XXIV. THE RAISING OF LAZARUS 89

visibly gradual. “His face was bound about with a napkin.”¹ The nearest Apostle has withdrawn the covering from the face, and looks for the command which shall restore it from wasted corruption, and sealed blindness, to living power and light.

Nor is it, I believe, without meaning, that the two Apostles, if indeed they are intended for Apostles, who stand at lazarus’ side, wear a different dress from those who follow Christ. I suppose them to be intended for images of the Christian and Jewish Churches in their ministration to the dead soul: the one removing its bonds, but looking to Christ for the word and power of life; the other inactive and helpless-the veil upon its face-in dread; while the principal figure fulfils the order it receives in fearless simplicity.

¹ [John xi. 44.]

[Version 0.04: March 2008]