We might illustrate this truth by numerous instances.  Let us attend to that in our text.  There we shall discover that association of humility and grandeur, of reproach and glory, which constitutes the condition of the faithful while on earth.  Behold St. Paul, a Christian, an apostle, a saint.  See him hurried from tribunal to tribunal, from province to province; sometimes before the Romans, sometimes before the Jews, sometimes before the high-priest of the synagog, and sometimes before the procurator of Caesar.  See him conducted from Jerusalem to Caesarea, and summoned to appear before Felix.  In all these traits, do you not recognize the Christian walking in the narrow way, the way of tribulation, marked by his Master’s feet?  But consider him nearer still.  Examine his discourse, look at his countenance; there you will see a fortitude, a courage, and a dignity which constrain you to acknowledge that there was something really grand in the person of St. Paul.  He preached Jesus Christ at the very moment he was persecuted for having preached Him.  He preached even when in chains.  He did more; he attacked his judge on the throne.  He reasoned, he enforced, he thundered.  He seemed already to exercise the function of judging the world, which God has reserved for His saints.  He made Felix tremble.  Felix felt himself borne away by a superior force.  Unable to hear St. Paul any longer without appalling fears, he sent him away.  “After certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ,” etc.

We find here three considerations which claim our attention:  An enlightened preacher, who discovers a very peculiar discernment in the selection of his subject; a conscience appalled and confounded on the recollection of its crimes and of that awful judgment where they must be weighed, a sinner alarmed, but not converted; a sinner who desires to be saved, but delays his conversion:  a case, alas! of but too common occurrence.

You perceive already, my brethren, the subject of this discourse:  first, that St. Paul reasoned before Felix and Drusilla of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come; second, that Felix trembled; third, that he sent the apostle away; three considerations which shall divide this discourse.  May it produce on your hearts, on the hearts of Christians, the same effects St. Paul produced on the soul of this heathen; but may it have a happier influence on your lives.  Amen.

Paul preached before Felix and Drusilla “on righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come.”  This is the first subject of discussion.  Before, however, we proceed further with our remarks, we must first sketch the character of this Felix and this Drusilla, which will serve as a basis to the first proposition.