The St. Louis Republic., 1902-03-08

desirable that the new movement should
be rightly organized. and in order thereto
something Of the connectional spirit was
necessary. When the two men arrived they
were received. and they gave themselves %
the matter OF chief concern. the baptism OF
the Spirit.
SORCERY-Verses's 10 and IL In Jeru-
salem the Christian ministers met the op-
position Of the Jewishhierarchy-a new reli-
cal body that sadly degenerated. In its
progress among the nations Christianity
encountered other foes. perhaps less formit-
able. Its triumph over. them proved its
superiority. The first OF these was met at
S1maria, Simon. who had long p-acticed
people Of that city. who regarded him as
a. great man among them Sorcery was
one or the many systems OF divination
more common in ancient times. 1t has
been supposed to be OF Egyptian origin.
tEH. VII. III. where it was in favor forty
centuries ago. from which country it was
carried into all lands. The sorcerers were
imposters. who pretended to have magical
powers from the spiritual world-they were
leaders Of the stars. interpreters of dreams.
fortune-tellers. medicine men. Simon had
done great things. and boasted much. to the
astoniShment Of the people.
BESTOWAL-Uerses Is and I7) The con-
gIegation In Samaria had not received the
Holy Ghost when Peter and John arrived.
The members had accepted Christ and had
been baptized into his name. thereby enter
Ing into the primary state as believers. Il
would seem that this was the usual order
one other instance. The people were not yeS
IN the enjoyment OF their full privilege
they Were substantially where the apostles
were prior to Pentecost. A higher state
was possible. to secure which Peter and
John had come from Jerusalem. II was
ceened necessary. at least import ant. that
the Samaritan church should be advanced
10 the same spiritual plane as that occupied
two bodies should be characterized by the
one quality that they Were under the power
and guidance OF the Holy Spirit. What was
impaired we may not dogmatically say. Il
Is an Interesting fact that the two apostles
laid their hands on the heads OF the peopls
and prayed and that they received the Holy
Ghost. There Is no record Of other services .
rendered by the apostles.
QUESTIONS How long time elapsed
between the persecution conducted by Saul
there between his early bitter hostility and
his later intense loyalty to Christ? g. In
What way did the work at Samaria advance
the cause OF Christ in other regions l.
have miracles disappeared from the church,
and II so. why? 3. OF what value in our
day is the history Of miraculous deeds2 s.
Was Simon converted or did he purpose To
gain new standing with his lost followers.
and on what ground is the answer to this
question given? I. OF what was sorcery an
which is most potent in winning disciples.
preaching or miracles? g. Why were Peter
and John sent to Samaria? 10. Was their
visit an Indication that under the Christian
system there should be central government
and supervision? IL Was their prayer and
the Imposition OF hands necessary to the
gift of the aririty 12- Is there anything
In Christ's teaching to show the efficacy
OF prayer for such purpose? H. Whas
were the differences between the Jerusalem
OF the Samaritan church are presented -
this lesson?