October 13

OCTOBER 13.—“Peter, therefore, was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”—Acts 12:5.

It is pleasing and useful to contemplate the wise and good in trying scenes: to see what they do in the hour of danger and distress: what is their resource, and how they make use of it. The church was now in a state of great suffering and alarm, on account of Peter’s imprisonment and intended execution; but alone, and at their family altars, and in their social and public meetings, they made prayer unto God for him. Prayer is the refuge and solace of those who are in any trouble—It is therefore graciously prescribed; “Call upon me in the day of trouble.” “Is any afflicted? let him pray.” It is one of the designs of affliction to excite us to pray more frequently, and more earnestly: and God, who knows the importance of the exercise, and what will conduce to it, says, “I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.”

We also see that intercession or praying for others, as well as for ourselves, is a duty. Thus our Lord teaches us, when we pray, to say, “Our Father”—and “give us day by day our daily bread.” Thus we are commanded to pray for all men—and surely therefore for the servants of Christ, and those who are suffering according to the will of God. Let us not be selfish in our devotions. Let us be grieved for the affliction of Joseph. Let us weep when we remember Zion: and give the Lord no rest till he establish and make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Indeed Christians ought to value intercession as a great advantage afforded them. They wish to relieve others, but how little can they do for the distressed personally? They long to be useful in the cause of their Lord and Saviour; but many of them are denied this luxury, as far as it depends upon office, talent, and wealth: but all have influence—all can pray—all have power with God—he despiseth not the prayer of the destitute, but will hear their prayer.

The church here was fully aware of this; and we see the weapons, so to speak, with which the first Christians fought against their enemies and for their friends. If, says the Saviour, my kingdom was of this world, then would my servants fight—indeed they would, and show that kind of courage which the many only admire. But his kingdom is not from hence: and therefore though they do fight, the weapons of their warfare are not carnal, but spiritual, and mighty through God. They are submission, patience, tears, prayers. The church therefore thinks not of violence or resistance: yea, they do not draw up a petition and present it to Herod. They go at once, not to the jailer, but the judge; not to the servant, but the Lord of all. They knew that Herod was under his control: and therefore prayer was made for Peter continually. The Lord exercises a twofold empire over men. The one is spiritual and saving; when he enlightens and sanctifies them: and puts his laws into their minds; and writes them in their hearts. The other is providential; when, without converting them, he changes their purposes, or defeats their pursuits. Thus it is said, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, and he turneth it like the rivers of water;” which, led into another channel by the husbandman, retain