ng nothing but what the
prophets and Moses have said should come; how that the Christ must
suffer, and how that he first by the resurrection of the dead should
proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles."

And as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul,
thou art mad; thy much learning hath made thee mad."

But Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth
words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, unto
whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things
is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner. King
Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest."

And Agrippa said unto Paul, "With but little persuasion thou wouldest
make me a Christian."

And Paul said, "I would to God, that whether with little or with much,
not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as
I am, except these bonds."

And the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat
with them: and when they had withdrawn, they spoke one to another,
saying, "This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds." And
Agrippa said unto Festus, "This man might have been set at liberty, if
he had not appealed unto Caesar."

{462}

THE CAPTAIN OF THE NEW FAITH IN THE CAPITAL OF THE CAESARS.

I

PAUL'S VOYAGE TO ROME.

When Paul appealed to Caesar it became necessary to send him to Rome.
It happened that a convoy of prisoners under the charge of a captain
of the Augustan cohort and a detachment of soldiers was being
despatched to the capital, and Paul was sent under the captain's
charge. No ship was found sailing directly from _Caesarea_ to _Rome_,
so a coaster was taken which went as far as _Myra_, touching at
_Sidon_. At Myra was found one of the great imperial grain ships bound
for Italy.

The winds were contrary and the ship was constantly driven off her
course, and at last put into the roadstead of _Fair Havens_ on the
south coast of the island of _Crete_. So much time had been consumed
that the season was now late and navigation dangerous. A council was
held at which Paul, an experienced sailor, advised wintering where
they were. But the demand for grain was always urgent in Rome, and the
grain ships were always rushed on as fast as possible. The centurion
decided to take the chances and proceed, at least as far as _Phoenix_,
which was nearer Italy and a better harbor. On a bright