ANANIAS.


 THIS strange picture is of something that took place
at a meeting in Jerusalem. The disciples of Christ met
every day to pray and worship, and thousands of people
had come to believe that Jesus who had been crucified
was the Son of God. These were all of one mind in
serving him; and they all put their money together, so
that the rich might help the poor and all share alike.
One rich man sold all his land, and brought the money
and laid it down before the apostles to use for the church.
 Another man named Ananias sold a piece of land,
perhaps a vineyard or a house and garden, or a farm, and
promised to bring all the money and give it to the church.
He and his wife talked it over at home, counted over all
they sold it for, and it seemed too much to give it all
away; so part of it they hid away in some secret place,
and in time for the morning meeting Ananias went with
the rest of the money, and with a smooth, calm face car-
ried it up and laid it before the apostles.
 How amazed he was when Peter spoke, and said,
" Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the
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