WEDNESDAY EVENING.
PRAISE - PSALM XXIII. 4-6. SCRIPTURE - ACTS x. 1-24.
REMARKS
Among the means which were employed for preserving the knowledge of the true God, was the distinction respecting animals clean and unclean, Lev. xx. 24-26. (referred to in this chapter), the former of which might be used for food and sacrifices, whilst the latter were to be rejected, a distinction which was designed to apply to the Jewish and Gentile nations, the one possessing the knowledge of the true God, the other sunk in ignorance and idolatry, and which, although carried by the Jews to unauthorized lengths, was yet most important as a means for keeping them separate from the Gentiles, and for preserving the truths and promises of revelation. When the Saviour was manifested there was no longer a necessity for this separation between them. Both were guilty before God; both stood in need of an interest in Christ; to both of them Christ must be preached, and therefore the distinction which was before necessary and useful, was now to be done away.
We here learn the way in which it was to be abolished. Cornelius was a Gentile, but living in the country of the Jews, he had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with divine revelation, and the purposes of God announced therein. Of that opportunity he was enabled, by divine grace, to avail himself; he believed in the true God, and in the promises of the Messiah, and showed the influence of religious principle in the holiness and benevolence of
his life. In consequence of this, he was held in much esteem even by the Jews themselves, who
would thus be better prepared for the mighty change in God's dispensation which was about to be introduced through him. We are here told in what way the divine favour was announced towards him.
In the mean time, we may learn from this interesting history, that when God has a purpose of grace for any man, he does not allow such a one to stop at partial or imperfect views of religious truth. He first awakens him by his Spirit, then leads him
to take advantage of all the means of knowledge within his reach, and brings him at last to the full discovery and reception of the blessed Saviour, in whom he has rest and peace. This is the course and consummation of divine grace in the soul of one of the elect, from which we should learn that whatever may be our convictions of the truth of the bible, and of the existence and character of God, we are not to be satisfied with these, but pray that we may be led farther on, as Cornelius was, till we obtain safety, and peace, and life, in union to Christ.
We may here also see that as all need Christ, so there is no employment which will prevent any man from finding him. Cornelius was a soldier by profession, of all others thought to be the most unfavourable to religion, and yet we observe what progress he made in the spiritual life, and what a character is given of him. And why should it not be so generally amongst our soldiers? The scriptures are in their possession, and the Holy Spirit is promised them. Alas! it is their sin alone that is the cause why there are not more Corneliuses in our armies; and this Roman soldier, with his fewer advantages, will be adduced to aggravate their condemnation. But blessed be God, that the number of truly Christian soldiers is increasing, and may he be pleased to multiply his grace amongst them more and more.
This history also teaches us that it is the will of God to employ man in communicating the knowledge of salvation to their fellow-creatures. An angel is sent to Cornelius, but only for the purpose of directing him to Peter, for 'he,' it is said, 'shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.' And however despised the preaching of the gospel may be by the natural man, let us hence learn that the salvation of souls is effected by that instrumentality; that though to them who perish, it be foolishness, to us who are called it is the power of God.
Let us rejoice that there is no respect of persons with God, that his people are gathered from all nations under heaven, and that he commands his gospel to be preached to every creature; that thus to make it known is the great design of the Christian church, and that for which he has promised to be with it always, even to the end of the world. We should be humbled under a deep sense of our great and long continued neglect of this duty, and seek the more earnestly to employ men, who, like Peter, shall proclaim, whether to Jews or Gentiles, 'that whosoever believeth in Christ shall receive remission of sins.'
PRAYER.
Almighty and most gracious God, we acknowledge that in ourselves we are full of darkness and of enmity, and that it is altogether of thy grace and by the Holy Spirit that any of the children of men are awakened from their natural condition, and led to take heed unto the things which belong to their eternal peace. We pray that thou wouldst be pleased to stir up to a sense of sin and danger, those who are unconcerned about their everlasting destiny, that thou wouldst lead them to inquire for thy truth, and that thouwouldst not cease to enlighten and to guide them, till thou hast brought forth judgment unto victory. And do thou make us all to feel that even when we are brought to Christ by the Spirit, we have need to be constantly upheld by thy grace; and do thou, O blessed God, cause us to cleave to him, and keep us by thy mighty power through faith unto salvation. We implore that thou wouldst cause us all to feel for the spiritual darkness, and degradation, and misery of heathen lands, and to act in regard to them as those who are persuaded that Christ is the only Saviour; that there is no present peace, no future happiness, but through an interest in his blood. Blessed God, enlarge our hearts towards those who are in the region and shadow of death; multiply the number of those who may declare to them the unsearchable riches of Christ. May they go forth as called by thee; may they labour in the faith of thy promises, and in dependence on thy grace; and do thou, O Holy Spirit, one with the Father and the Son, come down upon them and bless their labours, so that great multitudes may believe and be turned unto the Lord. We pray this evening for the forgiveness of all our trespasses. Whilst day after day is passing on, and hurrying us so much nearer to death, and judgment, and eternity, we beseech thee to make us feel more strongly how short our time is, and give us grace to redeem it. Make us more humble , more full of faith and love in Christ; beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, may we be changed into the same image, from glory unto glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. We throw ourselves upon thy mercy this night . Do thou receive us, heavenly Father, and grant that whether we live, we may live unto the Lord; whether we die, we may die unto the Lord; whether living or dying we may be his. In Christ's name we present our supplications, and through him would we implore a gracious answer. Amen.