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Highlights: Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) , Cambodia (Siem Reap) , Asia (Lower Mekong River Cruise)
Explore Vietnam's bustling capital, Hanoi with your private guide and driver. The next day, a short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, brings you to the gateway of the largest ancient city in the world. Explore Angkor Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site laden with magnificent temples that once heralded the grandeur of the Khmer empire. Nearby, Tonle Sap Lake provides the launching point for your graceful Mekong River adventure. Cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (My Tho Port), with calls at Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Chong Koh, Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt and Cai Be. Experience life on the river from small rural villages to booming capitals, visiting temples floating markets and much more along the way during your unforgettable Mekong River odyssey. Explore Ho Chi Minh City with your private expert guide.
Cruise Departure Dates:
2015: Jun 29, Jul 13,27, Aug 10,17,24,31, Sep 7,14,21,28, Oct 5,12,19,26, Nov 2,9,16,23,30, Dec 7,14,21,28
Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.
You will be picked up at your hotel by private car with an English speaking guide and taken to visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and his former residence, One pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. For lunch, enjoy a lovely meal at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue your city tour to your choice of one of Hanoi's many museums, including Fine Art, History, Revolutionary, War, and Ethnology, then head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple and experience a 1 hour cyclo tour. Finish your day off at the Thang Long Opera Theatre for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.
Fly from Hanoi to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Today will be spent exploring the major temples of Angkor, an absolute highlight and must-do on any trip to Cambodia. Pace your time according to your personal tastes, as you move about the complex visiting sites that date back to the 12th century. Pass under the towering South Gate of Angkor Thom, known as the "Great City". Head into the Bayon group of ruins, famous for the multitude of ancient faces carved into the stone, now looking out over modern day visitors. Linger a while at photogenic Ta Prohm, a group of temples that have been overtaken by the jungle. Lunch will be served at a local Khmer restaurant. In the afternoon you will visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, and a symbol for Cambodia. Finally, watch the sky turn many colors of orange and pink from atop Phnom Bakheng, a hilltop monument with an ideal vantage point for sunset.
After registration this morning, you'll board a motor coach for a transfer to your ship in Kampong Cham. Along the way you'll make stops at the Spean Praptos Bridge and Kampong Tom Village.Upon arrival to the river, you'll board a motorboat transfer to your awaiting cruise ship.Overall transfer time from point of registration to cruise ship is approximately 5 hours.
Meet your driver for a pier transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.
Welcome aboard.Take some time to get settled in to your stateroom, and to explore the length of the ship.Meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner this evening. Anchor overnight on the Mekong River near Wat Hanchey.
Port charges are included in your multi-day cruise itinerary.
This morning, explore Wat Hanchey, a hilltop pagoda with beautiful panoramic views of the Mekong. This ancient 8th century is characteristic of the Chenla Empire, which pre-dates the Angkor period. Your afternoon excursion takes you the Kampong Cham area on your way to visit the Mahayana Buddhist temple of Wat Nokor, where the 12th century temple has been 'fused' with a modern wat. Afterwards you will see the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey (man and woman hill) symbolic of marriage in Cambodian culture.
Today, your morning excursion begins with a blessing from the monks of a local temple followed by a visit to the village of Angkor Ban, one of the only villages that was not burned down or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge tragedies, where you can see stilted houses up to 100 years old. After lunch take a leisurely walk Chong Koh village best known for its silk weaving artists. The ship arrives in Phnom Penh this evening.
A morning tour explores the highlights of Cambodia's capital city, famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafes, vibrant nightlife and renovated river "corniche." Visit the Royal Palace and the spectacular Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. After lunch onboard, another excursion leads to the infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre (Genocide Museum) situated in the suburbs of the city. An overnight on the waterfront provides an opportunity to dine in one of many nearby restaurants and experience Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife, should passengers so choose.
Spend a day cruising the Mekong River and crossing the border into Vietnam. Your vessel moors at the small town of Tan Chau, Vietnam.
After breakfast, transfer to small boats, which will navigate through narrow channels to visit a small village known as "Evergreen Island". You will also visit a catfish farm and a rattan mat and slipper-making workshop . Back ashore, a traditional "xe-loi" (trishaw) awaits to transport you around Tan Chau. In the afternoon, your vessel cruises downstream to Sa Dec, where it will moor overnight.
In the morning, board a local boat for Sa Dec passing floating markets as you boat maneuvers through the river's channels. Once ashore, you will tour Sa Dec, noteworthy as the town where the French writer Marguerite Dumas spent many years in her youth. Visit a local market, Fujian Temple and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Dura's Chinese paramour, which is now a small museum. Afterwards board a motor coach for the 1-hour ride to Xeo Quyt, used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site, with its jungle overgrowth. After lunch on board, a local boat will take you to Cai Be's spectacular floating market; then you will go ashore to see candy and rice paper workshops. This evening, enjoy a gourmet Farewell Dinner on board.
Afterwards board a motor coach for the 1-hour ride to Xeo Quyt, used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site, with its jungle overgrowth. After lunch on board, a local boat will take you to Cai Be's spectacular floating market; then you will go ashore to see candy and rice paper workshops. This evening, enjoy a gourmet Farewell Dinner on board.
Your cruise comes to an end as the ship docks at My Tho Port.
You will be picked up from your hotel by private car with an English speaking guide and taken around the city for half day tour. Start the tour with a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a neo-Romanesque cathedral constructed between 1877 and 1883 using bricks from Marseilles and stained-glass windows from Chartres. Continue on to the Old Saigon Post Office and Cholon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City; and the Emperor Jade Pagoda (Phuoc Hai), one of the most interesting pagodas in Vietnam. It's filled with smoky incense and fantastic carved figurines. It was built by the Cantonese community around the turn of the 20th century and is still buzzing with worshipers, many lounging in the front gardens.
In the morning, you will be picked up by private car with an English speaking guide and taken to Tay Ninh. Just, 60 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City is the Great Temple or Holy See, the center of the intriguing Cao Dai sect. Cao Dai is a syncretistic Vietnamese religious movement that incorporates aspect of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and even Catholicism. The Cao Dai Temple (as it is more commonly known) was built in a unique architectural style that reflects its blended traditions. In the afternoon, you will travel just north of the city to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Vietnamese are proud of their resolve in their prolonged history of struggle against invading armies.The residents of Cu Chi took their war underground, literally, developing a network of tunnels that, at its height, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage areas. Enjoy a nice lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant.
The Silk Path is located in the heart of the charming old quarter of Hanoi, which has countless tourist attractions, government and diplomatic institutions, as well as proximity to the business district of the city. With the hotel's 106 well-appointed exclusively designed rooms and suites, it is no surprise that Silk Hotel is a preference choice of a traveler. The hotel has a 2 level restaurant with private dining rooms, a unique bar, and a fitness center and sauna. Silk Path Hotel guarantees a comfortable stay with all luxury amenities within reach.
The Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa provides a sense of serenity with the nostalgic comfort and elegant refinement of the French Art de Vivre in the heart of Siem Reap. The building's graceful colonial architecture of the 1930's provides a sense of peaceful tranquility. The hotel is located within close proximity to World Heritage listed Angkor Temples, the quaint old market town of Siem Reap, and the international airport. Featuring a Victorian touch, air conditioned rooms and suites come with dark furnishings, all with private balcony facing the pool, tropical garden or the Royal Park. International, Asian, and local Khmer dishes are served at L'Escale restaurant, while Le Bistrot de Siem Reap presents modern French gastronomy, complemented by the finest wines. L'Explorateur Bar and Le Pool Deck feature light meals, exquisite cocktails, and refreshing beverages. Surrounded by tropical garden, the hotel houses a magnificent outdoor saltwater pool with a spa tub. Relaxing massages, facial and body treatments are available at the Victoria Spa.
Having joined the AMA fleet in 2011, the 124-passenger AmaLotus offers the most luxurious river cruise vacations available on the exotic Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam. With décor that combines Colonial elegance with regional Khmer accents, staterooms include comfortable sitting areas, individually controlled air-conditioning, a mini-bar, safety deposit box, robes and slippers, and some even include a luxurious bathtub. Public areas include a main restaurant serving Asian and Western specialties; Saigon Lounge; Gift Shop; Fitness Center, Spa, plus a swimming pool and bar on the Sun Deck. The ships also feature a fully English-speaking staff.
The Renaissance Riverside is located in the heart of Saigon's business district, the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon offers first-class hospitality, comfortable rooms and modern amenities. After a long day, relax at the poolside terrace or enjoy a leisurely dinner at Kabin, known as one of the finest Chinese restaurants in the city. Take a dip in the rooftop pool and visit the Health Club for an invigorating workout with the latest gym equipment. Otherwise, simply enjoy the incredible views of the Saigon River and stroll to museums, galleries and other area attractions. You'll find that the hotel's central location, panoramic views and impeccable service makes this the ideal place to stay while visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
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Rescue Team 3
Save the day as the leader of the Rescue Team, a group of life-saving pros trained to swoop in and sweep up in the wake of a natural disaster! Figure out the quickest way to complete your goals, make good use your resources and unlock every achievement. Easy to play, challenging to master and packed with fun, Rescue Team 3 is the best one yet!
- 40 levels
- Ten buildings
- 3 rescue assistants and kinds of transport
- In-game tutorial
- Play Rescue Team
Game System Requirements:
- OS: Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8
- CPU: 1.0 GHz
- DirectX: 8.0
- Hard Drive: 55 MB
Game Manager System Requirements:
- Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or later
The Big Fish Guarantee:
- Quality tested and virus free.
- No ads, no adware, no spyware.

