urch at Jerusalem he was bitterly opposed. There were many
Jewish Christians who did not wish the new faith to spread beyond their
own race, or if any so-called Gentiles became Christians they thought
they should also become Jews. Paul believed that Jesus and his message
{370} were for all alike, that it was a gospel of freedom, a new faith
in truth, and his way prevailed. Paul at last, an old man, was beheaded,
so it is believed, by the wicked Roman emperor Nero. Thus lived and died
one of the greatest and most important characters in all history.

{371}

HOW PAUL THE PERSECUTOR LAID ASIDE THE
OLD LIFE AND TOOK UP THE NEW.

_The Vision on the Road to Damascus. The Beginnings of Faith. Service
for the New Master_.

But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples
of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and asked of him letters to
Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of "the
Way," whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And
as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and
suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven: and he fell
upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, "Saul, Saul, why
persecutest thou me?"

And he said, "Who art thou, Lord?"

And he said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: but rise, and enter into
the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."

And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice,
but beholding no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes
were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought
him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate
nor drank.

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the
Lord said unto him in a vision, "Ananias."

{372}

And he said, "Behold, I am here, Lord."

And the Lord said unto him, "Arise, and go to Straight street, and
inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for
behold, he prayeth; and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and
laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight."

But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how
much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority
from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name."

But the Lord said unto him, "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto
me, to bear my name before the Ge