August 26.-Paul at Ephesus.-Acтs xix. 1-20.

I.-Disciples of John the Baptist.

As in the case of Apollos, so with these men whom Paul found at Ephesus, we are surprised to find that any who had received the baptism of John the Baptist should not, ere this, have come to the full knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. But it must be remembered that during the excitement caused by John's preaching, many Jews from distant parts undoubtedly were brought under its influence, who received baptism at his hands, and then returned to their far distant homes, who may not have again visited Jerusalem for many years, and thus were ignorant of the stirring events that had occurred in the meantime. "Thus their Christianity was at the same point at which it had stood at the commencement of our Lord's ministry. They were ignorant of the full meaning of the death of Christ; possibly they did not even know the fact of His resurrection; and they were certainly ignorant of the mission of the Comforter. But they knew that the times of the Messiah were come, and that one had appeared in whom the prophecies were fulfilled. That voice had reached them which cried,Prepare ye the way of the Lord' (Isaiah xl. 3). They felt that the axe was laid at the root of the tree, that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, that the knowledge of salvation was come to those that sit indarkness (Luke i. 77), and that the children of Israel were everywhere called to repent. Such as were in this religious condition were evidently prepared for the full reception of Christianity so soon as it was presented to them; and we see that they were welcomed by St. Paul and the Christians at Ephesus as fellow-disciples of the same Lord and Master."-Conybeare and Howson.

Ephesus was a very likely place at which to find such persons. They readily received the further teaching which St. Paul had to give them, and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. After their baptism, as in some other cases that we have had to consider, the miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost were imparted to them in a special manner and degree.

II.-Disputations with the Jews.

For three months after this, St. Paul preached the Gospel boldly in the synagogue at Ephesus. The Jews, who had previously pressed him to remain, could not but give him a fair hearing now that he had returned. This accounts perhaps for his having been permitted to go on so much longer without a rupture with them than had been the case in other cities. What success he met with during this time we are not told; but ultimately an opposition was raised, which led him to separate himself and the disciples from the synagogue, as he had done elsewhere. Here, as at Corinth, a convenient place of meeting was soon foundthe school of one Tyrannus-and this place became the headquarters of Christianity in Ephesus, and the province of Asia for the next two years (ver. 10). There may seem, at first sight, a discrepancy between this statement and the one subsequently made by St. Paul himself (chap. xx. 31), that he had been labouring amongst the Ephesians three years. But if the three months before he went to the school of Tyrannus, and the "season" (ver. 22) which he remained after sending Timotheus and Erastus to Macedonia, be added to the two years, the discrepancy is removed.

During this period-even in the earlier part of it-his labours were so successful that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks (ver. 10). "Ephesus, being a large commercial city, and the centre of a great district, there was a constant influx of people, both of Jews and Gentiles, for the purpose of commerce, and the latter also as pilgrims to the temple of Diana. The sensation which Paul made would excite multitudes to hear him; and the lecture-room of Tyrannus was daily occupied by him, and open for the free admission of all. Those who had visited Ephesus, and heard Paul, would

report to their different cities what they had heard, so that the fame of the Gospel may well have been diffused throughout all Asia. Besides, during his long residence of three years, Paul would probably make circuits into the neighbouring cities and places; and his companions, such as Timothy, Titus, Aquila, Erastus, Gaius, and Aristarchus, would be sent by him to preach the gospel in other parts of the province. It is not improbable that the foundation of the seven churches of Asia was now laid."-Dr. Gloag.

III.-Special Miracles.

That these miracles were special we are expressly told (ver. 11). They were so both in regard to their number and their character. A special manifestation of miraculous power was granted, so that handkerchiefs or aprons which he had touched, were taken to sick people at a distance, and they were healed. We are reminded of the woman who touched the hem of our Saviour's garment, though that is scarcely an analogous case. The only other instance like it in the Acts of the Apostles, is when miracles were wrought by the shadow of Peter (chap. v. 15). There was a special reason for granting this manifestation of miraculous power in Ephesus. The city was renowned for the practise of magic, as is indicated in the following verses. The gift of real supernatural power was therefore imparted in an extraordinary measure, as the most effectual means of uprooting this superstition The works of healing wrought by St. Paul, in the name of Jesus Christ, were plainly seen to be superior to any effect produced by the charms and amulets obtained from the temple of Diana, or any of the wonders wrought by the exorcists, who were so numerous in the city. The profound sensation produced in the city by these miracles is seen in the attempt so speedily made to imitate them.

