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and loveliness of clear and powerful truth. The vail which had pre-
vented them from seeing the end of that which was abolished was
now removed, and the object of Christ’s mission and the nature of his
kingdom were comprehended with perfect clearness.
The Jews had been scattered to almost every nation, and spoke
various languages. They had come long distances to Jerusalem, and
had temporarily taken up their abode there, to remain through the
religious festivals then in progress, and to observe their requirements.
When assembled, they were of every known tongue. This diversity
of languages was a great obstacle to the labors of God’s servants in
publishing the doctrine of Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth.
That God should supply the deficiency of the apostles in a miracu-
lous manner was to the people the most perfect confirmation of the
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testimony of these witnesses for Christ. The Holy Spirit had done
for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves
in a lifetime; they could now spread the truth of the gospel abroad,
speaking with accuracy the language of those for whom they were
laboring. This miraculous gift was the highest evidence they could
present to the world that their commission bore the signet of Heaven.
“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of
every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the
multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every
man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed,
and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which
speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue,
wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the
dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus,
and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya
about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and
Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works
of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saving one to
another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full
of new wine.”
The priests and rulers were greatly enraged at this wonderful mani-
festation, which was reported throughout all Jerusalem and the vicinity;
but they dared not give way to their malice, for fear of exposing them-
selves to the hatred of the people. They had the Master to death, but
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here were his servants, unlearned men of Galilee, tracing out the won-