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the reign of Claudius Cæsar, and that writer not only says nothing of the famine having extended to Syria, but he informs us, that vast quantities of corn were sent up to Jerusalem from other countries". What is stated, therefore, in The Acts, receives confirmation from what is related by Josephus, and we may safely conclude, that this prophecy of Agabus must have been dictated by the Spirit of God, who took this method of providing for the wants of the Christians, in the approaching dearth. The reason, then, is obvious, why "contributions should be sent from Antioch to Jerusalem, rather than from Jerusalem to Antioch."

SECT. II.

St. Paul and Barnabas deputed to convey the Contributions to Jerusalem.

THE conduct of the disciples at Antioch, upon hearing the prediction of Agabus, was extremely meritorious, and worthy of that religion in which they had been instructed. They seem to have felt, that "it was more blessed

See Joseph. Antiq. Book XX. Chap. ii. Sect. 6. and Chap. v. Sect. 2.

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to give than to receive," and that wealth is never so well applied, as when it is employed in relieving the distresses, and promoting the happiness of mankind. They immediately determined, according to their ability, to send relief to the brethren at Jerusalem; and the persons they selected, as the bearers of their contributions, were Barnabas and Paul, more just and honourable men than whom it was impossible to have chosen. The account of the manner in which these persons fulfilled their mission is short, but very satisfactory. "And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.” Acts xii. 25. I confess, that in the admirable conciseness and simplicity, with which this, and other circumstances are related by the author of The Acts of the Apostles, I see strong ground

a Gamaliel Smith cannot discover, he tells us, where Paul "got these words," which he is represented as using, Acts xx. 35. "In the works of the four received biographers of Jesus, with Cruden and his concordance for guides, all search for them has been fruitless," p. 154.

The Evangelists have informed us, that they neither have related, or intended to relate, all that Jesus did or said. Those words, therefore, might have been well known among the Apostles, to have been uttered by our Lord. But, although the words themselves cannot be found in the Evangelists, the substance of them may be discovered in various places, as Luke vi. 38. and xvi. 9.

for deeming the history authentic. The writer appears to have had no other object in view, than to relate facts, as he believed them to have occurred. Paul and Barnabas, the history says, were sent with the money to the elders. Now, this is a title given to the Apostles themselves, as well as to inferior ministers, who were appointed "overseers of the flock of Christ, to feed the church of God" It is highly probable, therefore, that at this, as well as other visits, St. Paul had an interview with such of the Apostles, as were then at Jerusalem. Having rendered a full and satisfactory account of all the contributions entrusted to their care, Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch. As to Mr. Gamaliel Smith's observations, about St. Paul's having "a personal project" in view on this occasion, and about "the situation of President of the Christian commonwealth being the prime object of his ambition," they are SO utterly unfounded, as to be unworthy of a reply. When Gamaliel Smith attempts to shew, by arguments drawn from St. Paul's conduct and writings, that St. Paul was influenced by personal ambition, I will endeavour to shew the fallacy of his reasoning.

It was about the time of this second visit, that Herod Agrippa commenced a persecution

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against the church at Jerusalem. In this persecution James, the brother of John, was slain, and Peter being imprisoned, was miraculously delivered by an angel. The wretched end of the royal persecutor, is mentioned towards the conclusion of the twelfth chapter of The Acts.

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"The fidelity and accuracy of St. Luke, as an historian, are confirmed by Josephus in every particular of this narration of the death of Herod, as to the place, (Cæsaræa,) the set day, the gorgeous dress, the acclamations of the assembly, the peculiar turn of the flattery, the manner in which it was received, and the sudden and critical attack of the disease.”—Paley. See Joseph. Antiq. Book XIX. Chap. viii. Sect. 2.

CHAP. VI.

ST. PAUL BELIEVED continued.

SECT. I.

St. Paul's third Visit to Jerusalem-Dissentions and Debates about Circumcision.

THE Occasion of St. Paul's third visit to Jerusalem, as has already been remarked, was a dissention which arose at Antioch, in consequence of certain persons from Judæa having taught the brethren, that "unless they were circumcised, they could not be saved." The question being one of great importance to the peace of the Christian churches, it was determined, that Paul and Barnabas, with certain others, should go up to Jerusalem, to consult with the Apostles and elders on the subject. It appears from the history, (Acts xv. 5.) that when Paul and Barnabas had arrived at Jerusalem, a party of Pharisees, who had been converted to Christianity, taught the necessity not

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