Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 247

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240 LIFE OF PAUL . reasons for his beliefin Christ. Thus Paul , as a prisoneroftheLord,had an opportunitytopresentthetruthsofthegospelto some soulswhom he couldnototherwisehaveapproached. A cruel and licentiousRoman governorand a profligate Jewish princesswere to be his soleaudience. They were now waiting to listento truthswhich they had never listenedto before, which they might neverhearagain, and which, ifrejected, would prove a swiftwitnessagainstthem in the day of God . Paul consideredthisa God -given opportunity, and he improveditfaithfully. He knew that theman and woman beforehim had thepower toput him todeath, or to preservehislife; yet he did not address them with praiseor flattery. He knew that his words would be to them a savor of lifeor of death, and ,forgettingallselfishconsiderations,he soughttoarousethem tothe peril of their souls . The gospel message admits of no neutrality. It counts all men as decidedly for the truth or againstit; ifthey do not receiveand obey its teachings,they areitsenemies. Yet itknows no respectof person, class, or condition. It isad-dressedto allmankind who feeltheirneed of its graciousinvitations. Said Christ: " I came not to callthe righteous,but sinnersto repentance." The apostlefeltthat whoever might listento his words , the gospel had a claim upon them ; theywould eitherstandamong thepureand holy aroundthegreatwhite throne, or withthoseto whom Christshouldsay: " Depart from me ,ye that work iniquity." He knew that he must meet every hearerbeforethe tribunalof Heaven , andmustthererenderan account,notonlyfor