PS 3501 
 .L65 M6 
 
 1921 
 
 Copy 1 
 
 Wooing of Mar}) 
 of Magdela 
 
 By JOAN ARMSTRONG ALQUIST 
 
Wooing of Mary 
 of Magdela 
 
 JOAN ARMSTRONG ALQUIST 
 
 
 Copyright 1919 
 
 Copyright 1921 
 
 All Rights Reserved 
 
 PRICE FIFTY CENTS 
 
ol 
 
 
 u 
 
 ■^''\^^ 
 
 OCT I0 1S21 g)Cl.A624763 
 
DEDICATED TO ALL WHO LOVE THE LORD 
 
 A synopsis of the story 
 
 CHRIST WOOING FIIS BRIDE 
 
 symbolized by the wooing of Mary of Magdela 
 IMartha, a type of those who love the Lord but the 
 
 cares and troubles of the world hinder their growth. 
 Lazarus^ a type of all who are bound In the grave's 
 
 clothes of Death : For it shall come to pass, that all who 
 
 are in their graves shall hear the Voice of the Son of Man 
 
 and shall come forth. 
 
THE WOOING OF MARY OF MAGDELA 
 
 Palestine, Bethanj^ a small town outside the City of Jerusalem. 
 
 A quaint humble home. 
 
 Inside tv/o lone orphans of Jewish origin, Martha the eldest, and 
 Lazarus, a brother who seems to be an invalid. Their faces are sad as 
 they converse in low tones about an absent sister. 
 
 LAZARUS : "I have been looking over the Parchments, Martha, and 
 we must be living in the time when our Promised Messiah was to 
 come and deliver our nation from this hated Roman yoke. It is 
 now thirty years since that star was seen in the East guiding the 
 Wise Men to that babe born in a stable, which raised such a 
 commotion and caused such a cruel massacre of little children, 
 but although we are watching there seems to be no sign of His 
 coming. If only our sister Mary would come home," — as tears 
 filled the dark eyes. 
 
 MARTHA: (heaving a deep sigh as she rises to go) — "Don't weep, 
 brother, our prayers are sure to be answered soon. I will again 
 put the lamp in the window and tonight I will leave the door a 
 little ajar. It may be that her feet will be guided to the old 
 home." 
 
 5 
 
LAZARUS : (soliloquizing) — "Oh, Mary, my beautiful sister, all who 
 have honored thee will despise thee because of thy nakedness. 
 
 How is a virgin of Israel become an harlot — a woman of the 
 streets. Hear all people and behold my sorrow." 
 
 "What is it, Martha," as he sees his sister running to the door. 
 
 "Listen, what is that? It sounds as if some one is calling. Do you hear 
 it, brother?" 
 
 Yes, he had heard, as with a great cry he bounds past her into the 
 night. 
 
 Martha, following, sees him clasp a slender form in his arms, w^hose 
 long, beautiful hair is falling over her rich clothing, as he moans, "Oh, 
 Mary, my sister, my sister." 
 
 MARTHA: "Is it you, Mary," she gasps. "Oh, my baby," holding 
 out her strong young arms, tears of joy streaming down her 
 cheeks as she sinks down on the ground at her feet. She sees 
 again the deathbed of their mother, and although only a child in 
 years, she hears the anxious pleading of that mother and her 
 promise to take care of the tiny sister placed in her arms, and the 
 look of content that comes over the dying face. "Oh, mother! 
 mother!" she cries, "have I kept my promise to you? Did you 
 not know that j^ou left her to me with all that fatal beauty that 
 I could not hide away." 
 
 They both lead her into the house, into the room that has been kept 
 ready for her since the night she went away, — crooning over her in their 
 joy- 
 Mary looks up, her face, although pale and tired, is still wondrous 
 and beautiful, as they lay her gently in her bed. 
 
 6 
 
MARY: "Oh, forgive, for I have seen Him. I have seen the King in 
 His beauty and He said I could go in peace and sin no more." 
 
 Martha and L>azarus look at each other in amazement — they don't 
 understand. What does she mean ; and they smooth back from the w^hite 
 brow the beautiful tresses, weeping afresh, as they see here and there a 
 silver thread and the happy, healthful bloom gone from her face. But 
 they ask her no questions. 
 
 They have laid her tenderly in her bed, but the next morning her 
 fever runs high, as she tosses in pain, a burning look in the lovely eyes, 
 as she laughs wildly, speaking of nights spent in the salons of the city 
 with those who pay high for the price of body and soul. "Oh, forgive," 
 she cries out in her agony. 
 
 Martha and Lazarus both watch over her tenderly, caring for her, 
 and snatching her back almost from the brink of the grave. 
 
 Weeks go by before Mary is able to leave her room, but one sunny 
 morning she comes, leaning on the arm of her brother, to take her place 
 at the table in the small cozy dining room, but she only plays with the 
 dainty dishes Martha has prepared with such care. There is a sad, 
 faraway look in the sweet eyes that makes her brother and sister look 
 at each other and wonder if they will be able to keep her with them. 
 
 MARY: (looking up, seemed to read their thoughts and smiled) — "Oh, 
 I am so glad to be with you again; if I could only blot out the 
 past ; if I could only atone ; but He told me to go in peace and 
 sin no more. Oh, wondrous words — if I could only hear His 
 voice again." 
 
 MARTHA: "You are not strong yet, Mary. Come and lay down 
 again and I will open the window and let in the sunshine and 
 the balmy air and brother will come and read to you," — embrac- 
 ing her sister. 
 
 7 
 
Martha and Lazarus alone. 
 
 MARTHA: "I wonder what has caused this change in our sister, 
 Lazarus, and who is this King she speaks of. Where is the 
 petulant, arrogant beauty that seemed so out of place in our home. 
 
 The hateful proud look in those wonderful eyes, a look so satanic 
 that it made us shudder at times, it is all gone, and in its place 
 we see only a contrite broken flower, utterly crushed and broken." 
 
 Martha taken up with the duties of the home leaves the care of 
 Mary mostly to her brother, who proves an adept nurse, and between 
 the two a loving confidential sympathy has sprung up in the many hours 
 spent together. 
 
