On the second evening after the stoning of Stephanos, the members of the Inner Circle of the Urim gathered in their room near the inn of the Sheepmarket. As they passed one by one through the long passage into the anteroom, and thence, as approved by the doorkeeper, through the narrow portal into their secret rendezvous, an unwonted interest was manifest in every face and feature. It was known that Saulus had been in consultation with Annas, the high priest, and Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, his kindred, and that plans for stirring events had been made, the particulars of which were to be made known to them. The venerable Rabbi Abdiel was present, as the special and honored guest of Saulus. It was an unwonted occasion when any from without were admitted to a gathering of the Inner Circle; but the desire of Saulus was sufficient, and besides, the Rabbi was already known to many, not only as faithful, but as intensely zealous for their contention.
When all were gathered, and the preliminary ritual [pg 196]had been performed, two members escorted Saulus to the seat of the grand Dictator, and the Rabbi, as his guest of honor, was seated upon his right. At a given signal all arose, and with their peculiar mystic symbolism took anew the oath of secrecy, in which the Rabbi joined. All then were seated, and Saulus arose to give his report.
“Comrades of the Inner Circle! Warders of the mysteries of Israel! Chosen of the Chosen People! A serpent hath crawled into our midst, and made his nest in the Holy City. We are to crush his head. Behold this day I have counselled with the chief priests and elders, and have received authority to bind all blasphemers, put them in prison, and scourge or stone them, as seemeth expedient unto me. The Roman Procurator hath given the Sanhedrin full power to deal with all matters pertaining to our religion, and will in no wise hinder the punishment that may be meted out to the followers of the Nazarene. We therefore bind ourselves to make havoc of all who are of the Way, and to uproot this vile heresy, and the blasphemy of the Temple and the Circumcision. Rise, comrades! defenders of our holy ordinances! and swear by the sword of the Lord and of Gideon that we will scatter our enemies and destroy them.”
All arose, and forming in line, marched slowly around the large circle, each carrying a flagon containing a remnant of wine, the larger part having before been drank at a given signal. Holding it aloft with the right hand, and moving with a slow rhythm, they all joined in a weird chant.
[pg 197]Finally coming to a halt, and swinging their arms above their heads, they repeated their oath with a shout, and again took their seats.
Saulus arose to speak further; but as he was about to open his lips, he stared into vacancy above and before him, and was speechless. His gaze was transfixed, his jaws parted, his cheeks blanched, and he forgot his surroundings.
“Away! There—it—is—again!” ...
Gasping for breath, he sank into his seat, overcome by a spasm of fear. A cold perspiration covered him, and he trembled in every limb.
“Our leader has fainted.”
There was a hurrying to relieve him, and to apply restoratives. But soon he recovered, and again stood up.
“It was nothing, comrades! Of late I have had disquieting visions. Some haunting demon would drive me from my chosen duty; but I hurl defiance at him, and at all the demons and powers of darkness! Behold they [pg 198]but drive me to more jealous and powerful action. I glory in persecution; for slaughter of the enemies of the God of Israel is service to the Chosen People.”
As he continued, his face grew dark, his jaws and fists were clinched, and his gestures violent. He seemed to be fighting some unseen enemy which was present and before him.
“Long live our worthy Dictator!”
“Woe to the enemies of the Temple!”
“The fate of Stephanos awaiteth them!”
“We will follow Saulus to the death!”
Such were some of the shouts that rent the air.
At length comparative quiet was restored, and plans were formed for an attack upon the disciples of the New Faith on the morrow. It was known that they assembled in the Upper Chamber every morning at the third hour. It would be easy to gather a rabble to do their bidding if they needed aid. They were just about to separate, when a sudden tremor passed over the frame of Rabbi Abdiel. His features grew rigid, his muscles tense, and he began muttering incoherent words.
“He hath a trance, as he is sometimes wont,” exclaimed Saulus. “Peradventure a lying spirit possesseth his lips, for his prophecy is always evil concerning us.”
All had gathered about the Rabbi, who now began to speak more clearly, and in a loud voice.
“Members of the Urim! Deceivers and deceived! Hypocrites and vipers! Ye are fighting against the God of all the earth and his devoted servants! The cup of your iniquity is overflowing! Your elders and co-work[pg 199]ers have slain the Chosen One,—the most righteous of all the sons of men! His kingdom will increase forever, while yours will soon be shattered! Your Dictator will be his chief apostle, and ye will persecute him from city to city!”
The tumult became so great that nothing more could be heard. Some were almost ready to smite him, but it was plainly evident that he knew not what he had been saying. Another tremor; then his frame relaxed. He was again himself, and astonished to see that all were gathered about him.
