II. THE WORD OF GOD GREW AND WAS MULTIPLIED.

In the parable of the sower, the Word of God is compared to seed, and the apostle Paul, speaking on the apostolic ministry, says, "We have sown unto you spiritual things." 1 Cor. ix, 11. The seed of the Word was sown by the Apostles in prepared hearts; and that was necessary, for if the heart be not duly prepared, there can be no good fruit. But when men repent, and turn to the Lord, the "fallow ground” of their hearts is broken up. Hos. x, 12. And when the Word sinks into the heart, and takes deep root, it grows and flourishes. Thus we see the grace of God in its wondrous effects. How it grows in the heart of man we cannot say; but as we see the blade, the ear, and the full corn in the ear, in the growing wheat; so we witness the commencement, progress, and perfection of the Christian life.

This Word is multiplied when many are converted to God. One grain of corn may produce fifty, and another may produce an hundred; and one convert to Christianity may be the instrument of converting a few to God, and another may be used as an instrument in the conversion of many. It was thus in the apostolic age. Every member in the church, in every rank and station, felt it his duty to do what he could for his Lord and Master; and when this is the case, in any church, the Word multiplies. The pious parent teaches his children the way of the Lord, and they embrace the Gospel; the benevolent man instructs his friends and neighbours in things pertaining to the kingdom of Jesus, and they receive the Lord Jesus Christ; and the enlightened and zealous Minister preaches the Word, and many become obedient to the faith. Thus the Word multiplies in all directions; and God is glorified in the salvation of men.

We shall now endeavour, very briefly, to point out the principal causes of the rapid and extensive promulgation of the Gospel in the apostolic

age.

First, It is quite certain, that the extraordinary gifts conferred on the Apostles, and on many private members of the church, greatly promoted the success of the Gospel. They spake with tongues, and wrought miracles; a plain proof that Almighty God was with them, and that he was the Author of that religion which they taught and enforced. This evidence of Christianity was strong, clear, and convincing to every man of reflection and candour; and could only be denied by ignorant bigots, who hated the truth.

Secondly, The burning zeal of the Apostles and the primitive Christians was another cause of the rapid spread of the Gospel in those days. They were always zealously affected in a good cause; and under the influence of this principle, they were diligent in the use of means. They were courageous; and did all things heartily as to the Lord. Their zeal and courage in the common cause of Christianity, carried them forward through innumerable difficulties and dangers, and made them a blessing to thousands and tens of thousands who were in darkness and in death. Thirdly, The preaching of the Word was accompanied by the power of God. That was absolutely necessary, for without that power, nothing either great or good could have been accomplished. Paul planted, and

Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. And the Word which they preached was "quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword." Heb. iv, 12. The sermon of Peter on the day of Pentecost, when three thousand souls were added to the church, was clothed with Divine power; and other astonishing displays of that power, in the ministry of the Word, are recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

Fourthly, Many were won to Christ in those days by the holy conduct of the Apostles, and that of the first Christian believers. They were patient in suffering; meek under provocations; and ever ready to forgive injuries. They were diligent in business; just in their dealings; and faithful to their promises. And when men saw their good works, they glorified God, and turned to him with purpose of heart. Religion has many charms; and those charms appear to great advantage in the uniform conduct of a holy man.

Fifthly, The success of the Gospel was greatly promoted by the unity of the church. Christians were then closely united in pure affection, and all aimed at the glory of God, and the salvation of men. Their love to each other was proverbial, for it was a common saying among the Gentiles, "See how these Christians love one another." When the world saw this, and considered it as a fruit of Christianity, many believed, and became members of the church. May this love abound yet more and more! We cannot think alike on all subjects, but let us agree to differ, and love as brethren.

