The Apostolical History

SECT. I.

THE Holy Evangelist Luke having in his former Treatise written the History of Our Lord and Savior, (wherein he had spoken of all things , that Jesus both did, • nd taught, so far forth as the Holy Ghost hought fit to dictate to him, and to enjoin • im to publish) he now proceeds to write the History of his Apostles . And in the first place, to connect this History with his former, he shows, That after our Savior was risen from the dead, he continued Forty days on the earth, and in that space of time appeared often to his chosen Apostles , giving them many sure Evidences, that it was truly He, their Lord and Master; and by the direction of the Holy Ghost (wherewith his Human Nature was full) he gave them many Precepts and Commandments, touching the discharge of their Function and Office; acquainting them with the things appertaining to the Kingdom of God, viz the Kingdom of his Grace, which is erected, and set up in the Hearts of men by the preaching of the Gospel. And having now gathered them together , that they might behold his Ascension, he commanded them▪ that they should not disperse themselves, not depart from Jerusalem, but stay the • e, and expect the performance of the Promise made by the Father of a great and plentiful Effusion of his Spirit upon them [ Joel 2.28.] of which he had often before told them, as we may see, Luk. 24.29. & Joh. 14. and ch. 15. and 16. And though they had been before baptized by John, who baptized with water, but could not confer the Spirit with the outward Ordinance, yet now they shouldst be baptized with the Holy Ghost ten days hence; not but that they had received the Spirit before in some measure, but now this Spirit should be poured forth in a more large, and plentiful manner upon them, to confirm them more assuredly in the Doctrine of the Gospel, to sanctify them more abundantly, to seal to them, and bear witness with their Spirits, that they were the adopted children of God, Eph. 1.13. Rom. 8.16. And lastly, to confer those gifts upon them, which were requisite for the execution of their Office, namely the gifts of Tongues, Prophecies, and Miracles, that they might divulge and proclaim his Doctrine and Gospel not only in Judea, and Samaria, but even to the uttermost parts of the earth. The Apostles hearing him discourse of this extraordinary effusion of the Spirit, and imagining (as it seems) it would be an introduction to the glorious temporal kingdom of the Messiah, (which still ran in their minds,) they asked him, whether he would at this time restore the Kingdom to Israel or no? having an eye, (as 'tis probable) to that place, Dan. 7 27. And the kingdom, and dominion, and the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven, shall be given to the people of the Saints of the most High, whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and all Dominions shall serve and obey him. To whom he replies. That they ought to be contented with the knowledge of such things as the Father hath thought fit to reveal to them: but for other things which he is pleased to keep secret, they should not pry into them, the knowledge of them being neither necessary, nor profitable for them. And this might abundantly satisfy them, that they should shortly be endued with such power, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, whereby they should be rendered fit to preach the Gospel, and to testify to the uttermost parts of the earth (even both to the Jews and Gentiles ) that he was the true Messias, and Savior of the world. Having thus spoken unto them, he led them forth to that part of Mount Olivet which is near Bethany , and there lifting up his hands, he blessed them, and as he blessed them he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven, a cloud receiving him out of their sight. They standing amazed at this wonderful sight, and earnestly looking after him towards heaven, two Angels in white robes appeared to them, and assured them, that he would so come to judgment, as they had seen him go to heaven, to wit, visibly, and in the same body with which he ascended; at which time he would appear in the clouds again with great Majesty and Glory.

SECT. II.

THe Apostles having seen our Savior thus gloriously ascend into Heaven (worshipping, and adoring him in Spirit, as their Lord, and Savior, Luk 24.52.) returned to Jerusalem, and according to his command contitinued there in joint devotion in an upperroom for ten days, together with many other men, (whereof some were of the kindred of Jesus) and some pious women, who had followed him; among whom was Mary his mother; their whole number being about Sixscore; and there they expected the great, and large effusion of the Spirit, which was promised unto them.

SECT. III.

DUring this time of their abode together, Peter rose up, and made a motion to the rest of the disciples there present, that one should be chosen into Judas 's place; who having formerly had the honor to be one of Christ's Apostles had by his late treachery against his Lord, and Master (being guide to them that took him, as the Holy Ghost had long ago predicted by the mouth of the Prophet David, Psal. 41.9.) fallen from that dignity; He tells them that this Judas received from the chief Priests and the Rulers of the Jews a reward for his Treason, yet it did not at all profit him, but only gave occasion to them, with that money, to purchase the Porters field called from thence Aceldama, to his everlasting infamy. He farther shows, that this wretched man having through remorse, and anguish of Spirit for that his heinous fact, hanged himself, the rope, or that to which it was fastened breaking, he fell down headlong, and burst asunder, and his bowels gushed out , and so he went to his own place . These things having thus happened to Judas, he exhorts them to choose another into his room, showing the necessity of such a choice for the fulfilling those Scriptures, viz. Psal. 65.25. and 109.8. ; which foretold he should be spoiled of what he had so wretchedly got, and that his office should be void and conferred on another. And he further declares unto them what manner of Person was to be chosen namely one of those, who had followed Jesus from the time that he was baptized by John, and began to gather disciples (at which time the Baptist gave such a public testimony of him, that some of his own disciples, and several others began to follow him) unto the day of his Ascension, that so he might be a more competent and authentic witness, not only of his Doctrine and Miracles, and the other actions of his life, but of his Resurrection also .

The Apostles agreeing to this motion, put two men in election viz. Barsabas and Mathias, and praying unto God to direct the Lot, and to show which of them he was pleased to choose, and appoint to this office, the Lot fell on Mathias, and he was accordingly numbered among the Apostles .

SECT. IV.

THe Apostles, and the forementioned number o • Disciples having been thus employed for the first ten days after our Savior's Ascension, and Pentecost being now come, as they were with one accord assembled together, suddenly there came a sound from heaven of a rushing mighty wind (representing the efficacy of the Spirit of God now descending) and an appearance of cloven fiery tongues lighted upon each of them, and they were now all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with strange tongues, such as they never had before learnt (see Mark 16.17.) and other miraculous powers were conferred upon them.

The fame of this being instantly spread abroad, and there being present at that time great multitudes of Jews, who had come up from all parts of Judea to the feast; and also many other Jews and Profelytes born in divers other nations, some whereof probably were Students there, and others had come up at this time to worship the true God at Jerusalem; they were all much amazed to hear such unlearned men, as the Apostles were, speak the languages of their several nations. But some among them derided the miracle, and imputed it to drunkenness. Hereupon Peter standing up with the rest of the Apostles in a grave Oration confuted this calumny, showing the unre • sonableness of it, seeing it was now but the third hour of the day, or nine a clock in the morning ; and then declares unto them, that that which was now done was the completion of a famous Prophecy uttered by the Prophet, Joel cap. 2. from 28. to the end; the meaning of which was this, that in the last days, viz. the days of the Messias there should be a large, and remarkable effusion of the Spirit of God upon all flesh; (that is, upon Gentiles as well as Jews ) yea, upon all sorts of persons among them, without distinction, namely, upon old and young, sons and daughters, bond and free; whereby they should be endued with such an excellent measure of knowledge touching the mysteries of salvation, and with such an ability to instruct others, in them, as might well be compared with the Prophecies *, Dreams and Visions imparted by God to some of the ancient Prophets; and after this great effusion of the Spirit there should be many fearful stupendous sights and prodigies , and many great slaughters in Judea, as fore-runners and presignifications of the great and dismal destruction that should come upon Jerusalem, and the people of the Jews for their crucifying the Lord of Life; and that the only way to escape in the time of those fears, dangers, and destructions was to repent, and to own Christ and believe in him, and to call upon the name of the Lord in faithful and fervent prayer.

