Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 336
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MARTYRDOM OF PAUL AND PETER . 329 thesecondimprisonmentmuch more severethan thefirst,grantinghim littleopportunitytopreach the gospel; and he determinedto cut shorthis lifeassoonas a plausiblepretextcouldbe found for so doing. Nero's mind was so impressed with theforceof the apostle'swords at hislast trialthat he deferred the decisionof the case, neitheracquittingnor condemning him. But thesentencewas onlydeferred. Itwas not long before the decisionwas pronounced which consignedPaultoa martyr'sgrave. Beinga Roman citizen,he couldnot be subjectedto torture,and was thereforesentenced to be beheaded . Peter, as a Jew and a foreigner, was condemned to be scourgedand crucified. In prospect of this fearfuldeath, the apostlerememberedhisgreatsinindenying Jesusin thehour of trial,and hisonlythoughtwas,thathe was unworthy of so greatan honor as todieinthe same manner as did his Master . Peter had sincerelyrepented of that sin, and had been forgivenby Christ,as isshown by thehighcommissiongiven him tofeedthe sheepand lambs of the flock. But he couldneverforgivehimself. Not even the thought of the agonies of the lastterriblescene could lessen the bitterness of his sorrow and repentance. As a lastfavor he entreatedhis executionersthat he might be nailed to the cross with his head downward . The requestwas granted, and in thismanner diedthegreatapostlePeter.Paulwas ledina privatemanner totheplace of execution. His persecutors, alarmed at the extent of his influence, feared that converts might be won toChristianity,even by thescenes of his death. Hence few spectatorswere al