“Down with our enemies of the New Faith!” he cried, showing that when himself he was in earnest accord with the spirit of the Inner Circle.
The Rabban Gamaliel was astounded at the action of the Sanhedrin in the case of Stephanos. As the head of the most noted training school in Jerusalem, where Hebrew youth were transformed into teachers and Rabbis, his influence with the chief priests and elders was ordinarily undoubted. But against the wave of fanaticism and persecution which was now surging through the Holy City, he felt himself utterly powerless. While thoroughly loyal to the Chosen People, he, with a few of the more liberal Pharisees, had faithfully striven to stem the tide, calm the fierce and turbulent spirit, and prevent any physical violence toward the members of the New Faith. While he detested their doctrines, believed them to be the victims of delusion, and ridiculed the claims of the Nazarene as put forth by his disciples, he also counselled forbearance, and believed that such su[pg 200]perstition would soon wear itself out, and come to naught if let alone. His advice was entirely unheeded. The worst passions of the Sanhedrin, their followers, and the rabble were aflame, and logic and lore availed nothing. The stoning of Stephanos had been like the scent of fresh blood to a wolf.
The study of great psychological waves which sometimes roll over a community, and even a nation, is most interesting and instructive. A vast pent-up mass of human passion, perhaps long in accumulating, like the lava of a volcano, will occasionally find some outlet, and all pour out in that particular direction. It is thus that riots, mobs, revolutions, and wars originate. Like some strange epidemic they steal in, and gather momentum until they sweep everything before them. War between nations, which often comes from religious prejudice, is simply brute force and animal ferocity exercised on a colossal scale. There is no tiger more cruel than intolerant fanaticism, and the murder of Stephanos was like the unchaining of such a beast. It was the starting-point of a contagion of insanity, and Saulus was the fittest leader in which it found embodiment. Under the general support and sanction of the Sanhedrin, he became for the time commander, and directed its forces.
Early on the second morning after the notable tragedy, the Rabban Gamaliel sat in his private library in a meditative mood. The piles of inscribed parchments, and numerous shelves loaded with rolls of manuscripts rich with Hebrew lore, were undisturbed. The law, psalms, and prophets, the Mishna, Gemra, Hagada, and Halacha, [pg 201]which contained the treasures of Jewish scholasticism, and the archives of ancient polity and literature, had no attraction. It was the problems of the present which were pressing upon the Rabban. Never had he felt so powerless and so unreconciled to events. Not only the Holy City, but his own household, seemed rent in twain. His former impetuous young student and disciple had suddenly blossomed into the Hebrew leader of affairs in Jerusalem, while his own influence had gone into a total eclipse. His beautiful and idolized daughter had bestowed the wealth of her warm youthful affection upon an avowed apostate. Even the thought subtly intruded itself, that it would have been more tolerable if her recent illness had been unto death; and he pictured to himself the possible resignation which would now possess him if her fair form were already sleeping in the quiet sepulchre. He bowed his head in agony as a chaos of conflicting emotions agitated his soul, and groaned aloud, and wept as a child might weep. All the fame, success, and usefulness of his past life was a hollow dream. His vaunted wisdom in the eyes of the Holy City had turned to ashes. Worse than all, it even had become foolishness to his own flesh and blood.
At length he aroused himself as if he had arrived at some important and final decision. Honor, reputation, position, and religion must be maintained, even at the expense of family ties and affection. Shall not a man rule his own house? Putting his emotion under foot, and stifling the softened feeling which had possessed him, his features became hard and unyielding, and his lips tightly closed. He signalled a waiting-maid.
[pg 202]“Find Amabel, and say that I would see her.”
The young woman entered with a light though dignified step, and seated herself by her father’s side. She at once divined something unusual in his manner, and instinctively felt that an ordeal was impending.
“Dear father, thou didst send for me. How can I serve thee?”
“Amabel! always hast thou been a dutiful and loving child, and it now lies in thy power to relieve me of a load which is too heavy to be borne. When I bring the whole matter before thee, I am persuaded that thou wilt have respect unto my wishes.”
“Thou knowest well, O my father! that mine affection for thee is great, and if thy request be not against my duty and freedom, I will gladly render obedience.”
Just for a moment the Rabban wavered in the resolution which he had declared should be inflexible; for he had a distinct foreboding of a great trial, and of the magnitude of the sacrifice that he was about to ask of his well-beloved daughter. Be still, heart! The issue must be met!
“O my daughter! I beseech thee to be soberly mindful of the thing whereof I shall speak unto thee. I pray that thou wilt make a sacrifice for the sake of thy father. My honor, reputation, office, and religion are in the balance. Amabel! I ask thee to renounce all thought of a future alliance with Victor Serenus, and that thou promise to see him no more.”
