OF HIS COMING IN TONGUES OF FIRE.

Read Acts ii. 1-4.

I. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues. Ib. 3.

The Spirit of God was not to be in idle hearts, but in earnest preachers of the Gospel. These tongues were types. Their own tongues to be proofs of their mission. Am I a true disciple? Does my tongue confess the truths my heart acknowledges? S. Luke vi. 45.

II. Like as of fire. Ib.

Not cold and lifeless, but warm and giving warmth; bright and giving light. Not only Christ's ministers, but each of His people (yes, I also), if I myself burn with Divine love, should excite it in others also. Do I? S. Luke xii. 48, 49.

III. And it sat upon each of them. Ib.

Sitting, as on His throne, taking possession and government of the hearts of each; sitting, not to be removed. Oh, that He would obtain over me a constant, unceasing dominion. Can He not? Why? Do I wait for and admit His holy inspirations? Rom. viii. 13.

Text.

Who maketh His angels spirits; and His ministers a flame of fire. Heb. i. 7.

For thoughts on the Gospel of the day, see p. 240.

THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME.

Read S. John xvi. 1-15.

I. I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter. S. John xiv. 16.

His office is to console and comfort; but as the Spirit of Truth. Our troubles here are

most often in our imaginations; at least they are not the realities of eternity. He shews us these, and our troubles end. Rom. viii. 18.

II. He will guide you into all truth. Ib. xvi. 13.

He was also to direct their understanding and knowledge, and bring to mind all our Lord had taught, and they should teach. And now He leads us to receive them. Is my heart open and ready for His instruction? 1 S. John v. 20. III. He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Ib. 8.

The Spirit, who is love, reproving! Yes, for it is from love to sinful men, that they may be converted. And all should reprove others in love. Am I convinced of my own sins? Do I seek His righteousness? Have I renounced the Prince of this world? S. Matt. xviii. 15; S. James v. 20.

Text.

Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; [let Thy loving Spirit lead me forth into the land of righteousness.] Ps. cxliii. 10.

For thoughts on the Gospel of the day, see p. 350.

THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IN THE APOSTLES.

Read 1 Cor. xii. 1-13.

I. Ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost. Acts i. 5 (and see ii. 38).

Purging from, and remission of, sins; grace; union with God: these are the effects of Baptism in the worthy recipient. This at least must have been their gain. Happy those who have received and retained such gifts. Have I? 1 Pet. iii. 21.

II. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. Rom. v. 5.

With the love of God.comes the love of man, for His sake; zeal for the conversion of souls; fearlessness of danger and persecution. Have I these marks? Have I an earnest zeal even for my own soul? 1 Cor. x. 31-33.

III. (They) began to speak with other tongues. Acts ii. 4.

This gift was needed for the spread of the Gospel. God vouchsafes graces according to our vocation. The defect is in ourselves, if we use them not, and so fail. Oh, that I so used all Thy gifts, O Lord, as Thou wouldest! S. Matt. xiii. 11; xxv. 14, &c.

Text.

To every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Eph. iv. 7.

THE WORK OF THE APOSTLES THROUGH THE SPIRIT.

Read Eph. iv. 1-16.

I. (They) began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts ii. 4.

Teaching and preaching Jesus crucified; before simple and fearful; now full of wisdom and boldness: for they received the Spirit and used His grace. Do I delay to follow His inspirations? Why? They will lead me to the desired end. Eph. v. 8.

II. And they were all amazed, &c. Others, mocking, said, &c. Ib. 12, 13.

Men could not help acknowledging the work of God. Yet there were found, as always, mockers. To some the Gospel is life, to others death. The disciple must bear the reproach of his master, and persevere. S. Matt. xi. 19.

III. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice. Ib. 14.

Peter, who had denied, is now the champion. Filled, not with wine, but with the Spirit. He speaks so as to move others (v. 41) and forget himself. Do I take every occasion of exalting my Master's cause? Eph. iv. 29.

Text.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. 1 Pet. iv. 14.

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IN THE FIRST CHRISTIANS.

Read Acts ii. 42-47.

I. They continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, &c. Ib. 42.

Three thousand baptised, and here was the fruit of their conversion-purity of doctrine, stedfastness, unity, communion in “breaking of bread," and prayer. What an example to us! What a humiliation to me! Rev. ii. 4, 5; Phil. i. 6.

II. All that believed were together, and had all things common. Ib. 44.

The love of the world and of self shuts out the Spirit of God. Where He is these are cast forth, and none contends for his own, but for his brethren's good. The Lord give me such a disposition. 1 S. John ii. 15.

III. (They) were of one heart and of one soul. Ib. iv.

66

32.

They," this "multitude" of believers, free from dispute, discord, doubt; a holy, happy family of brethren in Christ. Do I seek unity and peace? give way to others? follow peace and charity? In such is the Spirit of God. Ps. cxxxiii. 1.

Text.

One body and one spirit. Eph. iv. 4.