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Tub following is a Third Series of Lessons for SABUi^iH ScaooLS, AND Bible Classes, prepared by direction of the «yaod of the Presbyterian Chuich of Canada. Toronto, 24th September, 1857. rBimrio at thh olobi owob. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSORS. -*•»- FIRST QUARTER. LTH tbc NTo. 1.— Solomon's Choice* I. Kings 3, 5—15. GiBKox was a city in the tribe of Benjamin. Its ancient inhabitants deceived Joshna, (Josh. 5), 3—15.) Here the sun and moon appeared to stand still, (Josh. 10, 1*> 13 ) Here also Ibn ark remained in the house of Obed-lilora, (1 Chr. IG. 37—39.) Drmms, as in this case, were some- times employed as means of communicatinj^ the Divine will. See instances of Jacob, (Gen. 28, 12;) Pharaoh.(Gen. .44, 1—7;) Daniel, (Danl. chap. 7;) and Paul, (Acts li;, 9.) We are not now to depend on dreams as revelations from Crod, (Lccl. 5, 3.) Tlw. Ark of the covenant had been re- moved to Jerusalem by David. Lessons 1.— Like Solomon, we should humbly acknow- ledjro our ignorance. 2.— Heavenly wisdom is still to be sought and obtained from Gtxl, (James 1, Ui.) 3.— The choice of spiritual, generally ensures temporal blessings, (Matt. 5, 33.) 4. — Like Solomon wo on ffht tn Hhr.w crx^iUnA^ lor merciCH received. 4 NOTES ON LESSONS. No- 2.— aueen of Sheba. 1. Kings lo, 1--13. Sheija was prol)al)]y Hituated in Africa, south of Egypt. Some lliink it was in Arabia. It was cuKtomary withpVin- ccs to puzzk-'ono another witli hard qiiifr. Crejiter than Elijah, (yhrist can quicken not only dead bodies, but dead souls, by liis own power. Lkssons 1.— The young are liable t odeath as well as the old. 2.— In times of (rouble it is well to seek counsel from the ministers of religion. 3.— Above all, repair in trouble to God, who is the hearer of prayer. 4.— By Christ's power, ail who are acud shall be raised again. , FIRST QUARTER. 5 o 3. N. 4— Baal's Prophets, i Kings 18. 21--40. Eaal was the God of Tyre ; liis worship had been introdu- CL'd among the Israelites by Jezebel the wife of Ahab, (cha|,. If), 31.) Ihe God that amwcrelh hy fire, (v. 24.) God shewed his acceptance of sacrifice by consuming it 1»y fire from heaven. (1 Chr. 21, 2(i. and 2. Chr. 7, I.) Cut themselves, (v. 28.) tliis was forbidden by the law of God, (l)eut. 14, 1.) J]y the law, also, the prophets of Baal were liable to deith. (Deut. 18. 20.) Kisho7i. (v. 40.) had its source in Mount Tabor, and flowed tlu'ou^h tlio plain of Acre into the Ale 11- terranean sea, nortli of Mount Carmel Le.ssoxs 1. — Gftd is entitled to our exclusive service. -The service of God and of idols cannot bo united. -The sorvice of idols is cruel as well as vain. 4. — "We should take a decided stand on the sid" of God. No. 5 —Elijah's Translation. 2 Kings 2, 1— ll. GiLGAL. which was near Jericho. Here was a school of tlie prophets, (2 Kings 4, 38.) Jietlicl was about 12 miles north of Jerusalem ; here Jeroboam set up one of the gold- en calves for worship — the other was at Dan, (1 Kings 12. ' 39.) Jericho lay west of the Jordan near where it flows into the Dead Sea. The Translation of Elijah, like that of Enoch, prefigured the ascension of Christ ; who when he a,Hcended bestowed his Spirit upon his disciples. A chariot of Jirfi.—AngalH are cfilled the chariots of God, (Ps. 68,17 ;) and probably the ministry of angels was here employert. Lessox.s l.-Like Elisha we should desi^'o to be with the good, in life, and when they depart from the world. 2. — Like Elisha we should covet the best gifts. 