January 25

12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people: (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's speech.

13 And of the rest dust no man join himself to them; but the people magnified them.

14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women;)

15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick

folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits; and they were healed every one

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation.

18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life

21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught.

The Shadow of Peter—this shows his influence; what prominence he gained among his fellows. The Scriptures do not say that the people were commanded to lay their sick there. It is not said that any were cured; but they loved Peter, they believed in Peter. Goodness draws men and assures them.

This incident discovers the fact of what a Christian man can do, even without learning, or wealth, or high position, if he loves Christ, and is filled with His spirit, and sets about His work. What was this shadow of Peter but the light of Christ in him?

The Christian cannot keep his goodness; his shadow will fall somewhere all the time; he must be giving out. What a God we have who can even use our shadow!

"This shadow of blessing should be ours. It should increase with our years. 'May your shadow never be less' has a higher significance than our common utterance gives it. Toward sundown that day Peter's shadow was longer, and would reach many more. So should it be with us as we journey toward the sunset of life—our Christian influence increasing. Let your shadow fall widely. Let it fall on the poor, on the needy, on your children, on the sick, and the stranger and everywhere, God shall be our shade."—C. L. Goodall, D. D.

Closet Promise.—If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday; and the Lord shall guide thee continually.—Isa. lviii. 10, 11.

O Lord, who art our guide even unto death, grant us, I pray Thee, grace to follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. In little daily duties to which Thou callest us, bow down our wills to simple obedience, patience under pain or provocation, strict truthfulness of word and manner, humility, kindness; in great acts of duty or perfection, if Thou shouldest call us to them, uplift us to self sacrifice, heroic courage, laying down of life for Thy truth's sake, or for a brother. Amen.—C. G. Rossetti.