He groaned in spirit, and tears rolled down his face.
“In vain have I called unceasingly upon the gods for release! I love thee now! but the old hateful thoughts, like foul spirits, thrust themselves continually before me!”
“Calm thyself, Leander! All will yet be well! Love finally will conquer!”
“But, O Marcius! added to murderous thoughts of thee, my appetites of the flesh yet rage within my mind, even though I have no flesh to fulfil them!”
The Seer cast a benignant glance upon Leander, and said reassuringly,—
“Behold thou hast repented of all thy sins, and they are in process of being cast out. Beneficent laws have ordained that growth cometh through pain. Virtue is valuable because it costs much, and its sweetness cometh from intelligent contrast. As Marcius hath well said, only love can heal thy disquietude. But time is necessary, for there are no sudden leaps in soul. All things grow only from cultivation and desire.”
Leander paced the room with intense agitation, as if impelled by some evil spirit, but at length, by great effort, stopped before Marcius, and kneeled with bowed head.
“Bless thee once more for thy hearty forgiveness! My distress is a little lessened because I behold something of the light of the future which thou hast pointed out! Oh, how I bless thee for thy words—love—love—LOVE! Only love can give me peace! I will grasp it, cling to it, and think of nothing else! I will love both gods and men—everything!”
“Thy love shall wax, and the day will be hastened when thy chains shall be fully broken. My forgiveness and affection shall forever rest upon thee!”
A backward step, and anon his form became cloudy and indefinable. Then, slowly, like a summer evening’s cloud, it dissolved, and was seen no more.
CHAPTER XXXVII
TWO WOEFUL SOULS RELEASED
It was a little before mid-day, and the forum and market-place of Puteoli were filled with a throng which represented a mingling of different races, avocations, and professions. Some were in favorite places of resort, passing the hours in dolce far niente, and even the busy ones moved leisurely under the influence of the soft and luxurious atmosphere of southern Italy. Life among all classes was spent mainly out-of-doors, or in public places like the temples, baths, forum, or porticos. Simply to exist in such a climate was a dreamy luxury. The passive enjoyment of the present hour barred out any anxious future. If an earthquake caused some trembling of the immediate environment to-day, they were yet willing to let to-morrow take care for the things of itself.
Here and there was a sleek and luxurious Roman noble, a senator, or perchance some member of the court of Nero, whose country home was on the coast, jostled by merchants and seamen from every clime of the then known world. The long toga of the magistrate or lawyer was brushed by the picturesque costume of the peasant, the embroidered tunic of the pleasure-seeker, or perchance the rags of a beggar.
Here, as in the neighboring cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, Grecian art had taken early root, and frescos, carvings, and other ornate decoration covered every available space.
Near the heart of the business quarter on the side of a colonnade were the stalls of the money-changers, with their shining heaps in full view, which were the fruit of exchanges of the coins of many nations, the corn, animal products, and merchandise of which were landed here on the way to the Eternal City. At intervals the statue of some one of the Cæsars, a triumphal arch, a bronze or marble god or goddess, with frequent fountains whose iridescent spray danced and sparkled in the sunlight, gave variety and artistic beauty to the scene.
Petty traders displayed their varied wares, and artificers fashioned their handiwork and deftly exercised their different crafts with a well-ordered professional skill. The easy-going life of the great majority, to outward appearance, seemed like a long-drawn-out poetic revery. Gayety and love of pleasure and show glistened on the surface of the complex river of life that flowed smoothly along.
The temple of Jupiter occupied one side of the forum, and a straggling and variable procession passed in and out, who came to pay their devotions to the chief god of the Roman state. In plain sight of the temple, fronting on a narrow street which led from the forum, and on the same side, was a plain, square building, somewhat resembling a Jewish synagogue. This was the meeting-place of a small congregation of the members of the New Faith, which was composed of divers races, including a few Jews who had left behind their national ceremonialism. The outgoing waves of the new spiritual movement in the East had reached this distant shore, and, chiefly through the influence of Marcius and Rebecca, had crystallized into an organization.
