CHAPTER XL
THE VISIBLE FORM LAID ASIDE
“My prison walls cannot control
The flight, and freedom of the soul.”
Again Saulus was face to face with Nero. Since his first acquittal the Apostle had made long and important missionary journeys, laboring earnestly for the spread of the New Faith. But at length, upon the testimony of informers, he was arrested by the magistrates of Nicopolis, and again sent to Rome for trial before Cæsar.
Great events had taken place in the world’s metropolis since the former trial. A conflagration—probably instigated by Nero—had destroyed nearly half the city, and the Christians were charged with the wholesale incendiarism. Their number was now considerable, and they had become recognized as a peculiar sect, distinct from the Jews, and were popularly counted as grossly superstitious and disloyal. Bitterness and persecution were meted out to them.
Instead of living in his own hired house, as aforetime, Saulus was incarcerated in the dungeon of the Mamertine prison, and his friends were denied the privilege of visiting him. But his indomitable spirit rose above all outward things, and his last letter, written to Timotheus while on the verge of the Unseen, is full of triumph. Pessimism, doubt, and fear had no place in his soul. There was no such thing as defeat.
With perfect confidence in the inherent power of Truth, and its final supremacy, he was aware that its progress was not dependent upon the bodily continuance of himself or any other person.
During his final hours in the seen form he was calm and joyful. Even the sleep of his last night on the rock floor of his dungeon was sweet and refreshing.
The final scene, which took place in the early morning, was secret and sudden. Saulus, with the few who had him in charge, passed out upon the Appian Way, through the gate, which after nineteen hundred years is yet called by his name, by the pyramid of C. Cestius, and on about three miles, to a green and level spot known as Aquæ Salviæ, where they halted.
The face of the martyr already shone with a heavenly light! He had ascended a Mount of Transfiguration, and his inner vision was opened! The realm of physical sensation and suffering was left behind, and now he looks out and up, and behold the whole Invisible is visible! He has already landed upon the Delectable Shore! Here is a new and real Universe!
Hands are clasped with those who had passed before!
A warm unison of love thrills through reunited souls!
Things that seemed lost are found!
Stephanos was by his side, and gave him love and cheer!
What new spiritual activities and delightful ministries of loving service!
How the former missionary journeys shrink by comparison with new opportunities now opening!
What glorious and far-reaching vistas!
How many problems solved and mysteries made clear!
What a golden sunshine of harmony, beauty, and love!
What unending cycles of spiritual progress and activity stand out and wind upward forever!
* * * * * * * * * *
The hallowed place of the translation is now marked by the magnificent church—resplendent with colored marbles of great richness—of San Paolo fuori le Mura.