3. — All believeri?, like Elijah, shall .t last enter, body and soul, into the heavcQly glory, (I Cor. 15, 51—56.) 6 NOTES ON LESSONS. No. 8— The Shunammite. 2 Kings 4. 18—37. bnuNAM the scene of this miracle, lay between Samarfu A^t r^l\ It ^''-^8 probably of a sun stroke the child died, (V. 19.) From v. 23, it appears that the mother v^as accustora, 1 to attend religious oriinances at stated 11 '^Z f /'{'*'''' "'^''^-t^^^c^^^^^ad been given as a eward for kindness shewn to Elisha ' 14,17) Salufe /,im not Salutations, 1)eing lengthy, would cause great de- lay. G^eto failed probably from want of faith— see sim- ilar case in (Matt. 18, 14-21.) In quickening dead souls, U k'rh!:-.f "i"^^ r .^^ like Gehazi, applying outward means .' It 1'. Christ who, like Elisha, imparts the Spirit of life. Lessoxs 1.— Death may surprise us at any moment. 2.— Religion is a source of comfort in every time of trouble. 3.— The doctrine of a general resurrection i» confirmed by this transaction. No. 7.— Waaman. 2 Kings 5, 1—14, Syria extended from the Euphrates to the Mediterra- nean. Damascus, its capital, was watered from the River ^a.n'aaay,otv/hichAbanaandF/uirpar were probably two W??nn- /\'' ^ii^^er and gold (v. 5) v.ould amount to near- ly £loOO sterling. Jehoram was at this time Kino- of Israel. Unkehs kmd,-~thla was according to a superstUous notion, like that which has prevailed in modern times, that the King s touch could cure disease. Naaman's unwillincr- ness to wash in the Jordan represents that of sinners t^^o submit to the simple plan of salvation by Christ. Lessoas 1.— Great rank does not exempt from the ills of life. 2.— In humble situations we may be able, like the " little maid, to tell of the great Physician. o.—Wii should be more anxious for the health of our own souls than Naamaa for that Oi uia uuuy, l- FIRST QUARTER. H 4. -We Should submit at once to the simni . plan of salvation exhibited in the gospel: No. 8.-- Jonah. Jonah 3, 1—1 o Christ, (Matt. 12'To ) Iw^ wa, th„ ?'-.T,* '^P"^ "f Assyria; its magnificent raZhrv^lat.vT^'."-'^ '""^'•-'" the city was about 60 miles r^ i he circumference of is, he dealt with Nineveh^ ff h^lenSf "-(^ ™'' ^'^ real change in his mind • irJL h; "^ . '"'''e'ewas n« imfyU'ite'^t! No. 9. Hezekiah. 2. Kings 2o ? - ii Ki^grrTa^r^Sffe^^^^^ 0^ the good the sake of secrecy, aThe com nJ.''f' ^; '^? ^'^ ^«^ I wiU deliver thee, (verVe 6 • Wmm^h- '^^^"^ **" his closet. Hezekiah'8 Bick^eL took plLe whi o ^ N' ^'^^^^^^ ^^^ «ned by the Assyrian army j Zml i?"*^"'" ^*« t^''^'**- be iis*>mfers (V. 48.) these were designed to prove the Divine mission of (^hrist. Lessons 1— The rich, as well as the poor, arc liable to sickness, and other aflfiictions. 2.— While careful of the bodily health of theii- children, parents ou.ujht to be still more anxious for their spiritual health. 3.— This miracle serves to illnstrate tlie wialoni. power, and goodness of Christ. No. 2. —The Demoniac. M ark 1 , 2.3—28. A man n-ilh on viichon npiril, (v. 2.'J,) that is, a man pos- sessed of a devil. Art thou cowc to (h4roy m ? (v. 24.) that is-, to execute the threat denounced againt the serpent. Con. a. !.«).) Chris is the Holy One of Israel. Compare (Isaiah ().'{, !) and 10, with John 12, :$!) -41. Lkhsoxs 1.— The devils believe and tremble. 2.- -The devils are full of malice, (v. 20.) 3.~llow great Is the folly of men in choosing to serve their spirltiuil foes. 4=^GL!ist can (i'A'wvv froai the power of Satan and his hosts. SECOND QUARTER. 11 No.S.