hoice, they proceeded in {454} it by way of
lot, which falling by the divine direction on Matthias, he was
accordingly associated with the eleven, and ranked among the apostles.
When in deliberations each side appears equally good, or each candidate
of equally approved merit, lots may be sometimes lawfully used;
otherwise, to commit a thing of importance to such a chance, or to
expect a miraculous direction of divine providence in it, would be a
criminal superstition and a tempting of God, except he himself, by an
evident revelation or inspiration, should appoint such a means for the
manifestation of his will, promising his supernatural interposition in
it, which was the case on this extraordinary occasion. The miraculous
dreams or lots, which we read of in the prophets, must no ways authorize
any rash superstitious use of such means in others who have not the like
authority.

* * * * *

We justly admire the virtue of this holy assembly of saints. Here were
no solicitations or intrigues. No one presented himself to the dignity.
Ambition can find no place in a virtuous or humble heart. He who seeks a
dignity either knows himself unqualified, and is on this account guilty
of the most flagrant injustice with regard to the public, by desiring a
charge to which he is no ways equal: or he thinks himself qualified for
it, and this self-conceit and confidence in his own abilities renders
him the most unworthy of all others. Such a disposition deprives a soul
of the divine assistance, without which we can do nothing; for God
withdraws his grace and refuses his blessing where self-sufficiency and
pride have found any footing. It is something of a secret confidence in
ourselves, and a presumption that we deserve the divine succor, which
banishes him from us. This is true even in temporal undertakings; but
much more so in the charge of souls, in which all success is more
particularly the special work of the Holy Ghost, not the fruit of human
industry. These two holy candidates were most worthy of the apostleship,
because perfectly humble, and because they looked upon that dignity with
trembling, though they considered its labors, dangers, and persecutions
with holy joy, and with a burning zeal for the glory of God. No regard
was had to worldly talents, none to flesh and blood. God was consulted
by prayer, because no one is to be assumed to his ministry who is not
called by him, and who does not enter