October 22

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them

6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them; and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed

8 And there was great joy in that city

9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one;

10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then did they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money.

19 Saying Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Under the preaching of Philip, who was one of the seven deacons (chap. vi.), Simon made a profession of Christianity, was baptized, and became a constant attendant on the ministry of Philip. But Simon was not a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He believed with his understanding only, not with his heart. But Philip could not see the heart; so he hoped that Simon was sincere, as he professed to be. His real character, however, showed itself when the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the disciples in Samaria under the preaching of John and Peter.

"Simon had joined himself to the disciples of Christ, but whatever there was of conviction, confession and change of life involved in the act, his heart was not right. Men of this class have always been found in the church. Nor, as a rule, do they remain undiscovered. For in the lives of men there occur events which bring out the master-principle, however carefully they seek to keep it from the view. A man may go through the routine of Christian duty, deceived or deceiving, for a considerable time; but, sooner or later, some crisis will arrive when he will be thrown off his guard, and his true character appear, perhaps to his own painful surprise, certainly to that of those who are associated with him in church fellowship.—R. R. Meredith, D. D.

Closet Promise.—I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.—Psalm xxxii. 8.

"He chose this path for thee. No feeble chance, nor hard, relentless fate, But love, His love, hath placed thy footsteps here; He knew the way was rough and desolate, Knew how the heart would often sink with fear; Yet tenderly He whispers, 'Child, I see This path is best for thee!'

"He chose this path for thee. Though well He knew sharp thorns would tear thy feet, Knew how the branches would obstruct thy way, Knew all the hidden dangers thou wouldst meet, Knew how thy faith would falter day by day; And still the whisper echoed, 'Yes, I see This path is best for thee!'

"He chose this path for thee; And well He knew that thou must tread alone! O'er rocky steps and where dark river flows, His loving arm will bear thee all the days;

A few steps more, and thou thyself shall see This path is best for thee!" —Selected.