Part 5

...six months and sixteen days, Constantia in peace. Simplicius, of good and happy memory, who lived twenty-three years and forty-three days in peace, his brother made this monument. To Adzertor, our son, dear, sweet, most innocent and incomparable, who lived seventeen years, six months and eight days, his father and mother set up this. To Januarius, sweet and good son, honored and beloved by all, who lived twenty-three years, five months, twenty-two days, his parents, Laurininia, sweeter than honey, sleeps in peace. To the holy soul, Innocens, who lived about three years, Dominitanus, an innocent soul, sleeps in peace. Farewell, O Sabina, she lived eight years, eight months and twenty-two days. Mayest thou live sweet in God. In Christ, died on the calends of September, Pompanius, the innocent, who lived six years, nine months, eight days and four hours, he sleeps in peace. To their deserving son, Calpurnius, his parents made this. He lived five years, eight months and ten days and departed in peace on the thirteenth of June. Unto the epitaph of this child, said Marcellus, they have added the symbols of peace and of glory. He pointed to a child's tomb, upon the slab of which was engraved a dove and a laurel crown, together with the following inscription, Respectus, who lived five years and eight months, sleeps in peace. And this one, continued Marcellus, has a palm branch, the symbol of victory. Yes, said Honorius, the Savior has said, suffer the little children to come unto me. Their attention was also attracted by epitaphs of the graves of women who had been wives of Christian ministers. My wife, Laurentia, made me this tomb. She was ever suited to my disposition, venerable and faithful. At length, disappointed envy lies crushed. The bishop, Leo, survived his eightieth year. The place of Basil, the presbyter, and his felicias, they made it for themselves. Once the happy daughter of the presbyter, Gabina, here lies Susanna, joined with her father in peace. Claudius Attisianus, a lector, and Claudia Feliciathema, his wife. I see here, said Marcellus, a larger tomb. Are two buried there? Yes, this is a bismum, and two occupy that cell. Read the inscription. The bismum of Sabinath. He made it for himself during his lifetime in the cemetery of Balbina in the new crypt. Sometimes, continued Honorius, three are buried in the same grave. In other places, Marcellus, you see that large numbers are buried. For when persecution rages, is it not always possible to pay to each individual the separate attention that is desired? Yonder is a tablet that marks the burial place of many martyrs, whose names are unknown, but whose memories are blessed. He pointed to a slab bearing the following inscription, Marcella and 550 martyrs of Christ. Here is a longer one, said Marcellus, and its words may well find an echo in the hearts of all of us. With deep emotion, they read the following. In Christ, Alexander is not dead, but lives above the stars, and his body rests in this tomb. He ended his life under the emperor Antonin, who, although he might have foreseen that great benefit would result from his services, rendered unto him hatred instead of favor. For while on his knees and about to sacrifice unto the true God, he was led away to execution. Oh, sad times, in which even among sacred rites and prayers, not even in caverns, could we be safe. What can be more wretched than such a life? And what than such a death? Where they cannot be buried by their friends and relations, at length they sparkle in heaven. He has scarcely lived who has lived in Christian times. This, said Honorius, is the resting place of a well-loved brother, whose memory is still cherished in all the churches. Around this tomb, we shall hold the agape, upon the anniversary of his birthday, or feast of love. At this feast, the barriers of different classes and ranks, of different kindreds and tribes and tongues and people are all broken down. We are all brethren of Christ Jesus, for we remember that as Christ loved us, so ought we also to love one another. In this walk, Marcellus had ample opportunity to witness the presence of that fraternal love to which Honorius alluded. He encountered men, women and children of every rank and every age. Men who had filled the highest stations in Rome, associated in friendly intercourse with those who were scarcely above the level of slaves. Those who had once been cruel, relentless persecutors, now associated in pleasant union with the former objects of their hate. The Jewish priest, released from the yoke of the law, which he could not keep and which was the minister of death to him, walked hand in hand with the once hated Gentile. The Greek had beheld the foolishness of the gospel transformed into infinite wisdom, and the contempt which he had once felt for the followers of Jesus, had given place to tender affection. Selfishness and ambition, haughtiness and envy, all the baser passions of human life seemed to have fled before the almighty power of Christian love. The faith of Christ dwelt in their hearts in all its fullness, and its blessed influences were seen here as they might not be witnessed elsewhere. Not because its nature or its power had been changed for their sakes, but because the universal persecution which pressed on all alike had robbed them of earthly possessions, cut them off from worldly temptations and ambitions. And by the constraining love of Christ and the great sympathy of common suffering had drawn them closer to one another. The worship of the true God, said Honorius, differs from all false worship. The heathen must enter into his