Up to this time there had been no dangerous persecution, though much prejudice and dishonor had been visited upon the disciples. They had been contemptuously designated as “atheists,” “despisers of the fine arts,” “maligners of the gods and the temple,” and by common reputation rated as disloyal to the “divine Cæsar.”
The great fame of Saulus as an apostle, preacher, and healer had long before preceded him, and soon the news of his arrival, as a prisoner on his way to Rome, became noised abroad. Serenus also, though less known to the common people, had much reputation.
On the day already noted, being the fifth after the landing of Saulus, a noisy group, composed mainly of idlers who frequented the streets, gathered near the meeting-place of the disciples. In the midst of the boisterous crowd, a man whose appearance indicated that he was of the lower orders, seemed to be the principal subject of an animated controversy.
“He is no other than the cripple!” said one.
“He is not the cripple, but is like him!” said another.
The man was straight, and had full command of his limbs, and began to dance with a light step to show his agility. His name was Lausus, formerly a sailor, but from the effect of a fall several years before had long been a cripple. He had sold small trinkets about the streets until he became familiarly known as “The Cripple.”
The dispute continued.
“He is the cripple and has been healed!”
“He is a hypocrite, and one of the fanatics who are traitors to Cæsar! I declare to you that they are sorcerers, and worship a Nazarene Jew whom they call Christus!”
“It is truly Lausus! let him speak for himself!”
There was a pause as he beckoned for silence.
“I am the lame man who for so long hath sold ornaments! Behold I am healed of my trouble!”
“How wast thou restored?” asked one who seemed willing to learn the truth.
“Behold two members of the household of the New Faith, who are guests of Marcius, the Roman, laid hands upon me, and my limbs are whole!”
“What are their names?”
“Saulus and Serenus.”
“What did they say to thee?”
“After laying their hands upon me, in the name of the God of the whole earth, they declared my lameness healed!”
“He is Lausus, and his word is true, for I was a witness!” said another.
“I was healed of blindness!” cried a new voice.
“Another deceiver and fanatic!” growled a bystander.
“Two days ago I was able only to behold a little light when the sun shone brightly, and now, God be thanked, I can see clearly!”
“What did they tell thee?”
“ ‘Thy faith hath given thee sight! Give God the praise!’ ”
“Did they not touch thine eyes?”
“Yea, they anointed them; but said that it was only an outward symbol, and that it was my own faith that restored me!”
Still other voices in the crowd gave marvellous testimonies of wonderful works.
The throng was divided. Some mocked, and cried out that it was only a conspiracy to bring the New Faith into favor.
The tumult increased, and the crowd grew larger.
“Down with them! they are dreamers and beside themselves!”
“Nay, they speak the truth!”
“Their pretended healings are lies! I have heard that they are murderers of new-born babes!”
“It is a slander!”
“Down with the deceivers! drive them out!”
“Is it wrong to heal disease?”
“They show contempt to Jupiter and all the gods by paying homage to a Jew!”
The controversy grew more bitter, and at length ended with the beating of Lausus, and he was left almost helpless; but soon he was borne away by some of the brethren. The aid of the twain who had ministered relief before was again sought, and he speedily recovered from his bruises.
The tumult, the rumors of healing, their denial and affirmation, with the violent aspersion of the doctrines and practices of the members of the New Faith, caused a widespread dispute and division among the people of the entire coast. The opposers of the new movement stoutly maintained that the examples of healing were temporary and imaginary, and that those upon whom the works had been wrought were self-deceived, or that they never had been afflicted with any veritable disorders.
The two visitors found themselves the subjects of a great controversy, which grew to be so earnest that even the influence of Marcius hardly could protect them from insult on one side, and homage and almost deification on the other. Their fame spread so rapidly that calls came from all directions; and when the day had ended they had ministered to scores of sick folk, and brought restoration and health into outward manifestation.
“Behold your works of mercy have stirred up much commotion among the people of Puteoli!” said Marcius, as the household gathered at the close of the day’s experiences.
“It is ever thus!” said Saulus. “The outward signs and fruits which follow and attest the glow of the higher life are an inspiration to those who believe and accept them, but a rock of offence and stumbling to the faithless. The selfsame works, therefore, may bless or curse in due measure, according to the manner in which they are received.”