 MARY: (noticing the almost ejuaciated body of her brother, which adds 
 to her sorrow) — "He must have been grieving for me while I 
 was spending my hours and nights in careless revelry. Oh, my 
 burden is more than I can bear. Oh, that I knew where I might 
 find Him. Would He plead against me with His great power? 
 Oh, no, but He would put strength in me. For my bones are 
 pierced, and my body takes no rest. Terrors pursue my soul as 
 the wind. 1 abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes." 
 
 LAZARUS: ''Come, Mary, let us walk a little in the garden, the 
 flowers are all in bloom. Look, sister, there is your favorite," 
 (fastening a spray of Bridal Wreath in her hair). "Let us sit 
 under this tree. I think I see Martha coming with something." 
 
 As Martha appears carrying a bowl of savory soup for both, and they 
 think how kind and good she is to them, as they make room for her to 
 sit by them. 
 
 MARTHA: (sitting, seems to be in a brown study for some minutes, 
 looking towards Mary) — "Mary, I would like to ask you some- 
 thing I have been thinking about a great deal lately." 
 
 MARY: (starting up with a cry, her face piteous in its entreaty) — "Oh, 
 no, not that. Don't ask me dear sister to lay bare a past I am 
 
 8 
 
trying to forget. Oh, brother, I see only love and protection in 
 your face, and yours dear sister so strong and true, and He told 
 me to go in peace and sin no more. Have pity on me, oh, my 
 friends, for the hand of God hath touched me." 
 
 LAZARUS : "Oh, Mary, thou hast been wounded with the wound of 
 an enemy, but is thy sorrow incurable — is there none to plead 
 thy cause that thou mayest be healed and bound up? Who is 
 this King, Mary, you speak of; can He be the prophet Moses 
 told our people about who would come and save our nation, for 
 we surely seem to be sold for bondmen and bondwomen? He is 
 due to be here now. Who is this King, Mary?" 
 
 (But Mary's thoughts have flown— she does not hear the anxious 
 queries of her brother.) 
 
 A scene rises up before her. She is again in the City of Jerusalem. 
 The sun is dipping and bowing his farewell in the West. She has turned 
 from her gay companions to gaze for a moment through the open window 
 in the dance hall. A tall, stately man is passing below, the center of a 
 large crowd of people who are pushing and jostling one another in their 
 anxiety to get near Him. "Oh," she says, "What is this strange feeling 
 at my heart"; but as the strains of the music begin again, she turns 
 with a laugh and looks at the noisy swirling mass before her, but interest 
 in them seems gone. Someone is at her elbow asking her to cheer up and 
 come and join them, but she pays no heed, her thoughts are with the 
 stranger she saw passing, and she turns to a mirror near her, looks long 
 and earnestly at herself. "No," she murmurs, "I have lost none of this 
 wonderful beauty of mine that has brought so many to my feet. I 
 wonder, oh, I wonder," as she laughs lightly, making her way through 
 the open door, "will He kiss me with the kisses of His mouth, for verily 
 His love to me would be better than wine." 
 
 The people are looking at her, for she is well known in the city, 
 and they are curious to know what is taking her amongst them. "Would 
 she dare," they say, "this woman of the streets." 
 
 9 
 
But she hears them not. Her eyes are fixed on a fact wonderful in 
 its loving tenderness— the man she saw from the window. She listens 
 to the wails and sees the tears of those who are bringing and laying at 
 His feet their sick and afflicted. She hears the deep penetrating voice 
 that speaks with such authority, yet so gently. She watches the strong 
 white hands whose touch brings health and joy to them at His feet. 
 
 "Oh, what is this strange feeling — how I wish I could feel the 
 touch of those hands; but can I go like this," as she looks at the elegance 
 of her dress, and looks wildly at her hair, that has been her pride, hang- 
 ing all around her. ''If I could only but touch the hem of His gar- 
 ment" ; but horror fills her as she remembers for what purpose she had 
 come. She looks again at Him and notes the nobleness and dignity of 
 His person, yet sees sorrow and weariness written there to. Surely a 
 man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. 
 
 Suddenly it seems as if a light shone around her. He is looking at 
 her. "Oh," she thinks, "He must have felt the longing of my heart." 
 He is calling. She moves through that wondering crowd of people, and 
 falling down at His feet overwhelmed with grief and shame, begs Him 
 to forgive and heal her too. But what is that, she lifts her hand as 
 though to ward off a blow, as she hears the scornful comments of some 
 hurled at her. They wonder what He will do. "If He is a prophet," 
 they are saying, "He must know the character of the woman at His 
 feet — Mary of Magdela, the harlot." But His voice is ringing out like 
 a trumpet in all its tenderness in her behalf. 
 
 JESUS : "She loves much and much shall be forgiven her" ; and He 
 raises her up saying: "Go in peace and sin no more." 
 
 MARY: "Did you ask who this King was? He is strong and mighty. 
 The chiefest among ten thousand. He is altogether lovely. Look 
 not on me for I am black. The sun hath looked on me. The 
 glorious sun of righteousness. If I only knew where He maketh 
 His flock to rest." 
 
 10 
 
LAZARUS: "But listen, sister, do you think He is the Messiah? You 
 know He is to come — a great King, and sit on David's throne; 
 but this one you say is poor and a friend of Publicans and sinners. 
 Could our Messiah come like that. I must look in my Parch- 
 ments, it may be I did not understand ; but. Oh, sister, I must 
 rest, I feel so tired, and long to lay me down in peace and sleep." 
 
 MARY: (is at his side in a moment, throwing her arms around him as 
 if she would guard him from she knows not what) — "Oh, Laz- 
 arus, do let me take care of you, you look so pale and careworn. 
 I feel strong now, and I have tired you watching and caring for 
 me. Stay with me, brother, do not leave me, for I have no one 
 who would understand like you. Oh, yes, my King would ; He 
 was so wonderful to me. He drew me near in the day I called 
 on Him, and said. Tear not.' " 
 
 Martha and Mary lead their brother to his room, and Mary, her 
 own sorrow half forgotten, is tireless in her attention to her brother. 
 
 LAZARUS : (the next morning as his sister sits by his couch) — "How 
 happy you have made me, Mary," taking her hand. "I wish you 
 would tell me more about your King; but there is something I 
 should like to ask." 
 
 MARY : "What is it, brother ?" 
 
