on which the soul may
trust. But the Christian religion is the truth of God, brought down by
himself, and sanctified by his own death."

"You have thoroughly explained the whole Christian creed to me. Your own
enthusiasm has made it appear attractive, I will confess; and if all its
followers were really like yourself my dear Marcellus, it might be
adapted to bless the world. But I come not here to argue upon religion.
I come to speak about yourself. You are in danger, my dear friend; your
station, your honor, your office, your very life is at stake. Consider
what you have done. An important commission was intrusted to you, upon
the execution of which you set out. It was expected that you would
return bringing important information. But instead of this you come back
and inform the general that you have gone over to the enemy, that you
are one of them in heart, and that you refuse to bear arms against them.
If the soldier is free to choose whom he will fight what becomes of
discipline? He must obey orders. Am I right?"

"You are, Lucullus."

"The question for you to decide is not whether you will choose
philosophy or Christianity, but whether you will be a Christian or a
soldier. For as the times are now you see that it is impossible for you
to be a soldier and a Christian at the same time. One of the two must be
given up. And not only so, but if you decide upon being a Christian you
must at once share their fate, for no distinction can be made in favor
of you. On the other hand, if you continue a soldier you must fight
against the Christians."

"That is no doubt the question."

"You have warm friends who are willing to forget your great offense,
Marcellus. I know your enthusiastic nature, and I have pleaded with the
general for you. He too respects you for your soldierly qualities. He is
willing to forgive you under certain circumstances."

"What are they?"

"The most merciful of all conditions. Let the past four days be
forgotten. Banish them from your memory. Resume your commission. Take
your soldiers and go at once about your duty in arresting these
Christians."

"Lucullus," said Marcellus, rising from his seat with folded arms, "I
love you as a friend, I am grateful for your faithful affection. Never
can I forget it. But I have that within me to which you are a stranger,
which is stronger than all honors of state. It is the love of God. For
this I am ready, to give up all, honor, rank, and life itself. My