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.Beautiful Ltory

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i'\\h),\ BO(jK to Till: HOLY miiLH.

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' '. i'ER KNiiW i '>;KVtI>ENCB ANH IMMEASURAULE

i . KILlrKM O^ MEN,

niwniv.u u Miuv.u

as of R^fii^ious E\)OU(ii\)t,

'"'VVS Fkt.M GPF'M* W9'T:
RKFl.Iv

♦tf'A«tKns. FOR

■• ri 'IVIAN.

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VI A OB. n. n.

./*♦./ luUH • j'r.irai and Fifty Superb En^raviui^' from

dcsiptx by /I DA, ilu! Converied Jew, DORf% and
others of the Jvor/d's j^rcatesf arti\'ts.

*MM^V»;/i."f/Vr ALLEGORICAL PLATEii IN 8HiLLIANT COLORS.

WM. BRICCS.

TORONTO. ONTARIO.

I 88«. -

'f^immi^'>0i

LuLN.ili IHL iVluHNiNG CF Oill* ' ON

The Beautiful Story.

♦+♦++*+•'++». t-^Jr-,-H- f~r-h •--

A COMPANION BOOK TO THE HOLY BIBLE.

coNTAixmc A ::akkatiie histoky oi- au. the kvexts recorded in the sacred

BOOK, ARRAXGKD CIIROXOI.OGICALr.Y, FOR THE CHILD, STUDENT,

MIXISTER, AXD THE EASY iXDERSTAXDIXC,

Of ALL WHO LOVE con.

DESIGNED TO INCRKASK OUR INTKREST IX A STUDY OK THE BI15LE, AXD TO GIVE A

liETTER KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S I'ROVIDEXCE AND IMMEASURABLE

LOVE R)R THE CHILDREX OF MEN.

TO WHICH IS ADDED

(iold^i7 d^ms of Fi^li(§iotJS 5t?oti(^l7t,

INCLUDING NUMEROUS SELECTIONS FROM GREAT WRITERS AND SPEAKERS, FOR

FIRESIDE READING, SACRED REFLECTION, THE ELEVATION AND

HAPPINESS OF THE HOME CIRCLE, AND TO

POINT THE WAV TO HEAVEN.

"^'1

WRiriKN AM) EDITKD IIY

J. W. BU^,^,

THE l«13rMOVVNUU WKITER A.NO HISTORIAN.

ASSISTED I!V

REV. T. DKW'IT'r TAI.MAC.K, n. ID.

Ilhistrated with Ttoo Hundred and Fifty Superl) Engravings from

designs by BIDA, the Converted Jew, DO RE, and

others of the world' ^ greatest artists.

MAGNIFICENT ALLEGORICAL PLATES IN BRILLIANT COLORS.

WM. BRIGGS.

TORONTO. ONTARIO.
1888.

Mfc»«l««mi' III! I'liiHilUhjfciyWIj;— «

*** The illustrations in this work being from original drawings, and protected by copy-
right, their reproduction in any form is unlawful, and notice is hereby given that persons
guilty of infringing the copyright thereof will be prosecuted.

HE BEAUTIFUL STORY is a book conceived in
ail hour of solemn meditation upon sacred things.
From my youth the Bible has been to me a
volume of revelations ; a repository of divine knowl-
edge that can only be unlocked by the key of
faith and love ; a grand conservatory of precious
growths in the garden of human nature ; a treasury
of illimitable gifts of God's providence; a record
of relationship between the Holy Spirit and man-
kind ; all of these, and yet more ; for in it we
perceive the handwriting of Deity tracing a history
of the race from birth to death and regeneration,
and to the glory of a reunion with the eternal
Fatherhood,

God speaks in all tongues and through all
things, yet the original Bible was given us, common
heritage as it is, through the medium of only two
languages, the Hebrew and Greek. The English-
speaking people have therefore to accept the ver-
sions of appointed translators, which give rise to
differences, not always material but often confusing,
since it is not possible to preserve the sense and
idea of an original writer in a literal translation.
Thus the aid of commentaries becomes necessary, and yet, as each commen
tator has to rely upon his individual interpretation of history, and his transla-
tion as well, it follows as a natural consequence that there now exists a wide
divergence of opinions among learned men in the interpretation of the Scrip-
tures, that scarcely stops short of the methods of true worship and even of the
means of salvatioii itself. While we may deplore, Ave cannot avoid this result,
and must therefore be content to search the Scriptures for ourselves, with an

a (xvii)

Ill l lJ B I rtt" MMI<llMll l l' l l

XVlll

PREFACE.

abiding faith that God will help us to read aright His precious words, and
lead us ever in the path of duty and obedience to His commands as we under-
stand them.

I have sought to aid those interested in the Bible, in my humble wa}', by
striving to bring into prominence many of the sublime beauties of the Holy
Book that lie half covered under the shadow of the antique, if not obsolete,
language of the text. But while attempting this, I have prayerfully endeav-
ored to avoid doing violence to the established opinions of any denomination,
respecting all beliefs alike, and holding specially sacred the truth as revealed
by God, according to my understanding. My purpose, in pursuance, of this
resolve has been to present a modern narrative of the Holy Scriptures, following
the history as related by the Bible, except occasional changes which appeared
to be useful in preserving the sequence of events and proper chronological
arrangement, as well also the harmony, morale^ and uumarred beauty of the
story.

Beyond Lhis, however, I have essayed to present the narrative in a manner
and style most readily understood, for which purpose I have added from time
to time such explanatory comments as would serve to render clear those texts
which otherwise appear confusing. Nearly all the prominent characters of the
Bible are described also in profane history, where we find many revelations
quite as instructive, that enable us to better understand those passages of
Scripture which sometimes excite doubt in the mind of the casual Bible reader.
From these corroborative sources have I drawn largely, and with such borrowed
light have I attempted to illuminate the entire narrative, that every portion
may appear plain to the comprehension, not only of students of the Bible, but
of children as well.

To the more profound scholars of sacred history, such as Josephus, Dr.
Smith, Thomson, Beecher, and a hundred others whom I have consulted in the
preparation of this book, I beg to make my acknowledgments, and to confess
that without their aid I should have felt so poorly qualified for the really
pleasurable task of writing Thp: Bh.MITifui, Stor .' that I would never have
attempted it. While exercising critical regard for exactness in the purely his-
torical features of the book, I have endeavored to so write ilic story that all
who read it will not onlj' gather useful lessons therefrom, but will be also
stimulated to a greater interest in the Bible and a stronger love, a better faith,
a more perfect obedience, and a constantly growing devotion to God, in whose
service may this effort of miue lead many to enter, is the earnest prayer of

Tiiu Author.

-><^

X.-

m INTROD UCTION M

\ti^.T^\ <VT» iRnnicMiX/>iiini ml v^Qi^iiiiinii <s<>i^liiiniiil '^tdr'^lmuiil o<(iK}l(ininis^»(

i^HPw#rp?i^Fiii!P

AM here to let down the bars, so that the flock of lambs
and sheep may easily get into the green pastures of this
book. Its binding sumptuous, its type luxurious, its pic-
tures so many revelations, and its style of thought and
expression captivating, rnE Beautiful Story will have
an unlimited mission for good. A well-written book that
will entertain young people, will interest the middle-aged
and the old, so that while the boy will put down his bat
and the girl her lawn-tennis racket to read this book, the
octogenarian, having adjusted his eye-glass No. 9, will read the story from lid
to lid. Books for the young are generally too elaborate or too simple, and
the forage for the lambs is either too high in the hay-rack or down under foot.
This book strikes the medium. When our older people were children there
was no juvenile literature. If the book-appetite arose, they were fed on a slice
of Wilberforce's " Practical View of Christianity," or little tid-bits from Edwards
" On the AfiFcctions," or were given a few nuts to crack from Chalmers' " Astn>-
nomical Discoui-ses." Their fathers and mothers sighed lest these little outs
should turn out badly because th-.y liked ginger-snaps better than the West-
minster Assembly's Catechism, and would spend their money for marbles whtn
it ought to have gone toward furnishing red flannel shirts for the poor heatlutu
in Kan;tcliatka. You lost all faith in John Bunyan's veracity, and whistled
incredulously when you came to that story about Apollyon. Pictures were scarce,
ind a book was considered profusely adorned that had at the boginnitig a
sketch of the author in gown and bands and long hair of powdered whitencLiS,
and at the close, in ornate letters, the word "/•>";/ /!v," which you were told meant
The End, although, after wearily reading it through, you did not know whether
it was the end of the book or the end of you. You might as well feed your
baby on lobster salad as at that early age to have been expected to digest the
books that were set before you.

(xlx)

INTRODUCTION.

But now the youth's library is filled with books of large type and tasteful
vignette, and lids ridged and flowered and scrolled and columned and starred
with all the fascinations of book-bindery. There is now danger that what is
called " milk for babes " shall become nothing but chalk and water. Many of
the Sabbath-schools are doing much to foster a taste for trashy literature. In
some of these libraries you find sentimental love-yarns ; biographies of generals
who were very brave and good examples in some respects — when they were
sober ; fairy stories in which the fairies had very low morals ; accounts of boys
and girls who never lived — books in which there is no more religion than in
Don Quixote or Gulliver's Travels. We have been wondering why some reli-
gious society did not publish a nice littla edition of Baron Munchausen, with
a moral at the end showing our dear little people the danger of tying their
horses to the top of a church-steeple.

On Sunday night your child does not want to go to bed. He cries when
compelled to go, and looks under the bed for some of the religious hobgoblins that
come out of the Sunday-school library. Religious spooks are just as bad as any
other kind of spooks. A child is just as afraid of Floras, Pomouas, sylphs,
oreads, and fairies, as of ghosts. The poor little darling in the blue sack goes
home with a book thinking she has heaven under her arm, and before she gets
through reading the story of love and adventure feels so strange that she thinlc-i
she must be getting lots of religion.

In the choice of our children's books let us not mistake slops for simplicity,
nor insult our children's tastes by disquisitions about " footsy-tootsies," or keep
informing them of the historical fact — which they learned a great while ago —
that " Mary had a little lamb," or assemble the youngsters in coroner's jury to
clear up the mystery as to "Who killed Cock Robin ?" If a child has no common
sense at seven years of age, it never will have.

Have at least one book in your library in which all the good children did not
die. My carl}^ impression from Sunday-school books was that religion was very
unhealthy. It seemed a terrible distemper that killed every boy and girl that it
touched. If I found myself some day better than common, I corrected the
mistake, for fear I should die, although it was the general opinion that I was not
in much danger from over-sanctity. But I do believe that children may have
religion and 5'et live through it. A strong mustard-plaster and a teaspoon ful of
ipecac will do marvels. Timothy lived to grow up, and we are credibly informed
that little Samuel woke. Indeed, the best boys I ever saw occasionally upset
things and got boisterous and had the fidgets. The gocdy-goody kind of children
make nambj'^-paniby men. I should not be surprised to find that a colt which
does not frisk becomes a horse that will not draw . It is not religion that makes
that boy sit by the stove while his brothers arc out snow-balling; but the
"dumps." The boy who has no fire in his nature niaj', after he has grown up,
have animation enough to grca o a wagon-wheel, but he will not own the wagon
nor have money enough to buy he grease. The best boy I ever knew before he

INTRODUCTION.

XXI

went to heaven could strike a ball till it soared out of sight, and in the race,
far as you could see, you would find his red tippet coming out ahead. Look
out for the boy who never has the fingers of a good laugh tickle him under
the diaphragm. The most solemn-looking mule on our place had kicked to
pieces five dashboards.

There are parents who notice that their daughter is growing pale and sick,
and therefore think she must be destined to marry a missionary and go to
Borneo, although the only recommendation she has for that position is that
she will never be any temptation to the cannibals, who, whiL-' very fond of
cold missionary, are averse to diseased meat; or, finding their son looking
cadaverous, think he is either going to die or become a minister, considering
that there is great power of consecration in liver complaint, and thinking him
doubly set apart who, while Presbytery are laying their hands on his head,
has dyspepsia laying its hands on his stomach.

Oh for a religious literature that shall take for its model of excellence a
boy that loves God and can digest his dinner in two hours after he eats it I
Be not afraid to say, in your account of his decease, that the day before you
lost him he caught two rabbits in his trap down on the meadow, or soundly
thrashed a street-ruifian who was trying to upset a little girl's basket of cold
victuals. I do not think that heaven is so near to an iliy-venrilated nursery
as to a good gymnasium. If the Church of God could trade off three thou-
sand hogsheads of religious cant for three thousand hogsheads of fresh air
and stout health, we should be the gainers, but the fellow with whom we
traded would be cheated mercilessly and forever.

An antidote for much literary poison is The Beautifui^ Story here pre-
sented. The young reader will not by it be fired with an ambition — such as
is kindled by much juvenile literature — to run away and scalp Indians on the
Rocky MountaiuG. Nearly all the boys that have run away from home, after
being brought back, have confessed that they got their inspiration for the
foolish deed from some of the books or periodicals for young people. But this
"Beautiful Story" is just as thrilling and inspiriting for the right as the other
books I speak of are for the wrong. Much of it is dramatic in style — and
that is the most impressive of all styles. The Bible is full of it. Here it is
in the Book of Judges : The fir tree, the vine, the olive tree, the brambles —
they all make speeches. Then at the close of the scene there is a coronation,
and the bramble is proclaimed king. That is a political drama. Here it is in
the Book of Job: Knter EUphaz, Bildad, Zophar, Elihu, and Job. The opening
act of the drama, all darkness ; the closing act of the drama, all sunshine.
Magnificent drama 'ia the Book of Job ! Here it is in Solomon's Song : The
region, an Oriental rcgicm — vineyards, pomegranates, mountains of myrrh, flock
of sheep, garden of spices, a wooing, a bride, a bridegroom, dialogue after
dialogue, intense, gorgeous. All suggestive drama is the Book of Solomon's
Song! Here it is in the Book of Luke: Costly mansion in the night, all the

xxn

INTRODUCTION.

windows bright with illumination, the floor aquake with the dance. Returned
son in costly garments which do not very well fit him ; perhaps they were not
made for him, but he must swiftly leave off his old garb and prepare for this
extemporized levee. Pouting son at the back door too mad to go in, because
they are making such a fuss. Tears of sympathy running down the old man's
cheek at the story of his son's wandering and suflfering, and tears of joy at
his return. Hear' Murdoch recite the Prodigal Son in one of his readings,
and you will not know whether to sob or shout. Revivals of religion have
started just under the reading of that soul-revolutionizing drama of the Prodigal
Son. Here it is in the Book of Revelation: Crystalline sea; pearline gate;
opaline river ; amethystine capstone ; showering coronets ; one vial poured out,
incarnadining the waters ; cavalrymen of heaven galloping on white horses ;
nations in doxology; hallelujahs to the right of them, hallelujahs to the left
of them. As the Bible opens with the drama of the first Paradise, so it closes
with the drama of the second Paradise.

I hail the publication of a book like this, because we need by an enter-
taining and sanctified literature to fe-enforce our young people. What a battle
they have to do right when there are so many influences combining to make
them do wrong 1 It may be almost impossible to take a castle by straightfor-
ward siege, but suppose in the night there is a traitor within, and he goes
down and draws the bolt and swings open the great door, and then the castle
falls immediately. That is the trouble with the hearts of the young: they
have foes without and foes within. There are a great many who try to make
our young people believe it is a sign of weakness to be pure. The man will
toss his head and take dramatic attitudes and tell of his own indiscretions, and
ask the young man if he would not like to do the same ; and they call him
verdant, and say he is green and unsophisticated, and wonder how he can
bear the puritanical strait-jacket. They tell him he ought to break from
his mother's apron-strings, and they say, " I will show you all about town.
Come with us. You ought to see the world. It won't hurt you. Do as you
please, but it will be the making of you." Aft^r a while the young man says,
*' I don't want to be odd, nor can I afford to sacrifice these friends, and I'll go
and see for myself" From the gates of hell there goes a shout of victory.
Farewell to all innocence ! Farewell to all earthly restraints favorable to that
innocence, which, once gone, never conies back ! I heard one of the best men
I ever knew, seventy-five years of age, say, " Sir, God has forgiven me for all
the sins of my lifetime ; I know that, but there is one sin I committed at
twenty years of age that I will never forgive myself for. It sometimes conies
over me overwhelmingly, and it absolutely blots out my hope of heaven."