 LAZARUS: "Have the Chief Priests and Pharasees received Him?" 
 
 MARY: "Oh, no," as a look of sadness passes over her face, "only the 
 common people, and they gladly." 
 
 They sit silent, as Lazarus draws the Parchments toward him and 
 begins to read. 
 
 11 
 
MARY: (her face brightening) — "Are you feeling better, Lazarus? 
 Do you think I could leave you for a while?" (and seeing the 
 questioning look in his face, continues) : "You know that our 
 people keep a feast today at Jerusalem and I should like to be 
 there. It may be that I can hear something about this prophet. 
 I will come again soon." 
 
 "Yes, do go, Martha will be here to care for me, and I think I will sit 
 by the window. I want to dream today." (Mary stoops to kiss 
 him good-bye.) 
 
 Mary in her room dresses quickly. Her heart is singing at the 
 thought of seeing again one whom she has unconsciously learned to love. 
 She has tucked away the beautiful hair inside a veil which she has thrown 
 over her head and on her way out stops to tell Martha, who is busy as 
 usual, of her intended journey. 
 
 Martha, coming to the door to look after her as she goes away, 
 muses to herself. "I wonder who this stranger can be. He seems to 
 have dropped from the heavens. He surely must be wonderful to have 
 wrought such a change in our Mary. How I love them both, but I 
 wonder if they ever think how I toil and work for them. But I must 
 not complain," takes a peep at her brother to see if he is all right, 
 and sees that he is deep in thought. "Dreaming again," she thinks, as 
 she moves away to go back to her work. 
 
 Lazarus does not read, althought his Parchments lay open before 
 him. He is thinking of his sister Martha. What a mother she has 
 been to him, and how he has longed and wished he could confide in her 
 more, but she had always been so busy. 
 
 (^Lazarus dreams.) He sees Adam and Eve, the parents of the 
 human race, made perfect. Their expulsion from Eden through Eve 
 being tempted by the serpent, "the wisest animal of the field," to eat the 
 forbidden fruit. 
 
 12 
 
Their eldest son, Cain, slaying his brother, Abel, because of his 
 being more righteous than he. 
 
 Noah preparing an ark for himself and family to save them from 
 the deluge, preaching and warning the people of the coming judgment 
 of God for their sins through the wicked angels. 
 
 Abraham leaving his own country going a pilgrim and stranger to 
 the Land of Promise "Canaan." Offering sacrifices with his wife and 
 servants on his way. 
 
 Melchisidic, a priest and King on his throne, blessing Abraham. 
 
 Abraham offering up his son, Isaac, on Mount Moriah. The angel 
 staying his hand and pointing to a ram to be offered in his place. 
 
 Eliezer, Abraham's servant, asking Rebekah to be the wife of Isaac. 
 Isaac and Rebekah meeting together. 
 
 Jacob, their son, on his way to find a wife; sleeping, a stone for his 
 pillow, and dreaming he sees a ladder and angels are ascending and 
 descending thereon. 
 
 Jacob with Leah and Rachel, for whom he served fourteen years. 
 Jacob with all his cattle, for which he served other isx years. 
 Joseph being sold by his brethren into Egypt. 
 
 Joseph's brethren showing Jacob, their father, Joseph's coat of 
 many colors dipped in blood, saying a wild beast has torn him. 
 
 Jacob's grief. 
 
 Joseph, a great ruler in Pharaoh's Court, giving orders to store all 
 the food in store-houses, preparing for the great famine they expect. 
 
 Joseph's brethren coming to buy corn, but they do not know their 
 brother in this great ruler, who takes them for spies, and their distress., 
 
 Benjamin stealing Joseph's silver cup and being brought back, 
 standing before the ruler. 
 
 13 
 
Judah's appeal on behalf of his brother, offering to be a bond slave 
 so that his brother might go free. 
 
 Joseph, weeping, making himself known to his brothers. 
 
 Jacob coming to see Joseph with all his family, seventy people. 
 
 (Lazarus awakens and looks around anxiously for Mary.) 
 
 MARTHA: (handing him something she has prepared for him to eat) — 
 "I am anxious, brother, it is getting late. I will go and look and 
 see if she is coming." "Oh, there she is." 
 
 MARY: (her step lighter j and her eyes dreamy and as if far away, 
 throws her arms around them both) — "Have you slept, Laz- 
 arus?" 
 
 "Yes, I have in my dreams been tracing the wanderings of our people 
 in my Parchments. Have you heard anything about your King, 
 
 Mary?" 
 "Yes," she replied. 
 
 "I have been thinking how grand to have lived when our people were 
 
 led by God's hand and when He spoke to them in visions and 
 
 d>> » 
 
 reams. 
 
 "Yes, but to me it is more to live and see Him face to face." 
 
 MARTHA: "What do you mean, sister? Did you hear anything /nore 
 about this prophet ? But you must rest, Mary, and then you can 
 tell us the news." 
 
 14 
 
LAZARUS : "And do hurry, Mary, for it seems I cannot wait." 
 "Rest. Look at me. Do you think I look tired ? Oh, I am so happy. 
 
 How I wish you could both come and see the wonderful things 
 He is doing and telling. The whole nation seems to be in an 
 uproar because of Him." 
 
 LAZARUS: "Mary, did you hear by what name they called this 
 prophet? You know our nation is threatened with terrible judg- 
 ments because of its idolatry; but we are promised that a great 
 prophet shall come before that great and terrible day." 
 
 "I wonder, Lazarus, if He will be greater than this One who is healing 
 our sick, opening the blind eyes, making the deaf to hear and the 
 lame to walk. As I came near the Mount of Olives I saw Him 
 healing the child of a poor woman who did not belong to our 
 nation, because she had told Him that even the dogs ate of the 
 crumbs that fell from the children's table. I saw also that the 
 chief priests and Pharasees were there finding fault and deriding 
 Him because of the great miracles. I thought to have passed by 
 them unnoticed because of my plain attire. I had been wonder- 
 mg if He would notice me and as I was making my way so I 
 could get nearer to Him, I heard a low laugh near me. Looking 
 around for the cause. Oh, could it be possible." 
 
 (Mary, her face full of horror as the words she heard seemed to 
 burn into her brain.) 
 
