The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-04-10
The Apostle Peter in Prison
 When Chains Were Weak
nc Sunday School Lesson Peter Delivered From Prison p-Ancisnt and Modern Martyrdom

or the right observer; out race of heroes are not made by the distribu- tion or hero medals. Only the inculca- ton of heroic Ideals as the basic truths of character gan elevate the race up 70 the plane of brave living. simon Peter, and all the host of heroes of whom he was one, are still better ser- wants of the aims of chivalry than all our modern prize-package methods.
 An Underground Religious Refuge.
 before this scene in the New Testa- ment story opens. the church had been at peace. Harried and hunted for a time. 1t had been given a respite. and In this period of calm and sunshine it stiil prospered and grew. But there deeper strength and growth pos sible to a spiritual organization than can come under favoring conditions of ease. The tree which stands alone in an open field. buffeted by every wind, produces 8 better quality of lumber than the one which grows in the woods Opposition seems essential to the de- veiopment of certain of the highest traits of character. The fighting force of the early church was tempered and her treasures of character were puri- fled in tho fires of bitter persecution. Once again, apparently for no greater cause than cheap politicians ambi- tions, the church was called upon to undergo another baptism of suffering. James was slain by the sword. Peter was apprehended after time, proba- ply because he had concealed himself upon the death of his friend.
 These early Christians were not reck- less. as anyone who has visited the catacemhs of Rome we'll knows. Those underground cities. where the hymns Of the living echoed through the vaults that contained the dead. are eloquent and romantic testimony to the precau- tons which the Christians adopted to escape persecution. They comforted themselves and one another not only prayers. but by the inscriptions still to be read upon the walls. Perhaps the commonest of all the catacomb pictures is of the shepherd caring for the fec ble sheep The simple faith of these early disciples was unshaken in the shepardly oversight of Jesus, So. when necessary, they could go to death with a smile upon their faces and a song upon their lips.
 prisoner in Chains.
 Peter was caught by his enemies Night and day he was chained on both sides to soldiers. and other soldiers guarded his prison cell. The church. which felt her oneness in a way that made for spiritual power. continued in pTdyer tof nef imprisoned leadsf. AS for Peter himself, he was content in his prison cell. God does not always deliver His people from their trialh but he does give peace in all the per secutions which they are called to un- dergo. Peter was more comfortable in his prison cell than Herod was in his palace. As Rutherford. when thus separated from men, rose to such heights of spiritual experience that his thoughts of Jesus made every stone tn hts cell to glow" so Peter had a vital communion with his risen Lord which was abundant compensation for all the suffering he was called upon to endure. The two friends of Jesus were in new and close fellowship with him-Peter in jail and James in glory. Poets and prophets and pioneers of truth sound one clear note upon this point.
 eHigh walls and huge body may con
 fine,
 And iron grates obstruct the prison
 CTS gaze;
 The massive bolts may bafie his de-
 Ana sigilant keepers watch his de- ! vious ways.