BOOK II.

OF THE SECOND PERIOD OF CHRISTIANITY.

CHAPTER I.

Of the progress of the gospel from our Lord's ascension to the close of the first century.

THE natural weakness of man is conspicuous in his most important undertakings: having no fund of sufficiency in himself, he is forced to collect all from without; and if the greatness of his preparations are not answerable to the extent of his designs, he has little hopes of success. Farther, when he has planned and provided to the utmost of his power, he is still subject to innumerable contingencies, which he can neither foresee nor prevent; and has often the mortification to see his fairest prospects blasted, and the whole apparatus of his labour and care only contribute to make his disappointment more conspicuous and painful.

The reverse of this is the character of the wonder-working God. To his power every thing is easy: he knows how to employ every creature and contingence, as a means to accomplish his designs; not a seeming difficulty can intervene but by his permission; and he only permits it to illustrate his own wisdom and agency, in making it subservient to his will. Thus, having all hearts and events in his hands, he fulfils his own counsels with the utmost ease and certainty; and to show that the work is his own, he often proceeds by such methods as vain men account weak and insignificant; producing the most extensive and glorious consequences from small and inconsiderable beginnings. Thus the Lord of hosts hath purposed to stain the pride of all human glory.

This observation might be confirmed by innumerable examples taken from the common history and experience of mankind; but the subject of our present undertaking exhibits the most illustrious proof. When the Jews had seen Jesus crucified, dead, and buried, they expected to hear no more of him: his disciples were few, men of no authority, learning, or influence; and since their master, who had made them such large promises, was at last unable to save himself from death, it was probably expected, that his followers would disperse of course, forsake their supposed delusions, and return to their fishing, and other employments suited to their capacities and talents. 40

They knew not that Jesus had arisen from the dead, and had frequently shown himself to his servants, to comfort and confirm their hearts. They little thought that he, whom they had seen expire on the cross, was immoveably seated at the right hand of God, possessed of all power in heaven and earth; but his disciples knew this, and therefore continued to assemble in his name. We do not find that there was much notice taken of them till the feast of Pentecost, which was about ten days after his ascension. At this season, by the Jewish law, the first fruits of the earth were presented at the temple. An appointment, typical of those more sublime first fruits of spiritual gifts and graces with which the Lord on this day enriched his disciples, according to his promise, enabling them to preach his gospel, and make his word effectual to the conversion of a large multitude; as an earnest of that divine power, by which he would support and extend his church and ministry to the end of the world.

*

When the hearts of God's people are united in love, and pleading his promises in the fervent exercise of faith and prayer, great things may be expected. Such was the happy state of the disciples on this solemn day: they were assembled with one accord; no jars or divisions had as yet taken place among them; they were animated with one desire, and praying with one mind. Suddenly and wonderfully they obtained an answer: the place they were in was shaken as by a mighty wind (Acts ii;) their hearts were filled with the powerful energy of the Holy Spirit, and they were instantaneously enabled to speak languages which till then they were unacquainted with. These inward powers were accompanied with the visible symbols of fiery tongues, which sat upon each of their heads: a fit emblem both of the new faculties they had received, and of the conquering, assimilating efficacy of the Spirit by whom they spoke; whose operations, like the fire, are vehement, penetrating, transforming, and diffusive; spreading from heart to heart, from place to place, till the flame, which was now confined within a few breasts, was com

* [Tiberius, A. D. 33.] In fixing the dates of our history, I shall conform to what I think the most probable and authorised opinion, without perplexing either myself or my readers with the niceties of critical chronology.

municated to many nations, people, and languages.

The effects of this divine communication were immediately manifest; they were filled with love, joy, and faith, and began boldly and publicly to praise God. Their emotion and zeal could not be long unnoticed: those who first observed it, spoke of it to others, and a rumour was spread abroad. Jerusalem was at that time the occasional resort of the Jews and Jewish proselytes, who were dispersed throughout the known world, and multitudes had come from different countries to celebrate the feast. The promiscuous throng, who assembled upon the report, and had been accustomed to different languages, were therefore greatly astonished to hear of the wonderful works of God, every man in his own tongue. While some expressed their surprise at this, others ascribed it to the effects of wine, and showed their scorn and despite to the Spirit of grace, by reviling the apostles as drunkards. Thus they no sooner entered upon their public service, than they began to find the same treatment which their Lord had met with, and were, for his sake, the subjects of calumny and derision. This is a remarkable instance of the sagacity and temper which the men of the world discover in the judgment they form of a work of God; nor is it probable, that our modern reasoners would have judged more favourably, if they could have been present at such a scene, where several persons were speaking loud at the same time, and each in a different language: since they account the operations of the same Spirit, madness, and folly, even where they are not attended with such extraordinary circumstances.