-The'v^r^idowofNain. Luke 7, 11—17. iAW// was a town of Calilec, not far from Mount Tabor. (arnvif out, (v. 12,) burial places in the east were generally, as they ought to bo, outside of cities and towns. Bitr\ (V. J ^.) the rlciid bodies were carried on an open couch or iJier. .'( !/rn,f prnp/u'i, (v. 15.) this miracle recalls the rair- aeleH wrought by Elijidi and Elisha. LnHsu.NH 1.— The youn,irare often laid low by the hand of death. 2 — Christ is full ofsympatliy with the be- reaved. 3.-~At his command all the dead shall flnally arise. I Thes. 4, Hi.) 1- Christ, by his Spirit.canquickon dead souls. No. 4. -Th9 Tempest. Malt. 8. 2.1—27. The Sea of (Jalilee was the scene of tliis miracle Ifr iimnnlfoiu Mark says, ( t, :js.) on a pillow, in {\\v. hinder piirlol the ship. O ye of lit th faith. Christ thus teaches the ini])ortiuice of faith, reeogni/.cs its exist(Miee even when weak, and siiows the sin of unbelief. How striking must have Iteen tint wndden change from a r.aging tempest"to an unrulllcd calm I o o r l.Kssu.N.s 1.— Though embarked with Christ, his people ar<' notex»'mi)ted from tribulation. 2.--For the trial of his pi'ojdc's faith, Christ soTnetimeMRcmnsto forget them. S.-Aniictions often lead toeanu i. and imjmr- portunate prayer. 4,— Christ is able and willing to save from temporal, ns well as spiritual evils. No. ft.— The Man gick of Palsv. Matt, y, i ft. Ills OWN CiTV : this was Capernaum where he now resid- ed. (Murk 2, 1.) Thin vum />l,isp/,einft/,,{y. 3;) the Jowsrighfl/ 12 NOTES ON LESSONS. considorcMl that God only could forgive sins, und noJ knowiii.t,' tliat Christ was God, as well as man, charged him with bla,-;phcmy. Wkf/icr is ca.ver, Sfc. (v 5,) Christ can '••lually heal the body and soul, and the miracle now wrou^^ht I)rovcd his declaration that he could forgive sin. Tfihc'^itp thy hid - the b 1 was a light mattress or blanket, which could be easily carried. Lessons 1.— It is right to bring the sick to Christ in faltn and by pray or. 2.— Christ has power to bestow forgiveness <>l sin, (Acts 5, 31.) 3.— This power establishes his claim to eciuallty >¥ith the Father. No. 6.— The Blind cured. :Matt. 9, 27-31. Ta-o hliml 7w«?,— although their eyes were dark yet tlieir tindei-stundings were enlightened to know Jesus, riujii Sou ma)i know it, Christ thns avoided ostentation, and shewed thai lit.' had no wish to ))ecome a temporal ruler. Lessons L— Instances of blindness like these hero \\\- corded should suggest to those who see. a lesson of gratitude. 2.— Christ is able to restore sight to the blind. 3.— Faith is the instrument of salvation. No. 7.— Bethesda. John .5, i— o. /M/in(frol)ably eoveriugs to protect the sick, while waiting to bo tioii,«ci, /,#/■ vM^vntp nj tiic ic-it'x'r, (v. 3 \) it 15 .'^iipposcd that at stated seasons the water put forth peculiar medicinal SECOND QUARTER. 13 I properties. An anr/d went dmon, (v. 4.) angels are eraploy- '-•(1 as ministorin.f^ spirlh, (Hob. I, 11.) Wh^ oever first, thin ^loes not mean tlie first one, but those who at the lirst {rouljling of th > waters went in. Lkssoxs 1. — We shonld be gratefnl for the means of healing disease provided by Ood. 2. — We should wait like the impotent man on the means of securing bodily as well as spiritual health. 3.— Christ is willing to save those who are wil- ling to be saved, (y. G.) No. 8.