[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 himf: 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.]
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 g:" 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.]
f Acts x. 44. 6 ver. 14.