 15 
 
PHARASEES: "Is Mary of Magdela one of his followers too?" 
 (^pointing towards her with the finger of scorn.) 
 
 MARY: "Could It be possible that those Pharasees, teachers of the 
 law of God, who offered such long prayers on the street corners, 
 
 many times I had heard them, but never dared to look or touch 
 anything so holy. I held out my hands to them asking them in 
 mercy to pity me, and turned to look wildly at my King. Had 
 He heard these cruel words?" 
 
 Oh, yes, he had heard them, as he held out his hand to Mary and 
 drew her near to him. 
 
 "Did you ever, brother, hear of anyone dying of joy? I thought I would 
 when I felt those arms around me. In my hurry to get to hipi 
 my hair had come undone, falling all around me, but oh, what is 
 it I hear! Could that voice of righteous anger be His as it 
 hurls denunciations at those Pharasees?" 
 
 JESUS : "Truly the drunkards and harlots go Into the Kingdom before 
 you. How can ye being evil speak of good things. Woe unto 
 you. Scribes and Pharasees, for ye shut up the Kingdom of 
 Heaven against men, for ye neither go in yourselves nor suffer 
 those who are entering to go In. Ye compass sea and land to 
 make one proselyte and make him twofold more the child of hell 
 than yourselves." 
 
 MARY: "I saw the look of hate they cast on Him as they hung their 
 heads in shame, for the people were looking at them, but my King 
 had changed His voice to one of sorrow as He continued." 
 
 "I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. (And turn- 
 ing to me, as He pressed me to His side) : "It were better that a 
 millstone were hung about your neck and ye were drowned In 
 the middle of the sea, than ye offend one of these, my little ones. 
 
 "I knew then, brother, He was my Saviour and King who stood by me. 
 
 )) 
 
 )> 
 
 MARTHA: "I will go and get supper ready, Mary, you sit with 
 brother." 
 
 16 
 
LAZARUS : "Mary, did He say anything about the Kingdom? I have 
 been studying the Parchments and I think I begin to understand 
 them better. I begin to see the hearts of our fathers who wrote 
 to us about Him. If I were only able I would go and lay my 
 cause before Him and He would make it plain to me." 
 
 MARY: (her eyes filling with tears as she looks at her brother) — "I 
 have some good news for you, brother, but there comes Martha, 
 supper is ready. Martha, why so sad? What caused that sigh?" 
 (as she throws her arms around her drawing her down to the 
 chair near her). 
 
 A feeling of loneliness had come over Martha as she had stood at 
 the door a moment looking at them, Mary's face lit up with a beauty 
 she had seldom seen and her brother, his dark eyes fixed so earnestly on 
 his sister, fearful of losing a word. 
 
 "Oh, Mary, (a worried look coming into her face) be careful. Are 
 you sure this Prophet is the great Messiah? The people are, 
 they say, terribly stirred up because of His claims. They say He 
 is the Son of Mary and of Joseph, the carpenter, and they will 
 never accept Him as their Messiah who is to reign on David's 
 throne ; and the Romans have an eye on Him as a usurper. This 
 Jesus says that even before Abraham was He was. Be careful, 
 sister, can He be greater than the prophet Moses? What, is He 
 more to you than the prophet Moses?" 
 
 "Oh, Martha, sister, I will tell you what He is to me. He is the Rose 
 of Sharon 'in all its sweet smelling perfume.' He is the Lily of 
 the Valley, 'in all its purity.' His head is as if of fine gold, 'so 
 divine.' His locks black as a raven's and curling, — 'When His 
 judgments are abroad the people will learn righteousness.' His eyes 
 like a dove's, 'full of peace and gentleness.' His cheeks like a bed of 
 sweet spices, 'full of confidence.' His lips like hlies, 'full of 
 wisdom.' His hands are as gold rings, 'full of loving helpful- 
 ness.' His body like ivory overlaid with sapphires, 'faithful and 
 
 17 
 
true.' His legs as pillars of marble, 'full of strength.' His 
 countenance excellent as the cedars, 'which if we look on will 
 give us hope and life.' His mouth is most sweet. He is alto- 
 gether lovely. This is my beloved, oh, my sister." 
 
 MARTHA and LAZARUS: "Oh, Mary, that is a song of loves, per- 
 fumed with myrrh and frankincense and with all powders of 
 the merchant." 
 
 But Mary's thoughts are again with her King. She does not hear 
 them. She is sitting again on the Mount of Olives. 
 
 MARY: (talking in a low voice, while they lean forward listening) — 
 "He drew me with cords of love, guiding my steps so I would not 
 stumble. He was there to hold me ; how safe I felt. How weary 
 His face looked. How it must have hurt Him to speak in anger, 
 to His brethren." 
 
 JESUS: "Mary, dear one, I must be about my father's business. I 
 must work while it is day for the night cometh when no man can 
 work." 
 
 (Mary, awed by his humility and lowliness, is grieving because 
 her people see no beauty in Him. He begins to speak and she is sure He 
 is speaking to her.) 
 
 JESUS : "Blessed are the poor in spirit ; 
 "Blessed are they that mourn; 
 "Blessed are the meek; 
 
 "Blessed are they that hunger after righteousness; 
 "Blessed are the pure in heart; 
 "Blessed are the peacemakers; 
 
 "Blessed are ye when reviled and they say all evil against you 
 for my sake, for yours is the kingdom of heaven." 
 
 MARY: "Did you understand, Martha, what I was saying?" 
 
 MARTHA: "Yes, sister, but I must think a little," as she rose to go, 
 sighing at the many cares and toil of the household, and which 
 were becoming irksome to her. What a longing she had for Him 
 
 18 
 
whose yoke was easy and whose burden was light. Had she spent 
 her money for that which was not bread, and her labour which 
 had not satisfied her. 
 
 MARY: "One thing troubled me, brother; when He said, 'Blessed 
 are ye when they say evil against you falsely.' When He was 
 finished speaking I went to Him and said, 'Lord, they could not 
 speak falsely against me, because I was evil and foolish and weak.' 
 Oh, brother, I wish you could have seen the glorious look on His 
 face — it almost dazzled me — as He pressed me to His bosom, 
 whispering in my ear, 'Mary, do you love me?' I was shaking 
 with sobs and tears, and was drawing myself away from Him, 
 for I saw myself in all my vileness, when I cried, 'Yes, I love 
 thee, for Thou hast become my salvation.' " 
 
 JESUS: "Then why those tears? Trust me, dear one" (and He 
 kissed me with the kisses of His mouth). "Listen, Mary, to me, 
 since the night you knelt at my feet thou hast been to me white 
 as snow and hast become my dearly beloved. Fear not." 
 
