down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.' (Acts x. 19, 20.) This was enough, now the mystery was explained; he saw at once that God had a work for him to perform, and he hastened to execute it. He began also to perceive his mission was to the Gentiles, and, therefore, he invited the men to rest, and the next day, accompanied by some friends, set out for Joppa. 'The morrow after they entered into Cesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.' (Verses 24-26.) Cornelius, perfectly satisfied that Peter would return with his messengers, had collected several of his friends, that they also might have an opportunity of hearing those truths that he so earnestly awaited; the sight of the man of God, however, so filled him with awe and respect, that he fell down at his feet in the attitude of worship; but Peter hastened to remove him from a posture so unbecoming, and told him to rise."

"In this transaction, sir," said Mr. Lawrence, "I have often thought Cornelius had no intention of worshipping Peter, though that is the word made use of in our translation; but when we reflect that the manners of the eastern nations have scarcely changed in the least, I can bear testimony to the fact that nothing more was meant than an act of salutation."

"Whatever it was," said Mr. Basil, "Peter refused to accept it; and it would be well if he who regards himself as Peter's successor, namely, the Pope, would read this chapter and imitate the conduct of the Apostle he professes to adore. When he gives his embroidered slipper to his benighted admirers to kiss, how little he imitates Peter, who would not receive the usual mode of homage from Cornelius!'

"Very true," said Mr. C- -; "and when Cornelius rose, in reply to Peter's inquiry, he set forth in a simple, yet manly way, the reason wherefore he sent for him, adding, Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.' (Verse 33.) This appeal was immediately replied to by the Apostle, who hastened first to speak of his Jewish prejudices, and then to show the

wonderful manner whereby God himself had taught him that now neither circumcision availed anything, nor uncircumcision,' but a change of heart, a new and holy principle which alone could be produced by the Holy Spirit, and would be made manifest by its fruits. He spake of the general knowledge that prevailed as to the life of Jesus, and which was well known in distant lands, and after speaking of himself and his brethren as the appointed witnesses of his resurrection, he proceeded to declare the glorious truth, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission or pardon of sins.' (Verse 43.) No sooner had he proclaimed this glorious truth, the sum of the everlasting gospel, than God himself bore testimony to its truth by bestowing upon Cornelius and his friends the gift of the Holy Ghost; another striking proof, Mr. Martin," added Mr. C"that Baptism is not Regeneration."

"I am obliged to give that doctrine up," replied Mr. Martin; "you have taken all my props away, and I have nothing left to support me; but please to proceed."

"Observe," resumed Mr. C――, "in some cases the Holy Spirit was bestowed after baptism, in others before, and in others again when the parties were neither circumcised nor baptized, that we may learn that God does not confine himself to outward signs,' for after all, 'It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing,' (John vi. 63;) and what St. Paul says of the Jew is equally applicable to the Gentile, that he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.' (Rom. ii. 28, 29.) Here, my friends, is true regeneration, that holiness of heart which is quite distinct from outward signs and ordinances, and which is bestowed by the Lord the Spirit upon each man severally as he will. The effect produced upon these Gentiles was the same as upon the Jews at the day of Pentecost, they began to speak in various tongues unknown to them before, and to proclaim the wonders of redemption even as those who had come to teach them; proving that they also were chosen of God to declare the glad tidings of salvation, and that they were to make known to others the unsearchable riches of Christ. Seeing the manifest acceptance of those people into the Church of Christ,

well might Peter exclaim, 'Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?' Surely not. Baptism is the sign whereby the believer is outwardly admitted into covenant with God, and thus Peter acted with regard to Cornelius, in compliance with the command of Jesus, who desired his disciples to go forth and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' Truly this history should be precious to us who are Gentiles, and while we meditate upon that grace and love which made us partakers in the covenant of mercy which so long appertained to the Jews alone, we should pray for this our elder brother that he may be restored to the blessings he has lost, and that we may both be made one in Christ Jesus our Lord."

R. CLAY, PRINTER, BREAD STREET HILL.

THE

NEW TESTAMENT HISTORIES.

THE party as usual began to assemble at M- Court. As they slowly proceeded on their way under the warm beams of a summer's sun, it was delightful to watch them from the windows of the mansion, walking together in small friendly groups, deeply intent upon some subject that evidently engrossed their complete 'attention. Our warm-hearted old favourite Hyford appeared quite excited, and when he espied Mr. Lawrence in the distance coming in an opposite direction, he left his companions, Farmers Smith and Hill, to themselves, in order to meet that gentleman, and as he expressed it, "have some talk with him." Mr. Lawrence greatly admired the worthy man; his eccentricities amused him, while his pure, simple holiness of character deeply interested him; and it was one of his greatest pleasures to relate to him some tale connected with his abode in foreign countries, and which the old man listened to with the delighted interest of a child. Upon the present occasion he had watched the movements of Hyford in the distance, and when he found him wending his way across the lawn towards himself, he hastened to meet him. After the first salutations were over, Mr. Lawrence observed:

"The chapter read by Mr. C- last week was calculated to afford deep subject for consideration."

66

Yes, sir," replied Hyford, "and it was on that very account that I have now taken the liberty of joining you. I have thought very much of the mercy of God in declaring the Gentiles equally acceptable to himself with his Jewish people; and yet why not? did he not create all, and does he wish a few to be saved, and many to perish? Oh no, a father of a family loves all his children; I am