Short Fiction · Chapter
In the Temple explained
A young boy, moved by compassion for a poor man whose lamb was rejected as an offering, miraculously crosses the perilous Paradise Bridge and later blows the ancient copper trumpet, the Voice of the Prince of this World, to save a stranger'
What happens
A young boy, moved by compassion for a poor man whose lamb was rejected as an offering, miraculously crosses the perilous Paradise Bridge and later blows the ancient copper trumpet, the Voice of the Prince of this World, to save a stranger's life. His parents search for him frantically, hearing reports of a wondrous child in the Temple.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
The boy's selfless acts—crossing the bridge and blowing the trumpet—are motivated by compassion for others, embodying sacrificial love.
Deception and Truth
The holy man exposes a pupil as an impostor who lied about being an Israelite, highlighting themes of truth and false identity.
Nature and the Supernatural
Miraculous events—the bridge ceasing to tremble and the trumpet sounding by itself—demonstrate supernatural intervention in the natural world.
Characters to notice
- Jesus
The little boy who performs miracles in the Temple out of compassion for others.
- Old Agnete
The mother who searches anxiously for her son in Jerusalem.
- Uncle Theodore
The father who accompanies the mother in searching for their lost son.
Key passages
“You must let me offer it, else my prayers will not come before God's face, and my son will die!”
The old man pleads that without the sacrifice, his prayers for his dying son will go unheard.
Highlights the desperation and faith of the poor man.
“It is just as impossible to let you remain here with me, as it is that someone shall arise and blow in the huge copper trumpet, which we call the Voice of the Prince of this World!”
The holy teacher declares that allowing the impostor to stay is as unlikely as someone sounding the ancient trumpet.
Sets up the miraculous moment when the boy blows the trumpet.
“God hath performed a miracle to show me that it is His wish that thou shouldst be consecrated to His service.”
The holy teacher recognizes the miracle and accepts the stranger as a student.
Demonstrates divine approval and the power of the boy's action.