Peter's address, and the power of the Spirit of God, concurred to give them a deep conviction of their sin; they were pierced to the heart, they no longer wondered as curious spectators, but were solicitous for themselves, and cried out, Brethren, what shall we do? Peter then proceeded to open the treasure of gospel-grace, and to direct them to Jesus, whom they had crucified, for salvation. The effect of this day's preaching (for though only Peter is named, it is probable, there were more than one preacher or one discourse) was signally happy. Three thousand souls were converted, and, professing their faith and repentance, were by baptism publicly joined to the church.

A further addition was soon after made: Peter and John having recovered a man from incurable lameness by faith in the name of Jesus, the report of the miracle brought a great concourse of people together a second time, Acts iii. Peter improved the occasion to preach to them at the temple gate, to the purport of his former discourse. He had an attentive auditory, and his word was made effectual to the conversion of many. But by this time the enemies of Jesus were greatly alarmed at the progress of his doctrine (Acts iv. 16, 47;) and having* notice of what had passed, the priests and Sadducees violently apprehended Peter, with John, and put them in prison. He had not finished his discourse; but he had said enough to be remembered; and this interruption, with the boldness of his following defence, made his words more regarded. The next day they were brought before the high-priest, rulers, and elders; and being asked concerning the late miracle, Peter, who once had trembled at the voice of a girl, was not afraid to use the utmost freedom and plainness with the council and heads of the Jewish nation. He confessed the name and cause of Jesus, reminded them of their wickedness in causing him to be crucified, and in direct answer to their question, assured them that the miracle was wrought in his name, and by his power. Though the council were highly offended with this lan

This weak and perverse slander was immediately refuted by the apostle Peter, who addressed the people in a grave and solemn discourse; and, having in few words explained the nature of the fact, and shown that it was an accomplishment of ancient prophecies, he proceeded to apply himself more closely to their consciences. He assured them that what they saw and heard was wrought by the power of Jesus of Naza-guage, and the more so, as they observed the reth, whom they had rejected before Pilate. He informed them of that honour and glory which he now possessed, and charged them as accomplices in the murder of a person whose character and dignity God had vindicated by raising him from the dead. Though our Saviour had but few disciples during his personal ministry, he had doubtless left a deep impression of his words and works in the hearts of many. This discourse of Peter would naturally recall him to the remembrance of those who had seen him in the flesh, and led him to reflect how earnestly and unjustly they had, at the instigation of their priests, compelled Pilate to put him to death. These reflections, the closeness of VOL. II. F

persons who spoke were private and unlettered men; yet, being unable to deny the fact, for the man who had been lame stood before them, and unwilling to incur the odium of punishing an action they were ashamed to disapprove, they dissembled their rage, and forbidding the apostles to speak any more to the people, they dismissed them; yet they did

* Many consultations have been held, and devices framed, to stop the progress of the gospel, as if it were

a dangerous infection But all such attempts are vain: they may as easily restrain the dawning of the day as suppress the spreading of the gospel. When the Lord is pleased to raise up fit instruments to promote it, and to vouchsafe a season of refreshment from his presence, then its influence cannot be restrained: a spark be comes a flame, a little one a multitude, and opposition only makes the effects more visible and noticed.

not depart until they had protested against | notice, and began to be apprehensive of the this inhibition, and declared their resolution event; yet, hurried on by their enmity to to obey God rather than men.

