THE RETURN OF THE DISCIPLES TO JERUSALEM.

Read S. Luke xxiv. 22. (Ps. cxxii.)

1. And they worshipped Him, and returned. Ib.

Following the warning of the angels, they left the place where they would gladly have lingered. We may have to loose the cords of our tent. It is well, then, to adore and obey, following with the eye of faith His footsteps. S. Matt. xvii. 4, &c. (See p. 193.)

II. (They) returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Ib.

For they had seen His glory, received His blessing, obtained the promise of a place in His kingdom, gained the hope of their own ascension. In these things His true servants rejoice. Is my joy in them? 1 Pet. i. 8, 9.

III. And were continually in the Temple. Ib. 58.

"And these continued with one accord in prayer," obedient to the bidding of Christ, faithfully waiting for His promise, conscious of their own weakness and of their strength in Him. Do I act as if I needed Him not? S. John xv. 5.

Text.

Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. S. John xvi. 20.

2

THE CHOOSING OF S. MATTHIAS.

I. It is written. 20.

Read Acts i. 15-26.

His bishopric let another take. Ib.

The purposes of God to His Church do not fail from the sinfulness of men. If one falls away, He raises up another. Am I fulfilling my vocation? Humble though it be, it may be for His glory. If not, beware. 1 Cor. ix. 27; x. 12.

II. Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two Thou hast chosen. Ib. 24. Having appointed two, they prayed, and left the disposal to the Lord. Such is the best mode of choice. Without prayer and resignation, have I ever made a good choice? At least, has it not been better with these? S. James i. 5.

III. And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias. Ib. 26.

Barsabas did not murmur; Matthias did not boast. Each receive the lot as the will of God, and obey. Am I preferred to another? Am I set aside? Be as Barsabas. Have I so acted? 1 Sam. ii. 35; iii.

Be as Matthias.

18.

Text.

God is the judge; He putteth down one, and setteth up another. Ps. lxxv. 7.

THE EXPECTATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Read Acts i. 12-14. (Ps. cxxiii.)

I. They went up into an upper room. Ib. 13.

At the bidding of Christ they waited in Jerusalem, unworldly in the midst of the world. Waiting not for earthly comforts, but for the Spirit of God, the Comforter. How do I live? Unworldly? Undistracted? He will not be found in dissipation either of body or mind. S. Matt. xii. 19.

II. Where abode both Peter, and James, and John, &c. Ib.

And they waited patiently, not knowing the hour, but watching in a prepared mind; leaving to God the manner and the time, only fully trusting in Him. See; is this my spirit? S. Luke xii. 37.

III. These all continued... in prayer. Ib. 14.

For they remembered their Master's promise, and the power of prayer. Think of the things they prayed for; by the answers they obtained in the gifts of the Spirit. Do I desire, do I pray for, do I receive His spiritual gifts? S. Luke xi. 13.

Text.

Therefore [will] the Lord wait that He may
Blessed are all they that wait

be gracious.
for Him. Is. xxx. 18.

THE PREPARATION OF THE APOSTLES FOR RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Read Acts i. 14, &c. (Ps. cxxxiii.)

I. These all continued. Ib.

None separated themselyes from that holy fellowship, but all continued together. Those lose the blessings which the body receives who separate themselves from its members. Heb. x. 25. (Jude 19.)

II. With one accord in prayer and supplication. Ib.

And all of one mind-one heart and one soul-filled with charity and holy love; forestalling this best gift of the Spirit, whom they desired. (Acts iv. 32.) How do I live?

III. With the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren. Ib.

They were united also with those who followed and were beloved of Christ. With these it is our part to be united; in communion with those at rest, in holy fellowship with those that serve Him here on earth. Ps. xvi. 3.

Text.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. Col. iv. 2.

OF THE COMING OF THE HOLY GHOST.

Read Acts ii. 1, 2. (Is. xliv. 3, &c.)

I. When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord, in one place. Ib.

Once the day of fear, and giving of the law; now the day of unity and love, and of the grace of God. Is the law of love written in my heart? Write it there, O God, my Lord. Jer. xxxi. 33.

II. There came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind. Ib. 2.

A "sound" that might awaken all! "Suddenly," that they might watch; " from heaven," for it is the gift of God; "mighty," to overcome, as a wind piercing and pervading all. Have I watched? Have I heard? Have I received and admitted this best gift? S. James i. 17.

III. And it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Ib.

Within that

There was the infant Church. fold was the fulness of His grace. There they who sit in quiet, free from distraction, find His grace. Open Thou my heart, O God the Holy Ghost; in every corner come in and fill it with Thyself. S. Luke vi. 21.

Text.

The

Filled with all the fulness of God. Church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. Eph. iii. 19; i. 23.

For thoughts on the Gospel of the day, see pp. 108, 189.