The cheeks of Amabel visibly faded and her heart-beat quickened, but she maintained a good degree of calmness and self-command. She looked inquiringly into her [pg 203]father’s face, and read the stern purpose of an inflexible will. She instinctively felt that the crisis of her life had come. There passed a few moments of silence, though they were not required for her to make her decision.
“O my father! I love thee, and it is like plucking out the right eye to say thee nay; but nevertheless, I cannot comply with thy request.”
“Amabel! mark well the issue! The Holy City is aroused. My plea for the toleration of the new heresy hath already cost me my honor and reputation. My wisdom is scoffed at; and the leader of the time is no other than my former young disciple, Saulus of Tarsus. A wild and cruel spirit hath possessed the people, and the Sanhedrin is in full agreement. While I bewail the zeal of our people, which is not according to knowledge, and believe that its madness will soon pass by, I must bow before a storm which I cannot withstand. Even before this commotion an alliance of the family of the Rabban Gamaliel with the deluded Serenus would have been intolerable, now it would be fatal!”
“O my father! I am mindful of all thou sayest; but I have promised to be the wife of Serenus, and nothing but death can separate us. His religion is my religion, and his God my God. There is no other young man among the Chosen People that is worthy to be compared with him in honor and virtue.”
“Even though he hath a goodly spirit in himself, he hath cast in his lot among the despised and deluded followers of the false prophet, and will peradventure share their fate. Persecution, scourging, imprisonment, and perhaps stoning, await this fanatical sect; and this [pg 204]I cannot prevent if I would. Now, hearken! Wilt thou foolishly hold on to this base alliance with an outlaw and heretic, disgraced, and peradventure to be put to death, or remain in thy father’s house, with esteem and affection, and the respect of all the most honorable and learned people of the Holy City?”
“Nay, I will suffer dishonor, persecution, and even death if need be, for truth, righteousness, and Victor Serenus. Worldly honor doth not tempt me. The prophet of Nazareth, whom our people cruelly slew, was filled with the spirit of the true God. His followers have the same mind, as manifested by their works; and nothing can quench their spiritual fervor, their kindly ministrations, and their abounding love toward all, even their enemies.”
“Daughter of Gamaliel! thou art altogether mad! Choose thou this day, yea, this hour, between thy father’s house, with thy high station and all that therewith belongeth, and the reproach of being an outcast, and sharing the ignominious lot of the sect of the Nazarene. The honor of Gamaliel shall not be entirely lost, and his word is law! I have finished!”
There was no alternative.
Amabel arose from her seat, threw her arms around her father’s neck, and kissed him warmly upon the forehead, and then quietly turned and left him. Hastily putting on a light outside garment and hat, she left the palace, passed down the hill of Zion, and made her way to the Upper Chamber. It was a little after the third hour, and the disciples had just gathered.
There was a goodly company of men and women, as [pg 205]was wont, and words of gladness and praise abounded. Even the fate of Stephanos, and the prospect of a general persecution, did not seem to disquiet them. But they were unaware of the intensity of the storm that was just ready to burst, and that they were like sheep in the midst of wolves. The spirit of love shone through their faces, and many in the Holy City had been blessed by their ministry and service, healed of divers diseases, and released from bonds which had vexed them for years. Serenus was there, and had just arisen to address them. Barnabas and Peter and John were also among them. Barnabas had been drawn to the New Faith through the preaching of Peter, and was already one of the most devoted among the disciples. He had ended his sojourn at the Sheepmarket, and now made his abode with Serenus.
Amabel quietly entered. No one present knew her except Serenus, who marvelled at her sudden appearance. While aware that the new light had been kindled within her, and that she greatly rejoiced, he had entertained no expectation that she would openly identify herself with the despised people. Her exquisite grace and beauty, with the fact that she was an unwonted visitor, turned the attention of many towards her; but after a quick, tender glance at Serenus, she cast her large lustrous eyes downward, and closed them with a calm devotion, as she sank into her seat among the women of the assembly. The soul of Serenus was stirred within him as he began speaking to the little flock.
