“To your work, O witnesses! Finish the Blasphemer! Heresy must be crushed! Hand me your garments that nothing may encumber, and cursed be he who holds back.”
The tragedy was soon ended.
The body sank to earth, its resting-place;
Not so the man. He lives to truth and right.
He flung behind all strife, and in the race
Mounts on and up, though lost to mortal sight.
The crowd soon melted away; and many seemed fearful, oppressed, and ashamed of their part in the transaction. Even those members of the Sanhedrin who had accompanied the throng were troubled in spirit, and made haste to get away. But Saulus was undaunted, and returned exultant and proud. He made his way back to the Sheepmarket; but the news had preceded [pg 173]him, and as he entered the inn he received the congratulations of all except Rebecca.
In the evening of the same day the little group met in the court as was wont. Rabbi Abdiel was of the number, having been released from the Tower.
“Thy day’s work hath been well done,” said the venerable Jew. “We would that such things need not be, but heresy must be destroyed. Mercy to our people and their precious traditions demands that false doctrine be uprooted, and that without remedy. Such is the will of the Lord.”
“I am persuaded that this pestilent delusion must be put down at once,” replied Saulus, “or peradventure it will spread beyond all bounds. I shall take up the work with power, and the High Priest and the whole Sanhedrin will give me all authority. I glory in the effectual door that is open unto me whereby I may do such service.”