God works through heavenly instrumentalities that those who know the truth may be brought in
connection with souls who need light and knowledge. Read the tenth chapter of Acts. The God of
heaven beheld the devotion and piety of Cornelius. He witnessed his prayers and his almsgiving,
and marked the power of his influence. He desired to give him light in regard to Christ’s mission
and to connect him with His work.
The Lord sent His angel to signify this to Cornelius, and to place him in connection with the apostle
Peter. The angel told Cornelius just where Peter lived, and assured him, “He shall tell thee what
thou oughtest to do.” Then an angel was sent to Peter to remove his doubt as to the propriety of
working for the Gentiles. “What God has cleansed, that call not thou common.” While Peter was
pondering in regard to the mysterious revelation that had been given him, the Spirit said unto him,
“Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and … go with them, doubting nothing; for I have
sent them.”
What a history is this to show that Heaven is in close connection with our world. On the ladder that
Jacob saw, angels of God are ascending and descending. God is above the ladder, and beams of light
and glory are shining the whole length from heaven to earth. This line of communication is still
open.
And what was the outcome of God’s dealing with Cornelius? Read the precious history, and learn,
and praise God; for its lesson is for us…. And God “commanded us to preach unto the people, and to
testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the
prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of
sins.”
As Peter spoke these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon the assembly, and they were baptized in the
name of the Lord. Thus in Caesarea a company of Christian believers was established to hold up the
light of truth.
This is the work to be done today. We have a message to give to the people…. Christ declares, “I am
the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never
thirst…. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise
cast out.”—(Australasian) Union Conference Record, January 1, 1900.