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Andrew had no idea that it was practicable to feed the multitude, and merely mentioned the small quantity of provisions in despair, and as an aggravation of their condition; but it is possible, too, that he may have entertained a secret hope that it was in his Master's power to relieve their wants even with the five loaves and two fishes, and that he propounded the question in a hesitating manner, that he might draw forth his Master's intentions. If this last is the fact, it shows that he possessed more faith than was often manifested by the other disciples, though not such an enthusiastic faith as was sometimes displayed by his more ardent brother.

We read also of Andrew, that when certain Greeks, who had come up to Jerusalem to worship at the feast of the Passover, expressed to Philip their desire to see Jesus, Philip mentioned the request to Andrew, and then they went both together to impart it to Jesus. These Greeks were no doubt what were called Proselytes of the Gate, or Greeks who had been converted to the acknowledgment and worship of the true God; but who, on account of their Gentile extraction, were not entitled to all the religious privileges and distinctions of native Jews. They had heard of the fame of Jesus, and desired to be intro

duced to his presence, not only to gratify their curiosity, but, if we may judge from the succeeding discourse of our Saviour, to inquire concerning his kingdom. The precaution which was used by Philip in preferring their request, is a sign, in the first place, that he was doubtful whether a Gentile ought to be brought into the company of the Messiah; and, secondly, that Andrew was, in his opinion, a person with whom he might profitably consult, in an affair which appeared to him to be of some moment and delicacy.

It was a few days after this, that Andrew, together with Peter, James, and John, asked Jesus, privately, what the sign should be, when all the things, which he had just been telling them respecting the destruction of the temple, should be fulfilled. This is all which is related of this apostle in the Gospels. In no other part of the writings of the New Testament is he ever mentioned, excepting as he is included in the mention of the apostles as a body.

Other ancient accounts inform us, that he preached the gospel in Scythia, Byzantium or Constantinople, various provinces of Greece, and other countries and cities. At Sinope, on the Euxine Sea, he is said to have met with his

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brother Peter. At last, coming to Patræ in Achaia, now Patras, an archiepiscopal see, he was crucified there, by order of Egæus, proconsul of that province. On approaching the cross to which he was condemned to be bound with cords, that his death might be more lingering, he is said, by one of the ancients, to have apostrophized it in the following ardent manner ;.“ Hail, , precious cross, which has been consecrated by the body of my Lord! how ardently have I loved thee! how long have I sought thee! at length I have found thee, now waiting to receive my longing soul. Take and snatch me from among mortals and present me to my Master, that he who redeemed me on thee, may receive me at thy hands."

The instrument of his martyrdom is commonly affirmed to have been what is called a cross decussate, made by two pieces of timber crossing each other in the middle, in the form of the letter X, and hence known by the name of St. Andrew's Cross.

His body was afterwards removed to Constantinople, and he is considered by the modern Greeks, as founder of the Byzantine or Constan. tinopolitan church.

Andrew is also the patron saint of Scotland; and the Scotch had a tradition that his remains were brought to their country, and entombed at St. Andrews, in the fourth century. The day reserved to him in the Calendar, is November 30. This day leads the season of Advent; and the honor of thus announcing the time of the Lord's coming, is said to be assigned to him, on account of his having been the first who came to Christ.

JAMES THE GREATER.

JAMES, the son of Zebedee, and the brother of John, is the third named on Matthew's list of the apostles. Of his father we are told nothing; but his mother, as appears by a comparison of parallel passages, was Salome, who emulated her children in attachment to the Saviour, and is spoken of as one of those women who followed and occasionally served him, who accompanied him to the cross, and were the first who were permitted to see him after his resurrection. This James has received the surname of the Greater, or Elder, to distinguish him from the other apostle, James the Less, of whom I shall speak hereafter.

He, with his brother John, pursued the same occupation with their townsmen Peter and Andrew, and were partners with them. They were also washing their nets on the shore, when Jesus entered the vessel of their partners. They beheld the miraculous draught of fishes; they

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