It is to the same power we owe the unique literature of the New Testament. If Christ has not risen, the Gospels could not have been written. All the faith and hope the writers of these holy memoirs had in Christ were crushed by His death. The Epistles constitute a literature unequalled in purity and power. This glorious literature stands to-day as a magnificent monument of the power of the Resurrection. Then there are the present-day effects of the power of the Resurrection. We who now are Christ's owe to His risen life our hope of a perfect personal existence in the future. Christ reveals a future heaven of unspeakable purity and dignity and grandeur. The Christian heaven stands high above all other heavens, of which other religions tell us, in spirituality and activity, and holiness and glory. Yet in hard, worldly hearts a living, mighty hope of such a heaven is created by the Risen Christ. Nay, this is not all; for such is the creative power of our living Lord, that men, once worldly, carnal, sinful, rejoice in this hope, even amid the losses, and sorrows, and mysteries of life. And this is not all; for, by our Risen Lord, men are renewed and raised into the beginnings of an immortal manhood of power, and glory, and purity. Our present spiritual life is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God's own possession, unto the praise of His glory. There is power in the rushing wind. It lays low the kings of the forest, it raises and rolls the waves of the sea, it hurls our proud ships against rocks and cliffs, and the souls of men melt because of trouble. There is power in the gentle light. It sustains the infinite life of the earth, and clothes it with divers and harmonious beauties. There is power in the human intellect. It makes the lightning its swift and silent messenger, reveals the subtle and sublime processes of the physical world, and converts its riches into human comforts and luxuries. It creates poetry, and painting, and sculpture, which delight our imaginations with their beauties and our sympathies by their pathos. It fills our books with noble ideas, which strengthen our understanding, add to our knowledge, and enrich our intellectual life. But what are all these powers, divine and human, compared with the power of the Risen Christ; He is the chief argument for Christianity; the Creator of the Churches and literature of the New Testament; all the saintliness and blessedness of Christendom during the last eighteen centuries; and to the Risen Christ we confidently look for a personal manhood, like unto His own glorified manhood. That we may know Him, and the power of His Resurrection, we should often bow the knee to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. J. E. WALSH. VICTOR HUGO'S SENTIMENTS AS HE GETS NEARER TO ETERNITY.— Victor Hugo, in speaking at the grave of Gambetta, referred to a future life in approving terms; and very lately he gave a banquet to 80 children from fishermen's families at Veules, Normandy, where he was staying, and then made a speech to them, in which he told them to believe in God, to love one another, and to fear nothing in the performance of duty. PSALM LXV. 1 PRAISE, O my God, for Thee in Zion waits,- But our transgressions Thou shalt purge away. With the good things Thy holy house affords. 5 O God of our salvation, Thou wilt give Thine answer to our prayers; Yea, Thou wilt do Thou in whom all the ends of earth confide, 6 Who settest fast the mountains by Thy strength 7 Who, of the troubled seas the noise dost still- 8 The dwellers in the utmost parts of earth, 10 Abundantly Thou dost its ridges fill, 11 The circling year is with Thy goodness crowned, 13 With teeming flocks the pastures clothed are, I. O. BRIEF EXPOSITION OF THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL LESSONS FOR 1883. MAY 6. SUBJECT.-PETER PREACHING TO THE GENTILES. Lesson-Acts x. 30-48. Golden Text-Acts v. 35. INTRODUCTION.-The lesson tells how the Gospel came to be preached to other nations beside the Jewish. As a fertile river may be traced to its source, so may the course of Christianity. EXPOSITION. 