Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 326

Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.

PAUL'S LAST LETTER . 319 mieswould not restuntiltheyhad securedhis death. Yet he knew that truthhad triumphed forthetime,and thattohave proclaimeda crucifiedand risenSaviourbeforethevastthrong who had listenedto his words, was in itselfa victory. A work had that day begun which would increaseand prosper, and which the emperorof Rome ,with allhispomp and power, would seekin vaintodestroyor hinder. The apostle'sspeechhad gainedhim many friends,and he was visitedby some personsof rank,who accountedhisblessingofgreatervalue than the favor of the emperor of the world. But therewas one friendfor whose sympathy and companionshiphe longedinthoselasttrying days. That friendwas Timothy, to whom he had committedthecareof thechurchatEphesus, and who had therefore been left behind when he made his lastvoyage to Rome . The affection between thisyouthfullaborerand the apostle began with Timothy'sconversionthrough the laborsof Paul ; and the tiehad strengthenedas theyhad sharedtogetherthe hopes and perils and toilsof missionarylife, untilthey seemedtobe as one. The disparityintheirage and the differencein their character made their interest and love for each other more earnest and sacred . The ardent, zealous, indomitablespiritof Paul foundreposeand comfortin themild,yielding, retiringcharacterof Timothy. The faithful ministration and tender love of this tried companion had brightenedmany a dark hour of the apostle'slife. All that Melancthonwas to Luther,allthat a son could be toa lovedand honoredfather,thatwas theyouthfulTimothy tothetriedand lonelyPaul,