Having thus washed off this unjust aspersion of drunkenness by interpreting and applying this Prophecy, he proceeds on to show them, That Jesus of Nazareth was the true Messias promised by all the Prophets. And first he speaks of his person and life showing that by those many miracles wrought by him in the midst of them, he was plainly demonstrated to be a person sent from God and approved of him; Secondly, he speaks of his Death, how God having determined and decreed he should be put to death for the sins of men; and by his fore-knowledge discerning this the fittest expedient to bring about that great design of saving sinners, he had permitted him to fall into their power: who having maliciously accused, and condemned him , at last by their vehement importunity prevailed with the Romans to put him to death, and so had by their wicked hands crucified him, v. 22, 23. Thirdly, he speaks of his Resurrection how God raised him again, loosing the bands of death, it being impossible as David had praedicted, that he should be holden of it. For though those words, Psal 16.8. &c. in a lower sense had reference to David's person, yet they were more fully, and ultimately to be fulfilled in the Son of David, The eternal word of God, The Messias of the world; and that not only because David was a Type of him, and did represent his Person, but also because he was now in his loins, according to the flesh. As these words therefore refer to David they may be thus Paraphrased; I have set the Lord always before me, i. e. I have set my thoughts continually on God, as being ever present with me; and because he is at my right hand ever ready to assist and support me, I shall not be moved, that is, not swallowed up of my sorrows nor removed from my constant obedience to his will. And upon this account, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoiceth, my flesh also shall rest in hope , that is, When my body shall be laid to rest in the earth, it shall not be without hope of a joyful Resurrection. For thou wilt not leave my Soul in Hell, that is, my dead body in the grave; nor suffer me utterly to perish in the Pit of corruption so as never to rise again. Thou wilt show me the path of life, that is, how I shall after my resurrection live forever in thy glory, Thou wilt make me full of joy with thy countenance, that is, In thy presence I shall have fullness of joy forevermore. But these words in their proper and literal sense could not be spoken of David, because David 's body was left in the grave and was there corrupted [See Act. 13.36.37. compared with 1 King. 2.10.] and therefore they must needs have reference to Christ, who (as David saw by the Spirit of Prophecy) was to spring from his Loins. (See 2 Sam. 7. and Psal. 132.) and so by the same Spirit he saw also that he was soon to rise again from the dead, as the head of his mystical Body, and by virtue of his resurrection, his members were to rise also. And that God had assuredly according to David 's Prophecy raised this Jesus from the dead, Peter declares that he and his fellows could, and did bear their Testimony . Fourthly, he then speaks to them of his Ascension, and how after his resurrection he was exalted to the right hand of God: the consequent of which was, that having received authority and commission from the Father to prour forth his holy Spirit in a plentiful manner, [which he had often before spoken to them of, as in Joh. 14.26. and 15.26. and 16.13, 14.] he had now accordingly done it, and this strange thing of their speaking divers tongues, (which was so much wondered at by them) was an effect thereof. He further shows that David never ascended, or went bodily to Heaven, and so cannot be said to be exalted to God's right hand while his enemies were made his Footstool. And therefore the person of whom that was praedicted, Psal 110.1. (and whom David there calls Lord ) could be no other than Christ. For Conclusion, he bids all the house of Israel know assuredly that God the Father had ordained, and appointed this Jesus, whom they had crucified, to be the Head, and Savior of his Church, and had instated him in the true kingly office of the Messiah .

A great multitude of the Auditors were so affected with this Discourse, that being touched with an inward remorse for their sins, they asked Peter and the rest of the Apostles what they should do? Peter exhorts them to repent and to own Christ for the true Messias, and to believe in him, and to be baptized in his name, and then they should be made partakers of the holy Ghost; and some of them possibly, of those miraculous gifts and powers, which they now saw and admired in the Apostles. For upon their believing in Christ, the promise made by God in the New Covenant of remission of sins [ Jer. 31.34. Zech. 13.1.] appertained to them, and to their children , and to as many of the Gentiles and their Children, as the Lord should effectually call to faith in his Son, and therefore they ought to receive Baptism the Seal thereof. And with many other words he exhorted them to with-draw, and separate themselves from that untoward generation of the Scribes and Pharisees [See Mat. 3 and ch. 12. and ch. 16.] who so desperately opposed Christ, and his Gospel, and by their authority and example strove to keep people off from embracing the only way of Salvation opened by him. 'It is probable, whilst Peter preached thus to the Jews of Judea and Jerusalem in the Syriac tongue others of the Apostles spake at the same time, and to the same purpose * to several there present of other nations, and the success of their preaching was that Three thousand were that day converted to Christianity, and by their hands immediately baptized .

These new converts being now added to the Church, continued and faithfully persevered in the Apostles Doctrine, and fellowship (performing all Christian offices of love one to another) and in the religious exercise of the duties of God's Worship, such as receiving the Holy Supper, Prayer and Praising God. And a great astonishment seized the people to see the wonderful things that were done by the Apostles. This also is further recorded of these new Converts, that they had their goods (as to the use of them) in common in that time of the Churches necessities, and the richer sort sold and parted with some of their possessions and goods to help and relieve the poorer. And further their practice was daily to frequent the Temple at the usual hours of prayer, and privately in particular houses to celebrate the Lord's Supper. And thus conversing together with great simplicity and sincerity, they went on cheerfully in their Christian course praising and blessing the Lord for all that he had done for them: and their innocent and harmless conversation procured them favor with the generality of the people, who had not their hearts prepossess'd with prejudices against Christ, and his Gospel. And thus we have seen what were the first fruits of the Apostles ministry, whose endeavors it pleased God so to bless, that there were daily more and more Converts added to the Church .

SECT. III.