~Five thousand fed. Matt. 14, 15—21. After hearing of the death of the Baptist. Christ hid gone into (lie desert and multitudes had followed toiienroi be healed of him. Zw/m- aixtfislm, (v. 17 :) the food of tli" common people was barley loaves and fish from the sea of fialilee. Iff WwW, (v. l!).) that is. gave thaidts ; this wani the constant ])ractice of Christ. Twfve Ixiskeh, these may have ))elonged to the twelve disciples, and been U'^ed by Ihem to ciuTy provisions, as was common with traveller* who only lodged in inns, providing their own food. Lessons 1.— Christ is full of sympathy for the nefdy and at the same time able to reUev^ them. 2.— We ought like Christ to acknowledge God in grateful prayer at our dally meals. 3. — Nothing useful should bo wasted. No. 9.— The Syro-PhcBnician. Matt. 15, 21—28. TvuK AM) S[i)o\ were cities of J'hcrnicia, which lay om (ho coast of th^ Zn . lf"«']yer, which was in April, when figs might mimcle« cqud to^t£:^;;„;;vateuS"^^ "' ""^'^"^ 1 SECOND QUARTER. 15 i Lessoks 1.— The leaves of profession should be accom- panied with the fruits of holiness. 2.— The absence of fruit exposes to the Divine curse. 3. — The efficncy of faith and prayer is here aflarmed. No. 12.— The Draught of Fishes. John 21, 1—14. This miracle was wrought after our Lord's resurrection. Niitfuiniel (verse 2.) was the same as Batholemcw. Thr disciples knew not that it was Jesus (verse 4) ; they did not expect to see him ; his appearance may have been somcwha t ditterent, and it was only twilight. Cast himself into the sen. (verse 7,) this was in accordance with Peter's usual forward- ness. Two hundred cubits (v .'rse 8, ) were about :J50 yards Lessonh. 1. — There are times when ministers may labour with their hands for their support. 2. — Obedience to Christ's commands will cn^nr*' success. :}.— This miracle confirms the doctrine of th^ resurrection of Christ. THIRD QUARTER. Wo. 1.— Daniel's Abstinence. Danl. i, 8—21. Damel, while a youth, had been carried captive int,» Ba),ylon and lived till after its close. //. ncnddnot Mil W/" .tc (V. 8,) the KingB meat probably incudedsX' thmgR lorbidden by the law of Moses, (Lev. H 47 or which wei^ offered to idols (1, Cor 8, 1(S.) m'2ldrcn il; ; '. "^n^ ''""l often given to persons of full age. mse, (v 10,) such vegetable food as peas, beans A.C ^ Ihcir countemnces appeared fairer, Sfc, (v. 15.) there i^ nothing unusual in temperance, both in food and drink producing these results. '^* LESSOR'S l.-Honour, favour, and wisdom, are gifts be« o m, ^^^^'^''^ ''^ ^^^' (^- ■' «""! 17.) 2.-Tho young should, like Daniel, withstand temptations to forget their religious prin- ])l08. ^ a—The use of plain food is best both for bodv and mind. "^ 4.— Total abstinence from intoxicating drink'^ IS highly benctioial. ^ No. 2.-Shadraoh Meshech and Abednego. Danl. These three young men had Ugu carried captives, and had their names changed like Daniel, (chap. 1. 5 ) The Xn r;f S"ft ^''' }W Pr^''«^"»>iy of the god iiel,- had been set up m the plain of Dura, (v. 1,) near the Tigri.;, The reply! THIRD QUARTER. It (V. 16—18,) is a noble instance of respectful firninesfl and unfaltering faith. Similar was the language of Peter and John, (Acts 4, 19 and 20.) The Son of God, (v. 25,) or a Son of God. Nebuchadnezzar probably took this fourth person ^vho may have been an angel, or the Angel of th(^ Covenant, to be a son of one of the heathen deities. Lf-ssoNS 1. — Idolatry is intolerant, as it is unreasonable. 2.— Where commands of Gods and of rulers in- terfere, we ought to obey God rather than man. 3. — It is better to suffer than to sin. 4. — Persecutors will be punished, (v. 22.) 5 — God is a present refuge in time of need. No. 3.