A voice from heaven was heard--not in tones of anger or reproach, to terrify the bold persecutor of Christians, but sweetly, softly, sorrowfully it sounded in his ear, speaking words which none but he could understand-- "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" {19} Oh, wondrous power of the gentleness of Jesus! The haughty Pharisee became in that brief moment humble and yielding as a little child, and answered, "Who art thou, Lord?" "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest," said the heavenly voice. Those who were with Saul heard not these words, nor was it permitted them to see Christ. They were only conscious of the overwhelming brilliancy of the flood of light, and knew too that a strange voice seemed speaking--the privilege of beholding in vision the Saviour of the world was reserved for the man who had so deeply grieved Him. "Lord, what wouldst Thou have me to do?" inquired the now humbled Pharisee, and the answer came at once-- "Go into the city, and there it shall be told thee what thou shalt do." {20} It was a hard and humiliating command to one like Saul! _He_--so well versed in classical learning, honoured for his superior attainments, followed by numbers who trusted implicitly in his wise counsels--must he indeed in submissive obedience learn from the lips of man what was the Will of God? Was it not also harder still to hear that he should be required to teach the very faith he had openly despised to the Gentiles, for whom, as a Pharisee, he had the deepest contempt and scorn? It _was_ hard to human nature, but Divine grace was strong, and Saul did not hesitate, but suffered his attendants to lead him to Damascus, still blind from the effect of the wondrous light which had shone upon and around him, there to do whatever God should direct. {21} In the grand old city, in a street called "Straight," which is said still to exist, there dwelt near the eastern gate a man named Judas, who received Saul into his house. While staying there, a vision was granted to the sufferer, promising him relief, and naming a Christian man of that city who should speedily come and visit him. This man was Ananias, who also was directed from heaven to seek out Saul of Tarsus, the well-known persecutor of Christians. That name had a terror for the servants of God in Damascus, and Ananias was alarmed. {22} "Behold, he prays," the voice had said, and yet the Christian hesitated, for he knew fall well that Saul had received from the high priest authority to bind all who were followers of Jesus. But the command, "Go thy way," stayed his many doubts, and, confiding in God's care, Ananias set out for the house of Judas.