Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-05-09
Che freemau.
By REV. j. o. sHERBURN.
Mayso. Herod and Peter.-Ac:s u: III.


were gladly receiving the word, the Old
spirit of opposition began to burst out
atresh in Judea.
This time it seemed to arise, not from
the hostility of the Jewish leaders, but
rather from the state officials. Before,
the prosecutions had always been headed
by the chief priests and rulers of the jews.
Herod now appears as the leader. But a
little study shows US that after all the real
genesis OF the opposition is now the same.
Herod, indeed stretched forth his hands
to vex;' an expression which signifies
that be began to persecute; but when be
saw that it pleased the Jews, he became
more bold and heartless. The moral
support Of the people he governed was
the chief spur to his disposition, naturally
cruel. This Herod was grandson to Her
OIL the great, and the father of Agrippa,
who is mentioned in Acts 2Gth. He was
born in Idun al, the ancient land Of Moab,
but was educated as Roman, at Rome.
He was man given to luxury and exces.
ses, but withal much attached to the Jew.
ish religion; and is said 10 have been
constant in Offering the sacrifices required
by the Jewish law. He did much to
introduce the luxuries and vices of the
Roman court among the Jews. Having
killed James one OF the three chosen
le .ders among the disciples, he proceeded
further to arrest Peter. But as it wonld
tie detilement to put him to death during
the Passover week, he kept him under
guard until after the Passover. Ut is said
now hat there is no reason for using the
word "Ets err which we have in our
Ver>ion)
Peer was evidently guarded very closely
the king being determined TO take his life,
but, in oppos ton to this determination,
prayer WAS made without ceasing to God
for him. Prayer has often rendered
powerless he design of wicked men.
In this close c. ccnfnement, probably
chained 10 :, soldier ON either side. and
with the prospect of death before him
Peter sleeps in peace. He has put his case
into Gods hands; and will not God care
for his own? Tbe matter would soon he
settled. This tie disciples knew. When
the feast was ocer there would be no hin
Grauce 10 the execution of Peter. Tha
night would decide whether Peter should
live and serve he church and the world,
or be cruelty slain. So the night was
spen in prayer. And m the presence of
the X ug ELernal it was known what was
King lierod's purpose. Prayer avaied
and IN the silence Of lhe night an angel,
swift and strong was commissioned to
deliver he king. S rsant
Now what are chains and bars ard
massive walls and gates? God undertakes.
He who gives the iron its cohesiveness
and he walls their strength and the sol.
dets The power TO watch, he can withdraw
his gift at any time. The angel came to
the sleeping Peter and with blow rpon
his side aroused him. As he awoke, he
found his chains were loosed. The hea
Nehly b6INCIcI, Thoughtful lOE lue COiu-
fort + the one he came to succor, com
mands Peter to put on his clothing and
adjust his sandals God always gives time
TO do work thoroughly. In the light which
came with the angel Peter had no dlfficul
ty in finding his garments and sandals,
and was soon ready to 60 forth with his
shining attendant. Peter was yet in al
state Of great mental confusion. Was all
this real? or was it dream? They pass
the guards unchallenged, and the massive
door Of the prison yard opens of its own
accord to let them pass.
After they had passed throug one street,
to a point where Peter would know the
location, the angel left him. God plans
that his people shall do for themselves
what they can do, rather than be depen-
dent on angels. When alone Peter reflect
ed. The matter was plain. God had
brought him Cut. There he was on
familiar street, the pavement underneath
him was real, and the sky above him was
the old familiar sky of Judea. Invoun-
tarly lie says TO himself, Now know of a
Suretyn
Rejecting a moment, Peter decides to
go the house Of Mary the mother of John
From other scripture we learn that this
woman was a sister of Barnabus, and thus
quite naturally leader among the
believers. Peter found many gathered
at this house spending the night in prayer
He knoched at the outer door, at the end
of the hall that led to the street, in the
eastern house. A maid was sent to inquire
who was seeking entrance, and at once
she recognized the Voice of Peter. He had
without doubt often been a guest there
before.
In her Joy at hearing Peter speak. she
forgot ber office, and ran in to tell tie
asse mblod company that Peter stood
without seeking admission. At this
announce ment the practical faithlessness
Of the company was revealed; none could
believe that their prayers bad been thus
answered, and in their positiveness OF
disbelief they accused The maid of having
lost her senses, and when reassured that
she had indeed heard his voice they de
clared it was his angel. 1t is little diff.
cut for US to underst nd this expression.
They did not mean his ghost, as we some
times say, but among the Jews there was
a disbelief that every person had his own
attendant angel.
At length tney respond TO Peters con-
tnued knocking, ami behold It is be
indeed
With some difficulty he quieted the
confusion and t4muIt ocoasioned by hi,
unexpected appearance, and declared 10
them how God had visited him and brought
him out OF prison.