Sixthly, The persecutions of the church gave success to the Gospel. Persecution discovered the vileness of persecutors, and the real worth of the persecuted; and the one was abhorred, and the other admired. Hence the Word, which was delivered by those holy and injured men, took effect; and it was justly observed, that "the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the church." The patience and firmness of the martyrs in extreme suffering, induced many to renounce heathenism, and to embrace Christianity. And thus the purposes of wicked men, in persecuting the church, were over-ruled for good.

Seventhly, In some instances, the judgments which were inflicted on wicked men, and on persecutors, gave success to the Gospel. When Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead, "great fear came upon all the church, and as many as heard these things." Acts v, 11. When Herod died by the visitation of God, "the Word grew and was multiplied;" and when Elymas was struck blind, Sergius Paulus "believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord." Acts xiii, 12. And it is probable that other instances of this kind occurred, which produced similar effects.

Eighthly, The united and fervent prayers of the Christian church promoted the success of the Gospel; for all true believers were constantly praying to their God and Father, "Thy kingdom come." The Apostles saw the necessity of prayer, "that the Word of the Lord," might "have free course, and be glorified." 2 Thess. iii, 1. And much prayer must be offered up in our day, if we would see a revival of religion, and a rapid spread of Christianity. Let us pray unceasingly for Jews and Heathens, and for all that err and are out of the way.

nances.

It is matter of great joy, that the happy effects of those primitive times nave reached us in these last days! We have the truth that was taught by the Apostles; and we have Christian ministers and Christian ordiMiracles have ceased; but grace abounds. We lay no claim to apostolical gifts; but God has opened to us a wide door for the spread of his Gospel. Let us imitate the piety and zeal of the Christians; and we shall live to see blessed days of peace and prosperity. May the kingdom of Satan fall to rise no more; and may the kingdom of Jesus be set up in every human heart! Amen.

SERMON CXXXV.

REST FROM PERSECUTION.

Then had the churches rest throughout Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. ACTS ix, 31.

THE churches of Christ have prospered in times of trouble and persecution; but they have not always improved the intervals of peace and rest. This must be ascribed to unwatchfulness, neglect of duty, and the baneful influence of worldly prosperity. But the primitive churches were wise and prudent, and improved an interval of rest from the hand of persecution with pious diligence and holy fear. Let us follow their example in our happy circumstances, that we also may be edified, and walk in the comfort of the Holy Ghost. We shall dwell on three things: first, the churches had been persecuted; secondly, the Lord gave them an interval of rest; and, thirdly, they wisely improved that happy interval.

I. THE CHURCHES HAD BEEN PERSECUTED.

The first persecution was that of Peter and John, who had healed an impotent man in the name of Jesus of Nazareth; and it was carried on by the Jewish priests, with the Captain of the temple, and the Sadducees. The second persecution was that of Stephen; which was carried on by a Jewish council with great rage and fury. And the third was that of Saul, who made "havoc of the church, entering into every house, and, haling men and women, committed them to prison."

But those persecutions were unprovoked. The Christians had not injured any man; they had not insulted any man; they had not transgressed any law of civil society. Their conduct had been quiet and peaceable on all occasions; and their only crime was an attachment to Christ, which they manifested by a conformity to his precepts, and the propagation of his doctrines.

Their persecutions were cruel. They were imprisoned, beaten with

stripes, and grossly insulted. They were reproached, hated, and abhorred, and treated with every kind of indignity. The apostle Paul says, "I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women." And in another place he says, "I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceeding mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities."

These persecutions had been foretold by Christ; and his followers were prepared to endure them for his name's sake. He had said, "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." John xvi, 2. He knew the hearts of men, and warned his disciples to beware of their vain attempts to destroy the cause of truth. With this warning and the support of divine grace, they met every danger and difficulty with Christian courage.

All persecutions for righteousness' sake arise from three causes: first, ignorance of truth and virtue; secondly, a corrupt and unsanctified nature; and, thirdly, the influence of the devil. The first may be corrected by sound information; the second, by a new heart; and the third, by the influences of the Holy Spirit. But until these causes are removed, and the views and feelings of men are corrected, persecution will appear in one way or other.

