A footstep sounded on the
pavement; it ascended the steps, and Father Fabian, accompanied by
Helen and Doctor Burrell, who had been waiting in the parlor below,
came in, bearing with him the Lord of Life. May lit the candles on the
temporary altar, and retired with the rest for a few moments, while
Father Fabian held a brief conversation with the penitent old man,
touching the affairs of his conscience; then he summoned them in; and
while they knelt, he arranged himself in surplice and stole, and in a
solemn, impressive manner, began the sacramental rite. "'_Behold
him--behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world_,'"
he said, holding up the sacred host. "'_He that eateth my flesh, and
drinketh my blood_,' says the Redeemer, '_hath ever-lasting life, and I
will raise him up on the last day_.' The day of life was almost spent,
when you came to him; night was coming on, but He, in the plenitude of
His divine compassion, turned you not away, but gives you a princely
reward--even Himself. Like the Prodigal, destitute and naked, you
return, and receiving you, He spreads a mystic feast, in which He gives
you heavenly food; and while the shadow of death falls around you, lo!
He comes to go with you towards those dismal portals, and admit you to
a region of probation and everlasting hope. Humbly confiding, and
strong in faith, receive Him, not as a representation or mere memorial
of the Son of God, but Jesus Christ himself.
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