subset: commoncrawl


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Fitted Top with Built-in Bra by Nicola Jane (V007)Code: V007
95% cotton fitted strappy vest top with a built-in mastectomy bra is available in a range of colours. The ingenious built-in bra is softly padded with pockets both sides so it disguises any difference between your prosthesis and natural breast,whilst also ensuring your nipple does not show. The neckline is high and the clever design stays close to your chest even when you lean forward. We advise that this garment should be hand washed and not put in the tumble dryer.
Fantastic Multi-Buy Offer - please call 0845 265 7595 (not available on web orders)
Bra hooks:
NEW Amelie Lace Top (V010)
- Description
We are excited to launch our NEW stylish Lace Vest top in black. Based on our best-selling V007 strappy top, this new design features our ingenious built-in-bra and a high flattering lace trim on the neckline, giving you complete coverage. The built-in-bra is softly padded with pockets both sides so you can be confident that there will be no noticeable difference between your natural breast and prosthesis. Perfect for the daytime or dress up for the evening!
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Feria de pentecÙte ? Vic 2006 |
Feria de pentecÙte ? Vic 2006
© Sebastien LAPEYRERE / Olynea Photos;..Vic Fezensac le 05/06/2006;..Feria de Pentecote ? Vic, ArËne ; Corrida etToros de l' ..Illustration corrida.....June, 05th 2006,..Vic Fezensac ( Gers, France) ..Illustrate bullfighting, The Whitsun Feria in Vic Fezensac. Vic Fezensac's Feria is essentially famous for its bullfighting, which attracts close to 100,000 people every year and is a great moment of conviviality. During 4 days and 3 nights, bodegas breathe life into the town in which...
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March 15th, 2010 by Brian Beeler
Storage Reference Guide
Storage is central to all computing. Whether it's a high capacity hard drive, speedy SSD or flash storage used in portable drives and memory cards, everything that uses and stores data does it with some sort of storage media.
While spindle-based hard disks have dominated the storage landscape for decades, SSD adoption is cruising thanks to increased capacities, performance and sliding prices. And there's hardly a person that doesn't have a flash card for the digital camera or a USB drive to share files between home and work.
All of these devices have benefits and a series of questions that go with them. How to hard drives work? What are the benefits of an SSD? What are hard drives and SSDs made of? How does a flash memory card hold data without power?
These questions and many more will be answered in the below guides and how-to articles. If you need more information on a topic, please post to the storage forums. If you would like to suggest guide topics or to contribute to any of our guides, please contact us.
SSD (Solid State Drive) Guides
SSDs are growing in popularity across segments from consumer computing to enterprise storage. The SSD guide covers the origins and history of the SSD drive all the way down to a detailed look at each component of an SSD and why each is important. SSD Guide
Learn more about SSDs compared to HDDs - SSD vs. HDD
SSD manufacturers release firmware updates from time to time that can improve SSD performance, reliability and compatibility with host systems. Upgrading an SSD's firmware isn't always as straightforward or simple as perhaps it should be however. In this guide, we break down the upgrade process and show you alternative ways to update SSD firmware. How to Upgrade SSD Firmware
If you own an Apple computer and have upgraded or plan on upgrading to an SSD, this is a must read. How To: Enable TRIM with Non-Apple SSD
Enterprise SSD Knowledge Base:
- Brief from Micron that examines the "multistep write process" for SSDs
Enterprise Storage
In this series of articles by HP's Brad Parks, we demystify the alphabet soup that segments the DAS, SAN and NAS space, along with providing clarity into the different types of storage and what they mean.
- What is DAS (Direct Attached Storage)?
- What are Storage Area Network (SAN) Arrays?
- What is Network Attached Storage (NAS)?
- What is Unified Storage?
- What is Object Storage?
Storage performance depends a great deal on the interconnect or interconnects in some cases. Learn about the variety of networking solutions available and how we deploy them in the StorageReview Lab.
SQL Server
For those running SQL Server 2012 in non-virtualized environments, we have studies on best CPU and best RAM configurations for dual-socket Intel Xeon E5-2600 v2 systems.
- Selecting the best CPU for SQL Server
- Selecting the best RAM configuration for SQL Server
Caching and Hybrid Storage Solutions
There are several ways to accomplish hybrid storage solutions, with the end goal of achieving SSD-like speeds across a larger platter-based hard drive or drive array. The solutions vary from software to hardware implementations and each have their pros and cons for client and enterprise use. In this article we break down an array of current caching and hybrid storage options. Hardware and Software Caching Explained
Other Storage Guides
Those who need the fastest storage for duties like video production and compiling need may consider using a RAM disk. This guide provides a brief overview of what a RAM disk is and where they may be beneficial. Introduction to RAM Disks
Drive encryption is a hot topic as more companies have users taking data outside the company firewall via mobile devices. Learn more about self encrypting drives (SEDs) and their benefits. What is an SED? | Top 10 Reasons to Buy an SED
New Storage Guides Coming
The SR team plans on adding several new guides, how-to articles and the like in the coming months. The current list of ideas includes storage uses by type, including a look at the options for storing data in the home theater environment. To suggest guide topics or to contribute to any of our guides, please contact us.


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Rochelle Rottenstein and the Rottenstein Law Group are dedicated to helping women who have been hurt by dangerous prescription drugs or defective medical devices get compensation for their injuries.
The lawyers of the Rottenstein Law Group have been through the process of demanding satisfaction from big companies time and time again. It's never routine for us, though, and it certainly isn't familiar to you. Our experience has taught us that victims of dangerous products have to deal with too much uncertainty and fear.
You've suffered more than enough already. The companies that made the products that caused you harm know it, too. They set aside money to settle lawsuits with their victims. But they're not just going to write you a check. You need an advocate to represent you and your interests. You need the Rottenstein Law Group.
This website provides information about the drugs and products most often reported and alleged to have caused injuries to women. Here you'll learn what you need to know about the products themselves, the companies that make and sell them, the harms reported, and the legal options for victims.


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Modern Poly exists to create and maintain a safe and supportive space where those engaged in the practice of polyamory can come together to share ideas, experiences, resources and activism regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or physical location.
Our vision is to facilitate the creation of an active and vibrant polyamory community which spans the spectrum of personal philosophies and physically diverse locations.
Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Or use our Contact Form
Modern Poly by Modern Poly is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.


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Monument Builders: Eiffel Tower
Travel through time and witness a historic construction in Monument Builders: Eiffel Tower, an amazing Time Management game! Travel through the streets of 19th century Paris and visit the incredible construction site of the famous Eiffel Tower. Improve the surrounding neighborhoods for the world expo, provide parts to the construction site, develop the local economy, and improve the roads so it's easier to transport materials in Monument Builders: Eiffel Tower!
- Manage the construction site
- Keep your workers happy
- Finish the Eiffel Tower!
Game System Requirements:
- OS: Windows XP/Vista/Win7/8
- CPU: 1.0 GHz
- DirectX: 9.0
- Hard Drive: 272 MB
Game Manager System Requirements:
- Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or later
The Big Fish Guarantee:
- Quality tested and virus free.
- No ads, no adware, no spyware.


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(01-26-2013 04:08 AM)KCDoughboy Wrote: I just added a couple hundred cards from 1953-1957 I put a basic grade on them based on the average condition of the lots. I will fine tune all the cards with time or when someone sends an offer. Most of the 1953's are in really nice shape! As for the 54's... ehh, not so much. The cards numbered 50 and lower have pencil writing on the fronts. As a general rule, the higher the number, the better the condition. The 1955's & 1956's are great cards! The 1957's are in pretty average condition. I should be adding another 1,000-1,500 tomorrow from 1958 - 1968 (mostly 4.5 - 6.5)
(01-29-2013 06:45 AM)muz0 Wrote: Got a johnny antonelli from '53? **EDIT** I'll send you an open trade offer for that card. let me know the condition and/or a scan of it.


