A word "spoken fitly," at the proper moment—not flung in nor pushed in, but gliding in opportunely "on its wheels" and suited to him to whom it is addressed—is both beautiful and precious. It is like golden fruit seen through the pure frosted network of a silver basket.
Such a word was once spoken to the emperor Theodosius. Though he was a great ruler, at times he was disposed to waver in his belief in the divinity of our Lord.
One day Theodosius', seated on his imperial throne in the great hall of his palace at Constantinople, was holding audience with his subjects. By his side sharing his throne and splendor was his little son Arcadius. On the little lad Theodosius had just' bestowed the title and honors of Augustine.
An aged bishop approached to salute his sovereign. With all reverence he bowed to Theodosius; but after a brief word with the emperor he turned away without seeming to 'notice Arcadius. Thinking it an oversight, Theodosius called him back. Smilingly he pointed to the young prince. The old bishop, grieved because of his ruler's fluctuating faith in his divine Savior, sought pointedly to illustrate the words of the Lord: "I and My Father are one," John 10:3030I and my Father are one. (John 10:30), and to bring home to his heart the words of Christ in John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6): "No man cometh unto the Father but by Me." He calmly went up to the child, stroked him gently on the head, and said with the same familiarity that he might have used in speaking to a peasant: "God save thee, my son.”
The emperor's indignation rose instantly. He angrily commanded his guards to drive the insolent old man from his presence. But as he was being led away, the bishop found opportunity to face his ruler and to cry out: "Thus, O Emperor, will the God of heaven do to those who fail to 'Honor the Son even as they honor the Father.'" John 5:2323That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him. (John 5:23).
The lesson was crude and simple, but it was strikingly well fitted to impress the mind and heart of him to whom it was addressed. Theodosius' never forgot it.