born of the Spirit:  and in its order and connection “the washing of regeneration,” the water baptism, the water birth into the church, follows.  Cornelius was baptized, and all the devout members of his family with him.  This is the last mention that is made of him.  Very soon after this time that fearful persecution of the saints arose in Jerusalem and Judea, which resulted in their dispersion to foreign countries and places, so that Cornelius may never have enjoyed the privilege of having the remaining ordinances of feet-washing, the gospel salutation of the kiss, the love feast, and the holy Communion of the bread and wine administered to him and his house.  As no church could be organized at the house of Cornelius at that time, these ordinances had to be postponed.  In truth, their introduction and observance must always be guarded with care, lest they be abused and perverted, as they were at Corinth some years later.  But of this we are sure:  “If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted of a man according to that which he hath, and not according to that which he hath not.”

I cannot close without a few reflections on what has been said.  When Cornelius was told what to do, he did not hesitate a moment.  Forthwith he sent for Peter.  When Peter came he received him with joy, and would have worshiped him in devout solemnity, had Peter not instantaneously rejected his approach.  When the inflowing baptism of the Holy Spirit gave him and those with him the new birth of the Spirit, they were ready to receive the water birth by baptism in water.  The water was not forbidden, because no opposition to the Gospel had as yet arisen in Cesarea.

Now, friends, here is an example worthy of imitation.  Let me prevail in my appeal to you in behalf of your immortal souls.  “To whom much is given, of him they will require the more.”  Much is given you, my dear friends who have so attentively listened to me to-day.  “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”  To hear is to obey.  “He that knoweth to do his master’s will, and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes.”  “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” These “words are spirit and they are life.”  “Learn of me,” says the best friend on earth, “and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

SUNDAY, May 28.  Love feast at Forney’s.  Christian Schmucker is ordained to the full work of the ministry.

TUESDAY, May 30.  Love feast at David Summers’s.  An election is held.  Brother David Royer is elected speaker; and Daniel Newcomer and David Summers deacons.

THURSDAY, June 1.  Love feast at Brother Joseph Royer’s, nine miles north of Canton.

SATURDAY, June 3.  Stay all night at Brother Nathan Stern’s.

SUNDAY, June 4.  Come to place of Annual Meeting.  Breakfast in the shed.  Six persons baptized.

MONDAY, June 5.  Form committees, and begin to take in queries.  Stay all night on the ground.