Chapter 15 - Page 2

the council-chamber of the Covenant. We meet in
darkness, so that no shape or form or image may turn our thought from
the contemplation of him who is most high and who hath his dwelling in
black darkness. Moreover, those who are not seen shall have neither
vanity nor the will to deceive. Would you share in our deliberations?"

Vergilius answered yes, and one of the council then took his hand and
administered the oath of secrecy, and led him to what seemed to be a
large divan, where he sat, shoulder to shoulder, between other members
of the council. He listened long to the casuistry of learned men
touching prayer, atonement, and sacrifice. It led at last to some
discussion of the new king.

"Is there one here can tell me where and when he shall be born?" was
the query of Vergilius.

"We believe the Messiah is already born," said a councillor.
"Moreover, some here have beheld his face."

"And where, then, does he dwell?" Vergilius inquired.

"That you shall know some day. At the next meeting of the council it
may be told. We wait only for the fulness of time. He dwells in a
distant city, and not long ago I spoke with him. He sent his love and
greeting to every member of our council. He bids you wait his time,
when all your prayers shall be answered."

"Shall there be signs of his coming?" So spoke Vergilius.

"There shall be signs, and you shall hear of them in this chamber."

"And what shall be the aim of the king?"

"To establish the reign of justice."

Vergilius queried much regarding the government of the new king, and
got replies adding more to his curiosity than to his knowledge.

It was near the middle hour of the night when a voice announced: "The
keeper of the new door will now leave the council."

Vergilius heard a stir coming near him in the darkness. Hands were
laid upon him, and, presently, one took his arm and led him away. The
two climbed a long flight of stairs and made hastily across a broad
roof. At a railed opening they came to other stairs, and, descending,
entered a passage, dark as had been the chamber. At its end the Roman
received a password. Then a door swung and again he was on the
pavements of Jerusalem, and, far away, could see the lights of Temple
Hill.

His conductor, returning, announced the departure of "the new voice."

"We will now hear from the keeper of records," said one.

A voice quickly answered: "He secured a lock of his hair."

"And what says the keeper of the hidden light?"

Then said another voice: "He now sees but one obstacle."