Connecticut western news., 1876-05-19
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS.
Ry Rev. Mason Noble, Jr.
FOR MAY 21sT, 1876.

FOR MAY FIST, 1870. CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP-Acts4 4:2S-S7.
 GOLDEN TExT.-We being many. are one body ln Christ. and every one members one of another. Rom. Xii. 5.
 The teachings of this lesson are especial ly instructive to Christians. but useful to all Tn letting all know what tho true Chris tian spirit is. We very frequently forget that nineteen twentieths of the Bible IS written for the express instruction of Gods own children, but it is SO. God re- quires us all te give our hearts to Hum shat is the first thing then He teaches us how we should live. This lesson shows us the brotherly love of the early Christians' 'Thelr's was g communion of faith, affee- tion and prayer fellowship Tn grief and gladness. in gifts and goods, in work and worship
 THKIR FELLowsHIP.-l2Sl The apostles who had been arrested, thrown into prls- on, brought before the court and forbidden to speak of Jesus, as soon as they were let 20, went to their own company feeling sure of sympathy and help. Such ought to These early Christians were gathered from all parts of the earth; they belonged to all classes of the people; but the Christian bond was stronger with them than any other. Not that they were perfect (see the next lesson, and chap. vi. l. and many other passages; see even chap. 1v, S6-4 All. Protesting Christians, and real Christians | too, even then were men of like passions anu Iollles Wltn ourseIVes, put Tn our leS- son we see the real Christian spirit. The | virtues of men are told us in the Bible for our instruction their weaknesses and slns are told us fol our warning.
 THEIR FELLOWSHIP IN PRAYER.-l24 30l They were not content with even the sym pathy and counsel of one another in their time of trouble. They lifted up thelr voice to God with one accord.' This pray CT is the first recorded as uttered m the Christian church, and IS full of interest l on nd Sfr circumstances and needs, as we will see. | @ They were heartily united in it, and probably gave audi ble expression to their assent q Cor. xiv, 16).. (S) It addresses God ent,Ie authority. l4) It acknowledges the inspiration of Scripture. God had spoken by David, 26. (5l A prophecy concerning Christ is referred to. Read the End Psalm. (6) The peculiar fultillment of thus proph ecy Is acknowledged the heathen, Ro- mans. and the people had ragged against Jesus. and vainly imagined they could de- stroy His kingdom. aud kings [Herod and Pllatel had conferred together against God and His Amounted LChnst means annoint- edl. They saw that what had taken place was according to Gods appointment, though wicked men had worked It out. Fl And now we have their petition l2o- sol. Notice, they do not ask to be delivered saffered, and they were ready to suffer
 with hlm If need be. They ask that,
 though threatened by the very men who already erucltied thelr Master, they may be
 given grace and courage to do right-what
 they knew was right, and Lhat God would
 help them. Our great desire should be to be
 made strong, rather than that 1t should be
 made easy to do right. The harder It is, if we do it, the better it is for our spiritual , life and growth.
 | THEIR FELLOWSHIP IN RECEIVING. -[31, S3l The answer to theIr prayer came inn mediately. God gave them just what they asked for. The Holy Spirit came to them all Boldness was gwen to them all. Great ; power in bearing witness for Jesus Christ
 was glven to thom all. Such courage and
 grace were theirs that the threatenlngs of thelr enemies did not restrain them. They obeyed God rather than men.
 , The unity of the Spirit lEph. iv. 3l is seen their true friendship ior one another Tn t most unsel&sL acts. In the lesson for April
 2Srd. these acts were spoken of and ex-
 plained. They counted all that they owned 7 as belonging to the Saviour and those who
 loved the Saviour. None among them
 were poor, for each had the use of all. Or loses, surnamed Barnabas, lsee Acts Ri, 24| f we will hear more than once as we go on
 with our lessons.
 We are taught by example in this lessol = 1. Of hearty sympathy.
 9. Of fervept dsvotlon.
 3. Of spiritual attachments.
 8 4. Of boldness in serving Christ.
 5, Of active usefulness.
 6. Of Christian generosity,