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they had further threaten'd them, they let them go finding nothing how they might punish them, becaufe of the people for all men glorified God, for that which was done! 238 But, as the Apoftles went on, preaching and working Miracles, with great Succefs, The High-Prieft rose up, and all that were --- v. 17, with him (which is the fect of the Sadducees) &c. and were filled with indignation; and laid their hands on the Apostles, and put them in the common prifon. From whence, after they were miraculously deliver'd by the Angel of the LORD, and, by his Command, had again enter'd into the temple, early in the morning, and taught we are told, The HighPrieft came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, fenate of the children of Ifrael; the prison to have them brought.

and all the

and sent to 't geldspite But, being informed that they had efcap'd, When the High-Prieft, and the captain of the temple, and the chief Priests, heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. And, at laft, hearing that they were in the temple, teaching the people, the captain, with the officers, went and brought them, without violence, and fet

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them before the council. And the High-Prieft asked them, Jaying, Did not we firaitly command you, that you should not teach in this name? And behold ye have filled Jerufalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's (Chrift's) blood upon us. To which, Peter and the other Apostles, answering in such a manner, as cut them to the heart, they took counsel to flay them.

Then flood there up One, in the council, a Pharifee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law, bad in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the Apofiles forth, a little space. Who having given fuch Arguments as were proper to inforce his Propofal, concludes thus; And now, I fay unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: For, if this counsel, or this work, be of men, it will come to nought. But, if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; left haply ye be found to fight against God. And to him they agreed. And when they had called the Apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of JESUS, and let them go.

The next Instance is, in the Martyrdom of Stephen; one of the feven, who had → been

&c.

been lately ordain'd Deacons, by the Apoftles. We are told that Stephen, being full --- vi. 8, of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. And when certain of the fynagogue difputed with him, and were not able to refift the wisdom and spirit, by which he spake, they suborn'd men, which faid, We have heard him speak blafphemous words, against Mofes, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the fcribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him before the Council. And Set up falfe witnesses, which faid; This man ceafeth not to fpeak blafphemous words, against this holy place, and the Law. For, we have heard him fay, that this JESUS of Nazareth fhall deftroy this place, and fhall change the cuftoms which Mofes delivered us. And all that fate in the council, looking ftedfastly on him, faw his face, as it had been the face of an angel: With the calm, ferene, intrepid, Countenance, of an innocent and an upright Man.

Then faid the High-Prieft, Are these things fo? And when Stephen had replied, like a glorious Confeffor for the Truth of the Gofpel, in a Manner too long to be here recited,

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recited, and very difagreeable to the Eari -vii. 54. of his Judges, it is faid, When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart; and they gnashed on him with their teeth. And, upon his offering fomewhat more, They cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord; and caft him out of the city, and ftoned him.

After this, we read of the council again, -xxi. in relation to St. Paul; there having been xxii.xxiii. an Infurrection, upon his Account, in the

xxiv.

XXV.

Temple, the chief captain came, with foldiers, and took him into Cuftody. And, the next day, because he would know the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, be loofed him from his bands, and commanded the Chief-Priests, and all their council to appear; and brought Paul down, and fet bim before them.

And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, faid, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good confcience before God, until this day. And the High-Prieft Ananias commanded them that stood by, to fmite him on the mouth. Then Jaid Paul unto him, God fhall fmite thee, thou whited wall; for, fittest thou to judge me after the Law, and, commandeft

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me to be fmitten contrary to the Law? And
they that food by faid, Revileft thou God's
High-Prieft? Then faid Paul, I wift not,
brethren, that he was the High-Prieft; for,
it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the
ruler of thy people.
behaved himself fo unlike a Chief Magi-
ftrate, that I could not confider him in
that Capacity; otherwise, I know my Duty
well enough.

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As much as to say, He

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After this, there happening to be a great diffenfion in the council, the chief captain afraid left Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the foldiers to go down to the Council-Chamber, and take him by force from amongst them, and bring him into the castle. From whence Paul being fent away to Cæfarea, Ananias the HighPrieft, with the elders, and a certain orator, named Tertullus, followed him thither; to inform the governor against him. But, this they did without carrying their Suit; for Felix the Governor adjourn'd the Hearing till a proper Opportunity; and kept Paul a Prisoner at large, for two Years.

And when Feftus, who fucceeded Felix, went to Jerufalem, The High-Prieft, and D d

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