“Men of the assembly, and friends! The time is at hand for a proclamation of righteousness. We declare that the cup of Pharisaical hypocrisy and violence is filled to the full. The spirit of the prophets of Israel is worm-eaten and corrupted, and the ordinances of the Law have become a stumbling-block. I proclaim deliverance from the bondage and leadership of blind guides. The Jewish economy must be rent in twain, and the true separated from the false. I am persuaded that our worthy master, the Rabban, discerns signs of reformation. I proclaim a new heaven and a new earth; for old things will pass away. A judgment is nigh, and will not long tarry. The God of the whole earth is to be worshipped by Jew and Gentile alike. The religion of the Hebrew is to burst its bonds; for with it must be mingled the best of the philosophy, mind, and ideals of the Greek and other Gentile nations. The many shall become as one, through the truth which sets men free. I feel the spirit of prophecy upon me, and have been constrained to give it utterance.”
He involuntarily turned, and the maiden’s eyes were still radiantly centred upon him.
He then took his seat.
The chairman arose, and beckoned for silence.
“The chief disputants having made their arguments, the discussion is now open to others.”
But before the last words had fallen from his lips, Saulus was again upon his feet.
“The pestilent Hellenist is a base traducer of the Chosen People.”
A tumult was again raised; and a score were on their feet speaking, or beckoning for a chance to be heard.
“Away with the heretic!”
“Serenus is right!”