THE CHURCHES AND TODAY'S SERVICES
Paul Before Felix
Sermon by
H. P. O. W. TOMORROW.
Text: Acts. xxv.
We have today a most interesting account of a trial in a Roman province before a Roman governor, with Jewish accusers, including the high priest, and with a Roman lawyer and advocate. It certainly was a curious combination, but it reveals to us certain characteristics of the jurisprudence of the Roman empire and also of the splendid way in which the accused was allowed to defend himself. The matter with which Tractius begins his address, and the way in which St. Paul follows him with equal laudation, brings us able to the present time, when in court the Matters of the pleaders often become ludicrous. I cannot but believe that Paul, although sincere, nevertheless had a little touch of the Romanic in his address as though to imitate the Roman lawyer and perhaps bring out the insincerity of his fervent flattery, for Felix was far from being either noble or good. Our text naturally divides itself into three parts, first, the charge of the accusing lawyer; secondly, St. Paul's defense, and thirdly, the result. 