coming. We have no right to assume that his state of mind was
operative in fitting him to be cured, nor to call his attitude
'faith,' but still he was lifted from his usual dreary hopelessness,
and some strange anticipation was creeping into his heart.

Then comes the grand word of power. Again Peter is spokesman, but
John takes part, though silently. With a fixed gaze, which told of
concentrated purpose, and went to the lame man's heart, Peter
triumphantly avows what most men are ashamed of, and try to hide:
'Silver and gold have I none.' He had 'left all and followed Christ';
he had not made demands on the common stock. Empty pockets may go
along with true wealth.

There is a fine flash of exultant confidence in Peter's next words,
which is rather spoiled by the Authorised Version. He did not say
'_such_ as I have,' as it it was inferior to money, which he had not,
but he said '_what_ I have' (Rev. Ver.),--a very different tone. The
expression eloquently magnifies the power which he possessed as far
more precious than wealth, and it speaks of his assurance that he did
possess it--an assurance which rested, not only on his faith in his
Lord's promise and gift, but on his experience in working former
miracles.

How deep his words go into the obligations of possession! 'What I
have I give' should be the law for all Christians in regard to all
that they have, and especially in regard to spiritual riches. God
gives us these, not only in order that we may enjoy them ourselves,
but in order that we may impart, and so in our measure enter into the
joy of our Lord and know the greater blessedness of giving than of
receiving. How often it has been true that a poor church has been a