— Daniel in the lions* den. Danl. c, 10— 2H. Jealous courtiers had prompted Darius to decree that for 30 days no prayer should be made but to himself. Toirards Jernsalem,{y. 10,) see 1 Kings, 8—48. As he did herdoforc. (v. 10,) it thus appears that Daniel was accustomed statedly to pray thrice a day in secret. (See Ph. 55, 17.) The Kmg com- .mnded, &cc., (v. 16.) He should have reversed rather than have executed the wicked decree. LiiasoNs 1. — We should have stated seasons for secret prayer. 2. — We should on no account neglect this duty. (Luke 18, 1: Piiil. 4, 6.) 3. — This narrative illustrates the malice of the wicked, the power of faith, (v. 2:{ and » Rev. 11. 33.) and the favour of God to his faithful servants. No. 4.— Return from Babylon. Ezra 1,1—11. Trrt* i.^tT)um x»i.^ i i« 4-Lrt4- "i» ni*^j.., iua.1. IS ai lui inn v;-v;injiit;r.t wi ijnny ixju^ J. iTii r i«t7 i X r^ r^r- , wi Ct/rus was predicted l)y name as the deliverer of the Inrael ites from liabylon, (Is. 45, 1.) The eevcuty years during flf 18 NOTES ON LESSONS. which the captivity was to last, ( Jer. 29, 10,) had now ex- ?rnl^wTt?5'''e* *^' ^P'"* of Cyrus (V. 8 and 4,) from that of Pharaoh as recorded in Exodus 1 Sheshbazzar iB supposed to have been the same person as Zerubbabel. LKS80NS 1.— The hearts of princes are in the hands of God to turn them as He will. 2.— These facts prove the Divine inspiration of the prophets who predicted them. 3.— All the promises of God will in due time be fulfilled. 4.— Princes ought, like Cyrus to do what they can to advance the interests of true re- ligion. No. 5.— Bebuilding of temple commenced. Kzra 3, 1 — 13. Seventu month., (v. 1 ;) this was the month in which tbe groat leasts of atonement and tabernacles wereappoint- «.'d to be held. Jeshm, was high priest : he is called Josh- ua, (Zech. 3, 1.) The old men, (v. 12.) probably wept be- cause they could not expect to see so complete a temple us the lirst, and the young rtyoiced because they were to have any temple m Jerusalem. Lessons 1.— Tlie ordinarees of Divine worship ought to be carefully observed. 2.— We ought, like the Jews to honour the Lord with our substance, and to do this wil- lingly (v. 5, 7.) 3.— The goodness of God ought to be celebrated m songs of praise. 4.— Lot us strive to enter that temple where the shouts of joy are mimrled with nn voice of weeping, (v. 12 and 13.) ; THIRD QUARTER. ll> i No. 6.— Nehemiah's Petition. Neb. 1, 1— 11. NiSAX, (y. 1,) is the month of March. W/iy is thy couu- tenanc ? &(c., v. 2. It is said that persons in the East hav- ing ro(iuests to make often walk about with a rueful look, till the cause is asked, and an opportunity thus given them of preferring their petitions. Sanhallat theHoron>te, (v. 10.) Horonaim was in Moab. Tobias the servant ; he had proba- bly been a slave, but raised to power. Lessons 1. — We should feel dee])ly grieved for the de- solations of the Church, (v. 3.) 2. — Like Nehemlah we ought to take steps for its relief and prosperity. 3. — The hand of God ought to )x) acknowledged in all things, (v. 8.) 4. — Wicked men are jealous of those who seek to promote the Church's welfare. No. 7. -Rebuilding of the wall. Xeh. 4, 7—23. They were very urath, (v. 7) ; there was an ancient grudge which these nations bore to the .lews, which was? iiow em - bittered by the natural feelings of envy and malice. Tat Uii\£s (v. 10) ; this means oftentimes. With me of his handj<. (V. 17.) simihr precautions are still needed in the East, where even the labourers in the field are often armed wiih swords to guard against the attacks of wandering or hostile tribes. Lessons 1. — We should both watch and pray continually. (V. 9.) 