“Thy words reconcile me to my chosen work, and even to my inner hindrances. I perceive that through spiritual exercise even our shortcomings minister to advancement in the higher life.”
Tarsus had faded from view, and save the rhythmic plash of the oars no sound was audible but the hum of quiet converse among the scattered groups upon the deck of the Felicia.
After listening with interest to the conversation between Serenus and Saulus, Marcius invited Rebecca’s attention to the grandeur of the mountains now nearing as they ascended the river, and soon the twain leisurely seated themselves in a retired nook near the bow of the boat.
The charm of the crystal Cydnus burnished by the rays of the sun, its fringed and swiftly passing banks, and the reposefulness of the broad, outlying landscape, combined to make the whole scene masterful.
“How beautiful the world is!” said Rebecca.
“Yea,” said Marcius. “Under the inspiration of the New Faith the mountains are temples, and the rocks and trees sacred altars which enshrine the divine beauty and radiance.”
“A beautiful metaphor! I feel that Nature is soulful and companionable. The cold, mechanical forms of institutions, and the hollow ceremonies in temples made with hands, harden the mind and fetter its freedom. As our souls are illumined, Nature becomes a Revelation—a spoken Word—transparent to the Divine Spirit which shines through it.”
Marcius was charmed by Rebecca’s poetic consecration, and added,—
“Yea; Serenus teacheth even a threefold Revelation: that which shineth through the veil of the outer world; that manifested through men—sons of God—of whom [pg 437]Jesus was the perfected measure; and that by the ever-present Spirit, which is the Companion and Teacher.”
“How clearly the eyes of Serenus are open to the light and truth of the world!”