“There is but one life, and man never enters the grave. All the false traditions and beliefs concerning it have come from the carnal or fleshly slavery into which men have sold themselves. The earth taketh back to its bosom the handful of dust which man hath gathered to himself for a brief season. He tests his soul upon it, and it outwardly marks his own and the general belief touching it. We cast off coarse and worn-out garments for those of finer and richer texture.”
“Dost thou believe that the more subtile or ethereal body is already enclosed within the seen form?”
“I am so persuaded. But in the fulness of time the [pg 395]grave will be closed, and man will walk forth in freedom. Then will he gain such a spiritual consciousness as to be able, little by little, to transmute and refine his crude visibility into a finer and more enduring organism. That which is called death then will have served its purpose.”
“Thou hast made us glad by thy words of wisdom,” said Rebecca. “We fain will let this light shine in the darkness which surrounds us, dividing the word of Truth discreetly among those who are open to receive it.”
“Yea,” said Marcius; “we can speak effectually through our lives and deeds, and also by word of teaching wherever there is an open door.”
The repast was concluded, and the guests separated.
“What an evening of gladness!” said Amabel. “Art thou not pleased, dear Rebecca, that we were bidden?”
“I have had unwonted joy and profit in the friendly converse and warm hospitality. What a noble Roman is Marcius! his whole heart seems filled with the New Faith!”
“Yea,” said Serenus. “The seed of the Word hath sprung up quickly within him because he was in readiness. Men everywhere hunger for the simple bread of life, but how often stones are set before them!”
Marcius retired to his cubiculum, but slumber refused to be wooed by his eyelids. Whether in the light or darkness, the pure, beautiful face of Rebecca stood out before him. To him she was a saint,—a fitting embodiment of a seraphic spirit in womanly form. His mind was filled with a rushing procession of unwonted thoughts,—