nd and upon such a night as this, a Voice
spoke to me from above commanding me to seek you out, to turn you from
your idolatry and to lighten your darkness. I listened to the Voice, and
hither I journeyed across sea and land, though how this thing might be
done I could not guess. But to Him Who sent me all things are possible,
and while yet I lingered upon the threshold of your country, in a dream
were revealed to me events that were to come. So I appeared before you
boldly, and knowing that he had been poisoned and that I could cure
him, I drew back your king from the mouth of death, and you said to
yourselves: 'Behold a wizard indeed! Let us hear him.' Then I gave
battle to your sorcerers yonder upon the plain, and from the foot of the
Cross I teach, the lightnings were rolled back upon them and they were
not. Look now, their chief stands at my side, among my disciples one
of the foremost and most faithful. Afterwards troubles arose: your king
died a Christian, and many of the people fell away; but still a remnant
remained, and he who became king was converted to the truth. Now I
have sown the seed, and the corn is ripe before my eyes, but it is not
permitted that I should reap the harvest. My work is ended, my task is
done, and I, the Messenger, return to make report to Him Who sent the
message.

"Hear me yet a little while, for soon shall my voice be silent. 'I come
not to bring peace, but a sword,'--so said the Master Whom I preach, and
so say I, the most unworthy of His servants. Salvation cannot be bought
at a little price; it must be paid for by the blood and griefs of
men, and in blood and griefs must you pay, O my children. Through much
tribulation must you also enter the kingdom of God. Even now the heathen
is at your gates, and many of you shall perish on his spears, but I tell
you that he shall not conquer. Be faithful, cling to the Cross, and do
not dare to doubt your Lord, for He will be your Captain and you shall
be His people. Cleave to your king, for he is good; and in the day of
trial listen to the counsel of this Hokosa who once was the first of
evil-doers, for with him goes my spirit, and he is my son in the spirit.

"My children, fare you well! Forget me not, for I have loved you; or if
you will, forget me, but remember my teaching and hearken to those who
shall tread upon the path I made. The peace of God be with you, the
blessing of God be upon you, and the salvation of God await you, as it
awai