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No National Barriers, November 24
Acts 10
Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And
now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he
shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
Acts 10:4-6
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The explicitness of these directions, in which was named even the occupation
of the man with whom Peter was staying, shows that Heaven is acquainted with
the history and business of men in every station of life. God is familiar with the
experience and work of the humble laborer, as well as with that of the king upon
his throne
My heart is made very tender as I read of the interest manifested by the Lord
in Cornelius. Cornelius was a man in high position, an officer in the Roman
army, but he was walking in strict accordance with all the light he had received.
The Lord sent a special message from heaven to him, and by another message
directed Peter to visit him and give him light
Cornelius was gladly obedient to the vision
Thus was the gospel brought to those who had been strangers and foreigners,
making them fellow citizens with the saints, and members of the household of
God. The conversion of Cornelius and his household was but the first fruits of a
harvest to be gathered in. From this household a wide-spread work of grace was
carried on in that heathen city.
Today God is seeking for souls among the high as well as the lowly. There
are many like Cornelius, men whom the Lord desires to connect with His work
in the world. Their sympathies are with the Lord’s people, but the ties that bind
them to the world hold them firmly. It requires moral courage for them to take
their position for Christ. Special efforts should be made for these souls, who are
in so great danger, because of their responsibilities and associations
From the story of Cornelius we learn that God will lead every one who is
willing to be led. He led Cornelius. He drew out His servant’s heart in prayer.
He prepared him to receive the light of His truth, and he chose to enlighten the
mind of Cornelius through the agency of one who had already received light
from above
[335]
53
The Acts of the Apostles, 133, 134
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54
Testimonies for the Church 6:79
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55
The Acts of the Apostles, 134
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56
Ibid., 139, 140
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57
In Heavenly Places, 322
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347