July 21

also was a man subject to like passions as we are. When Paul and Barnabas had healed the cripple at Lystra, and were in danger of being worshipped, they rent their clothes, and said, "Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you." And had these intentional idolaters been now present, and witnessed this angry contention, they would have had proof of it; and have no longer said, "The gods are come down in the likeness of men." Many a sacrifice of praise and confidence that we are ready to offer to a fellow-creature would be spoiled by a little more intimacy with them—"He that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow."

Here we see, what we have many occasions to remark, the impartiality and fairness of the sacred writers. They give us no "faultless monsters;" but describe the failings as well as the excellences of the dearest servants of God. They are never afraid of the honour of religion on this account; neither should we—

But let us remember for what purpose such faults are recorded in the Scriptures. It is not to render us careless in our walk, or to palliate our miscarriages; but to warn and admonish us. I am not to say, when irritated into asperity, "Why, Paul and Barnabas were hot and fierce too;" but to reflect on the weakness of human nature, and to learn my own danger—"If such men erred, let me beware." "Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe." Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. Happy is the man that feareth always.

JULY 21.—"They departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches."—Acts 15:39—41.

NOTHING could have been more unlikely or painful than this separation. Barnabas was of a most affectionate and tender disposition, and was called "the son of consolation." It was he that introduced Paul to the Christians at Jerusalem, and convinced them of his conversion when they were all afraid of him. They were peculiarly attached to each other. They had always been companions in travelling and preaching. How often had they taken sweet counsel together, and gone to the house of God in company. How frequently had they united in holy exercises. Like David and Jonathan, they were knit together in love, and seemed to have but one heart and one soul—Yet they differ, contend sharply, and part! Who has not said in his haste, All men are liars! What can equal the pain that results from the disruption of friendship!

Yet the Lord can make the wrath of man to praise him. The separation of Paul and Barnabas was overruled for good, and "turned out rather to the furtherance of the Gospel." Two missions now issued forth instead of one.

For the breach between them did not take them off from their work, or relax their zeal in the noble cause to which they were pledged. Only it is observable, not only that they moved widely from each other, but that each repaired to his native country; Barnabas sailing for Cyprus, and Paul travelling through Syria and Cilicia. Were they, in taking these directions, guided by the Holy Ghost, or

did they follow their own prudence and inclination? The latter might not have been inconsistent with the former. The Spirit of inspiration often availed itself of common occurrences, and fell in with the natural views and feelings of the individuals favoured with it. Partial affections are not incompatible with general benevolence; but may be the very means of aiding it. A peculiar regard for a land in which we were born and trained up, among all the endearments of life, is natural and unavoidable, and deserving of encouragement: and it is certain that we cannot show our love to it in any way so nobly and importantly, as by endeavouring to promote the spread and success of the Gospel in it.

The manner in which they were dismissed to their new scenes of labour, reminds us of the practice and principles of the first Christians. They were men of prayer. They knew that our sufficiency for every trial and for every work was of God; yea, that even an Apostle could only be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might—and therefore “the brethren recommended them unto the grace of God.”

But because this is spoken of Paul and Silas at their departure, and not also of Barnabas and John, some have inferred that the church at Antioch sided with Paul, thinking him in the right in this dispute, and blaming Barnabas for opposing him. But we are persuaded the sacred historian intended no such inference. Luke mentions only the dismissal and recommendation of Paul, because it was his history he was engaged to write. But we have every reason to believe that they did the same for Barnabas when he left them, as they did for Paul. They would know that in every difference there is mutual, though there may not be equal blame. They would be alive to the excellences of both these men of God: they would be tender towards both; they would pray for both. They had perhaps endeavoured to be mediators, but they took care not to be partisans. There are cases in which neutrality is a virtue; and a man’s greatest wisdom and excellency is to do nothing. And it is a very unreasonable thing when persons disagree, to think that others must be drawn into their quarrel; instead of retaining a regard for both, as far as each appears estimable. Let this remark be applied not only to religious dissensions, but to quarrels among neighbours. Let us remember the words of the wise man, “He that passing by, meddleth with strife not belonging to him, is like a man that taketh a dog by the ears”—He will soon grow weary of holding him back, and if he lets him go, he will be snapped at.

—Did Paul and Barnabas part at Antioch to meet no more? We are not able to determine this. It appears, however, that if they did not meet again, they were reconciled; for some years after Paul thus speaks of him; “or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?” Yea, we are persuaded they were reconciled before they parted. Anger may enter the mind of a wise man, but it “resteth only in the bosom of fools.” Paul, who said to others, “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath,” would not separate from Barnabas, perhaps for ever as to this life, without expressions of renewed attachment. And who, that ever tasted the pleasures of reconciliation, but wondered that he ever lived a day or an hour in the gall of bitterness and resentment?—Wherefore let us as much