Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1884-02-07

The central thing in these particular
scsis the instructive account they give
of divine conversion one in which
the means and signs of the happy
change are a. clearly shown rs is the
blending in it of both divine and human
agency But we shall not need to look
very closely to find in the narrative
number of others to claim our interest.
cd attention.
But first note the I'VE which, appear.
ing in the tenth verse, is here repeat.
cd and runs through the remainder of
the book. And so the writer, Luke, the
beloved physician, has joined the mis-
eionary band. Possibly the Apostle has
need of a physicians counsel and
watch.
Also note that the messengers of the
gospel are now in Eurcpe. Thay have
crossed the narrow sea which separates
Asia Minor from Greece \ quiet and
unhoraldcd event, aud vet one of im.
measurable Importance; grandcr in it,
esults than any victory ever achieved
by arms. or learning, or inventive
genius. or any form of human valor or
skill. The beginning has been made of
a kingdom more glorious and more en-
during than that of the C,esars.
Passing to the main point Of the
narrative, we find an UNIV carried Apos.
tle,
/. Seeking ,e,rE.-This was not for him
self or in his own interest. 1t was love
q Christ and to souls which impelled
his steps. Troas was on historic ground.
D. and so was Philippi, 1t was from a
spot near to the former that the hero Of
the Odyssey and the Encid set forth
and at the latter that Augustus and
Anthony gained a memorable victory
over Brutus and Cassius. Philippi was
moreover a Roman colony, a garrison
Gown, and 80 miniature of the lmper-
none Of these things.
Was Paul destitute Of historic interest
and literary tastes? That nowhere ap-
pears. But what does appear is that he
Eas fired by nobler passion than that
which kindles the selfish breasts of
most modern sight-seeking tourists. lie
was seeking work work for Christ and
for souls. And 50, loosing from Troas,
he was soon at Philippi; and being at
Philippi, he was not long in finding
where the more deyout we're wont to
eongregate.
At Philippi his first need was to learn
Ehe character and religious opportuni.
Ges of the place, and pehaps to procure
something to do at his trade. since he
would be changeable to none. But the
Sabbath found him at the rivers side.
where was a proie,ehe or temporary
structure, for prayer. The Jews, being
few, had no Synagogue. And only a com.
pany Of women resorted to the river.
side. But the earnest worker does not
salt for a crowd. lIeis glad 10 find one
interested listener. He improves such
Opportunities ~ God puts in his way.
Seeking work, he never fails to find
H.
q GdhSriag jrdt.--Among those who
had resort to the place Of prayer, was a
soman, named Lydia, whose trade had
Brought her hither from the distant
city Of Thyatira in Asia Minor Most
4;kely she was not Jew, but . Jewish
proselyte for such seems to be the force
Of the phrase (Which worshipped
God This phrase further indicates the
hopefnlness Of her ease. There was a
measure at least of the fear Of God in
her heart she loved to meet where re.
Hgion was the theme Of discourse, and
the voice Of prayer was heard Such
persons are always hopeful. II was her
conversion Of which we are here told.
Note the process of the change. (al
She "heard." That which she heard
sas the gospel. The demoniae spoken
of further on, testified that it related TO
"the way Of salvation" To this she
sistened. (b) Then, God ''opcned her
heart" Doubtless he had been doing
.thisa4ll slong; now he 20 quickened her
Conscience and spiritual desires as to
make her more earnestly attentive. lei
-Furlher, as result Of the Spirits iniln.
ence, "she attended unto the things
Ehioh were spoken" This was some.
thing additional TO the hearing. Il i'm.
siiss giving assen: to the things heard,
and devoting herself to them. II was
Gotnerely hearing, being moved, drop.
Eing tear, making resolve, wishing
she might be saved, and going her way.