Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/91



he Temple had been all day the scene of thronging crowds. The people in and round about Jerusalem had gathered there to hear the Nazarene preach; some from curiosity and some to scoff, but the greater part to listen to those wondrous words, which, while upsetting all past teaching, brought peace and comfort to the heart, and visions of unending happiness in the future. How simple was that teaching! No burnt-offerings, no more sacrifices, only water to the thirsty and food to the hungry; forgiveness and salvation offered to all who would accept it. The tone of the Nazarene that day had been almost broken-hearted; His appeals to the hearts of men more pathetic and more powerful than usual in their pleading earnestness. Who on earth can ever fathom the grief of the Man of Sorrows at the hardness of heart of people who daily saw His miracles and heard His words, yet would not believe?

"Why do ye not understand My speech? Because I tell ye the truth, ye believe Me not."

Incensed, the crowd had hurled invectives and abuse against the meek testifier of the truth.

"Now we know that Thou hast a devil," cried some.

"Who art Thou?" cried others.