Just then the conversation was interrupted by the coming of a messenger, who besought Saulus and Serenus to visit a man who was violently possessed of an evil spirit. They started immediately, and were led for some distance through the darkness of the evening, finally halting before the large and richly appointed country-house of a Roman patrician. Entering the spacious court, they were met by the wife and a few other friends of the afflicted man, who was no other than the owner of the villa.
“We have heard of your wonderful works, but wot not by what power they are wrought; and now behold the master of the house is grievously tormented, and a rich reward will be given if you will restore him.”
The Roman matron added her importunate request.
“O sirs! he is a kind and upright man when the demon doth not possess him! Can you cast out the foul spirit? Behold when it useth him he is exceeding fierce, so that he must needs be bound with chains. Silver and gold in abundance shall be yours if peradventure you can compass his release.”
“We come not for silver and gold!” said Serenus; “but in the name of the Eternal Spirit of Goodness, to bring joy, peace, and salvation to this house. Thy husband shall be restored.”
Two strong attendants led the way, a few steps in advance, to a massive room in the basement, where the Roman was securely bound with chains. He glared fiercely as they entered, and sprang forward to the full length of his bonds to attack them. Serenus and Saulus followed immediately behind, and so soon as his eyes rested upon them he relaxed and sank quietly into a seat, trembling, and frothing at the mouth as if in a fit. He was a large man, and clad in a thick leathern garb that he might not wound himself. His manly features and noble forehead were distorted with rage, his nostrils distended, and his eyes shot out fiery glances until they softened and partly closed at the sight of the unwonted visitors. Soon he sat upright, and was in a more quiet but still defiant mood, though he did not try again to arise.
Saulus was the first to speak.
“Thou foul and wicked spirit! in the name of the same ever-present Christ that had full and visible manifestation through Jesus of Nazareth, I command thee to come out of him!”
The man was shaken as if by a paroxysm, but after much effort opened his lips.
“Through the mouth of this man I confess unto thee that I am both foul and wicked, as thou hast said, and that I must needs obey thee!”
Serenus turned lovingly toward his companion.
“Brother Saulus, I pray thee, before sending him away to darkness and despair, if thou wilt, let us hold brief converse with him. Behold is he not bound and in torment, and doth not he also need release, even as this Roman?”
“O Serenus, thou speakest with thy wonted wisdom! I thank thee, for I thought only of the Roman! With all my long missionary experiences I may still gain further knowledge and mercy from thee. I beseech thee, do what seemeth good in thine own eyes.”
Serenus then came near, and calmly looked into the man’s face.
“Why dost thou torment this Roman who hath never done aught against thee?”
“Behold I am in a rage of misery which is the bitter fruit of my life while in the flesh, and I have found a certain satisfaction in the control and sensations of a material body of expression!”
“Why didst thou choose this man?”
“His weak personality lacked any positive moral and spiritual strength, therefore he offered no resistance to my occupation.”
“Now thou speakest the words of soberness.”
“Thy presence hath calmed my anger, and, for the hour, restored my power to reason understandingly.”
“Thou hast been an adversary to everything good or Godlike?”
“Yea; in my sight everything seemed to be against me, and I raged against everything in return, and that kindled a hell within my soul.”
“Behold the Spirit of the Eternal Goodness is everywhere, and is All, but so long as thou dost resist it, or any of its offspring, whether in the fleshly garb or out of it, thou dost make torture for thyself!”
“It hath tormented me beyond measure!”
“Behold, as thou hast possessed this man’s organism, hatred, envy, and malice likewise have possessed thee!”
“Thou dost perfectly discern the truth!”
“I now declare unto thee, that even as we, through the divinity that is lodged within us, can deliver this man from the bondage of thy possession, so, if thou wouldst, we may liberate thee from the prison of thy bondage!”
“Peradventure I might fall back and again be made captive!”
“Nay; there is one merciful Deliverer who hath all the keys for thy release, and is always with thee! He will ever serve thee if thou dost call upon him!”
“A strange doctrine! Who and where is he?”
