O'er the realms of pagan darkness See the kindreds of the people Lost in sin's bewild'ring maze. On the face of all the earth. Light of them that sit in darkness! Light to lighten all the Gentiles ! Let all kings and nations come. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. PRAYER IN BEHALF OF PETER. Peter therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him.-Acts xii. 5. In this chapter we have an account of a second persecution, to which the infant church was exposed. In the first persecution Stephen was involved, and attained to the honor of martyrdom. In this, Peter is seized, imprisoned, and condemned to death. The author of this latter persecution was Herod, grandson of Herod the Great, who attempted the life of our Savior in his infancy, and nephew of Herod, by whose command the Baptist was beheaded. Prompted, either by his own bigotry for he was educated in the religion of Moses-or, to gratify the resentment of others, "he stretched forth his hand to vex certain of the church. James, the brother of John, he killed with the sword; and, because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also." Upon his apprehension, Peter was imprisoned; and, that there might be no chance of escape, sixteen soldiers were appointed to guard his person. At length, the day of his execution was fixed. There was, apparently, now, no prospect of Peter's release. The apostles had no civil power; the church had none; and an appeal to Herod would be in vain. There was, however, one alternative; and to that, the church, in her extremity, resorts. The disciples assemble at the house of Mary-herself a devoted Christian-and there, during the night, they offer long and importunate supplications for the deliverance of Peter. There are many instances of successful prayer recorded in the Scriptures; but few, if any, more joyful and surprising than that before us. Surely, the Church need never despair. Upon the estimate of human probabilities, there was no hope in respect to the escape of Peter. For, how could that prison be reached?-how that door be unlocked?—how those keepers silenced?-how those fetters loosened? But let us not anticipate. Peter is sleeping-at peace with God-at peace with himself. It was his last night. But there is within his bosom a good conscience, and the hope of immortality. Why not sleep calmly and secure? But his Divine Master is awake; the church itself is awake, and is at prayer: and, in answer to prayer, an angel of the Living God is dispatched to the prison, to release the apostle. We must, however, pass over the circumstances of his release. Suffice it to say, that under the guidance of the angel, he departs from the prison walls, and repairs to the house of Mary. Peter knocks at the gate, and is heard by a damsel by the name of Rhoda. In a suppressed voice, Peter asks admittance; but, in the tumult of her thoughts, and in the excess of her joy, instead of unbarring the gate, she hastens to the disciples, and, to the surprise of all, announces that Peter himself is standing at the gate. This was deemed impossible-and the damsel is pro nounced "mad." But wherefore this unbelief? For hours, they had been praying, with all possible earnestness and importunity, for this very result; and, now, when told that Peter is safe, they cannot credit it, and prefer to think that the damsel is insane, than that their prayers are answered. And still more, upon her affirming that she is neither mad nor mistaken, they resort to another explanation, not less indicative of unbelief, that, probably, it is Peter's ghost! We do not say that there was any thing uncommon in the conduct of these disciples; but, there was a great want of faith. Christians often pray earnestly, but they are slow to believe that their prayers will be answered, and express great surprise when they are answered. How often is it that a revival is sought-ardently and importunately—and should, therefore, be expected: but when God pours out his Spirit, and sinners begin to be humbled and convicted, Christians are astonished that their prayers are thus answered. This narrative suggests several important truths in regard to prayer. 1. Prayer is a direct means of obtaining blessings from God. That Peter was delivered from the hands of Herod, in answer to the prayers of the Church, is evident from two facts. 1. That prayer was made for his release. And, 2. That God sent his angel for the special purpose of effecting his deliverance. The inspired penman has so connected these facts, that any other inference is impossible. They are stated as cause and effect. Had the Church not assembled, or had they not thus prayed, who will affirm that the apostle would have been delivered. But it is incredible, say some, that the high and mighty God should listen to the supplications of worms on his footstool. It is, doubtless, great condescension; but, why incredible? May not a child ask a favor of his parent? And may not the parent respond? God is infinite; but he hears when the young ravens cry-he notices the falling sparrow-why not listen to the cries of an immortal being? Why not rescue one at the instance of others, when that one is to be made an instrument of good to a world? It is further objected, that God is immutable; and, therefore, cannot alter his purposes consistently. God is, indeed, immutable. He has decided never to alter his purposes; but it is his purpose, has been, and ever will be—an unchangeable law of his moral administration—to answer sincere and importunate prayer. Should he not answer such prayer, when such are his purposes, he might, indeed, be charged with mutability, inconsistency, and unfaithfulness. He has provided for a response to every faithful prayer, from the beginning to the end of time. but in one other "Have fervent 2. Prayer should be earnest. Steady, ardent, intense. Mr. Barnes observes that the word rendered "without ceasing," is found place in the New Testament. 1. Pet. 4: 8. charity among yourselves." The word conveys the idea that their prayers were earnest and fervent, rather than constant. They corresponded, in these respects, to the importance of the blessing sought. This was the life of a fellowdisciple of an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. The death of Peter at this juncture-of this ardent, bold, single-hearted champion of the Cross-would, seemingly, have been a severe blow to the rising Church of Christ. The disciples were quite right, then, in throwing into their prayers, that night, all the ardor of which they were capable; and, to that ardor, the spirit of God, we may believe, imparted his own divine energy in "groanings which could not be uttered." 3. Prayer should be persevering. If the object sought, be important, why should it be relinquished? Why not pray on till the blessing is bestowed? This the child does. He gives not over seeking, till the parent grants his request, or decides that it cannot be con Sodom until he is sistently granted. Abraham pleads for ashamed, it would seem, to plead longer. that, had he plead her cause still longer, he would not have prevailed? Our Lord has said, that men should always pray, and never faint; and, if always, there is no limitation to persevering prayer. The rule is, to pray till God bids you 66 cease;" till God grants the boon, or says, "No." 4. Prayer, on suitable occasions, should be offered by Christians uniting for that purpose. Such an occasion was the deliverance of Peter. His imprisonment was a public calamity. The whole Church was suffering, and was likely to suffer still more, should the plans and purposes of Herod be accomplished. With great propriety, therefore, did the Church, as a body, come together and plead, in their collective capacity, for the deliverance of one, of so much importance to the infant cause. In like manner, should the Church at the present day act; if, from any cause, her interests are suffering. Are the influences of the Spirit suspended?—are false doctrines being spread abroad?-are ministers swerving from the truth ?—is the Church, in respect to her light, life, zeal, losing her proper influence over the world?—are sinners waxing bold, and crowding the broad way in an unusual manner?—if all these, or any of these, discouraging and palsying influences are at work, let the Church assemble; let her plead and importune the aid of her Divine Head. 5. Prayer is sometimes answered, while it is yet being offered up. This was true in respect to the deliverance of Peter. He was released while the disciples were praying at the house of Mary. This accords with one of the promises of the prophetic Scriptures. "It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and, while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Daniel received an immediate response to his supplication: "While I was speaking in prayer, and confessing |