We see, however, yet further, in these words, III. The approbation expressed In this light, beyond a doubt, they are to be viewed [The prejudices, which had so long blinded their eyes, were now removed: and a new principle of love sprung up in their hearts; so that they could welcome the accession of the Gentiles to their community, and the participation of the whole heathen world in the privileges which they themselves had so long exclusively enjoyed. Hence we are told, that they not only "held their peace," but "glorified God, saying, Then hath God to the Gentiles also granted repentance unto life."] And in what light should they be viewed by us? [Cornelius himself was not more interested in this event than we. To this event we look, as the period from whence to date all our privileges. From this time the Gospel was freely preached to the Gentiles; from amongst whom thousands of converts were made, yea, and millions also, insomuch that, in a few years, the whole Roman empire was filled with them. From that time has the Gospel been transmitted, till it has come even unto us: and we enjoy all its privileges and its blessings, as much as our hearts can wish. With what joy and gratitude, then, should we exclaim, "To us Gentiles hath God granted repentance unto life!" Yes, in this event we should contemplate our own interests, as well as those of Cornelius; and should mark with our most distinguished approbation the mercy thus freely vouchsafed to the whole world.] But we must not confine our views of this passage to the event which then took place. We must get it repeated in our own persons, and experienced in our own souls We need salvation no less than Cornelius and his company [Cornelius was of a most lovely character; and though not enlightened by the Gospel, was doubtless eminently distinguished by a preparatory work of God upon his soul, and admirably fitted for a reception of the Gospel by the grace of God. Yet it was by the Gospel only that he was to be saved; since, whatever preparatory attainments a man may have, "there is no name given under heaven whereby any man can be saved, but the name of Jesus Christ." Know then, brethren, all of you without exception, that ye must know Christ, before ye can be interested in his salvation -] And this salvation ye must seek through God's appointed ordinances— [God has set apart an order of men on purpose to instruct the world. He could have communicated the knowledge of salvation to Cornelius, as easily as he could direct him where to find an authorized instructor. But he would rather accumulate vision upon vision, and miracle upon miracle, to honour his own appointed ordinances, than convey the knowledge of eternal life in the neglect of them. Accordingly, Cornelius sent a whole day's journey to get instruction from Peter; and Peter went a whole day's journey to impart it to one single family from whence we learn, that no pains are to be spared, either in seeking or imparting divine knowledge; and that the more strictly we adhere to God's appointed methods of obtaining it, the more confidently we may hope to succeed in our endeavours.] But you must seek it with becoming humility— [Behold the posture of Cornelius and his company: "Now are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God"." This is the state of mind in which you also, my brethren, are to come up to the house of God. You are not to come from mere form, or from curiosity; nor are you to come with a mind clouded by prejudices or prepossessions. You are to come with docile minds, ready to receive, as from God, all that God speaks to you by us, so far as it accords with his written word. You must come also with a determination, through grace, to embrace it all without gainsaying, and to obey it all without reserve.] And we have the same instruction for you as was communicated by Peter to that assembly [We "preach peace to you by Jesus Christ";" and declare, that, as there is no reconciliation with God but through his atoning blood, so "all that believe in him shall be justified from all things." In confirmation of this, we appeal to every part of the inspired volume, shewing, that "to Him give all the prophets witness, that, through the name of Christ, whosoever believeth in him shall receive the remission of sinse."] And to this will the Holy Spirit bear witness, as in the case before us c Acts x. 33. d Acts x. 36. Acts x. 43. with xiii. 38, 39. [He will not, indeed, impart miraculous powers, as in that day; but he will give testimony to the truth that Christ is a Saviour, an all-sufficient Saviour, to all who call upon him: he will seal it upon the heart, and will render it the means of comforting and sanctifying the souls of all who truly receive it.] 66 But we must " repent," even as Cornelius and his associates did [Though "life" is not by repentance, but by Jesus Christ, there is no life to the impenitent. Life and repentance are never separated in the dispensations of God; nor can they be separated in our experience. Even though we have been as exemplary as ever Cornelius was, we are yet sinners; and must abase ourselves before God, as deserving of his wrath and indignation: and must "flee to Christ for refuge, as to the one hope that is set before us."] To God, however, we must look to vouchsafe us this gift [You cannot but see how it was "granted" to them, in every stage of its progress. The first intimation