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Stanek named as officer in charge for city police department
Washington Police Capt. Robert Wilson, left, and Lt. Dan Stanek field questions from the media at a November 2009 news conference. Wilson, who had been serving as officer in charge of the city police department, retired from the force Monday, and it was announced Tuesday that Stanek will fill the post for the next month.
Order a Print
Police Lt. Dan Stanek, who heads Washington's crime unit, will now serve as acting officer in charge for the city's police department.
Mayor Brenda Davis said Stanek will serve in that capacity for the next 30 days.
Davis met with Stanek briefly Tuesday, the day after the police union appealed to City Council to have her removed as head of their department.
"I'd like to reassure residents that the city's police department will be functioning as we always do," Davis said.
Stanek has been on the force for 22 1/2 years.
After the 30-day period, Davis hopes changes will have been made in the police department. Unlike the city's fire department, where the fire chief is not a member of the labor union, the police chief is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police union. Davis believes the two previous police chiefs' inability to segregate themselves from the union members contributed to the discontent.
"That's always going to be an issue, when you're part of the brotherhood and you're in an administrative role," she said.
There may be a request to have City Council abolish the chief of police position and replace it with the position of superintendent of police. Doing so would allow the city to hire someone from outside the department.
City solicitor Lane Turturice said he was studying the state's Third Class City Code.
"There is a mechanism through which the City Council, by ordinance, can essentially reorganize the police department," he said, but added, "the mayor has the absolute right to name who she wants."
An early intervention plan completed by the state's Department of Community and Economic Development in 2007 to help the city hold off bankruptcy indicated the police department had too many people in managerial roles.
A city the size of Washington should have one lieutenant, said Davis. Instead, the city has six.
John Hritz, president of FOP Lodge 95, appeared before mayor and council at its agenda meeting Monday. Hritz called Davis a "bully" and "micromanager" and asked that she be removed.
City Council took no action and there is doubt it could remove her as head of the department.
Davis wasn't ruffled by the call for her removal, saying Tuesday she has broad shoulders and can face harsh criticism.
She defended her actions, saying there was a difference between micromanaging and accountability. Accountability, she said, means officers return telephone calls and follow up on incidents.
If she was a micromanager, she added, she would be questioning anyone arriving five minutes late for work.
"I'm not sitting over there and watching the time clock. Lord, I don't have time for that," she said.
Jessop Community Federal Credit Union