2. — Defensive wars may be justified, (v. 14.) 3. — God brings to nought the counsel of the wicked, (v. 15.) 4. — While I uilding up the church, its members must eucounter oi*insition. 5.— The friends of religion ought to labour iu concert. 20 NOTES ON LESSONS. No. 8.-lfehemiah's prudence and courage. Neh, Lk,s.s„.v. 1-The Lora-. work ought not to bo inter- 1 opted for sirfrht reasons. 4.-We ehoiiUi guard against tlio trcaclieiT of oftowM*^'""^? "" "-^U =« ""^ '^'«^"lto or avowed enemies. U"o. 9.— Haman and Mordecai. Esthers i— 1.5 CGon n 1-? \ Tf . lUusgiMng the seal of autjoritv mon'arcir^"'"'™' '"^ ^"'"<^' «'i"">«e of ^o PerSn THIRD QUARTER. 21 Lessons 1. — Envy destroys ha])piness. 2. — The wrath of the wicked is cruel, (v. 6,) and they spare do trouble or expense to gratify it. 3. — Evil couiisellers are ruinous to princes and people. 4. — AVe ought to l)o thankful for the blessings of a constitutional government. No. 10— Esther's Petition. Esther 5, 1—14. The Inner Court, (v. 1 ;) the principal court was open in front, and those persons, seeking an audience, stood until called in to the ipiier, or private apartment of the King. What u-ilt thou ? (v. 3,) similar language is addressed to supplicants at the throne of grace, (Matt. 7, 7; Heb. 4, IG.) The half of my kinijdom ; this was a proverbial expression, originating in the practice of bestov.ing on favourites the revenues of citi(\s or provinces. Let th,; K ng and Haman come, (v. 4 ;) Esther tlius endeo.vours to test, and conciliate the King's favour, before asking for Ilanian's punishment. . Lessons L — Let usrejcice that without any restriction, we can come to God by prayer. 2. — Pride goeth before destruction, and a haugh- ty spirit before a fall. (v. !).) 3. - The wicked often prepn-re a net, in which their own feet are taken, v. 14.) No. 11 —The Jews Delivered. Esther 8, 1—12. The house of Human, (v. 1.) that is, his estates. To reverse, the Utters, (v. 5) ; it gWould have been to little purpose that Haman himself had been hanged, if his counsels had not been set aside. IIoio can I endure, Sfc, (v. 6.) here is a noble instance of genuine patriotism. Regarding the whole hunian family as one kindred, "we shonld i'ccl equally anx- ious to avert their spiritual as well as temporal ruin. The 22 A'OTES ON LESSuN'S. writing may no mm n^w'^. (v. 8;) the laws of the Afedos and Persians were made u.iaifcerable, on the vain presumntio that they were devised by inftillible power. ^'"'""'I'^^^" LE.S.SOXS 1.>-The righteous are exalted in due time, (v. 12.) 2. —Like Esther, we should pity, and, as far as we can, relieve the suffering. 3.— If human laws are translated into the languages of different nations, (v. 9 ) much more ought the scriptures to be made intelligible to all men. No. 12.— Peast of Purim. Esther 9, 20—32 r^^s^noml'^wlltfFo!'^"''™ V^'' plural form. Adar cov- HsponrK ^Mth February, and M-as the last month in the ^,a.t ever, ,0..;^.^^^^^ this least is still observed l)y the Jews.buc has degMnerated nto a season of rioting and revelry. lu the celebrat on of lecai and iraraan occur, the congregation exclaim " Ble^-^ed be Mordecai !" and " Cursed bellaman !" Lessons 1.— Great deliverances deserve to be remem- bered with gratitude 2.— The deliverance wrought .)v^hrist,therefore ci ight to be commemorated by Christians in the communion feast. 3.