 MARY: "Oh, brother, on my way home how I longed to be able to 
 suffer with Him, and He is coming to see us, Lazarus. I told 
 Him how you longed to see Him. We need not worry about our 
 humble home for I heard Him saying He had no place to lay His 
 head." 
 
 MARTHA: "Did you say, Mary, that the Master was coming to our 
 house? Oh, I must be busy and do my best to get all things 
 ready, and, Mary, do you and Lazarus get flowers for the table 
 and place some here and there so our little home will appear 
 inviting." 
 The little home in Bethany all astir. 
 
 Mary is standing watching at the window. It is almost a week 
 since she last saw Him. She has fastened in her beautiful hair a spray 
 of her favorite Bridal Wreath, and is dressed in a plain dress of spotless 
 white. "I wonder," she muses, "if He will admire me today, and if I 
 
 19 
 
will be as dear to Him as I was yesterday. Oh, yes, my King will never 
 change. I can trust Him." 
 
 LAZARUS : (is up earlier than usual. His face full of expectation, 
 peering through his half open door) — "How fair and sweet you 
 have grown, my sister," (coming forward with hands out- 
 stretched). "I wish you would rest, Mary, I am afraid you will 
 vanish away." 
 
 "Rest, did you say, my brother. I am always resting, resting in His 
 love, and it is surely sweet to me, but I will lie on the couch. I 
 must not sleep for I must be the first to meet Him." 
 
 (Lazarus gets his Parchments and sits down by her reading.) 
 
 "Oh, Mary, I see now they were types and shadows of good things to 
 come, and your King must be one of the good things." 
 
 "Why do you tremble so, brother?" 
 
 "Because seeing that wonderful tabernacle I seem to have been with 
 
 Him already, but I did not think He was so near." 
 
 Some people are seen coming in who have been invited, among them 
 some of the priests who have come to watch. 
 
 Jesus arrives with the twelve, Mary meets Him and together they 
 enter the home. When seated Mary takes her place at His feet, looking 
 up into His face as He speaks, for never man spake as this man. 
 
 Some of the Pharasees ask Him why He eats with Publicans and 
 sinners. 
 
 JESUS : "They that are whole need not a physician, but they who are 
 sick, for I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repent- 
 ance." 
 Some of John Baptist's disciples ask why his disciples do not fast. 
 
 JESUS: "Can the bride mourn while the bridegroom is with her, but 
 the time is near when the bridegroom will be taken away. Then 
 she will mourn." 
 
 MARY: (looking pale and troubled, as she whispers) — "Oh, that I 
 might go with Him, for He hath called me as a woman forsaken 
 and grieved in spirit." 
 
 20 
 
Martha at the table, seeming displeased that her sister neglects to 
 help. 
 
 MARTHA: "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to 
 serve alone ? Bid her to come that she might help me." 
 
 MARY: "Oh, the grief and pity of it. Can it be that my sister is 
 faultfinding ; but my Lord is my help in my time of need." 
 
 JESUS: "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many 
 things, but one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good 
 part which shall not be taken away from her. She hath prom- 
 ised, Martha, to be my bride." 
 
 MARY: "He hath brought me to His banqueting hall and His banner 
 over me is love." 
 
 JESUS : "Thou art fair, my love. There is no spot in thee." 
 
 MARY: "My beloved is mine and I am His." 
 
 Jesus taking Mary's hand leading her out, asks her to walk a little 
 way with Him as He has something to tell her. 
 
 LAZARUS : "How my heart burned, Martha, to hear Him speak. He 
 surely must be that Prophet." 
 
 MARTHA: "If you read more in your Parchments it may be you can 
 find out more about Him. I surely am sorry I spoke without 
 thinking. How quick He was to take Mary's part." 
 
 LAZARUS: (lying down feeling tired)— ''Ke said that He was the 
 Good Shepherd; that His sheep knew His voice and followed 
 Him ; and that He was that bread that came down from heaven 
 which if a man eat he will never die. I begin to see more clearly 
 now the Tabernacle with its strange furniture." 
 
 MARTHA: "Oh, Mary, how I envy you — how near you have got to 
 Him. What an understanding there is between them. I will 
 not be afraid to trust you to Him, for thou hast obtained grace 
 and favour in His sight." 
 
 21 
 
LAZARUS: "I feel so tired. This head of mine seems to trouble me 
 quite a little lately. Oh, Martha sister, come and help me into 
 my room. I feel so weak." 
 
 MARTHA: (running to him) — "Lazarus, dear, what is it? Lean on 
 me and maybe if you lie down it will pass. Were you asleep?" 
 
 "No, it seemed to me I was visiting our people, tracing them a little in 
 some of their wanderings. I think there are more severe punish- 
 ments awaiting them in connection with this Prophet. I begin 
 to believe Him the promised Messiah or Saviour of our people, 
 and they utterly refuse Him. Thank you, sister, I shall wait 
 here to see if Mary will come soon." 
 
 MARTHA: "I wish she would come. She seems to understand, Laz- 
 arus, how to talk to you. I am always too busy, but since the 
 Master's visit I have been thinking quite a little. I think that is 
 Mary now." 
 Mary, coming in smiling, but when she sees her brother so pale and 
 
 still, she cries, "Oh, what is it," and drops down beside his couch, 
 
 taking him in her arms, 
 
 LAZARUS : "Oh, Mary, how I wish I could go to the city and hear 
 Him again. I think it would put new life in me. For by the 
 force of my disease is my garment changed, and my substance 
 dissolved, and I will be brought to death and to the house ap- 
 pointed for all living." 
 
 MARY: "I will take you, brother, and help you and j^ou will see and 
 hear the wonderful things that will make you to love Him more. 
 How patient He is with the twelve He has chosen to be with 
 Him, to be witnesses of His regeneration." 
 