IV.-Exorcists Confounded.

There were not only heathen magicians, but Jewish exorcists in Ephesus. We find, from a passage in our Saviour's life, that there were Jews who professed to have the power of casting out devils (Matt. xii. 27). Some of these were found in Ephesus, and when they perceived the power which Paul possessed, they took upon themselves to adjure possessed persons in the name of Jesus whom Paul preached. "One specific instance is afforded, which produced disastrous consequences to those who made the attempt, and led to wide results among the general population. In the number of those who attempted to cast out evil spirits by the name of Jesus were seven brothers, sons of Sceva, who is called a high priest, either because he had really held this office at Jerusalem, or because he was chief of one of the twenty-four courses of priests. But the demons, who were subject to Jesus, and by His will subject to those who preached His Gospel, treated with scorn those who used His name without being converted to His truth. 'Jesus I recognise, and Paul I know; but who are ye?' was the answer of the evil spirit. And straightway the man who was possessed sprang upon them with frantic violence, so that they were utterly discomfitted, and fled out of the house naked and wounded." Thus was it abundantly proved that the name of Jesus did not act as a mere charm, that His power was inseparable from His Gospel, and that those who falsely used His name would but aggravate the evil they attempted to cure, and expose themselves to danger. This failure of the exorcists, added to the miracles of Paul, produced such an impression, that all those who had been accustomed to practise magical arts became greatly alarmed. The result was that many believed, and not only gave up their former practices, but made a public bonfire of the books from which they had learned them, in order to show that they had given up the old superstitions for ever. Thus, as in other instances in St. Paul's career and since, that which was intended as a hindrance turned out rather for the furtherance of the Gospel, and the Word of God grew mightily and prevailed.

W. S. DEWSTOE.

THE INFANT & JUNIOR CLASSES.-AUG., 1883.

God's Commands to Israel.-When the people of Israel were settled in their land, there were many things to be done so that they might live happily, and prosper as a nation. How were they to know what to do? Who should teach them and guide them in all this? It was God only. He had led them safely to Canaan, and He alone could tell them how to dwell there aright. How did He do this? (Read ver. 1.) This tells us how "The Lord spake to Joshua." Joshua was their leader and ruler, but he led and ruled as God commanded him. In all things that lay before them-for peace and war, for their houses, and for their nation alike-they were to look to what "the Lord spake " about it. And at all times and in all things they were safe and happy while they gave heed to this. This lesson tells us of

The Cities of Refuge.-What were they? What is a refuge? It is a place to which to go for safely in time of danger. But who were to flee to these cities? and what was the danger? Describe how, in years to come, as men were working together in the woods, or fields, or other ways, a man might "unawares"-by accident-cause the death of his neighbour; how the friends of the slain man, in their anger, would try to kill him who had done the deed; how those about him would be afraid to shelter him; the danger he would be in; the need of some refuge to which to flee. God knew all this, and commanded Joshua to appoint "Cities of Refuge," to which such a man should flee (verses 4-6). Tell how it was to be done. He that fled to the city should stand at the gate and declare his cause to the elders. They were to take him in, and give him a place, and let him dwell in peace and safety till the time came for him to go back to his home again. But what about those who pursued him? Could they not enter the city, and take him out? No; he was to dwell safely there, though he had slain the man, if he "had not hated him beforetime." There were six of these citiestwo in the north, and two in the south, and two in the middle of the land, so that from all parts the man in danger might flee to one of them and be safe.*

* If convenient to do so, it may be well to point out on the map the position of each city.

