Acts 20:18-19 And when they were come to him, he said to them, You know, from the first day that I came into Asia… Canon Auriol was invited on one occasion to preach an ordination sermon, at Carlisle, by the late Bishop Waldegrave. On the Sunday morning, as a large party, consisting of the Bishop's family, the chaplains, and the candidates for holy orders, were sitting round the breakfast table at the Bishop's residence, the Bishop repeated a text of Scripture suited to the occasion, and then called on each of those present do the same. This being a well-known weekly custom at Rose Castle, everyone was prepared, and as each text was repeated it was most interesting to remark what was the uppermost feeling in the minds of the several young men about to be ordained, some expressing bright hope as to their future, such as "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," some rather breathing a prayer for grace and guidance, such as "Hold up my goings in Thy paths that my footsteps slip not." But when it came to Mr. Auriol's turn there was a pause of a moment or two; and then it was seen that the old veteran was overcome by emotion. At last he began "Unto me who am less than the least of all saints," here his voice faltered and his eyes moistened, but recovering himself, he went on, his voice gaining strength as he proceeded, "is this grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." The effect was most impressive. It was felt that if such are the feelings of one who has spent so many years in the Master's service, and who has been so highly honoured of Him as His minister in holy things, what ought to be the humility and the casting away of high-mindedness on the part of younger men. His words produced a hush of reverential awe. Parallel Verses KJV: And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, |
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