Young man, hear it! How many traps there are set for young people!
That is what makes parents so anxious. Here are temptations for every form
of dissipation, and every stage of it. The young man when he first goes into
dissipation is very particular where he goes. It must be a fashionable hotel :

INTRODUCTION.

XXIU

lie could not be tempted into one of those comer nuisances with red-stained
glass and a mug of beer painted on a signboard. You ask the young man to
go into such a place, and he would say, " Do you mean to insult me ? " No, it
must be a marble-floored bar-room. There must be no salacious pictures
behind the counter; there must be no drunkard hiccuping while he takes his
glass. It must be a place where elegant gentlemen come in and click their
cut glass and drink to the announcements of flattering sentiment.

But the young man cannot always find that kind of a place, yet he has
a thirst, and it must be gratified. The down grade is steeper now, and he is
almost at the bottom. Here they sit in an oyster-ceLar around a card-table,
wheezing, bloated, and bloodshot, with cards so greasy you can hardly tell
who has the best hand. But never mind; they are only playing for drinks.
Shuffle away ! shuffle away ! The landlord stands in his shirt-sleeves, with his
hands on his hips, watching the game and waiting for another call to fill up
the glasses. It is the hot breath of eternal woe that flushes that young man's
cheek. In the jets of gaslight I see the shooting out of the fiery tongue of
the worm that never dies. The clock strikes twelve : it is the tolling of the
bell of eternity at the burial of a soul. Two hours pass on, and they are all
sound asleep in their chairs. Landlord says, "Come, now, wake up; it's time
to shut up." They look and say, "What?" "It's time to shut up." Push
them out into the air. They are going home. Let the wife crouch in the
corner and the children hide under the bed. They are going home ! What
is the history of that young man? He began his dissipation in the Fifth
Avenue Hotel, and completed his damnation in the worst grogshop in Navy
street.

But sin even does not stop here. It conies to the door of the drawing-
room. There are men of leprous hearts who go into the very best classes of
society. They are sc fascinating ! They have such a bewitching way of
offering their arml Yet the poison of asps is under their tongue, and their
heart is hell. At first their sinful devices are hidden, but after a while they
begin to put forth their talons of death. Now they begin to show what they
really are. Suddenly — although you could not have expected it, they are so
fascinating in address, so charming in their manner — suddenly a cloud blacker
than was ever woven of midnight or hurricane drops upon some domestic cir-
cle. There is agony in the parental bosom that none but the Lord God Al-
mighty can measure — an agony that wishes that the children of the household
had been swallowed by the grave, when it would be only a loss of body instead
of loss of soul. What is the matter with that hoi^sehold? They have not
had the front windows open in six months or a j'ear. The mother's hair has
suddenly turned white ; the father, hollow-cheeked and bent over prematurely,
goes down the street. There has been no death in that familj'^, no loss of
property. Has madness sei/.od upon them ? No, no I A villain, kid-gloved,
patent-leathered, with gold chain and graceful manne'r, took that citp of domes-

XXIV

INTRODUCTION.

tic bliss, elevated it high in the air until the sunlight struck it and all the
rainbows danced about the brim, and then dashed it down in desolation and
woe until all the harpies of darkness clapped their hands with glee and all
the voices of ruin uttered a loud Ha! ha I

Oh, there are scores and hundreds of homes that have been blasted, and
if the awful statistics could be fully set before you, your blood would freeze
in a solid cake of ice at the heart! Do you wonder that fathers and mothers
are anxious about their children, and that they ask themselves the question
day and night, "What is to become of them? What will be their destiny?"

In this great struggle between good and bad this book is on the right
side. May God speed it on a mission of light and rescue all round the world I
and long after the author who wrote it, and the printers who set it up, and
the publisher who starts it on its beneficent way shall have closed the work
of their lifetime may The Beautiful Story continue a benediction to the
human race!

/^^d-e^ U^:/C(Z^ 7^

CHAPTER I.

PAGB

The Story of Creation— Beauties of Eden— The birth of love — First sin of Adam and Eve — Their pun-
ishment — Driven from the garden, 33-3^

' CHAPTER II.

Birth of Cain and Abel — The first murder — Caiu is made an outcast — He founds the first city — Enoch,
the wise man— Jubal, the first musician— Tubal-cain, the first worker in metal— Enoch translated to

heaven,

39-43

CHAPTER III.

8tory of the Great Flood— All the world's creatures drowned save Noah and those with him in the
ark — ^The ark floating on a waste of waters — Re-peopling the world — Building of the tower of Babel^
Confusion of tongues — The people are scattered, 44-47

CHAPTER IV.

The Story of Abraham — The famine in Canaan— Wickedness of the Egyptians— Sarah taken as wife by
the king — A plague sent to punish Pharaoh — Abraham rears an altar — Lot and Abraham compelled
to separate — Lot moves to Sodom— He is captured by four kings — Abraham to the rescue — Barren-
ness of Sarah is complained of — Abraham takes Hagar to wife — The poor woman afterward driven
from his house— Hagar's wanderings with her babe — An angel comes to her aid— Destruction of
Sodom and Gomorrah — Abraham and the three angels — Abraham is called to sacrifice his only
son — Death of Sarah, and marriage "f Isaac — The story of Isaac and Rebekah — Death and burial of
Abraham 48-63

CHAPTER V.

The Story of Jacob and Esau— The Philistines worry Isaac— Abimelech enters into a covenant with
Isaac— Jacob takes Esau's birthright— Jacob deceives his blind father— Jacob's vision— Jacob's hard
service for a wife— Jacob marries two sisters — He meets his brother Esau in the desert— The birth
of Benjamin- The crimes of Simeon and Levi — Death of Rachel— Jacob and Esau bury their
father 64-74

CHAPTER VI.

The Story of Joseph- Joseph the tale-bearer— His brothers resolve to kill hitn — Reuben saves Joseph's
life— Joseph sold to the Egyptians— Joseph becomes an interpreter of dreams— Interprets Pharaoh's
dream — The famine — Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy corn — Meeting of Joseph and Benja-
min — The brothers brought to great grief— Joseph reveals himself to his brothers— An affecting
scene— Joseph sends for his father — Meeting of Joseph and his aged father— Jacob blesses Joseph's

children and dies, 75-91

(xxv)

■ ...tL^LMidikir;

'.KsMNi'

XXVI

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VII.

FAGB

The Story of Moses — Oppression of the Jews — Birth and finding of Moses — ^The manhood of Moses —
Moses kills an Egyptian — Flees from Egypt and marries in Arabia — Returns to free"the Jews — His
miracles before Pharaoh— The ten plagues — The Jews flee from Egypt — Pharaoh's host drowned in
the sea — Wanderings of the Israelites — Water brought out of the rock Horeb — Fed with manna —
The ten commandments — Moses talks with God, 92-1 ii

CHAPTER VIII.

Stoning n Blasphemer — Taking a census of the Isruelites — The Israelites resume their joumeylngs —
Spies sent into Canaan — Rebellion of the princes — The miracle of Aaron's rod — An earthquake
swallows up Korah— A pestilence stayed by a miracle, 11 2-1 19

CHAPTER IX.

Hie Sin of Mcses and Aaron — The brazen serpent set up — The Israelites are victorious in two battles —
The story of Balaam and the angel — ^The cupidity of the prophet — Death of Moses— A grave made
by the hand of God, iao-129

CHAPTER X.

Hie Story of Job's Faitli— Who was Job ?— Purpose of the story— Job's great wealth— His domestic
joys — Satan obtains permission to afflict him— Job's possessions are destroyed — His children are
killed by a storm— He is afflicted with boils— Job's friends — Riches and children again sent him, 130-135

CHAPTER XI.

Josbna Chosen to Succeed Moses — Spies sent into Jericho— They are hidden by a woman — ^Their
escape— The capture and slaughter at Jericho — The crime of an avaricious man — Stoned to death —
Capture of Ai and league of the kings— Strategy of the Gibeonites — The battle of Beth-Horon —
Joshua divides the land— His death 136-149

CHAPTER XII.

CM is Forsaken by the Israelites — Punishments sent upon them — Assassination of King Eglon —
Story of the destruction of the tribe of Benjamin — The great battle of Shiloh — Massacre of the
people of Jabesh-gilead — Four hundred virgins made captives— Deliverance of Israel by Deborah —
Jael kills Sisera with a nail, 150-160

CHAPTER XIII.

The Story of Gideon— Gideon visited by an angel— Called by God to lead the Israelites— Gideon's
fleece — A wondrous victory — The rebellion of Abimelech — The murder of sixty-nine brothers —
Massacre of the inhabitants of Shechem — The story of Jephtliah and his daughter— Jephthah's rash
vow — He sacrifices his only child — The rebellion against Jephthah, 161-170

CHAPTER XIV.

He story of Samson— An angel predicts his birth— His marvellous strength — Samson destroys a Hon —
Samson marries a woman who deceives him — His riddle — The singular means he took to spread a
fire — Slays the Philistines with the jaw-bone of an ass — He carries off the gates of Gaza — How he
was finally overcome by his enemies— He pulls down the temple of Dagon 171-180

CHAPTER XV.

The Story of Both and Naomi- A sorrowful widowhood- in poverty among strangers— Ruth gleans in the

field of Boaz — Her beauty winn a noble lover— Boaz redeems the inheritance of Ruth — Her marriage, 181-185

CONTENTS.

XXVll

CHAPTER XVI.

PAGB

The Storj of Samuel — Samuel called by God— Instructed in the priesthood by Eli— Israelites are defeated
by the Philistines — The sins of Eli's two sons — The Philistines capture the ark — The calamities that
followed it — ^The ark returned— A terrible punishment for profanation of the ark — Israel is delivered
through the prayers of Samuel— The Israelites demand a king — Saul ordained king, 186-194

CHAPTER XVII.

Hie Reiini of Saul- His first battle— Jonathan's great valor — Samuel's advice to the people — Saul's
expedition against the Amalekites — Saul's sin against God — Samuel's prophesies the downfall of
Saul — David appointed Saul's successor — David plays the harp to drive away Saul's melancholy, . . 195-203

CHAPTER XVIII.

The Story of David — He slays the giant— Saul jealous of David— David compelled to flee for his life — A
second time he escapes Saul's vengeance — David in exile — Saul renews the hunt for David — David
refuses to revenge himself— David again spare Saul't. life — The ,sin and deception of David — Saul
consults the witch of Endor— David driven out v.. the Philistine camp — The death of Saul 204-225

CHAPTER XIX.

Darid is Proclaimed King — Assassination of Abner — David laments for Abner — Assassination of Ish-
bosheth — David lays siege to Jerusalem — Rebuilding of Jerusalem — David commits a great sin — War
with the Philistines — David brings the ark to Jerusalem — David prosecutes a war for spoils — David
adopts Jonathan's son— His war with the Ammonites — David's greatest iniquity — Nathan condemns
\lavid— David's punishment— Ammon conceives a passion for Tamar— Absalom murders his brother —
Absalom's rebellion — Death of Absalom — David's lamentations — David remits the offenses of his
enemies — Battles with the Philistine giants— David is punished for numbering the people, 226-253

CHAPTER XX.

Darid Prepares to Build a Temple— Adonijah's ambition to succeed David — David's last charge to
Solomon — God's great gift to Solomon — Adonijah and Joab slain — Solomon restores a contested
child — Building the temple — Dedication of the temple — Building of the king's palace — Solomon
visited by the Queen of Sheba — Solomon bows down to idols — Israel is divided — Golden images set
up by Jeroboam— Jerusalem captured — The temple spoiled — Downfall of Jeroboam — Asa's great
victory — Baasha's war with Asa— Ahab's wicked reign — The miracles of Elijah — Elijah before Ahab
— Elijah persecuted by Jezebel — Ahab has Naboth stoned to death — Siege of Samaria— Jehoshaphat's
reign — God performs a miracle 254-288

CHAPTER XXI.

Ahaiiah's Reign and Dcatli — The messengers destroyed by fire — Elijah translated to heaven — A league
against the Moabites— Miracles wrought by Elisha— An army sent to apprehend Elisha — Miraculous
termination of a famine— Jehu arointed king — Terrible death of Jezebel — Destruction of the wor-
shippers of Baal— The youngest king of Israel— A dead body brought to life — Amaziah's great vic-
tories— Jeroboam's prosperous reign — The Assyrian invasion, . . 289-311

CHAPTER XXII.

The Story of Jonah— Jonah is ordered to go to Nineveh — Disobeys God — Starts to Joppa by sea— The
storm — He is thrown overboard — Swallowed by a great fish — Vomited on to land — He preaches in
Nineveh — The city is converted— Jonah's anger — Captivity of Israel — Hezekiah's reign — Miraculous
destruction of Sennacherib's army — Hezekiah escapes death by a miracle — Capture of Manasseh —
JosiiUi kills the false prophets — Amon is murdered— Josiah becomes king — Josiah slain in battle —
Destruction of Jerusalem— The rule of Jehoiachin— Captivity of Judah—Zedekiah's eyes burned out, 312-319

XXVUl

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXIII.

MAS

The Jews Become Oracles In Babylon — Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream— Predictions of tbe
coming of Christ — ^The three Hebrews in a fiery furnace — Nebuchadnezzar becomes insane -Belsha^
zar's feast — Daniel is cast into a den of lions — Daniel's prayer for Jerusalem — Daniel's visions, . . • ^30-341

CHAPTER XXIV.

Betnm of the Jews from Captirity — Rebuilding of the temple— Ezra goes to Jerusalem — Separation of

the Jews and their wives taken from other nations, 34*-345

CHAPTER XXV.

The Story of Esther — ^Vashti disobeys the king — Esther chosen to succeed her as queen — The king orders
the Jews to be slaughtered— How Esther saved her people — Mordecai's triumph— Execution of
Haman, 346-357

CHAPTER XXVL

Nehemiah sent to Bebnild Jemsalem — Celebrating the restoration — Abuses reformed — ^Nehemiah the

seal of the prophets, 35S-363

CHAPTER XXVII.

The Apocrypha — Discussion of its admission to the Bible — Israel after Nehemiah's death — A second
temple built by a schism in the church — ^Alexander the Great— Jerusalem captured by Ptolemy — ^The
death of Simon — Eleazar — Heliodorus scourged by an angel, 343*'372

CHAPTER XXVIII.

The Sack of Jemsalem— Pollution of the temple — Dreadful persecution of the Jews — Horrible punish-
ment of a mother and h^r seven sons — Deliverance of the Jews by Maccabeus — Battle with the
Syrians — Eleazar slain by an elephant — Alexander the Horrible — Mark Antony and Cleopatra —
Onelty of Herodi 374-393

BIRTH OF CHRIST.

CHAPTER XXIX.

The Fonr Gospels — A golden promise — An angel appears to Zacharias— Gabriel appears to Mary— The
birth of John — The birth of jESUs — An angel announces the glad tidings — Naming of Christ —
Herod murders the children of Bethlehem — Escape of Jesus— JKSUS disputes with the doctors —
Preaching of John— John declares the coming of Christ— John baptizes Jesus — The forty-days' fast,
and temptation^The first miracle — Money changers driven from the temple — Conversion of Nico-
demus— John is beheaded— Jesus discourses with a Samaritan woman — Healing of the nobleman's
son — ^The Nazarenes conspire to kill jESUs — Miraculous draught of fishes — Healing the sick — Heal-
ing of a leper— Jesus illustrates His discourse — The Pharisees demand His punishment — Christ
heals the cripple — Twelve apostles chosen— The centurion's faith is rewarded — jESUS raises the
widow's son— JKSUS anointed by a penitent woman— Parable of the sower — Parable of the tares and
mustard seed 393-447

CONTENTS.