30-33. Cornelius. The first to receive the Gospel in its new departure. Had already been under Divine influences. A good man; prayerful; generous. Yet he did not say, "I am good enough," but, "I want to know more, and be better." Thy prayer is heard. Prayer is always heard when sincere, and humble, and patient. Prayer for Divine, more Divine light. One prayer, though presented often. God may seem slow in answering. He is all the while making things ready. Thine alms are had in remembrance. Those who received may have forgotten, but God has not. Perhaps Cornelius did not think of God in many a kind deed, but God has noticed, "Inasmuch as ye have done it," &c. Send men to Joppa, and call hither Simon (v. 33). God tells sincere and earnest minds what to do. Men are saved by the agency of men. Immediately, therefore, I sent to thee (v. 33). If he had delayed his mind might have wavered. He might have kept his thoughts to himself, and lost the blessing. no 34, 35. God is no respecter of persons. This was a discovery for Peter. An air of surprise in his words. However men come to revere God and live uprightly, and however outward circumstances vary, makes difference with God Is accepted with Him (v. 35). Brought into closer fellowship and friendship, truer knowledge of God, more love to Him, more joy in Him. Let each scholar feel that he is not lost sight of; that he shall not be "cast out," but be accepted, if prayerful and obedient to God's Spirit. A 36-43. God sent the word of peace to the children of Israel. natural commencement of Peter's address. No need to forget this so long as he did not allow prejudice to remain. Peace by Jesus Christ (v. 36). Remission of sins (v. 43). Read Rom. v. 11. God has never been our enemy. But the carnal mind is enmity against God. Christ is "our peace," by breaking down the dividing wall of our sin, and by meeting any requirement that existed in relation to Divine law. Read Rom. v. 1. That word you know (v. 37). The rumour of the wonderful life and death of Jesus had spread far and wide. Cornelius had probably heard of the Pentecostal scene; possibly he himself witnessed it, and was deeply impressed by it. In that way he would know something of Peter. You, dear scholars, "know" the " Old, old story." You have felt you would like to be Christians. If you feel so to-day say so, and that will lead to further good. Went about doing good (v. 38). When one is good, the next highest testimony is that he does good. All cannot do good in the same way. None can do just what Jesus did; but all can help the weak, the sorrowful, the erring. Wish to do good, and you will find plenty of ways. Judge of quick and dead (v. 42), i.e., of those who are alive when He comes again, and of those who in previous ages have died. "We shall all appear before the judgment seat of Christ." When that occurs what can we say for ourselves if we have not peace with God? if we have lived a useless or hurtful life? 44-48. The Holy Ghost fell on all. A testimony to the truth of Peter's words. The actual answer of Cornelius' prayer. The Spirit is given to all who accept Christ. The blessing was not for Cornelius only: when one is benefited, others receive inspiration as well. QUESTIONS. (1) Name the principal persons in this history? (Peter and Cornelius.) (2) Who were they? (Peter, a Jew, and an Apostle; Cornelius, a Roman, and a Centurion.) (3) Quote any passage of Scripture which speaks of peace by Jesus Christ? (v. 36; Rom. v. 1, 11.) (4) How does God regard the different nations of mankind? (v. 34.) (5) Why may every one of you become Christians? (v. 37.) MAY 13. SUBJECT THE SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY. Lesson-Acts xi. 19-30. Golden Text-v. 21. INTRODUCTION.-We shall read to-day of successful work done by persecuted and scattered Christians. Also of the first "Christian" Church. EXPOSITION. 19-21. Read, also, chap. viii. 1-4. The Gospel roused bad feeling and occasioned suffering. Ignorance, prejudice, and sin, are stubborn and cruel opponents. Stephen was the principal sufferer, but all Christians were attacked. Readiness to suffer for Christ's sake shows strength of conviction and love. Scattered abroad (v. 19). Perhaps driven away. Perhaps escaped for fear of their lives. Preaching the Word. They kept the faith. Unto the Jews only. Had forgotten, or did not understand the words of Jesus, "Go ye into all the world, &c." They learnt by seeing Gentiles actually turn to the Lord. Preaching the Lord Jesus (v. 20). The great theme of all Christian teaching and exhortation. "Christ is Christianity." The hand of the Lord was with them (v. 21). The human hand, its service and skill. But what strength and skill in the hand of the Lord! To shield, to help. A great number believed. Their judgment convinced, their gratitude and love won. And turned to the Lord. Faith or conviction is of no good if it does not turn us. These men turned at first hearing. You have heard many times. 