Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 148
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TRIALS AND VICTORIES OF PAUL . 141 demanded hispresence,he decidedto remaintill afterPentecost. An event soon occurred, however,which hastenedhisdeparture. The month of May was speciallydevotedto the worship of the goddessof Ephesus. The universalhonorin which thisdeitywas held,the magnificenceof her temple and her worship, attractedan immenseconcourseof peoplefrom allpartsof the provinceof Asia. Throughout the entire month the festivities were conductedwiththeutmostpomp and splendor. The godswererepresentedby personschosenforthe purpose,who were regardedasobjectsof worship, and were honoredby processions,sacrifices, and libations. Musical contests,the featsof athletes, and the fiercecombats of men and beasts, drew admiring crowds to the vast theaters. The officerschosen to conduct this grand celebration were themen of highestdistinctioninthechief citiesof Asia. They were alsopersonsof vast wealth,forin returnforthehonor of theirposition, they were expectedto defray the entire expenseof the occasion. The whole citywas a sceneof brilliantdisplayand wildrevelry. Imposing processionsswept to the grand temple. The airrung with sounds of joy. The people gave themselvesup tofeasting,drunkenness,and the vilestdebauchery. Thisgalaseasonwas a tryingoccasionto the discipleswho had newly come tothefaith. The company of believerswho met in the schoolofTyrannus were an inharmoniousnote in the festivechorus. Ridicule, reproach, and insult were freelyheapedupon them. By thelaborsof Paul at Ephesus, the heathen worshiphad receiveda tellingblow. There was a perceptible