— The poor and afflicted ought not to be ne"-- lected in seasons of general rejuicing,(v. FOURTH QUARTER. lio. 1— Three Thousand Converted. Acts. 1, 37— 47. Peter had preached to the Jews, proving that Jesus was the true Messiah, and shewing their guilt in crucifying him. Fijr the remission of bvis, (v. 38.) Baptism does not wash away sin ; this is done by the blood of Christ, of which the water of baptifmi is a sign. Breaking of bread, (v. 42.) this may mean the observance of the Lord's Supper. Ihul all tlnmjs covmon, (v. 44;) many of the converts came from a great distance, (v. 9,) and having expended their own means, needed support from the brethren of Jerusalem, and this was given, not by compulsion, but freely. (Acts :>, 4.) LKfivSONS 1. — All are bound to repent and be baptized. 2.— The promises of the gospel extend to all kindreds, and to all generations. 3. — The preaching of the word is the great in- strumentality which the Spirit employs in converting sinners. 4.— True joy religion promotes love, peace, and I'Tc. 2— The Lame Man Healed. Acts 3, l~li. The nmth how, (v. 1,) or three in the afternoon, was the time of evening prayers. Gulled BeaiU-ful, {v. 2,) this gate h Paid to have been U,, XJ... anu lo uavc j)euii made of Corinthian brass.which was reckoned more precious 24 NOTES ON LESSONS. ll'(S^Yiu[d?nf ^vl^' r^"Pr^^^ ofJe^s, (V. 6,) the Apos- Dower v??*' ^'^^ ^')^^^*' ^«rk miracles by their own oXn sSeT/S^T^i^- '^'^ "^^ ^ ^^^^^^^ -^ - ^^^ Lehsons l.-A\^e ought to attend punctually on public worship. ^ 2.— We ought to pity,and, as we are able,relievo the poor and afflicted, ii.— Gratitude Is due to God for recovered, and ^"11 .more for preserved li(>alth. 4.— 1 His miracle serves to confirm the truths of Vr. Q A ^Jiristianity. (Mark 10, 17 and 18.) Jsio. d—Anamas and Sapphira. Acts 5, i— ii. hAhl^r^^T' "'^/^'^^^'''^ 0'' 1') ^ «"»ilar sin is committed "s.r e 7 Tl, ^o ^"^' ^""1 y^'* "^^^ke some secret ncrsoinl n I.nn ^'''i'J^f^"'^<'-^ (V 3); the existence and GnTtl ""IZV^ Satan are here assumed. L^e to the Iloh, a mo t'imm^ I f'1'''' 'T'"' ."''' embalmed, they were buried sad iliat husbands and wives often countenance one another Lkssons l.^-OfTerings to God should bo made with the whole heart. 2. -Hypocrisy in religious matters is peculiarly hateiiil to God. ^ 3.~Secret sins cannot escape the notice or punishment of God. 4.— The wages of sin is death. No. 4.- Stephen. Acts 7, 54— GO. Str/h^H N\a« one of the seven deacons. lie was accused of blasphemy, (chap. 0,11.) against which he defends FOURTH QUAKTER. Or, liimst'lf, (diitp. 7, 30.) In his addres's he cliargos the Jew? with having poi'Hccuted the prophets and criicitied the Savicur ; hmri'. they icere cut to the hcwt, (V. 54.) Jem.< Htaiulhi), (V. rjf) ) ; us if he liad risen from his throne to receive the ChrlHtian martyr. Stoned him, t v. 5H . ; this was the piinlKhment appointed for blasphemers, { r^ev. 24, Ifi.) Saidf afterwards the apostle Paul, whose conversion may have Itcen due to the prayer of Stephen; v. GO,) which the latter may have copied from Christ, (Lukt- 2 :i. ;J4.) LordJesitH, (V. 61); ; Stephen thus acknowledges the Divinity ofChrlMt. Lkhsonh 1. —Wicked men hate the truth, and itsj defenders. 2.— Christ sympathizes with and succoiu's his sutfcrin^ servants. M.- In the hour of death, believers can commend their spirits to Christ, and fall asleep in Jesus. 4.— We should pray, like Stephen, for our enemies. No. 6.