But persecution defeats its own purposes. Truth shines in the darkest seasons; and its light cannot be put out by violence. Holy men shine with uncommon lustre when they suffer for truth and righteousness; and persecution increases their purity and honour. When men persecute, God is honoured by his people, and truth and virtue triumph. Persecutors are foolish and wicked. They cannot succeed in their vile purposes. Opposition establishes a good cause; and though men die, truth and holiness will live for ever.

II. THE LORD GAVE THE CHURCHES AN INTERVAL OF rest.

Whatever causes concurred to bring about that rest, it was the Lord's doing; for he uses means and instruments in the government of the church and the world. It is easy for him to restrain the wrath of man, and he will do it when it is necessary for his own glory and the good of his people.

The Christians did not obtain that interval of rest by a dereliction of principle, by any mean artifice, or any base compliance. They boldly maintained the doctrines of Christ; carefully cultivated the Christian temper; and steadily maintained good works. Thus they stood forth nobly, on sound principles, for their blessed Lord and Master! May we follow their example in doctrine, in piety, and in a holy conversation! Perhaps it may be thought that the adversaries of the church were changed for the better, when they ceased to persecute, in that interval of repose; but this cannot be proved, as none of them were converted to the faith, except Saul of Tarsus. Ignorant and wicked men are always opposed to knowledge and righteousness; and those persecutors were as ignorant and wicked when the church had rest, as they had been at any former period. And when opportunities offer, such meu

are always ready to persecute the saints, "because the carnal mind is enmity against God." Rom. viii, 7.

But Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor and blasphemer, was converted to God. He had been a prime instrument in all the sufferings of the churches. When Stephen was martyred he consented unto his death, and the witnesses laid down their clothes at his feet; but the lion had become a lamb, and then had the churches rest. This was a Divine interposition, and should have produced good effects on the countrymen of Saul; but they were past feeling.

Dr. DODDRIDGE says, "I entirely acquiesce in Mr. LARDNER'S judicious observation, that this repose of the Christians might be occasioned by the general alarm which was given to the Jews, when Petronius, by the order of Caligula, incensed by some affront said to have been offered him by the Alexandrian Jews, attempted to bring the statue of that emperor among them, and to set it up in the holy of holies; a horrid profanation, which the whole people deprecated with the greatest concern, in the most solicitous and affectionate manner." Thus persecution fell upon the persecutors; and the Christians rested when the Jews were punished by retributive justice.

But rest from persecution, whatever the causes may be, is matter of thankfulness to God. For then we enjoy the means of grace without interruption; we have opportunities of improving each other in knowledge and holiness; we have fewer temptations to apostasy; and we can promote and spread the cause of Jesus in the world without the fear of man.

III. THE CHURCHES WISELY IMPROVED THE HAPPY INTERVAL OF REST

WHICH THEY ENJOYED.

They were edified; they walked in the fear of the Lord; they walked in the comfort of the Holy Ghost; and they were multiplied.

First, the churches were edified. To edify is to build, to erect, or to carry on a building. Every Christian church in the world is a building of God. To this the apostle Paul alludes, where he says, "Ye are God's building,-ye are the temple of God." 1 Cor. iii, 9, 16. And churches are edified, or built up, by an increase of faith and holiness. Christ is the foundation; and there is no other on which we can build with safety.

Evangelical Ministers edify the churches by sound doctrines, pure precepts, and precious promises; and under their direction every building of God rises gradually and in fair proportions, until the head-stone is brought forth "with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." Zech. iv, 7. This is the most honourable employment on earth; but let God have all the glory.

The edification of believers is a subject of vast importance. The means of edification are many and various. We particularly recommend the following: a careful and constant perusal of the holy Scrip tures; diligent attendance on the ministry of the Word; pious conversation; self-examination; and earnest prayer.

Secondly, the churches "walked in the fear of the Lord." They cultivated a filial fear of their heavenly Father. This implies deep rev.