Do you remember one of the Apostle's lovely and strong metaphors?
Paul says that that little Church in Thessalonica rung out clear and
strong the name of Jesus Christ--resonant like the clang of a bugle,
'so that we need not to speak anything.' The word that he employs for
'sounded out' is a technical expression for the ringing blast of a
trumpet. Very small penny whistles would be a better metaphor for the
instruments which the bulk of professing Christians play on.

'Adorn the doctrine of Christ.' And that you may, listen to His own
word, which says all I have been trying to say in this sermon: 'Abide
in Me. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in
the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.'



OBEDIENT DISOBEDIENCE

'But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be
right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God,
judge ye. 20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have
seen and heard. 21. So when they had further threatened them,
they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them,
because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which
was done. 22. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this
miracle of healing was shewed. 23. And being let go they went to
their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and
elders had said unto them. 24. And when they heard that, they
lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord,
Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and