Apostle wished to see the elders of this church, that he might give them his parting charge and benediction. When they arrived, he addressed them in the following most faithful and affectionate language. Nothing could be more tender, sincere, and affecting. It is an address which surpasses the highest strains of heathen eloquence. It is the language of a Christian. To the assembled elders of that church, in whose cause he had laboured and suffered so much, he says, "Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations, which befell me by the laying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions

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abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance

among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. We do not feel surprised at their great distress, when we consider that they were assured they were to see him no more, and that he was going to persecution and to death.

The elders of the Ephesian church, however, would not part with the beloved Apostle here; they accompanied him to the vessel to take their final leave of him whom they would never see again.

The Apostle, with his travelling friends, set sail from Miletus, and first touched at the island of Coos, which was opposite the south

nor.

west extremity of the main land of Asia MiFrom thence they passed, the day after, to Rhodes, which is a large and distinguished island of the Mediterranean and from thence to Patara, a sea-port on the main land, in the province of Lycia. Here they took passage in another vessel, bound to Phenicia; and having passed by the island of Cyprus, on the south side, they arrived at ancient Tyre, a sea-port of Phenicia. This was once one of the most famous cities in the world, for its wealth and commerce, and is connected with a great many interesting incidents of Scripture history.* As the ship in which Paul and his brethren were passengers was to take in a load at this place, they had the opportunity of remaining seven days, which they did not regret, as they found several christians there. In the city of Tyre, some of the christians, acting under a prophetic impulse, warned Paul of his danger, and intreated him not to go to Jerusalem. But, being confident that duty called him, he did not shrink from his purpose. The christians of Tyre showed

* See Bible Dictionary, published by the Am. S. S. U.

great affection for Paul, with their wives and children; they went with him out of the city to the place of shipping. There they kneeled down on the shore, and the Apostle again prayed with them. He took ship, and landed at Ptolemais, a town now called Acre, where they remained but one day. The object of stopping at this place, seems merely to see the Christian brethren there. From this place, Paul and his company went to Cesarea, where they became the guests of Philip the deacon.

At this place he remained a considerable length of time, and received express information of the difficulties and dangers which awaited him. A prophet, named Agabus, came from Judea to Cesarea to see Paul; and, as it was customary in those days, for prophets to express their meaning, by actions which are called symbolical, Agabus took Paul's girdle, and put it round his own hands and feet, and then said, "So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."-As may be supposed, after this, Paul was most earnestly desired by his