ing himself and his people. The Holy Ghost falling upon him and
the rest brought with it the illuminating power, in verification of
the Lord's words: "The Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my
name, he shall teach you all things." This inflowing power, teaching,
quickening, regenerating the soul, is what Jesus means by a man's
being born of the Spirit: and in its order and connection "the washing
of regeneration," the water baptism, the water birth into the church,
follows. Cornelius was baptized, and all the devout members of his
family with him. This is the last mention that is made of him. Very
soon after this time that fearful persecution of the saints arose in
Jerusalem and Judea, which resulted in their dispersion to foreign
countries and places, so that Cornelius may never have enjoyed the
privilege of having the remaining ordinances of feet-washing, the
gospel salutation of the kiss, the love feast, and the holy Communion
of the bread and wine administered to him and his house. As no church
could be organized at the house of Cornelius at that time, these
ordinances had to be postponed. In truth, their introduction and
observance must always be guarded with care, lest they be abused and
perverted, as they were at Corinth some years later. But of this we
are sure: "If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted of a man
according to that which he hath, and not according to that which he
hath not."

I cannot close without a few reflections on what has been said. When
Cornelius was told what to do, he did not hesitate a moment. Forthwith
he sent for Peter. When Peter came he received him with joy, and would
have worshiped him in devout solemnity, had Peter not instantaneously
rejected his approach. When the inflowing baptism of the Holy Spirit
gave him and those with him the new birth of the Spirit, they were
ready to receive the water birth by baptism in water. The water was
not forbidden, because no opposition to the Gospel had as yet arisen
in Cesarea.

Now, friends, here is an example worthy of imitation. Let me prevail
in my appeal to you in behalf of your immortal souls. "To whom much is
given, of him they will require the more." Much is given you, my dear
friends who have so attentively listened to me to-day. "He that hath
ears to hear, let him hear." To hear is to obey. "He that knoweth to
do his master's will, and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many
stripes." "What shall it profit a man, if he