Connecticut western news., 1876-05-12
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS. Ely Rev. Mason Noble, Jr.
FOR MAY 14TH. 1878.

CHRISTIAN COURAGE-ACTS ", s-22.
 GOLDEN TEXT.-The righteous arc bold as lion. Prov. xviii, 1.
 The first verses of the chapter connect thus lesson with the last. It IS there rela- ted how the preaching of Peter produced such an effect that many believed ,and the number of the new church was increased to five thousand. Also how the officers ot the Jews, and those in charge of the tenl. pie. caused the arrest of Peter and John. who were thrown into prison until the next day. Then the rulers came together, the apostles were summoned before them and asked, By what power, or by what name have ye done th1sT question which shows that those rulers knew that a work had been done that the apostles had no power ln themselves to accomplish.
 PETERS TEsTMoNY,-[S-12l God gave Peter the wisdom needed for His answer as Jesus had promised Luke xii, 11-12). He gives to these men the titles courtesy re- quired. Firm and courageous as he IS. he is polite. A Christian always should be. He reminds his judges that he had been imprisoned and was now being tried, NOT for any wickedness. but for doing a good and kind deed l0l. Then he clearly ans wers their questions. It was by the power acle had been done. At the same time be reminds them of their terrible sln in kill ing the Prince of Life; how God had hon. ored tue Son they had denied, in doing this m ghty act for the sake of Jesus name uol. Then he quoted from the Jewish Scriptures, passage that was very famil. jar to them. You remmember that at the Lords supper they sang 0 hymn This passage about the stone tn at the builders rejected being made the head of the cor ner-the corner stone upon which all the building rested-was part of that hymn the 11Sth Psalm. which was always sung at the Passover supper. Then Peter went on to declare Q2'that the only way of saliva IL. AL Son of God. This is the third speech of Peter that we have had, and you notice how bold they all are, and how they all teach the same truths.
 1Ht CoURTs DECIsIoN.- ll3-1sl The court looked upon Peter and Johu with wonder that these unlearned men dared stand so fearless before them. They rec opniZed them as having been with Jesus. Thls may mean that they now showed the same kind of gentle courage that Jesus had shown when He stood in the sane place, or 1t may mean that they remem- bered how these same two men had fol lowed Jesus afar off when he was brought to them to be tried, and how Peter had then denied Him. They wondered at them. But there stood the man who had been healed. What could they say Oh that every sinner that the power of Jesus has bealsd would so stand that all could see what has heeu done for hun how the mouths of Jesus enemies would be stop ped Notice. here we have miracle brought into court. before hostile judges and so proved that it is admitted. The judges clear the court and consult Q5). They admit the miracle. They cannot find fault with the good work. They show uo dlsapprobatlon of the apostles act or gem eral course of life. But they do show thelr hostility to Jesus, and agree that the apos- ties shall preach no more of the Savlour. And so they call them back and tell them of their decisIon. They will not have the people taught of Jesus,
 THE APOSTLES REPLY.-l 19 22I The apOs- ties answer their decision by telling them that they, as the protessed servants of God, must be able to judge which was righs-to obey God or to obey man. But they add pain declaration that whatev- CT their judges might think best, their minds were made up. They must, and they woul,l, preach of Jesus. The judges must have known the apostles would pay no regard to their words. and let them 90. They could do nothing more, because the apostles had done nothing deserving of punishment. and because their blamelesss lives and good deeds had won the reRa I'd of the people, whom the man serving judQ feared to offend.
 LEssoNs.-1. Faith in Jesus is great power
 9 Jcsus is the only Saviour, and out ot Christ there is no salvation t12).
 5. Jesus' enemies sometimes must @ Init the good done in Ills name (16),
 4. But that does not overcome the enmi- ty of thelr hearts 17).
 5. Jesus supports His servants. givlrG them the needed wisdom and courage in doing their duty,
 6. Jesus rules among his enemies. TLe very opposition of these rulers vlndlcated Ills servants and caused the spread of tt 0 truth.
 2. We should let the Lord rule our con- sciences, and daro to do right always. The Lord can aud will take the best care of us,
 EVERYTHING EERE.-We are receiving this week, a large stock of baby carriages, boys carts, croquet sets, also general us- sortment of everything needed in house keeping. A fine line of mattresses of the different kinds, spring beds, furniture, etc., etc. All who contemplate replenishing their furniture and household convenience for tie accommodation of summer boarG- CTS, will do we'll 10 call on us, as we are prepared to furnish them any tl ing and eY- cry thing they can possibly require.