CHAPTER XVI.
SOFTENING THOUGHTS.
But God had not forsaken Stephen; though, for a little time, He had left him to the working of his own sinful nature, that he might know of a certainty that in himself there dwelt no good thing.

God looks down from heaven upon all our bitter conflicts; and He weighs, as a just Judge, all the events that happen on earth.

From the servant to whom He has given but one talent, He does not demand the same service as from him who has ten talents.

Stephen's heavenly Father knew exactly how much understanding and strength he possessed, for He Himself had given those good gifts to the boy, and He knew in what measure He had bestowed them.
When the right time was come, 'He sent from above, He took him, He brought him out of many waters.

He brought him forth also into a large place; He delivered him, because He delighted in him.' After the great tribulation of those days Stephen fell into a long and severe illness.