The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-09-03
.ee St. Paul.

(sclected for The Times Dispatch.)
Least of all He was seen of Me; also
as of one from out of due time fof
am the leastHof the apostles that am
not worthy to be called an apostle, be-
cause I prosecuted the Church of God"
Il Cor. XIV: S.
This is st. Paul's written opinion OF
himself. When we read it in connection
with the extraordinary story OF his con-
version we may be quite certain that he
felt 1t to be true.
( What may we learn from st. Paul's
history? Many lessons, vital and help
full; and first that we have to change
our opinions as we grow older. When
we are young we are very positive Gas
ST. Paul was) In favor Of our own opin-
ions. and ready to fight any who differ
with us; but let ten or twenty years
roll over our heads, and we may find
our ideas utterly changed. We look back
with establishment on ourselves, as ST.
| Paul looked back, and with shame at
| having said SO many violent and unjust
| things against people who we now see
| were in the right after ALL
Next: We learn not to be ashamed Of
changing our minds, but If we find our
selves In the wrong to confess 1t boldly
| and honestly as ST., Paul did. What a
! fearful wrench to his mind and heart;
what a humiliation to his self -conce!t
| to rcnouncc the old forms OF religion for
the newt What II must have cost him
10 part with all he most loved on earth,
| and to feel that henceforth they would
4 regard him as a stranger, madman,
l and nfidel or an enemy. TO an effec-
tionatc man what a bitter struggle IT
must have cost him. But he faced and
conquered it like the brave, truthful man
that he was.
( Next; We may take comfort In the
hope that God will not impute to US
our early follies and mistakes II only
there be in us. as there was IN st, Paul,
an honest. good heart, for the honest
and good heart long to know what Is
, true and right that 1t may bravely act
M to what 1t knows st, Paul did. lie
tried to learn his best and do his best.
: In all things, whether right or wrong,
In each several case, he was an honest,
, earnest seeker after truth and righteous
ness. And can you not do tho samei
Keep with all diligence. II you have It,
tho honest and good heart, II you have
1t not pray for it earnestly. Determine
, to learn what Is true, whatever be thl
trouble. DO what Is right. whatever be
= tho cost, and then tho grace OF Chrls'
8 will lead you with all truth for time ant
t for eternity.
Again, We may learn from st. Pau
that though God has forgiven mar
that Is the reason why he should forgive
himself, This may be startling state
ment. but, alas! sin leaves behlhd J
wounds which oven tho grace OF Goo
takes a long time to heal. And ever
then these remain ugly, yet 1t may b.
: wholesome scares TO REMIND us OF I'M
!. fool which we have been.
| Look into your pastlves, ms st. Pau
| looked at his. There Is no sentimental
| melancholy about him, no morbid be
| wailIng He is saved; he knows It. tie !
| cheerful, hopeful. even joyfuli but when
| ever he speaks of his past life (and II !
| often) II Is with noble shame an sorrow
| He calls himself the chief OF sinners
because he prosecuted the Church Q
| Christ. What no Is no VIII not deny
what he was lie will not FORGET les
| he should grow pulled up, careless SCH
| indulgent
So Lei us do, my friends. Let Ms than
COD cheerfully for The present Let y