XXIX

»-34»

>-345

■357

-36a

CHAPTER XXX.

Jeans Calms the Tempest — Devils cast out of two demoniacs — The raising of Jairus's daughter— Jesus
leeds the multitude— jESUS walks on the sea —The true bread of life— Jesus predicts His death and
resurrection — The disciples are scoffed at — Parable of the generous king — Healing the ten lepers —
Parable of the good Samaritan — The two Marys — The woman taken in sin — A blind man healed —
Parable of the good shepherd — Raising of Lazarus^ESUS escapes to the wilderness — Parable of the
great supper — Parable of the prodigal son — Parable of the rich man and Lazarus — The Pharisee and
publican — The rich young man— Parable of the laborerb,

CHAPTER XXXI.

PAGE

448-483

Zacchens Acknowledges Christ — ^The triumphant entry into Jerusalem— Parable of the vineyard — Para-
ble of the wedding feast — The poor widow's mite — Destruction of the temple foretold— Parable of the
ten vi.gins — Parable of the talents — Designs against the Lord's life — The last supper — The passion
in the garden — Betrayal of jESUs— J ESUS taken captive— Peter's denial 484-500

CHAPTER XXXII.

The Trial of Jesns— Pilate tries to save Him— They cry, "Crucify Him!"— jESUS is mocked and
scourged — Remorse and suicide of Judas — The crucifixion — The soldiers divide His garments —
Christ's last words — The manner of crucifying practised by the Jews — Horrible sufferings — ^The
earthquake— Graves give up their dead — ^The burial of jESUS 501-514

■372

CHAPTER XXXin.

The Resurrection of Christ— Jesus appears to the disciples — The doubts of Thomas— Mary meets

JBSUS — A miraculous haul of fishes— Jesus eats with the disciples — ^The ascension, 5 '5-523

CHAPTER XXXIV. ■ ^

AcU of the Apostles — Birst miracle of John and Peter- Arrest and trial of the apostles— Punishment
of Ananias and Sapphira — Seven deacons chosen — Conversion of the eunuch — Stephen is stoned
to death — Conversion of Saul — Ananias sent to restore Saul's sight — The Jews seek to kill Paul —
Resurrection of Dorcas — Conversion of Cornelius — Peter's vision — An angel delivers Peter from
prison — Paul is called to Antioch — Paul and Barnabas driven from Antioch — The two afterward
return, 524-539

CHAPTER XXXV.

Panl and Barnabas Dispute — Paul and Silas are scourged — ^The people again threaten Paul — Paul
teaches the Athenians— The Unknown God— An evil spirit punishes the impostors— Paul is appre-
hended at Corinth — A mob goes crying through Ephesus — A young man is killed, but restore.:*,
to life — Paul arrested in the temple— The people again try to stone Paul— Shipwreck of Paul — Riot
in Rome, and Paul's death— Crucifixion of St. Peter— Exile of St. John— Visions of St. John on
lonely Fatmos, . 540-556

s^i^^Si;^ £^S£!i;giS:^iSr^SSSSSS£$^S;@^^g£i^S^£S'^S^S^S:^

GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGH T

i^^imiini»iiiiPia^inii^nii»i^iiiB'l^

AUTHOB

Parker.

Enlogy of Henry Watd Beecher .

Heaven our Home Prentice

▲ Christian Man's Life

Humility Allston

A Wood Note Howitt

Summer Woods Burleigh

Oatching Shadows Hanna/erd . 561

Poor Wife, She's Dead .... Anotkytnous . 562
The Rainy Day Longfellow . 562

PAG8.

• 557

■ 559
559

• 559

• 560

A Year in Heaven Larcom .

Death the Gateway to Joy Talmage

Shun the Bowl Darker .

Evenlight Rodd . .

Rest Lathrop .

563
563
564
565
565

ACTROR. FACa.

December and May Hood , . . 566

Two Pictures Douglass. . 567

A Memory H^.E.H.. 568

Rain on the Roof Kinney . . 569

The Dead House Lowell . . . 569

Memory Garfield . . 570

The Death-Bed Mood ... 571

The Brotherhood of Man IVashington 571

The Hour of Death Heinans . . 572

Music in Camp Thompson . 573

On the River Havers . . 574

Shall We Meet Again ? Prentice . . 575

Annabel Lee Pae .... 515

BENEDICTION Psalms ... 576

(XXX)

56«
567
56S
569
569
570
571
571
572
73
74
75
J5

Colored Plates.

presentation.

Eden, in the Movnlng of Cveatien.

Jaeob's Dpcam,

pindlng of Moses.

aephthab's Hash Voai.

Aseent of Elijah.

Daniel in the Iiion's Den.

Jesus Ulalking on the Wateir.

Gethsemane.

ChPist BetoPe Pilate.

Map of Palestine.

O Ci>ave, Uihetfe is thy Vietovyf

Choloe Initial bettava.

Symbolle End Pieees.

A Memory PAGE 568

Aaron's Tomb, 121

Abraham and the Three Angels, 55

Abraham's Vision of the Promised Land, .... 57

"Abraham, Lay not thy Hand upon the Lad," . . 58

Adam and Eve Expelled from the Garden 37

After the Deluge, 45

Ahasuerus Celebrating his Marriage with Esther, . 348

Ahasuerus Receiving Esther, 350

Alexander at the Siege of Tyre 366

Amaziah Driving the Edomites over the Rocks, . 307

An Angel Leads the Army of Joshua, 145

Ananias and Sapphira, 527

Ancient Babylon, 336

Ancient Corinth 545

Angel Appearing to Joshua, 140

Angel Releasing the Apostles 529

Annunciation, The . . 396

Ascension, The 523

Aquilp. and Priscilla 546

"Arise, Take up thy Bed, and Walk," 440

Balaam Confronted by an Angel 124

Barak before Deborah 158

Battle between Antigonus and Ptolemy, 369

Benediction, 576

Bethlehem, 394

Brazen Serpent Lifted Up 122

Cain and Abel Sacrificing 40

Call of Matthew, 442

Capture of Babylon by Cyrus, 338

Capture of Jerusalem by the Romans 386

Capture of Maidens at Sbiloh, 157

Catching Shadows 561

Christ Falling beneath the Cross, 512

Confusion of Tongues at Babel 47

Creation of Eve 34

Crowning the Infant Joash 305

Daniel Bound and Cast to the Lions 340

Daniel Interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's Dream, . . 329

" Daughter. Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole," 453

David Addressing Saul, 215

David Besieging the City of Rabbah, 239

David Cutting off Saul's Skirt, 214

David's Fight with the Giant, 205

David Playing before Saul, 203

David with Goliath's Head 207

Death of Pharaoh's First-bom, TAGH lo3

Death of Sapphira 538

Death of the Widow's only Child 276

December and May 566

Defeat of the Ammonites, 198

Defeat of the Midianites, 128

Defeat of Sisera, 159

Delilah Deceiving Samson 177

Departure of the Prodigal Son, 477

Destruction of the Benjaminites 154

Destruction of Shechem by Abimelech, 166

Earthquake at Philippi, 541

Eleazar Killed by an Elephant, 383

Elijah Carried to Heaven in a Chariot of Flame, . 291

Elijah Fed by the Ravens, 286

Elijah Persecuted by Jezebel, 280

Elijah Raises the Widow's Son 277

Escape of David 210

Esther Preparing to Meet the King, 349

Esther Swoons before the King, 351

Evenlight 565

Execution of the Prophets of Baal, 278

Ezra Reading the Book of the l^aw, 361

Faithful Servant. The, 491

Falling of the Walls of Jericho, 141

First Miracle, The, 416

First Murder, The, 41

Finding the Cup in Benjamin's Sack, ...... 86

Flood, The 43

Gabriel .Speaking to Zacharias 396

Garden of Gethsemane 497

Gideon Convinced by the Fleece 163

Gladiator's Wife, The, 390

Gleaners, 185

Hagar and Ishmael in the Desert 53

Haman Begging for his Life, 356

Ilaman Leading Mordecai through the Streets, . . 354

Happy Days of Job 132

"He IS not here, but is risen," 517

" I le that is without sin let him cast the first stone, ' ' 469

Head of Jesus, 521

Heliodorus Punished in the Temple, 372

Herodias 421

Herodias Receives the Head of John 424

Herod Commanding a Cessation of the Slaughter, 389

Hiram Sends Messengers to King Solomon, . . . 261

(xxxi)

XX XIX

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

His Name Is John, pagb 398

Honoring Joseph in the Palace of Pharaol., ... 81

HorriMe Death of the Iniq'iitous Jezebel, ... 302

Idol of Baal in the Hermoi: Valley, 165

Image of Gold Set up for Daniel, 334

Israelites Vowing to Avenge the Levite Woman. . 153

Jacob Embaltned, 90

Jacob, Leah and Rachel 69

Jacob Tending the Flocks of Laban 68

Jacob's Vision, 67

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel 71

James and John are Called 414

Jephthah's Daughter Going to Meet her Father, . 169

Jeremiah Cast into the Dungeon 326

Jesus about to be Betrayed, 495

Jesus aud the Woman of Samaria, 426

Jesus at Twelve Year"; Old in the Temple, .... 407

Jesus Asleep in the Storm, 449

Jesus Bearing his Cross 509

Jesus Clearing the Temple, 418

Jesus Entering Jerusalem amid llosannas 485

Jesus Mocked, 507

iesus Preaching and Healing, 455

esus Preaching in the Synagogue, 465

esus Tempted of the Devil, 413

Jesus the Carpenter's Son, 408

Jesus Washing Peter's Feet, 494

Jews Carried away Captive to Babylon, 328

Jews in Bondage to the ICgyptiaiis 93

Joab Assassinating Amasa, 250

Joab Killing Absalom 248

Jioab Momiling the Walls of Jerusalem 232

Job and his Tliree Friends, .134

Joseph and ^lary at the Inn, 4cx)

John iind Mary 511

John the Baptist in the Wilderness, 410

Jonah Cast into the Sea 313

Jonah Warning the People of Nineveh, 314

Jordan, the Traditionary Bithing-pluce of Naaman, J96

Joseph Cast into the Pit, 77

Joseph's Dream, 78

Joseph Interpreting Pharaoh's Dream, 83

Joseph Reveals himself to his Brothers, 87

Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Sti'! . . , 147

Joshua Watching the Destruction of Ai . . 143

Judith with the Head of Holoferues . 378

King David — from Gustave Moreau's Painting, . 255

Kiss of Betrayal, 498

Lazarus before the Rich Man's Door, 480

Lions Destroying Christians, 555

Lot and his Family Fleeinj^ f'om Sodom 56

Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium 3S8

Martha Meeting the Lord 472

Meeting of David and Mephibosheth, . 237

Memory, 570

Miraculous Destruction of Sennacherib's Army, . 318

Miraculous Draught of F'ishes 430

Miriam's Song of Tiianksgiving, 107

Moses and .'\aron before Pharaoh, 9S

Moses Breaking the Tables, no

Moses Laying liis Hands upon Joshua 137

Mos(|ue over Machpelah, 72

Mount Sinai 109

Muider of (jueen Athaliah, 308

Murrain, The Plague cf, 100

Nabal Celel)ratiug Harvest Close 216

Naboth l)erore King Ahab 2S2

Oak of Abraham, . . 62

One Thankful Leper, , 464

On the River, 574

Palace of Nebuchadnezzar iu Babylon 33a

Parting of David and Jonathan, PAGE 212

Paul Shipwrecked, 553

Paul the Guest of Festus 551

"Peace Be Unto You," 520

Peter Denying the Lord 5ck»

Peter Weeping Bitterly 50^

Pilate Declaring Jesus Innocent, 51)5

Pool Before Askelon — Still Existing i.Sii

Pool of Bethesda 431;

Pool of Elisha, 29 ^

Pool or Wells of Moses, 104

Poor Wife, She is Dead 562

Pharaoh's Host Swallowed up loi

Pharaoh's Musicians 96

Priests and Furniture of the Tabernacle, 114

Punishment of Antiochus, 379

Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon 265

Rachel's Tomb, 7\

Rebekah at the Well, 61

Rebekah Coming to the Well 6.s.

Return of the Prodigal Son 478

Return of the Spies 116-

Rich Young Man Sorrowful 482

Rod of Aaron Budded 119,

Ruins of Shiloh 187

Ruth and Naonn, 182

Ruth Gleaning in the Field of Boaz, 183

Ruth the Gleaner 184

Salome . 423

Salome Dancing Before Herod, 422

Samson Pushing Down the Pillars 179

Samson Slaying the Philistines, 176

Satnso.i Tearing the Lion 173

Samuel Rebuking Saul, 200

Sarai anil Hagar, 50

Sarai in the Household of Pharaoh -49

Saul Anointed King by .Samuel . 193

S.uil's Las* Battle 223

Saul's Visit to the Witch FIndor, 220

.Saul of Tarsus Smitten to the Ground 532

Scril)es and Interpreters of the Law, 311

Scrilies Reading the Law to Ahasuerus, 353

Sealing the Sepulchre, 516

.Services at Dedication of the Temple, 263

Sibbechai's Victory o»-er the Philistine Warriors, . 251

Siege of Jerusalem — Showing Ancient Weapons, . 231

Solomon': »Iarem, 267

Sclcmon t)rderiii<; the Children to be Divided, . 258

Shepherds K-.opiiig their Flocks by Night, . . 402

.Slaughter of Ahab's Sons, 303

Syrian. 4 Scaling the Walls of Samaria, 284

Tabernacle, The 1 13

Taking Down the Precious Body 573

TeiiipU- of .Solomon Restored, 262

Theatre of Dion vsius at Athens, 544

The Death-Bed,' 571

The Hour of Death, 572

There is Horn a .Saviour, 403

"Thou art the Man!" 341

"Tiiy Sins be h'orgiven Thee," 434

Tiberias 450

Transfiguration, The, 460

Two Pictures, 567

Tyjie of S(iu.ire .\ssyrian Temple, 337

Vision of the Cherubim 38

Witch of lindor, ... 221

"Who Touched Me?" 45a

Woman Kissing tlie F'eet of Jesu* 444

"Woman, Thou Art Made Well," 475

Woman Wiping Jesus' Feet, 49a

Worshipping tiie Golden Calf, loH

551
52"
5«>
5f'2

5"5
l.V)

43'/
29 >
IU4
562
loi
y6
114
379
265

61
6.S.
478
116.
4«ii
119
187
182

if*3
184

423
422

J 79
176

173
200

50
49
193
223
220
53a
311
353
516
263

251
231
267
258
4U2

303
384

"3
573
265

544
571
57s
403
241

434
450
460

567

337

aai

45a
444
475
492
loH

The Beautiful Story.

CHAPTER I.

THE STORY OF CREATION.

Genesis.
EFORE our beautiful world was brought into existence by
the conunand of God, there was neither sun, moon, stains
nor living thing ; yet there was a heavenly host, and the
King of kings sat on His great white throne and received
the praises of those radiant beings, the cherubim and sera-
phim (cherubs and seraphs) who, after the creation, became
messengers between God and man, and guardians at the
gates of Paradise. The Bible does not tell us much about
the angels that were born in the celestial cit}', n^r of God, before the
world was fashioned by His mighty hand, but is chiefly a record of
the works of the Almighty and His relation to mankind as the
Father of all.

