The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1892-12-07

meeting. First, the difficulty or differ
ence is honestly stated in open church
meeting, as when we read at v. that
the Pharisaic Christians rose up anG
declared their mind on the question on
circumcision. Second, various churches
with their pastors, the apostles OF
course being present ". %, meet with
the Jerusalem church TO consider tho
matter. Third, the discussion is frank
and generous and thorough. 1t is not
clamorous. as the word disputing at V.
properly rendered inquiry might seem
to imply. The question is stated, the
Scripture is doubtless quoted and its
apparent disregard alleged. Then
Peter speaks, and is given respectful
hearing Saul and Barnabas come next,
the multitude dt was not a
synod of elders) keeping orderly
and attentive silence. Finally
James OF great repute am. ng the early
disciples and justly so, gives his judg-
ment tkrino) not sentence. The u.ti-
mate discussion is reached when at last
lit pleased the APOSTLES and elders with
tn whole church, to send chosen men
TO Anti, oh, bearing this instrument es
the conclusion Of the council, ratified by
the local church, namely (omitting the
preamblo): That We absta II from meats
offered to idols, AMI from blood, and
from things strangled and from form ca
ton; from which, if We keep yourselves,
We shall do we'll. Fare we we'll. Wise
counsel, just and sensible restrictions.
The motion made by James has carried.
God has brought his people safely out OF
another threatening Egyptian bondage,
and the kingdom of Christ, like prom
ised land, lies fair and open before
them.
WHAT THE LESSON SAYS.
Simeon, or Simon Peter The He
brew name is here used it being jew
ish Company. or recounted,
narrated same word as declared in V.
II, aboye--At the first. Father, first.
Peter was speaking OF Gods first pre-
sentation OF the gospel to Gentiles in
the household OF Cornelius. Visit.
Greek, to look upon, or, as we say In ia
miliar conversation, look in upon. a
peop for his name, or, to his name.
/. O., lanted on his name. The word
take may be rendered receive.
To this agree the word OF the proph-
cts. The verb is that from which comes
our word symphony Sound together,
literally. symphonic.
My sentence is. Not necessarily. My
judgment, or personal decision rather.
Greek: (krino) l Judge, / decide. 1t
was not James but the whole assembly,
we gather, who settled this question.
Or, we may say, separate churches on
their recommendation Turned 10
God. The term frequently translated
converted. Acts ,: 10; John IL: 40.
Abstain. Literally to keep their dis
lance. The best way TO abstain.
Then pleased it. Or, it seemed good.
Probably put to vote.-With the whole
church. The ultimate seat of authority
being the local church. Chosen. Liter
ally, chosen out. Another sign of dis
tinct church action.
WHAT THE LESSON TEACHES.
Then all the multitude kept silent. A
brilliant burst of silence, an effective
selak passage in the midst Of the con-
troversy. Stop and think" When we
are all ready for that we are we'll on
our way toward full unanimity and the
"one accord" Of which V. 20 so happily
speaks. There had been no uproar or
unseemly contention here. But doubt
less there were deep convictions stirred
on either side, and the positions had
been stated, we may Judge, with
straightness and strength. But now
Peter has uttered himself in quiet. ten
der words. That last reference of his
to the gentle grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ" is enough. Then ensues kind
of reverent silence. And here occurs
what perhaps would have been difficult
before: Paul and Barnabas rise TO
speak their mind. The Heavenly Father
is in the midst.
will set it up. Christ is in The worlI
TO set up that which Is fallen down.
Humanity is like a temple in ruins,
spoiled and dismantled by sin. Jesus
Christ restores the lost sire myth and
tu IN itI-f Of
that poor, infirm woman in The syna-
gogue, all bent and bowed together,
broken temple indeed. And he laid his
hands upon her and Immediately she
was made straight and G,orified God"
Christ Is here 10 straighten out that
which is crooked. He wants 1t TO glorify
God, and 1t can best do that by standing
up straight. Are you and | re ady TO be
Enlightened out, to be set up? Perhaps
some further bondage and breakage is
needful before the strengthening and
edifying process can begin. Are we
ready for itp Lord, make me. But to
that end unmake, break me. In ony
event, let God be glorified In these
bodies and spirits which are his.
1t seemed good to the Hoy Ghost.
and to US. A blessed partnership, tho
Holy Ghost and the believer. Now L
understand the wonderful tactfulness
of the message, and withal its tender
ness; some other than the human hand
and mind is here. God is in it. Ii IL
an inspired communication. CT such
is all the Biblical record and evelation.
It seemed good TO the spirit and 10 man.
The two were united in it; it was human
and divine; humanity divine. divinely
human. And though this may be said
In peculiar and exclusive way of tho
c.aln k.. oIg
an application to every humble Christian
of to-day who takes those oracles as
lamp and light. Such guidance of the
Spirit Is granted us in the ordinary
affairs of life that we may believe that.
with the prayerful, Bible-taught soul.
what is good to the Holy Spirit" shall
be revealed TO us also as "gooi. And
go we shall be led by the Spirit.
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