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The conversion of Saul. (1-9) Saul converted preaches Christ. (10-22) Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem. (23-31) Cure of Eneas. (32-35) Dorcas raised to life. (36-43)
Verses 1-9 So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to breathe in this as in his element. Let us not despair of renewing grace for the conversion of the greatest sinners, nor let such despair of the pardoning mercy of God for the greatest sin. It is a signal token of Divine favour, if God, by the inward working of his grace, or the outward events of his providence, stops us from prosecuting or executing sinful purposes. Saul saw that Just One, ch. ( Acts 22:14 , 26:13 ) . How near to us is the unseen world! It is but for God to draw aside the veil, and objects are presented to the view, compared with which, whatever is most admired on earth is mean and contemptible. Saul submitted without reserve, desirous to know what the Lord Jesus would have him to do. Christ's discoveries of himself to poor souls are humbling; they lay them very low, in mean thoughts of themselves. For three days Saul took no food, and it pleased God to leave him for that time without relief. His sins were now set in order before him; he was in the dark concerning his own spiritual state, and wounded in spirit for sin. When a sinner is brought to a proper sense of his own state and conduct, he will cast himself wholly on the mercy of the Saviour, asking what he would have him to do. God will direct the humbled sinner, and though he does not often bring transgressors to joy and peace in believing, without sorrows and distress of conscience, under which the soul is deeply engaged as to eternal things, yet happy are those who sow in tears, for they shall reap in joy.
Verses 10-22 A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all who understand the nature and power of prayer, of such prayer as the humbled sinner presents for the blessings of free salvation! Now he began to pray after another manner than he had done; before, he said his prayers, now, he prayed them. Regenerating grace sets people on praying; you may as well find a living man without breath, as a living Christian without prayer. Yet even eminent disciples, like Ananias, sometimes stagger at the commands of the Lord. But it is the Lord's glory to surpass our scanty expectations, and show that those are vessels of his mercy whom we are apt to consider as objects of his vengeance. The teaching of the Holy Spirit takes away the scales of ignorance and pride from the understanding; then the sinner becomes a new creature, and endeavours to recommend the anointed Saviour, the Son of God, to his former companions.
Verses 23-31 When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates the heart. Believers are apt to be too suspicious of those against whom they have prejudices. The world is full of deceit, and it is necessary to be cautious, but we must exercise ( 1 Corinthians. 13:5 ) true believers; and he will bring them to his people, and often gives them opportunities of bearing testimony to his truth, before those who once witnessed their hatred to it. Christ now appeared to Saul, and ordered him to go quickly out of Jerusalem, for he must be sent to the Gentiles: see ch. 22:21 . Christ's witnesses cannot be slain till they have finished their testimony. The persecutions were stayed. The professors of the gospel walked uprightly, and enjoyed much comfort from the Holy Ghost, in the hope and peace of the gospel, and others were won over to them. They lived upon the comfort of the Holy Ghost, not only in the days of trouble and affliction, but in days of rest and prosperity. Those are most likely to walk cheerfully, who walk circumspectly.
Verses 32-35 Christians are saints, or holy people; not only the eminent ones, as Saint Peter and Saint Paul, but every sincere professor of the faith of Christ. Christ chose patients whose diseases were incurable in the course of nature, to show how desperate was the case of fallen mankind. When we were wholly without strength, as this poor man, he sent his word to heal us. Peter does not pretend to heal by any power of his own, but directs Eneas to look up to Christ for help. Let none say, that because it is Christ, who, by the power of his grace, works all our works in us, therefore we have no work, no duty to do; for though Jesus Christ makes thee whole, yet thou must arise, and use the power he gives thee.
Verses 36-43 Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do so or not. But such are ungrateful indeed, who have kindness shown them, and will not acknowledge it, by showing the kindness that is done them. While we live upon the fulness of Christ for our whole salvation, we should desire to be full of good works, for the honour of his name, and for the benefit of his saints. Such characters as Dorcas are useful where they dwell, as showing the excellency of the word of truth by their lives. How mean then the cares of the numerous females who seek no distinction but outward decoration, and who waste their lives in the trifling pursuits of dress and vanity! Power went along with the word, and Dorcas came to life. Thus in the raising of dead souls to spiritual life, the first sign of life is the opening of the eyes of the mind. Here we see that the Lord can make up every loss; that he overrules every event for the good of those who trust in him, and for the glory of his name.
Acts 9:1-25 . CONVERSION OF SAUL, AND BEGINNINGS OF HIS MINISTRY.
1. Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, &c.--The emphatic "yet" is intended to note the remarkable fact, that up to this moment his blind persecuting rage against the disciples of the Lord burned as fiercely as ever. (In the teeth of this, NEANDER and OLSHAUSEN picture him deeply impressed with Stephen's joyful faith, remembering passages of the Old Testament confirmatory of the Messiahship of Jesus, and experiencing such a violent struggle as would inwardly prepare the way for the designs of God towards him. Is not dislike, if not unconscious disbelief, of sudden conversion at the bottom of this?) The word "slaughter" here points to cruelties not yet recorded, but the particulars of which are supplied by himself nearly thirty years afterwards: "And I persecuted this way unto the death" ( Acts 22:4 ); "and when they were put to death, I gave my voice [vote] against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to [did my utmost to make them] blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange [foreign] cities" ( Acts 26:10 Acts 26:11 ). All this was before his present journey.
2. desired . . . letters--of authorization.
to Damascus--the capital of Syria and the great highway between eastern and western Asia, about one hundred thirty miles northeast of Jerusalem; the most ancient city perhaps in the world, and lying in the center of a verdant and inexhaustible paradise. It abounded (as appears from JOSEPHUS, Wars of the Jews, 2.20,2) with Jews, and with Gentile proselytes to the Jewish faith. Thither the Gospel had penetrated; and Saul, flushed with past successes, undertakes to crush it out.
that if he found any of this way, whether men or women--Thrice are women specified as objects of his cruelty, as an aggravated feature of it ( Acts 8:3 , 22:4 ; and here).
3. he came near Damascus--so Acts 22:6 . Tradition points to a bridge near the city as the spot referred to. Events which are the turning points in one's history so imprint themselves upon the memory that circumstances the most trifling in themselves acquire by connection with them something of their importance, and are recalled with inexpressible interest.
suddenly--At what time of day, it is not said; for artless simplicity reigns here. But he himself emphatically states, in one of his narratives, that it was "about noon" ( Acts 22:6 ), and in the other, "at midday" ( Acts 26:13 ), when there could be no deception.
there shined round about him a light from heaven--"a great light (he himself says) above the brightness of the sun," then shining in its full strength.
4-6. he fell to the earth--and his companions with him ( Acts 26:14 ), who "saw the light" ( Acts 22:9 ).
and heard a voice saying unto him--"in the Hebrew tongue" ( Acts 26:14 ).
Saul, Saul--a reduplication full of tenderness [DE WETTE]. Though his name was soon changed into "Paul," we find him, in both his own narratives of the scene, after the lapse of so many years, retaining the original form, as not daring to alter, in the smallest detail, the overpowering words addressed to him.
why persecutest thou me?--No language can express the affecting character of this question, addressed from the right hand of the Majesty on high to an infuriated, persecuting mortal. (See Matthew 25:45 , and that whole judgment scene).
5. Who art thou, Lord?--"Jesus knew Saul ere Saul knew Jesus" [BENGEL]. The term "Lord" here is an indefinite term of respect for some unknown but august speaker. That Saul saw as well as heard this glorious Speaker, is expressly said by Ananias ( Acts 9:17 , 22:14 ), by Barnabas ( Acts 9:27 ), and by himself ( Acts 26:16 ); and in claiming apostleship, he explicitly states that he had "seen the Lord" ( 1 Corinthians 9:1 , 15:8 ), which can refer only to this scene.
I am Jesus whom thou persecutest--The "I" and "thou" here are touchingly emphatic in the original; while the term "JESUS" is purposely chosen, to convey to him the thrilling information that the hated name which he sought to hunt down--"the Nazarene," as it is in Acts 22:8 --was now speaking to him from the skies, "crowned with glory and honor" (see Acts 26:9 ).
It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks--The metaphor of an ox, only driving the goad deeper by kicking against it, is a classic one, and here forcibly expresses, not only the vanity of all his measures for crushing the Gospel, but the deeper wound which every such effort inflicted upon himself.
6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said--(The most ancient manuscripts and versions of the New Testament lack all these words here [including the last clause of Acts 9:5 ]; but they occur in Acts 26:14 and Acts 22:10 , from which they appear to have been inserted here). The question, "What shall I do, Lord?" or, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" indicates a state of mind singularly interesting conviction that "Jesus whom he persecuted," now speaking to him, was "Christ the Lord." (2) As a consequence of this, that not only all his religious views, but his whole religious character, had been an entire mistake; that he was up to that moment fundamentally and wholly wrong. (3) That though his whole future was now a blank, he had absolute confidence in Him who had so tenderly arrested him in his blind career, and was ready both to take in all His teaching and to carry out all His directions. (For more,
Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee,
7. the men . . . stood speechless--This may mean merely that they remained so; but if the standing posture be intended, we have only to suppose that though at first they "all fell to the earth" ( Acts 26:14 ), they arose of their own accord while Saul yet lay prostrate.
hearing a--rather "the"
voice--Paul himself says, "they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me" ( Acts 22:9 ). But just as "the people that stood by heard" the voice that saluted our Lord with recorded words of consolation and assurance, and yet heard not the articulate words, but thought "it thundered" or that some "angel spake to Him" ( John 12:28 John 12:29 )--so these men heard the voice that spake to Saul, but heard not the articulate words. Apparent discrepancies like these, in the different narratives of the same scene in one and the same book of Acts, furnish the strongest confirmation both of the facts themselves and of the book which records them.
8. Saul arose . . . and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man--after beholding the Lord, since he "could not see for the glory of that light" ( Acts 22:11 ), he had involuntarily closed his eyes to protect them from the glare; and on opening them again he found his vision gone. "It is not said, however, that he was blind, for it was no punishment" [BENGEL].
9. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink--that is, according to the Hebrew mode of computation: he took no food during the remainder of that day, the entire day following, and so much of the subsequent day as elapsed before the visit of Ananias. Such a period of entire abstinence from food, in that state of mental absorption and revolution into which he had been so suddenly thrown, is in perfect harmony with known laws and numerous facts. But what three days those must have been! "Only one other space of three days' duration can be mentioned of equal importance in the history of the world" [HOWSON]. Since Jesus had been revealed not only to his eyes but to his soul the double conviction must have immediately flashed upon him, that his whole reading of the Old Testament hitherto had been wrong, and that the system of legal righteousness in which he had, up to that moment, rested and prided himself was false and fatal. What materials these for spiritual exercise during those three days of total darkness, fasting, and solitude! On the one hand, what self-condemnation, what anguish, what death of legal hope, what difficulty in believing that in such a case there could be hope at all; on the other hand, what heartbreaking admiration of the grace that had "pulled him out of the fire," what resistless conviction that there must be a purpose of love in it, and what tender expectation of being yet honored, as a chosen vessel, to declare what the Lord had done for his soul, and to spread abroad the savor of that Name which he had so wickedly, though ignorantly, sought to destroy--must have struggled in his breast during those memorable days! Is it too much to say that all that profound insight into the Old Testament, that comprehensive grasp of the principles of the divine economy, that penetrating spirituality, that vivid apprehension of man's lost state, and those glowing views of the perfection and glory of the divine remedy, that beautiful ideal of the loftiness and the lowliness of the Christian character, that large philanthropy and burning zeal to spend and be spent through all his future life for Christ, which distinguish the writings of this chiefest of the apostles and greatest of men, were all quickened into life during those three successive days?
