"Do you know anything of the New Testament, the record of the life and teaching, and death and resurrection, of Jesus?"
"Very little," David answered. "Matilda has shewn me passages in those writings—which have struck me very much," he added, as if with difficulty.
"I should think they would. Well, when a thing is to be done, the best way is to do it. Suppose you take the book in your hands now, and let me direct your attention to one or two things more."
David was very ready. He took the book Mr. Richmond placed in his hands and drew near to the table, while Matilda on her part seized another Bible and did likewise. Mr. Richmond had been lighting the lamp. Before he had finished his preparations, David began.
"But that story of the resurrection is a very unlikely one."
"Do you think so? The same might be said of the crossing of the Red Sea by your fathers."
"That is well enough attested by witnesses," said David, proudly raising his head.
"So is this. If a thing can be made sure by the testimony of credible witnesses, this has been; witnesses who were ready to go to the death in support of their words, and who did so die, many of them."
"But," said David, "our Messiah was to be the King of our people; and your Christ belongs to the Gentiles."
"Thank God he does!" said Mr. Richmond smiling. "But now let us see if you are correct in that first statement."