to Cornelius that he needed a Saviour, was given him in the vision; and the direction where to send for instruction was given by an angel of God; even the name of the person, and the town where he dwelt, and the very house where he lived. All the obstacles which were in the way were removed by the vision to Peter: and "the words were put into the mouth of Peter, whereby Cornelius and his house were to be saved:" and the whole was applied by the Holy Spirit to their souls. Thus, then, must you also look unto God, to instruct your minds, and to impress the truth with effectual energy upon your souls. Do but this, my brethren; and, as it was said with rapture by the Church at Jerusalem, "Behold, God hath unto the Gentiles granted repentance unto life!" so shall it now be said amongst the angels of God in heaven: "Behold, God hath to that assembly granted repentance unto life." Yes, those benevolent beings, though in the very presence of God, "rejoice over one sinner that repenteth." O that they may have joy over you, my brethren, this day! and may "God be glorified" in every one of you, to all eternity, for Christ's sake! Amen, and Amen.] MDCCLXXI. DUTY OF CLEAVING TO THE LORD. Acts xi. 22, 23. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the Church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. TO see men converted unto God is a source of very exalted joy: still, however, that joy is by no means unmixed. In viewing a tree full of blossoms, we almost irresistibly contemplate the dangers to which they are exposed, and the probability there is that many of them at least will never come to maturity. Our blessed Lord, in the parable of the Sower, has taught us to expect a similar issue in relation to the fruits produced by the Gospel: and experience confirms the truth of his representations. Hence, whilst we rejoice over young converts, we are constrained to "rejoice with trembling." Agreeably to this observation, we find the Apostles invariably labouring "to confirm the souls of the Disciples"," and "persuading them to continue in the grace of God"." Such was the conduct of Barnabas towards the Disciples at Antioch: "He was glad when he saw the grace of God" manifested in their conversion; but, being "jealous over them with a godly jealousy," he " exhorted them all, without any distinction, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." This exhortation of his leads us to contemplate the dangers and the duties of the Lord's people. I. The dangers Had the new converts been in no danger of departing from the Lord, they had not needed such an earnest exhortation to cleave unto him. But the truth is, that all Christians are in danger. 1. From the ungodly world- a Acts xiv. 21, 22. b Acts xiii. 43. [It is not easy to say which are more replete with danger to the Christian, the frowns or the smiles of the ungodly world. Their hatred is often difficult to be borne. When persecution arises from those who are nearly related to us, or invested with authority over us, or on whom our temporal interests materially depend; and more especially when it rages to such an extent that we must forsake all to follow Christ; it requires much grace to meet the trial aright, and much strength to maintain our stedfastness in the Lord's ways. We are apt to give way to that "fear of man which bringeth a snare. On one occasion, Paul was forsaken by all the Church at Rome, through a fear of participating in his trials: nor can any man tell how he shall demean himself under such circumstances, till he is actually placed in them. Sometimes it happens that our friends, instead of using violence, endeavour to divert us from our purpose by kindness: and then we feel it ten times more difficult to oppose their wishes: we begin to think that it is better to make compliances, and not adhere too strictly to the requisitions of the Gospel. We flatter ourselves, that by such means we shall soften their prejudices against religion, and perhaps win them to Christ: but in this way we are in danger of wounding our own consciences, and of relapsing altogether into the ways and spirit of the world. A measure of tenderness and conciliation we highly approve; but it may easily be carried too far, and bring us to seek that "friendship of the world which is enmity with Godd."] 2. From our own corrupt hearts— [The heart is naturally carnal; and it is but in part renewed even in the best of men: "the flesh still lusteth against the Spirit, as well as the Spirit against the flesh." Paul himself complained that he had" a law in his members warring against the law of his mind, and bringing him into captivity to the law of sin which was in his members." Hence the cares or pleasures of life soon regain an ascendant over us, if we in the least relax our watchfulness against them; or perhaps, like David, we fall into the grossest crimes. Demas has shewn us how awfully the most distinguished professors of religion may depart from God and in the thorny-ground hearers, we see how all the life of religion may be lost, whilst the outward form of it remains unaltered. After our Lord's exhortation to his own Apostles, we may see that there is no sin whatever into which we may not fall, if we be for one moment left to the workings of our own evil hearts. Indeed, independent of any gross sin c 2 Tim. iv. 16. f Rom. vii. 23. i Luke xxi. 34. d Jam. iv. 4. 2 Tim. iv. 10. e Gal. v. 17. |