Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 328
Inspect scan 328 of the original 1883 publication. Follow the printed page below, move through the complete book, or open its searchable scan text.
Read the original 1883 scan 328
Page numbers count the PDF scans, including covers and preliminary leaves. Scroll to read and turn pages at the edge; drag to pan; use Ctrl+scroll to zoom. Recenter restores the fitted width.
Read and select the searchable scan text
Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.
PAUL'S LAST LETTER . 321 wheneveran opportunitywas presented;atstated timesand occasionally; to largecongregations, to privatecircles; by the way , at the fireside; beforefriendsand enemies; to one as well as to many; whetherhe couldspeakwithsafetyorwouldbeexposedtohardshipand peril,reproach and loss. Timothy sufferedfrom physicalinfirmities,and theapostle,tenderand compassionateashe was, feltitnecessaryto warn him toneglectno duty on thisaccount. And fearingthat his mild, yieldingdispositionmightleadhim toshunan essentialpartof hiswork,Paul exhortshim to be faithfulinreprovingsin,and even torebuke with sharpnessthosewho were guiltyof gross evils. Yet he istodo this"with alllong-sufferingand doctrine;" he must manifestthepatience and loveof Christ,and must explainand enforce hisreproofsand exhortationsby the word of God . To hate and reprovesin, and at the same time to manifestpityand tendernessfor the sinner, is a difficult attainment . The more earnest our own efforts to attain to holiness of heart and life,themore acutewillbe our perceptionof sin, and the more decidedour disapprovalof any deviationfrom right. We must guard against undue severitytoward the wrong-doer. But whilewe shouldseek toencouragehim inevery effortto correcthis errors, we must be careful not to losesightof the exceedingsinfulnessof sin. While thereisneedof Christlikepatience and love toward the erring, thereis constant dangerof manifestingsogreattolerationfor his errorthat he will considerhimself undeserving of reproof,and willrejectitas uncalled-for and unjust. 21