“Brethren and sisters of the New Faith! It doth appear unto all of you that troublous times are at hand, [pg 206]and that we are encompassed by those who falsely think that we are their enemies. Even the power of God which hath been bestowed upon us, and the wonderful works and ministry which have been made manifest through us, are turned against our people and made an offence. The Sadducean enmity of the Sanhedrin is bitter toward us; and the voice of Saulus, the leader of the persecution, is hot for our destruction. Behold ye have become a ‘rock of stumbling’ unto both the Pharisees and Sadducees. But I say unto you, be ye not dismayed, even though all things seem against you. The Man of Gallilee hath said,—
“ ‘Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake;’ and again, ‘Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ Again he declared, ‘Behold the kingdom of heaven is within you.’ It is here. If persecution rage without, and ye have harmony, peace, and love within, behold it abideth in you. As the spirit of Christ was manifested through Jesus of Nazareth, so may it fill us to overflowing. The things which he did ye may do also. We have the Truth, and the Truth maketh free; yea, though prison-walls surround us, and revilings, and even scourgings, be visited upon us, freedom abideth. Behold liberty is of the soul, and pertaineth not to the body. We are not in bondage to the flesh, for it profiteth not. Not that we have aught against it in itself, for in subjection it may render honorable service. We love all men, and resist not evil. The triumph of violence is but for a moment, while truth and righteousness are as eter[pg 207]nal as the reign of God. The world knoweth not the mystery of evil, nor how resistance maketh it to increase. Love is finally victorious, because it thinketh no evil. God worketh not with observation, but in you, to will and to do. Thence cometh the victory! A man’s real foes must be they of his own household, for nothing can truly harm him but his own base and mistaken thoughts.”
The address of Serenus was followed by spontaneous testimonies, prophecies, and spiritual affirmations, as each was inspired to give utterance, and all opened their souls to the Spirit of Truth. Then followed a period of stillness, during which each one lifted his mind to Christly ideals, and sent out loving and healing thoughts to all, not forgetting even those who were plotting against them. The silence continued until spiritual ecstasy prevailed, and aspiration and soul-communion lifted them to a state of consciousness where things of the seen and outward life seemed distant, and rested but lightly upon them. The calumnies and revilings concerning them which filled the Holy City were as nothing; for they were now in a heavenly frame made up of love, good-will, spiritual vigor, and harmony.
At length the profound stillness was broken by a discordant hum in the distance. The cruel persecutors were upon their track.
The noise gradually came nearer, and soon resolved itself into chaotic vibrations of yells, commands, shrieks, and imprecations. Then a single stone was followed by a volley, which crashed upon the roof, sides, and windows of the Upper Chamber.
[pg 208]“Fear not the wrath of man!” said Serenus.
Then the little band chanted selections from the Psalms of David:—
The mob rapidly approached. A small man with a strong rod in his hand was slightly in advance, making violent gestures, and giving loud commands. It was Saulus. Clustered about him were about two score of the members of the Inner Circle, and these were followed by a great rabble from the worst streets and lanes of the city.
The moments dragged slowly to the little band, for they instinctively took in the whole situation. After finishing the chants, the assembly was dismissed. No one tried to escape. Even if attempted it would have been impossible, for the house was entirely surrounded. They gathered in little groups, and friend encouraged friend.
Serenus was already by Amabel’s side.
“Beloved! How camest thou here in such a time as this?”
[pg 209]“O Serenus! my father hath commanded me to renounce thee and the New Faith, or leave his house. Behold my choice!”
“Amabel! thou hast given up all for me!”
“Nay! say rather for my soul’s freedom!”
“Daughter of Gamaliel, and Light of my soul! I am powerless to protect thee from the persecutors that are at the door. But have faith in God! All things will work together for good. Doubt not!”
“I have no fear! Peace, love, and courage possess my soul.”
The tramp of the fierce host as it burst up the stairways was like the noise of thunder.
With glaring eyes and panting breath Saulus bounded into the room, closely followed by his comrades, with the mob at their heels. Not one of the assembly raised a hand in defence.
The utter peacefulness and non-resistance of the little band was so strange that for a moment Saulus was astounded. He had expected a strong fight, or at least a desperate attempt to escape, but found neither. But in a moment he regained command of himself, and there was no wavering in his purpose.
“Heretics and blasphemers!” he cried. “We have caught you in the very exercise of your seditious and profane worship, and ye yourselves are witnesses to your own criminality. I have full authority, as a loyal Hebrew, to mete out punishment to every one of you, men and women, and to crush this mockery of our holy religion. Ha! a little trial by scourging, and some acquaintance with stocks and prisons, will restore your [pg 210]minds. And if these fail, I wot that the treatment administered to Stephanos will be found effectual.”
Up to this time he had not noticed that Serenus was among them, but as he beheld his old opponent he had special delight.
“Ha! Serenus! thou hast found thy true belonging. I have thee in my power, and thy traitorous apostasy shall reap its full reward.”
Then, turning to his prisoners in general, he continued,—
“If any of you will blaspheme Jesus, and abjure and curse the New Faith, peradventure we may release such with the warning of a few stripes.”
No one responded.
“Forward, comrades, and escort them to prison!”
Before the sixth hour of the day, every one, including Serenus and Amabel, were surrounded by prison walls.
“Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
The persecution of the disciples of the New Faith formed a notable epoch in the history both of Judaism and Christianity. It was the first stage of an agitation, which, though subsequently losing some of its local intensity, widened and deepened until it changed the religious complexion of nations and the world. It marked the decadence of the existing ceremonial system, and at the same time dispersed widely the seeds of a vital faith which no opposition has since been able to stamp out.
History confirms the apparent paradox, that living truth has thriven through repression; and even persecution. Stagnation and formalism have been its greater hindrances. It has such an inherent vitality that agitation and antagonism may justly be regarded as important factors in the evolutionary process which brings it into manifestation. It develops true vigor through the exercise of overcoming. Sometimes the Spirit seems to slumber beneath the crust of stagnation, until active hostility quickens its dormant energy and enables it to break forth. Good, therefore, is often nourished from seeming evil.
[pg 212]The intent of the chief priests and elders was to “slay the young child;” but instead they multiplied him. The New Faith was like a fire, and the desperate effort to beat it out only scattered its brands among the endless combustible material of human hearts. Even at this early period in Jerusalem, the little flock that was apprehended and imprisoned formed but a small fraction of the three thousand souls which already had been possessed by the Spirit of Truth.
Before the ninth hour of the day upon which the assembly were thrown into prison, Gamaliel was informed of the wholesale arrest and persecution. Believing that the flight of Amabel would naturally be to the Upper Chamber, it occurred to him that peradventure she might be among the women who had been put in ward. The situation was intolerable. The thought that his own beautiful child, well beloved and delicately reared, was probably imprisoned with the offscouring of the Holy City, almost drove him beside himself. As he looked in upon the recesses of his own soul, there was a violent tempest, in which pride, disgrace, love, and anger were each striving for mastery, and boiling in wild confusion.
The self-poised, reputable, and wise Educator of Jerusalem could hardly persuade himself of his own identity. How the events of a few hours had changed the whole world! He, to whom thousands had come from far and near to learn wisdom, not able to rule his own house and teach his own offspring! Oh, how much better if Amabel had quietly passed into the Beyond, as the physicians had predicted during her late illness! Then the better self made itself heard,—
[pg 213]“Oh, how I love her! I cannot give up my child!”
Bringing his thoughts to immediate events, the question again thrust itself upon him, Is she in prison? He was minded to seek an audience with Caiaphas, and lay the whole matter before him privately, but upon further thought, his pride and dignity revolted.
At length, realizing the strange fact that Saulus had suddenly mounted to the virtual leadership and control of the persecution, the Rabban resolved to send for him. He felt that, notwithstanding his fiery spirit, the influence of their former relation would make such a conference more tolerable than any communication with the chief priests. It was humiliating, but what better could be done? He therefore despatched a faithful messenger to the inn of the Sheepmarket, begging Saulus to come to the palace, upon a pressing matter, without delay. The intervening moments seemed all too long; but at length the former disciple, whose will had now become so imperious in the Holy City, was ushered into his presence. After the usual greetings, Gamaliel introduced the subject which lay so heavy upon his heart.
“O my young friend and former disciple! I am in sore distress, and have sought audience with thee to ask thy favor in a matter of deep concern to myself and my office.”
“I have much respect unto thy wishes, O worthy Rabban! and will listen to thy request.”
“I am minded of the great influence which hath come to thee, O son of Benoni! both with the chief priests and all the people, by reason of thy zeal for the established ordinances. Before making known unto thee my special [pg 214]desire, I would inquire regarding thy purposes, and those of the Sanhedrin, concerning the members of the new sect which hath appeared in our midst?”
“We purpose to uproot and bring to naught the heresy as quickly as possible, for the good of our religion and nation. If peradventure there should be delay, and it become scattered abroad, behold great harm will come to our people and their traditions. Surely, as a teacher in Israel, thou must be mindful of this peril.”
“I have always felt persuaded, O Saulus, that every false philosophy would soon come to an end. I am mindful of the foolishness of the doctrines of the new sect as thou art, and agree that they are harmful; but I am persuaded that, having no root, they will soon wither away. Dost thou not feel that persecution is unduly bitter, and that many who have been deluded will soon come back to the religion of their fathers if left alone for a little time?”
“Nay, worthy Rabban, thine age and much learning hath holden thine eyes to the urgency of the peril which hangeth over our people. There can be no better service to God and Israel than to kill this seditious conspiracy. If our righteous persecution be sharp and quick, behold it will save much trouble. It will prevent the spread of the blasphemy, and confine the severity to a small number. It were therefore merciful to persecute even to the death the betrayers of the Circumcision, before they multiply their proselytes. Of this the Sanhedrin is fully persuaded, and hath given me full authority to make an end of the matter.”
