Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 292

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SOJOURN AT ROME . 285 apostlesoughttorelievethepovertyand distress of the wretched fugitive, and then endeavored to shed the lightof truthintohisdarkenedmind. Onesimus listenedattentivelyto the words of lifewhich he had once despised, and was converted to the faith of Christ. He now confessed his sin againsthis master, and gratefullyacceptedthecounseloftheapostle. He had endearedhimselfto Paul by hispiety, meekness, and sincerity, no lessthan by his tendercarefortheapostle'scomfortand hiszeal topromotethework ofthegospel. Paulsaw in him traitsof character that would render him a usefulhelperinmissionarylabor,and he would gladlyhave kept him atRome . But he would not do this without the full consent of Philemon . He therefore decided that Onesimus should at once returnto his master, and promised to hold himselfresponsibleforthe sum of which Philemon had been robbed. Being about to despatch TychicuswithletterstovariouschurchesofAsia Minor, he sent Onesimus in his company and under his care. It was a severe test for this servantto thus deliverhimself up to the master hehad wronged; buthehad beentrulyconverted, and,painfulas itwas,he did notshrinkfrom thisduty .Paul made Onesimus the bearer of a letter to Philemon,in which he with greatdelicacyand kindnesspleadedthecauseoftherepentantslave, and intimatedhisown wishesconcerninghim. The letterbegan with an affectionategreetingto Philemon as a friend and fellow-laborer:-- "Grace to you ,and peace,from God our Father and the Lord JesusChrist. I thank my God , making mentionof theealwaysin my prayers,