PRISCILLA is brought before us in a three-fold character. The first work which is mentioned in connection with her is. her united effort with her husband Aquila, to instruct more perfectly Apollos in the Scriptures of Truth (Acts 18:26). A man of Apollos' type, who was already founded on a strong Scriptural basis, would not be one to yield readily to another's opinions. This brings out Priscilla's ability in the capacity of an expert handler of the sword of the spirit. A careless Bible-neglecting sister could not have the privilege of assisting her husband in such a rewarding and responsible work. If we would be Priscillas, we must be careful to keep our memories well stored with Bible truths, and be diligent in making use of these truths whenever we have opportunity. The second feature in Priscilla's character is her great courage. Paul speaks of her as having (in conjunction with her husband) laid down her neck for his sake (Rom. 16:3,4). Priscilla had evidently rendered Paul service when to do so was to risk her own life. She could hardly have been prompted to this merely by friendship. The disciples loved Christ, but forsook him when brought face to face with impending death. Priscilla must have been inspired by a strong sense of duty. Those who have been placed in danger of losing their lives could most fully estimate Priscilla's courage. Nevertheless the instincts of self-preservation, common to the human family, will aid us in realising, to an extent, what it must have cost Priscilla to have thus jeopardised her life. The bravest and hardiest give way when it comes to a question of life and death, especially if the threatened death be ignominious. The secret of Priscilla's bravery must be sought. not in mere animal courage, but in that courage of which faith is the basis. All the courageous acts of Bible heroes have been the outcome of the faith (Heb. 11). Priscilla evidently placed implicit confidence in the promise: "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee," so that she could boldly say "the Lord is my helper, i will not fear what man shall do unto me." If it were God's will that she should escape, no man could hurt her. If it were God's will that she should die, then let man do his worst. Thus must she have reasoned God in His mercy has not called us to serve Him in times of persecution such as those in which Priscilla lived. Nevertheless there are many duties in the discharge of which we stand in apprehension of bodily hurt. We can only fulfill these duties by displaying similar courage, though not perhaps in the same degree, to that displayed by Priscilla. The timid sister who has to go a lonely or unpleasant journey to the meetings may think of Priscilla, and take comfort. The sister. too. who, in order to let others enjoy the privilege of attending the meetings, has to tremblingly spend the evening in a house by herself. Let her try and cultivate Priscilla's faith and she will find herself considerably helped in her unpleasant and trying position. Gad does not expect His children to court unnecessary danger - to take an unsafe road when they could choose a safe one, to leave their doors open when they could shut and lock them; but when they have to face unavoidable danger, He would have them to their duty, leaving the consequences in His hands. The third feature in Priscilla's character comes out in the phrase, twice repeated, "the ecclesia that is in their (Priscilla and Aquila's) house" (Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19). This reveals Priscilla's steady, persevering fidelity to the service of the truth. We know seeing that none are yet perfect - that for a community of believers to meet or dwell in Priscilla's house would mean some inconvenience and much to bear with. Priscilla evidently fortified herself for the strain. Let us strive to cultivate Priscilla's forbearance and steadfastness. Let us not be turned from work in which we might engage by difficulties great and smail. Let us desire to serve the Truth, and whether we are called on to lend our hands, our voices, our feet, or our houses, let us do it joyfully, bountifully, not in a grudging half-hearted way.

The Christadelphian mind that is constantly centered around the "wisdom from above" is certain to, in actions, life, and character exhibit symptoms of that which has been learnt. Logos Vol. 1.

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