“He is Love! and is here! Call his name, think his thoughts, and feel his spirit, and thou mayest forever be free, or on the path toward freedom!”
Serenus then placed his hand upon the head of the Roman.
“Through the divine channel of my own Being, I pronounce freedom for thee and for this man whom thou hast possessed!”
“I feel in myself a strange influx of new peace and harmony! Behold I never knew these things before!”
“Now thou dost release forever this man of thine own free will, and also seek thine own release in the way marked out?”
“With all my mind and strength! Oh, I bless thee that thou didst not send me back to my former despair!”
“Go in peace! And to make thine own freedom more perfect and abundant, labor for the release of those of thy brethren who are yet bound!”
“My saviour, I will! Behold I go!”
* * * * * * * * * *
The Roman aroused himself and glanced about him with strange surprise. As he slowly arose there was a clanking of chains. He stared in wonder at them, and then at his leathern raiment, and looking around awaited an explanation. There was a momentary silence as he surveyed his strong attendants, and then glanced into the faces of Serenus and Saulus.
“Where am I? and what has happened? Oh, what a terrible vision, but now I have awakened! But I am not in my bed!”
“Be not disturbed!” said Serenus. “Behold we are all here for thy good. Thou hast been set free from the evil spell of a disquieted spirit that for a season hath possessed thy members.”
“Oh, my terrible vision! I beseech all the gods that I may never have another!”
“Loose him!” said Serenus. “His bondage is ended!”
Serenus and Saulus then retired to the court of the house, while the attendants remained to minister to his immediate necessities, and assist him in clothing himself with his own raiment.
“Behold thy husband is healed!” said Serenus to the matron. “He will appear before thee presently, clothed, and in his right mind.”
She bowed herself before the twain as if they were some strange gods in human form.
“O sirs! I bless you for the great favor which you have bestowed upon this house! Henceforth we will worship your God with all devotion! Tell me his name, I pray thee!”
“He is the God of all the earth, the Father of all men and spirits, whether in the flesh or out of it. In him we abide! His strength is ours, and his breath is our life!”
Soon the Roman entered, calm and self-controlled as he was wont long aforetime, and clasping his wife in his embrace, they wept for joy.
“Behold these are thy saviours!” said the matron, pointing to the two friends as soon as the first greetings were passed. “I declared unto them that their God shall be our God!”
“Yea, give God all the glory! Behold we are but instruments through which his power floweth!” said Serenus.
The sudden recovery of his own consciousness was so strange that the Roman marvelled, and much explanation was necessary to make him understand the past and what had been wrought within him. His gratitude was without measure, and he pressed his new-found friends to take a reward, which was refused. After giving him a faithful but simple statement of the New Faith, and promising that Marcius would come and instruct him more fully, and be his friend after their departure from the coast, they returned to the house of their host.
On the evening of the following day the whole household of Marcius was again gathered upon the outer porch which overlooked the charming bay. The loving circle of friends was to be broken the next morning. Perchance some of them might never again view each other’s faces in the flesh. Saulus, in the charge of Julius, the centurion, was to depart for Rome on his way to trial, accompanied by his friends, Luke and Aristarchus. Serenus and Amabel at the same time were to take ship for their home in Alexandria.
As they sat looking out upon the picturesque cliffs and islets near and distant, which were softened by the purple of closing day, there was an interval of deep silence, broken only by the rhythmical plash of the waves below. All thoughts were centred upon the coming separation.
At length Marcius turned toward Saulus,—
“Would that it were some other Cæsar than Nero before whose tribunal thou wert to appear! But we will hope all things, and believe in all good. Thou art wise and fearless, and the favor of God will abide with thee!”
“Whatever may come to pass, I am persuaded that all things whatsoever will work together for good!” replied Saulus. “We are ministers of the New Faith, and look to that, and not to ourselves.”
“Yea, brother Saulus, the paths of duty and privilege are one and the same,” said Serenus.
“Thinkest thou that the God of all the earth will always protect his own, O Serenus?” said Rebecca.