The first story in the Bible is that of creation — how the world
was n:ade. As there were no men on the earth until after God's
great labor had been accomplished, no one would have been qualified
to write a history of creation had not God inspired some man with
the knowledge necessary thereto. And this is what He did. In the
days of Moses there were none, not even the wisest, who knew how the world
came into being, or how it had once been drowned for its wickedness. Desir-
ous that His children should be enlightened upon the manner in which the
world was spoken into existence, God endowed Moses with the gift of revela-
tion, by which he was enabled to describe things he had never seen or heard
of, for it was indeed God who directed his hand in the writing, so that Moses
was but the instrument, or the pen, wliich God used to tell the story of crea-
tion. It was thus that the first five books (called the Penlaltinh) of the Bible
were written.

The beginnitig of God's labor was the creation of the earth, and of heavcn>
which was the air, or atmosphere, round about the earth, Am heaven itself
already existed. We still call the blue vault overhead, studded witl" Mie bright
constellation of stars, the heavens, and it was this heaven, in contradistinction
from that which is tl.e abode of God, that is thus referred to by Moses. The

S ' (33)

ErT»^

■ -■'■'■■

i^^-'-

ai
w

(34) TIIK CKUATION Ol' KVK.

" Aud the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam."— GKN. ii. ai.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

«$■

earth was without form and in darkness, until by the divine commaiid the sun
and moon and stars burst into being and cast their first light upon the new
world. The light and darkness were now separated so that at appointed times
the earth should be bathed with the sun's rays, and again be covered with
darkness, and these changes God designed should occur every twelve hours.
The former He therefore called day, and the latter night.

He divided the waters and made the dry land to appear, and in the latter
planted the seed of every kind of tree, grass, and herb, which were made to
spring up and yield their fruit to bless the earth, and the creatures which were
speedily to be brought into being. The waters were now made to bring forth
fish of every species, including the great whales md other monsters which
belong to the deep, and winged fowls were made to fly above the waters rud
the earth. Then followed the creation of all manner of beasts and cattle, and
things that creep as well, so that on the last day of God's labor the earth was
teeming with life, both great and small, blessed by His generous hand, and
ready for the dominion which He was about to give to a creature yet unborn
to exercise over them.

Over all this beautiful world, so fresh and perfect, so wondrous with rich
vegetation and marvellous with abundant and diversified life, God cast his grati-
fied eye, and was pleased with His labor. But His great work was yet incom
plete, for though all things which He had made were beautiful and perfect. He
had given to none of His creatures the divine attribute — reason — which could
make them mindful of His goodness and thefr dependency upon His bounty
and mercy. To complete the measure of His omnipotence, God therefore said
unto the cele-stial host by which He was surrounded, " Let us make man in
our image, after our likeness." And so God fashioned Adam in His own
image, and gave to him dominion over every living thing that was on the earth,
and made every tree and herb to bring forth fruit for him.

It was on the seventh day that God completed His work of creation, and
I He rested on that day and blessed and sanctified it, being greatly pleased with
* what He had done.

■■■%

But after resting one day God returned to His labor, not of creating, but
of preparing the earth for the being He had fashioned in His own likeness.
I The record of Moses tells us that "the Lord God planted a garden east-

ward in Eden ; and there He put the man whom He had formed." In this
garden God made to grow every tree and flower that was beautiful to the sight,
, and that yielded the most delicious of fruits. In this garden Adam was placed
and told to freely eat of everything that plcr.scd him except of the fruit of a
single tree that stood in the centre of this earthly paradise, and of this he was
forbidden to touch. God told Adam that this tree bore fruit which was mortal
to the taste, and that if he ate of it the penalty would be death.

After giving possession of the garden to Adam, God caused every species
of bird, animal and reptile that He had created to pass before Adam, who gave

"'^.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

to each the name by which it should ever afterward be known. But though
Adam had dominion over every living thing, and was set in the midst of all
the beautiful things that prolific and exuberant nature could yield, he was never-
theless lonesome, and sighed for a companionship whicli nothing that God had
yet made could supply. The birds of the air builded their nests and warbled
sweetly their orisons together, while the beasts of the field lay down beside
each other or sported over the green fields in happj' freedom and joyfxil com-
munication. Adam alone was without a mate to share the pleasures of Eden
with him, a lonely creature amid the splendors of paradise.

God had compassion upon Adam, however, and resolved to give him a
companion that should make happy the days, and fill his heart with renewed
thanksgiving. Accordingly, God caused a deep sleep to fall upo7i Ad^im, and
while he slept a rib was taken from his side, which God fashioned into a
woman, and when Adam awoke the most beautiful of all of God's creatures
stood before him to be his companion lor life, a joy unspeakable to his heart,
a peace pure arid perfect to his soul. This was the birth of love, the holiest
feeling that God ever planted in human breast, the link that binds us in image>
likeness, and aspirations to God the Father, the bond that neither time nor
grave can sever.

Now was Adam happy, and the companion whom God had thus provided,
whose name was called Eve, minislered to his joy as only a loving w'ife can.
How were their hearts gladdened by the pride that burst from everj'^ flower
scattering its incense, and every tree laughing with its golden fruit, and every
herb jnelding its succulent roots. But with all these wayside pleasures, limpid
streams, musical winds, singing birds, delicious fruits, fragrant buds, and eyes
that reflected love's image, hearts speaking loyal devotion, and words garlanded
with honeyed phrases, there was tlnit in the midst of these which should turn
the heart from loving and the soul from th inkfulness. Within this beautiful
garden there was a serpent tempter, who was nu)re cunning than anj^ beast of
the field, and he came to Eve, assuming the appearance of one wise, and said,
"Yea, hath God said yc sliall not eat of every tree of the gaiden ?"

Then live answered him by saying they were permitted to eat the fruit
of e\ery tree in the gardcMi except of the one which stood in the centre, and
this they were f()rl)idden even to touch under penalty of death. The tempter,
howe\er. l)eguiled her with assurances that the fruit was not hurtful, but as
grateful to the taste as to the sight, and, moreover, that the eating of it would
make her as wise as God himself These specious promises at length so excited
the curiosity of I'yve that she took the fruit and ate of it, and finding it pleasant
to the taste, she persuaded Adam also to eat. When they had committed this
great sin they heard the voice of Ciod calling to them in the garden, and they
hid themselves, being conscious of their guilt, and fear-stricken for the punish-
lucut that they had thus merited.

God asked Adam and Eve if they had eaten of the forbidden fruit, to which

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

ut though
idst of all
was iiever-
; God had
d warbled
wii beside
)3^ful coni-
i of Edcu

^'c him a
1 renewed
.d.lm, and
xl into a
creatures
his heart,
;ie holiest
in iniage^
time nor

provided,

w'ife can.

r}' flower

nd every

s, limpid

and e3-es

arlanded

nld turn

leantiful

)east of

nd said,

he fruit
tre, and
tempter,

but as
t would

excited
)loasant

ed this
id they
punish-

) which

they made repl}' that they had done so, being tempted and deceived by Satan.
Whereat God was much angered, and told them that their disobedience should
be punished in a most grievous manner : The serpent should thenceforth crawl

ADAM AND i:VK KXl'Kr,I,UI) FROM THB OARDKN

"Therefore the I^ord sent him forth from tlie llardeii of ICileii, to till the ground from whence he

was taken." — Gi;n. iii. 23.

npon the ground with its UKnith in the dust, and every man should seek it.s
life; the woman. Eve, should be heir to great pain and sorrow; and the man,
Adam, should thereafter be forced to labor in the fields and earn his bread by

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

the sweat of his brow. But bej^ond this punishment there was yet a greater,
for God, finding them unfitted for the beautiful garden that He had provided
for them, drove Adam and Eve out of Eden, and to prevent their return He
placed kt the east of the garden cherubim in whose hands were flaming swords
with which the gates were guarded. Instead of perpetual joy and everlasting

VISION OP THK CHERUBIM.

"Aud He placed at the east of the Gardeu of Edeu cherubim."— GBN. iil. 24.

life, which were their original inheritance, God rightfully afflicted them with
sorrow and doomed them aud their descendants, forever, to death, yet His
mercifulness was exhibited even in His anger, for though they should pass
through the grave, immortalitj^ was provided by a resurrection and redemption
which should ultimately restore them to the blissful condition in which they
were first placed.

CHAPTER II.

HOW THE WORLD BECAME PEOPLED.

FTER Adam and Eve were driven out of Eden they
began to cultivate the soil, which, though choked
with briers and weeds, by hard labor was still made
to produce abundantly for their uses. God soon
after gave to them two sons, the elder of whom was
called Cain and the j-ounger Abel. As these grew
up the former became a tiller of the soil and the latter
looked after the flocks, so that they became great
helps to their parents.

Though punished sorely by God, Adam did not
lose the love and reverence which he first had for his gracious
Father, and after leaving Eden he worshipped God and ofifered
up becoming sacrifices that won His favor, Cain and Abel
were also taught to be devotional, and they too made sacrifices
of the fruits of their labor. On one occasion, while working in
the field together and alone, Abel made a sacrifice of a lamb,
and Cain offered one of the grain and grasses of the field.
Each would have been acceptable to God had they been made in
the same loving spirit ; but Cain made his off'ering with a rebell
ious and sinful heart, or sacrilegious spirit, while Abel rendered up grateful
thanks for the mercies he had received. Thus was God pleased with Abel's
offering and offended with Cain, whereat Cain became so incensed with his
brother that he killed him.

After committing this foul murder Cain was sorely troubled in his heart
and would gladly have hidden himself from the All-seeing eye, but God called
to him and asked where was his brother. Cain's response showed plainl}' how
troubled and yet rebellious was his spirit, for in a pettish mood he answered,
"Am I my brother's keeper?" But God had been a witness to tlie murder
and would avenge it by placing a curse upon the criminal. God did not kill
Cain, but sent him out a vagabond and outcast upon the world, with a brand
upon him that would serve to show to all who should thereafter meet him that
he was his brother's murderer.

Cain now became conscious of the great sin that he had comuiitted, and
realized how bitter was the punishment which God had pronounced against
him, so he cried out, partly in remorse, but chiefly as an appeal for mercy,

(39)

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

il'

I '

UJU

" My pmiislnneiit is greater than I can bear. Behold, thou hast driven me
out this day from the face of the earth."

Cain, after being banished forever from the face of God, became an out-

CAIN AND ADKI, SACRIFICINC.

"And the Lord had respect uuto Abel, and to his olTeriiifj ; hut unto Cain, and his ofTering, he

had not respect. — Gun. iv. 4, 5,

cast. He left the home of his father and mother, and for many years wan-
dered over the land, until at length he settled in a countr}' called Nod, where
it is related he took a wife and founded a great cit}-.

driven me
lie an ont-

X, lie

ars wan-
d, where

'J'HK I'IKST MlKDliK.

"Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him."— Gkn. iv. 8.

^4iJ

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

'!
iil

Shortly after Cain left Adam and Eve, another son was born to them,
whom they named Seth, and though the Bible does not tell us the names of the
other children of our first parents, it is probable that many were born to them,
both sons, and daughters, for Adam did not die until he was nine hundred and
thirty years of age. Eve's age is not given. When Seth was one hundred
and five years old he had a son whom he named Enos, at which time there
were a great many people on the earth, descended from the sons and daugh-
ters of Adam and Eve, a fact which we can more readily understand, knowing
that in those days men and women lived to be many hundreds of years old,
so that more than one hundred children might be born to each couple. The
increase was therefore so extremely rapid that after Cain's manj'^ j-ears of wan-
derings he found people spread o\er a large extent of country.

Some time after Cain had takeu a wife in the land of Nod, a son was born
to him whom he named Enoch. The piety and wisdom of this son was so
great that Cain founded and named a city in his honor. There was also
another Enoch, a descendant of Seth, and who was equally noted for wisdom,
and was withal so righteous a man that he did not die, but was translated to
heaven.

Cain had a great many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,
among whom were Jubal, the inventor of the first musical instrument, and
Tubal-cain, who was the first metal founder, and made tools of iron and brass.
Another was Jabal, who was a great herder, and became "the father of all such
as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle."

Enoch, although the most upright and godlj' man of his time, yet had many
children who were unmindful of the goodness and mercy of God, and who
refused to walk in the footsteps of their father. The Bible does not describe
the Avickedness of Enoch's children, but it tells us that in the earlier life of
his grandson, Noah, the people were so sinful that God began to repent that
He had made man, finding in him nothing but waywardness and ingratitude.

■4

1:)
iii

orn to them,
names of the
)orn to them,
hundred and
one hundred
:h time there
s and daugh-
xnd, knowing
of years old,
couple. The
'ears of wan-
son was born
son was so
;re was also
for wisdom,
translated to

"andchildren,

rument, and

n and brass.

of all such

et had many
)d, and who
not describe
rlier life of
repent that
gratitude.

TIIIC I'LOOU.

"And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth."— Gen. vii. 19.

CHAPTER III.

DEST"RUCTION OF THE EARTH'S CREATURES.

O great became the wickedness of men on the earth that God
resolved to destroy the beautiful world which He had first
fashioned for the abode of a being made in His own image and
likeness. Now, among the man}' thousands of people who were
upon the earth there was but one who found favor in God's e3-es.
This one exception was Noah, who had always walked up-
rightly and given praise for the manifold blessings God had
bestowed on mankind. Noah had three sons, whose names were
Shem, Ham, and Japheth, all of whom had also wives, and the
family were devoted to the things which were just and righteous.
When God determined to destroy the world, He therefore excepted
Noah and his family from the calamity, reserving them to re-people
the earth after every other living thing, save two of every creature,
should be destroyed. To save them, God therefore told Noah to build
an ark, which was an immense boat, capable of containing not only
his family, but two of every species of living thing found upon the
earth, and seven of every clean beast, which should serve for food
during the period that Noah should remain in the ark.

It required a long time to construct so large a vessel, and we may
imagine how earnestly Noah sought to convert the people from their
wickedness during the time of its building ; but they Avere so cor-
rupt that none gave heed to his warning. When, at length, the ark was
completed, God commanded Noah to enter, together with his wife and sons, and
their wives, and two of all creatures, both great and small, animals, birds, insects
and every living thing. Seven da3's * hereafter a great rain began to fall, which
continued for a period of fort}' day^ and as many nights. The waters rose
rapidly, and the wicked people and creatures that were doomed to destruction
fled from their homes and caves and sought high places out of the reach of
the waters. But little did this avail them, for the flood rose higher and higher,
covering first the plains, then the hills, and at last the highest mountain tops,
so that everj'^ thing perished not housed within the ark, and the world became
still with death and desolation. Not a thing was visible save Noah's vessel,
which alone rode the waves that rolled unfettered over the wide, wide waste,
with nothing to break their force against.

(44)

h that God
e had first

image and
le who were
God's eyes,
walked up-
s God had
names were
es, and the

righteons.
e excepted
) re-people
Y creature,
th to build

not only

npon the
; for food

we may
rom their
'e so cor-
2 ark Avas
sons, and
s, insects
.11, which
:ers rose
structiou
reach of

higher,
un tops,

became
5 vessel,
e waste,

AFTER THE DELUGE. (45)

".\lso he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from the face of the ground."

—Gen. viii. 8.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

The boundless waters prevailed over tlie eartli oue liundred and fifty dr.ys,
when God made a wind to blow over the great sea, which evaporated the waters
gradually, until after seven months the ark rested on a high mountain peak in
Arabia, called Ararat. Three mouths later the tops of less lofty mc-nitains
became visible, and forty days after Noah sent forth a raven to see if it could
find a congenial resting place. The raven continued to fly over the face of
the waters, so Noah next sent forth a dove, but the bird found no place to set
her foot and so returned to the ark. Seven days thereafter he sent out the
dove again, and in the evening it returned to him with an olive leaf in its
beak, which was a sign that the waters had abated. But Noah still remained
in the ark another seven days, when he again sent forth the dove, which did
not leturn any more. This was a sign to him that the waters were removed
and that the earth was ready to receive him. He therefore " removed the cov-
ering of the ark and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was drj'." By
command of God, Noah then came out of the ark, followed by his wife and
sons and their wives, and every living thing that had been shut up therein
with him. Upon reaching the valley, Noah built an altar, upon which he sac-
rificed of every clean beast and fowl, as an offering of his thankfulness, where-
upon God was so pleased that He made a promise never to destroy the world
again ; and He blessed Noah and his family, and bade ihem replenish the
earth. God then made a covenant with Noah, the token of which was the rain-
bow, which, whenever seen, was to be a reminder of His promise never again to
drown the world, or the creatures thereon. Three hundred and fift}' years after
the deluge Noah died, and his age was nine hundred and fifty years.

