In the atrium itself there were few lights. They were not needed, day would soon break.
In the tablinum, against the wall, sat the presbyters with Clement, the bishop, in the centre. He was an old man, with a gentle face, full of love. He had been a freedman of the Flavians, and it was out of respect to them that he had taken the name of Clement, which was one of those in use in their family.
At his side, on the right hand, was one far more aged than he—one we have seen before, Luke the Physician and Evangelist.
Now one with a pair of clappers gave a signal and all rose who had been seated.
A deacon standing at the top of the step said:—“Let us pray for the Emperor.”
Whereupon all the congregation responded as with a single voice: “Lord, have mercy.”
Then Clement, the Bishop, prayed:—“We beseech Thee, O Father, to look down upon the Emperor and to strengthen him against his foes, and to illumine his mind that he may rule in Justice, and be Thou his defence and strong tower.”
Thereupon the deacon called again:—“Let us pray for the magistrates.” To which the people responded in the same manner, and the Bishop prayed in few terse words for the magistrates. In precisely similar manner was prayer made for the bishops and clergy, for all the faithful, for those in chains, working in mines, for the sick and the sorrowful, for the widows and orphans; it was as though a flood of all-embracing charity flowed forth.
Then the intercessions ended, Luke came to the desk, and a deacon brought the roll of the Law and unfolded it before him, and another held aloft a torch.
He read as follows:—“This commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee neither is it far off.... But the word is very nigh thee in thy heart and in thy mouth, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee life and good, and death and evil.... I call heaven and earth to record this day that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life ... that thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto Him.”