ABout the same time Peter and John went up to the Temple about three a Clock in the afternoon (being one of the hours of prayer) and there in the name of Christ they heal a cripple lying at the gate of the Temple (called Beautiful ) to ask alms, who had been lame from his birth, and was now about Forty years old (See ch. 4. 22.) The people being amazed at this miracle flocked in great multitudes about the Apostles in Solomon's-Porch, earnestly gazing on them, and wondering at this strange cure wrought by them; and the man that was cured kept close to them, having received so great a benefit by them. Peter seeing this, addressed himself to the people showing them that they were much mistaken, if they thought that this Miracle was wrought by any power, or virtue, that was in such mean men, as they were. No, they durst not arrogate so much to themselves. He assures them it was wrought by no other power, than that of Jesus Christ▪ whom they had wickedly crucified (preferring Barabbas a murderer before him): but God had raised him from the dead, and of his resurrection they his Apostles were sure, and faithful witnesses. He shows them it was by faith, and reliance on his power (which faith was also his gift, and wrought in them by his Spirit) that they had wrought this cure on this Cripple. He tells them that though they had done very heinously in thus putting to death the Prince of life, yet he was persuaded . that most of them did it ignorantly, not being thoroughly convinced (though they had evidence enough to have convinced them, had they duly attended to it) that Jesus of Nazareth was the very Messias; yet however hereby they had accomplished what was praedicted in the Scriptures concerning the sufferings of Christ. He exhorts them therefore to repent and turn to God, laying hold on his Grace and Mercy offered in Christ, that their sins might be blotted out, seeing those blessed refreshing Gospel-times, which he had long ago promised, were now come, and he had sent his Son into the world, whom the Prophets long ago foretold, and preached of. This Savior being now ascended he tells them the Heavens must contain (having received hi • Humanity) until the accomplishment of all things, which God had spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began; such as are, Christ's victory over Satan in the Salvation of all his people, the Calling of the Jews, and his conquest of the last enemy Death, &c. He further showeth them that Moses had prophesied of this Christ, under the title of the great Prophet, commanding he should be heard and obeyed in all things, Deut. 18.15.18, 19. and that all the Prophets from Samuel as many as have spoken have also foretold of these days; They therefore should consider that they were the children of the Prophets, that is, the people to whom God primarily and chiefly sent the Prophets, and the People to whom the promise and covenant which God made with Abraham, That in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed (namely, by giving the Messias to spring from his loins) did primarily appertain. And this Jesus, being that promised Messias God had now sent into the world, whom, being put to death, he had raised again, and now in the power and ministry of his Gospel had first sent again to them, to bless them by turning them from their sins by the powerful operation of his Spirit, and to offer himself unto them as the only Savior, and Redeemer; and therefore they ought in point of gratitude with all readiness to receive, and embrace him.

SECT. IV.

AS the Apostles were thus going on in instructing the People, the Priests, and Sadducees, and Captain of the Roman Band (that was placed in the Tower Antonia for the guard of the Temple) came upon them, and being greatly enraged at the Doctrine they preached, they took them and put them in custody that night; yet Peter 's Sermon had had so good an operation upon the people, that with the Three thousand which were before converted ch. 2.41. the number of believers in Christ was now come to be about Five thousand The next day the Council being met together (in which were Annas and Caiaphas, and some others, that were descended of High Priests) the Apostles are now called in question about the Miracle, they had wrought, and required to give an account by what power or authority they had done it. Then Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost, and an extraordinary measure of Courage, told them plainly, that by the power and authority of Jesus of Nazareth (whom they had crucified and God had raised from the dead) and by Faith in him, they had wrought this miraculous cure. This he tells them was the Stone spoken of, Psal. 118.22. and Isa. 28.16. (which could be meant of no other than the Messias) who was now rejected and dis-esteemed of them who would be accounted the builders of the Church of God with sound Doctrine; yet notwithstanding their rejecting of him he tells them he is certainly the head of the corner , and the principal Stone, or chief part of the whole spiritual building, his true Church being the Person in whom the strength of the building lies, and by whom the two walls of the building, viz. Jews and Gentiles are joined together, and made up into one House and Church; neither is Salvation to be attained by or through the mediation of any other person whatsoever. From v. 1. to 13.

The Council much marvelled at this boldness, and freedom of speech, wherewith the Apostles expressed themselves, seeing their education had been such as could not raise them above mean and ordinary men. But then they were told, or else some of them remembered, that they were such as had attended upon Jesus in his life time. However though they were convinced of the truth of the Miracle wrought by them, yet after they had debated upon the matter among themselves, they judged it fit strictly to prohibit them to preach anymore in the name of Jesus; which injunction the Apostles would by no means yield obedience unto, alleging that it was much more right and fit to obey God, than them; and declared, that they could not choose but proclaim for the benefit of others those truths concerning Christ of so high importance, which themselves had certain knowledge of, being eye and ear-witnesses of them. However notwithstanding this rational Plea, the Council added some further threatenings to terrify them, and so dismissed them, having nothing to lay to their charge, but only that for which the people looked on them with admiration and glorified God for working by them. From 13. to 23.

The Apostles being thus dismissed, went immediately to their own company (that is the Society of those Hundred and twenty mentioned ch. 1.15.) and acquainted them with what had happened unto them.

Upon this prayer of theirs there came a wind from heaven like to that mentioned Chap. 2.2. and shook the place where they were assembled, and special eminent gifts of the Spirit fell upon them, and especially they were endued with a greater measure of boldness to preach the Gospel even in the midst of persecution, and this was such a confirmation to them, that despising the terrors of the Jews, they with greater confidence published the Gospel of Christ than before. This also is further to be observed concerning this infant Church, and these primitive disciples, that they maintained a great union and concord among themselves both in Doctrine and Opinion, in Heart and Affection, and had such enlarged bowels toward one another, that no man esteemed what he had his own when the Churches necessity required it for the help of such among them as were in want.

The Apostles also with great authority and assurance gave testimony to the Resurrection of Christ, and their Doctrine found great favor and acceptation with the People. And those of the disciples, that had possessions sold them and laid down the money received for them, at the Apostles feet to be distributed by their advice, and counsel, to everyone as they had need. In which business Barnabas a Levite gave an eminent example, who having a piece of Land of his own (not part of the Levites portion, which he might not alienate, but probably somewhat, which belonged to him in Cyprus where he was born) made sale of it, and brought the full price of it, and put it wholly in the Apostles power to dispose of, and to distribute as they saw occasion among those of the Church that were in want and necessity.

SECT. VII.

ANanias and Sapphira his wife pretending to follow this example fraudently kept back by joint consent part of the price for which they had sold a possession, and yet pretended to lay down all the price it was sold for at the Apostles feet. For which Hypocrisy, and lying to, or in the presence of the Holy Ghost, and thinking to go undiscovered of that Spirit, which wrought so powerfully in the Apostles, and to impose upon God himself, as if he saw not what men secretly did, and presumptuously tempting him, and trying (as it were) whether he would be so severe to punish it, or no, they are stricken dead, and great fear fell on all that heard of these things.

SECT. VIII.

