Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/87

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THE WILDERNESS GLADDENED.
79

the vigour of his limbs, and in the freedom with which he breathed.

One who had been maimed surveyed himself, and beheld that he was whole. Another, whose reason had become weak through misery, wondered in silence at the height and depth of his own thoughts. The disciple stood in the midst, and, as he looked around, he wept.

At length Philip spake and said, “Behold! our youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Let us bless Him who hath healed our diseases, and redeemed our life from destruction.”

“I am not worthy to join in thy thanksgiving,” cried Jotham, “for I believed not until now. I will pour out my shame apart, and seek help unto mine unbelief.”

“Fear not,” answered the disciple. “Thine was the unbelief of a wounded spirit. Faith came with thy joy, and thou art now as one of us. Let thy praise mingle with ours.”

When some came at even from a neighbouring city, as was their wont, to supply meat and drink unto the outcasts, they found the vessels filled as they had left them at noon. They