Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 248

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TRIAL AT CÆSAREA . 241 allthathe had said and done,but for themotive and spiritof his words and deeds. So violent and cruel had been the course of Felix,that few had ever before dared even to intimate to him that his character and conduct were not faultless. But Paul had no such fears. With perfectrespectforthepositionofhishearers, he plainlydeclaredhisfaithin Christ,and the reasonsforthatfaith,and was thusledtospeak particularlyofthosevirtuesessentialtoChristian character,but of which thehaughty pairbefore him were sostrikinglydestitute. He presentedbefore his hearers the character of God hisrighteousness,justice, and equity -and thenatureand obligationofhislaw. He clearlyshowed man's duty tolivea lifeof sobrietyand temperance, keepingthe passionsunder thecontrolofreason,inconformitytoGod'slaw, and preservingthe physicaland mental powers in a healthfulcondition. A day of judgment would surelycome,when allwould be rewarded accordingtothedeedsdoneinthebody. Wealth, position,orhonorarytitleswould be powerlessto elevateman in the favor of God , or to ransom him from the slavery of sin. This lifewas his periodofprobation, in which he was toform a characterfor the future, immortal life. Should heneglecthispresentprivilegesand opportunities,itwould provean eternalloss; no new probation would be vouchsafed to him . All who shouldbe foundunholy in heartor defectivein any respectwhen judgedby thelaw of God, would sufferthepunishmentof theirguilt. Paul dweltespeciallyupon the far-reaching claims of God's law . He showed how it extends tothedeep secretsof man's moral nature, and 16