“All divine laws that pertain to his children are beneficent; but if thou hast in mind only bodily protection, it may not always be assured, although everything worketh toward that end. But, as thou knowest well, even if the body be destroyed it doth not harm the real man. While we should strive to care well for our bodily manifestation, because it is useful, its loss may be likened to the ruin of a house, with its owner unharmed, and a more fitting habitation awaiting him.”
“As thy departure draweth near, I would fain make inquiry concerning a matter of doctrine, that I may have a fuller understanding,” said Marcius. “I have heard it said by some that the Messias is again to come in visible form, and that the end of all things draweth nigh. What thinkest thou of this?”
“Behold,” said Serenus, “the end of the world only signifieth the closing of the old Dispensation, whether in the world or in each human soul. The Messias is all the time making his advent invisibly in the souls of men, and so far as his coming is perfected, it hath outward expression, though not fully complete in them as it was in the Nazarene. But every man already hath the unspoken Christ, who seeketh fuller and visible articulation. The light is within, waiting for a refinement of the outer nature in order that it may shine through.”
“There also appear to be certain differences of belief among our brethren, concerning the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus!” said Marcius.
“While these are well in the literal and outward sense, their importance is contained in the changes which they symbolize in the inner nature of man. A belief of the head in the sacrifice of the Prophet of Nazareth availeth naught; the Christ mind and life must be born in the soul.”
“How dost thou view the day of judgment?”
“Judgment is set up within man, and is continuous. The divine Image, or Truth, is a tribunal in every one, and until the personal and outer life cometh into full conformity, judgment is never ended. No outward legality, sacrifice, or ceremony can satisfy, but only an inner conformity to the Model.”
“What is the life beyond? and is there a spiritual body?”
“The spiritual body is already formed within the visible organism. Its quality is made by the thoughts and intents of the heart. So far as these are discordant with the pattern of the divine Image, there must still be cleansing and purification in the beyond. Such a discipline to the old man, or fleshly self, seems like a consuming fire, and brings severe growing-pains to the lower consciousness.”
“But, dear friends,” continued Serenus, “why address all these questions concerning the deep things of the Spirit to me? Let Saulus speak of them, and we will listen to him.”
“Friends,” said Saulus with warm earnestness, as he grasped the hand of Serenus, “I have not the abundance of wisdom necessary to teach my brother from whom I have learned from the beginning! To Serenus I am beholden for all that I am and have! Long ago he saved my life in Jerusalem, when he knew that I was his worst enemy. Not his correct doctrine only, but his beautiful life, pricked me to the heart, and stirred my soul to its depths, and at last kindled the flame of the New Faith within me. His example was ever my inspiration; and the Spirit of Truth within, which to me is the final authority, hath confirmed to me the substance of all his teaching. Blessed be the day, when as his earnest but mistaken opponent in the academy of Gamaliel, I first beheld his goodly face!”
The spontaneous and eloquent testimony of Saulus touched a tender chord in every heart. Marcius was deeply affected, and pressed forward and took the other hand of the beloved disciple.
“Dear Serenus! to thee I also am beholden for everything! I beg thee to receive my testimony and blessing. Stained in my early years with the vice and sensuality of the Tarsian metropolis, I was at length renewed by the New Faith, which thou awakened within me. It not only transformed my life, but brought to me the dearest and purest wife that ever fell to the lot of man. I am minded that thou cravest no praise, but am deeply moved to speak the simple truth!”
Then Rebecca, whose face shone with joy, essayed to speak.
Serenus beckoned for silence, but the current which had broken forth was not to be stayed.
“The birth of the New Faith in my soul began with the converse I had with thee after thou hadst saved my life on the day of the Temple panic! Thy life, while I dwelt in the Holy City, and at Tarsus also, was my unfailing example and inspiration!”
What was left for Amabel?
She stepped forward, and grasping her husband in a warm embrace, wept great tears of joy. Words could not be found, but silence was more eloquent.
* * * * * * * * * *
“Friends!” said Serenus calmly, “joy and love fill my heart to overflowing. Your words stir the depths of my soul. But behold I have been but an unconstrained fountain, through which hath poured forth a small measure of the Ocean of Life and Love which hath pressed in upon my soul.”