The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-05-08
BY Rev. j. e. Gilbert, d. D..

IhSNSlOuS EduCatiou
Conneotion.-The request of Paul to
speak to the people was promptly granted
by the captain. Standing on the stairs
of the castle, In full view of all, he deliv-
cred that famous address recorded IN the
twenty.,second chapcr, in which he re-
lates his own history, including his con-
version and call to the ministry. AS he
finished the old cry rang out uttered by
the excited multitude below: Away with
hlm!' He was then led into the castle
and the formality Of scourging was or
dered as preliminary method OF examl-
nation. Tho plea of citizenship prevented
this cruelty. Next day he was brought
court, where the gravest misdemeanors
were considered. There division oc-
Cured between the Pharlsees and Saddu-
Gees, In which Paul was befriended by the
former. While tho dissension was at Its
height Paul was quietly removed TO the
castle. That night he was greatly COM
forted by tho presence and promise OF
God, who assured him that his life would
be spared and that he would be permitted
to minister in the city of Rome
CONSPIRACY.-(yerse II and 49, EVIL
men often display great tcnacity of pur-
pose Thwarted in one measure, they re-
sort to another for tho accomplishment of
their ends, and they devise mischief With
"a facility that Is seldom known among
the good In behalf Of any praiscworthy
enterprise The enemies Of Paul did not
rest when they saw him removed for
safe-keeping through the prison doors.
They dispersed only to nurse their hate
and to rearrange their plans. 1t Is prob
able that some of them met together
after nightfall and talked over the situa-
tlcn, and q. few Of the leaders may have
spent a largo portion Of tho night In de-
termining what next to do When the
morning came forty OF them had made
ay,f1 Noy 1iy,ry ham alN
in q most solemn manner and binding
themselves by an oath to stand together
in the execution OF their purpose They
resolved that before that day had passed
Paul should be slain, and they agreed not
to eat or drink until this was accom-
pllshed.
OPPORTUNITY.-Cver IA and l5)-
But how shall this decd Of blood be done?
How shall they get near enough to one
who is In the custody OF Roman soldiers.
whom these brave representatives, OF gov
eminent were bound tc protect? The plot
was revealed TO the chief priests and eld-
ers, the religious leaders Of Jerusalem.
who were asked to provide the coveted
opportunity. The debased condition OF
the nation is displayed by no circum-
stance more fully than by this. that MUIR
dcrers should expect and seek the aid OF
those who hold the highest ecclesiastical
psltlon. And this was the proposal that
was made. The council should ask the
chief captain to bring Paul before them.
ostensibly to enquire something moro
perfectly concerning him." They were
requested to act lie. to take advantage
OF their judicial prerogatives In order to
lay snare for q man who had not yet
been adjudged or even accused. The very
body set for the support of Justice and for
the preservation of the right was invoked
to destroy both. The conspirators boldly
announced their murderous purpose
when they made this fiendish request
INFORMANT.-(Vers 16)-The scheme
was boldly laid, and one might have sup
posed that 1t would be successful. The
parties appeared to be all Of one mind,
and they had faith in each others trust
worthiness But somehow the secret was
divulged. It is possible that no ono
cared to keep it. All may have thought
that popular sympathy. would be given
to the design and promote IT. But some
one may have been treacherous, making
known what others would gladly have
concealed Can 1t be that some one In
tho conspiracy felt the reproaches OF
conscience, that he broke away from his
associates and made a clean breast of
1t? Who was the informant cannot be
determined This Is all we know that
Pauls nephew heard what was proposed.
The young man came into just the right
place at the right time. and he hasten
ed to use his knowledge to good advant-
age Gaining admission to the castle, the
privilege indicating one feature of Roman
prison life. he fastened into the presence
Of his uncle and told him all that he had
heard without
MEssENGER-V Verse 17.) Paul looked
on his relative with composure. gratitude
and confidence. He felt that his sisters
son could be trusted. aa truthful and
competent to render service for the hour
such as was required. He reflected also
that one man stood between him and the
forty conspirntors. and he. the captain,
who was clothed with authority and
backed by power. True the promise of
God the night before must have strength
ened the heart of the apostle who doubt
less believed that there would be. II nee
essary, some divine interposition to save
him And yet, 1t was higly proper to ac-
| quaint the Roman ruler, tribute more
over to the good Intentions and efficiency
| of the government. A centurion was
| therefore called. and he was requested
! to present the young man to the captain,
| because he had something to say to the
| captain, Thus tho nephew became a
messenger in his urcles behalf to report
| what had been heard. to leave the official
to form hs own pleasure. No request
was to be made, It was not deemed to
be necessary,
INTERvIEW-Wer IS and 1o.)
| Across the open court the centurion con-
| Quoted the youth to the office OF the chief
captain. 1t was an interesting spectacle,
a Roman soldier walking beside young
jew, sent by prisoner. The object OF
the visit was concisely and, promptly
stated, In that direct and simple way
which belongs to military mem, There
Is much to admire in tho precision and
faithfulness of army life, the reverence
shown to superiors. tho fidelity IN the
discharge of duty. The reception was
kindly even cordial Taking the hand Of
the young man, expressive Of good Will.
designed to remove oil doubt and fear.
the captain drew him aside for private
interview. He knew that there must be
some important measure which could not
be entrusted to another, and he desired
to receive 1T conhdentially, what hast
thou to tel2" hs ENDURED. A. ,n . n mater .ne
time was much disturbed, Frequent
combinations OF men to defeat the law
caused much anxiety among officials who
Were glad to obtain information from
any source looking to the public welfare
DISCLOSURE Oversees 20 and, I'D The
| 49, n<u the