The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-10-16

/pOI1Shed and urbane as the Roman
lawyer. But with this difference;
Paul, in perfect self-possession, proved
himself the better diplomat and ora
tor by his Self-restraint in his opening
SalutatiOn: he kept within the fact,
which is always the way of a master.
DR.. w. Smith says, There is scarcely
a more striking contrast in the records
of oratory than that between the full
some harangue of the hired advocate,
TertulluS, and the manly simplicity of
ward Roman magistrates was inva-
riably that of a respectful but indie
pendent citizen The prisoners in
cisive mind quickly stripped the nom
essential charges from the essential.
1.-The Way Which They Call Sect
The notion is prevalent that foreign
missionaries devote a great deal of
their time to attacking the beliefs of
the people among whom they live.
Men who should know better have de-
clared publicly that it is in bad taste
for missionaries to combat idOlatry.
AS matter of fact, the missionaries
to combat idolatry. As a matter of
fact, the missionaries are most dill
gent and tactful in seeking point of
contact with the native thought and
belief. I have heard a missionary in
Japan quoting the Japanese classics at
a preaching service. 1t is a general
rule to follow the Pauline way. as the
great apostle eXemph6ed it at his trial
siderable detail to show that in all
points except one, he believed as did
his Jewish accusers. 1t was good
strategy, as well as the flower of
Christian courtesy, for him to identify
himself with the faith of his adver-
saries. The Christian way is to seek
points of agreement, rather than of
disagreement, with people.
First of all. though. Paul avowed
his faith in Christ. After the way
w 1nJ T 49,
God of our fathers" This declara-
ton incidentally throws light upon
the manner in which early
Christianity was generally regarded
by Jews and outsiders. 1t was not a
new religion, but a Jewish act. Per-
haps If it had not been for the mis-
sionary labors and broad thinking of
Paul, it would have remained a
division Of Judaism. Paul knew it to
be more than a sect; as the master
had said, the new wine could not be
kept in cid wine-skins. The good
news was a way for the whole world.
regardless of national, racial or re-
ligious lines.
A Weak Rulers Terror.
INDIGESTION is mark of the weak.
tions have tomorrow" for their
watchword. They fear to force con-
ditions to an issue. Felix adopted
this evasive policy: He dared not DO
Roman law the violence of con-
demning Paul, and being in his in
most fiber a CRATER and a politician,
he feared to offend the Jews. So, in
cowardly fashion, he allowed things
to drift, meanwhile permitting the
prisoner to have many indulgences.
The aged governor and his young
wife were for some reason con-
to call Paul into private
audience. There, in the seclusion of
d personal interview, the apostle con-
Quoted himself not as a prisoner on
trial, but as a preacher of the gospel
seeking to turn erring human beings
from their way. He cared not for
the face of man: the ministry knows
no difference in souls. Paul did not
time his message to curry favor with
him from jail. His hot-fung argu-
ments pierced the consciences of the
guilty ruler and his wife, and Felix
openly displayed his terror. There is
no man so high in state that he is
above the plain presentation of
righteousness, and self-control. and
he judgment to come ~
Still seeking the refuge Of the
weak, Felix put off decision until
"a convenient season"-which, alas
Tor him, never came. Now he is
best known in history for that
phrase, "a convenient season. He |
he historic example of that long
rain of undecided and fear-smitten !
ones who hope ''some day. to deal |
'airly with truth and their souls. |
Paul remained in Felix's prison, but |
Felix remained in the worse prison |
IF his own cowardice and crooked |
hess: bond slave to graft.