with many members of the Church, fled to other cities of Judea, and also to Samaria but wherever they went (they spread the knowledge of the Gospel with great success.

The persecution which arose at the death of Stephen continued, it is thought, about four years. Calamitous as it must then have appeared to the infant cause of the Church, it became, under the direction of its supreme head, the direct means of promoting its progress. By the dis persion of the disciples, the Gospel was published abroad. The preaching of Philip in the city of Samaria is particularly mentioned; and such was his success, that shortly afterwards, two of the apostles formed in that place the second Christian Church in the world.

Sec. 12. The year 36 was marked by an

Sec. 10. Who was the first Martyr? In what year did he suffer?

Who was Stephen? For what was he distinguished?

Sec. 11. What became of the disciples during the persecution, following the death of Stephen? What did they do in their flight?

How long did the persecution last? Was it an injury, or a benefit to the Church?

Sec. 12. What remarkable event occurred in the

event most auspicious to the interests of the rising cause. This was the miraculous conversion of Saul, the persecutor, while (on a journey to Damascus to exterminate such of the followers of Christ as had taken refuge in that city.)

The first mention made of Saul is at the trial of Stephen, on which occasion, though a young man, he was active in putting him to death. He was a native of Tarsus, the chief city of the province of Cilicia, and had come to Jerusalem to pursue his studies under Gamaliel, a celebrated doctor of the Jewish law.

On the death of Stephen, he appears to have more zealously enlisted himself against the Church, and began to enter into private houses and into synagogues, from which he dragged the members of the Church to prison, and even compelled them to blaspheme.

Shortly after this, hearing that some of the followers of year 36? Where was Saul going? For what purpose?

When do we first hear of Saul? Who was he? Why was he at Jerusalem? What was his conduct after the death of Stephen?