10-16. a certain disciple . . . named Ananias--See on Ac 22:12 .
to him said the Lord--that is, Jesus. (See Acts 9:13 Acts 9:14 Acts 9:17 ).
11. go into the street . . . called Straight--There is still a street of this name in Damascus, about half a mile in length, running from east to west through the city [MAUNDRELL].
and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus--There is something touching in the minuteness of these directions. Tarsus was the capital of the province of Cilicia, lying along the northeast coast of the Mediterranean. It was situated on the river Cydnus, was a "large and populous city" (says XENOPHON, and see Acts 21:39 ), and under the Romans had the privilege of self-government.
behold, he prayeth--"breathing out" no longer "threatenings and slaughter," but struggling desires after light and life in the Persecuted One. Beautiful note of encouragement as to the frame in which Ananias would find the persecutor.
12. And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias, &c.--Thus, as in the case of Cornelius and Peter afterwards, there was a mutual preparation of each for each. But we have no account of the vision which Saul had of Ananias coming unto him and putting his hands upon him for the restoration of his sight, save this interesting allusion to it in the vision which Ananias himself had.
13. Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, &c.--"The objections of Ananias, and the removal of them by the Lord, display in a very touching manner the childlike relation of the believing soul to its Redeemer. The Saviour speaks with Ananias as a man does with his friend" [OLSHAUSEN].
how much evil he hath done to thy saints--"Thy saints," says Ananias to Christ; therefore Christ is God [BENGEL]. So, in Acts 9:14 , Ananias describes the disciples as "those that called on Christ's name." and compare 1 Corinthians 1:2 .
14. here he hath authority, &c.--so that the terror not only of the great persecutor's name, but of this commission to Damascus, had travelled before him from the capital to the doomed spot.
15. Go thy way--Do as thou art bidden, without gainsaying.
he is a chosen vessel--a word often used by Paul in illustrating God's sovereignty in election ( Romans 9:21-23 , 2 Corinthians 4:7 , 2 Timothy 2:20 2 Timothy 2:21 [ALFORD]. Compare Zechariah 3:2 ).
16. I will show him--(See Acts 20:23 Acts 20:24 , 21:11 ).
how great things he must suffer for my name--that is, Much he has done against that Name; but now, when I show him what great things he must suffer for that Name, he shall count it his honor and privilege.
17-19. Ananias went his way, and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul--How beautifully childlike is the obedience of Ananias to "the heavenly vision!"
the Lord, even Jesus--This clearly shows in what sense the term "Lord" is used in this book. It is JESUS that is meant, as almost invariably in the Epistles also.
who appeared unto thee in the way--This knowledge by an inhabitant of Damascus of what had happened to Saul before entering it, would show him at once that this was the man whom Jesus had already prepared him to expect.
and be filled with the Holy Ghost--which Ananias probably, without any express instructions on that subject, took it for granted would descend upon him; and not necessarily after his baptism [BAUMGARTEN, WEBSTER and WILKINSON]--for Cornelius and his company received it before theirs ( Acts 10:44-48 )--but perhaps immediately after the recovery of his sight by the laying on of Ananias' hands.
18. there fell from his eyes as it were scales--"This shows that the blindness as well as the cure was supernatural. Substances like scales would not form naturally in so short a time" [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. And the medical precision of Luke's language here is to be noted.
was baptized--as directed by Ananias ( Acts 22:16 ).
19. when he had received meat, he was strengthened--for the exhaustion occasioned by his three days' fast would not be the less real, though unfelt during his struggles.
Then was Saul certain days with the disciples at Damascus--making their acquaintance, in another way than either he or they had anticipated, and regaining his tone by the fellowship of the saints; but not certainly in order to learn from them what he was to teach, which he expressly disavows ( Galatians 1:12 Galatians 1:16 ).
20-22. preached Christ . . . that he is the Son of God--rather, "preached Jesus," according to all the most ancient manuscripts and versions of the New Testament (so Acts 9:21 , "all that call on this name," that is, Jesus; and Acts 9:22 , "proving that this Jesus is very Christ").
23. And after many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him--Had we no other record than this, we should have supposed that what is here related took place while Saul continued at Damascus after his baptism. But in Galatians 1:17 Galatians 1:18 we learn from Paul himself that he "went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus," and that from the time of his first visit to the close of his second, both of which appear to have been short, a period of three years elapsed; either three full years, or one full year and part of two others. and be filled up in Galatians, is not more remarkable than that the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, their stay there, and their return thence, recorded only by Matthew, should be so entirely passed over by Luke, that if we had only his Gospel, we should have supposed that they returned to Nazareth immediately after the presentation in the temple. (Indeed in one of his narratives, Acts 22:16 Acts 22:17 , Paul himself takes no notice of this period). But wherefore this journey? Perhaps (1) because he felt a period of repose and partial seclusion to be needful to his spirit, after the violence of the change and the excitement of his new occupation. (2) To prevent the rising storm which was gathering against him from coming too soon to a head. (3) To exercise his ministry in the Jewish synagogues, as opportunity afforded. On his return, refreshed and strengthened in spirit. he immediately resumed his ministry, but soon to the imminent hazard of his life.
24, 25. they watched the gates night and day to kill him--The full extent of his danger appears only from his own account ( 2 Corinthians 11:32 ): "In Damascus, the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me"; the exasperated Jews having obtained from the governor a military force, the more surely to compass his destruction.
25. Then the disciples . . . by night let him down--"through a window" ( 2 Corinthians 11:33 ).
by the wall--Such overhanging windows in the walls of Eastern cities were common, and are to be seen in Damascus to this day.
Acts 9:26-31 . SAUL'S FIRST VISIT TO JERUSALEM AFTER HIS CONVERSION.
26. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem--"three years after" his conversion, and particularly "to see Peter" ( Galatians 1:18 ); no doubt because he was the leading apostle, and to communicate to him the prescribed sphere of his labors, specially to "the Gentiles."
he assayed to join himself to the disciples--simply as one of them, leaving his apostolic commission to manifest itself.
they were all afraid of him, &c.--knowing him only as a persecutor of the faith; the rumor of his conversion, if it ever was cordially believed, passing away during his long absence in Arabia, and the news of his subsequent labors in Damascus perhaps not having reached them.
27. But Barnabas . . . brought him to the apostles--that is, to Peter and James; for "other of the apostles saw I none," says he fourteen years after ( Galatians 1:18 Galatians 1:19 ). Probably none of the other apostles were there at the time ( Acts 4:36 ). Barnabas being of Cyprus, which was within a few hours' sail of Cilicia, and annexed to it as a Roman province, and Saul and he being Hellenistic Jews and eminent in their respective localities, they may very well have been acquainted with each other before this [HOWSON]. What is here said of Barnabas is in fine consistency with the "goodness" ascribed to him ( Acts 11:24 ), and with the name "son of consolation," given him by the apostles ( Acts 4:36 ); and after Peter and James were satisfied, the disciples generally would at once receive him.
how he had seen the Lord . . . and he--the Lord.
had spoken to him--that is, how he had received his commission direct from the Lord Himself.
28, 29. And he was with them, coming in and going out at Jerusalem--for fifteen days, lodging with Peter ( Galatians 1:18 ).
29. disputed against the Grecians--(See on Ac 6:1 ); addressing himself specially to them, perhaps, as being of his own class, and that against which he had in the days of his ignorance been the fiercest.
they went about to slay him--Thus was he made to feel, throughout his whole course, what he himself had made others so cruelly to feel, the cost of discipleship.
30. they brought him down to Cæsarea--on the coast another reason than his own apprehension for quitting Jerusalem so soon. "While he was praying in the temple, he was in a trance," and received express injunctions to this effect.
and sent him forth to Tarsus--In Galatians 1:21 he himself says of this journey, that he "came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia"; from which it is natural to infer that instead of sailing direct for Tarsus, he landed at Seleucia, travelled thence to Antioch, and penetrated from this northward into Cilicia, ending his journey at Tarsus. As this was his first visit to his native city since his conversion, so it is not certain that he ever was there again. probably was now that he became the instrument of gathering into the fold of Christ those "kinsmen," that "sister," and perhaps her "son," of whom mention is made in Acts 23:16 , &c. Romans 16:7 Romans 16:11 Romans 16:21 [HOWSON].
Acts 9:31 . FLOURISHING STATE OF THE CHURCH IN PALESTINE AT THIS TIME.
31. Then had all the churches rest--rather, "the Church," according to the best manuscripts and versions. But this rest was owing not so much to the conversion of Saul, as probably to the Jews being engrossed with the emperor Caligula's attempt to have his own image set up in the temple of Jerusalem [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 18.8.1, &c.].
throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria--This incidental notice of distinct churches already dotting all the regions which were the chief scenes of our Lord's ministry, and that were best able to test the facts on which the whole preaching of the apostles was based, is extremely interesting. "The fear of the Lord" expresses their holy walk; "the comfort of the Holy Ghost," their "peace and joy in believing," under the silent operation of the blessed Comforter.
Acts 9:32-43 . PETER HEALS ENEAS AT LYDDA AND RAISES TABITHA TO LIFE AT JOPPA.
The historian now returns to Peter, in order to introduce the all-important narrative of Cornelius ( Acts 10:1-48 ). The occurrences here related probably took place during Saul's sojourn in Arabia.
32-35. as Peter passed throughout all quarters--not now fleeing from persecution, but peacefully visiting the churches.
to the saints which dwelt at Lydda--about five miles east of Joppa.
34. And Peter said unto him, Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole--(See on Ac 3:6 ).
make thy bed--(See on Joh 5:8 ).
35. all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron--(or "Sharon," a rich vale between Joppa and Cæsarea).
saw him, and turned to the Lord--that is, there was a general conversion in consequence.
36-39. at Joppa--the modern Jaffa, on the Mediterranean, a very ancient city of the Philistines, afterwards and still the seaport of Jerusalem, from which it lies distant forty-five miles to the northwest.
Tabitha . . . Dorcas--the Syro-Chaldaic and Greek names for an antelope or gazelle, which, from its loveliness, was frequently employed as a proper name for women [MEYER, OLSHAUSEN]. Doubtless the interpretation, as here given, is but an echo of the remarks made by the Christians regarding her--how well her character answered to her name.
full of good works and alms-deeds--eminent for the activities and generosities of the Christian character.
37. when they had washed--according to the custom of civilized nations towards the dead.
in an--rather, "the"
upper chamber--(compare 1 Kings 17:19 ).
38. the disciples sent unto Peter--showing that the disciples generally did not possess miraculous gifts [BENGEL].
39. all the widows--whom she had clad or fed.
stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made--that is, (as the tense implies), showing these as specimens only of what she was in the habit of making.
40-43. Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down--the one in imitation of his Master's way ( Luke 8:54 ; and compare 2 Kings 4:33 ); the other, in striking contrast with it. The kneeling became the lowly servant, but not the Lord Himself, of whom it is never once recorded that he knelt in the performance of a miracle.
opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up--The graphic minuteness of detail here imparts to the narrative an air of charming reality.
41. he gave her his hand, and lifted her up--as his Lord had done to his own mother-in-law ( Mark 1:31 ).
43. with one Simon a tanner--a trade regarded by the Jews as half unclean, and consequently disreputable, from the contact with dead animals and blood which was connected with it. For this reason, even by other nations, it is usually carried on at some distance from towns; accordingly, Simon's house was "by the seaside" ( Acts 10:6 ). Peter's lodging there shows him already to some extent above Jewish prejudice.