— Paul's Conversion. Acts 9, 1—0. Th(( J/if/h print claimed jurisdiction over all Jewish RynaKoguem throughout the world. Ihimancux was the cap- ital of Hyrla, said to bo the most ancient in the world : it was situated in a ^dain east of the mountains of Lebanon, sm-roundeil by beautiful gardens and watered by the Jlarraduy. tt U hunt for thre Sfc, (v. f)) this was a proverbial expression taken from the custom of obstinate animals kicking at th(< iron pointed goads, and thus hurting theiu- selves. tfettriitif It voice, (v. /') that is a sound, not the urticulato words of the speaker, (Acts 22, 0.) LUHMONM I. The Criinb V nrtuiru<>/>nfrk>.]lMr>f«^1 - ,• •--■•- '--•!■? I'- ii-ji V iiiitrTtimrxii Ji.— The rlclK!8 of J)ivine grace arc hero cAhibited. 26 NOTES ON LESSONS. 3.-Chn8t Identifies himself ^^ ith his people considering injuries done to them asC 11^ 'f "' """l^^' *^ ^« *°xiou8 to find ^^™Pjy°»ent in the service of Christ, No. 6— Peter delivered. Acts 12, l— u. A-£r.?^^^''"^(^' ^\ 5 t^is^^as Ilerod Am-ippa Ron of dominil^^utSro^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ '^ ''^i^ -"- a miserable death (v^^s^iS^^^^ govern t . ^ .u.^ the greater. P/^i^ ^aJ /.,,t7^ ^V] ' x^ll*:, ,T ,'^/''°??'' government frnm ♦».« t> ' ^ "^^ ' -lierod held h s (^uaternio>,8 : each ouatcrnion^noln i^ Z"'''^",* passover. Jirst andsecorui warXlviOy ^^hth^Z f'^T' ^'" guard. ^ ^ ' ^^ ^^ ^^^ fli^st and second Le«,0K3 l-Tto^freringsof the flrst Christian, confirm ■! w„ •?!' ' '" *'"''■• testimony for the tr th 2.-WC ought to pray for those who suffer for conscience' sake, (v. 6). ^ Jea^h*""" '" """'■'•''• '■'•''"' P'-'"'"' ""d No. 7— Hymas. Acts 13, 4,— 12 of P«un;,tdtrff\fth Ji'n'"''-',, '"^P""'"™ ™"«"W «„!«,» «>7„ _._"'"''. ^V"" John, who was nonhow «f «..-_ o'f the rlv«OroJe°^ "L"™"""'' '";A"«o<:l>"«t""Tho moTth ivw vroutes. Salmni, wu the capital of Cypnis on FOURTH QUARTER. 27 3.- 4. the East of the island ; Paplm, famous for the worship of Venus, wan on the West. Ba -Jesus, (v. 6,) signifies " son of Jesus." The Dcf>uty, (v. 7) or proconsul—that Cyprus was governed at this time by a proconsul, has been proved by inscriptions lately discovered. Aho called Paul, {v 9) : this is the first instance in which the apostle is mentioned in Scripture by this name. Some think he assumed it in honoiu- of Ser<,rius Paulus : it is more likely that ho had it prov;. sly— and that this was his Roman, as Saul was his lieimjw name. Llssoxs 1— The Gospel should be preached to all classei^. 2. — Satan has his agents in all lands. -The wicked ought to be faithfully reproved, (V. 10.) • -As in tlie case of Sergius Paulus and Ely- mas, the Gospel is to some the savor of life unto life, and to others of death unto death. No. 8.— The prison of Phillipi. Acts 16, 2.5— .30. J'aul and Sim had been unjustly imprisoned, on the pretence of being opposed to the Roman Government. Sunt; praises, (v. 25) ; in the circumstances they might have found suitable songs in Psalms 102, 19—20. and 107, 10 — IG. Would have k ■lied himxelf, (v. 27). Suicid(! was considered innocent and even praiseworthy among the Romans ; it is forbidden by the sixth cominaiulment. BeheiH', 8fc. (v. 31) ; here there is a comprehensive summary ot the gospel. Washed their stripes, (v. 33) ; they had iKJcn beaten with many stripes (v. 22.) Lkssons L— Christians can rejoice in tribulation. 2.— Suicide is a fearful crime. 3.— Conscience may ask, but the Gospel aloue can teach the way to salvation. 4.— Believers ought to make profewions of their faith. 28 NOTES OX LESSONS. No. 9.-™Athens. Acts 17, 22—31, -l/(j,s' ////or Areopagus was in the centre of Athens ; and there th(! Supreme Court met. Toomperditioun, (v. 22) ; the meauMiir is tco much addicted to the worship of the gods. To Ihv iiithnoiim God (v. 23) ; Similar inscriptions were elsewhere found, and proved tliat tiie workl by wis- dom l