When Noah and his family left the ar\, ihey scattered and went into differ-
ent countries and began to replenish the eai 'h as God had commanded, so that
■when Noah died there were a great nuiny people on the earth again. The
largest settlement, we are led to suppose by the record, was somewhere near
the central portion of Arabia, where the people were in such numbers that they
began to forget God. At length there was a large emigration from Arabia cast-
ward, and, as the people reached the plains of Shinar, along the Euphn'tes
River, they found the countiy so fertile that they cc rcluded to stop there and
build a great tower. Their purpjse in constructing such a building is not
known, but, as they said, " Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top nuiy
reach unto heaven," it is inferred that they cither expected to climb into heaven
from its apex or to use it as a means of escape should God forget His covenant
and send another deluge.

When they began to build the tower, every person spoke the same language,
but as t*;iey progressed with the work God saw the evil of their intent, and
so confused their tongues that the workmen could no longer understand each
other, and they wore thus compelled to relinquish their design, and the tower
was left incomplete. On account of the babel and confusion of the laborers,
the tower was called Babel, by which it was ever afterward known.

ifi

I "1

■J^BBBICS^ ' •- M

d fifty dr.ys,
d the waters
tain peak in
mcnutains
: if it could
the face of
place to set
eut out the

leaf in its
11 remained
, which did
re removed
ed the cov-

dry." By
s wife and
up therein
ich he sac-
ess, wliere-

the world
lenish the
s the rain-
r again to
^ears after

into differ-
ed, so that
ain. The
lierc near

that they
•abia cast-
in ph rates
Lhcrc and
ff IS not

top may
o heaven
covenant

anguagc,
cut, and
nd each
lie lower
laborers,

CONl'UHION Ol' ToNCri'S AT TlllC lUI l.lil N(". 1)1' IIAIIICI,.

(471

"Ami the Lord said

Let us go down, mid there coiifouiid their h\nj;uiige, that they timy not uiiderslantl
one another's speech."— CriCN. xi. 6, 7.

CHAPTER IV.

THE STORY OF ABRAHAM AND SARAH.

MONG the descendants of Slieni first mentioned in the Bible

was Abram, who was the son of Terah. He had two

brothers, Nahor and Haran, the latter of whom was the

father of Lot, whose sad history we shall soon relate.

*£ f JKi^l'^lilffiV^ Abram, who was a man of a hoi}- spirit, had a wife whose

^itS^^P^SrV name was Sarai, a godly woman that was devoted to the

~ il&y* a^. W^ Lord and her husband. Terah had long dwelt in the town

of Ur, which was on the Euphrates, about one hundred
miles southeast of Babel, but, for reasons which the Bible
does not explain, he left Ur, and journeyed to +]io land of
Canaan, which had been settled by the descendants of
Ham. He took with him his sons and their wives, and
also Lot, his nephew, and after many weeks of travel he
settled at Haran, in the northern part of Canaan, which
is now about the centre of Turkey in Asia. After the death of Terah,
God told Abi-am to leave Haran, and separate from all his kinsmen
except Lot, and to go unto another country which He would show him. The
purpose of God, as he told Abram, was-' to found a new nation, over which he
should rule to the glory of His name.

According to this commandment Abram left Haran, taking with him only
his wife, »Sarai, and his nephew. Lot, and went southward to the loud of Canaan,
as they were directed. But while they journeyed, (lod appeared to Abram on
the plain of Moreh, and told him that to him and his descendants He w itild
give all the land of Canaan, which is now called Palestine, or the Holy Land.
Abram was very grateful for the divine favor, atul when he came to a mount.ui-.
near Bethel, he built an altar unto the Lord and gave praise, though he knew
not whither God was leading him.

As Abram continued travelling southward he found that there was a great
famine in Canaan, so he did not tarry but wctil on toward Egypt. As they
came near to the boundary of Egypt, Abram heard of the wickedness of the
people of that country, atul lest harui uiight conu.' to him if the Egyptians should
know that Sarai was his wife, Abram told her to say, to any who might ask, that
she was his sister. As they advanced into the country, the people were attracted
to Sarai by her great beauty, so she was taken from Abram and placed in

(48)

IPhi

|wic
lliintl

:{Phi

Mb)

,'*

upc

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

iPharaoh's (the king's) house, where she was made wife to the king. For this
^wickedness on the part of Pharaoh, God sent a plague upon him and his house,
Vuntil it was made known that Sarai was not the sister, but wife of Abrani.
jPharaoh reproached Abram for deceiving him, but restored Sarai when, together,
iAbram, Sarai and Lot went out of Egj'^pt and came again to the mountain near
I Beth el, where he had builded

in the Bible
ie had two
oni was the
soon relate.

wife whose
^'oted to the
in the town
>ne hundred
h the Bible
*!iv^ land of
:endants of

wives, and
)f travel he
laan, which
h of Terah,
s kinsmen

lim. The
r which he

1 him only

of Canaan,
Abram on
He \^ .nUl

loly L..:;i<;.

I mount,;!!;

1 he knew

ius a great
As they
ess of the
ins should
t ask, that
-' attracted
placed iu

§an altar, and there called

fupon the Lord as to what

J he should do.

i Now Abram was a very

; rich man, having of cattle

. and sheep such a great num-

|ber that it required the ser-
vices of hundreds of herds-
men to care for them. But
Lot's possessions were scarce-
ly less considerable, so that
the land was not fertile
enough for the sustenance
of so many animals ; besides,
the herdsmen who cared for
the flocks of Abram were at
strife with those employed
by Lot, so that it was neces-
sary that Lot and Abram
should separate and occupy
different lands. Abram there-
fore said to Lot, his nephew,
" Let there be no strife be-
tween thee and me, for we
be brethren. Is not the

j whole land before thee ?

V Separate thyself, I pray thee,

f fi-om me ; if thou wilt take

■^ the left hand, then I will go

> to the right ; or, if thou de-

^ part to the right hand, then

i I will go to the left." This

^ kind speech showed the

j righteous disposition of Abram, and his willingness to be controlled by justice

" as God taught him to see the right.

The two parted as good friends should, no doubt deeply regretting the
circumstances which compelled their .separation. Abram remained iu the laud
4

SARAI IN TIIIC ll<H'Si;i|()l,l) ol.- I'llAKAOlI,

"And the woman was taken into riiaraoh's honse."— Gkn. xii. 15.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

of Canaan, where lie had built an altar to the Lord, but Lot chose to move
east to the rich plain of Jordan, which was likened unto a garden of the Lord
and a country both beautiful and fertile.

When Lot had removed all his possessions to the plain of Jordan, God told

Abram to lift
up his eyes
and look about
in every direc-
tion, for as far
as he could
see the land
should be his
forever.

After this
Abram moved
to the plain of
Mamre, which
is in Hebron,
and there built
another altar
which he dedi-
cated to the
Lord, and be-
gan the found-
ing of a nation
as God had
promised.

When Lot
moved to the
plain of Jor-
dan, he took
up his resi-
dence in a city
called Sodom,
where he pros-
pered, until
four kings,
Chedorlaomer,
king of Elam,

Tidal, king of nations, Amraphel, king of Shinar, and Arioch, king of
Ellasar, laid siege to Sodom and captured the city. Not content with the vic-
tory, ^or thej' fought for spoils, and not principles, they sacked the place, taking
?.way everything of value, and carried off a great mauy Sodomites, whom they

SAUAI ANU IIAC.AK THlv HANDMAID.

" Now Sarai, Abram's wife, . . . bad an Imiiclinaid, an Egyptian, whose name

was Hagar." — Ckn. xvi. i.

■1

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

lose to move
of the Lord

an, God told
bram to lift
p his eyes
id look about
I every direc-
on, for as far
3 he could
e the land
lould be his
rever.

After this

bram moved

the plain of

anire, which

in Hebron,

d there built

other altar

lich he dedi-

:ed to the

ird, and be-

n the found-

>• of a nation

God had

miised.

When Lot

ved to the

lin of Jor-

, he took

his resi"

ice in a city

led Sodom,

ere he pros-

*ed, until

ir kings,

:dorlaomer,

g of Elam,

king of

:h the vic-

icc, taking

/horn thcv

intended should serve them as slaves. Among these unfortunate captives was
Lot, whose unhappy fate was soon told to Abram by one of Lot's neighbors,
who had escaped. Immediately upon learning this news Abram called together
his trained servants, three hundred and eighteen in number, and arming them
well he went in pursuit of the four kings, whom he came up with in the
country of Dan and, dividing his forces so as to make a simultaneous attack
[in several quarters, he fell upon the despoilers in the night-time, and after
slaughtering many put the rest to flight ; but he followed after the fleeing
army as . far as Damascus, where, to effect their escape, the kings delivered over
to Abram noi only all their captives but the things which they had taken at
Sodom, together with all their own possessions. So Abram brought back every-
thing that had been taken away, and returned to the Sodomites all the things
of which they had been despoiled.

As Abram was journeying back toward the city he was met by Melchizedek,
the high-priest, and also by the king of Sodom, both of whom desired to mani-
fest their thankfulness for the great service which Abram had rendered them.
Melchizedek met him with bread and wine to feed the victorious soldiers, and
gave Abram his blessing also. The king of Sodom was so thankful for the
deliverance of his people that he said to Abram, ' Give me the persons, and take
the goods to thyself" But Abram knew that it was God who had given him
the victory, and refused to take anything from the people, but gave all that had
been taken from the kings to those who had suffered at their hands, reserving
only rewards for three young men who, though not his servants, went with him
• to battle. At this just and generous act God was still more pleased, and came
to Abram in a vision, saying, " Fear net, Abram : I am thy shield, and thy
exceeding great reward."

Abram was not unmindful of the tender mercies which the Lord had shown
him, but he was distressed on account of his childless condition, for though God
had promised to give the land of Canaan to his descendants, Abram could not
discover how this could be, since his wife was already old and no child had
yet been born to them. Then God told Abram to look toward the sky and to
try and count the stars, for as numerous as the stars were, yet they were not
more than the number of descendants which he should have.

When evening came on Abram fell into a deep sleep, during which God
again appeared to him and repeated his promise to make his descendants as
numerous as the stars, but told him also that they should be strangers in
another country, where they would be grievously wronged by being made to do
hard service and be treated with great injustice. This, however, should not be
until after Abram's death, for God assured him that he should live to a good
old age and then die in peace, and also that he would, in the fourth generation,
deliver Abram's descendants from their bondage and punish their masters for
their iniquities.

Sarai was as much distressed at not having children as was Abram, so she

3»^

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

told lier husband to take her handmaid, who was named Hagar, to wife, and to
bring up children by her. Hagar was a comely woman who had entered the
service of her mistress while Abrani was sojourning in Egypt, and although
she was an Egyptian, she could not have been so wicked as were her coun-
trymen, or Abrani would hardly have permitted her to go back to Canaan
with him.

Some time after Abram had taken Hagar to be his wife, polygamy being
common in those days, she bore him a son who was named Ishmael. After this
event God again appeared to Abram and renewed His covenant, or promise,
with him, at which he changed the name of Abram to that of Abraham, and
of Sarai to that of Sarah, and told him that though Sarah was now ninety years
old she would, nevertheless, bear him a son, who should be called Isaac. God
further told Abraham that though Ishmael would find much favor in His sight
and become the father of twelve princes and the founder of a great nation, yet
He would establish His covenant with Isaac, who was to become yet greater.

HAGAR IS DRIVEN FROM ABRAHAM'S HOUSE.

Everything happened as God had foretold, but after Isaac was born Sarah
became vev}- jealous of Hagar and Ishmael, whom she did not wish to share the
inheritance, promised by God, with her son, so she commanded Abraham to cast
out Hagar and Ishmael, since she was a bondwoman. Abraham was sorely dis-
tressed because of Sarah's complaint, but, as God told him to obey his wife, he
did accordingly ; therefore, early in the morning, he took a bottle of water and
some provisions, which he gave to Hagar, and sent her out of his house. We
can imagine the sorrow that was in Abraham's heart when he saw Hagar
departing with his own sou, an outcast, with nowhere to lay her head, and
with nothing but kind Providence to direct her steps and provide her with
food. Had not God assured him that He would care for Hagar, and would
preserve Ishmael and make him a great ruler, Abraham would hardly have
consented to do so hard a thing as Sarah had commanded, but in all things
Abraham was both trustful and obedient, as the frequent trials of his great
faith prove.

Wlieu Hagar went away she became a wanderer in the wilderness of
Becrshcba, her heart overflowing with sorrow, and her feet following after no
path. Thus did she aimlessl}- wander about, imtil soon the water in the bottle
that Abraham had given her had all been drunk and Ishmael began to cry
for drink. The thirst of the ]K)or child at last became so great that Hagar
laid him down on the earth and went in search of water, but wherever she
turned the ground was parched and moisture was not anywhere about. This
poor nuither's love was put fully to the test, for seeing her ciiild dj'ing with
thirst which she could not allay, she drew away from Ishmael the distance of
a bow-shot and sat down and cried bitterly, saying, " Let me not see the death
of the child."

to wife, and to
id entered the
and althougli
'ere her couii-
-k to Canaan

>lygamy being
il. After this
t, or promise,
A.braham, and
V ninety years
1 Isaac. God
■ in His sight
:at nation, yet
yet greater.

s born Sarah
L to share the
raham to cast
'as sorely dis-

his wife, he
of water and

house. We

saw Hagar
r head, and
de her with
and would
hardly have

all things
3f his great

Iderness of
ng after no

1 the bottle
-gan to cry
that Hagar
icrever she
3out. This
dying with
distance of

2 the death

(53) HAGAR AND ISHMAKI, IN TIIK DKSKRT.

"And c'le aat over against him, and lifted up her voice and wept."— Gkn. xxl. i6.

Ifi

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

As slie was weeping with the deep grief that was so sorely afflicting her,
Hagar heard a voice saj'ing, " Hagar, what aileth thee ?" Looking up she saw
an angel, who told her to rise up and not be afraid, for God had heard tlie
lad, and would save him and make him yet the ruler of a great nation. The
angel then directed her to a well of water that began to flow near her, so that
she filled her bottle again and gave the lad drink. After this God took care
of Hagar and Ishmael, who went into the wilderness of Paran, where Ishmael
grew up to be a great archer, and his mother procured for him a wife out of
Egypt, whither Hagar and Ishmael -went to live, and where it afterward came
to pass as God had promised, so that Hagar was rewarded in the end b}'^ see-
ing her son become a ruler scarcely inferior to Isaac.

DESTRUCTION OP" vSODOM AND GOMORRAH.

Shortly before the birth of Isaac, and the sending of Hagar awa}', as just
described, Abraham received another manifestation of God's special love for
him. While sitting in the door of his tent, toward the middp'.' hour, he saw-
three men approaching, whom, iipon coming near, he invited to rest them-
selves beneath the shade of a tree which stood before his tent, and ordered
some water to be brought that they might Avash their feet, for they appeared
to be weary from travelling. While the three were washing, Abraham ordered
a calf to be killed and some cakes to be cooked, and when the meal was ready
he served them to meat beneath the tree under which they had been invited
to sit.

