present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.”—Again, the case of Cornelius affords a memorable proof of the efficacy of prayer, and how much prayer is concerned in the advancement of believers, as well as in the conversion of sinners. Cornelius was praying when “ the man in bright clothing stood before him ;" Peter was praying when the sheet descended from heaven; and the Centurion's kinsfolk and friends were assembled for the same purpose when Peter arrived.—But the great end of all the visions and events recorded in this chapter was to declare the abolition of all distinctions betwixt Jew and Gentile, so that all were alike welcome to share in the ' blessings of the Gospel, and that no man should now be called common or unclean. The instruction of Cornelius and his family, important as it was, was not the only, nor even the chief object of God in this wonderful interposition. It was designed to remove the prejudice which the Jews, and even the apostles themselves, still entertained against the Gentiles, and to open the door for their admission into the Christian Church. The narrative teaches us to cherish a catholic spirit -first, as it represents Cornelius as a true believer, although a Gentile by birth, and a Jewish proselyte by profession; and secondly, as it shows that every one on whom the Holy Spirit is bestowed, be it in his miraculous gifts, or in his renewing grace, is to be recognised and received as a member of the Church of Christ: Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we ?"

CHAPTER VI.

LYDIA.

Acts xvi. 13–15.

THERE is one important circumstance which was common to all those cases of conversion that are recorded in Scripture, and which well deserves our most serious consideration, I mean the direct operation of the Holy Spirit on the mind of every true convert to the Christian faith, in the way of applying the truth, which is ordinarily the means of conversion. The agency of the Spirit is specially referred to by our Lord himself, in one of the last and most affecting of those addresses which he delivered to his disciples before his death. And by comparing his words with other passages of Scripture, we learn that there were two very different ways in which the Spirit should act; or, that there are two distinct modes of operation by which he carries into effect his great design. The one is external, and sensible; the other is internal, and spiritual. We read of "the manifestation of the Spirit which is given to every man to profit withal;" and we read of the "indwelling of the Spirit in the

the spirit of prophecy." And, when this reference to the evidence which arises from God's testimony, and that of his inspired apostles and prophets, was immediately followed up by the descent of the Holy Ghost, insomuch, that "while Peter yet spake, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word; so that they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost; for they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God."-need we wonder that Cornelius at once embraced the Gospel, and entered, by baptism, into the Christian Church?

The Holy Spirit was the agent by whom Cornelius was convinced and established; partly by his miraculous gifts, which are no doubt intended in the narrative, and which afforded evidence on which his faith might securely rest; but partly, also, by his spiritual grace, accompanying the preaching of the Word, by which he was enabled to believe to the saving of his soul.

III. As to the nature of the change which was now rought on the mind of Cornelius, and its practical sults in his life and conversation,-it properly consted in his being enabled to believe, that the Messiah d promised to the fathers, and whom, Old Testament prophecy, he had long tually come, and that Jesus of Nazawhole of Peter's message is directed nt of this great truth, that "Jesus the cordial reception of that truth,

in its full Gospel import, constituted the change which now passed on the mind of the devout centurion.

But it was,

In the case of one who had previously been so conscientious, and whose whole character was consistent with his profession as a Jewish proselyte, there was no room for such a striking manifestation of the change which is wrought by conversion, as in the case of the Philippian gaoler, or even of Saul of Tarsus. doubtless, attended, even in his experience, with a very great and happy change; for not only is it said, that "he was baptized," in token alike of his faith in Christ, and his submission to Christ's command, but he and his household "glorified God."

We have here—a beautiful exemplification of the way in which the providence of God works in different places, on the same plan, and for the same object. Simultaneously at Joppa and at Cæsarea, God's agency was at work; and the coincidence or concurrence of events demonstrated the interposition of Him" who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working."We have also an interesting example of personal and family religion, under the less perfect dispensation of the Old Testament, and one which may well put to shame many a professor enjoying far higher privileges amongst ourselves. Cornelius was a godly man, and he carried his religion into his family, caring for the souls of those who were committed to his care: "he feared God with all his house,"-" he prayed in his house," he had “ a devout soldier" for his servant, -and he collected his whole household to listen to the apostle, saying, "Now, therefore, are we all here

sented in the short, but comprehensive statement of the apostle. He intimates the personal dignity of Christ "He is Lord of all;" his humiliation, as "Jesus of Nazareth;" his divine mission-for "God sent the Word unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ;" his divine unction with the Holy Ghost, whereby he became the Christ, the Lord's Anointed for "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and with power; his holy life, and beneficent ministry" who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with him;" his miraculous power—“ "for we are witnesses of all things which he did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem;" his ignominious and painful death—" whom they slew, and hanged on a tree;" his resurrection from the dead, and manifestation to his disciples-" Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly, not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God; even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead; his commission to the apostles

"He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he who was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead;" and, finally, the sum and substance of the Gospel-the same Gospel which had been preached beforehand to Abraham, but was

now more fully unfolded-" To him gave all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." Even this brief analysis, without any detailed exposition, of Peter's address, may suffice to show how pregnant it is