~ back.~oun<l _of the ~:1J?Crnnt11r11l to which we are able to refer for authority-the Spirit 1n the Word, m the hvmir Churches, in the world. II. BELIEVING ODEDIENOE EXEMPLIFIED. 1. Natural feeling overcome in the presence of undoubted Divine commandment. 2. A new enterprise faced, in dependence on Divine support. 3. Wisdom humbly seeking light that it may be followed. 4, The Spirit's ~cal recognized by the spiritual man. "If any me.n will do his will, he she.II know of the doctrine," eto. Doubt too often a moral defcct.-R. Vere. 23-43.-The first trompet-.~ound •of the gospel, in the heathen world, I. A REPRESE?."TATIVE ASSEMBLY, 1. Cornelius, hie kinsmen, his near friends, probably 11ome of them devout soldiers. 2. Peter, his brethren from Joppa. The different et11tes of mind. Inquiry after truth, 1,'crplexity as to duty. The helplessness of the heathen world well set forth in Cornelius s salutation. The sense of darkness and spiritual want n temptation to worship men instend of God. The false Church accepts such worship. 'l'he true Sl\ys, " Stand up I I myself also am a man." II. THE LIGHT OF Goo the only true light in which differences are removed and blessings are recognized. Peter brings into that light his Jewish prejudice, and it vanishes. Cornelius brings into it his desire for knowledge and equality with all God's children, and it is abunclantly satisfied. So in the controversies of men, Jct them meet together "in the sight of God," and to hear his voice, and all will be well. III. THE TRGMPET-SOUNDS awaking the Gentile world. 1. The personal Redeemer. 2. The witnessing Church. 3. 'l'he universal invitation. The true evangel-the true liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Holy Spirit spake by Peter's mouth.-R. Ver. 34.-" God is no reRpecter of persons." A great truth exemplified in fact becomes like a new revelation. What Simon Peter perceived in the setting or real life he bad often acknowledged before. It was the application that was requisite. Difference between holding a truth and being held by it. I. A COXDEIIINATION OF SELF-IllGH"l'EOUS1''ESS. Not person, but his own Divine righteousness does he respect. The acceptance of the sinner is not a personal favour, but a manifestation of that which is perfect-the righteousness of Chtist. Ritualism supposes God capable of being tamed aside from his perfect justice, The intolerance of bigotry. Class distinctions in the Church. Priestcraft. IL A coi..'"DEMNATION OF UNBELIEF, in the form of distrust and despondency. Nothing acceptable in self-reproaches except as they are sincere and accompanied with active efforts to do his will. III. TnE voTTo OF THE CmllsTIAN illDASBADOB, whether in carrying the message to the degraded classes of our own population or to the heathen. One gospel for rich and poor, cultivated and uncultivated. IV. THE NOTE OF THE TRUE CHUBCR. That which will not recognize the universal brotherhood of men will not be the Church of the future. Coincidence of providential teaching with the teaching of the Bible. The world will acknowledge no form of Christianity which respects persons. The history of the last century showed that a false Christianity produces atheism.-R. Ver. 36.-The 'Universal, procl.amation, "Preaching peace by Jesus Christ." Taking Cornelius as an ex.ample of a· devout heathen, show that the world needed a new proclamation of peace, both to individuals and to nations. A personal name must be announced; for it must be preached, not by wars and worldly power, but by persuasion and appeal to the heart. L 'fHE MESSAGE-PEACE, 1. Peace between man and God in atonement. 2. Peace risinu up as a wellspring of new life in the heart. 3, Peace ordering the life. II~ THE PI:EACHEB-JEsus CnnrsT. 1. Not destroying the Law, but fulfilling it. The gospel preached from the first. 2. The power of the message is in the messenger. Personal power. Power of love. Power of Divine supremacy inviting confidence, 3. Jesus Christ preached in his people, by his Church, in the embodiment of the Word. Test of all doctrines claiming to uplift humanity-Will they bear to be made tho basis of fellowship? Rationalism bas never been able to form a Church. Jesus preached anr preaches still a peaceful revolution which shall totally change the world, OIi. I, 1-48.J 'f.E:t!i: ACTS Oii' 'fllE APOSTLE:S.
III. THE AUDIENOl!I, 1. Nona excluded. No other con,lition would harmonizo with both the mess11ge n_nd the _preacher. 2. Christ_iani_ty preaches peace in states an,\ among ~h~ contendmg nat10,ns, no~ by subs~1tutmg spiritual principi£s for laws, bocnuse 1t 1s not the pre11cher s prnvmce to legislate, but by proclaimin" the W ortl of Jesus Chris_t.. 3, ~he mission of the Church to the homes of men, not° the peacll of blind subm1ss10n, mtellectual and moral death, but the peace of Jesus Christ the life of God in the soul of man, flowing Clut into the surrounding world. la it peace-'-within, without ?-It