PAUL AT TROAS AND. MILETUS.

ing around, “Trouble not your-
‘selves; for his lifeisin him.’ 'Then
Paul came up again, and eat bread
with the disciples, and talked to
them till morning, and then de-
parted.

Paul left Troas, and went on foot
to Assos; then he took ship, and
_ sailed to Miletus. He was anxious
to be at Jerusalem on the day of
Pentecost; so he hastened on his
journey from place to place. But
he would not leave Miletus without
seeing some very dear friends.
These were the elders of the church
of Ephesus. He sent for them, that
he might talk to them once more,
before he took leave of them for
ever. So when they were come, he
spoke to them very affectionately
and tenderly. He reminded them of
all that he had said in times past;
and then told them, that now he
was going to Jerusalem, not know-
ing what might happen to him
there. But he said, “The Holy
Ghost tells me that, in every place,
bonds and troubles await me. Yet
none of these things move me; neith-
er think I my life dear unto myself;

I only wish to finish my course with

joy, and the ministry which I have
received of the Lord Jesus. And

527

now I know that all you among
whom I have preached shall see my
face no more. Remember then
what I have told you, and take care
of the flock which God has given
you to feed,—the church which He
has bought with His own blood. I
know that wolves will soon come
among you, and try to destroy that
little flock. Enemies will come,
and try to lead you away from the
truth of the gospel. Watch, then,
and pray; and remember how I
have warned you for ‘three years,
night and day, with tears. And
now I give you up to God, and to
the word of His grace; for He is
able to keep you, and at last bring
you safely to the inheritance He has
prepared for them that are sancti-
fied.” And. when Paul had said
this, he knelt down and prayed with
them all. And they wept sore,
and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed
him; sorrowing most of all for the
words which he spoke,—that they
should see his face no more. So
they went with him to the ship;
then they again bid him farewell,
and watched him for a long while,
till at last the ship sailed far away ©
beyond their sight, and they saw
him no more. |