Mephitic odours pervaded the air. At the further end was a rough cross formed of wood, in front of which two palms were burning. They saw their host prostrate himself before it, and lie at full length with his arms stretched out for a long period; but he did not invite them to join in his devotions. He then rose and closed the intermediate door, so as to shut himself out from their view. Occasionally, during the night, they heard the sound of a lash, while groans and cries issued from the cell. Suddenly, as they were just dropping off to sleep, they were aroused by a voice from within: "Begone, Mercury--I know thee well, and thy ever-changing form; licentious messenger of uncleanness, thou canst not deceive me; and thou, mighty Jove, ended is thy reign, thy thunderbolts fall harmlessly, thy lightnings cannot strike me." Thus, one after the other, the heathen gods were addressed as if they were present endeavouring to win back the anchorite to their worship. At daybreak next morning their host roused up his guests, and invited them to join him in prayer. So extravagant were the expressions he uttered that Jovinian could with difficulty retain a due composure. While they were breaking their fast, the recluse, who refused to eat, recounted to them numbers of miracles which he affirmed that he had performed, but which Jovinian was convinced--were he not purposely imposing upon them--were the hallucinations of a disordered brain. Jovinian could not fail to observe in his unhappy host a vain-glorious exaltation of self, and a spirit of pride combined with a false humility, which the system of asceticism was so calculated to foster. He saw, too, that this vain attempt to merit the favour of God arose from utter ignorance of God's loving and merciful character, that it set at nought Christ's finished work--His blood which cleanseth from all sin,--and was directly opposed to all the teaching of the Gospel. His host afterwards entreated Jovinian to remain a few days, that he might learn more of the mode of life; and practices of himself and his associates. "Before I can join you I must consult the holy volume which is my rule of faith, and ascertain whether your practices are in accordance with its precepts," answered Jovinian. "I have not so learnt Christ, and I cannot believe that He who spent His ministry on earth in going about doing good among human beings would have His followers spend their lives where they can be of no use to any one." The pale brow of the anchorite flushed as he heard the young man speak. "Come, you may think better of my proposal; but I will now take you to visit my associates."