  The Sanhedrim still in session on the apostles' case, Saul speaks; first scornfully repudiating for himself Shimei's proposal of guile, and then impressively announcing his own purpose, now fully mature, to controvert the Christian preachers in open argument before the people. After a pause following Saul's speech, Gamaliel speaks in favor of letting the prisoners go free. Other councillors express their sentiments. A scourging of the utmost severity being proposed, Nicodemus, with bated breath, deprecates first a cruel infliction, and then any infliction at all. Release after scourging is finally resolved upon. SAUL AND THE SANHEDRIM.ment.Saul will desire for foemen hearts as strong As may be, to call out that strength in him Which we well know, for their discomfiture. Even thus, he may prefer some other foe Than men disparaged by the brand of blows Upon their backs, some fairer, fresher fame, His gage of battle to take up, and be By him immortalized through overthrow Experienced, such as never yet was worse." Divergent so in view or motive, they Agreed at last to let the prisoners go Imposed to speak in Jesus' name no more. These so released departed thence with joy, Rejoicing to have been accounted meet For Jesus' sake to suffer shame. Nor ceased Those faithful men to preach and teach as erst, Both in the temple and from house to house, Daily still sounding forth Jesus as Christ. But Saul withdrew deep pondering in his mind How he might best his plan divulged fulfill. |
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