Gamaliel recognized the hopelessness of further argu[pg 215]ment, and keenly felt how powerless he was to bring about any moderation of the spirit and purpose of the persecution. His opinion of the quality of the New Faith differed little from that of Saulus; but they were utterly unlike in their philosophy of its cure, and in their views of toleration.
One who persecutes or murders for “God’s sake,” or for the interest of some religion, as universal history demonstrates, is of all cruel men the most cruel. Inquisitors have thought that they had a heavy duty laid upon them of “saving souls.”
“It is unseemly to continue the argument,” said Gamaliel; “and now I will make known unto thee the special favor which I crave at thy hands. I beseech thee, for my sake, as thy former teacher and friend, that thou make no mention of what I am about to ask, lest it bring dishonor upon me.”
“I freely grant thy request,” replied Saulus.
The young zealot was greatly surprised at the unwonted earnestness of the Rabban, and wondered what his petition might be.
Brushing away a few tears that he vainly tried to suppress, the distressed father took Saulus by the hand, and looked urgently into his face as if to make a plea.
“O my young friend! behold my loved and dutiful daughter hath been beguiled of the heresy. To-day, before the third hour, she left me that she might join these deluded people, thus giving up my favor, affection, home, and honor. Peradventure she went directly to the Upper Chamber, and hath gone to prison with the other women. Behold my sorrow!”
[pg 216]“She hath chosen her own portion!” said Saulus unconcernedly.
“O Saulus!” said the Rabban pleadingly. “She is young, and knoweth little of the heresy, being deceived.”
“I will visit the prison, and find if she be among the women. What is her name?”
“Amabel.”
“If she be with them, I will command her release, and direct that she return to her father’s house.”
“I thank thee for thy great favor! After being cast into prison, I am persuaded that when released she will show her former wisdom in this matter.”
Gamaliel brightened at the renewal of his own hope, and added,—
“Peradventure it is well! I perceive that nothing less than some such experience would have turned her. Now I soon shall see my daughter!”
Saulus took his leave, and proceeded directly to the prison.
“Hast thou among the heretics a young woman called Amabel?” asked Saulus of the keeper.
Looking over the roll, he replied in the affirmative.
“Release her, and command her to go to her father’s house!”
Saulus disdained to make any explanation, and left at once, without waiting to see her. Gamaliel had requested that his name be not mentioned, and it was therefore impossible that she should be conducted to the palace. It would lead to recognition.
The jailer went to the cell where Amabel was incarcerated, and unbarring the heavy door, proclaimed,—
[pg 217]“By order of Saulus, deputy of the Sanhedrin, behold thou art released, and commanded to go to thy father’s house!”
She passed out of the dark damp interior into the sunshine, and disappeared in the crowded street.
Whither would she go? Her father’s house had been closed against her. Hesitating but a moment, she turned her back toward Mount Zion, and passing northward, continued along the narrow street that led beyond Hezekiah’s Pool, at length coming to the home of Serenus. She knocked at the humble door, and was warmly received and ministered unto by his mother, who welcomed her as her own daughter.
Saulus returned to the Sheepmarket near the close of the eventful day, feeling that his work was well begun.
The more prominent leaders in the sedition had been gathered in, and were to await his persuasive tactics to force their sworn renunciation of the New Faith, and blasphemy of its prophet. Failing in this, adequate punishment would be meted out under his direction, and at his convenience. He felt a peculiar pride that he had the honor of being the chief instrument in the hands of the God of Israel to correct, not only religious, but political transgression. Among the circle at the inn, he was received as a hero and public benefactor. Cassia bestowed her congratulation, and was delighted with his campaign of persecution.
“O my devoted Saulus! thou art a brave leader, chosen of the Lord to defend our people and punish their enemies.”
[pg 218]“Thy words are sweet unto me,” replied Saulus, as they seated themselves in a secluded recess of the court, while the twilight fell upon them. He put his arm around her light form, and drew her close by his side. She was very happy. During a few moments of silence, her heart was so full of golden dreams of the future, that she wished she might look in and behold it, as in a mirror. The music of fancy, unheard without, filled her soul with melody; and amid stirring scenes, her lover was before her day and night. The embrace of his arm tightened, and she nestled her head upon his shoulder. Saulus was transported to a new world as he felt her silken locks and warm breath upon his cheek, and for a little time he forgot persecutions and prisons. Following the swift flight of his imagination, he saw before him, not only his complete triumph in the contest he was waging, but a heaven upon earth, soon to begin, with the full fruition of his love, and the possession of the idol which for years had ruled his heart.
That wonderful intensity of nature which made Saulus a fiery persecutor rendered him a most ardent lover. There was nothing commonplace or mediocre within him. The whole fabric of his character was woven of extremes, all of which were in unceasing vibration.