After the three had eaten they arose and departed toward the city of
Sodom, Abraham following after, for he now perceived that they were not men,
but angels whom God had sent to bear His message to Abraham. When
they had gone a little way the angels, speaking for the Lord, told Abraham
that the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah had become so great that God
had deten.aned to destroy them. Now Lot, Abraham's nephew, whom he dearly
loved, dwelt in Sodom, and Abraham was therefore much distressed, both for
the people and lest Lot might not escape God's vengeance. He therefore
called upon the Lord and asked if He would destroy the righteous with the
wicked ; that if there were fifty righteous in the city, would He not spare the
place. After prevailing with the Lord in begging Him to spare the city for
the few righteous that might be found therein, God finally told him that if
as man}'' as ten righteous persons could be found in the city He would spare
it. Abi"aham believed that many more than ten resided within the gates of
Sodom, for whose sake the Lord would withhold His auger, so he returned to
his tent.

In the evening of the same day, as Lot sat at one of the gates of vSodoni,
he saw two men coming toward him, and as they drew near he invited them
to go into his house and tarry with him all night. To his kindly invitation
they answered nay, saying they would remain in the streets ; but he pressed

ifBicting her,

up she saw

heard the

latiou. The

her, so that
3d took care
lere Ishmael

wife out of
^rward came

end by see-

way, as just
al love for
our, he saw-
rest them-
aud ordered
^3' appeared
am ordered
.1 was ready
•een invited

the city of
e not men,
un. When
d Abraham
t that God
II he dearly
d, both for
2 therefore
s with the
: spare the
he city for
im that if
ould spare
e gates of
eturncd to

of vSodom,

•ited them

invitation

le pressed

AllRAHAM AM) Tllh; TllKlilC A.NllIU.S.

(55J

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

his invitation upon them so urgently that they at length consented, and when they
had entered Lot caused a feast to De made wherewith to entertain the strangers.

.1 !

I,OT AND HIS FAMILY PLBBINC PROM SODOM.

" But his wife looked back from behiud hint, anvl she became a pillar of salt" — GSN. xiz. a6.

After the supper was over the men asked Lot how many there were of
his family, to which reply being made, they told him to get his people together

IW:

' sui
bee

THE BEAUTIFUIv STORY.

nd when they
; strangers.

; were of
together

and also all his possessions, and to bring them at once out of the place, for
iGod had sent them as His messengers to destroy both Sodom and Gomorrah.
5 When morning appeared the two men, whom Lot now knew to be angels,
-told him to make haste and take his family out of the city, lest he be con-
sumed with all the others. Lot still lingered, scarcely believing what had
been prophesied, until the two angels took him by the hand, and also seized
upon the hands of his wife and two daughters and brought them without the
place, and bade them run for their lives. So Lot ran with his family toward
the nearest town, and as thej- departed rapidly the Lord rained upon Sodom
and Gomorrah
fire and brim-
stone, which
made a great
smoke and
flame, so that
the burning
might be seen
from a great
distance. In
their hasty
flight Lot's
wife was tempt-
ed by the great
noise she heard
and the singu-
lar thing which
had now come
to fulfil what
the celestial
messengers
had foretold,
and looked
back toward
the burning
citj'', when in-
stantly ^he was changed into a pillar of salt. Lot and his daughters, how-
ever, continued on until they came to the town of Zoar, not far distant from
Sodom, where they dwelt for a time until they were received by Abraham.

Abraham's great faith sorely tried.
The sending of Hagar away so greatly grieved Abraham that the Lord
was not wholly pleased, seeing that His servant did not accept all the things
commanded of him to be done with that resignation which is commendable in

ABRAHAM'S VISION OK THE PROMISED I,AND.

"Aud the Lord 8uid unto Abraham, ... All the land which thou seest, to thee will I
give it, and to thy seed forever." — Gen. xiii. 14, 15.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

those who seek to do God's will, so the Lord determined to make a trial of
the strength of Abraham's faith, which should show how truly he was devoted
to His service. Accordingly God called him and said: "Take now thy son,
thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee to the land of Moriah ;
and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I
will tell thee of."

Abraham fully understood the terrible meaning of this command, and
though to kill his only son would have fairly wrung his loving heart with

agony, he knew that even in
the most terrible moments
of his wrath God is merciful
and moves in mysterious
ways, and he hastened to
do that which was bidden.

The Bible tells us that
early in the morning he
arose, and saddling up an
ass he took two young men
to gather wood for the burnt
offering, and with Isaac he
repaired to the spot on the
side of a mou in to make
the offering mmanded.

When the wood had been
gathered he laid it upon
Isaac, who carried it to the
place chosen. As they went
along together Isaac asked
his father where was the
lamb for the offering, but
Abraham only replied, " My
son, God himself will pro-
vide a lamb."

When they reached the
place to which God had di-
rected them, Abraham built
an altar and laid the wood, after which he bound Isaac and put him upon the
pile ; then drawing the large knife that was in his girdle, he was upon the
point of plunging it into his innocent and beloved son when God arrested his
arm and said, "Abraham 1 Abraham!" And Abraham answered, " Here am I."
And the Lord spoke: "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any-
thing unto him ; for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not
withheld thy son, thine only son, from Ale." . >

"ABRAHAM, i:,AY NOT THY HAND UPON THE I.AD."

"And He said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou
anything unto him." — Gen, xxii. 13.

■t

»'* iwiwBW U ' j"w w' jjmm

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Ice a trial of

was devoted

low thy son,

of Moriah;

ins which I

nmand, and
? heart with
that even in
le moments
i is merciful

mysterious
hastened to
i^as bidden,
lis us that
aorning he
ling up an
young men
)r the burnt
h Isaac he
spot on the
in to make

mmanded.

had been
d it upon
d it to the
3 they went
saac asked
e was the
fering, but
plied, " My
f will pro-

eached the
od had di-
iham built
npon the
upon the
•rested his
:re am I."
thou any-
L hast not

As Abraham looked up he saw a ram which was fast in a thicket by his
loms, and he took the ram, and killing it, offered it upon the altar instead of
lis son, which was acceptable to God, who was so well pleased with the faith
)f Abraham that He blessed him again, and renewed the promises before made
to him. Abraham was so overjoyed at this happy deliverance of his son that
fhe called the place of offering Jehovah-jireh {/Ae Lord will provide).

DKATH OF SARAH AND MARRIAGE OF ISAAC.

When Abraham returned from making his or^ring he prepared to remove

[from Beersheba to a country northeast, but in the land of Canaan. His herds

: of cattle were now very great and his possessions of gold and silver were larger

I than those of any other man thereabout, so that it required a great number of

servants, camels and asses to transport his goods. In those days people

: commonly dwelt in tents, especially those who followed pastoral pursuits, and

when their herds were large, like those of Abraham, removals from place to-

place were frequent in search of new pasturage, and it was this fact, no doubt,

which made Abraham change his place of living so often.

It was long after Abraham's removal to Hebron that Sarah, his beloved
wife, fell sick and died, at which time she was one hundred and twenty-seven
years of age. The loss of this good woman, who had walked with her husband
so many years in the path of righteousness, was deplored greatly, not only by
Abraham, but by the people about Hebron as well, for we read that when
Abraham asked for a sepulchre in which to bury Sarah the people answered
that he might bury her in any of their sepulchres that he chose. It was not
the custom at that time to bury the dead in the ground, as we do now, the
practice being to deposit the body in an excavation, usually of rock, the door to
which was a large stone, and such excavation served as a sepulchre for an entire
family. This proffer to Abraham was therefore one which showed how highly
esteemed were both himself and wife by the people among whom he had
recently settled.

Instead of accepting the very kind offer made him, Abraham chose a cave
which was in the end of a field owned by a man named Ephron. So he made
an offer to bu}^ the cave ; but Ephron thought no less of Abraham and Sarah
than did his neighbors, and he accordingly offered to give both the cave and
field to Abrahaia. This generosity affected Abraham greatly, for he perceived
tha . all the people were deeply attached to him, but he refused to accept the
place as a gift, and Ephron was finally induced to receive four hundred
shekels ($250) for the cave, and in this he deposited the body of Sarah, intend-
ing that this now sacred place should, in due time, become the depository of
his own.

Up to the time of pur^^liasing the Cave of Machpelah (meaning double cave) ,
as the burial place of Sarah was called, although God had promised to give him
the whole of Canaan as an inheritance, Abraham had not owned even the

THE BHAUTIFUIv STORY.

smallest parcel of ground at any place where he had pitched his tent. It was, no
doubt, this reason which prompted Abraham to bu}', rather than to receive as a
gift, the cave which Ephron owned, though the desire to own a sepulchre, which
f.tiould be the exchisive depository of the bodies of himself and near kinsmen,
possibly actuated him quite as much. This cave did afterward become the
sepulchre of not only his own and wife's remains, but also of the bodies of
Isaac and Rebekah, his wife, Jacob and Leah, his wife, and of Joseph. The
sepulchre still exists under the Hebron mosque, and is pointed out to all visitors
to that region, and is the shrine to which many pious pilgrimages are made.

THE STORY OF ISA.\C AND REREKAH.

It would appear, from reading the sacred records, that after the burial of
Sarah, Abraham returned to Beersheba, and sought the marriage o<^ his son
Isaac. Although everywliere in Canaan Abraham was treated with the greatest
kindness, yet he bitteilj' opposed Isaac marr3'ing any of the women of that
country, and would be reconciled to no other than a woman who should be of
his own kindred. He therefore called his head servant and told him to take
ten camels and to load them with fine presents and go to the city of Harau,
which was in Mesopotamia (where Abraham formerly lived), in quest ot a
suitable woman to become his son's wife.

The servant did all things as Abraham had commanded him, and departed
with the ten loaded camels. After many days of travelling he came to the
outskirts of Haran in the evening, and desiring to rest himself before going
into the city, he causf^i the camels to kneel down by a well which he found
and to which he knew many women of the place came to draw water. The
servant then offered a prayer to God, asking that he be directed in fulfilling
tl:e wishes of his master, and said, " Behold, I stand here by the well of water;
. . . and let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say. Let down
thy pitcher, I pray thee, tl:at I nuiy drink ; and she shall say. Drink, and I
will give thy camels drink also ; let the same be she that Thou hast appointed
for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that Thou hast showed kind-
ness unto my master."

Directly after the servant had ceased praying a beautiful woman came to
the well to fill her pitcher, whom the servant accosted and asked that she Mould
let down the piicher and allow him to drink therefrom. The woman replied
most graciously and offered water to the servant and to his camels also, where-
upon the servant saw that she was the one selected by the Lord to be a wife
to Isaac. When the camels had done drinking the servant took some presents
from the bags which he had brought, and, offering them to the woman, asked
her name and if there was room in her father's house to give lodging to him-
self and those who came with him. She answered that she was the daughter
of Bethuel, the son of Nahor, and that her mother's name was Milcah, whose
house was large enough to lodge him, and having stables to accommodate his

mmmm

t. It was, no
o receive as a
>ulchre, which
ear kinsmen,
become the
lie bodies of
Joseph. The
to all visitors
es are made.

he bnrial of
e o^ his son

the greatest
men of that
ihoiild be of
bini to take
i of Hanai,

quest ot a

iiid departed
anie to the
efore going
:h he fonnd
vater. The
u fnlfilling
1 of water ;
Let down
ink, and I
t appointed
owed kind-

n came to
she would
111 replied
Iso, whcrc-
bc a wife
c presents
lan, asked
g to him-
daughter
ah, whose
lodate his

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

I !'

1 1

IK1

•camels. So she invited him to come to her father's house, and ran before him
to apprise her mother that strangers were coming to lodge with them. As she
went toward the house she met her brother, Laban, who, seeing the presents
which his sister, whose name was Rebekah, had received, went to the servant at
the well and said to him, *' Come in, thou blessed of the Lord : wherefore
standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and roont for the
•camels."

When the servant came within the house he was offered meat for himself
and provender for his camels, but before he would sit himself to eat, he told
them he must first tell the purpose of his errand. So he told them all that
Abraham had commanded him to do, whereupon Laban and Bethuel said that
he must have been directed by God, so they told the servant to take Rebekah

and go back to Abraham
that she might become
the wife of Isaac. Wiicii
the servant had thus
found all accomplished
as his master had wished,
he drew forth the pres-
ents that he had brought
and gave to Rebekah a
large number of gold and
silver ornaments, besides
many pieces of costly
raiment, nor did he with-
hold presento from Laban
and Bethuel, for to each
he gave many precious
articles.

When they had feasted
the servant desired to return at once to Abraham with Rebekah ; Laban and
his mother, however, begged him to remain with them for so much as ten
days, but the servant told them not to hinder him from going forthwith, fee
they asked Rebekah if she was ready to depart with the servant, and she
answered, *' I will go."

The departure from Haran was made on the day following the servant's
arrival, so that the camels had little rest, but they travelled slowly, returning
by a different route from that taken on the first journey.

Isaac v'.s not living with his father when this event transpired, for the
Bible tells us that he was sojourning at Lahai-roi, which was in the extreme
southern part of Palestine. But as the caravan was returning to Bcersheba
Isaac was also going to the same place, though he did not know that a wife
was being chosen for him who was at that time drawing near to his father's

THB OAK OP ABRAHAM,

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

ran before him
them. As she
the presents
the servant at
rd : wherefore
roon* for the

It for himself
o eat, he told
them all that
uel said that
take Rebekah
k to Abraham
night become
[saac. Wiicu
It had thus
accomplished
;r had wished,
th the pres-
had brought
) Rebekah a
r of gold and
lents, besides
s of costly
did he with-
> from Labaii
, for to each
ny precious

'• had feasted
lyaban and
nch as ten
■tliwith. fee
lit, and she

le servant's
y, returning

red, for the
he extreme
Bcershcba
that a wife
lis father's

ouse to celebrate her marriage with him. As the caravan approached toward
ahai-roi Rebekah saw Isaac walking through a field, and said, " What man is
at who comes to meet us ?" Ine servant, seeing that it was Isaac, replied
at it was his master, whereupon she covered her face with a veil. When
saac came near the servant met him and told him all that had transpired, and
hat he had brought Rebekah to be his wife. Isaac was forty years of age at
Ihis time, but he had been without comfort since the day of his mother's death,
grieving continually for her. When he wedded Rebekah, however, joy returned
to him, for the moment that he beheld her face he loved her greatly.

After the marriage of Isaac, Abraham, who was now very old, gave him all
that he had, and made him rich in worldly possessions. It is probable that this
jgift was made by will, rather than given to Isaac to hold at once before his
father's death, for Abraham married again, taking a woman whose name was
Keturah, and by her had children, by whom he became the father of the Ke-
^tiirah Arabs, but these children were not permitted to share in the inheritance
ith Isaac, being cut off as was Islimael.

We are told that Abraham died at the age of one hundred and seventy-five
ears, but it is not related where he was residing at the time of his death,
though the inference is that he was still at Beersheba. Isaac and Ishmael met
at his funeral, and together paid the last sad duty of preparing their father's
remains for burial. Regarding the wishes which Abraham expressed at the
time of laying awa)'' his beloved Avife Sarah, they deposited his body beside her
in the cave of Machpelah, which is even at this day pointed out to travellers
in the Holy Land as a place second iai sacredness to that of Golgotha.

Few references are made by the Bible to Ishmael after his last meeting
with Isaac at the funeral of Abraham, no more than to indicate that he had no
settled habitation, and followed warlike pursuits, like the Keturah Arabs, who
are true to this inherited instinct o\en to this day. He survived his father just
fifty years, and died at the age of one hundred and thirty-seven years. The
place of his death or burial is not recorded.

Of all the holy characters described in the Bible, none are more divine-like
than Abraham ; indeed, he was the only one of the patriarchs and prophets
who never departed from God's commands, or lifted his spirit, even in thought
or deed, in rebellion against the commands or wishes of his Lord. The offer
of a sacrifice of his only lawfully begotten and beloved son, in loving obedience
to that call which he so promptly recognized, is the most exalted example of
trustful faith ever exhibited by man, which can only be rewarded by that
richest of all blessings, which God gives to those who serve Him best and
whom He most loves.