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The apostle expresses confidence in the Thessalonians, and prays for them. (1-5) He charges them to withdraw from disorderly walkers, particularly from the lazy and busybodies. (6-15) And concludes with a prayer for them, and a greeting. (16-18)
Verses 1-5 Those who are far apart still may meet together at the throne of grace; and those not able to do or receive any other kindness, may in this way do and receive real and very great kindness. Enemies to the preaching of the gospel, and persecutors of its faithful preachers, are unreasonable and wicked men. Many do not believe the gospel; and no wonder if such are restless and show malice in their endeavours to oppose it. The evil of sin is the greatest evil, but there are other evils we need to be preserved from, and we have encouragement to depend upon the grace of God. When once the promise is made, the performance is sure and certain. The apostle had confidence in them, but that was founded upon his confidence in God; for there is otherwise no confidence in man. He prays for them for spiritual blessings. It is our sin and our misery, that we place our affections upon wrong objects. There is not true love of God, without faith in Jesus Christ. If, by the special grace of God, we have that faith which multitudes have not, we should earnestly pray that we may be enabled, without reserve, to obey his commands, and that we may be enabled, without reserve, to the love of God, and the patience of Christ.
Verses 6-15 Those who have received the gospel, are to live according to the gospel. Such as could work, and would not, were not to be maintained in idleness. Christianity is not to countenance slothfulness, which would consume what is meant to encourage the industrious, and to support the sick and afflicted. Industry in our callings as men, is a duty required by our calling as Christians. But some expected to be maintained in idleness, and indulged a curious and conceited temper. They meddled with the concerns of others, and did much harm. It is a great error and abuse of religion, to make it a cloak for idleness or any other sin. The servant who waits for the coming of his Lord aright, must be working as his Lord has commanded. If we are idle, the devil and a corrupt heart will soon find us somewhat to do. The mind of man is a busy thing; if it is not employed in doing good, it will be doing evil. It is an excellent, but rare union, to be active in our own business, yet quiet as to other people's. If any refused to labour with quietness, they were to note him with censure, and to separate from his company, yet they were to seek his good by loving admonitions. The Lords is with you while you are with him. Hold on your way, and hold on to the end. We must never give over, or tire in our work. It will be time enough to rest when we come to heaven.
Verses 16-18 The apostle prays for the Thessalonians. And let us desire the same blessings for ourselves and our friends. Peace with God. This peace is desired for them always, or in every thing. Peace by all means; in every way; that, as they enjoyed the means of grace, they might use all methods to secure peace. We need nothing more to make us safe and happy, nor can we desire any thing better for ourselves and our friends, than to have God's gracious presence with us and them. No matter where we are, if God be with us; nor who is absent, if God be present. It is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we hope to have peace with God, and to enjoy the presence of God. This grace is all in all to make us happy; though we wish ever so much to others, there remains enough for ourselves.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 . HE ASKS THEIR PRAYERS: HIS CONFIDENCE IN THEM: PRAYER FOR THEM: CHARGES AGAINST DISORDERLY IDLE CONDUCT; HIS OWN EXAMPLE: CONCLUDING PRAYER AND SALUTATION.
1. Finally--literally, "As to what remains."
may have free course--literally, "may run"; spread rapidly without a drag on the wheels of its course. That the new-creating word may "run," as "swiftly" as the creative word at the first ( Psalms 147:15 ). The opposite is the word of God being "bound" ( 2 Timothy 2:9 ).
glorified--by sinners accepting it ( Acts 13:48 , Galatians 1:23 Galatians 1:24 ). Contrast "evil spoken of" ( 1 Peter 4:14 ).
as it is with you--( 1 Thessalonians 1:6 , 4:10 , 5:11 ).
2. that we . . . be delivered from unreasonable . . . men--literally, men out of place, inept, unseemly: out of the way bad: more than ordinarily bad. An undesigned coincidence with Acts 18:5-9 . Paul was now at Corinth, where the JEWS "opposed themselves" to his preaching: in answer to his prayers and those of his converts at Thessalonica and elsewhere, "the Lord, in vision," assured him of exemption from "the hurt," and of success in bringing in "much people." On the unreasonable, out-of-the way perversity of the Jews, as known to the Thessalonians, see 1 Thessalonians 2:15 1 Thessalonians 2:16 .
have not faith--or as Greek, "the faith" of the Christian: the only antidote to what is "unreasonable and wicked." The Thessalonians, from their ready acceptance of the Gospel ( 1 Thessalonians 1:5 1 Thessalonians 1:6 ), might think "all" would similarly receive it; but the Jews were far from having such a readiness to believe the truth.
3. faithful--alluding to "faith" ( 2 Thessalonians 3:2 ):though many will not believe, the Lord (other very old manuscripts read "God") is still to be believed in as faithful to His promises ( 1 Thessalonians 5:24 , 2 Timothy 2:13 ). Faith on the part of man answers to faithfulness on the part of God.
stablish you--as he had prayed ( 2 Thessalonians 2:17 ). Though it was on himself that wicked men were making their onset, he turns away from asking the Thessalonians' prayers for HIS deliverance ( 2 Thessalonians 3:2 :so unselfish was he, even in religion), to express his assurance of THEIR establishment in the faith, and preservation from evil. This assurance thus exactly answers to his prayer for them ( 2 Thessalonians 2:17 ), "Our Lord . . . stablish you in every good word and work." He has before his mind the Lord's Prayer, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"; where, as here, the translation may be, "from the evil one"; the great hinderer of "every good word and work." Compare Matthew 13:19 , "the wicked one."
4. we have confidence in the Lord--as "faithful" ( 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ). Have confidence in no man when left to himself [BENGEL].
that ye both do--Some of the oldest manuscripts insert a clause, "that ye both have done" before, "and are doing, and will do." He means the majority by "ye," not all of them (compare 2 Thessalonians 3:11 , 1:3 , 1 Thessalonians 3:6 ).
5. If "the Lord" be here the Holy Ghost ( 2 Corinthians 3:17 ), the three Persons of the Trinity will occur in this verse.
love of God--love to God.
patient waiting for Christ--rather as Greek, "the patience (endurance) of Christ," namely, which Christ showed [ALFORD] ( 2 Thessalonians 2:4 , 1 Thessalonians 1:3 ). ESTIUS, however, supports English Version (compare Revelation 1:9 , 3:10 ). At all events, this grace, "patience," or persevering endurance, is connected with the "hope" ( 1 Thessalonians 1:3 1 Thessalonians 1:10 ) of Christ's coming. In ALFORD'S translation we may compare Hebrews 12:1 Hebrews 12:2 , "Run with patience (endurance) . . . looking to JESUS . . . who, for the joy that was before Him, endured the cross"; so WE are to endure, as looking for the hope to be realized at His coming ( Hebrews 10:36 Hebrews 10:37 ).
6. we command you--Hereby he puts to a particular test their obedience in general to his commands, which obedience he had recognized in 2 Thessalonians 3:4 .
withdraw--literally, "to furl the sails"; as we say, to steer clear of (compare 2 Thessalonians 3:14 ). Some had given up labor as though the Lord's day was immediately coming. He had enjoined mild censure of such in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 , "Warn . . . the unruly"; but now that the mischief had become more confirmed, he enjoins stricter discipline, namely, withdrawal from their company (compare 1 Corinthians 5:11 , 2 John 1:10:11 ):not a formal sentence of excommunication, such as was subsequently passed on more heinous offenders (as in 1 Corinthians 5:5 , 1 Timothy 1:20 ). He says "brother," that is, professing Christian; for in the case of unprofessing heathen, believers needed not be so strict ( 1 Corinthians 5:10-13 ).
disorderly--Paul plainly would not have sanctioned the order of Mendicant Friars, who reduce such a "disorderly" and lazy life to a system. Call it not an order, but a burden to the community (BENGEL, alluding to the Greek, 2 Thessalonians 3:8 , for "be chargeable," literally, "be a burden").
the tradition--the oral instruction which he had given to them when present ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ), and subsequently committed to writing ( 1 Thessalonians 4:11 1 Thessalonians 4:12 ).
which he received of us--Some oldest manuscripts read, "ye received"; others, "they received." The English Version reading has no very old authority.
7. how ye ought to follow us--how ye ought to live so as to "imitate (so the Greek for 'follow') us" (compare Notes,
8. eat any man's bread--Greek, "eat bread from any man," that is, live at anyone's expense. Contrast 2 Thessalonians 3:12 , "eat THEIR OWN bread."
wrought--( Acts 20:34 ). In both Epistles they state they maintained themselves by labor; but in this second Epistle they do so in order to offer themselves herein as an example to the idle; whereas, in the first, their object in doing so is to vindicate themselves from all imputation of mercenary motives in preaching the Gospel ( 1 Thessalonians 2:5 1 Thessalonians 2:9 ) [EDMUNDS]. They preached gratuitously though they might have claimed maintenance from their converts.
labour and travail--"toil and hardship"
night and day--scarcely allowing time for repose.
chargeable--Greek, "a burden," or "burdensome." The Philippians did not regard it as a burden to contribute to his support ( Philippians 4:15 Philippians 4:16 ), sending to him while he was in this very Thessalonica ( Acts 16:15 Acts 16:34 Acts 16:40 ). Many Thessalonians, doubtless, would have felt it a privilege to contribute, but as he saw some idlers among them who would have made a pretext of his example to justify themselves, he waived his right. His reason for the same course at Corinth was to mark how different were his aims from those of the false teachers who sought their own lucre ( 2 Corinthians 11:9 2 Corinthians 11:12 2 Corinthians 11:13 ). It is at the very time and place of writing these Epistles that Paul is expressly said to have wrought at tent-making with Aquila ( Acts 18:3 ); an undesigned coincidence.
9. ( 1 Corinthians 9:4-6 , &c. Galatians 6:6 .)
10. For even--Translate, "For also." We not only set you the example, but gave a positive "command."
commanded--Greek imperfect, "We were commanding"; we kept charge of you.
would not work--Greek, "is unwilling to work." BENGEL makes this to be the argument: not that such a one is to have his food withdrawn from him by others; but he proves from the necessity of eating the necessity of working; using this pleasantry, Let him who will not work show himself an angel, that is, do without food as the angels do (but since he cannot do without food, then he ought to be not unwilling to work). It seems to me simpler to take it as a punishment of the idle. Paul often quotes good adages current among the people, stamping them with inspired approval. In the Hebrew, "Bereshith Rabba," the same saying is found; and in the book Zeror, "He who will not work before the sabbath, must not eat on the sabbath."
11. busy bodies--In the Greek the similarity of sound marks the antithesis, "Doing none of their own business, yet overdoing in the business of others." Busy about everyone's business but their own. "Nature abhors a vacuum"; so if not doing one's own business, one is apt to meddle with his neighbor's business. Idleness is the parent of busybodies ( 1 Timothy 5:13 ). Contrast 1 Thessalonians 4:11 .
12. by--The oldest manuscripts read, "IN the Lord Jesus." So the Greek, 1 Thessalonians 4:1 , implying the sphere wherein such conduct is appropriate and consistent. "We exhort you thus, as ministers IN Christ, exhorting our people IN Christ."
with quietness--quiet industry; laying aside restless, bustling, intermeddling officiousness ( 2 Thessalonians 3:11 ).
their own--bread earned by themselves, not another's bread ( 2 Thessalonians 3:8 ).
13. be not weary--The oldest manuscripts read, "Be not cowardly in"; do not be wanting in strenuousness in doing well. EDMUNDS explains it: Do not culpably neglect to do well, namely, with patient industry do your duty in your several callings. In contrast to the "disorderly, not-working busybodies" ( 2 Thessalonians 3:11 ; compare Galatians 6:9 ).
14. note that man--mark him in your own mind as one to be avoided ( 2 Thessalonians 3:6 ).
that he may be ashamed--Greek, "made to turn and look into himself, and so be put to shame." Feeling himself shunned by godly brethren, he may become ashamed of his course.
15. admonish him as a brother--not yet excommunicated (compare Leviticus 19:17 ). Do not shun him in contemptuous silence, but tell him why he is so avoided ( Matthew 18:15 , 1 Thessalonians 5:14 ).
16. Lord of peace--Jesus Christ. The same title is given to Him as to the Father, "the GOD of peace" ( Romans 15:33 , 16:20 , 2 Corinthians 13:11 ). An appropriate title in the prayer here, where the harmony of the Christian community was liable to interruption from the "disorderly." The Greek article requires the translation, "Give you the peace" which it is "His to give." "Peace" outward and inward, here and hereafter ( Romans 14:17 ).
always--unbroken, not changing with outward circumstances.
by all means--Greek, "in every way." Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "in every place"; thus he prays for their peace in all times ("always") and places.
Lord be with you all--May He bless you not only with peace, but also with His presence ( Matthew 28:20 ). Even the disorderly brethren (compare 2 Thessalonians 3:15 , "a brother") are included in this prayer.
17. The Epistle was written by an amanuensis (perhaps Silas or Timothy), and only the closing salutation written by Paul's "own hand" (compare Romans 16:22 , 1 Corinthians 16:21 , Colossians 4:18 ). Wherever Paul does not subjoin this autograph salutation, we may presume he wrote the whole Epistle himself ( Galatians 6:11 ).
which--which autograph salutation.
the token--to distinguish genuine Epistles from spurious ones put forth in my name ( 2 Thessalonians 2:2 ).
in every epistle--Some think he signed his name to every Epistle with his own hand; but as there is no trace of this in any manuscripts of all the Epistles, it is more likely that he alludes to his writing with his own hand in closing every Epistle, even in those Epistles (Romans, Second Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, First Thessalonians) wherein he does not specify his having done so.
so I write--so I sign my name: this is a specimen of my handwriting, by which to distinguish my geniune letters from forgeries.
18. He closes every Epistle by praying for GRACE to those whom he addresses.
Amen--omitted in the oldest manuscripts It was doubtless the response of the congregation after hearing the Epistle read publicly; hence it crept into copies.
The Subscription is spurious, as the Epistle was written not "from Athens," but from Corinth.


