ered prisoner from Jerusalem
into the hands of the Romans: who, when they had examined me, desired to
set me at liberty, because there was no cause of death in me. But when
the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not
that I had anything to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore did
I intreat you to see and to speak with me: for because of the hope of
Israel I am bound with this chain."

And they said unto him, "We neither received letters from Judaea
concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or
speak any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou
thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere
it is spoken against."

{479}{480}

[Illustration]
STATUE OF PAUL ON THE ISLAND OF MALTA.
[End illustration]

{481}

And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging
in great number; to whom he expounded the matter, testifying the kingdom
of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses
and from the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the
things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. And when they agreed not
among themselves, they departed, after Paul had spoken one word, "Well
spoke the Holy Spirit by Isaiah the prophet unto your fathers, saying,--

'Go thou unto this people, and say,
By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand;
And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive:
For this people's heart is waxed gross,
And their ears are dull of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed;
Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart,
And shall turn again,
And I should heal them.'

Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent unto
the Gentiles: they will also hear."

And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received
all that went in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching
the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none
forbidding him.

{482}

This is the close of the story of Paul as it is given in the Acts, but
half his service for the world, and half the adventures which attended
that service are not told here. We have a glimpse of what the complete
story must have been, in these words of his which might be inscribed
to his honor in the world's temple of fame:--

"Of t