 LAZARUS : "I wonder why He chose those twelve men. They are 
 only poor fishermen, unlearned, too. Did He ever say anything 
 to you, Mary, about them? But do tell me what you were 
 talking about while wtih Him, for Mary, I will never be able 
 to see Him again with this poor sick body." 
 
 "Dear brother, He has chosen the twelve to be eye witnesses of the 
 sufferings and treatment He received from His brethren, as well 
 
 22 
 
as the glory He will receive from His Father; but, darling, stay 
 with me, I could not spare you while my King is absent. I would 
 have no one to talk to. Martha has no time to listen. I will tell 
 you some of the things we talked about; it will revive you, I 
 know." 
 
 MARY: "As we were walking I leaned on His arm, I felt tired and 
 
 weary 
 
 if 
 
 JESUS: "Come apart with me, Mary, and rest a little. I would 
 know, beloved, if you love me well enough to suffer with me, 
 even unto death." 
 
 MARY: "Thou knowest I love thee better than life." 
 (Martha coming in quickly, sits down to listen.) 
 
 JESUS: (looking so pleased) — "I have many things to say, Mary; some 
 that will make you sad and sorrowful, but fear not, I am thy 
 reward. My people go around seeking to take away my life, 
 although I have for their sakes come to lay it down." 
 
 MARY: (nestling closer to Him throws her arms around Him as if she 
 luould shield Him.) 
 
 JESUS : (gently puts them aside) — "Did I not ask, Mary, if you loved 
 me enough to suffer with me? Be brave and faithful to me, 
 Mary, because for this purpose I left my Father's kingdom, to 
 ransom this one which has been usurped by a wicked prince." 
 
 MARY: "Oh, why should you die — the just for the unjust?" 
 
 JESUS : "Because they are my brethren and are dear to me, and more, 
 it is my Father's will it should be so, 'but sorrowfully' my people 
 will not believe." 
 
 MARY: "But they must believe, surely for the sake of the work thou 
 
 hast done which no other man has done. 
 
 ») 
 
 JESUS : "I have done the work of my Father, but they say I have a 
 devil. Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often I would have gath- 
 ered you under my shadow, but you would not. Your house 
 is left unto you desolate." (Jesus weeping). 
 
 23 
 
MARY: "Oh, my heart, weep not. How could our people treat thee 
 so cruelly. I sit lost in wonder, who for our sakes became poor, 
 to be nothing." 
 
 JESUS : (taking her in His arms saying) — "A garden enclosed is my 
 sister, my spouse ; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Come and 
 keep tryst with me often, Mary," (leading her away). 
 
 MARY: "Oh," (clinging to His hands), "give me again those sweet 
 assurances of thy endearing love, let me stay with Thee. Entreat 
 me not to leave Thee, for whither Thou goest I will go. Thy 
 people will be my people, Thy God my God ; where Thou diest 
 I will die, and there will I be buried. Not even death shall part 
 Thee and me." 
 
 JESUS : "Not now, beloved, but soon. Trust me, Mary." 
 
 MARY: "Oh, my brother, I will take you with me." 
 
 But Lazarus does not hear. He had gently fallen asleep. The 
 two sisters hang over their brother almost overcome with grief, calling 
 upon him to speak, but no effort or endearing word of theirs can open 
 those eyes or bring back that gentle spirit. The life had gone back to 
 the one who gave it. 
 
 MARTHA: "Do you think we could send for the Master? He said 
 He was the resurrection and the life. You know, Mary, where 
 to find Him." 
 
 MARY: "Yes, dear sister, you send for Him. I will watch by my 
 dead." 
 
 (^Mary's lament for her brother.) 
 
 "Oh, my brother, how hard it is to give you up. How distressed I am 
 for thee. Very pleasant hast thou been to me. Thy love to me 
 was wonderful. Oh, my Lord and Master, if Thou had been 
 here my brother had not died." 
 Three days after Lazarus is in the grave. 
 
 The two sisters are standing by the window and wondering what 
 delays their Lord. 
 
 24 
 
MARY: "Behold, my Lord, for I am in distress. Martha, I see Him. 
 
 Go out to meet Him and when He calls me I will answer." 
 
 "Oh, Mary," (as she prepares to meet Him) , "if I were but as one that 
 found favor in His sight I would go by His footsteps and feed 
 by the shepherd's tents. I would remember the savor of His 
 sood ointments." 
 
 *:>'■ 
 
 MARY: (musing to herself) — "Oh, Martha, how happy thy words 
 have made me. What a debt I owe thee for all the toil and care 
 thou hast lavished on me. Some day I will repay. When I am 
 married my King and I will remember all. We will take the 
 sorrow from your heart and the tears from your eyes, for all His 
 will be mine." 
 
 (Martha meets Jesus with the Twelve.) 
 MARTHA: "My Lord, our brother is already four days in the 
 
 )> 
 
 grave. 
 
 JESUS: "Did I not tell thee, Martha, that if thou wouldst believe in 
 me thou shouldst see the glory of God ? Go call Mary." 
 
 "Oh, Mary, He calleth thee." 
 
 (Mar>' rises up quickly to go to him, weeping; the mourners fol- 
 lowing. ) 
 
 When Jesus sees her weeping he groans in His spirit and v/eeps, 
 asking where they have laid him. They come to the grave and stand 
 looking at him roll away the stone. 
 
 JESUS: (lifting up His eyes to heaven) — "I thank Thee, Oh Father, 
 that thou hast heard me, for Thou hearest me always, but for 
 the sake of those w^ho stand by me I said it that they may believe 
 that Thou hast sent me;" (then cried with a loud voice) 
 "Lazarus, come forth." 
 
 Lazarus coming forth out of the grave bound in grave clothes. 
 
 JESUS: "Loose him and let him go." 
 
 Mary stands as if transfixed, her beautiful hair has come loose from 
 its bindings and is falling all around her like a halo of glor}% her eyes 
 filled now with tears of joy. 
 
 25 
 
JESUS: (going to her) — "Mary, did I not tell thee if thou walkest 
 through the Valley of the Shadow of Death I would be with 
 thee; that my rod and my staff would comfort thee?" 
 
 MARY: "Oh, Thou art fairer than the children of men. Grace is 
 poured forth from Thy lips making even those who are asleep 
 to awaken ; therefore. Thy God will bless Thee and make Thy 
 name to be remembered." 
 
