Acts 10:17-23 - Homilies By R.a. Redford

The finger-post of Providence.

It is well when we can look away from visions to facts, and deal with living men. Opportunity for action often disperses the cloud of perplexity. The vision in the memory, the men at the gate, the Spirit presiding over all.

I. GOD 'S METHOD ILLUSTRATED .

1. The subjective and the objective united. The spirit within is experience. The work of grace in the outward world.

2. Providential guidance is vouchsafed. The facts that will help us are at the gate.

3. There is a background of the supernatural to which we are able to refer for authority—the Spirit in the Word, in the living Churches, in the world.

II. BELIEVING OBEDIENCE . EXEMPLIFIED .

1. Natural feeling overcome in the presence of undoubted Divine commandment.

2. A new enterprise faced, in dependence on Divine support.

3. Wisdom humbly seeking light that it may be followed.

4. The Spirit's seal recognized by the spiritual man. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine," etc. Doubt too often a moral defect.—R.