“Jehovah hath inspired the lips of his children, and they have uttered his judgments. He set up a tabernacle for his people, and dwelt therein, and established his ordinances. He commanded their sacrifices and their feasts! He builded their altars, and instituted the Ark of the Covenant!
“Did not Moses call the Lord a man of war?
“The God of the Hebrews cursed the enemies of Israel, and commanded their destruction, root and branch!
“If we execute his commands do we not become valiant?
“O my father Benoni! They of the faithful among the disciples of Gamaliel have been pleased to honor me as their leader in our warfare against the cunning heresies which have crept in. It is the Hellenist Jews who have sought to corrupt our Pharisaical righteousness. There is one, Victor Serenus, a pestilent fellow who hath [pg 101]seduced some from the faith. Let him be anathema! May my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I discomfit him not!
“O beloved, my hurt yet maketh me somewhat weary of body, but I soon shall come to you for a while. Peradventure by the time of the Feast of Trumpets I shall be strengthened for the journey to Cæsarea, so that I may take ship for Tarsus.
“Gamaliel hath instructed me to the fulness of his teaching, and but for my wound, the prize of excellency for learning in the Scriptures would have fallen to me.
“My faithful Cassia and all the house of Almon send greeting.
“May your joy be full!
Saulus.”