Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 208

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PAUL'S JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM . 201 force their instructions. Those who teach others theway of lifeshouldbe carefulto give no occasionforthetruthtobeevilspoken of. As representativesof Christ,they are to maintainthe honor of his name . By their devotion, their purity of life, theirgodly conversation, they shouldprovethemselvesworthy of theircalling. By a rightexample theymay exertan influence which words alonecouldnot have,to encourage faithand holiness,ferventlove,devotion,and integrityamong those for whom they labor. God requiresofallhisservantsfearlessnessin preachingtheword,fidelityinexemplifyingitsprecepts, however itmay be despised,reviled,opposed,or persecuted. Every faithfulteacherof thetruth willatthecloseof hislaborsbe abletosay with Paul, " I am pure from the blood of allmen ." The Holy Spiritrevealedto the apostlethe dangers which would assailthe church at Ephesus: "I know this,thataftermy departingshall grievouswolves enterin among you ,not sparing the flock. Also of your own selvesshallmen arise, speakingperversethings, to draw away disciplesafterthem." Paul trembledfor the church as he looked forward to the attacks which theymust sufferfrom externaland internalfoes. It iswhile the husbandman sleepsthat taresare sown; whilethe shepherdsare neglectingtheir duty,thewolf findsentranceto thefold. With solemn earnestnesshe bids his brethren guard vigilantlytheirsacredtrust. He pointsthem for an example to his own unweariedlabors: "Thereforewatch,and rememberthatby thespace of threeyears I ceasednot to warn everyone nightand day with tears." " And now , brethren," he continued, " I com