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The Story of Redemption
this heaven-born peace, expressed upon the countenance, that won
many a soul to the gospel.
The apostle was looking into the great beyond, not with uncer-
tainty or in dread, but with joyful hope and longing expectation. As
he stood at the place of martyrdom he saw not the gleaming sword
of the executioner or the green earth so soon to receive his blood;
he looked up through the calm blue heaven of that summer’s day to
the throne of the Eternal. His language was, O Lord, Thou art my
comfort and my portion. When shall I embrace Thee? When shall I
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behold Thee for myself, without a dimming veil between?
Paul carried with him through his life on earth the very atmo-
sphere of heaven. All who associated with him felt the influence of
his connection with Christ and companionship with angels. Here
lies the power of the truth. The unstudied, unconscious influence
of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in
favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable, may
provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a power which it
is impossible to wholly resist.
While the apostle lost sight of his own near sufferings, he felt a
deep solicitude for the disciples whom he was about to leave to cope
with prejudice, hatred, and persecution. He endeavored to strengthen
and encourage the few Christians who accompanied him to the place
of execution, by repeating the exceeding precious promises given for
those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. He assured them
that nothing shall fail of all that the Lord hath spoken concerning
His tried and faithful ones. They shall arise and shine; for the light
of the Lord shall arise upon them. They shall put on their beautiful
garments when the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. For a little
season they may be in heaviness through manifold temptations, they
may be destitute of earthly comfort; but they must encourage their
hearts by saying, I know in whom I have believed. He is able to
keep that which I have committed to His trust. His rebuke will come
to an end, and the glad morning of peace and perfect day will come.
The Captain of our salvation has prepared His servant for the last
great conflict. Ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ, washed from sin
in His blood, and clothed in His righteousness, Paul has the witness
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in himself that his soul is precious in the sight of his Redeemer.
His life is hid with Christ in God, and he is persuaded that He who