THE Apostles having thus manifested the power of Christ, and his Justice in this example of Ananias and Sapphira, they also manifested his graciousness and mercy in working many miraculous cures in his Name, in healing the diseased, and delivering the possessed; insomuch, that the people brought forth their sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the Shadow of Peter passing by, might overshadow some of them. And these acts of mercy were as necessary for the propagating of the Gospel, and to invite people to believe in Christ, as those other of severity were for the restraining those corruptions wherewith Satan would otherwise have infected the Church in its minority; and to prevent the intrusion of Hypocrites . The Apostles and Believers had at this present their place of meeting and assembling to preach the Gospel in Solomon 's Porch , which was the East-Cloister of the Mount of the Temple [See 1 King. 6.3.], in part of which the Sanhedrim used to sit, and yet they are not afraid to come so nigh unto them. But such of their hearers as were not sincere, durst not join themselves to them, having seen the severity on Ananias and Sapphira for their Hypocrisy; yet multitudes of others were added to the Church daily; and the common people seeing the wonders that were done by them, and their eminent gifts and endowments, could not but extol and magnify them . From ver. 12, to 17.

Hereupon the High Priest, and those that were with him (most of them of the Sect of the Sadducees ) set themselves very zealously against them; and apprehending them, put them into the common Gaol; from whence being freed the night following by an Angel, they are commanded by Him to go again, and preach boldly in the Temple the Doctrine of Christ, which declares unto men the right way unto eternal life . The Council meeting next morning, sent to the Prison for them, but find them not there; for they were preaching in the Temple; from thence they are brought before them by the Captain and Officers, yet without violence: for they feared the people would stone them, if they used such persons harshly who had done so many cures among them. Being now again brought before the Council, they are here accused of two things. 1. Of Contumacy, in persisting to preach the Gospel, notwithstanding they were strictly forbidden. 2. Of Sedition, as if they endeavored to stir up the people to avenge the blood of Jesus upon the Rulers, persuading them it was by them most unjustly shed. Peter, in the name of the rest, answers to the first of these, acknowledging they had not obeyed them in that their Injunction, because they had commanded that which was contrary to God's Command; and in such a case it was just and reasonable, that God should be obeyed, and not they. He tells them, That though they had dealt most injuriously and maliciously with Jesus of Nazareth, and had crucified him; yet God had raised him again from the dead, and exalted him to his • ight hand in Heaven, and instated him in his Regal Power, that he might, as a Spiritual Prince, rule and protect his Church; and, as a Savior, send his Spirit into the Hearts of Sinners, to draw them to Repentance, and belief in himself that so they might receive remission of sins, and all the blessed consequents thereof. He declares, that they his Apostles did bear their testimony to the truth of these things; and so did the Holy Ghost , who descending upon them, and others also (who believed in Christ, and yielded obedience to him), endowed them with extraordinary gifts , and enabled them to do miraculous cures: And if their testimony were false, certainly it would never have been so confirmed. From Ver. 12, to 30.

These words so enraged the Council, and cut them to the heart, that they presently entered into consultation of putting the Apostles to death; but were diverted from that wicked intendment, by the advice of Gamaliel, a learned and grave Senator, and of much repute among them; who told them, that if this work were of men, it would come to naught; as he proves by two instances, one of Theudas , who gave himself out to be some excellent person sent of God for the delivering of the Jews; and the other, of Judas of Galilee , who in the time of the Tax laid by Augustus raised a Sedition, dissuading the people from paying it; Both which persons he tells them gathered many followers after them, but miserably miscarried in their enterprize. But he further shows them that if this work were of God, they could not possibly overthrow it, neither ought they to attempt it, least therein they should show themselves to be fighters against God.

This advice being so rational, it prevailed with them to desist from their former intention. Yet notwithstanding sending for the Apostles again into the Court they appointed them to be scourged , and strictly charging them not to preach anymore in the name of Christ , dismissed them. But they were so far from being discouraged by these things, that they went away rejoicing, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his sake. And daily both in the Temple, and in private houses they ceased not to preach Jesus Christ.

SECT. IX.

THe number of Believers now increasing at Jerusalem, there arose (as it commonly happens among a multitude) a murmuring of the Hellenists (that is such Jews as were dispersed among the Grecians, and were born, or lived in Heathen Countries, and used the Greek Translation of the Old Testament, and the Greek Tongue, yet savouring something of the Hebrew Phrases and manner of speaking) against the Hebrews (who were such Jews as inhabited Judea, and spake the Syriac Language) because their Widows were neglected, and received less, than the Widows of the Hebrews, in the daily distribution of the Churches moneys. The Apostles desiring to have the poor well provided for, yet being themselves taken up with dispensing the word, (the food of the soul,) and so not at leisure to attend that other service; by their advice, and the suffrages of the Church, there were Seven men of good report for wisdom and the endowments of the Spirit, chosen out of the Hundred and Eight, mentioned before, ch. 1. to be Stewards of the Churches stock , unto which they were ordained by the imposition of hands . Among those Stephen, and Philip were the most eminent, whose story is particularly related. Thus the Gospel went on successfully, and the number of the Disciples increased daily, yea some of the Priests themselves (formerly bitter enemies to Christ) now embraced the faith, and were joined to the Church.

SECT. X.

STephen being thus chosen to be one of the first Deacons, and being a man full of Faith, and power to work Miracles, he accordingly does many wonders among the people, and stoutly defends the cause of Christ against several persons of the Synagogue of the Libertins , and of some other Synagogues, that disputed with him, who when they were not able to resist the wisdom, and spirit, by which he spake, they falsely accused him, and bringing him before the Council, set up false witnesses against him, who declared they heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God, and that he should say that Jesus would destroy the Temple, and City , and change the Customs, and Rites which Moses had instituted, and commanded from God.

SECT. II.

STephen being thus brought before the Council, his face appeared full of Majesty, and Splendor, not unlike possibly to that which Moses 's face had, Exod. 34.30. or such as the Angels appeared with, Mat. 28.3. An argument of a clear conscience, and of the divine assistance, and presence. Being permitted to speak for himself, he in a long and grave oration applies himself to answer the charge that was brought against him. And because these his accusers, and others of the Jews (as it seems) imagined that God was so delighted and pleased with the Temple, and the Temple-Service, and the Mosaical, Rites that he intended always to continue and perpetuate them, and that no other way of Worship could be acceptable to him; therefore by an historical deduction he shows them that God was worshipped aright before either Tabernacle or Temple was made, or any of the Mosaical Rites instituted or ordained, and therefore the true Worship of God was not necessarily, and inseparably annexed to any of these things. For the proof of this he begins at Abraham, and shows them how that he living of old at Ur of the Chaldeans in the midst of Idolaters [ Josh. 24.2, 3.] God was pleased of his free mercy to manifest himself to him about the seventieth year of his age, and effectually to enlighten him by his grace, and savingly to draw him to own, and worship him the true God: and commanding him to leave his native Country, and go into a land which he would show him, he promised to make of him a great nation, and that in him, all the families of the earth should be blessed. Abraham obeying this command, drew on his father Terah also with him; and so they came from Ur to Charran, where he served God till the death of his father, which was about five years after. His father being dead he was again called by God to leave that Country, and to go into Canaan, which accordingly he did, and there God promised that to his seed he would give that land, but they must first endure a long servitude in Egypt. After he had a good while sojourned in Canaan, when he was Ninety nine years old God made a Covenant with him, and instituted Circumcision as the Seal thereof, so that from his first Call from Ur, when he was seventy years of age to this time when he was Ninety nine, he had served God faithfully, yet without circumcision to this present time. After this, Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the Twelve Patriarchs: and the Patriarchs moved with envy sold Joseph into Egypt, where the Lord was with him, and by his wonderful providence raised him up to be chief Governor of the country under Pharaoh, so that in the time of the Famine he sent for his father, and his family, being Seventy five souls, to come down into Egypt, and nourished them there. Jacob, after some time spent there, died in Egypt, and so all the rest of his sons after him, and in testimony of their Faith, and belief of the Promise, that God had made unto Abraham of giving the land of Canaan to his Seed, they commanded that their bones should be carried into the land of Canaan, and buried there.

