Again, it is to be observed, that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which Cornelius received before his baptism, were miraculous ; for thus we read, v. 45, 46, 47, " And they of the circumcision which believed, were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptised," &c. To speak with tongues was a miraculous operation. But where is there any Christian now who possesses such miraculous gifts ? The miraculous gifts of the spirit have ceased many years ago. The miraculous gifts of the spirit are not necessary to our salvation ; for if they were, no one could be saved at this time, as they are not given. It was also even possible for many men to possess the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, and yet be destitute of saving grace, and thus perish. Our Saviour verifies this melancholy truth, when he saith, " Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name ? and in thy name cast out devils ? and in thy name done many wonderful works ? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you : depart from me, you that work iniquity." Math. 7, 22, 23, compared with 1 Cor. 13, 1, 2. Now to prophesy and to cast out devils cannot be done but by the miraculous gifts of the spirit. Satan does not cast out Satan, Math. 12, 26. Nevertheless, here are a class of men described, who performed such miracles, and yet are called workers of iniquity. Thus we plainly see, that the miraculous gifts of the spirit are not saving ; the ordinary gifts must effect salvation. Salvation is one thing ; but working miracles another. Now, all that can be proved by the example of Cornelius, is, that he received the miraculous gifts of the spirit before his baptism. But this proves nothing to the point in question ; because the miraculous gifts are not necessary to salvation.

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