Jesus and his gospel, they once more sent their officers to take them, which they attempted in the mildest manner possible; for, as the prosecution was groundless and malicious, they were not without fear lest the multitude should interpose: but they had to do with the followers of Jesus, who would countenance no tumult in their own favour, and were neither afraid nor ashamed to confess his name in the face of danger. The apostles, therefore, peaceably yielded themselves, and being brought before the council, were severely questioned for disregarding the late prohibition they had received. Peter and the rest answered with their usual firmness; they avowed the fact, and their determination to persevere, and charged them as betrayers and murderers of Jesus in stronger terms than before. The majority of the council were exceedingly enraged at their boldness: they were cut to the heart, and consulted to put them to death. But the more moderate advice of Gamaliel prevailed. He showed them, from some recent instances, that if this new sect was no more than a human institution, they need not give themselves trouble to suppress it, for it would soon sink and disappear of itself; but if it was indeed of God, their opposition would be not only in vain, but in effect a rebellion against God himself: he therefore recommended milder methods; and having considerable repute among them for his wisdom, the rest assented to him. In this manner the Lord, who has the hearts of all in his power, de

The believers though numerous, amounting to many thousands, lived in harmony and love, as children of one family. The greater part of them were poor; those therefore who had estates, or money, willingly put their all into a common stock for the use of the whole, which was entrusted to the care of the apostles. This is recorded as an instance of the benevolent and disinterested spirit with which the gospel inspired them, but it is not enjoined as a precedent to be universally observed, since we have many proofs, that the isual distinctions in civil life were retained in other churches planted by the apostles; and it soon gave occasion to discover, that in the best societies there may be found some unworthy intruders, and that very specious actions may be performed from base and dishonourable motives. Even under this richest dispensation of grace, there were some professors influenced by no higher motives than hypocrisy and vain glory. Ananias (Acts v,) with his wife Sapphira, attempted to impose on the apostles by a concerted lie, and would have had the praise of giving their whole substance, when their avarice would only permit them to spare a part. As a warning to all pretenders, who seek to join or serve the church from sordid or selfish views, Peter, by the direction of the Holy Ghost, denounced a severe sentence against this unhappy pair, and they both fell dead at his feet. The cause and suddenness of their death was a vindication of the apostles' integrity and authority, and a seasonable ad-livered the apostles a third time by raising monition to others, to deter any from attempt ing to associate with the disciples, who were not in heart devoted to the Lord.

them an advocate from amongst their enemies; yet, to save appearances, and that it might not be thought the council had proceeded so far without good cause, they were not dismissed till they had been scourged, and again enjoined silence. They departed, rejoicing that they had the honour to suffer disgrace for the sake of Christ, and re

The numbers of the believers still increased, and the report of the apostles' doctrine and miracles extended from Jerusalem to the adjacent parts. The priests and Sadducees therefore soon renewed their efforts to suppress them: they apprehended the apostles again, and put them in the common † Acts v. 24. It is not only a fruitless, but a very unprison as malefactors; but the Lord, to con- easy undertaking to fight against the truth, and those firm the faith and courage of his people, and this desperate cause are often brought to their wits end, who profess it. The boldest and wisest champions in to show how easily he can protect those who and to foresee their own disappointment. serve him, delivered them the same night by obey God rather than men." It should seem that this (if Peter and the apostles answered, "We ought to his angel. In the morning, when their ene any) may be called a natural maxim, and that the rudest mies were met, and commanded them to be savage, or the least child that can be made to understand the terms, must assent to the truth of the probrought to their tribunal, they were sur-position, as readily as they perceive that two and two prised to hear that the prison-doors were make four; how strange then is it, that men of the found secure, and the prisoners all escaped.ceive it! There are few periods to be found even in greatest parts and penetration in other things so seldom They were, however, soon informed that the christian church, in which those who steadily acted they were not gone far, but were preaching upon this principle were not considered as heretics of boldly to the people, as the angel had directed them, regardless of their adversaries' designs against them. They were alarmed at this

*The apostolie censures were not like the papal ana themas, bruta fulmina, words without effect; they were accomplished in an instant-See Acts xiii. 12.

the worst sort.

§ Here were faith and love in exercise: to suffer reproach for Christ was in their esteem an honour and privilege. It is mournful to observe how little of this spirit is to be found amongst us How soon are we offended and troubled when our names are reproached! how uneasy to lie under contempt! how impatient to justify ourselves, and to be thought well of by all persons! Far from accounting it an honour to be made

turned to encourage their companions; con- | blinded passions hurried them to the last extinuing still publicly, and from house to tremities. Stephen, one of the seven deahouse, to teach and preach in the name of Jesus.

