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TO THE GENTILES.

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island, they succeeded in converting the Roman deputy-governor of the district, Sergius Paulus. They then left the island, and arrived on the coast of Pamphylia, and came to Perga; and here John, (surnamed Mark,) who had continued with them during all their travels from Antioch, returned to Jerusalem. It is evident he had not sufficient courage for such a dangerous undertaking; and on this account Paul refused to take him with him a second time, which was the cause of a dissension between him and Barnabas. In the country of Pisidia, bordering upon Pamphylia, was another city of the name of Antioch; here the preachers went into the Jewish synagogue, and Paul made that discourse which is preserved to us in the thirteenth chapter of the Acts. Considering the contradiction and blaspheming of the Jews, we are led to admire the boldness and faithful sincerity of Paul and Barnabas, the result of which was, that the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. With good reason St. Paul once

said, that in every city bonds and afflictions awaited him he had sufficient experience that the natural heart was enmity against God, and that to preach salvation through a crucified Saviour, and to condemn the self-righteousness of men, by stripping them of their fancied merits, was a sure way to raise up persecutors against

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THE EFFECTS OF PREACHING.

[LECT.

him. But the importance of preaching the truth was greater to him than the evasion of any personal insults. He did not resist unto death, neither did he show himself careless to the rage of his enemies; for we find at this city of Antioch, when the Jews raised a persecution, and expelled the Christian teachers out of their coasts, they went away without resistance; observing only the command of their Master, as a testimony that the kingdom of God had come upon these Jews, they shook off the dust of their feet against them."

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From thence they advanced into the central parts of Asia Minor, and took up their abode in Iconium. This town, together with Derbe, Lystra, and Cæsarea Magna, were the principal places in that province of Asia, called Lycaonia the labours of Paul and Barnabas were now confined to this district. At Lystra, the infatuated multitude believed the two missionaries to be gods descended from Olympus, in the likeness of mortals; but very soon they turned upon them, and stoned Paul, who, with his fellow-labourer also, planted the Christian faith at Derbe, and had even the courage to return by all those cities where they had preached, and from which they had been expelled. It is said, moreover, they ordained them elders in every church, and prayed with fasting; and they com

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THE EFFECTS OF PREACHING.

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mended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Here, then, we observe such order prevailing among those primitive Christians, that none presumed to be elders, except those who were properly ordained; but, being so ordained, they were exhorted to continue in the faith of Christ, and were left to govern their respective churches. The fellow-labourers having returned towards the sea-coast, by the districts of Pisidia and Pamphylia, now sailed from Attalia, and returned to the mother Church at Antioch, “from whence," it is written, they had been recommended to the grace of God, for the work which they fulfilled." The Church at Antioch was now gathered together to hear the interesting accounts of Paul and Barnabas, who rehearsed in public all, not that they had done, but "that God had done by them," as instruments; and how with them, as keys, he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

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How much the joy of those Christians was increased, none can imagine but those who really feel an interest in the eternal welfare of their fellow-creatures such will understand that a great delight is inwardly experienced, whenever it is ascertained that a sinner is converted from the error of his way; and even to the mansions above does the soul of that man ascend, to mingle with

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ANTIOCH THE MOTHER CHURCH. [LECT.

the joy which is there diffused among the angels of God, over one sinner that repenteth.

Paul and Barnabas now " abode long time with the disciples." We suppose their travels in Asia to have occupied about a year. St. Paul tells the Galatians, that he came up to Jerusalem fourteen years after his conversion. He returned from this journey into Asia, about the year 45: this, therefore, will leave for the expression of St. Luke ("long time,") a space of three or four years; during which period, they would continually receive accounts at Antioch, from the churches in Pamphylia, Pisidia, and Lycaonia; but none of these have come down to us. It is further said, after the decision of the apostolic council, that Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord with many others also; whence it is evident, that they had not left Antioch, except to go up to Jerusalem to the apostolic synod, and to relate what God had done by them in the heathen world. After this St. Paul made a proposition to Barnabas to go again and visit the brethren in every city where they had preached the Gospel; but since they could not agree about the companions to be taken with them, they departed asunder, one from the other;" Barnabas, with Mark, to the island of

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Cyprus; Paul, with Silas, to Syria and Cilicia; and he went through those countries and confirmed the Churches in the faith they had received. Having now brought the apostles' labours beyond the epoch of the council of Jerusalem-that is to say, to about the year 50, we will leave the narrative for this time, and proceed to apply what has been said to our spiritual improvement.

It may be assumed by the minister of the Gospel that the spiritual condition of man is by nature, in all ages, and in all places, almost the same. Benevolent institutions, national privileges, and the benefits arising out of what is termed civilization, may doubtless make a great difference in the moral condition of society; but considering human nature in its general state of enmity towards God, and its reluctance to receive the truth as it is in Jesus, it will be found to vary little until converted and purified by the operation of God's Holy Spirit. Of the word of truth, however, it may be confidently affirmed that it is sure and stedfast; and whatever change the knowledge of it may effect in the minds of men, still, like its Divine Author, it is "yesterday, to-day, and for ever the same." "The grass withereth and the flower fadeth, but the word of our God abideth for ever." Now if any be disposed, in taking a view of the first spread of Christianity, to assume that there was so much