Would the love of Saulus, now so exclusively centred upon one personality with the intensity of a white heat, ever become broadened, purified, disciplined, and diffused? Could this stream of soul-force, now so narrow and vehement, ever spread out, and in gentle volume nourish barren brown fields, clothe them with living green, and make them bud and blossom? No! says the [pg 219]world. Impossible! replies sensuous logic and intellectual acumen. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?”
The persecution, now so thoroughly inaugurated, raged with unabated ferocity. Dark and cruel weeks dragged their weary course into months, and the cry of martyrs was unceasing. But the heroism of the disciples of the New Faith was a marvel. Under the inquisition of Saulus, men and women were scourged, buffeted, put in confinement, and stoned; and though a few recanted, nearly all were faithful. The courage and spiritual inspiration which had possessed Stephanos continued, and in many cases even stoning to death produced only painless transition. The prisoners healed each other’s distresses, and often the persecutors themselves received from their victims some of the outward fruits of the power of the New Faith. But the bigoted inquisitors seemed possessed of a collective insanity or demoniacal obsession, outbreaking waves of which abound in history.
It would be discordant to the purpose and philosophy which these pages aim to express through depicted events to enlarge upon this period. A tragic story of terrible things that abounded during this spell of unloosed animal passion might be dramatized, which would be well within the limits of the admitted facts of history.7 The theory that a realism which plunges into the [pg 220]depths of harrowing circumstance is either wholesome or artistic will not here be followed. It is true that every tale built upon the principles of idealism, and the portrayal of idealistic character, cannot do without a setting and background of contrasts which will bring truth into high relief, but the dark shades should be kept in subordination.
At length the time came when the New Faith, like a smothered and beaten conflagration, appeared to be thor[pg 221]oughly stamped out in Jerusalem. Every suspected house had been visited, and every implicated man or woman tortured or imprisoned, except such as had fled to remote provinces, which were not a few. But Saulus was not content with the complete conquest of the Jewish capital. Finding that some had slipped from his grasp, he began, like Alexander, to look about for other worlds to conquer. Being informed that a few had fled to Damascus, and were there promulgating the heresy, he made ready for an expedition to that city, and received from the Sanhedrin the necessary authority and equipment.
The terrible strain of conflicting emotion and surging passion which had rent the soul of Saulus, fearfully told upon him. His haggard face, nervous unrest, sleepless nights, and hellish visions, produced an epileptic condition which appeared in the form of occasional paroxysms, and its scars were never afterwards fully removed. They were ever a “stake in the flesh.”
At times, during these feverish months of delirium, the scourgings of conscience were terrible. But the more desperate his torment, the more he hardened himself. Nightly visions of strange horror disquieted him. Often during the darkness, the sighs and groans of his victims echoed and re-echoed in his ears. He refused to be alone at night, and under plea of illness arranged for one of his comrades of the Inner Circle to share his apartment. His brief periods of strange relenting were not mentioned to his friends, and on no account would he have had Cassia suspect them. Each short interval of moral upheaval was followed by a more desperate deter[pg 222]mination to push the persecution. To have every nerve tense with a hot pursuit for his prey had peculiar charm, and yielded a thrill of delight to that part of his nature which he thought to be himself.
Toward the last of the persecution, the flashes of goodness and moral sanity increased in frequency. Seeming to come up from within, they staggered his understanding. He reproached himself for such occasional weaknesses. Each time as they passed off he braced himself anew, and hastened to his appointed work.
The last evening of the sojourn of Saulus in the Holy City was drawing to a close, and his preparations for an early departure the next morning were complete. The day had been sultry, and the family group at the inn were upon the house-top. The full moon, which silvered the broad expanse of towers and battlements, seemed to wear a sinister and ghastly aspect; and there was a redness in its sheen which gave Saulus a slight inward shudder. The shadows cast by surrounding objects were unwontedly sharp and black, and he felt preternaturally sensitive and expectant. The stirring events of his life in the Judean capital surged in a quick torrent through his mind, as if painted upon a swiftly revolving canvas. Love, hate, joy, despair, and ambition, sprinkled with the ashes of an inner and strange remorse, danced in chaotic confusion before him. Unwelcome and forbidding enemies seemed to be prodding him from within. Had he not done his duty well?
Cassia interrupted his revery, and together they sought a retired corner as they were wont. A long converse followed. Mutual vows were exchanged and renewed, and [pg 223]plans made for the consummation of their union upon the return of Saulus from his campaign in Damascus. After a long-continued rehearsal of mutual visions of present and future bliss, the moment for parting was at hand. Saulus was about to arise from his seat; but with eyes suddenly fixed upon vacancy, he gave a quick gasp and sank back.
“What is it, Saulus? thou tremblest and art pale! Art thou ill? O Saulus!”
