Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 103
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96 LIFE OF PAUL . othersputhiswordsaside,saying, "We willhearthee again of thismatter." Thus closedthe laborsof theapostleatAthens, fortheAthenianspersistentlyclungto theiridolatry, and turnedaway from the lightof a true and reasonablereligion. When a peoplearewhollysatisfiedwith theirown attainments, littlemore need be expectedofthem. Highlyeducated,and boasting of theirlearningand refinement, theAthenianswereconstantlybecomingmore corrupt,and having lessdesirefor anythingbetterthan the vaguemysteriesofidolatry. Many who listenedto thewords of Paul were convincedof thetruthspresented,but theywould not humble themselvesto acknowledgeGod ,and to acceptthe planof salvation. No eloquenceof words,no forceofargument,canconvertthesinner. The SpiritandpowerofGod canaloneapplythe truth to the heart of the impenitent. Of the Atheniansitmay be said, " The preachingof the thecrossistothem thatperishfoolishness,butto them thatare saveditisthepower ofGod ." In their pride of intellectand human wisdom may be found the reasonwhy the gospelmessage met withsolittlesuccessamong thatpeople. Our SaviourrejoicedthatGod had hid the thingsof eternalinterestfrom the wiseand prudent, and hadrevealedthemuntobabesinknowledge. All worldlywisemen who cometoChristaspoor,lost sinners,willbecome wiseunto salvation; but those who come as distinguishedmen, extollingtheir own wisdom, willfailto receivethe lightand knowledgewhichhe alonecan give. The laborsofPaul in Athens were notwholly invain. Dionysius, one of themost prominent