of Cuspius Fadus, (procurator of Judea in the days of Claudius) and of the successor of Fadus, he says, "In their time happened a great dearth in Judea; when queen Helene, haying purchased corn in Egypt with large sums of money, gave it away amongst the poor." But even supposing the Roman empire to be meant, it is not necessary that a famine should rage in every spot of it, in order to justify the expression. If several of its great districts were so afflicted, it would be sufficient for the purpose. Now we are informed by other writers that this was the case, during the reign of Claudius, in Greece, and Rome, and a good part of Italy; and probably at the same time with the famine in Judea, mentioned by Josephus. In either view there is authority to prove the prediction fulfilled. In the twelfth chapter of the Acts we have an account, how "Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church."-This was Herod, called also Agrippa, grandson of Herod the Great. And from the title of king here given him, we may observe the accuracy of St. Luke; for the three years of his reign in Judea (which ended his life) was the only period from the banishment of Archelaus, in the sixth or seventh of the Christian æra, to the year 66, in which Judea, properly so called, was not a Roman province. In this persecution he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also."-Such are too often the motives that influence the actions of ambitious men, when exalted to power; they do not so much consider what is right and just, as what may render them popular and pleasing. The grandfather of this prince had done many improper things to gratify the Roman emperors, because he saw no other method so likely to advance his own power and now the grandson, inheriting the same wicked policy, persecutes innocent men to death, in order to render himself more acceptable to a barbarous and enraged people. It was no doubt, in compliance with their religious customs, that he now did only confine Peter, during the days of unleavened bread, under custody of sixteen soldiers, to be constantly guarded by four in succession; and intending after Easter, that is in eight days, to bring him forth for trial, or rather for execution. And here we cannot but remark the gross blindness of the infatuated Jews, who were so tenacious of their rites and ceremonies, that no motive could induce them to profane the feast, yet nourished in their hearts a murderous design against innocent blood, which they meant to accomplish in some days after.-Merciful God! that human nature should be capable of such monstrous absurdity and wickedness! that men should thus strain at a gnat," according to the expressive words of our Lord, and swallow a camel!" that they, who had been so often warned of the total inefficacy of sacrifices and oblations, new moons and sabbaths, to reconcile them to God, while their inward parts were corrupt and abominable, should yet become more and more attached to the former, more vile and detestable in the latter! Let it be a warning to us, my brethren, to be less anxious about the forms of religion, than about its spirit and sub. stance, the great end which those are appointed to serve. I do not mean to discountenance external services they make part of our duty, nor can be dispensed with, while we are able to perform them: but we must learn to esteem them what they are, valuable means to attain a more excellent purpose, not as having virtue and sufficiency in themselves. The night before Peter was to have been brought forth to the people, while he lay sleeping between two soldiers, (from which we may judge by the way the extreme vigilance of the government towards him, and at the same time the tranquility of his mind) The angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Pe ter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly and his chains fell off from his hands." He then orders him to prepare and follow him, and Peter obeyed. At first the transaction seemed to 1 him nothing more than a vision or dream, so little of enthusiasm did he possess. But when they had completely past all the barriers of the prison, and through one street of the city, and the angel had departed, Peter came to himself, and said, "Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews." Having considered in this manner, he goes to the house of Mary, where many were gathered together, praying ;" and having spoken at the door to a damsel named Rhoda, she knew his voice, and ran joyfully to report, that Peter was at the door. Which they, continuing still incredulous, in spite of all her assurances, attempted to account for, by saying, "It is his angel.”—The word rendered angel signified messenger; but from the circumstances here stated, something more than the common notion of messenger seems to be implied. That it was the voice of Peter they do not appear to deny. What, then, is the obvious inference? Not supposing it to be himself in person, (whom they knew to be so strictly guarded) they imagine the appearance of some supernatural being in his place, probably his guardian angel, according to an opinion prevalent among the Jews. But they were soon undeceived, for upon opening the door they saw, and heard him relate his deliverance from prison. The miracle here recorded has every mark of credibility and truth. The person in whose behalf it was wrought, was under no perturbation of mind but enjoyed the most perfect composure. The impression was not momentary and vanishing, but continued through a variety of circumstances detailed in order, and for a considerable length of time. While several of these lasted, the Apostle was rather slow to believe the fact as it really was, ascribing it rather to a lively vision of his sleep, than to his waking thoughts and senses. But when at last he perceived the real truth, acknowledging the goodness of God, he went to the house where het knew the disciples were wont to assemble.-Here the maid, knowing his voice, reported to those within that he was at the door; and when he was admitted, they were all astonished. How shall we account for these particulars, unless by his miraculous deliverance? Is it conceivable, that one in his situation, chained and guarded with the utmost rigour, could have made his escape in a natural way? And if this had been possible, would he have in-vented a falsehood, merely to impose upon his own particular friends and party? These things cannot be imagined by any man of common understanding. But perhaps the historian may have fabricated the whole account. Now consider who are the persons chiefly concerned. One is the most eminent |