 They reach the little home amid the joy and acclamations of the 
 people. 
 
 Some days had gone by and Lazarus looking well and happy read- 
 ing in his Parchments, Mary sitting by his side. 
 
 LAZARUS: "I know now, Mary, it is He our promised Messiah. 
 I feel as if I could fly on the wings of the wind and shout and 
 tell the glad news. Oh, my people, hath God deafened your 
 ears and shut your eyes that you cannot see and understand? 
 Oh, I must read more, Mary. I must see if God will forgive 
 so great a sin." 
 
 MARY: "You know, brother, He told you to search the scriptures — 
 that they would tell you of Him. Let me hear it too, Lazarus." 
 
 LAZARUS: "Oh, Mary, listen to this: 'To us a child is born, to us 
 a son is given. His name will be called wonderful, a mighty 
 God, an everlasting Father. He will be a Prince of Peace.' 
 Wait, I will read you a picture from life. Kings shall shut their 
 mouths at Him, for that which they have not been told they 
 shall see. He will grow up a tender plant in a dry ground. He 
 will not have that form of comeliness that they desire. They 
 will despise and reject Him. Sister, does it hurt you to hear 
 this?" 
 
 MARY: "Oh, no, brother, I promised to suffer with Him. Read on." 
 
 LAZARUS: "A man of sorrows acquainted with grief they have 
 hidden their faces from Him." 
 
 26 
 
MARY: "Surely not I, brother. Oh, see if there is sorrow like unto 
 my sorrow which is done unto me." 
 
 LAZARUS: "Surely He will bear our griefs and carry our sorrows. 
 Yet we thought Him smitten of God and afflicted by Him for 
 He will bruise Him for our iniquities." 
 
 MARY: "Behold my King for I am in distress. There is none to 
 comfort me. All that pass by clap their hands at me. They 
 hiss and wag their heads saying, is this she who is the perfection 
 of beaut}^" 
 
 LAZARUS: "He shall pour out His soul unto death that He may 
 justify many." 
 
 MARY: "Listen, brother, he called me when I was forsaken and with 
 great loving kindness he drew me to Him. Since I was precious 
 in His sight He has loved me and honored me. I must go to 
 Him. I will comfort Him for we keep tryst this evening. Tell 
 Martha I have gone to seek Him." 
 
 (Mary and Jesus meet.) 
 
 MARY: "Oh, if you have to suffer, let me suffer with thee, for my 
 eyes run down with tears continually and I am called by thy 
 name. Leave me not." 
 
 JESUS: "Hush, Mary, rest thy head upon my breast while I tell thee. 
 My Father hath a desire to the work of His hands and for the 
 joy He has set before me I am willing to die. But, Mary, I will 
 rise again. Dry your tears for I will come again and take you to 
 myself, that where I am, there ye may be also." 
 
 MARY: "Oh, but it seems a sword hath pierced my heart already, 
 with many sorrows." 
 
 JESUS : "In my Father's house are many mansions, but I go to prepare 
 a place for you, my bride, and my spirit wjll be with you Mary 
 and show you things that will delight you and my angels will 
 minister to you." 
 
 MARY: (her gace all aglow) — "And I will be busy with my bridal 
 robe and will be watching for you until the day dawns. Oh, 
 who could hurt thee." 
 
 27 
 
JESUS: "M37 brethren mostly, Mary, some who have been with me in 
 my wanderings, eating at my table, will betray and deny me." 
 
 (Mary coming home.) 
 
 MARY: "Oh, hold me brother, and you sister, and help me to bear it. 
 The parting time has come." 
 
 (The brother and sister leading Mary into the house.) 
 
 MARY: *'Oh, no, I could not lie down. I cannot while He is sufier- 
 ing. The Passover will be tomorrow and they will take Him." 
 
 MARTHA: "Then rest, Mary, and drink this and it will strengthen 
 you. 
 
 LAZARUS: (Next morning conmig into Mary^s room) — "Do you 
 think you would be able to tell me what He said to you, Mary?" 
 
 MARY: "Yes, Lazarus, He told me he would be at Simon's house 
 today, that He was invited for supper. A good many of the 
 Chief Priests and Pharasees will be there." 
 
 LAZARUS: "Are you going there today, Mary? Do you think you 
 are able to bear all this?" 
 
 « 
 
 MARY: "Yes, brother, for He told me I would be able to drink this 
 cup of suffering with Him; that His strength would be sufficient 
 for both. So, dear brother, do not hinder me for I must see Him 
 today." 
 
 (Mary takes a box from her drawer and saying goodbye she hurries 
 away to the city.) 
 
 Jesus at supper in Simon's house. 
 
 Mary in a dress of pure white, her hair falling down covering her 
 from the rude gaze of some, comes softly in taking her place at His feet 
 and begins to wash them with her tears, wiping them with her hair, and 
 from the folds of her dress she takes a box of ointment that cost her a 
 great deal and breaking it poured it on His head, filling the room with 
 a sweet odor. She does not see the looks of scorn from the eyes of those 
 
 28 
 
Pharasees but she hears the faultfinding of Judas complaining of such 
 waste. 
 
 Mary looking up as if she were guilty looks at her Lord. Nothing 
 she thinks is too costly for Him. She is moving away but Jesus holds 
 out His hand which she takes as He looks around on them. 
 
 JESUS : "Let her alone. Against the day of my burial has she kept 
 this. What you have neglected to do she hath done," and 
 turning to Mary: "To all generations this will be remembered 
 to thee for you have done what you could." 
 
 JESUS : (in the Garden of Gethsejnane in agony) — Drops of blood 
 
 like sweat are falling from His face as His body sways to and 
 
 fro. "Oh, Father, may Thy will be done, if this cup pass not 
 
 from me." 
 
 An angel appears comforting him and he stands calm and waiting. 
 
 Judas and a company of soldiers come. Judas kisses his Master. 
 
 Jesus standing before Pilate bound, as they smite Him on the face. 
 Pilate with Jesus alone asking Him If He is a King. 
 
 JESUS : "Thou hast said, but if my Kingdom were of this world then 
 would my servants fight." 
 
 PILATE: (To the people) — "Behold the man, so noble, so patient, so 
 lowly, truly a King." 
 