cons newly elected, was the first who received the honour and crown of martyrdom. His zeal for the truth did not begin with his new office, though it is probable his undertaking that charge might place him more in view, and expose him more immediately to persecution. Promotions in the world are attend

motions in the church as are agreeable to the Spirit of God, will rather entitle a man to a larger share of labours and sufferings, and the painful pre-eminence of standing in the forefront of the battle, to sustain the hottest brunt of every storm. Stephen was no sooner a public person than he became the mark of public opposition. At first they pretended to dispute with him, but when they were un

he spake, they had recourse to more effectual methods to silence him; they suborned false witnesses, a main instrument of persecution, against him; and having framed such an accusation as was most likely to alarm the prejudice, and inflame the rage of the people, they brought him before the council, and charged him, that he had spoken blasphemous words against Moses and against God. Stephen, though alone, and unsupported in the midst of furious enemies, appeared firm and unmoved as a rock in the midst of the waves: he was not only devoid of fear, but filled with joy (Acts vii;) the tes timony of a good conscience, the honour of suffering for his Lord, and a sense of the love of God shed abroad in his heart, not only preserved his soul in peace, but spread a lus

These were happy times (Acts vi,) when the whole company of the faithful were of one heart and mind, firmly united in affection, sentiment, ordinance, and practice. Their adversaries, though angry, and desirous to injure them, were powerfully restrain-ed with worldly advantages; but such proed by the Divine Providence: so that they enjoyed peace in the midst of war, and were favoured with much grace in their hearts, and a daily increase in their numbers. Yet it was not long before an occasion arose which might have had unhappy effects, if the wisdom and authority of the apostles had not provided an early remedy. The church, as yet, consisted only of Jewish believers; but these were distinguished into Jews pro-able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which perly so called, that is, natives and inhabitants of Judea, and Hellenists or Grecians, the name given to those of the Jewish race and profession who had been dispersed and settled in the Heathen countries. Many of these, as has been observed, were at that time in Jerusalem, and among the first converts of the gospel. As the multitude who were supplied out of the common stock was very great, it is no wonder if a few individuals were overlooked: some unavoidable instances of this sort gave rise to a complaint, not only of negligence, but partiality, in the distribution of the money; and the Hellenists, or strangers, thought the others had an undue preference shown them. The apostles, though upright and impartial, were unable to do every thing themselves; and therefore to prevent such mistakes and sus-tre and glory upon his countenance, so that picions, and that they might devote their whole time and attention to the more important services of the ministry, they entirely divested themselves of the pecuniary charge; and, by their advice seven men were chosen, on whom, by prayer and imposition of hands, they solemnly devolved this trust. Thus the office of deacons was instituted. They were men full of wisdom and the Holy Ghost: and to them the care of the public money, and the support of the poor, was peculiarly confided. Some of them, perhaps all, were occasionally preachers; but this was no part of their office as deacons. By this expedient, the cause of murmuring was taken away, and the peace of the church confirmed.

TIBERIUS, A. D. 34.] Thus the gospel flourished in defiance of opposition. The Jews, provoked more and more, began to lose all patience; the mild counsels of Gamaliel could no longer restrain them, but their

conformable to Jesus in this respect, we feel it a burden which we are restless to shake off: yet it must be borne,

or we must give up profession and all; for neither are our characters more respectable than the first Christians,

tor is the world better reconciled to the things of God Now than it was then.

all who sat in the council, looking upon him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. In such a disposition, he thought it not worth while to attempt his own defence, but employed the whole time allotted him in behalf of his adversaries, that, if possible, by a distinct view of God's dealing with their nation, and their behaviour towards him, he might engage them to consider their ways, to repent, and believe the gospel. While he spake of the things that had been long since transacted, and kept within the bounds of Moses, David, and Solomon, they had patience to hear him; but when he began to make application to themselves, with that warmth and plainness which the case required, they could bear no more: his words cut them to the heart: they no longer preserved the exterior gravity of their stations and characters, but gnashed at him with their teeth, as though they would have devoured him alive.

