Modern spiritism; its science and religion - SpiritArchive.org

224 MODERN SPIRITISM
The Drama at Philippi
Look at the setting of the story. This was the
first entry of Christianity into Europe,
the most
momentous event in itshistory!
Who could discern the mighty importance of
the
landing of these three obscure travellers? Only
two God and the Prince of Darkness! Mere men
were busy with weightier affairs the gossip of the
court at Rome, the rising influence of Greece, and the
like; and yet- through the power of the message
of these three men both Empires were soon to fall
beneath the sway
and Silas
of the crucified Nazarene. Paul
(with Timothy) did not seek out the chief
men of the place to make the importance of their
advent becomingly known; but guided by the Holy
Spirit went down to the riverside, the place of prayer,
where a stranger, a seller of the world-famed Tyrian
purple, whose name (Lydia), enshrined in the divine
amber of the Bible, is immortalised, became the
first convert to the faith (now threatened by Spiritism)
in Europe.
The Prince of Darkness
The Prince of Darkness was an unseen witness
of the whole occurrence, and his plans were soon
made. Probably the very next day, on their way to
the river, his emissary, suitably disguised as an
"angel of light," or at any rate as a "minister of
righteousness," met them, and gave the apostle
a most hearty and unexpected welcome. She evidently
knew all about their arrival and their gospel,
and the part in the drama she had to play. This
ancient Spiritism was, at any rate, far too wise to