Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 157
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150 LIFE OF PAUL . words of instruction, and, above all, his own example to inspireand encourage, they could gladlychoosetosufferafflictionforChrist'ssake) ratherthan to enjoythepleasuresof sin. But when Paul departed,naturaltastesand inclinationswould assertcontrol. It isnot in a day that the education and habits of a lifeare to be Littleby little,many departedfromovercome . the faith . For three years the voice which had urged them Heavenward had been silent. Like the children of Israel when Moses was hid from view by the cloudsof Sinai,they satdown to eatand drink,and roseup to play. Not a few returned to the debasing sins of heathenism,as thoughtheyhad neverheard the heavenlymessage; some practicediniquityin secret, others openly,and with a spiritof bravado,perverting theScripturestojustifytheircourse. Paul had written brieflyto the church, announcing a plan which he for a time cherished,of visitingthem immediatelyupon leaving Ephesus, and again upon his return from Macedonia . In the same letter he had admonished them to cease all communication with members who shouldpersistin theirprofligacy. But the Corinthianspervertedthe apostle's meaning, quibbledoverhis words, and excused themselvesfordisregardinghisinstructions. A letterwas sent to Paul by the church, revealing nothing of the enormous sins that existedamong them, but in a self-complacent manner asking counselfrom him concerningvarious matters. He was, however, forcibly impressedby theHoly Spirit,thatthe truestate of thechurchhad been concealed,and that this