Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/170

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LAZARUS.

murmuring like summer zephyrs, and tossing from star to star, weeping like rain, bubbling forth in mountain torrent, burning in glowing nuclei of fire in the hearts of men—the message of life and peace and love eternal: "I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth on Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

And in deepest love, the battle with mistrust and doubting over, the longing for the restoration of her brother merged into meek submission to His will, she murmured: "Yea, Lord." Then, not knowing whether she really understood His words, went on: "I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God."

Then, she still kneeling in oblivious devotion at Jesus' feet, one of the disciples stepped forward, and touching her on the shoulder, said: "Hearest thou not? The Lord hath need of Mary. Bring her here."

At these words she rose and retraced her steps quickly along the road. The cool air, laden with the breath of awakening flowers, echoing with the music of the birds, rejoicing in the sun's promise of a glorious day, had given her physical support and courage, as the word of the Lord had soothed the agony of her heart and brought faith and resignation to soothe the torture of bereavement. It was with lightened step and smoother brow, with a smile of restored calm and hope, that she entered the garden Lazarus had loved. Already it and the porch and lower chambers were filled with Jews of all sects and classes, who had assembled once more to mourn