Since, and from that time, the religion of Jesus has spread itself:--we all see to what extent. Spread itself: and by what means? By means of the decision thus fathered upon the Apostles? Upon the Apostles, the Elders, and the whole Church?--No: but in spite of it, and by the neglect of it. Charged with a letter, containing this decision, did Paul, together with his friend Barnabas, return from Jerusalem,--if the author of the Acts is to be believed,--to the society of Christian converts, by which he had been sent thither: charged with this letter, carrying with it the authority of the whole fellowship of the Apostles. Paul himself--he Paul--what sort of regard did he pay to it? _He wrote against it with all his might._ No more Jewish rites! No more Mosaic law! Such is the cry, that animates the whole body of those writings of his which have reached us. SECTION 4. RESULT, SUPPOSED APOSTOLIC DECREE AND LETTER TO ANTIOCH, WHICH, PER ACTS, PAUL CIRCULATES. Of a decision, agreed upon and pronounced to the above effect--a decision expressed by a decree;--and of a copy of that decree, included in and prefaced by a letter addressed to the saints at Antioch,--were Paul and Barnabas, along with others who were associated with them, on their return to that city, the bearers:--that is to say, if, as to these matters, credence is given, to the statement, made by the author of the Acts; by whom the alleged decree and letter are given, in words, which, according to him, were their very words:--these words are those which follow: ACTS 15:22 to 32.