Page:Life and voyages of the Apostle Paul.pdf/13

Rh In this city Paul preached in an oratory of the Jews, which was much frequented by devout women, many of whom became converts. As they were repairing to this place of worship, a damsel, who possessed a spirit of divination, by whom her masters acquired great advantage, followed Paul and his companions, crying out, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, which show unto us the way of salvation.” This she continued to do for several days together; but at length the apostle, in the name of Christ, commanded the spirit to come out of her; and that very instant the woman was relieved.

This miraculous cure proving a great loss to her masters, who acquired large gains from her soothsaying, they were filled with malice against the apostles; and, by their instigation, the multitude arose, and seized upon Paul and his companions, hurried them before the magistrates and governors; accusing them of introducing many innovations which were prejudicial to the state.

The magistrates being concerned for the tranquillity of the place, were very forward to punish the offenders, against whom great numbers of the multitude testified; and therefore commanded the officers to strip them, and scourge them severely, as seditious persons.

This was accordingly executed; after which the apostles were committed to close custody, and their feet made fast in the stocks. But at midnight they prayed and sung praises so loud, that they were heard in every part of the prison. Nor were their prayers offered to the throne of grace in vain: an earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, opened the doors, loosed the chains, and set the prisoners at liberty.

This convulsion of nature roused the gaoler from his sleep; and concluding from what he saw, that all the prisoners were escaped, he was going to put a period to his life; but Paul observing him, hastily cried out, Do thyself no harm, for we are all here. The keeper was now as greatly surprised at the goodness of the apostles, as he was before terrified at the thoughts of their escape: and calling for a light, he came immediately into the presence of the apostles, fell down at their feet, took them from the dungeon, brought them to his own house, washed their stripes, and begged them to instruct him in the knowledge of that God who was so mighty to save.

St. Paul readily granted his request, and replied, That, if he believed in Jesus Christ, he might be saved, with his whole house: accordingly the gaoler and his family were, after a competent instruction, baptized, and received as members of the church of Christ.