David,” and the house of David “as the angel of the Lord.” Every
Christian saw in his brother the divine similitude of love and benevolence.
One interest prevailed. One subject of emulation swallowed
up all others. The only ambition of the believers was to reveal the
likeness of Christ’s character and to labor for the enlargement of His
kingdom.
“With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection
of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them.” Acts 4:33.
Under their labors there were added to the church chosen men, who,
receiving the word of life, consecrated their lives to the work of
giving to others the hope that had filled their hearts with peace and
joy. Hundreds proclaimed the message: “The kingdom of God is at
hand.” They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatenings.
The Lord spoke through them; and, wherever they went, the sick
were healed, and the poor had the gospel preached unto them.
So mightily can God work when men give themselves up to the
control of His Spirit.
To us today, as verily as to the first disciples, the promise of the
Spirit belongs. God will today endow men and women with power
from above, as He endowed those who on the Day of Pentecost
heard the word of salvation. At this very hour His Spirit and His
grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His word.
Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity,
when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the
Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All differences had
been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had
been given is the same. Mark the word: “The multitude of them
that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” Acts 4:32. The
Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire [21]
congregation of believers.
The disciples did not ask for a blessing for themselves. They
were weighted with the burden of souls. The gospel was to be
carried to the ends of the earth, and they claimed the endowment
of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit
was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day.
So it may be now. Let Christians put away all dissension and
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give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them ask in
faith for the promised blessing, and it will come. The outpouring
