Acts xxvi. 22, 23.-Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: &c.

COURTS of judicature have been in most ages theatres for the display of eloquence. It is probable, however, that their proceedings never called forth an effusion more manly and excellent than that from which these words are taken. It is scarcely necessary to say, they are part of St. Paul's defence before Agrippa.

Observe I. The apostle's grateful acknowledgement.

He had "obtained help of God."-Strength had been imparted according to his day. He felt, therefore, like him of old, who set up a stone between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer.

Brethren, have not we also been favoured with Divine help? And ought not we to give thanks to our Great Benefactor?

Observe II. The result of that Divine assistance which the apostle had received. Having obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great."

1. He had been enabled to persevere in the work of the

ministry, notwithstanding its numerous discouragements, and the violent persecution to which he was from time to time exposed.

2. He had been enabled to perform the duties of his stewardship without respect of persons: witnessing the same things" both to small and great."

Observe III. The topics on which the apostle particularly insisted.

He said " none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come." What were they?

1. "That Christ should suffer."- The sufferings of Christ were referred to in striking language by many of the ancient prophets. See especially, Isaiah chapter 53.

2. "That he would be the first that should rise from the dead." Although Jesus Christ was not, in fact, the first person that ever rose from the dead, he was the first that rose in a representative capacity; and this is probably what the apostle means. See 1 Corinthians xv. 20.

3. Christ was to "shew light unto the people, and to the gentiles." Spiritual light is here referred to. - The beams of the Sun of righteousness first visited the Jewish people. Afterwards they burst forth upon the gentile world.

INFERENCE.-The substance of the gospel may be found in the Old Testament. "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Ephesians v. 25-27.-Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word; that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.

EVERY thing that relates to the Saviour of mankind is interesting and important.

The words which have been read, lead us to notice,

1. The love of Christ to the Church.

"Christ loved the Church."

The primary object of the Saviour's love was the Jewish church. See Matthew x. 5, 6; xv. 24.

But his sympathies were not confined to the Jews, See John iv. 5-10; x. 16; xvii. 20, 21.

The church is a proper object of love, inasmuch as in its fellowship are found all the excellent of the earth.

II. The proof of Christ's love to the church.

He" gave himself for it."

1. He gave himself without reserve to the labours of his ministry. See John ix. 4, 5.

2. He gave up his life. "I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." John x. 11.

III. The object which our Lord intended to accomplish by thus giving himself for the church.

It may be regarded as

1. Immediate.

"That he might sanctify and cleanse it

(as) with the washing of water by the word."

As sinners we are unholy and impure: but in the gospel provision is made for effecting a thorough change.

This change is wrought by the instrumentality of "the word." Hence our Lord prayed, "Sanctify them through thy truth thy word is truth." John xvii. 17.

2. Remote. "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing."

The church, as a bride, is expecting the appearance of the Bridegroom; and in the anticipation of this event she is clothing herself with the garments of salvation, that she may find favour in his sight.

To conclude.

If Christ has loved the church, its members ought to love him.

If Christ gave himself for the church, its members ought to give themselves to him.

If Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it, its members ought to love one another.

Matthew v. 10-12.-Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, &c.

THE Conduct of our Lord towards his first disciples was characterised by affection and faithfulness. See John xv. 18-20; xvi. 1, 2, 3, 4, 32, 33.

In speaking at the present time, we may observe

I. The most eminent servants of God, and the greatest benefactors of mankind, have been objects of bitter persecution.

For proof, reference may be made to Elijah. 1 Kings, chapters xviii. and xix,

To Jeremiah. See the book of his prophecies, chapter xxvi. 8-11; and chapter xxxviii. 1—6.

To Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. See Daniel chapter iii.

To Daniel. See his prophecies, chapter vi.

To the Lord Jesus Christ. See, among numerous other passages, Matthew xxvii. 27-35.

To Stephen. See Acts chapter vii. 54-60.

To Paul. See 2 Corinthians, chapter xi. 24-33.

To what is recorded, Hebrews chapter xi. 32-38.