Cassia threw her fair white arms around his neck to reassure him. After a brief conflict with the unknown, but with no effort to disengage himself from her soft embrace, he replied,—
“Nay, little one! I am well! ’Twas but a passing shudder! Some disquieting fancies seize me at unwonted and inconvenient seasons.”
“O Saulus! thou art so brave and good! But thou hast not seemed well of late! O my hero! What can it be?”
“I wot not. I am persuaded that I perform every duty to which I am called in no uncertain manner. But at times, peradventure I am under a spell. My heart stands still, and my limbs shiver. I see something near at hand which is not of earth, and the darkness seems full of terrible shapes. But I spurn and defy them! It is but a passing weakness, and soon will fade out. Between my little one and the punishment of heretics my mind will be so full that no more idle fancies can steal in. See! I am well now! I am strong! Peace be with thee! ’Twill be but for a short season, little one, when behold, thou art mine, and I am thine forever!”
[pg 224]A final embrace, and a whispering of eternal love, and they parted.
Saulus reached his chamber in a very uncertain mood. Despite the brave words just uttered, and with his comrade soundly sleeping near by, the very silence seemed oppressive and retributive. The atmosphere was charged with malignity, and every breath feverish and bitter. He tried desperately to fasten his thoughts upon Cassia, so as to shut out dire fancies. Thus for a few moments he would perch upon empyrean heights, only to be quickly cast down into horrible chasms.
A thick mist of delirium seemed to gather in the darkness, and nameless Horrors danced around and leered at him.
“Oh, for sleep! Come, oh, come, oblivion, and blot me out! Why was I ever born? Have I a demon within me? Am I myself or It? No! Away! I dare and defy thee! O God of Israel! I serve thee, and nothing shall shake me!”
Finally, from sheer exhaustion, and in a cold sweat, he fell into a troubled sleep. But phantoms in kaleidoscopic array peopled his dreams. At length three loud raps at the door aroused him, and froze the blood in his veins. There It stood!
“O heaven! mercy! There! there! It points its [pg 225]bony finger at me! Guilty? No! no! I am righteous—righteous!”
He leaped from his couch, and ran to his comrade and shook him.
“Look! look! dost thou not see It?”
“I see nothing! Saulus, quiet thyself! behold all is well!”
Saulus crept back to his couch, more uncertain who and what he was than ever.
A hellish torment was within and without!
As the first faint flush of dawn entered through the casement of his chamber, turning the blackness into gray, Saulus awoke from a half-conscious despair, and, wonder of wonders, a feeling of heavenly harmony possessed his soul! Peace, like a broad, glassy river, was borne in upon him.
“Am I Saulus?”
Iridescent tints of beauty filled the room. His soul floated through, and was bathed in a symphony of harmonious sound-waves, sweeter than a thousand harps of Æolia. The atmosphere seemed charged with an impersonal and universal love, and its message was written in letters of light upon the walls of his chamber. The fragrance of roses was wafted in upon his bewildered senses. A heavenly chorus of benedictions, distant, but enchanting in quality, reached him, as though echoed and [pg 226]re-echoed through long corridors. He felt his soul expanding and responding, as he seemed to inhale a spirit of inspiration. An angelic visitor in white robes stood before him, and whispered, “I am Prophecy,” and with a winning smile pointed upward. What a vision! What brightness! What beauty!
“Have I died, and is this paradise? But see! It begins to fade! Stay, Oh, stay! Leave me not! No! no! no!”
It had gone, but the room was still—so still! The silence might almost be felt. What a strange calmness! The soul of Saulus was as placid as the mirror-like surface of a pool untouched by a zephyr. He heard a voice, distinct, but so low and sweet that he could not tell whether it were audible or in his soul.
“Saulus! I am the divine image within thee,—thy real self! I am spirit, and possess the deeps of thy Being. I am the quickened but unmanifest Saulus. In thy consciousness thou dost mistake a false and perverted self for me. I am yet entombed! Bid me come forth!”
The morning dawned brightly, and found Saulus as he was wont. Oh, how vivid the visions! It seemed as if he had wandered for a whole night in the infernal regions, and anon been transported for a brief morning hour to heaven. How utterly indescribable!
“What meaneth this? Oh, that I might grasp that heavenly condition! But it is gone, utterly gone!”
Time lingers not, and the appointed hour for departure was close at hand. He hastily arose, and made his [pg 227]final preparations for the long journey. His comrades, who were to accompany him, were already waiting, and impatient for the start. Waving Cassia a final adieu, as she looked down from her casement, Saulus and his retinue wound rapidly northward through the narrow streets, and passed out through the Damascus Gate. Before the sun had climbed far above the horizon they had left the Holy City well behind.