text:
Okay, this is a rather difficult question and I realize that different designers may answer it differently.
So, my BIL died and I would like to make a bookmark to be given away at the memorial. Can I use my scrapbooking materials or do I need specifically to go and purchase some CU products?
I would not be selling anything -- it is just a gift for my sister.


text: Coral Portfolio SCA SICAV SIF - Coral Prime Portfolio is an open-end investment fund incorporated in Luxembourg. The Fund's objective is to achieve significant, long-term capital growth by investing in property assets within G20 countries. Various strategies will incl lease extensions, freehold purchase, development, refurbishment, rental returns,change of use & structured financing opportunities


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Designer's Guide to Intrumentation
Amplifiers, 3rd Addition
A Designer's Guide to Instrumentation Amplifiers, written by Charles Kitchin and Lew Counts, gives a comprehensive overview of Instrumentation Amplifier technology and application.
Looking inside A Designer's Guide to Instrumentation Amplifiers ...
Download Specific Chapters or the Complete Guide by clicking on the links below:
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text:
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Processing Time - Orders typically ship in 2-5 business days. Transit via UPS Ground can take up to 6 business days. Braided and custom-made products may take 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.
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Some Will board members want to address concealed carry issue
By Cindy Wojdyla Cain firstname.lastname@example.com January 4, 2013 5:16PM
Updated: February 7, 2013 6:37AM
JOLIET — At least two Will County Board members think the board should weigh in on the state's concealed carry gun debate.
Steve Balich, R-Homer Glen, said Friday that he brought the issue up at Thursday's legislative committee meeting.
"We're the only state in the union that doesn't allow concealed carry," gun enthusiast Balich said.
Board member Don Moran, D-Romeoville, who is president of the Illinois State Rifle Association, agreed to look at Balich's proposal and help write a resolution. The issue could be on the judicial committee's Feb. 5 agenda.
On Dec. 11, a federal appeals court ruled against the state's concealed carry weapons ban. The court gave the Legislature 180 days to write a law legalizing the right to carry a concealed weapon.
Balich, who said he carried a handgun when he lived in Arizona, believes having an armed citizenry could help prevent some of the violence that is gripping the city of Chicago.
"The state is trying to take away or restrict in a big way our Second Amendment rights that we are guaranteed by the Constitution," he said. "We in Will County, don't want our Second Amendment rights taken away."
Balich, who was newly elected to the county board in November, said he's happy to work with Democrats to get his resolution passed by the board, which is tied 13-13 between the two parties.
"You know me," he said. "I'm a right-wing conservative Republican. But why not partner with Democrats. It's about getting the right thing done. It's just common sense."
Moran, who also favors concealed carry, agrees.
"A lot of people think the firearms thing is partisan," Moran said. "In Illinois it's more geographical. South of Interstate 80 and west of Route 47, most of the legislators are pro gun."
While the county board would have no power to enact a concealed carry ordinance that would conflict with the state's, Moran said the board still could take a stand.
"I don't think it hurts anything. We know better how our constituents feel about issues."


text:
Rumor Alert: Basketball Wife Draya Had Sex With Wiz Khalifa for $3,500.
Rumor Alert: Former Stripper and current Basketball Wive, Draya MIchelle, had sexy with Wiz Kalifa for $3,500. (Pic of them together)
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This was reported on "Mouth to Ear" that sites people inside BBW, sounds like Draya's got haters.
Read More


text:
We couldn't get enough help at that particular time so my father heard about the German prisoners that were over at the depot so he arranged to have them come. . . . The job of the men was to take all the feathers off, you could just pull off the big feathers, and then after that they would take it into another area. . . . They were real cordial and real nice to be around. They worked hard and we were happy to get them to come and help us. -Charles McFarland
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The Power of White
Pure, pristine, and always chic, white rooms make
a dramatic impact that's always right
By Alyssa Wolfe
Find white boring? Think again. Decorating with whiteon the walls, with furniture, even for your floorsbrightens a room, creates the illusion of a larger space, and highlights everything around it. Best of all, white can suit any taste or style, whether yours is traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. Heres a tip: Warm whites soften areas and add a sense of comfort, while bright whites give modern, minimalist spaces that extra-sharp zing.
Click here to see photos of some of our favorite white rooms.


