inous a word. Can it be that
Quintus himself shall see this Christus and hear his message? If
so, his will be in very truth a momentous quest.

II

IN SOLOMON'S PORCH

"Give me new consolation, great and strong, of which I nave never
heard or read."--_Pliny_.

With increasing frequency Christ was now speaking his prophecies of
the life immortal. In his earlier ministry he had been dwelling
upon the presence of the divine kingdom in the earth, the practical
conditions for membership therein, and the inclusion of Gentile as
well as Jew in the gracious provision. Novel were his words.
Whoever had heard his discourse on the Mount or the parable of the
lost sheep was rich beyond the modern sons of men. But now, in the
closing period of his stay with mortals, he was more frequently
foretelling the life to come. Like a footworn traveler drawing
near the homeland, he was keenly anticipating his return to the
spirit world. Those who listened to him heard majestic intimations
of a celestial country which eye had not beheld. Nor is it to be
thought that the Gospels, in their restricted pages, have recorded
half his words concerning the heavenly land.

Now comes the opportunity for Quintus himself to hear this new
Teacher of the Jews. A messenger from Pilate, sent on an errand to
the headquarters at Scopus, brings the tidings that Christ is in
Jerusalem as a visitor at the Feast of Dedication. Favored are
those who hear through the years the world's commanding voices;
beyond estimate is the high privilege now granted Quintus.

"I will hasten in to Hierosolyma," he says to Aulus, who is
detained by camp duties; "I will hear him for myself; and I will
bring you back report as to this latest prophet of immortality."

With his soldier's cloak about him, in protection against the
winter's chill, Quintus is away to Jerusalem. The national Feast
of Dedication attracts his notice. A courteous Hebrew explains to
him that the joyful festival commemorates the cleansing of the
Temple after its profanation by Antiochus Epiphanes, two hundred
years before. The procession of pious Jews, carrying their palm
branches and marching to the heights of Moriah, the chanting of the
great Hallel within the imposing fane, the ascription of praise to
Jehovah all impress the keen-eyed soldier.

The enthusiasm of it all! Though of other blood, Quintus clearly
feels the thrill of patriotism that stirs the multitude about him;