Eudora. Well, what says he?
John. That they who believe in him shall never die.
Eudora. Surely, no one believeth that. Or does he jest, by saying what he knows they cannot receive?
Rachel. You have never seen him, or you would not ask that question. No one hearing him can doubt, that he, like John, would seal his words with his blood.
John. You have seen him: is he like John?
Rachel. In boldness very like him. In other respects they differ. John was clothed like the prophets; Jesus wears the common garb. John dwelt in the wilderness, and on the banks of the Jordan; but Jesus frequents the cities and villages. John was stern in manner, and abstemious in food; Jesus is neither. He is gentle and social; often seen at the feasts of the publicans, and associating with the multitudes.
Eudora. But does he, like the former kings of Israel, combine military ardor with his religious enthusiasm?
Rachel. He seems, with all his boundless benevolence, formed to command; but never has he aimed to form an army, though the people would at one time have declared him king. Salome promised to meet us here at this time. I wish she were present. She can tell you more of him than can I.
Eudora. And here she is.
John. Welcome to our circle! and doubly so now; for we would hear of you concerning this Jesus, who we hoped was to be our deliverer from bondage.