The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-11-15
READINGS FOR THE WEEK.
INTRODUCTORY.


INTRODUCTORY.
This lesson shows how the middle wall of
partition between Jews and Gentiles was
broken down, that all nations might enter
into the kingdom of Christ.
NoTES ON THE LESSON.
Ccesarea. Yves on the sea-cOsss, about
thirty miles north of JOppa. It was large,
imposing city, containing the conspicuous
temple dedicated to Cesar, theater and
amphitheater; and was the official residence
of the Herodian kings aud the Roman Mill.
tary headquarters.
Called Cornelius A Roman patrician
name, borne by the SoipiOs, by Sulla, and
and the mother of the Gracohi. NJ name in
Rome more honorable.
A centurion. Commander of two con-
panies of fifty to seventy. five men each
Very nearly answers, therefore, to cur mod
ern "eaptain." The name literally means
the commander of hundred men.
THE HaliaR band The Roman army was
made up from levies from its subjugated
countries as we'll as from its own citizens. In
such an important place as Cae3area, the
headquarters of Roman authority, the pro-
curator general of course would rely specially
only on the fidelity of the Italian troops
That accounts, therefore, for the presence
there of an italian cohort. Cornelius him
self, from his name and his position, must
have been native Of Italy.
A devOut man. Singular that all the GEN.
turions spoken of in the New Testament are
spoken of only to be commended Christ
extOlled the faith Of the one at Cspernaum
Matt. viii: 81; the one at the cruciGxiOn
devoutly exclaimed: Truly this was the
Son of God " (Mast. xvii: 81 and it was
a centurian. that on the voyage to Rome
saved the life of Paul. Acts xvii: a.
Cornelius was ga devout man, that is, he
was both reyerent and wOrshipful-nOt as
other Romans were, of any god and of all
gods, but of the true Jehovah. He had given
up polytheism for the worship of the one
true God
Feared God wit6 aH las house He was
a man thoroughly in earnest. A sincere,
thoroughly devoted Christian will, ike Abra,
aham, " command his children aud his house
hold after him" Like father, like son as
is the head of the household, SO. to a great
extent, are the servants also. Cornelius not
only feared God himself, but so did his chill
dren, and even the servants aud the soldiers
about him. How one acts at home is the best
test of his rehgiOn-not how he conducts
himself in prayer.meetings. If mans
household, at his instance, are all following
in the footsteps of Christ, We may suppose
that he is a specially devoted Christian him
self, no matter how poor or infrequent his
public performances may be.
Care much Glms to the people. Not to the
people generally, but specially TO the needy
Israelites. That explains why he was "Of
good report among all the nations of the
Jews" In adopting Jehovah as his God,
he had aadopted Gods people also. In
what way more sincere and touching, could
he have shown his devotion to his new divine
Master.
And prayed to God allgqy. Ha never
prayed to other gods. The emphasis is on
tie name Of the Lord, as we'll as on the fact
that he was constant in prayer. O;her Ro-
mans did rot hesitate to worship the local
deity, Whatever it might be, ne never bent
knee except to the true God.
Care aims and prayed. Faith and works
went together. Faith was the source of
works, and works we're the evidence Of faith.
He preys well who lives we'll He prays i'll
who does nothing but pray.
Care much al@s-prqyed to God alvqy
The two are pToportionate, Much praying
much giving. Penuriousness aud little
real prayer ere pretty apt to keep company.
he san 1R q VlS508 eVldeRty. Distinctly.
Toe bodily powers were not locked Up as in
the case Of dream or trance. lie had his
senses about him and had control of them.
an angel His appearance vas that of a
nan in bright clothing. So with other
angelic VisitatiOns.
Tile ninth hour Of tie day. That we learn
from Acts iii: 1, was the hour of prayer
lie was, therefore, praying when his visitor
came. In fact it was in ensger to prayer
that he came. He had, repeated in himself,
ihe experience of Daniel: "And while
vas speaking, in prayer, even the man Ga
oriel, whom had seen in the vision at the
being caused to fly swiftly, touch
cd me a5ou: ibs time Of the evening obla-
ton. Dan. *: q How much more often