The life and work of St. Paul

630 THE LIFE AND WORK OF ST. PATTL.
When Pliny interceded with Sabinianus for the offending freedman, he
was able to write shortly afterwards, " You have done well in receiving back
your freedman to your house and heart. This will give you pleasure, as it
certainly gives me pleasure ; first, because it shows me your self-control, and
secondly, because you esteem mo sufficiently to yield to my authority, and
make a concession to my entreaties." What was the issue of St. Paul's letter
we are not told, but we may feel quite sure that the confidence of one who
that Philemon
was so skilful a reader of human character was not misplaced ;
received his slave as kindly as Sabinianus received bis freedman ;
that he for-
gave him, and not merely took him into favour, but did what St. Paul does
not ask, but evidently desired, namely, set him free. 1 We may be sure, too,
that if St. Paul was ever able to carry out his intended visit to Colossse, it was
no more "lodging" that Philemon prepared for him, but a home under his
own and Apphia's roof, where they and the somewhat slack Archippus; and
the Church that assembled in their house, might enjoy his beloved society, and
profit by his immortal words.
CHAPTER LH.
THE EPISTLE TO "THE EPHESIANS."
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