Seest thou now?
If the Child be dead, there is no agent to bring the Redemption about, and the word is naught, and God--nay, I dare not say it!" He threw up both hands in horror.
"The Redemption was the work for which the Child was born; and so long as the promise abides, not even death can separate him from his work until it is fulfilled, or at least in the way of fulfilment.

Take you that now as one reason for my belief; then give me further attention." The good man paused.
"Wilt thou not taste the wine?
It is at thy hand--see," said Ilderim, respectfully.
Balthasar drank, and, seeming refreshed, continued: "The Savior I saw was born of woman, in nature like us, and subject to all our ills--even death.

Let that stand as the first proposition.
Consider next the work set apart to him.

Was it not a performance for which only a man is fitted ?--a man wise, firm, discreet--a man, not a child?
To become such he had to grow as we grow.

Bethink you now of the dangers his life was subject to in the interval--the long interval between childhood and maturity.