So was it done; and lo! St.Peter was right, and the Lord was wrong! Heaven is the smaller, because it is all level, while the earth has hills and valleys!" On another occasion, "all the saints were sitting at table, except the Holy Spirit." "Peter, Peter, my servant," says the Lord, "go bring the Holy Spirit." Peter has not traversed half the road, when he encounters a wondrous marvel, a fearful fire.

He trembles with fear and turns back.

"Why hast thou not brought the Holy Spirit ?" inquires the Lord.
Peter explains.

"Ho, Peter, that is no marvel! that is the Holy Spirit.
Thou shouldst have brought it hither and placed it on the table.

All the saints would have rejoiced that the Holy Spirit sat before them!" The Lazarus ballads illustrate how the people turn Scriptural characters into living realities, by incorporating their own observations on human nature with the sacred text.