The Children of Israel now growing, and increasing to a vast multitude in Egypt, in tract of time, there arose a Pharaoh, that knew not Joseph, who fearing the number, and strength of the Israelites, exceedingly oppressed them; and to prevent their increasing, made a barbarous Edict, that their male children should be killed as soon as they were born, or else drowned in the river*. In the time of this Edict, Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed his wife, who being a very lovely child, his Parents hid him three months in their house; but at last not daring to conceal him any longer, they put him in a basket of Bulrushes, daubed over with flime and pitch, and laid it in the flags by the side of the River. Here the Kings Daughter finds him; and moved with compassion towards the Infant, nourisheth him up for her own son, putting him out to his own Mother to nurse: and caused him to be educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, so that he proved a person of great abilities above other men, being very able both to give counsel, and to act any great affair. When he grew to the age of Forty, it came into his mind to visit his brethren the Israelites; and among other things that evidenced to him their sad condition, he saw an Egyptian smiting an Israelite, which so stirred up his spirit, that he slew the Egyptian who did the wrong, thereby giving the Israelites the first intimation, that God would deliver them by his hand, (which it seems God had by instinct, or revelation made known unto himself,) but they understood it not. The next day seeing two Israelites at variance, he would have made them friends, and set them at one again. But he, who did the wrong upbraided him for it, and said, Who made thee a ruler, and a judge over us? wilt thou kill me as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday? Moses perceiving hereby, that what he had done to the Egyptian was known, and that the King hereupon would seek his life, he fled from thence into the land Midian, where he spent other Forty years of his life, and married Zipporah, Jethro 's daughter, and by her had two Sons. The children of Israel continuing still under sore bondage in Egypt; it pleased the Lord now at length to compassionate them, and to resolve to deliver them. Wherefore, when Moses had been Forty years in Midian, as he was keeping his father-in-laws sheep about Horeb, or Sinai, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him out of a burning Bush, and called him to go to Pharaoh, requiring him to deliver his people Israel. Moses after he had shown many signs and wonders in Egypt at last brought them out. And leading them through the red Sea, he brought them into the wilderness to Mount Sinai, where God gave them his law, and appointed Moses to make a Tabernacle for his worship according to the pattern he had shown him in the Mount. So that to this day for above Four hundred years, he shows them, the Fathers had worshipped God without any Tabernacle at all.

He further shows them, that though Moses was a person highly to be regarded, whose memory ought always to be precious to them, having had intimate converse with God, and having received the law from his mouth, yet they might remember to their humiliation how their impious Ancestors would not obey him; but contrary to his mind, during his absence in the Mount, made a golden Calf and adored it. They might also call to mind how Moses told them before hand, of a great Prophet the Lord would raise up in due time, whom they were to hear, and obey in all things. And this great Prophet, who was no other person than the Messias, was now come. Moreover they might consider how that when the Tabernacle was made by Moses, and all the worship of God appertaining to it appointed, their rebellious Ancestors notwithstanding, did not long continue faithful to it, but God for their sins leaving them to themselves, and to their own hearts lusts, they fell to worship the Host of Heaven the Sun, Moon, and Stars, upon which it was that the Lord so highly expostulates with the people of Israel, Amos 5.25. denying that their Ancestors offered such sacrifice to him in the wilderness as was pleasing in his sight. And though they made show of serving him by carrying his Tabernacle, and all things belonging to it, yet they hankred after their Idols, which they not only bare in their hearts, but also carried about with them representations of them. For it seems they had gotten the Shrines, or Chaplets, wherein the mages of Moloch and Saturn were kept and inshrined, and carried them about with them, and worshipped them. Which Idolatry of their Ancestors not sufficiently bewailed, and repented of, together with the consequent sins of their children in succeeding ages, at last provoked God to bring the captivity of Babylon upon them . But to return to the Tabernacle, (where God used to witness, and evidence his glorious presence, and where the Ark of the Covenant was, and the Law, and the Testimonies, evidences of God's will how he would be served) he shows, their Fathers indeed carried it with them all along through the wilderness, and at last brought it into Canaan, where it continued all the days of David, and to the beginning of Solomon's reign; and then it ended, and gave way to the Temple: which though David desired to build for the Service of God, yet that honor was reserved for Solomon his Son, who accordingly built it in a very sumptuous and magnificent manner. Now when the Temple was built, God himself declared by the mouth of his Prophet Isaiah, ch. 66.1, 2. That he delighted not to dwell in Temples made with hands, as if he were included therein, and bound thereto. And therefore they were not fondly to conceive that after the Temple was built the worship of God was so tied to that place as he could not be worshipped acceptably anywhere else —. As Stephen was thus going on, and (as 'tis probable) would have spoken much more fully to the point in hand, the Council it seems interrupted him, apprehending him to speak in a way of diminution of the Temple. Therefore breaking off his former discourse, and turning his speech to them, he sharply reprehends them for several things . 1. For their rebellion, and resisting the Spirit of God, which spake to them by the Apostles and by him. 2. For their imitating their cruel Ancestors, who killed the old Prophets in killing the Lord of life. 3. For their horrible violating the holy law of God given them by the glorious ministry and proclamation of Angels . At these words they were extremely enraged at him, and gnashed on him with their teeth. But he being full of courage and faith looked up to Heaven, and had an extraordinary Vision of the glory of God, and of Jesus Christ standing on his right hand, and accordingly declared unto them what he saw. They hearing this, without anymore ado, in a violent furious manner ran upon him as a Blasphemer: and though the Romans permitted them not to put any man to death, yet in a popular rage, they hurried him away out of the City, and there stoned him. And they that witnessed against him , (and were therefore by the Law to cast the first stone at him, Deut. 17.7.) put off their upper garments to sit themselves for the work, and a young man called Saul undertook to look to them, who consequently had an hand in stoning of him. Stephen devoutly commending his Soul into the hands of Christ, and praying for his murderers, that this sin might not be laid to their charge so as to obstruct their repentance , gave up the Ghost.

SECT. XII.