temple and there, through the medium of the unholy priest, offer over and over his sacrifice to demons, which can never take away sins. But for us, Christ has offered himself, without spot to God, the once-for-all sacrifice for sins forever. Every one of his followers can now approach God through Christ, the blessed high priest in the heavens. For each believer is made, through Jesus, a king and priest unto God. To us, then, it is a matter of no moment, as far as worship is concerned, whether our chapels are left unto us or whether we are banished from them out of the sight of earth. Heaven is the throne of God, and the universe is his temple, and each one of his children can lift up his voice from any place, and at any time, to worship the Father. Marcellus' journey extended for a long time and for a great distance. Prepared as he was to find a great extent, he was still astonished at its vastness. The heath had not been told him, and though he had traversed so much, he was told that this was but a fraction of the whole extent. The average height of the passageways was about eight feet, but in many places it rose to twelve or fifteen feet. Then the frequent chapels and rooms, which had been formed by widening the arches, gave greater space to the inhabitants and made it possible for them to live and move in greater freedom. Also in some places there were narrow openings in the roof, through which faint rays of light passed from the upper air. These were chosen as places for resort, but not for living. The presence of the blessed light of day, however faint, was pleasant beyond expression, and served in some slight degree to mitigate the surrounding gloom. Marcellus saw some places which had been walled up, forming a sudden termination to the passageway, but other paths branched off and encircled them and went on as before. "'What is this place which is thus enclosed?' he asked. "'It is a Roman tomb,' said Honorius. On excavating this passage the workmen struck upon it, so they stopped and walled up the place and carried on their excavating around it. It was not from fear of disturbing the tomb, but because in death no less than in life the Christian desires to follow the command of his Lord and come out from among them and be ye separate. "'Persecution rages around us and shuts us in,' said Marcellus. "'How long shall the people of God be scattered? How long shall the enemy distress us?' "'Such are the cries of many among us,' said Honorius. "'But it is wrong to complain. The Lord has been good to His people. Throughout the empire they have gone on for generations, protected by the laws and unmolested. True, we have had terrible persecutions in which thousands have died in agony, but these again have passed away and left the church in peace. All the persecutions which we have yet received have served only to purify the hearts of the people of God and exalt their faith. He knows what is best for us. We are in His hands, and He will give us no more than we can bear. "'Let us be sober and watch and pray, O Marcellus, for the present storm tells us plainly that the great and terrible day so long prophesied for the world is drawing near.' Thus Marcellus walked about with Honorius, conversing and learning new things every hour about the doctrines of God's truth and the experiences of His people. The evidences of their love, their purity, their fortitude, their faith sank deeply into his soul. The experience which he, too, had felt was not transient. Every new sight but strengthened his desire to unite himself with the faith and fortunes of the people of God. Accordingly, before the following Lord's Day, he was baptized into the death of Christ in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. On the morning of the Lord's Day, he sat around the table of the Lord in company with other Christians. There they held that simple and affecting feast of remembrance at the Lord's table, by which the Christians show forth the death of Jesus while waiting for His return. Honorius offered up the prayer of thanksgiving for the repast, and for the first time Marcellus partook of the bread and wine, the sacred symbols of the body and blood of His crucified Lord. And when they had sung a hymn, they went out." Please go on to cassette number two. The Martyr of the Catacombs, A Tale of Ancient Rome. Tape number two. Chapter seven, The Confession of Faith. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Four days had elapsed since the young soldier had left his chamber. Eventful days they had been to him, days full of infinite importance. Endless will or woe hung upon their issue. But the search of this earnest soul after the truth had not been in vain, being born again of the Holy Ghost. His resolution had been taken. On the one side lay fame, honor and wealth. On the other, poverty, want and woe. Yet he had made his choice and turned to the latter without a moment's hesitation. He chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Upon his return he visited the general and reported himself. He informed him that he had been among the Christians and that he could not execute his commission and was willing to take the consequences. The general sternly ordered him to his quarters. Here in the midst of deep meditation, while conjecturing what might be the issue of all this, he was interrupted by the entrance of Lusallus. His friend greeted him most affectionately, but was evidently full of anxiety. I've just seen the general, said he, who has sent for me to give a message to you. But first, tell me what this is that you have done. Marcellus then related everything