It is pleasant to read of the kindness of these Maltese. In humanity everywhere there are kindly traits, and often there will be ready help for the really destitute.

Accidents are not punishments. The clinging of the viper to Paul’s hand was not an evidence of the

anger of God, but was permitted in order to give these simple-hearted people an evidence which they would appreciate of God’s care for his own.

How changeable is human opinion, shifting in a moment from the highest to the lowest estimate of our fellows, and basing that estimate solely on the favorable or unfavorable aspect of outward circumstances! Let us not judge by appearance, but righteously. Because Paul cast off the viper, they accounted him divine; if he had died, they would have thought him a felon. Let us also shake off temptation. We cannot prevent its attacking us, but we need not take the viper into our heart.

Paul’s unfailing influence for good shows what a blessing even one Christian man ean be wherever he goes, if he lives in the power of God.