Acts 10

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. X.—It is an honour for persons of all ranks to be devout and liberal, and to worship God in their families as well as in secret. And how does this Roman soldier shame many professed Christians, who, on the most trifling pretences, neglect the worship of their Maker, who scarcely know what it is to observe family devotion, and who take no more pains in the religious education of children and servants than if they were beasts! God takes great delight to increase their knowledge and comfort who sincerely practise what they know, and earnestly ask his further direction. And though our best actions cannot render our persons acceptable to God, yet, if they are agreeable to his perfections and law, he graciously rewards them.—It is by men, not by angels, that we must expect to be taught.—With tender care God removes the conscientious scruples of his servants, and prepares them beforehand for their duty. And never are we more ready to receive his direction than when we are engaged in solemn prayer. Cheerfully therefore ought all, especially ministers, to go whithersoever he in his providence calls them, hoping for success, whatever impediments lie in their way. Gospel preachers ought to be gladly received and kindly entertained; and as many friends as we can influence be encouraged to share their instructions. With the deepest reverence and attention ought we to hear and believe the truths of God, on which depend our eternal salvation and his glory. And with the utmost care ought preachers to make known Jesus Christ in his person, offices, debasement, and glory, as the source and mean of our whole salvation, and as our great Judge, to whom we must quickly give an account. It is a delightful season when the Holy Ghost with supernatural influence attests the truths preached, and applies them to the hearts of hearers. Cheerfully they then surrender themselves to Jesus, and avow their faith in him. Cordially they praise him for his kindness, and desire to be more acquainted with, established in, and edified by, his truths. But O with what astonishing condescension, and marvellous operation of providence and grace, has God extended his gospel to us unclean and brutish sinners of the Gentiles, and has made of both Jews and Gentiles one gospel church, so making peace