We alone are serving
the kingdom. Come, live with us, for I think thou art chosen."
The Boy thought for a while before he answered. "Some of it is
good, my master," he said, "but the rest of it is far away from
my thoughts. Is there nothing for a man to do in the world but to
think of himself--either in feasting and uncleanness as the heathen
do, or in fasting and purifying yourself as you do? How can you
serve the kingdom if you turn away from the people? They do not see
you or hear you. You are separate from them--just as if you were
dead without dying. You can do nothing for them. No, I do not want
to come with you and live at Engedi. I think my Father will show
me something better to do."
"Your Father!" said Enoch the Essene. "Who is He?"
"Surely," answered the Boy, "He is the same as yours. He that made
us and made all that we see--the great world for us to live in."
"Dust," said the man, with a darker frown--"dust and ashes! It will
all perish, and thou with it. Thou art not chosen--not pure!"
With that he went away down the hill; and the Boy, surprised and
grieved at his rude parting, wondered a little over the meaning
of his words, and then went back as quickly as he could toward the
tents.
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