"Say no more," exclaimed the apostle, deeply moved, "but let all present leave the room; I would be alone with the dead."

The chamber was instantly cleared; and while the anxious throng waited without, Peter prostrated himself before the Lord in fervent supplication. Then rising, he fixed his eyes on the still form before him, and said, "Tabitha, arise."

The word was accompanied with power from on high, and she who had been dead instantly opened her eyes, and seeing Peter standing by her couch, rose up, restored at once to life and health. Calling back the friends of Dorcas from the adjoining apartment, he took her by the hand, and presenting her to them, said, "Here is the sister for whom ye mourned, graciously given back to you by the hand of God himself. Receive the gift with joy and gladness, and let your lives testify the gratitude ye feel for this great mercy."

The good news soon spread throughout Joppa, and caused universal rejoicing, for Dorcas was esteemed and beloved even by

those who hated the religion which made her

what she was.

The apostle remained in Joppa many days, and multitudes were brought to the knowledge of the truth whose attention was first arrested by the raising of Dorcas from the dead.

Great as the miracle was however, this admirable woman was brought back only to a dying life, and ages upon ages have rolled away since she went down to the grave, to return no more till the trump of the archangel shall rouse all the sleeping dead. But the memorial of her goodness is imperishable as the volume in which it is preserved; and the name of Dorcas, as a synonym of Christian benevolence, will be remembered and cherished in the church till time itself shall be

no more.

LYDIA,

The hospitable
Hostess.

HE city of Philip

pi, in Macedonia, was full of ex

citement; for the great apostle of

the Gentiles, who had been "turning the world

upside down," had come hither also, and the

citizens of all classes were eagerly discussing the news in every place of public resort where they were wont to gather. But the crowd was greatest about the Jewish synagogue, or place of prayer, built on the river's brink, perhaps for the more convenient performance of the ablutions enjoined by the Mosaic ritual, in the observance of which the Jews were very strict, even while neglecting the weightier matters of the law. A thousand contradictory reports concerning the character and objects of the apostle circulated through the assembly, and some were for expelling him forcibly from the city, while others advocated a milder course; and the greater part stood ready to join either side, as the caprice of the moment might dictate.

While the strife of tongues was at its height, two strangers entered the synagogue, on whom all eyes were instantly turned, and a general hush succeeded, as the whisper ran from one to another, "These are the men of whom we have been speaking."

The elder of the two, with an eye that seemed to read the soul, rose and addressed

the assembly in a voice at first soft and low, but which rose and swelled as he proceeded, until the audience listened spellbound by his eloquence.

He informed them that, while at Troas, in Asia Minor, engaged in his Master's work, a messenger appeared to him in a vision by night, saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us."

Gathering from this that God had something for him to do in Greece, he had crossed the Hellespont with his companion Silas, and had come directly to Philippi, asking only the privilege of a candid hearing, while he proclaimed the message sent to both Jews and Greeks by his risen Lord.

He then proceeded to tell them of the Saviour; of his mission on earth, his death on the cross, his resurrection and ascension; assuring them that a full atonement had been made, by which God could be just, and the justifier of all who believe in his Son Jesus Christ. He told them of the sinfulness of the natural heart; of man's utter inability to save himself, and his need of a Mediator with an offended God; of the