Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/826

 Peter was  really  at  the  gate. Then they  said  that  it  must  be his  angel.

Meanwhile Peter  continued  knocking. When the  door  was at length  opened,  and  they  saw  that  it  was  indeed  Peter,  every one was  struck  with  amazement. Their wonder  increased  when they heard  how  the  angel  of  the  Lord  had  delivered  him  from prison.

When morning  came,  and  Peter  was  not  be  found,  the guards were  filled  with  consternation. And well  they  might  be, for Herod,  hearing  of  Peter’s  escape,  caused  them  all  to  be  put to death.

Herod himself  did  not  long  escape  the  punishment  which his impiety  and  cruelty  deserved. He had  gone  to  Caesarea  and was seated  on  his  throne  in  kingly  state,  to  receive  some  foreign ambassadors. He delivered  an  oration  which  drew  from  the people the  wildest  acclamation. They said  he  spoke  as  a god and not  as  a man. This absurd  and  senseless  flattery  was  very acceptable to  the  tyrant. He was  well  pleased  to  be  considered as a god. But immediately  the  angel  of  the  Lord  struck  him with a terrible  and  loathsome  disease,  and  he  expired  in  fearful torments. “But the  word  of  the  Lord  increased  and  multiplied.”

God's protection  of  His  Holy  Church. Herod  and  the  Jews  thought that by  putting  her  head  to  death  they  would  deal  a death-blow  to  the