But I

purchased this privilege with a great sum. said Paul, was free-born." This short, but interesting conversation, in which, it is probable, that Lysias was made sensible that Paul spoke the truth, put an end for the present, to Paul's personal sufferings, but did not allay the tribune's fears. "Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him, and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him." But Paul's soul was affected by very different sensations. He felt no tremors. He was subject to no fears. We have before seen him in a prison, and marked his steady piety, and perfect resignation. He knew whose steps he was called upon to follow, and therefore, with his eye fixed upon that point which he could never consider with indifference, he sang praises to God, and then soundly slept the sleep of innocence, though fastened to two Roman guards.

St.

It will not be supposed that a citizen of Rome was exempt from the ordinary punishment of a crime, but it was usual, in order to exalt the Roman character, first to deprive the culprit of his privilege, and then to inflict his punishment. Paul's conduct, on this occasion, shews his knowledge of the Roman law; and his endeavour, by this mean, to avert the painful part of his punishment, by pleading his privilege, was a prudent and justifiable step. It would have added nothing to his merit as a suffering Christian, to have received a correction, which he knew how to avoid. voluntary infliction is of a different nature.

An in

That

inevitable burthen he bears for his Master's sake, and accepts no deliverance which would betray his trust. When we are called upon to suffer, let us take this great Apostle for our model, who advises his converts to be "followers of him, even as he also was of Christ1."

Upon a review of the transactions of this day, several important reflections will naturally arise in our minds. When we see a good man persecuted, we are ready to enquire, how we should act were we in his situation? And very confident indeed should we be of our own strength, more confident than it becomes true Christians, if we did not entertain serious fears for the integrity of our character. But the mercy of Him, whose grace is at all times sufficient for us, supported his holy Apostle, and is able to support us under severe and oppressive trials. He was exposed to the threats, and more than the threats, of an enraged populace. We are exposed to the assaults of inveterate and tumultuous passions, to dangerous and seductive temptations. He defended himself by sound argument, and did not convince. We content ourselves with feeble expostulations, and fall a sacrifice.

It may be remarked, that whenever St. Paul defended himself against the accusations of his enemies, whether by a public harangue, or in his epistles, he is never backward in condemning the cruel and inconsiderate conduct of his youth. Indeed, a reflection on the unspeakable mercy, which he

1 1 Cor. xi. 1.

experienced in his riper years, naturally arises from a deep conviction of his unregenerate condition. Plain, open, and ingenuous, he tells his tale, not merely in the imposing language of an orator, but as an honest man. "I was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. My heart was as prejudiced, and as impenetrable as yours. My learning was no advantage to my religion, because I adapted it to unworthy purposes: and zeal was dangerous in my hands. I persecuted, under the authority of the governors of the state, this way, this happy way, of attaining salvation, unto the death, even the death of vile malefactors, and should have continued this violent persecuting conduct to the greatest extremity, had not the heavenly vision of Him whom I considered as my enemy, called me to a knowledge of my own heart, and by the immediate influence of his grace, wrought my conversion in a most miraculous manner. Behold! here I am. God hath chosen me to "know his will, to see that just One-the Lord our righteousness-to hear his voice, and to be an Apostle of the Gentiles, a witness unto all men of what I have heard and seen."

Through this eminent and chosen servant of Christ, my brethren, is this holy vision presented to our eyes. We, like him, have wandered in darkness; and, thoughtless and inconsiderate, if not wilfully blind, have rejected the light of life. We have often persecuted the good way, even unto death. We have been immersed in trespasses and sins. But the day of restoration, I trust, by the blessing of God, hath risen upon many of us. May it soon

rise upon all! "Suddenly there hath shone from heaven a great light round about us," as a joyful signal that "the day-spring from on high hath visited us." "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

I pray God that this may be the case with us; that with St. Paul, we may " bear witness unto all men of what we have heard and seen." Each of us hath a kingdom within us, which calls for constant regulations. Here at least we may "bear witness of the truth, and the truth shall make us free." And then, not in Jerusalem only, not in our own houses, and in our own families, shall this witness be made known, but Christian righteousness shall be diffused on every side; there shall be no region, or country, where it shall not be perfectly known; no distinctions of rank, or condition, shall obstruct its progress; for, in this sacred calling, “there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free," but one uniform, true, and undivided faith, where " CHRIST IS ALL AND IN ALL 1.

1 Col. iii. 11.

LECTURE XXIII.

ACTS XXII. 30. XXIII.

St. Paul brought before the Council. -Vision.— Conspiracy Removal from Jerusalem to Cæsarea.

against him. A. D. 60.

To a mind conscious of its own integrity, and sensible of the sanctifying graces of the Holy Spirit of God, no place can be obscure, no dungeon remote, no situation can terrify by the apprehension of overwhelming or unreasonable fears. The rising sun will shine as placidly, as cheerfully, through the grated window of a prison, and bless the morning devotion of its pious inhabitant, as into the gayest apartment of the most splendid palace. Thus rose St. Paul on the morning after his imprisonment in the castle of Antonia.

Released from his chains, and as unfettered in his conscience, he is brought by the Roman Tribune before the assembled Sanhedrim, that his guilt, or his innocence, might publicly appear.

Nothing could be more free and unembarrassed than the conduct of the Apostle on this occasion. Placed before the tribunal, he attentively surveyed the Council. He cast his quick eye around the