Part 730 (1/2)

10:12. Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts and creeping things of the earth and fowls of the air.

10:13. And there came a voice to him: Arise, Peter. Kill and eat.

10:14. But Peter said: Far be it from me. For I never did eat any thing that is common and unclean.

10:15. And the voice spoke to him again the second time: That which G.o.d hath cleansed, do not thou call common.

10:16. And this was done thrice. And presently the vessel was taken up into heaven.

10:17. Now, whilst Peter was doubting within himself what the vision that he had seen should mean, behold the men who were sent from Cornelius, inquiring for Simon's house, stood at the gate.

10:18. And when they had called, they asked if Simon, who is surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

10:19. And as Peter was thinking of the vision, the Spirit said to him: Behold three men seek thee.

10:20. Arise, therefore: get thee down and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

10:21. Then Peter, going down to the men, said: Behold, I am he whom you seek. What is the cause for which you are come?

10:22. Who said: Cornelius, a centurion, a just man and one that feareth G.o.d, and having good testimony from all the nation of the Jews, received an answer of an holy angel, to send for thee into his house And to hear words of thee.

10:23. Then bringing them in, he lodged them. And the day following, he arose and went with them: and some of the brethren from Joppe accompanied him.

10:24. And the morrow after, he entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, having called together his kinsmen and special friends.

10:25. And it came to pa.s.s that when Peter was come in, Cornelius came to meet him and falling at his feet adored.

10:26. But Peter lifted him up, saying: Arise: I myself also am a man.

10:27. And talking with him, he went in and found many that were come together.

10:28. And he said to them: you know how abominable it is for a man that is a Jew to keep company or to come unto one of another nation: but G.o.d hath shewed to me, to call no man common or unclean.

10:29. For which cause, making no doubt, I came when I was sent for. I ask, therefore, for what cause you have sent for me?

10:30. And Cornelius said: Four days ago, unto this hour, I was praying in my house, at the ninth hour and behold a man stood before me in white apparel and said:

10:31. Cornelius, thy prayer is heard and thy alms are had in remembrance in the sight of G.o.d.

10:32. Send therefore to Joppe: and call hither Simon, who is surnamed Peter. He lodgeth in the house of Simon a tanner, by the sea side.

10:33. Immediately therefore I sent to thee: and thou hast done well in coming. Now, therefore, all we are present in thy sight to hear all things whatsoever are commanded thee by the Lord.

10:34. And Peter opening his mouth, said: in very deed I perceive that G.o.d is not a respecter of persons.

10:35. But in every nation, he that feareth him and worketh justice is acceptable to him.

In every nation, etc... That is to say, not only Jews, but Gentiles also, of what nation soever, are acceptable to G.o.d, if they fear him and work justice. But then true faith is always to be presupposed, without which (saith St. Paul, Heb. 11. 6) it is impossible to please G.o.d.

Beware then of the error of those, who would infer from this pa.s.sage, that men of all religions may be pleasing to G.o.d. For since none but the true religion can be from G.o.d, all other religions must be from the father of lies, and therefore highly displeasing to the G.o.d of truth.