STephen becoming thus the Protomartyr, and first, that under the Gospel sealed the Doctrine of Christ with his blood, he was carried to his burial by devout men, who made great Lamentation over him. But the spite and cruelty of the Jews was not quenched by the blood of Stephen, but rather inflamed. For immediately after this, they raised a great persecution against the whole Church at Jerusalem, wherein Saul (the young man before mentioned) was very active. This man's Parents were both Jews, so that he was an Hebrew of the Hebrews; he was of the Tribe of Benjamin born at Tarsus in Silicia; by Sect a Pharisee, and the Son of a Pharisee , and studied at that time (as it seems) at Jerusalem, and frequented the School of Gamaliel a famous Doctor among the Pharisees. He was a very strict observer of the Law of Moses, and of the Traditions delivered to the Fathers, but a bitter, and fierce enemy against the Doctrine of Christ, and all those that owned him, and professed to believe in him. This man having received Commission from the Chief Priests impowring him to do this wretched work, made miserable havoc of the Church: for entering into Houses, he hailed thence both men and women, that believed in Christ, and bound them, and put them in Prison, and often caused to be beaten and scourged in the Synagogues; and used all scourged in the Synagogues; and used all rigid means to make them deny Christ, and blaspheme him (as it seems) he himself did [1 Tim. 1.13.]: And such as were constant to the faith, he forced to fly to heathen Cities, and then pursued them thither also.

SECT. XIII.

THis persecution dispersed in a manner the whole body of the Church, and scattered both the Members and Teachers thereof, (excepting the Apostles ) into divers Countries, which tended greatly to the advantage of the Gospel. For the Apostles (who had an extraordinary Function, and therefore were bound to show more than ordinary courage) remaining at Jerusalem, and sticking to their work there, till they should be more manifestly called by God from thence; the rest of the Disciples (of which there were now some thousands, as appears Act. 2.41. and ch. 4.4.) were scattered some into the Regions of Judea and Samaria, who spread the Gospel wheresoever they came; some went to Damascus, among whom was Ananias a devout and religious person, Act. 9.10. & 22.12. Others, it's like, went to Rome, and among them Andronicus and Junia, who were of note among the Apostles, and kinsmen of the Persecutor Saul, and had embraced the faith before him, as himself testifieth, Rom. 16.7. Others travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Gospel to the Jews only [ Act. 11.19.] namely to those Jews, that were dispersed among the Gentiles, as may be gathered from Jam. 1.1. and 1 Pet. 1.1. Among them that went to Samaria, Philip was one, (the second in order after Stephen among the seven Deacons). He coming into that City, preached Christ so effectually, that the people with one accord gave heed to the Doctrine he delivered, and seeing the Miracles wrought by him, they were persuaded to embrace the Gospel. For out of many that were possessed, he cast unclean Spirits who at their coming out, made loud acknowledgments of the irresistableness of the power by which he acted. And others, that were taken with Palsies, or were lame he cured. Before this time, there had been in the City, one Simon a Magician, who had by Sorcery, and the help of the Devil done some strange things among them, which so affected the ignorant people, that they cried him up as a person in whom the great power of God did wonderfully manifest its self. But they now seeing far greater Miracles done by Philip, they were converted to Christianity, and many among them, both men and women believing, were baptized by him in the name of Christ. And among others Simon Magus himself was convinced, and believed , and was also baptized.

SECT. XIIII.

THe Apostles which remained at Jerusalem hearing of the success of Philip 's preaching at Samaria thought fit to send Peter and John, to confirm the new Converts there in the Faith, and to settle all convenient order among them. They accordingly coming thither, by their preaching and exhortation confirmed them in the Doctrine of the Gospel. These believing Samaritans had received the grace of the Spirit, whereby they were enabled to believe in Christ; but the miraculous gifts of the Spirit were not as yet fallen upon any of them; whereupon the Apostles by their earnest prayer unto God obtained this mercy for them, and accordingly by the imposition of their hands upon certain persons among them, whom they were directed by the Holy Ghost to lay their hands upon (as those God had appointed to be preachers, and ministers of the Gospel, and whom by these their gifts he would enable to understand the language and sense of the Scripture, and to be instructors of the people) those miraculous powers were conferred on them. Simon Magus seeing this, and being touched with a secret Ambition to get this power of conferring these miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost upon whomsoever he pleased, (which would have made him famous and renowned in the world) he offered the Apostles a sum of (c) money to enable him to do it. Peter inflamed with an holy indignation at this wretched motion, said unto him, Thy money perish with thee. Assure thyself, No share, or portion of so glorious a privilege as this is, belongs unto thee. For I perceive thou art not upright before God, but thy hypocrisy and ambition, by which thy heart is as it were bound and fettered, is as odious to him as the bitterness of Gall can be to any man's taste. Repent therefore, and humble thyself unfeignedly before the Lord for this wicked project of thine, and earnestly seek his pardon, which if thou wilt do sincerely 'tis not impossible but thou mayst obtain it. Simon at this besought them that they would pray for him, that God would pardon this wickedness of his, and not inflict on him such punishments as they seemed to intimate, were like to fall upon him.

When these two Apostles had finished their ministry in those parts they returned to Jerusalem preaching, and disseminating the Gospel, in the Villages of Samaria as they passed along.

SECT. XV.

FRom Samaria, Philip is warned of an Angel in a Vision, that he should go to Gaza, but he must not travel the ordinary road; but the other way which was through the desert, and lay through the mountains. In this way he meets with a great man an Eunuch, Treasurer of Candace Queen of the Ethiopians returning in his Chariot from Jerusalem where (being as it seems a proselyte) he had been to worship at the feast of Pentecost. Philip by the instinct, and motion of the Spirit joining himself to his Chariot, finds him well employed namely reading the Fifty third Chapter of the Prophet Isaiah, and being courteously invited by him to come up into his Chariot and to interpret that Scripture to him, (which he acknowledges he did not well understand) Philip accordingly expresses himself ready to serve him therein. The words the Eunuch was reading are the seventh and eighth verses of that Chapter. He was led as a sheep , so opened he not his mouth. The next clause in the Hebrew Text was this. He was taken from prison, and from judgment , that is, hurried from thence to execution; but the Septuagint (which Luke follows, and possibly the Eunuch at this time read) hath enlarged the sense, by change of the phrase, reading it thus, In his depression, or humiliation, his judgment was taken away, that is, his right was taken away, and no right at all done him, and Who can sufficiently declare the wickedness of that generation, which dealt so unjustly with him, as to take and cut him off from the land of the living, who was so innocent a person. Philip shows him that the Prophet in this place speaks not of any other person but the Messias, who was now come into the world, and had done and suffered all that was prophesied of him. And having largely instructed him in the Doctrine of Christ, and (as 'tis probable) concerning Baptism also, the Eunuch desired to be baptized, professing his Faith in Christ. Thereupon Philip immediately baptized him, which when he had done, he was strait-way transported, and carried out of his sight by the Spirit of the Lord (which might be an evidence to him, that he was sent to him of God, and was no mercenary person, seeing he staid not to receive any reward) and found himself set down at Azotus or Ashdod, one of the five Cities of the Philistines [See Josh. 15.47.] The Eunuch went on his way rejoicing at this wonderful mercy of God in revealing Christ to him, in whom he believed for the remission of his sins; But Philip passing through the Country, whither the Spirit had carried him, he preached the Gospel in all the Cities and Towns thereof, through which he went, till he came to Cesarea Stratonis • here it seems he stayed a great while. For fourteen years after t •• • ul coming with the collections of Asia, and Achaia to carry t • 〈◊〉 o Jerusalem he found Philip there with his whole Family, 〈◊〉 lodged with him, See Act. 21.8.

