when a true zeal for the honour of God, and the interests of religion, animates both, we may look forward with confidence to all the advantages of mutual edification.

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This will be more evident, if we inquire, What rendered the labours of the Apostles so successful? It was, the subject of their preaching. They ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus Christ.” This was the beginning, and the end, of all their teaching; the foundation and the superstructure. It must be ours also, if we would imitate their success. The Christian religion consists not of detached principles of moral conduct, to be gathered from crude systems of philosophy, but forms one whole and perfect structure, arising from one sound and sure foundation. It is "built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit '."

Thus have I, my brethren, by the blessing of God, brought to a conclusion the first section of these lectures. May the contemplation of this holy book tend to our mutual edification! On a future occasion, I trust, we shall be enabled to pursue these studies; and, in the mean time, let us so frequently meditate on the word of life thus

presented to us, that our faith may be more firmly established; and the fruits of faith continue to shew themselves in our conduct and behaviour, in all godliness and holiness of living, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

END OF SECTION THE FIRST.

SECTION II.

LECTURE VIII.

ACTS VI. VII.

Appointment of the order of Deacons-Accusation, defence, and martyrdom of Stephen. Jerusalem, A.D. 33.

How pleasing to the mind of man, how consolatory to the best interests of his nature, is the prospect of the tranquillity and increasing prosperity of the Church of Christ, which we beheld at the latter end of the last chapter, and which presents itself again to us at the opening of the present! I trust, my brethren, that since we last met at this Evening Lecture, most of you have trod over again the steps which we passed together. May God give us his grace to profit by the holy narrative! let us remember, that to fix more firmly in our minds the varying scenes of this history, scenes which afford the most lively interest, as representing the characters and conduct of the first founders of our faith, we must not be contented with one perusal we must observe the chain by which one

And

great event is connected with another, and trace it through every link, till it is lost in the unapproachable throne of God.

The late establishment of an universal hospitality among the followers of Christ, by which the poor were liberally supported, and the rich laid aside their distinctions for the general benefit of the Church, began, from the increase of numbers, to be attended with difficulties. The duty of the Apostles was multiplied to a very great degree; as it extended not only to the instruction of individuals, but to the ministration of such secular affairs as belonged to the community. Negligence in no shape, consistent with possibility, will be attributed to those whose motives are so pure and spotless. But as malignant passions will mix themselves with the most spiritual engagements, we find, even in these early days of the Church, that "there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration." Alas! that party prejudices should ever find a refuge among the disciples of so holy a religion! that they should too frequently fix a cruel wound, even in the breast of purity itself! But these are trials of our faith; and when we find within us one drop of such an anti-christian spirit, we should wring it from our hearts.

The opposition here appears to have been between the Grecians, or rather Hellenists, and the Hebrews; by the former, are to be understood those Jews that were dispersed among the Grecians,

and used the Greek version of the prophets; by the latter, those who spoke the language, and of course used the versions, then prevalent in Judea. This contest, though arising from jealousy or discontent, we have reason to believe was of an amicable nature, and in its consequences beneficial to the Church, as from it arose a new and useful order of ministers, who took their name from the office to which they were originally appointed. Their ordination was solemn and impressive, and proceeded immediately, by prayer and imposition of hands, from those to whom had been entrusted the oracles of God. The Twelve called the multitude together; they convened the body of believers, who might, after diligent enquiry, select seven men of exemplary conduct, and already in possession of spiritual gifts and graces, to be presented to the Apostles, and ordained to this duty. "Look ye out seven men of honest report, whom we may appoint over this business 1." "It is not reasonable, they said, that we should leave the word of God, neglect the first duties of Apostles, that of administering the true food which cometh down from heaven, and serve tables 2, which may be equally well performed by other assistants. Our

'There is nothing in this text which favours lay-ordination. Though the choice of these seven was committed to the Laity, yet this was done by the particular appointment of the Apostles themselves, who specify the number and the qualifications of the persons fit to be chosen, and who reserve to themselves their designation to this office by the imposition of their hands.