William Pilling

Affinity; an Enquiry into a Great Question. William Pilling

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1899. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV tHE EArLY CHristiAns After these things, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem, where they "continued with one accord in prayer "and supplication, with the women, "and Mary the mother of Jesus, and "with His brethren," as they had been instructed to do, until the Day of Pentecost, when "They were all with one accord in "one place. And suddenly there came "a sound from heaven as of a rushing "mighty wind, and it filled all the "house where they were sitting. And "there appeared unto them cloven "tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon "each of them. And they were all "filled with the Holy Ghost." The Comforter had come to them, as Jesus had promised them, endowing them with special gifts, in attestation of their mission to preach His Gospel, and to establish and organize His Church militant upon earth. They received power to speak in languages they had never learned, to heal the sick, to give sight to the blind, and to perform many wonderful works, such as JEsUs Himself had done while He was yet with them. These powers they were also enabled and instructed to bestow upon others who should believe in the Lord Jesus, and whose aid might be useful to them in the prosecution of their enterprise. They commenced their mission without further delay, in Jerusalem :-- "Having favour with all the People. "And the Lord added to the Church "daily, such as should be saved." The chief characteristic of the early Christian THE EARLY CHRISTIANS 73 Church, was its missionary spirit. The Jews were proud of their exclusive knowledge of the one true God; had no desire that this knowledge should be shared by the Gentiles, and did not comprehend that He was equally the God of all men. The pagans desired and prayed for the protection of their Gods, for themselves alone. Christ...