PROVIDENTIAL RESTRAINT OF IDOLATERS. 113 
that Being, who, he was convinced, was the only 
living and true God,—who was a spirit, and was 
to be worshipped, not with human or other sacri¬ 
fices, save those of a broken heart and a contrite 
spirit, or the sacrifices of thanksgiving and of 
praise. 
Although many of the spectators undoubtedly 
viewed Patii with feelings analogous to those with 
which the Melitians viewed the apostle Paul when 
the viper fastened on his hand, and were, many of 
them, evidently disappointed when they saw no 
evil befal him, they did not attempt to rescue the 
gods, when insulted, and perhaps riven by the 
axe, or stripped to be cast into the flames. No 
tumult followed, and no one came forward to 
revenge the insult offered to the tutelar deities of 
their country. Probably, Gamaliel-like, they 
thought it best not to interfere at that time, as 
their belief in the power of the gods had hitherto 
remained unshaken, and they doubtless expected 
that, in their own way, the gods would take signal 
vengeance on those by whom, in the sight of the 
nation, they had been thus dishonoured. 
The watchful providence of God, over His 
infant cause in these islands, was remarkably con¬ 
spicuous in preserving Patii and his friends, and 
allowing them, after the events of the evening, 
safely and peacefully to retire. There were many 
present, who were indignant at the insult, and 
filled with rage at the impiety of the act, as well 
as convinced, that if this conduct should be imi¬ 
tated by others, not only would their craft and 
their emoluments be endangered, but they would 
no longer be able to exercise that unquestioned 
influence over the people, to which they had 
hitherto been accustomed; nor to indulge their 
ii. i 
