Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1841-03-23
RELIGIOUS MISCELLANY.
SAUL OF TARSUS.

He was a young man of no ordinary Intellectual en-
%dowments, had distinguished himself by unusual prof.
cheney in a department of learning that was held in the
highest esteem among his countrymen. The state of
affairs were such in Judea, that a person Of talents and
energy, and ambition, and devoted attachment to the
Jewish institutions, could rise TO almost any pitch of
eminence. The whole nation were devotedly attach
ed to every thing peculiar to their own Institutions
Their splendour and glory as a people were not a lit
tie obscured by their subsection to the Roman govern
ment. The claims that Jesus Of Nazareth set up
seemed entirely hostile TO all their national establish
ments. They had, therefore, determined To crush him
and his cause. They accordingly procured his death.
But still his followers were undaunted, and boldly pro-
claimed that he had risen from the dead. Their cause
seemed advancing; and It was deemed, therefore, the
greatest service that could be done 10 true religion, 10
f1own down this reputed imposture and lie. They
needed at this time some master spirit 10 rouse into
action the dormant and declining energies Of the ma
ton.
Saul of Tarsus was a young man OF precisely the
kind OF talents adapted to this crisis Of affairs. lie
thought he saw where duty and interest led him. lie
gave himself up to the work OF eXlerminating Christi
anity. That was the path that would a%sSuredly lead
him to wealth, and influence, and glory, and renown.
He fully believed the Christian religion TO be false
and lis founder an impostOr. lie was, therefore I'M
pressed with the idea that he was doing God service,
by trampling down what he regarded a system OF de-
cepiion. lie accordingly addressed himself to this
work with all the agdOr OF youth, and all the zeal Of
the most devoted bigOtry. On all occasions he APP
peared as tie champion Of Judaism. and the ayowed
enemy of Christianity. lie had no idea Of liberation.
As far as his influence reached. men were ~ renOunce
Christ or die. He stood by and gl0ned ia the death Of
the first martyr, Stephen. His zeal knew no bounds.
Not content with bringing every sort of persecution
against the Christians at Jerusalem, shutting them up
in prison, Furnishing them Oft ~ every synagogue, and
compelling them 20 blasphcme; but still breathing out
threaienings and slaughter, he went unto the high.
priest, and obtained from him commission aud authority
10 go 70 Damascus on the same erraud of persecution,
and ifhe found any in this way, whether they were
men or women, 20 bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Going on such an crand, animated with such senti-
ments, and influenced by such feelings, an inStantane-
Gus revolution was wrought in his views and purposes.
While yet on the way, he abandoned his murderous
plans lie gave Up al thoughts Of farther persecution.
lie was bowed down with grief to think of the part he
had been acting. And no sooner had he arrived al Da-
mascus than he cast DO his lot with the people whom
he had prosecuted, stood forth a defender OF Chrstiani-
~ and was ready 10 law down his life in its behalf
The fact OF his sudden conversion Is undeniable.-
Starting on a mission 20 Damascus to search out and
bring 10 punishment, every one that called on the name
Of the Lord Jesus, no sooner had be arrived there than
we see him on his knees, ION of coniriuon and peni-
tence, and receiving baptism 40 the name Of that same
Jesus whom he had prosecuted. And ~ a iew days
hear him publishing salvation 70 the lost, through the
name Of that same, and heretofore despissd Jesus.
What has pfodnced uI, reyulutIon Ia this mans sen
.umenis1 Le, iuhdeliy, m can. answer this question.
THIS change can be accounted iol 90 90 worldly pm
ciples. Itis an anomaly for which nn ordinary motives
OF human action can be assigned.
VIII Il be suggested tlat Saul u Iarsus vas desl-
rous Of making Honsy and acquiring 0satht, aud there
fore he resorsd 70 this lmposturel II thls had been
his object, be would have remsIned a Jew and p1f-