es, his teachings. All this he read, with a few comments of his
own, from the sacred manuscript.

Then he related the treatment which he received, the scorn, contempt,
and persecution which hurried him on to his betrayal.

Finally, he read the story of his death on Calvary.

Upon Marcellus the effect of all this was wonderful. Light seemed to
burst upon his mind. The holiness of God, which turned with abhorrence
from human sin; his justice, which demanded punishment; his patience,
which endured so much; his mercy, which contrived a way to save his
creatures from the ruin which they drew on themselves; his amazing love,
which brought him down to sacrifice himself for their salvation, all
were clear. When Honorius reached the end of the mournful story of
Calvary, and came to the cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken
me!" he was roused by a sob from Marcellus. Looking up through the tears
which dimmed his own eyes, he saw the form of the strong man bowed, and
his frame quivering with emotion. "No more, no more now," he murmured,
"Let me think of Him:

"'Him who loved us,
Who washed us from our sins,
In his own blood.'"

And Marcellus buried his face in his hands.

Honorius raised his eyes to heaven and prayed. The two were alone, for
their companions had long since departed. The light from a lamp in a
niche behind Honorius but dimly illumined the scene. Thus they remained
in silence for a long time.

At last Marcellus raised his head.

"I feel," said he, "that I too had a part in causing the death of the
Holy One. Read on, more of that word of life, for my own life hangs upon
it."

Then Honorius read the story of the burial, the resurrection, the
appearance again to the disciples, and the ascension. Nor did he end
with this. He sought to give peace to the soul of his friend. He read to
him all the words of Jesus which invite the sinner, and assure to him a
gracious reception and complete forgiveness.

"It is the word of God," cried Marcellus, "it is a voice from heaven. My
heart responds to everything that I have heard, and I know that it must
be eternal truth.

"But how can I be a sharer in these blessings? I am a sinner; I seem now
to have my eyes cleared of mist. I know myself at last. Before I thought
I was a just and a righteous man. But beside the Holy One of whom I have
heard I sink down into the dust, I see that I am a sinner before him."

"He has atoned for all."

"But how can