ent city. Believers there became so conspicuous for their numbers,
as to be designated by a particular name: "The disciples were called
Christians first in Antioch."

There were laboring in that city, besides Paul and Barnabas, three other
ministers; "Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and
Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch." The Holy Ghost
saw that this city, though very important for its numbers, wealth and
enterprise, could not claim the labors of five ministers, while the
world at large was entirely destitute of the Gospel. Therefore, on a
certain occasion, when the church were worshipping before the Lord and
fasting, the Holy Ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the
work whereunto I have called them."

The Holy Ghost did not say, "Separate me Simeon, and Lucius, and
Manaen," but, "Separate me BARNABAS and SAUL"--the spiritual fathers,
and main pillars of the church. Had the church been allowed to vote, it
doubtless would have spared its sons, rather than its fathers: they
would have stated their fond attachment to their first instructors;
would have plead the great influence of these two fathers in the church,
and the irreparable injury which would be sustained by their leaving it;
and would have said, If we must part with some of our teachers, take
Simeon, and Lucius, and Manaen, but bereave us not of our spiritual
fathers. The question however was not left to their decision. The demand
is stern and solemn from the Holy Spirit, with whom there is no selfish
bias, "Separate me BARNABAS and SAUL."

In reflecting on this narration, do we not come to the conclusion, that
MEN OF TALENTS AND INFLUENCE ARE CALLED TO THE WORK OF MISSIONS?

If this sentiment be true, it is one of immense and practical
importance; one that not only ministers, but churches also ought fully
to understand. Let us, then, dwell a moment longer on the practice of
early times.

The instance to which we have alluded is a striking one; it contains,
distinctly and impressively uttered, the mind of the Holy Spirit. It is
infallible authority that speaks, and what does it declare? The
paramount claim of missions to the ablest, holiest, and most experienced
men. If Antioch was required to spare her two ablest men, what may not
be required of such cities as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and
Baltimore? And judging too from this case of Antioch, what is the mind
of the Holy Ghost in regard to the twel