from the time he had left until his return, concealing nothing whatever. His deep earnestness showed how strong and true and eternal was the work of the Spirit in him. He then related his interview with the general. I entered the room feeling the importance of the step I was taking. I was about to commit an act of virtual treason, a crime which can only be punished with death. Yet I could do nothing else. He received me graciously, for he thought that I had met with some important success in my search. I told him that since I left I had been among the Christians, and from what I had seen of them, I had been forced to change my feelings toward them. I had thought that they were enemies of the state and worthy of death, but I found that they were loyal subjects of the emperor and virtuous men. I could never use my sword against such as these, and rather than do so, I would give it up. A soldier's feelings, said he, have no right to interfere with his duties. But my duties to the God who made me are stronger than any which I owe to man. Has your sympathy with the Christians made you mad? He said. Do you not know that this is treason? I bowed and said that I would take the consequences. Rash youth, he cried sternly. Go to your quarters and I will communicate to you my decision. And so I came here at once and have been here ever since then, anxiously awaiting my sentence. Lusallus had listened to the whole of Marcellus' recital without a word or even a gesture. An expression of sad surprise upon his face told what his feelings were. He spoke in a mournful tone as Marcellus ended. And what that sentence must be you certainly know as well as I. Roman discipline, even in ordinary times, can never be trifled with. But now the feelings of the government are excited to an unusual degree against these Christians. If you persist in your present course, you must fall. I have told you all my reasons. I know, Marcellus, your pure and sincere nature. You have always been of a devout mind. You have loved the noble teachings of philosophy. Can you not satisfy yourself with these as before? Why should you be attracted by the wretched doctrine of a crucified Jew? I have never been satisfied with the philosophy of which you speak. You yourself know that there is nothing certain in it on which a soul may rest. But Christianity 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 are at stake. Consider what you have done. An important commission was entrusted 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 and 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, Marcellus. 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, 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. There is no doubt. You have warm friends who are willing to forget your great offense, Marcellus. I know your enthusiastic nature, and I have pled 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 those 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 now 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 decision is irrevocable. I am a Christian. For a moment, Lucullus sat in astonishment and grief looking at his friend. He was well acquainted with his resolute soul and saw with pain how completely his persuasions had failed. At length he spoke again. He used every argument he could think of. He brought forward every motive that might influence him. He told him of the terrible fate that awaited him. And the peculiar vengeance that would be directed against him. But all his words were completely useless. At length he rose in deep sadness. Marcellus, he said, you tempt fate. You are rushing madly upon a terrible destiny. Everything that fortune can bestow is before you. But you turn away from all to cast your lot among wretched outcasts. I have done the duty of a friend in trying to turn you from your folly. But all that I can do is of no avail. I have brought you the sentence of the general. You are degraded from office. You are put under arrest as a Christian. Tomorrow you will be seized and handed over to punishment. But many hours are yet before you and I may still have the mournful satisfaction of assisting you to escape. Fly then at once. Hasten, for there is no time to lose. There is only one place in the world where you can be secure from the vengeance of Caesar. Marcellus heard in silence. Slowly he took off his splendid arms and laid them down. Sadly, he unfastened his gorgeous armor, which he had worn so proudly. He stood in his simple tunic before his friend. Marcellus, again I say that I can never forget your faithful friendship. Would we were flying together, that your prayers might ascend with mine to him whom I serve. But enough. I will go. Farewell. Farewell, Marcellus. We may never meet in life again. If you are ever in want or peril, you know on whom you can rely. The two young men embraced and Marcellus hastily took his departure. He walked out of the camp and onward until he reached the Forum. All around him were stately marble temples and columns and monuments. There the Arch of Titus spanned the Via Sacra. There the Imperial Palace reared its gigantic form on high, rich in stately architecture, in glorious adornments of precious marbles and glowing and golden decorations. On one side the lofty walls of the Colosseum arose. Beyond, the stupendous dome of the Temple of Peace and on the other, the Capitoline Hill upraised its historic summit, crowned with a cluster of stately temples that stood out in sharp relief against the sky. To this he directed his steps and ascended the steep declivity up to the top of the hill. From the summit he looked around