But vain are the attempts of men to inti midate those whom the Lord is pleased to comfort. He is always near to support his faithful servants, and can manifest himself in

a way which the world knows nothing of. | fiercest attempts of men cannot pass, preSuch a seasonable and sufficient discovery served the apostles in safety at Jerusalem, he made of himself to Stephen. As he looked where he had farther occasion for their sersteadfastly up to heaven, silently appealing vice. Amongst the many who left the city from the injustice of his judges, he saw the was Philip, another of the deacons: he heavens opened, and Jesus standing in glory preached Christ and his gospel in Samaria, at the right hand of God, as attending to all performed many cures and miracles among that passed, and ready to receive him to him- the people, and a great number received faith self. Transported with this divine assurance, and were baptized. Here the gospel trihe was not at leisure to drop a single word to umphed over the illusions of Simon, surnamsoften his incensed enemies; he endeavour- ed Magus, or the Sorcerer, who, by his vain ed to communicate the glorious idea with arts and arrogant pretensions, had long held which his soul was filled, and, without re- the people in subjection and astonishment. garding the sure consequence of such a de- But the superior power of truth dispelled claration, he told them plainly what he saw. the charm; his votaries forsook him; and This determined their resolves. Hitherto they even the impostor himself was so far conhad been willing to preserve the form at least vinced that Philip acted by that divine power of a judicial process; but now, renouncing and authority to which he had only pretendevery restraint, and unmindful of their late ed, that he professed himself a believer likeacknowledgment to Pilate, that it was not wise, and behaved so fairly, that Philip adlawful for them to put any man to death, mitted him to baptism without suspicion : they stopped their ears to shut out any re- but when, soon after, Peter* and John came monstrance that might be offered, dragged to Samaria to communicate the gifts of the him violently out of the city, and stoned him Holy Ghost to the new disciples by imposito death. His dying deportment, which tion of hands, Simon discovered his true showed how eminently he was filled with character: he offered money for a power to the Spirit of Jesus, whom he saw, is record- impart the same gifts; a proposal which ed as a fit pattern for the imitation of all who showed his ignorance, wickedness, and amshould be called to suffer for the truth in bition in the strongest light, and proved him succeeding times. He kneeled down with an entire stranger to the grace of God. the sweetest composure, and, having com- From him the hateful practice of merchanmitted his departing soul into his Redeemer's dizing in spiritual concerns has derived the hands, his only remaining concern was for name of Simony; a crime which, though his murderers, and his last breath was a condemned by the laws of every christian prayer that this sin might not be laid to their country, as highly injurious and reproachcharge. Such resolution in the defence of fult to the gospel of Christ, no laws or oblitruth, such calmness under sufferings, such gations have hitherto been able to suppress. tenderness and compassion towards those Peter severely rebuked his hypocrisy, yet who oppose, are the surest marks of a high exhorted him to repentance and prayer. His attainment in christianity. words seemed to have some weight with Simon for the present; but we hear no more of him among the believers: on the contrary, he is recorded in history as an inveterate enemy to the faith and purity of the gospel, and the author of those wild, absurd, and im

The death of Stephen, far from satiating the rage of the rulers (Acts viii,) rather animated and excited them to new mischief. They observed no farther measures, but gave full vent to their cruelty, and raised a general persecution against the church. A young man named Saul, whom the Lord, from before his birth, had designed for a nobler service, was at this time one of their most zealous and active instruments; he had been a consenting spectator of Stephen's death, and kept the raiment of those that slew him. Encouraged by their example, he soon entered upon action himself, and made havoc of the church, forcibly entering into their houses, and dragging many to prison, both men and women. The disciples, therefore, according to their Lord's direction (Matt. x. 23,) gave way to the storm, and dispersed themselves throughout Judea and Samaria, spreading the knowledge of the gospel wherever they went. Thus the methods taken to suppress the truth proved (as they often have since) the means of promoting its progress; yet the Lord, who appoints limits beyond which the

*Acts viii. 14. "They sent Peter and John." We find nothing in this book to countenance the pre-eminence which the Papists ascribe to Peter. He and John were deputed by all the apostles, and went upon equal terms. Peter did not send John, nor go himself, without the advice and direction of the rest. John had once desired to call for fire from heaven upon the Samaritans; but he was now better instructed, and gladly went to impart to them the best gifts he could bestow. If the Lord is pleased to make any partakers of the same precious faith with ourselves, though they were once enemies, we should gladly forget all that is past, and receive them as dear brethren and intimate friends. rive rather from Simon Magus than from Simon Peter: yet it is to be wished such practices were confined to the church of Rome only. Our laws have guarded against them by a very solemn and circumstantial oath; but that this oath, if not literally broken, is often scandalously evaded, we need no other proof than the shameful advertisements which frequently appear in our public papers; not to say, that though there is no money in the case, yet all presentations, exchanges and advancements that are transacted upon interested judges the heart.

In these abuses the church of Rome seems to de

views, are so far simoniacal in the sight of him whe