Blessed be the name of Abraham I

tt-

wiMMiilli

"ll !

CHAPTER V.

THE STORY OF JACOB AND ESAU.

RpSAAC continued to dwell at Lahai-roi after his father's death,
liW but it was uot until man}' years after his marriage that God
!|r^ blessed him and gave him two children, which were named
1^ Jacob and Esau. As the boys grew up Esau became a hunter,
;;>y}. llkc Ishmacl, and Jacob was a dweller in tentt3, by which, we '
S(3> presume, he followed pastoral pursuits like his grandfather
iXg^ Abraham did. It happened that the two young men were not
TM^^, 'fpSM^^'^ equally liked by their parents, for Rebekah loved Jacob, while
^'^f' i ' " Esau was Isaac's favorite, and this favoritism at length led to
great trouble. One day Esau returned from the hunt very tired and
almost dead with hunger, and seeing Jacob preparing a pottage of
lentils, which was a piant somewhat like the pea, he said to his
brother, " Feed me, I pray thee, with that red pottage, for I am faint."
Jacob perceiving how great was Esau's hunger, took advantage of
his brother's necessit}', for, instead of offering him food, as he should
have done, he offered to give him the pottage only upon condition
that Esau should give him his birthright. This was a hard bargain,
bi;t Esau replied, "Behold, I am at the point to die; and what
protlt shall this birthright be to me?" Then Jacob made his brother
swear to renounce his birthright and give it to him, which bcinir
done Esau was permitted to eat of the bread and pottage, and having
feasted under these hard conditions he then went away.
Soon after this event there was a famine in the land and Isaac thought to
escape it ; he would go down to Egypt, but God told him to remain and Pie
would fulfil the covenant He had made with Abraham. So Isaac remained and
sowed seed on his land, which yielded to him a hundred fold. So prosperous
was he that he soon became the richest man in all the country thereabout,
which greatly vexed the Philistines, among whom he dwelt, and in their ex-
ceeding envy they filled up all the wells that had been dug by his father, and
that were upon his land. As Isaac had great herds of cattle atul camels, and
as wells were the only source of water supply in that country, this act of his
envious neighbors did him such harm that he complained to the king, whose
name was Abimelech. But the king, instead of punishing his persecutors,
justified their wrong-doing by telling Isaac to leave the country. Thus was
Isaac compelled to move to another place, and he settled in a valley called

(64)

father's death,
iage that God
1 were named
ame a hunter,

by which, we
s grandfather
men were not
i Jacob, while

length led to
I'ery tired and

a pottage of
e said to his
r I am faint."
advantage of
as he should
3on condition

ard bargain,
; and what
his brother

which bein,i(

, and having

ic thought to
lain and Pie
smained and
prosperous
thereabout,
in their ex-
father, aiul
camels, and
s act of his
king, whoso
persecutors,
Thus was
alley called

v.u///. //.

■■■■■■■■M

MMHMMMH

ill

■n

».♦,.

CHAPTER V

Tfiri vSTORV OF JACOB AND KSAU.

;;)e'SAAC cot'.tiwued to dwell :ii LiilKii-'-oi after hi,> father's do;i:'\
but it was not until many years aUor his marriage that Gim.
blessed him and gave hiiu two children, wliuh were nar.icfi
Jacob anci Hsau. As the boys grew up P^sau bcc:nnc a lunitc-
like Islimael, and Jaoob was a d-.veiK'^r i^ tents, hy which, ut
presiipie, he fullowed pastoral pursuits like h-'s ^'randfathci
Abrahan\ did. It happened that tlie tAso young men nere wo'
eqr.ally liked by their parents, for Rebekah loved Jacob, wh:'
Ksau 'WHS Isaac's fa mjt ;',<:, and this favoritism at lengtli led t-.
great trouble. Ore day P!sau retiir''- l tVuui the h-mt \eiy Luvd an-
almost dead with hunger, aiic^ seoing Jacob preparing a pott.ige <.;"
letitils, which was a plant somewliat like the pea, he '^aid to h'.
brotlicr, " Veed me, I pray th^-.^ with that i^d })ottage, ^ir 1 am faint.
Jacob perctiving how great n-as Kj-an'; luinger, took iidvaiitage (>:
his lirother's, necessity, for, in.stc.i'"! of ofK-ring him loud, as he sltoui ■
ha\e done, he tiffcrcd to give him tli>.- pottage only upon t.-uditii'
that Ksau should give him iils birthrigiit. This was a hard bargain,
btit Ksau replied, "J'oh.iM, 1 am at the poinl to die; and wh.'
profit shall this binhriglit lie to inc ^■' Then Jdcoh made his brotlv -
swear to renounce liis- birthright and gi\e H to him, whi^h bein.
done T!;aa was permitted to eat of the bread and pott.ige, ami bavin
feasted nnder these hard conditi<ms he tlion went away.
Soon after iliis e\ent 'here wa.s n f;iniine in the land and Isaac thouj^ht u
escai)t> it; he wouhl go down to Kgypt, but God told him to remain and ilv
would tullil the covenant He )\.\d made \\ith Aliraham. ' So Isaac remained anu
Sowed seed on hi;; hind, whicli yielded to him a hnndred fold. S<> prnsperou
was he that he so )U became tlu: riclu ^L man in all the country thereabout
which ^-..itly vexed the Phili'^tines, uuumiu; whdiu he dwelt, and in their ev
reeding envy they filled, up all the wellb that hid 'icen dug by his father, ar
that were upon hi.s hmd As Fsaae had great herds of cattle and camels. ai"
as uclls were the only sour-^c of water sn[jply in that conntr}- tliis ;u t of h
envious neighbor did him sueii liann that lie coinplai.u'*d to die king, who>>
;*.ame was Abinudec'i. iJut the king, inslcad of piaiishinji^ his persecutor-
justiried tiieir \vrong<loing bv telling J.-.ine to leave the country. l urn- >»..
Isatic compelled to move to another place, and he t.eltlc«l in a v-rlV j callce

i^t\

<i«L.a

faUier'.s do-.v. ■
ia^c that Gi,"
1 were n.iru':
anic a lunitc
by which, \u
■s i^i-iiiulfathri
nion nore ui '
i Jacob, wir
Ictn^lh led ;
^c! y Lnvd aw
a pottage <>t
c '^aid to }i;
r J^ lUi taint,
iidvutitane o!
n>^ he slioni '
;i (I'uditii

' '^-irgaii:.

and \il!
i his br.ith'. -
which beiih
"iid huviiis.;

ic ihoujiht to
lain iiiid ]u

:ninod an-!

priispcron

thi^reaboiit
in their e\

laih'M-, ar
caiiK-I'^, ai ■
•a of h

, wild
piM^CCIltO!
I II US u„

" . oalU-

.,1:011

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

;rar, not far distant. Here he set to work aud re-opened another well which
id been in use during his father's time but had been filled up by the Philis-
les. When this well, or spring rather, began to flow, the people of the valley
[aimed the water was their own, so that he was again forced to move. Eor a
fccond time he opened another well, but they drove him from this one also.
[is third attempt, however, had a happier ending, for when he opened a well
Rehoboth the people no longer vexed him, seeing that his success must be

due to the special favor of God.
Abimelech was especially
moved by Isaac's wonderful pros-
perity, and seeing noiv how de-
sirable r thing was his friendship,
the king, with one of his friends,
and captain in his army, went to
call upon Isaac When they
came into his presence Isaac said
to the king, " Wherefore come ye
to me, seeing ye hate me and
have sent me away from you?"
To which Abimelech replied, " We
saw certainly that the Lord was
with thee ; and we said, Let there
now be an oath betwixt us, and
let us make a covenant with
thee." Though Isaac had been greatly wroi ged
by the king and his people, he was, nevertheless,
forgiving, and thereupon entered into a covenant
of friendship with, the king, who feasted and
drank at Isaac's table.
After Esau had bartered his birthright to Jacob he
went awa)', but beyond this the Bible tells us nothing
further about him until he was forty years of age, when
he was married to JudlLh, the daughter of Beeri, a Hittite,
and also to Bashemath, who was likewise a Hittite. This
marriage greatly distressed Isaac, for he did not believe
polygamy, and thought that his son in marrying two women had committed
abominable sin.

But the marriage of Esau wa'' omj' the beginning of Isaac's trouble, for
)n after he became stiicken with blindness. Notwithstanding the grief whioh
|sau had caused him, Isaac sef;med to have lost none of his love for him.
hie day Isaac called to Esau and told him to take his bow and go into the
eld aud kill for him a deer (venison) and prepare a savory dish for him to
It, promising him his blessing. Rebekah heard Isaac promise a blessing to
5

■MHBM

.... ^..i -■'— a-%ii|iitf|i;^iri (.ujiiiiLi"

:0"

■ffwr

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Esau, and resolved to take advantage of her poor blind husband by so dece:
ing him that her favorite son Jacob should receive the blessing instead •
Esau. To accomplish her very unnatural design Rebekah went to Jacob at
told him what his father had said, and commanded him to brii.g two yout
kids with which to prepare savory meats to take to his father. Jacob did ;
she had ordered, but not without misgiving, for he said to his mother : " Belio'.
Esau, my brother, is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man ; my father pe
adventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver, and I slu
bring a curse upon me and not a blessing." But Rebekah replied that tl
curse would be upon her, and insisted.

After Rebekah had cooked the kids as she thought Isaac would best lit
them, she clothed Jacob with some of Esau's coats and covered his hands at
neck with the skins of the kids, so that to Isaac's touch he might appe
hairy like Esau. Taking the meat as his mother had ordered, he carried it :
his father and said, " I am Esau thy first-born ; I have done according as tin
badest me ; arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul nu
bless me." Then Isaac called Jacob to him that he might feel him, for I
mistrusted his voice. But when he had felt him he said, *' The voice
Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau," so he blessed liii.
When he had eaten, Isaac again called Jacob to him, being still suspicioi
that he was being deceived, and smelled his raiment. This satisfied him, ai:
he poured out the blessing upon Jacob which he had intended to give :
Esau.

Scarcely had his father ceased blessing Jacob when Esau returned fro:
hunting, and preparing a dish of meat carried it to Isaac, and begged him :
eat the offering of his first-born. When he had spoken with Esau, Isaac kiie
how he had been deceived, and wept with grief that having given his blessii:
and the best things to Jacob, he could not bestow upon Esau what was :
his heart to grant. Esau complained loudly, and justly, against Jacob, \\i:
had now supplanted him twice by emplo^nng the most wicked artifices.

Isaac tried to comfort his wronged son by telling him that though Jaa
should now become his master, he should yet prosper greatly, and while ser
ing his brother in battle would break the yoke, or mastership, which Jaa
held over him.

But this promise, though somewhat consoling, did not abate Esau
anger toward his brother, for he declared that after his father's death 1:
would avenge the wrong done him by killing Jacob. This threat so great!
alarmed Rebekah that she told Jacob to go away to her brother Laban an
remain with him awhile until Esau's anger should abate. Isaac also desiu
the departure of Jacob lest Esau should kill him, but before going awa
Jacob came to his father for his blessing again. This Isaac did not withhok
for he still loved him, though not excusing his fault. He charged Jacob t
go to Haran, and there to take a wife from the daughters of Laban.

beconi

;■ A

mfnt,

Kvide

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

id by so decei
iing instead
lit to Jacob at
rii.g two your
. Jacob did
)ther: " Beho!
my father pe
!r, and I slia
eplied that tl

ivoiild best lit
his hands at
; might appc;
lie carried it :
cording as thf
: thy soul 1112
;el him, for I
' The voice :
i blessed liir
still suspicioi
isfied him, ai;
led to give :

returned fro:
begged him ;
an, Isaac kiie
n his blessii:
1 what was ;
1st Jacob, \\i;
rtifices.

though Jac(

nd while ser

which Jua

abate Esau
er's death I.
eat so great!
er Laban an
: also desiit
going awa

not withholc
:ged Jacob t
Dan.

JACOB'S VISION.

In obedience to the wishes of his father, Jacob departed on his journey
alone, taking the same route which was travelled by Abraham when he first
pjised through Canaan on his way from Beersheba to Haran, which had now
b#ome a main highway.

As he came in sight of a place which had been his grandfather's encamp-
it, it was late in the evening, and here he lay down to rest for the night,
idently Jacob carried few if any necessaries with him on the journey, for
are told he gathered some
es together to serve him as
illow on which to lay his
d. Here, in this uncomfort-
[e place, he went to sleep, but
er was rest of man more
pllasant than that which Jacob
hm that night. As he slept
Hli had a wondrous dream,
w4ereiii appeared to him a
vision that revealed the glory
of- heaven and the blessings
which God had in store for him.
He saw in the dream a great
ladder, resting its foot upon
the eart! and reaching into
,ven, and upon it were ascend-
itw and descending radiant
els. Succeeding this vision
is another in which God re-
led Himself standing above
ladder, and Jacob heard
se words : " I am the Lord
of Abraham, thy father,
the God of Isaac : the land
reon thou liest to thee will
ve it."

When Jacob awakened he knew that God had taken this means of niani-

ting His love and provident care, and he said, " This is none other than the

ise of God, and this is the gate of heaven." So he took the stones which

served him as a pillow and set them up as an altar, and poured oil

)n it, and made a promise to serve God thenceforth, and he called the

Ice Bethel {House of God).

JACOBS VISION.

' Behold the angels of God asceuding aud descending ou it."

— Gen. xxviii. 12.

mmt

"33"^

THE BEAUTIFUIv STORY.

JACOB S HARD SERVICE FOR A WIFE.

hei

After this pious performance Jacob continued on his journey, mee.'witli
with no further important incident, until he reached Padan-Aram (Har-at Cftr
Avhich was the home of his mother's relatives. As he came to the outskhood

JACOU TK.MJINi; TUli FLOCKS OK I,AUAN.

"And while he yet spake, Rachel came with her father's sheep." — Gic.v. xxix. 9.

of the city he saw a well, or, more properl}--, a spring, bj' which were ly:
three flocks of sheep that were waiting to be watered bj' the shepherds. :
asked the men the name of the city to which they belonged, and t;
answered that they were from Haran. Then he fell into further conver.sat
with them, asking if they knew Laban, and if he was well, etc. But as

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY,

was talking, Rachel, the j^ounger daughter of Laban, approached with another

herd of sheep. The spring by which the shepherds were waiting was closed

journey, niee'wil|i ^ large stone, which kept the waters from being muddied or used except

an-Aram (Hanat Iprtain intervals in the day when the flocks of the surrounding neighbor-

e to the outskho^ were all brought together to be watered at one time. Then the stone

_ I removed and the herds permitted to drink. When Rachel arrived all the

^^^s«££?g^7** fl(^s were gathered, hers being the last to arrive, and Jacob went down and

the stone from the spring's mouth and helped Rachel water her sheep.

r ./

xxix. 9.

Iiich were Iv:
shepherds. :
iged, and tl;
!ier conversat:
etc. But as

iifJ^itiri^vS'-"

'i/r'^

(Cupy ut the celebrated painting by Raphael.)
JACOB, I.EAH AND HACHEI,.

"Leah was tender-eyed, but Rachel was beautiful and well favored."— Gen. xxix. 17.

Rachel is represented as having been a beautiful girl, and it is therefore
[surprise to learn that Jacob fell at once in love with her, nor did he wait
Tf before beginning his suit, for the Bible tells us that he kissed her beside

spring. After thus warmly saluting her he told Rachel tliat he was her

Isman, come to visit her father. She was greatly pleased by his favors and

I before him to tell her father of his coming. Laban was no less pleased

receive Jacob's visit, for he hastened out to greet him and kissed him

ny times tenderly.

