"All others were reckoned," &c.—How is it possible to reconcile this theory, with the declarations of the Holy Spirit, of the dark state of the Heathen, their ignorance of the laws of God, and liability to his judgments. If such sentiments are correct, missionary labours are useless.
But what saith the Scripture?
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"They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a God that cannot save." Isa. xlv. 20. "None considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire;—and shall I make the residue thereof an |
abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?" Isa. xliv. 19. "I will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen, such as they have not heard." Mic. v. 15. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." Ps. ix. 17. |
That the condition of the Gentiles, who had not received the Gospel, was not altered when the Holy Ghost was poured on the believers, at the day of Pentecost, we may reasonably infer,—
1st,—From the wonder of some of the strangers present, and the mockery of others,—proving that they were not partakers of the gift.
2nd,—From Acts, viii. 14-16:
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"When the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, |
they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them that they might |
