for his blood, and tried by a governor wishing to please them, to escape a similar fate. Accordingly, when he found how matters were turning, he claimed the right of a Roman, and said, “I appeal unto Cœsar,” — and Felix could only reply, “Unto Cæsar shalt thou go." Acts xxv. 1–12.

6. The Roman method of securing or fettering criminals, and persons accused of high crimes, was thus, One end of a chain, prepared for the purpose, was fastened to the right arm of the prisoner, and the other end to the left arm of a soldier, who thus accompanied him everywhere, as his keeper and guard. In this manner was Paul fettered, as is supposed, when he defended himself before Festus and king Agrippa. And, in allusion to this, he uttered one of the most pathetic and striking appeals in the whole field of eloquence. When Agrippa said, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian," "I would to God," replied the apostle, "that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, EXCEPT THESE BONDS" (chains). Acts xxvi. 28, 29. To be chained thus, was, of course, regarded as a disgrace, and hence the apostle approbates Onesiphorus, who did not forsake him when in this situation. "The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, but, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me." 2 Tim. i. 16-18. Sometimes the prisoner was bound to two soldiers, having a chain on each

hand. "The same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains." Acts xii. 6. Perhaps Paul was once so chained. Acts xxi. 33.

7. THE AREOPAGUS. Though this court was at Athens, it may be briefly noticed here without impropriety. It was one of the most celebrated courts of ancient times, distinguished alike for the uprightness and integrity of its judges, and for the wisdom of its decisions. One department of its duties, was the supervision of religious matters, and its authority was necessary to the introduction of any new god, the erection of a new temple, or any important change in the form or substance of divine worship. Before this court Paul was brought, charged with setting forth new gods, "because he preached Jesus and the resurrection." Acts xvii. 16-34. This was an offence punishable with death, as in the case of Socrates, who was accused of this among other things; and the adroit and happy manner in which Paul avoided the force of this law, is seen in verse 23, and his success may be inferred from the fact, that he was dismissed from the court unharmed. The power of his eloquence, on this occasion, may be gathered not only from the recorded language, but also from the circumstance, that one of the judges, among others, was converted, and became his follower, and a disciple of the truth. v. 34.

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QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER XX1.

1. 2. 3. What is said of the gate of the city, touching the subject of this chapter? Who were the judges in these days? What example is mentioned? What is said of the palace or court of Constantinople? What of the Alhambra? How do these facts illustrate the passage, "The elders have ceased from the gate"? What do you understand by "The wicked shall be crushed in the gate"? Can you give other examples of allusions to the custom in question? What is said of the court of 23 judges? What other court is named? What is said of its power and authority? In what language does Christ speak of these? What of these courts in the time of the Romans? Who only could pass sentence of death? What example can you give, showing these things? What is said of the death of Stephen? What were the proceedings in common suits? What after the accused was brought before the judge? What of advocates, or lawyers, in the Old Testament? Are they mentioned in the New Testament, and from whom was borrowed the practice of employing them? Give an example. What does the Saviour say, touching lawsuits? In what language does John allude to the employment of lawyers?

4. 5. 6. What is said of torture, employed to induce confession of guilt? Was this allowed in reference to Roman citizens? What is the example, illustrative of this? Where recorded? What of scourging, particularly? What other example is mentioned? Why were the magistrates of Philippi so alarmed? Where is this recorded? What

On what occasion did
Why was he probably

other privilege was enjoyed by Roman citizens? What was the result of such an appeal? Paul avail himself of this right? unwilling to go to Jerusalem for trial? Where is the account of this? How were accused persons and criminals secured? When was Paul so fettered? How does he allude to it in his defence, give his words? Where do you find this? Why does Paul praise Onesiphorus ? What does he say of him? Was the prisoner ever confined to more than one soldier?

7. Where was the court of Areopagus? For what was it distinguished? What were some of its duties and powers? For what was Paul brought before this court? How was the offence, with which he was charged, punishable? What noted person suffered for this, among other things? How did Paul avoid the force of this law? What reason have you to suppose he was successful? What other circumstance is mentioned as proof of this?

CHAPTER XXII.

Punishments mentioned in Scripture.

1. THE punishments mentioned in the Scriptures may very properly be divided into two classes, - those which were capital, in which death in some form was inflicted; and those which were not capital, and which embraced the penalties affixed to crimes of a lower degree. Of these, we shall consider the latter class first.

2. PUNISHMENTS NOT CAPITAL. There were several of these, of which the most important were the following: (1.) Restitution, which required that all property stolen, or obtained by fraud, should be restored at a two-fold, and sometimes even at a five-fold rate. This also included any damage suffered by one in consequence of the negligence of another person. Levit. xxiv. 18; Exod. xxi. 23, 24, 36; xxii. 6. Under this head also may be reckoned fines (Deut. xxii. 19, 29); and perhaps the sin and trespass offerings. (2.) Imprisonment, and confinement in the stocks. Many examples of this are found in the Old and New Testament. Jer. xxix. 26; xx. 2. The Apostles were frequently thrown into prison for preaching the Gospel, as appears from the book of Acts. Paul and Silas were served in this manner at Philippi,