text:
(From a recent newsletter from LIM)
Libreria Musicale Italian (LIM) announces the availability of its newest addition: "Il Farinelli Ritrovato" (edited by Luigi Verdi). Proceedings of the Conference of studies Bologna May 29, 2012 by Luigi Verdi) ...
(From the latest Harmonia Early Music January 9th newsletter)
"A 2014 Linn records release of the viol consort Phantasm and the Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, is dedicated to the music of John Ward and his compositions for voices and viols. ...
(From the latest Nota Bene Baroque Players Newsletter)
News from the Nota Bene Baroque Players ~ Julie Baumgartel, Artistic Director (NBBP) of its upcoming concert line-up in January 2015:
"In Search of Beauty" (Jan. 11th): "Featuring works for 2 and 3 solo parts, and even an oboe concerto! We will hear some of the finest instrumental music from Albinoni, Uccellini, Corelli, Biber, Buonamente, Fux and Buxtehude. ..."
"The Mystery Solved" (Jan. 17th and 18th): "Tafelmusik's principal horn Derek Conrod and his protégé, Joe Sharp join NBBP with a virtuosic concerto for 2 horns by Vivaldi, as well as excerpts from Handel's Water Music. Along the way they promise to solve the mystery of the valveless horn in a surprising demonstration that ...
(From a recent Harmonia Early Music newsletter -- by Elizabeth Clark Posted November 30, 2014)
"On October 11, 2014, five early music ensembles performed in Early Music America's Baroque Performance Competition. This hour on Harmonia, we'll hear from all five finalists, including the 2014 Grand Prize winner. Plus, ...
(From a recent notice from The Society for Eighteenth-Century Music)
Faculty of Music, University of Oxford
Annette Richards and Matthew Head will provide the keynote addresses in this two-day conference. Other invited speakers will include: Yonatan Bar-Yoshafat, Keith Chapin, Hans-Günter Ottenberg, Sheila Guymer, Thomas Irvine, Estelle Joubert, John McKean, Joshua Walden, and Susan Wollenberg.
The conference will also feature a clavichord recital by David Gerrard and a fortepiano recital by John Irving.
From a recent BEMF newsletter concert reminder.
"The all-star performers of BEMF's own Vocal & Chamber Ensembles kick off our 25th Anniversary Season with an exquisite program featuring music from Monteverdi's eighth and final book of madrigals, led by Grammy-nominated Musical Directors Paul O'Dette and Stephen Stubbs.
If you are interested in early dance, you may be interested in visiting the "Early Dance" website where there is a current list of dance workshops, lessons, and events. The website has just gone through a website update where there is use of maps with location pins; the site also now lists dance events in a more visual format.
From a recent Harmonia Sacra newsletter of 10 Oct 2014
A reminder of 2 concerts this weekend ~ "When Loves soft passion ..." on 11 Oct 2014 and "Voix sacrées & Sacrées voix!" 12 Oct 2014. "Harmonia Sacra awaits this Saturday at the first of the season's "Avant-Scène baroque" at the Phoenix. We hope to see you there!" ...
October 8, 2014 - This fall, New Comma Baroque presents 2 special programs celebrating 300 Years of C.P.E. Bach and music-making
at the court of Frederick the Great:
From a recent appeal from the Lark Camp organizers. Please be generous to the camp with your donations. (Editor)
"Lark Camp needs more 100 more commitments in order to happen in 2015 by Monday October 13
Coming up in less than one week.
HELP US DECIDE IF WE CAN OFFER LARK CAMP 2015. We personally foot the bill for the camp, and the expenses in 2015 are going to increase radically.
Reserved dates July 31-August 8, 2015
WE NEED YOUR COMMITMENT by October 13
A sign of the times that is certainly being applied to many early music organizations. You may find this article an interesting read. (Marc Paré, Editor)
"PARIS — The Louvre kicked off its latest crowd-funding campaign on Tuesday with an appeal for a million euros to help fund ...
From a recent OperaToday news item.
"On August 30, Los Angeles Opera presented the finals concert of Plácido Domingo's Operalia, the world opera competition. Founded in 1993, the contest endeavors to discover and help launch the careers of the most promising young opera singers of today. Thousands of applicants send in recordings from which forty singers are chosen to perform live in the city where the contest is being held. Last year it was Verona, Italy, this year Los Angeles, next year London. ...
Conference Date: May 21-24, 2015, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
From a recent Consort de Danse Baroque newsletter
"We were a bit late putting next term's dates online, which means that we're having to send this notification from our summer school, without the normal individually customised date lists. To view the dates of classes in London, Cardiff, Bath, Gloucester and Exeter, ...
From a recent Nancy Carlin Associates newsletter, and, from the Lute Society of America Inc., the following news item ...
"As you may know, our friend, the lute teacher Pat O'Brien (1947-2014) passed away a few weeks ago. Pat's family has asked the New York Continuo Collective to arrange a memorial and music to celebrate his life and teaching. It will take place at 1:00 PM on September 13, 2014 in New York City at St. Luke Lutheran Church. The church is located at 308 West 46th Street (the South side of 46th street, just West of 8th Avenue). All are welcome.
From a recent article in The Telegraph, a news article extolling the virtues (or not) of the use of Google Glass technology in music performances. While perhaps not be best of medium to view and hear a performance, but, as one commentator suggests, a way by which to augment the performance with such options as extra performance notes or even translations of libretto, etc. You be the judge ...
From the latest newsletter from the Shakespeare Trust
"There's still plenty of time to make the most of the Summer holidays at Shakespeare's family homes! ...
EarlyMusicNews.org joins the early music world in commemorating the death and contribution of Mr. Frans Brüggen to the early music movement. He will be sorely missed by all of us. For more information of his passing, visit (UK) The Guardian website.
" ...For their first revival of the production, Glyndebourne brought back conductor Olivier Dantone, and assembled a cast which showcased the modern counter-tenor revival by including a total of four in the cast. . Unusually for a modern performance of a Handel opera, all the male characters were played by men ...
As with previous years, the singing competition will take place during the "Innsbruck Festival of Early Music"
"The International Singing Competition for Baroque Opera Pietro Antonio Cesti will take place in Innsbruck for the fifth time. Named after the Italian composer Pietro Antonio Cesti, who turned Innsbruck into a centre for the Italian opera north of the Alps in the mid-17th century, young singers from all over the world with a special talent and training will compete in the varied field that is the baroque opera for participation in the final concert on 21 August. ... "
If you are in the region of Innsbruck, you may want to consider attending some of the concerts at this year's Innsbruck Festival of Early Music.
"The stars were favourable for music in 1685: Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederic Handel and Domenico Scarlatti were born. The three bright stars that shone over the baroque era are the focus of the 2014 Innsbruck Festival. Presenting masterpieces from the opera, the church, the concert hall and the chamber. To round off the picture, there will also be music by the father figures and teachers of Bach, Handel and Scarlatti, by friends and contemporaries as well as by their sons' generation. ...
A recent reminder from the organisers of the "Festival Alte Musik Knechtsteden" (DE), reminding us that if in the area of Knechtsteden, consider the upcoming Festival concert lineups and symposium dates. (Read on) ...
With the end of its 2013-2014 Nota Bene Baroque Players (NBBP) Concert Season, the NBBP Organization has proven itself resilient at re-inventing itself and offering it's audience a new and more dynamic approach to performances and community services.
Having reached a low in performance appearances in previous years (3 performances per year), the NBBP Organization undertook a closer look at its potential as the Region of Waterloo's (Ontario Canada) early music orchestra with the result being of a staggering expanded performance schedule of 14 concerts, as well as a number of NBBP-led initiatives. This past 2013-2014 season consisted of performances with a long list of luminaries such as, not only of the Nota Bene Baroque Players (NBBPlayers) but also the birth of its newly formed choir Nota Bene Baroque Singers (NBBSingers) and invited soloists of famed recognition such as: Michael Schade, Daniel Taylor, Agnes Zsigovics, Sean Watson, Baroque trumpetist John Thiessen, organist/harpsichordist Jan Overduin, conductor Howard Dyck (with concertmaster, Baroque violin Julie Baumgartel) as well as up and coming stars Anthea Conway-White Baroque flute and Victoria Melik Baroque violin.
"A curious and unsatisfying reduction of huge music for tiny forces? By no means. These are not, after all, symphonies in the way that Beethoven, let alone Mahler, understood the term, but breezy three-movement affairs which had lately sprung out of an operatic context and were enjoying a new and independent life through the always-unpredictable idiom of C.P.E., who wrote eight such works between 1741 and 1762. Most of them began as symphonies for strings, with wind parts added later when Bach's orchestra was enlarged. ...
Composer : Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Artist: Andrea Chezzi harpsichord
Instrument: Alberto Colzani (2000), after Goermans-Taskin (Russel Collection of Edimburgh, 1764-1783)
Release: April 2014
Location: University of Chichester, College Lane, Bishop Otter Campus, PO19 6PE Chichester UK
"This new format Summer School responds to the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth by combining a Renaissance dance course with an exploration of the scenes of dancing and music in his plays. ...