The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-04-19

entered the temple.
V. I. Peter was the prominent actor and
speaker; and yet John so joined him, in
word and act, that what was done was attrl-
buted alike to both. The command, g Look
on US, was given to gain his attention and
prepare him for what was about to be done.
This was perhaps the first exciting cause OF
his faith.
Y. 5. He gave attention naturally expect
ing to receive something, probably more
than usual, from the interest shown in him
by these apostles.
V. 6. We have no right to suppose disap-
pointment on the part of the lame man at
Peters declarations, Silver and gold have
1 none; but such as have give l thee" 1t
would rather awaken the hope in the mind
of pious man, and such he seems to have
been, of some more precious gift. Peter then,
in the name of Jesus Christ, that is by his
authority and power, babe him arise and
walk. Jesus performed miracles in his own
name, the apostles in the name of their Lord
It is probable this man had heard of Christ
miracles; and the command in his name to
arise would kindle hope.
| V. 7. Yet his faith was probably weak and
needed to be encouraged. For this reason,
most probably, Peter took him by the hand
and lifted him up. Tits said below, ". IT,,
that the man was made strong Through
faith in His name;" and, inasmuch as Je.
suS required faith on the part of those whom
he cured, it is natural to refer this to the
lame mans own faith, rather than that o.
the disciples who performed the miracle
The particularly of the statement, e" his fee
and ankle bones received strength, suggests
the medical profession of the writer, 4" Luke
the beloved physician
V. s. The miracle included the use of The
natural powers as well as their restoration
and Immediately he who had never known
the use of his limbs sprang up. There is
regular graduation in the use of hia powers
as there seems to have been in the growth O
his faith. With the help of the apostle
hand he sprang to bis feet, then stood, ther
walked, then leaped. Besides manifestine
his Joy by these bodily motions, he gave ex
preston to his gratitude by praise to God.
Effect of the miracle, vs., ell.
| V. 8. The miracle was performed in
public place, and the assembled people saw
the healed man giving expression to his JOY
V. 10. There could be no mistake ss tt
the person. The man now walking anC
praising God, they knew to be the same thai
sat for aims st the beautiful gate of the
temple. The people were both astonishec
and awed; for such is the force of the words
employed to express the effect Of the miracle
on their minds.
V. IL. The healed man beholding Peter
and John testified his gratitude to them
and proclaimed to the multitude that they
were the agents in giving him the use of hi
powers. SOlomon's porch in which the
wondering people gathered about the restored
cripple and his benefactors, had been fire.
suented by our Lord, John x: 81 1t was
one of the colonnades in the outer court Of
the temple. JoBepbus apeaks of one of these
as the work of Solomon, not destroyed by
the Chaldeans, when the originGl temple was
destroyed. 1t was either the ColOnuade on
the eastern side, or the eastern portion OF
that on tho southern side, that bears this
name. The most imposing OF the colon
nades, the StOG Basiltea, or Royal Porch,
supposed by some to have been Solomon
Porch, consisted of four rows of Corinthian
columns, of pure white marble, forty in each
row. These columns formed nave, or mid
die aisle As feet vide, and two side aisles
each 30 feet wide. The height given by
Josephus is 100 feet for the ceiling of the
nave and so for that of the side aisles.-
Such colonnade stretching along the whole
side of the temple area, distance of 600
feet. vas a most imposing structure, and
would afford an ample area for the assem-
blage of large crowds for business or in
struction.
Remarks; This miracle, like those Of our
Lord, beautifully illustrates spiritual truth.
And no doubt prominent end of these mir
acles of healing was to show forth the heal
ing work of the Great Physician of SOULS
They are parallels in action. Here we have
the following facts illustrated:
1. The sinner is by nature helpless
Only divine power can raise him up.
2. Yet he must attend to the offer of sal
walton, and receive what is profereG him.
8. Faith in the name of Jesus is necessary
to salvation. 1t is the channel of the heal
ing grace.
4. A feeble hesitating faith may be, or may
grow into, saving faith. Let it be encour-
aged by those who minister the gospel OF
the grace of God. Let the helping hand be
extended to the hesitating.
5. The redeemed soul should praise God
for His redeeming grace.
The SMUGGLING OF LACE is very impor-
tnnh and interastinr feature in It's history