Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 237
Inspect scan 237 of the original 1883 publication. Follow the printed page below, move through the complete book, or open its searchable scan text.
Read the original 1883 scan 237
Page numbers count the PDF scans, including covers and preliminary leaves. Scroll to read and turn pages at the edge; drag to pan; use Ctrl+scroll to zoom. Recenter restores the fitted width.
Read and select the searchable scan text
Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.
230 LIFE OF PAUL . iscoming; the otherputs faroffthe evilday. One faithfullyreprovessin; the otherexcuses and palliatesit. As theprofessedpeopleof God departfrom him and losethesimplicityof the faith,thewords of hismessengersseem tothem unnecessarilyharsh and severe. They cherish prejudiceand unbelief, and finallyplacethemselvesfullyon Satan'sside. His suggestions seempleasantand palatable; theyarecontrolled, in spiritand opinion,by the arch-deceiver,and having permittedhim to directtheirthoughts, theysoonpermithim todirecttheiractions. Christpresentedbeforethe assemblyat Nazareth a fearful truth when he declared that with backslidingIsraeltherewas no safetyfor the faithfulmessengerof God . They would not know hisworth,or appreciatehislabors. While they professedto have great zeal for the honor of God and the good of Israel, they were the worst enemiesof both. They were by precept and example leading the peoplefartherand fartherfrom obedienceto God and purityand simplicityof faith,-leading them where he could not reveal himself as their defense in the day oftrouble. God sentElijahto thewidow of Sarepta,becausehe couldnot trusthim with Israel . These cuttingreproofs, though presentedby the Majesty of Heaven, the Jews of Nazareth refusedtohear. They had but a moment before witnessedtothe graciouswords thatproceeded from hislips;the SpiritofGod was speaking to theirhearts; but the instant a reflectionwas cast upon them, at the firstintimationthat personsof othernationscouldbe more worthy of the favorof God than they, thoseproud,