be that Titus was sent thither from Nicopolis where he joined Paul in accordance with the latter's directions after the work in Crete was so far completed as to permit its being carried on by others. If Nicopolis was not the place whence he was sent to Dalmatia, then it is likely he visited Paul in Rome and went from there. The province of Dalmatia was situated in the southern part of Illyricum. A reference to the latter is made in Paul's letter to the Romans, written from Corinth, where he declared "he had no more place in those parts, having fully preached the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum.” Hence it may well

be that Titus was with him in that mission-of which we have no information save the above-and that in after days some crisis arose there, as at Corinth and in Crete, and so again Paul sent his strong man to meet it.

III

Paul's Love for Titus and Ardent Praise of the Man

Of Paul's estimate of Titus's ability nothing farther need be said, his actions speak louder than any words could. Of his affection for him, his delight in his companionship, and his admiration for the man,-a few words may be added.

Perhaps Titus, next to Timothy, was closest to the great Apostle's heart. He calls him his "own son;" he tells us that at Troas he had no rest for his spirit, because he found not Titus "his brother;' in Macedonia he was "comforted by the coming of

Titus;' ;" and "exceedingly more he joyed for the joy of Titus" because the latter's spirit had been refreshed by the Corinthians; he thanked God that Titus "had earnest care in his heart" for them, and of "his own accord went unto them;" if any inquired of Titus, he was his "partner and fellow helper." Of course part of all this anxiety and joy centered itself in the condition and welfare of the Corinthian Christians; but there is also a personal tenderness in every reference to Titus's name which shows how dearly Paul loved him.

IV

What Paul and Titus Owed Each Other In Christian Service

To Paul Titus owed his conversion to Christ; and to Paul's direction he committed all the powers of his redeemed soul and consecrated talent. From first to last we find him in Paul's company or executing Paul's commissions.

But the debt between these friends was a reciprocal one. For long years through Titus Paul was enabled to multiply his own presence, personality, and power; and after his death he had in Titus a man abundantly capable of prolonging his life mission to the world. This ability had already been amply proved in far sundered fields and in most critical juncture of affairs, where he had been compelled to act independently of his leader's presence, either alone or with subordinate assistants.

When Paul, the General-in-Chief of all Christendom, at last had to lay down the insignia of supreme authority, here was one of his Field Marshals who was capable of commanding any army on any field.

CHAPTER X

Aristarchus-Paul's Friend Who Was But His Friend

The story of Aristarchus's career is contained in the following passages:-Acts 19:29, 20:4-5, 27:1-2, Col. 4:10, Philemon 1:24.

T

O many readers of the New Testament Aristarchus is but a name and nothing more; to others he is not even a name. If we begin by describing him negatively, it will seem before we are through that there is nothing more left to say; in short, that he is an unimportant and insignificant figure. judgment would be wide of the facts. us hear the negatives first.

I

But such a However, let

What Aristarchus Was Not and What He Did Not Do

In all the New Testament there is no reference to any church founded by Aristarchus, nor to any mission undertaken, nor of any journey on which he was sent as messenger or agent. There is no record of any sermon preached, nor of any convert won. Once, and once only, is there so much as an allusion to the fact that he ever rendered any direct service

to Christianity; and in that exceptional instance, nothing is said as to what the service was. His life story is the story of a friend who was but a friend. About all we know of him is that from the beginning to the end of his career he was a friend of Paul's of whom it might be said "he stuck closer than a brother."

In distinction from all Paul's other friends, Aristarchus appears to have been so completely absorbed in devotion to Paul's person and companionship as to have no time or place for service to the church at large. This is not said to his depreciation. Of such as he had, gave he unto the world; and that which was committed unto him, was a measureless devotion to the great Apostle, especially during the final terrible years and experiences through which he had to pass.

Of the general ability of Aristarchus we have no direct means of judging; but the fact that no conspicuous service was entrusted to him, leads to the conclusion that his talents were in no wise remarkable; and yet his career exhibits some of the nobler virtues of character in what I may call, without exaggeration, their supreme degree.

II

Who Then Was Aristarchus and What Was His Relation to St. Paul?

Aristarchus was a Macedonian by race, a native of the city of Thessalonica. He was probably converted by Paul during his first visit to that city.