After the conclusion of the lesson, the Master said, “Thomas, thou wilt go with the four and twenty elders, and see what remainest in the castle.”
The command was obeyed. When we reached the castle, we saw a dense cloud resting over the place, and there was a large number which no mind could count, wondering at the departure of the hundred and forty and four thousand. It was a day of fasting and prayer. The elders said, “They mourn without success. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are thankful. We will listen to their lamentations.”
Presently, a mind descried us, and straightway he went to the citadel. I heard his report to the king, whom he met at the gate. “The four and twenty elders have returned, and have taken their position on the wall, where thou hast ordered thy servant to stand.”
K. What is their report?
M. They have just arrived—I heard no report.
K. Then take with thee thy guard, and bring me word what they may say unto thee.
M. They bear no arms.
K. Then go thou with thy company, and hear their report.
The centurion came, and said, “the king desireth a report from thee, and I am the messenger.”
The elder of the elders replied, “Tell the king we have found favor with God; for, verily, he dwelleth not in temples made with hands, and we are satisfied with all we have seen and heard.”