22-26. The Church at Jerusalem was the mother Church. They heard of the work at Antioch. Felt deep interest in it; well-known brethren were principal agents in it. Sent forth Barnabas (v. 22). To look into the nature and extent of the work. To give correction, counsel, or encouragement, as needful. He was a good man (v. 24). Had natural qualities, sanctified by grace, which endeared him to others. Full of the Holy Ghost. Imparting spiritual gifts which carried force. And of faith. Giving decision and hope. Therefore He was glad (v. 23). A really good man rejoices whenever good is done. Apply this to oneself as a test. With purpose of heart. Earnestly meaning what they said. Not turned aside by trial. Not to lose heart by disappointment and failure. The most important concern should be carried out most earnestly. Much people was added (v. 24). The result of Barnabas' word, and of seeing others blessed. To the Lord. Not much use being added to the Church, if not also to the Lord. True Christians are per sonally attached to Jesus by faith and affection. Seek Saul (v. 25). Read also ch. ix. 26-7. Had formed a high opinion of Saul's qualifications. Recognises his fitness for the special work then required at Antioch. This again shows the fine spirit and clear judgment of Barnabas. Saul was at Tarsus, his own city, waiting until his way should open. God sends Barnabas to lead him into the wide field. From this point the book of the Acts is occupied almost solely with Paul's work. Called Christians (v. 26). At first in derision and only by enemies-(refer to the names "Methodist" and "Puritan"). It was gradually recognised as a simple, fitting name, especially as it conveyed the name of Him they loved. It became the accepted and prevailing designation. No longer a name of reproach, but of honour. They who bear it must strive to be like their Master. 27-30. Prophet. One of a special order of men. Of temporary continu. ance, serving to give additional confirmation of the Divine origin of Christianity. Send relief (v. 29). The brethren at Jerusalem were in need, reduced in numbers, wealth, and worldly position, by persecution. These Gentiles were touched by the stories they heard from the scattered, and show that they have the mind of Christ-sympathising, generous, brotherly. Barnabas (with Saul), after a year's stay, took back with him these tokens of their gratitude and Christian love. QUESTIONS. (1) What proof did the early Christians give of their sincerity and earnestness? (2) Who was the first Christian martyr? (3) Name two or three facts given in the lesson about Barnabas. (4) What is it to be a true Christian? MAY 20. SUBJECT-RENEWED PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH. Lesson-Acts xii. 1-17. Golden text-Psalm 1. 15. INTRODUCTION.-The continued vitality of the Church at Jerusalem, notwithstanding attempts to stamp it out, provoked fresh persecution with the same result of failure, for "the Word of God grew and multiplied" (ver. 24). EXPOSITION. 1. Herod. Grandson of Herod the Great, had royal power over the whole of Palestine, was ambitious, crafty, and cruel. His strict observance of Jewish ceremonies, and his violent enmity to the Christians, made him a favourite with unbelieving Jews. 2. James. The second historic martyr. Read Matt. xx. 23. Thus early called to prove the worth of his words. 3. Pleased the Jews. To their dishonour, to the shame of Herod's memory. What harm had these men done? Herod acted out the bad thought that it is better to please men than God. 4. Four Quarternions. Four sets of four, each set watching in turn. After Easter. No prisoner could be condemned during Passover week, so Peter was detained in prison. 5. Prayer was made. What a simple, harmless weapon, against chains, prison doors, and swords! Without ceasing (Revised Version, "earnestly"). Sure God heard them and could deliver Peter. For him. Something definite, in which they felt deep interest. Prayer is often not earnest because it is vague. When you confess your sin to God, what sin is it you mean? When you pray for a blessing, what blessing is it you wish? 6. On the eve of the trial. Prayer not answered and no sign that it will be. Peter chained between two soldiers, two others guarding the door. What use praying in such a case? The use depends on Him to whom prayer is offered. 7. An angel. A messenger from God—not a dream. A light. Not natural, not artificial, but miraculous. His chains fell off. Nothing said of the quarternion: probably the power that awoke Peter caused them to sleep. 8-10. Peter must rise, put on girdle and sandals, and follow the angel. When God does much for us He still leaves something to personal effort. The iron gate. It only seemed to open of its own accord, the power of God did it. No key He cannot unlock, no barrier He cannot remove. The |