SECT. I.

SAul having for some time made havoc of the Church, and still breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the Disciples of Christ, went at length to the Sanhedrim the supreme Council at Jerusalem, wherein the Priests made a great part, and were the most active men, (which C • uncil had the Cognizance, and supreme Judgment of all matters appertaining to the Jewish Religion and that in the Synagogues, which were without the land of Judea, as well as those within) and obtained of them letters of Commission to the Synagogues of Damascus , that if he found any there that p • ofest Christ, he should bring them bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished. And journeying towards Damascus to prosecute this cruel design, when he came nigh to the City, at midday, a Light from Heaven above the brightness of the Sun, shone round about him , and those that journeyed with him. When they were all fallen prostrate on the earth, he heard a voice speaking to him in the Hebrew tongue, Saul▪ Saul, why persecutest thou me? Saul trembling, and full of fear, said, Lord, Who art thou? The Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest; 'It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Saul said, Lord what wilt thou have me to do? Jesus answered, Arise go into the City, and there it shall be told thee what thou must do. The m • n, that journeyed with Saul rising up from the earth were greatly amazed, and stood speechless, having seen indeed a great Light, and heard a sound of words , but neither saw Christ who spake, (as Saul did) nor understood distinctly anything he spake. Saul also being risen up, there were Seals come over his eyes, so that when he op •• ed them, he could see nothing; Christ teaching him by this bodily blindness the blindness of his soul in spiritual things, which he was before insensible of. Being led therefore by the hand into Damascus he was there three days without sight, and did neither eat, nor drink , (men being better able in those hot Countri • s to endure long fasting, than in our colder Climate) and probably he spent a great part of that time in prayer, and humbling his Soul before the Lord for his former sins, and particularly his violent persecution of the Church of Christ. And in this time, (as some learned men think) he had that ecstacy, and was wrapped up into the third Heaven, where he saw, and heard, what was not lawful for him to utter, 2 Cor. 12.2, 3, 4. For from his Conversion to the writing of that Epistle, fourteen years intercurr'd.

Now there was at this time a certain Disciple at Damascus, named Ananias to whom the Lord spake in a Vision , that he should go into the street that is called Straight and inquire in the house of Judas for Saul, telling him that he was then in prayer, and had it revealed to him he should receive his sight. Ananias is startled at this command, being afraid to go to him, because of his former violent persecution of the Saints, and his present commission and authority from the chief Priests to pursue that bloody design; but Christ tells him, he was a chosen Vessel, one whom he had chosen to convey the Divine Treasure of his Gospel, not only to the Jews but the Gentiles also, even to the greatest and highest among them, and that he should do and suffer great things for his Name sake. Ananias hereupon went to him, and laying his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest hither, hath sent me to thee, that thou shouldst receive thy sight ; and be filled, and endued with those admirable gifts of the holy Ghost, which may enable thee in the discharge of that divine Office to which thou art called, and confirm thee in the faith and belief of Jesus. Arise therefore, and be baptized for a Sign and Seal that thy sins are washed away in the blood of Christ▪ and by such an open owning and professing of him, declare thyself to be his true Disciple, Ananias having thus spoken, straightway there fell from Saul's eyes as it were Scales, and he received his sight, and was baptized, and when he had received meat he was strengthened. And then he continued with the Disciples there certain days.

SECT. II.

THe Lord now reveals to Saul what he would have him do; and among other things, he was taught that he should not confer with flesh and blood, nor debate the matter, either with himself or others, (who might cause him to question the reality of his Call, or discourage him from yielding obedience to it, by representing dangers to him); nor go to Jerusalem to those that were Apostles before him (to consult with them and be instructed by them, or to obtain a permission or commission from them to discharge his Office, he being so extraordinarily, and immediately called, and instructed by Christ himself) but that he should go for some time into Arabia, and the places near Damascus. Being now therefore well instructed in the Doctrine of the Gospel, he begins straightway to preach Christ in the Synagogues of the Jews in that City, and to declare to them, and convince them by plain demonstrations, that he is the true Messias, and the Son of God; the praedictions of the Prophets, concerning the Messias being exactly fulfilled in his person. They that heard him were amazed at this thing, knowing what he had done at Jerusalem, and with what intent he came up to Damascus. When he had for some time preached Christ here, he went into Arabia, where for the space of about three years he preached the Gospel, and then returning to Damascus again, and strenuously preaching the Doctrine of Christ in that City, the Jews being enraged at him consulted to kill him, and being encouraged by the Governors under Aretas King of Arabia, (who kept the City with a Garrison) they watched the gates day and night, that they might take him, and put him to death; but he being let down by the Disciples in a Basket over the Wall in the night, escaped their hands.

SECT. III.

SAUL escaping in this manner at Damascus, he goes from thence to Jerusalem, to visit Peter , and the other Apostles, in the fourth year after his Conversion; but essaying to join himself to the Disciples there, they were all afraid of him, not believing him to be a true Disciple, and sincere Convert, till Barnabas bringing him to Peter, and James the Kinsman of Christ (for of the rest of the Apostles he saw none, they being as it seems at this time gone abroad to propagate the Gospel) declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, who had spoken to him from heaven, and that he had boldly preached in the name of Christ at Damascus with the hazard of his life, and so he was set right in their opinion, and conversed familiarly with them. Whilst he is here, he preaches Christ undauntedly, and disputes with the Hellenists , (or Jews that cohabiting among the Greek Nations, used the Greek Tongue, and the Septuagint's Translation of the Old Testament) proving to them that Jesus was the true Messias, who were so enraged at him, that they went about to kill him. But being in the Temple in prayer, he fell into a trance, wherein he saw Christ, who bad him make haste out of Jerusalem, for there they would not receive his Testimony. Against this, he humbly argued with the Lord, alleging, That his former zeal against Christ, and his Doctrine having been so remarkable, and notorious among the Jews in this place, it might be an argument to them, that so strange a change as this was not wrought in him but upon great and sufficient grounds and reasons, and so he might in all likelihood be a more fit instrument to propagate the Gospel here, by how much the more he had opposed it formerly. But this did not prevail for staying at Jerusalem, but Christ commands him to depart from thence, telling him, he would send him to preach to the Gentiles. Saul hereupon readily obeys, and forthwith departs from thence having stayed there only Fifteen days; several brethren that dwelt at Jerusalem accompanying him as far as Cesarea, from whence he sailed to Tarsus his own City, the Metropolis of Silicia; and from thence was shortly after fetched by Barnabas unto Antioch, the Metropolis of Syria; being all this while not so much as known by face to the Churches of Judeae, which had embraced the Faith; only they had heard of his preaching the Doctrine of Christ, which before he had persecuted, and they glorified God for his Grace so powerfully manifested in him.

