THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH. ITS EXTENSION. LABOURS OF ST. PAUL. FIRST PERSECUTION. - RUIN OF THE JEWS. STATE OF THE CHRISTIANS AFTER THE REIGN OF NERO.
WE regard the history of the Christian church as properly commencing with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The language of Scripture is strikingly distinct in the introduction to the wonderful narrative of this event; and the great founder of the evangelical kingdom is seen writing down the era, and preparing the solemnities, for the consecration of the living temple. "When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." The members of the infant church were thus gathered together by a common hope; they were soon to be bound to each other by the communion of one spirit. They had till this hour possessed no other tie but baptism into the same faith, the feelings which had been inspired by the sight of the same miracles, the affection which a fellowship in danger and contumely instils, or the love which they all felt for the meek and crucified Saviour; and it is likely that this tie would have kept them together through all persecutions and afflictions.