“Their pretended healings are lies! I have heard that they are murderers of new-born babes!”
“It is a slander!”
“Down with the deceivers! drive them out!”
“Is it wrong to heal disease?”
“They show contempt to Jupiter and all the gods by paying homage to a Jew!”
The controversy grew more bitter, and at length ended with the beating of Lausus, and he was left almost helpless; but soon he was borne away by some of the brethren. The aid of the twain who had ministered relief before was again sought, and he speedily recovered from his bruises.
The tumult, the rumors of healing, their denial and affirmation, with the violent aspersion of the doctrines [pg 468]and practices of the members of the New Faith, caused a widespread dispute and division among the people of the entire coast. The opposers of the new movement stoutly maintained that the examples of healing were temporary and imaginary, and that those upon whom the works had been wrought were self-deceived, or that they never had been afflicted with any veritable disorders.
The two visitors found themselves the subjects of a great controversy, which grew to be so earnest that even the influence of Marcius hardly could protect them from insult on one side, and homage and almost deification on the other. Their fame spread so rapidly that calls came from all directions; and when the day had ended they had ministered to scores of sick folk, and brought restoration and health into outward manifestation.
“Behold your works of mercy have stirred up much commotion among the people of Puteoli!” said Marcius, as the household gathered at the close of the day’s experiences.
“It is ever thus!” said Saulus. “The outward signs and fruits which follow and attest the glow of the higher life are an inspiration to those who believe and accept them, but a rock of offence and stumbling to the faithless. The selfsame works, therefore, may bless or curse in due measure, according to the manner in which they are received.”