SECT. IV.

NOw after Saul's miraculous Conversion, the Churches which were planted by Philip, and others (who fled from Jerusalem upon the persecution raised by him, Act. 8.1.) through all Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, had much rest and peace, and were greatly edifyed, and built up in Knowledge, Faith and Love, the Graces and Comforts of the Spirit daily increasing in them, and the number of believers was daily augmented. In this time Peter went forth to visit the Churches newly planted in those parts, and to confirm them in the Faith. Who coming at last, to the Saints which dwelt at Lydda, he there in the Name, and by the Power of Christ heals Aeneas, who lay sick of the Palsy, and had kept his bed Eight years. Upon this Miracle the inhabitants of Lydda and Saron generally received the Faith, seeing this man to be so strangely, suddenly, and perfectly cured. From thence he goes to Joppa, where he finds a very good woman full of good works (whose name in Syriac was Tabitha, but in Greek Dorcas, signifying a Roe ) newly dead whom they had washed , and laid out according to the mannner of the Ancients, who as some think did thereby intend to signify their hope of a Resurrection. Peter being brought up into the Chamber where she lay, the poor Widows, which had been clothed by her liberality came weeping to him, and shown him the evidence of her Charity, the Coats and Garments which she made, or caused to be made for them. Upon this Peter putting them all forth kneeled down, and prayed, and then raised her to life again . And by these miracles very many in those Quarters were brought to believe in Jesus.

SECT. V.

DUring Peter 's stay at Joppa, Cornelius a Roman , and Captain of a Band of Italian Soldiers, who with others kept Garrison for the Romans at Cesarea (being a very pious and religious person, and one that worshipped the true God, with all his Family, and was very charitable to the poor, though only a Proselyte of the Gate (as they called them), and uncircumcised ) had in that City, as he was Fasting and Praying, about three of the Clock in the afternoon a Vision of an holy Angel, (not in an ecstacy or rapture of Spirit, or in a dream, but waking, ocularly and sensibly ) who appearing to him, told him, that his prayers and alms had found acceptance with God. And the Lord designing to manifest his Grace now in a more especial manner unto him, commanded him to send to Joppa, to inquire for one Simon Peter, who should come unto him and further instruct him concerning the Mind and Will of God toward him. Cornelius immediately yields obedience hereunto, and accordingly sends two of his Domestic Servants, and a devout Soldier that constantly attended him, to Peter who was now at Joppa. Peter about the time that Cornelius his messengers drew near the City, knowing nothing of their coming, went up of his own accord, about noon to the Battlements of the house as a place of privacy to pray in; and being there he became very hungry and desired to eat: but whilst they made ready, he fell into a trance, such as in which men were wont to receive Visions from Heaven. And in a Vision of his Spirit (without the help of his outward Senses) he saw a great sheet , full of all sorts of living creatures, clean and unclean, let down unto him from Heaven, and a voice spake to him, that he should eat freely and indifferently of any of them: which he doubting to do, the Voice spake again to him, saying, What God hath cleansed call not thou common. By which Vision he is taught that he should not despise the Gentiles nor account them unclean, but converse with them and preach freely unto them as well as to the Jews; and hereby also was intimated that God had taken away those interdicts and prohibitions concerning some meats, and consequently those differences and separations between Jews and Gentiles signified by them, and therefore he was not to make a distinction where God now made none. Whilst Peter thought on these things, Cornelius 's messengers were come to the house where he was, and asking for Peter delivered their M • ss • ge unto him: The Apostle the next d •• very readily went along with them, (b • ing encouraged thereto by an inward rev • la • ion or affla • ion of the Spirit ) and some other believing Jews also accompanied him to Cesarea. When he was come thither, Cornelius being stricken with an extraordinary reverence at the presence of so great a S • rvant of God, and exceeding the bounds of mere civil respect, fell down at his feet and worshipped him. But Peter would by no means receive that honor from him, but told him that he was an ordinary man, such an one as himself; though thus employed at present in God's message unto him. Then entering into the house he found many of Cornelius 's Kinsmen and Friends there met together; to whom addressing himself, he spake after this manner, Ye all know that its counted unlawful for us Jews to converse familiarly with you Gentiles, but God hath now by a Vision from Heaven, and the inspiration of his Spirit, shown me that I should not make any difference between Jews and Gentiles. For I perceive that the Partition wall is now broken down, and that national Prerogatives or personal excellencies find no acceptance with God, but any man of any Nation whatsoever, if he fear God and work righteousness, is accepted with him. Hear ye therefore the Doctrine which God appointed his Prophets of old to publish to the Children of Israel, to wit, that of reconciliation and peace between God and man by Christ Jesus, (who is Lord of all). Which Doctrine, was first published in Galilee, presently after John the Baptist began to preach and baptize, which you cannot but have heard of, and how God endued the human nature of Christ with the fullness of the graces of his Holy Spirit and with power to work Miracles, and anointed and consecrated his whole person to the the office of the Mediator, which he accordingly executed with much tenderness and compassion, going about doing good, curing diseases and casting out Devils, for God was with him in the fullness of the Deity, as he was his eternal Son [ Col. 2.9.] and in power, grace, and favor, as he was man and Mediator [Joh. 8.29. & 16.32.] And though the Jews put him to death and crucified him, yet God raised him up the third day and manifested him openly, not to all the Jews, but to his Apostles and Disciples that attended on him, who were chosen for this end that they might testify what Divine Doctrine he preached and what Miracles he wrought, and might be witnesses particularly of his resurrection, having had the honor to eat and drink with him and to see him eat and drink after he rose from the dead. To these he gave command that they should preach his Gospel to the world, and should testify that he is appointed of God, to be Judge of all men, even of all that shall die before, or shall be found alive at his Coming. And he further shows them, That this Jesus is he whom all the Prophets foretold as the sole Author of Reconciliation with God, and Remission of sins through faith in him.

Whilst Peter was thus preaching to Cornelius 's family and those other persons there present, they were by the powerful work of the Spirit of God converted to Christ, and the holy Ghost by his wonderful Graces and Gifts, viz. of Illumination, Regeneration and the gift of Tongues descended on them all, of his own accord, without any laying on of hands by Peter, to the great wonder and astonishment of the believing Jews, that had accompanied the Apostle thither, who thought this Promise, of sending down the holy Ghost, belonged only to the House of Israel. Then Peter seeing what was done, and how these Gentiles had been baptized with the holy Ghost, concluded that they ought to be baptized with Water, and receive the external sign or seal of incorporation into Christ's Body, the Church; therefore commanding all things to be made ready, either He baptized them himself, or gave order that some of those who accompanied him (who probably were Ministers and Teachers), should do it. This done, they desired him to stay some days with them, that they might be further instructed confirmed and comforted by his Ministry.