Section 137
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106 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. ways in his enterprising spirit, like an unbridled and powerful eteed that has struck out of the right way, biting the curb, he rushed with so much the greater impetuosity towards the preci pice. At length renouncing the salvation of God, he contemplated no trifling offence, but having committed some great crime, since he was now once ruined, he expected to suffer equally with the rest. Taking, therefore, these same associates, and forming them into a band of robbers, he became their captain, surpassing them all in violence, blood, and cruelty. Time elapsed, and on a cer tain occasion they send for John. The apostle, after appointing those other matters for which he came, said, Come, bishop, return me my deposite, which I and Christ committed to thee, in the pre sence of the church over which thou dost preside.' The bishop at first, indeed, was confounded, thinking that he was insidiously charged for money which he had not received ; and yet he could neither give credit respecting that which he had not, nor yet dis believe John. But when he said, I demand the young man, and the soul of a brother,' the old man, groaning heavily and also weeping, said, He is dead.' How, and what death ?' He is dead to God,' said he. He has turned out wicked and abandonee, and at last a robber ; and now, instead of the church, he has be set the mountain with a band like himself.' The apostle, on hearing this, tore his garment, and beating his head with great lamentation, said, ' I left a fine keeper of a brother's soul ! But let a horse now be got ready, and some one to guide me on my way.' He rode as he was, away from the church, and coming to the country, was taken prisoner by the outguard of the banditti. He neither attempted, however, to flee, nor refused to be taken ; but cried out, ' For this very purpose am I come ; conduct me to your captain.' He, in the meantime stood waiting, armed as he was. But as he recognised John advancing towards him, overcome with shame he turned about to flee. The apostle, however, pursued him with all his might, forgetful of his age, and crying out, ' Why dost thou fly, my son, from me, thy father ; thy defenceless, aged father? Have compassion on me, my son ; fear not. Thou still hast hope of life. I will intercede with Christ for thee. Should it be necessary, I will cneerfully suffer death for thee, as Christ for us. I will give