THE DREAM OF LINUS.

It was all wrong that Linus should be in this cell.  The Emperor had granted the freedom to worship Christ throughout the Empire.  However the commander, whose word was law in this remote outpost in Northern Britain, still worshipped Mithras, the god of the legions and he persecuted Christians.  He had already stripped Linus of his rank decurion and intended to execute tomorrow.

Linus fell into a deep sleep and dreamt a vision.  The entire Empire was Christian, even this distant island.  The Emperor embraced the Christian faith. There was peace and learning in these islands.

He was shocked when the Empire collapsed and fierce savage men poured in from the north and east like packs of wolves.  Christianity was submerged by the beliefs of these pagans in strange gods.  Linus shuddered in his sleep.

The invaders settled down and began to farm.  Christianity had survived in places and missionaries arrived to preach the gospel. There were arrogant men from Rome.  Gentler, more modest men came from a small northern island.  The were many setbacks for Christianity, but eventually the religion prevailed throughout the land. Linus smiled.

Disaster struck.  Even more brutal, who worshipped savage gods, began to raid this islands.  They destroyed the churches and monasteries, slaughtered priests and monks, raped nuns and pillaged the treasures of God.

The men almost conquered the entire island and spread their beliefs in Odin and Thor.  One Christian kingdom survived, though much reduced in size.  The king led the fight back and overcame the raiders.  He converted them to Christianity and began to build churches, monasteries, convents and schools.  The king built fortresses to protected his kingdom, reformed the currency and imposed laws.

Gradually the island once again accepted Christianity and this time it was here to stay.

The commander came for Linus on the following morning.  He was too late.  Linus lay asleep in the arms of his Lord: a smile of joy on his cold face.