The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 492

Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.

486 TEE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES in morals, more frivolous in character, and at the same time capable of more atrocious cruelty, than any ruler who had preceded him. The reins of government could not have been entrusted to a more despotic ruler. The first year of his reign had been marked by the poisoning of his young stepbrother, the rightful heir to the throne. From one depth of vice and crime to another, Nero had descended, until he had murdered his own mother, and then his wife. There was no atrocity which he would not perpetrate, no vile act to which he would not stoop. In every noble mind he inspired only abhorrence and contempt. The details of the iniquity practised in his court are too degrading, too horrible, for description. His abandoned wickedness created disgust and loathing, even in many who were forced to share his crimes. They were in constant fear as to what enormities he would suggest next. Yet even such crimes as Nero's did not shake the allegiance of his subjects. He was acknowledged as the absolute ruler of the whole civilized world. More than this, he was made the recipient of divine honors, and was worshiped as a god. From the view-point of human judgment, Paul's condemnation before such a judge was certain. But the apostle felt that so long as he was lo^^al to God, he had nothing to fear. The One who in the past had been his protector could shield him still from the malice of the Jews, and from the power of Ca?sar. And God did shield His servant. At Paul's examination the charges against him were not sustained; and contrary to the general expectation, and