Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/140

128 "Well spoken, well spoken," muttered Caiaphas, and the voices went on speaking: "We know that God spake unto Moses; as for this fellow, we know not from whence He is."

Then, oblivious of all danger, and conscious only of a great love and gratitude to the compassionate Jesus who had opened his eyes, the beggar spoke again: "Why, herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners, but, if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth."

"He argueth well, this beggar," muttered Caiaphas, carried away against his will by the man's words.

The beggar continued: "Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this Man were not of God, He could do nothing."

Then the multitude divided amongst themselves, some believing, and some reviling; yet, united in wonder and curiosity, they shouted: "What sayest thou of Him that hath opened thine eyes?"

And the beggar, fearing the while that he would be torn to pieces, replied, with faltering faith: "He is a prophet."

"Thou sayest so now, but thou almost said but a moment ago that He is of God; where is He then, that He may witness of thy sayings?"

"I know not," replied the beggar.

"No, thou knowest not for thine own ends. He, too, hideth Himself for fear of the people," cried some of the crowd. "He feared even to be at His