Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 337

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330 LIFE OF PAUL . lowed tobe present. But the hardenedsoldiers appointedto attendhim,listenedto hiswords, and with amazement saw him cheerful and even joyousin prospectof such a death. His spirit of forgivenesstoward his murderers, and his unwaveringconfidenceinChristtotheverylast, proved a savor of lifeunto lifeto some who witnessedhismartyrdom . More than one erelong acceptedthe Saviourwhom Paul preached,and fearlesslysealedtheirfaithwith theirblood. The lifeof Paul,toitsverylatesthour,testifiedtothetruthofhiswordsinthesecondEpistle to the Corinthians: "For God ,who commanded the lightto shineout of darkness,hath shinedin ourhearts,togivethelightof the knowledgeof the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,that theexcellencyof thepower may be of God ,andnot of us. We are troubledon everyside,yet not distressed; we are perplexed,but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; castdown , but not destroyed; always bearingaboutinthe body thedying of the Lord Jesus,thatthe life alsoof Jesus might be made manifestin our body." His sufficiencywas not in himself, but in thepresenceand agencyof the divineSpirit thatfilledhissoul,and brought every thought intosubjectiontothewillofChrist. The factthat hisown lifeexemplifiedthe truthhe proclaimed, gave convincingpower tobothhispreachingand hisdeportment. Says theprophet, "Thou wilt keephim inperfectpeace,whose mind is stayed on Thee ; because he trusteth in Thee ." It was thisHeaven-born peace,expressedupon thecountenance,thatwon many a soultothegospel.The apostlewas lookingintothegreatbeyond,