Standing there in the dark and
silence, he had some misgivings which gave way when a voice addressed
him as follows:
"You are now in the council-chamber of the Covenant. We meet in
darkness, so that no shape or form or image may turn our thought from
the contemplation of him who is most high and who hath his dwelling in
black darkness. Moreover, those who are not seen shall have neither
vanity nor the will to deceive. Would you share in our deliberations?"
Vergilius answered yes, and one of the council then took his hand and
administered the oath of secrecy, and led him to what seemed to be a
large divan, where he sat, shoulder to shoulder, between other members
of the council. He listened long to the casuistry of learned men
touching prayer, atonement, and sacrifice. It led at last to some
discussion of the new king.
"Is there one here can tell me where and when he shall be born?" was
the query of Vergilius.
"We believe the Messiah is already born," said a councillor.
"Moreover, some here have beheld his face."
"And where, then, does he dwell?" Vergilius inquired.
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