A Refuge from a Greater Danger.-This may well make us think of a danger in which we all are placed-the danger caused by sin. The "avenger of blood" could kill the body only, but sin destroys the soul. How shall we escape from this danger? There is no City of Refuge in which a sinner may be safe. Sin brings God's anger, and that can reach us everywhere. Yet there is a Refuge. Jesus has borne the punishment, and taken away the wrath. If we go to Him -confessing and forsaking our sin, and trusting Him-for safety, all will be well. He is the only Refuge for sinners. "Other refuge have we none."

August 12.-Last Days of Joshua.-JOSHUA xxiv. 14-29.

Looking Back.-This lesson is to teach us of Joshua's last days. The years of busy work and fierce wars were over, the people were settled in the land, and Joshua was now "old and stricken in age." Like Moses before him, he had done the work God had given him to do, and he must die, and pass from among the people whom he had led and ruled. And this is so with everyone, for it is appointed unto man "once to die." The wisest, the bravest, the best-those whose lives have been filled with good-they too must pass away, even as the worst and most worthless. Joshua knew that he was about to die, and he wished to say some last words to those about him which should be good for them when he had gone. So he "called all Israel," and the elders, and heads, and judges, and officers, to speak to them for the last time. As they looked at their aged leader, they thought of what he had done for them in the days past. Joshua wished them rather to look back and remember what God had done for them and their fathers-of His wonders in Egypt, and in the journey to Canaan, and since they had entered it. Then he bade them " cleave unto God," and serve Him with all their hearts, that they might have good all life through.

Making a Choice.-When he had set all this before them, he called on them all to make a choice. He asked them to consider with care whether they thought it evil or good to serve the Lord, and to choose whether they would serve Him, or rather choose to serve the gods whom their fathers served "on the other side the flood," in the old days before Abraham had left the land of his fathers, at God's command, or the gods which were served in Egypt, or the gods of the people of the land to which they were now come. Here was a choice indeed! The people knew well that the gods of which Joshua spoke were no gods-that they had no life or power, and could neither save nor help them in time of need. While they thus thought of all this, Joshua said these noble words :-"As for

me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The people around him soon gave their answer. Hear what they said (verses 16-18). They spoke of what the Lord had done for them "in Egypt, and in all the way they went," and in the land of Canaan, and they said: "Therefore will we also serve the Lord, for He is our God." Joshua seemed to fear that they would not do this with all their heart; but they said again: "Nay, but we will serve the Lord." Here was a wise and noble choice. Have we to make a choice like that? Have we not? There are but two masters whom man can serve. We must make the choice of one or the other. Which shall it be?

The Sign of the Covenant.-When the people had made this solemn choice, Joshua, in presence of them all, "wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak." What was the meaning of this? Why should the words be written? That they should be borne in mind by them and their children. But what of the stone? (Read ver. 27.) It was to be a witness, silent but sure, of what they had agreed to do. Signs of things are of great use in bringing to mind the things themselves. No man or child could afterwards pass that stone without remembering the "solemn covenant" which they had made. And so it stood for long years, a witness against them when they broke the covenant and forsook the Lord. Now hear the solemn words which close our lesson (ver. 29). The work of Joshua was done; he now passed away to receive his reward. Life must come to an end, whether the work Think of this day by day, that you may be prepared for

of life be done or not.

the death which surely comes.

August 19.-Israel Forsaking God.-JUDGES ii. 6-16.

After the

Keeping the Covenant.-Recall the incidents of the last lesson. Covenant, and the writing the words in the book, and the setting up of the great stone as a witness, "Joshua let the people go." Again we are told of the death of Joshua, his age, his burial (verses 8, 9). Speak of the sorrow of the people as they lost their great friend and leader. Did they remember his work, and their covenant? Those who knew him did. So also did those who were children when Joshua died. All who had heard Joshua's noble choice and resolutionall who had seen what the Lord had done by Joshua, and "all the great works of the Lord which He did for Israel," served the Lord. They put away false gods, and worshipped the living and true God only. Their days passed happily, and in turn, like their fathers, they themselves passed away, till "all that generation were gathered unto their fathers." But what of those who came after them? Here is a sad account of these.

Forsaking God.-(Read verses II, 12.) They "did evil," "forsook the Lord God," "served Baalim," "followed other gods." What a sad record is this! There were the words written by Joshua, telling them what their fathers had