Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/172

 Rh about Christ and his sufferings, and how he lived while upon earth. Have you heard the story?"

"Yes," replied Stepanovitch; "I have heard it a number of times. But we are a people still lost in darkness. We cannot yet understand."

"Well," said Martin, "that was the story that I was reading yesterday—how he lived while on earth. I read also all about the Pharisee and the way he treated Christ when he went to him, and how he refused him the hospitality of his home. Well, as I read yesterday this very story I wondered to myself why he did not receive Christ with great honor. Let us suppose, for instance, that he should visit me. I would not know how to receive him. But the Pharisee gave him no reception whatever. Well, with my mind still dwelling on the subject I fell into a deep sleep, and while in that condition I heard my name called distinctly. The sound awoke me and I got up. As I did so a voice whispered softly: 'Watch! I will be with