“Friends,” said Saulus with warm earnestness, as he grasped the hand of Serenus, “I have not the abundance of wisdom necessary to teach my brother from whom I have learned from the beginning! To Serenus I am beholden for all that I am and have! Long ago he saved my life in Jerusalem, when he knew that I was his worst enemy. Not his correct doctrine only, but his beautiful life, pricked me to the heart, and stirred my soul to its depths, and at last kindled the flame of the New Faith within me. His example was ever my inspiration; and the Spirit of Truth within, which to me is the final authority, hath confirmed to me the substance of all his teaching. Blessed be the day, when as his earnest but mistaken opponent in the academy of Gamaliel, I first beheld his goodly face!”
The spontaneous and eloquent testimony of Saulus touched a tender chord in every heart. Marcius was deeply affected, and pressed forward and took the other hand of the beloved disciple.
“Dear Serenus! to thee I also am beholden for everything! I beg thee to receive my testimony and blessing. Stained in my early years with the vice and sensuality of the Tarsian metropolis, I was at length renewed by the New Faith, which thou awakened within me. It not only transformed my life, but brought to me the dearest [pg 478]and purest wife that ever fell to the lot of man. I am minded that thou cravest no praise, but am deeply moved to speak the simple truth!”
Then Rebecca, whose face shone with joy, essayed to speak.
Serenus beckoned for silence, but the current which had broken forth was not to be stayed.
“The birth of the New Faith in my soul began with the converse I had with thee after thou hadst saved my life on the day of the Temple panic! Thy life, while I dwelt in the Holy City, and at Tarsus also, was my unfailing example and inspiration!”
What was left for Amabel?
She stepped forward, and grasping her husband in a warm embrace, wept great tears of joy. Words could not be found, but silence was more eloquent.
* * * * * * * * * *
“Friends!” said Serenus calmly, “joy and love fill my heart to overflowing. Your words stir the depths of my soul. But behold I have been but an unconstrained fountain, through which hath poured forth a small measure of the Ocean of Life and Love which hath pressed in upon my soul.”