Evening journal., 1909-11-13


OF God unto salvation, q
Early in the spring A. D., 90 Centurion
Julius and his soldiers OF the Augustan
Band started from Malta with st. Paul
ana the other prisoners for Rome IN an
other ship. Luke and Aristarchus accom-
panying. The sea journey was effected
without special incident tho landing be-
ing made In the Bay OF Naples at Puteoil
the seaport OF Rome. which Is one hum
dred and fifty miles inland. Here they
tarried seven days. the Centurion await
ing orders from Rome respecting the dis
posal OF his prisoners The delay afforded
st. Paul and opportunity 20 meet with a
little band OF Christians residing at Pu-
teoll Doubtless he took the opportunity
also to send word 70 the Christians resid-
Ing at Rome. whom he repeatedly de-
clared that he lonsed 20 meet and whom
the Lord promised that he should meet.
The journey 10 Rome, one hundred and
eighty miles, was made on foot. En- route
the Apostle was frequently cheered by
evidences OF the Christian love Of the
brethren. Some OF these met him at Appii
Forum. forty-three miles distant from
Rome, and another delegation met him az
Three Taverns, thirty miles from the
great city.
Many great generals had come this
same way with their troops 10 the i'm
perial city, 20 receive honors and ap-
piause. but few preachers ever had 30
great honors as were accorded to 81. Paul.
The journey to and from was for one del
egation sixty Viles and for the other
eighty miles. az. the record shows VI
that the Apostle was By these made ac
quainted with the true spirit OF brother
hood amongst the Christians at Rome
The brethren doubtless came on the Jour
ney for their own refreshment ana joy
not realizing. perhaps. that Apostle need
ed this evidence OF their love. Commen
ing along these lines a gifted writer say
I'VE often forget that great men are o
ten very lonely and. while We hesitate
n say kind words to them. yet words OF re-
+. ogultion for what they have done are u
4 freshing TO those who receive more crit
cism than praise. A few days ago an ed
tor showed mo a letter he had Just re
ceived from one who had held nearly tn
b highest position I'm the gift OF the Ameri
can people. thanking him for his kindll
words in a late editorial My friend SAX
that at first he was astonished that -
great man should care for anything III
could say but on further thought he un
dcrstood the value OF generous appreoia
tlon even TO the greatest"
The fact that there were no charges
Of an evil character against st. Paul ans
the further fact that the Centurion whit
had him in charge during the voyage be
came his friend we're quite sufficient rea
4 sons why he should not be treated as al
4 ordinary prisoner but allowed to live Il
. his own hired house under tho care OF
soldier 10 whom he was lightly chained
4 However. although not permitted 20 8
r AZ liberty. he was permitted 20 receive hi
j. friends and others who called upon hin
l. 1t is difficult TO estimate how much ID
vine Providence had 60 do with all the'
T. arrangements. Moreover, the soldier .
I" guard was changed every few hours,
that probably he came IN close contai
with Mt least six every day, and thu
gradually he probably had contact wit
!. the entire imperial guard. Thus mar
we're brought IN contact with Christia
!. teachings and example. il Is claimed thi
p. II was through these soldiers that u
4. Gospel message was carried TO Franc
a Germany and Great Britain. Truly, Go
II works I'm a mysterious way, His VOL
d ders 10 perform" st. Paul must have ha
some financial means. II is assumed th'
ere this he had come into his patrimon'
The Scriptures intimate that Felix hel
r him captive at Caesares in hope OF r'
II celvinE a bribe for his release. evidentl
having some intimation respecting s
I. Paul's finances.
10 The Lords servant was not slow
4, using his God-granted privileges Il
!. knew not when they might be taken away
I First OF all, Of course, he met the Chris
Z tian brethren; but as early az the thir
l. day after his arrival. he sent for th
y Jewish leaders and officers Of the syna
J. gogues. for at this time there were seve
y synagogues at Rome. lie desired TO gis
k, them information at hrst-hand respectir
70 why he was there and a prisoner. se'