"in word and tongue only, but in deed." The messengers he sent to our Lord supported their petition by saying, " He hath built us a sjmagogue."
Now where did the centurion learn this kindness? How can we account for one who was a heathen by birth, and a soldier by profession, showing such a spirit as this P Habits of mind like these were not likely to be gathered from heathen teaching, or promoted by the society of a Roman camp. Greek and Latin philosophy would not recommend them. Tribunes, consuls, prefects and em- perors would not encourage them. — ^There is but one ac- count of the matter. The centurion was what he was " by the grace of God." The Spirit had opened the eyes of his understanding, and put a new heart within him. His knowledge of divine things no doubt was very dim. His religious views were probably built on a very imperfect acquaintance with the Old Testament Scriptures. But whatever light from above he had, it influenced his life, and one result of it was the kindness which is recorded in this passage.
Let us learn a lesson from the centurion's example. Let us, like him, show kindness to every one with whom we have to do. Let us strive to have an eye ready to see, and a hand ready to help, and a heart ready to feel, and a will ready to do good to all. Let us be ready to weep with them that weep, and rejoice with them that rejoice. This is one way to reconmiend our religion, and make it beautiful before men. Kindness is a grace that all can understand. — ^This is one way to be like our blessed Saviour. If there is one feature in His character more notable than another, it is His unwearied kindness and