Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 258
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PAUL APPEALS TO CÆSAR . 251 God toturnforprotectiontoaheathenruler. It was the same hatred that forcedthe prophet Elijahtofleeforsuccortothewidow of Sarepta; thatconstrainedtheheraldsofthegospelto proclaim their message to the Gentiles. It is the same spiritthat the peopleof God in thisage have yet to meet . In the great crisisthrough which they are soon to pass, they willbecome betteracquaintedwith the experienceof Paul. Among theprofessedfollowersofChrist,thereis thesame pride, formalism,vainglory,selfishness, and oppression,thatexistedintheJewishnation. Beforethewarfareshallbe endedand thevictory won ,we as a peoplearetoexperiencetrialssimilarto those of Paul . We shall encounter the same hardness of heart,the same cruel determination,thesame unyieldinghatred. Men professingtobe representativesof Christ willtake a coursesimilartothattaken by priests and rulers in their treatment of Paul . All who would fearlesslyserveGod accordingtothedictatesof their own conscience, will need moral courage, firmness, and a knowledgeof God and hisword,tostandin thatevilday. Persecution willagainbe kindledagainstthosewho aretrue to God;theirmotiveswillbe impugned, their besteffortsmisinterpreted, theirnames castout asevil. Then willitcome topass,asforetoldby Christ, that whoever shallseek to destroythe faithful,willthinkthathe isdoing God service. Then Satan willwork with allhisfascinating power, to influencethe heart and becloudthe understanding,tomake evilappeargood,and good evil. Then itisthat he isthroughhisagentsto " show greatsignsand wonders, insomuchthat, ifitwere possible, theyshalldeceivethevery elect ."