 They lead Him away bearing His cross. 
 
 Martha and Lazarus coming home from the city. Mary meeting 
 them. 
 
 MARY: "Oh," (crying out), "why are you so pale? Why do you 
 tremble? Oh, my heart, my heart, you have seen Him. Tell 
 me, look at me, I am strong. I can bear all things for His sake." 
 
 LAZARUS : "Yes, dear sister, we saw Him and He looked a message 
 to you as if He said, 'Lazarus, j^ou will tell her. 
 
 > >> 
 
 MARTHA: (Catching Mary as she falls down moaning out) — "I must 
 go to Him for He Is suffering for me and I must suffer with 
 Him." 
 
 29 
 
Mary at the foot of the cross, her arms twined around it, her face 
 uplifted to her Saviour, as she cries: "Oh, help me to suffer with thee;" 
 but He replies: "It is finished!" 
 
 Jesus is taken down from the cross by some who loved Him and 
 laid in a new tomb and the soldiers roll a stone to it. 
 
 Mary in her home preparing spices. 
 
 LAZARUS and MARTHA: "This is the third day, Mary; the day 
 He said He would arise." 
 
 Mary with two other women at the grave, who go away leaving 
 Mary alone. 
 
 Mary stooping down looking into the tomb and seeing nothing 
 begins to weep. 
 
 SUPPOSEDLY A GARDENER: "Why weepest thou? Whom 
 seekest thou ?" 
 
 MARY: "Oh, sir, if thou hast borne Him hence tell me where thou 
 hast laid Him and I will take Him away. I will whisper in His 
 ear all my love and sorrow. I w^ill deck Him with sweet spices. 
 Oh, that my grief were weighed and my calamity laid in the 
 balance. Mine eyes do fill with tears and there is none to com- 
 fort me. All mine enemies have heard of my trouble and they 
 are glad. I know I have grievously rebelled, but hear and behold 
 my sorrow." 
 
 JESUS: "Mary, my beloved," with the old familiar tone of endear- 
 ment. 
 
 MARY: "It is the voice of my beloved. Thy lips, oh, my spouse, drop 
 as the honeycomb on my troubled soul." Falling at His feet, 
 embracing them. 
 
 JESUS : "Touch me not, Mary, for I have not yet ascended unto my 
 Father and your Father. Let not your heart by troubled but go 
 quickly to my brethren and tell them I am risen and will sec 
 them soon." 
 
 Mary comes first to Martha and Lazarus. 
 
 30 
 
MARY: "Martha, Lazarus! He is risen. He is here. Come with 
 me. He has sent me to tell the disciples." 
 
 The days and months grow into years. Mary has grown more 
 beautiful. The sweet messages sent to her from time to time from her 
 absent Lord bring her rest and peace. She is bending over, utterly en- 
 grossed with a piece of beautiful needle work, a smile playing on the 
 sweet face. "Oh, I want my dress to be beautiful, exactly like the pat- 
 tern He has sent me." 
 
 MARTHA: "Mary, are you looking for your King to come soon?" 
 (watching Mary plying her needle). "Will your dress be ready 
 by the time He comes?" 
 
 MARY: "Oh, yes," (with a smile), "I am putting the last finishing 
 touches to it now, some very delicate little stitches, that will 
 greatly enhance its beauty." 
 
 MARTHA: "I wonder how you will be able to work in such fine 
 stitches, Mary. They will be very difficult, one can hardly see 
 them. Can I help you?" 
 
 MARY: "You have helped me a great deal already, Martha, but these 
 I must do alone. I will work them mostly by love and patience, 
 for my dress must be glorious, without spot or wrinkle." 
 
 ('Mary alone.) 
 
 MARY: "I w^onder if He has seen and heard all I have suffered since 
 He went away. While I have waited for His return, but when 
 He folds me in His arms it will be all forgotten. Oh, I hear 
 Him. It is the voice of my beloved," as he comes leaping over 
 the mountains, calling her brother and sister. 
 
 It is a glorious morning, a beautiful sunlight coming up in the East, 
 strains of wonderful music catching the ear of the watchers. Mary's 
 friends are coming in with their little presents and to see how lovely 
 the bridal robe. They stand lost in admiration as she shows them the 
 beautiful inside lining, the color of pure gold, with an over dress of 
 wonderful needle-work in pure white linen ; her crown of Bridal Wreath, 
 
 31 
 
to which is fastened her veil, covering her beautiful hair, and in the 
 lovely eyes ecstacy of love and joy. 
 
 (People singing.) 
 
 PEOPLE: "The bride hath made herself ready and with gladness and 
 rejoicing she shall enter the King's Palace." 
 
 MARY: "Oh, I hear Him. Listen all ye people! The sun seems to 
 hide His face for a new and more glorious sun is coming up on 
 the earth. He is calling me." 
 
 LAZARUS : "Oh, Mary, I am glad for thee, my sister. How greatly 
 shall thy King desire thee. Oh, Martha, listen." 
 
 (Christ with a company of angels singing the glad Hosannas.) 
 
 CHRIST: "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away! The 
 flowers appear on the earth and the singing of the birds is come. 
 Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." 
 
 (Mary and her King.) 
 
 PEOPLE: "Who is this that cometh," leaning on the arm of her be- 
 loved. "Fair as the moon and clear as the sun." (The virgins, 
 her companions, following.) 
 
 (Christ gathers Mary into His arms as they slowly disappear in 
 the clouds.) 
 
 PEOPLE: "It is Mary of Magdela, her bridegroom is taking her to 
 the home he has prepared for her." 
 
 Martha and Lazarus pointing to them, telling the people that the 
 wilderness and the solitarj' places shall be glad for them, and the desert 
 shall rejoice and blossom as a rose, and the glory of the King and Queen 
 shall be seen ; the eyes of the blind shall see ; the ears of the deaf shall 
 hear ; the lame shall walk ; and the dumb shall sing ; and a feast will be 
 made to all who present themselves, both great and small ; the wine of 
 the Kingdom will be given in abundance in vessels of gold, "the vessels 
 differing one from another;" none shall compel; for so the King hath 
 appointed ; but all shall drink according to every one's pleasure, and they 
 shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow, and sighing shall flee away. 
 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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