With the necessity of the Gospel for our salvation, let us contemplate also, II. Its sufficiency —
This is fully and unequivocally declared in the history before us —
[The proofs of it here are manifold. Observe the decla- ration of the angel: no doubt was expressed by him respecting the efficacy of Peter's words for the desired end : all that was wanting was, that they should be received and relied upon by Cornelius and his family ; and then the whole of them should be saved. Observe next, the actual experience of Cornelius. He received the word with all readiness, and confided in it ; and the Holy Ghost descended upon him, and upon all who were with him ' ; and not only sealed the blessings of salvation on their souls, but endued them with miraculous powers in token of Christ's love to them, and for the extension of his kingdom by their means. Observe, yet further, the testimony of all the Apostles. They had hitherto been utterly averse to the idea of the Gentiles being saved by the Gospel : but when they heard the account of the whole transaction as given by St. Peter, " they glorified God for it ; saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto lifek."]
The whole Scriptures also bear testimony to the same —
[We never find the smallest doubt expressed respecting the sufficiency of the Gospel salvation. No person is excepted from its offers, nor any sin from its absolving power : whilst " the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin," " he is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him." The provision made by the Gospel is sufficient, not for the small household of Cornelius only, but for the whole family of man. Could all be prevailed upon to receive Christ into their hearts by faith, not a human being would ever perish : " All who would believe in him should be justified from all things," and " be saved by him with an everlasting salvation."]
Having thus proclaimed to you the same blessed tidings which were delivered by Peter to Cor- nelius, let me entreat you to remember, 1. The honour which God puts upon the ministry
of his word —
[God, in his mercy, determined to bring Cornelius and
his family to the knowledge of the truth ; and for this end he
I Acts x. 44, 47. ,k ver. 18.