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.
“Fear not the wrath of man!” said Serenus.
Then the little band chanted selections from the Psalms of David:—
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains:
From whence shall my help come?
The Lord is thy keeper:
The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day,