I i

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Labau had two daiightei-s, the elder of whom was named Leah, uuc
Rachel was the younger. It is said, that Leah was tender-eyed and it is sup-
posed that she was not comely in appearance, while Rachel was perfect ir.
every feature and so beautiful that Jacob could not restrain his exceedinsrlv
great desire to marry her at once. He therefore asked of Laban her hand ii,
marriage, but this his uncle was not so quick to grant, being of a mercenari
nature, who desired to profit by his daughter's comeliness. Perceiving wha:
Laban desired, Jacob oflfered. to serve him for a period of seven years for hi;
daughter, to vv'hich proposition Laban consented. So great wai Jacob's love
fo** Rachel that his seven years o^ service " seemed to him but a few days."

When the period of his engagement had expired he asked Laban to give
him Rachel, whereupon the crafty uncle brought Leah, heavily veiled, to him
in the evening, whom Jacob married under the belief that it was his belovec
Rachel. In the morning he discovered the deception that had been practised
and asked Laban why he had not fulfilled his agreement, to which Laban
made reply, " It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger
before the first-born ; we will give thee Rachel also for the service which tliot
shalt serve with me yet seven other years." Although this action of Labau
was very unjuat, it was but a counterpart of the perfidy and deception which
Jacob himself had practised on his brother Esau.

The hardship which Laban's scv-ond pro^ osition imposed upon Jacob was
promptl}' accepted, for what will not a man do to win the woman he truly
loves ? So Jacob served seven more years and then wedded Rachel, but after
this marriage Laban prevailed on him to remain six years longer for a por-
tion of the produce of the flocks, which were to be distinguished by certain
MUirks.

DEPARTUKK OF JACOB AND HIS MKKTING WITH ESAU.

After Jacob's last service Labau awarded hiui a portion of the cattle,
sheep and goats, which he had helped to raise, and getting hi . goods together,
he set out with liis two wives, Lcali anil Rachel, for the land of his birtli, and
to his father, wlio was still living. Three days after his departure Lal)aii,
bclieviug tliat there had been an unfair division of the herds, and that Jacob
had received more than was his due, induced several of his neighbors to ji.iii
Inni and together they started in pursuit of Jacob, whom they overtook after
seven days' journey at tlie Mount of Gilead. But the night before Laban
came up with Jacob, God ap])cared to him in a dream and commanded hiu
not to speak to Jacob ciUicr good or bad, but this inj miction was not literally
obeyed, for when lie met Jacob he accused him of stealing away his two
daughters, and rcproacliod him for not giving due notice of his going that In
might have kissed iiis daughters and scut them away with mirth and soni;
llv. again said to Jacob that though it was in his power to do him great
injury, he would nevertheless spare him, but that he must return the gods
(t:ie things) which he had stolen from him. Jacob replied to him !v

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Leah, anc

nd it is sup.

IS perfect ir.

exceedinglv

lier hand i:.

a merceuarv

ceiving \vha;

years for his

Jacob's love

few days."

abati to give

eiled, to hiu

3 his belovec

eeu practised

vhich Labaii

the 3'oiuige:

I which tlioi;

)U of Lalxic

eptiou which

n Jacob was
iiau he trulj
lel, but after
:r for a por-
d by certain

f the cattle,
3ds together,
is birth, and
lure Lahau,
I that Jacob
bors to j(,iii
ertook after
:?f()re Labaii
inandcd hiii:
not literally
vay his two
)ing that lu
and soiii;
him grcMt
rn the gods
to him I y

saying: "With whomsoe\er thou findest thy gods, let him not live." Then
I<((lban made a search of all that Jacob had, but was unable to find any
cdi the gods wiiich he charged had been stolen. After much dispute between
t|^m Labau at length offered to make a covenant with Jacob whereby
they should be forever afterward friends, as became their relations to each
<i|pier. They accordingly gathered a heap of stones as a witness of their
/enant, and made a sacrifice upon the mount and afterward feasted in fel-

, JALdll WRi;STl,l.Nti Willi TUli ANC.i;l,

;| "And he siiid, I will not lit thee go, oxcept Uiou hless iiie."-(;i:N. xxxii. 26.

iOwship. In the morning T^aban bl<ssed Jacob, and kis.sing his daughters,
ifeturned again to TIaran, his home

-^ As Jacob journeyed forward he met a host of angels who stood in his way
|l[Ut did not address him, as they served only as a sign that (iod was still
yith him. He therefore called the place of meeting with the angvls Mahanaim,
l^eaning the /wo cnnifys or /losfs. As he was now passing through the land
If Kdom, he learned that Ksau was at the head of an arinv of many hundred

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

men in Mount Seir, and he was greatly troubled lest his wronged brother
would now fulfil the threat which he had made upon discovering the deceit
which robbed him of his father's blessing. To conciliate his brother he sent
messengers bearing many presonts of cattle, goats and sheep to Esau, and
waited to learn what report they would make. Upon their return the messen-
gers told him that Esau would come with four hundred men to meet him, but
they were unable to disclose with what purpose. Fearful that Esau's inten-
tions were hostile, Jacob divided his herds and goods into two parts, and said,
" If Esau come to one company and smite it, then the other company which
is left shall escape."

When he had thus prepared for the meeting Jacob prayed to God to
deliver him from the hand of his brother. At night he was left alone in
meditation, expecting Esau to come, as he had told his messengers in the
morning ; and while thus communing a man appeared to him and the t\\ w

"wrestled" until the break of day
when the man, who proved to be
the Lord, touched Jacob's thigh and
immediately it became out of joint.
But Jacob would not lelease the
spirit until it blessed him. Then
the Lord gave him His blessiuj,'
and changed his name from Jacob
to that of Israel. And Jacob then
kuew that he had the favor of
God, and so called the place Peniel,
saying, " I have seen God face to
face and my life is preserved."

>Iot\vithstandiug the Lord's as-
surances J:ici)b was not yet wholly
without fear, for wheu he saw Esau coming he divided his family so that the
handmaids and children were in front, and Rachel and Joseph his son, who was
born while he was in service to Laban, in the rear, so that in case of an attack
being made those he most loved would he the most likely to escape. But all
his fears were soon dismissed, for us Ivsau cimc near he ran to meet Jacob
and fell on his neck and kissed him as a beloved brother. After this hapjn
meeting the brothers were l)oth reconciled and each proffered help to the other,
which neither re(|uiring, Esau returned to Seir, while Jacob continued his jour-
ney to Succoth where he built a house and made stalls, or booths, for his
cattle.

THE ItlKTlI i)l' Itl'.NIAMIK.

While Jacob was serving with lyaban In had four wives, two of whom had
been handnniidens to Leah and Rachel, and these several wives bore him twelve
sons, the youngest of whom was Josepli, il- -nly son of Rachel until after

MOSQUB OVKK MACHPKI.AH.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

iged brother
ig the deceit
;her he sent

Esau, and
the niessen-

leet him, bnt
Esau's inten-
ts, and said,
tipany which

to God to
left alone in
igers in the
and the twu
break of day
proved to bo
j's thigh and
out of joint.

release the
him. Then
His blessin)^;

from Jacob

1 Jacob then
\e favor of
place Peniel,
God face to
•eserved."

e Lord's as-

t yet wholly

so that the

on, wlio was

)f an attack

ic. But all

meet Jacob

this hap]i'

) tllC OtllC!.

(1 his jou
ths, for his

whom had

him twelve

until after

hit departure from Haran, whose history is perhaps more interesting than that
of any other character in the Old Testament. When Jacob had lived a few
years at Succoth and Shalem, God told him to remove to Bethel, where he saw
the vision when going to visit Laban, and co make an altar there and worship
the true God. It appears from the records, that the people who dwelt in Sha-
lem and the country thereabouts were idolaters, nor can we help suspecting,
fnjm the character of the narrative, that Jacob, or Israel, was also.

When Jacob prepared to depart for Bethel, he ordered his household, and
dl| who were with him, to put away the strange gods that were with them and
to change their gaiments. In obedience to this command they brought him
their gods, which he hid under an oak that grew in Shechem. While stopping
at Shalem Jacob's life had not been a happy one, for among other indignities
and griefs he su tiered was a very great one in the abduction of his daughter
iHnah by a prince of the country. But afterward the prince made amends for
his folly by marr g Dinah, as Jacob
had desired he should, and there was
peace between the king (Hamor) and
Jacob. Among the sons of Jacob, how-
ever, there were two, Simeon and Levi,
who were resolved to a\enge the wrong
done their sister, regardless of their
father's will; and accordingly, thej' stole
in upon Hamor, the king, and his son,
the husband of Dinah, and killed them
both with the sword ; thej' also bore
Dinah aivay, after which the other sons of
Jacob fell ujion the town, and massacred
many of the people, and carried away a
lirge number of women and children cap-
tives, besides' taki ig all the cattle, sheep, and household plunder they could find.
Jacob was intensely g'-uned at tliis outrage of his .sons, and put a curse
WJon them. The memor\ " this wrong no doubt caused him constant pain,
Hd he was therefore glad lliat God had ordered him to remove from Shalem,
hut he was destined to meet with much greater sorrow in the new land of his
iahcritaucH'^ As soon as he reached Bethel Jacob built an altar, and called
the place Kl-Bethel, bt-tause it was there that God had appeared to him. Di-
rectly afier the altar was built Deborah, Rachel's nur.se, died, and was I)uried
bfneath a " wcejjing oak."

Here God appeared to Jacob again, and told hlni that his name should

neeforth be Israel and not Jacob, as it had continued to be after His first
cgmniaud, and God rejjeated tojaeol. the covenants He had nnule with Abraham

,d Isaac, to give him ail the land and to make him .so great that there should
uuiuy kings among hi* iescendunts.

KACHia.'.S TOMll.

'il

iiiilUi

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

■I

Then Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had talked with God and
poured a drink-offering upon it, and called the sacred place Bethel. When
Jacob had thus performed the vows which he had made there, after seeing the
vision of heaven, he journeyed southward, intending to dwell with his father,
Isaac, at Mamre, near Hebron. As they were near Ephrath, which was the
ancient name of Bethlehem, Rachel was seized with labor, and died in giving
birth to a boy babe whom she called Ben-oni [son of yny sorrow), but Jacoh
changed his name to Ben-jamin {son of the right hand). Here Rachel was
buried, and upon her grave Jacob set a large stone, which so long marked the
spot that in modern j-ears a tomb was erected over the grave, which remains
to-day a conspicuous object among the sacred mausoleums of Bethlehem.

Jacob then continued his journey southward until he reached the dwelling
place of Isaac his father, but had not long been there when Isaac died, being
one hundred and eighty years of age. At the time of his death it chanced
that Esau was also at Mamre, or near then for he and Jacob buried their
father. Esau afterward went into another country because he and Jacob were
so rich with cattle that the laud could not sustain the possessions of both.

,- -

- /

•

^T ■

>;^,^4^Mv...

^>-C: ►>'••>

' ' " \^ ,'

• -- '■'. ^^

\<,'/

-1

* 4

with God and
ethel. When
ter seeing the
ith his father,
k'hich was the
lied in giving
w), but Jacob
Rachel was
g marked the
^hich remains
:hlehem.

the dwelling
LC died, being
th it chanced

buried their
id Jacob were
s of both.

CHAPTER VI.

THE STORY OF JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN.

HEN Jacob came to live in the region of Mamre,
Joseph, who had always been his favorite child, was
seventeen years of age, or rather that is the age
given him in the Bible when it first mentions him
as feeding the flocks with his brethren about Mamre.
He was a precocious child, not without his faults, but
from the beginning was blessed with such favors as fall
to the lot of few boys. After Rachel's death Jacob
petted and loved him more fondly even than before, and his
preference no doubt served to make of him a spoilt child.
His disposition was such that he became a tale-bearer upon
the actions of his brothers ; besides, the superior beauty of
his clothes aroused their jealousy. In addition to this,
young Joseph was a dreamer, who insisted upon giving such
interpretations to his sleep-visions as displayed his disposi-
tion to become a master, so to speak, over his brothers, so
that he became offensive to them.

Of the twelve sons which Jacob had, ten of them had
charge of his immense herds, while Joseph and Benjamin
were kept at home in the favor of their father, having noth-
ing to do save of their own will. But Joseph frequently
(rent out in the fields to his brothers and would as often return to his father
irith evil reports as to what they said or did.

So angered were they by Joseph's tale-bearing that they resolved to kill

^im upon the next favorable opportunity. Soon after this wicked determina-

|iou had been made, Jacob sent Joseph out to find his brothers and to bring

lim back a report of how they were discharging their duties. Joseph went to

le pasturage, where he expected to find them grazing the herds, but they

irere not to be seen, so he wandered about in quest of them until he met a

»an who told him his brothers had departed for Dothan, which was not a great

listance from the usual grazing grounds. Joseph set off at once for Dothan,

^here he found his brothers ; but as he drew near the resolve which they had

;fore made came stronger than ever upon them, and some of the brothers said

[hey should slay him and cast his body into a pit, and report to their father

(75)

I I I ^H I U III JMI]| ,,l , l|pj |p i l

""^^•(Ull"

ttittmim

-m

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

that he had been devoured bj' some wild beast. No doubt they would ha\e
thus kill> ' "seph had it uot beeu for Reubeu, who was a sou of Jacob by his
wife Leah, who begged his brothers uot to shed blood, but to rid theuiselvcs
of Joseph by castiug hiui iuto a pit that was iu the wilderuess thereabouts.

JOSEPH SOLD TO THK KGYI'TIANS.

Reubeu's advice appeared good to his brothers, for wheu Joseph cauie up
they stripped him of his coat of uiauy colors aud threw hiui iuto a deep but
dry pit, where the}' left him helpless. After so doiug aud haviug sat dowu to
eat their uoou meal, a caravau of Midiauite uierchauts, from Arabia, cauie iu
sight ou their way to Egypt with Sj'riau spices. Judah, also a sou of Leah,
uow proposed to his brothers that they sell Joseph, rather tliau allow hiui to
die of huuger iu the pit, though his elder brother Reubeu had resolved secretly
to rescue him wheu his brothers should go away. Judah's propositiou fouud
favor with all the brothers, so that wheu the travelliug uierchauts were about
arrived the brothers drew Joseph up out of the pit aud sold him to the Midiauite
merchants for twenty shekels ($12.50) of silver.

To conceal their wicked action from Jacob, the brothers killed a kid, the
blood of which they sprinkled over the prettj' coat they had stripped from
Joseph, aud bearing this to their father, as an evidence of the tale they were
to tell, declared to him that Joseph had beeu devoured by a wild beast. This
dreadful news bore heavily upon Jacob, who refused to be comforted, and iu his
grief he tore his clothes, aud said he should go to his grave mourning for his
son.

JOSEPH HKCOMKS AX IN'TKRPRKTKR OK DRHAMS.

The Midiauite merchauto, who were Ishmaclites, descendants of Abraham's
son Ishmael, took Joseph and carried him to Egypt, where they sold him to a
captain iu Pharaoh's army, named Potiphar. In the service of this officer Joseph
continued for some time and with such faithfulness that Potiphar at length made
him chief over all his other .servants aud showed him many favors.

Potiphar's wife was a worldl}- woman who, seeing that Joseph was a hand-
some young man, became jealous of him because he would not pay her such
attentions as she solicited, and to avenge the rejection of her wicked proposals
she falsely accused Joseph to her huslxaud aud had him cast iuto prison, wlierc
he remained for two years. During this time his actions were so gentle thai
he won the favor of the prison keeper, who committed to Joseph's care all the
other prisoners.

After Joseph had beeu iu prison for some time it happened that Pharaoh
became greatly angered at some offense committed by his chief butler and his
chief baker, and east them iuto ])ris()U with Joseph, and so he came to have
charge of them also. One morning, upon the awakening of the two oiTeudiug
officers of the king, they told Joseph of the dreams which each had had during
the night, and which caused them much grief, for they believed that their

t iti AJi ,

would ha\e
Jacob by his
tlieinsclvis
ereabouts.

ipli came up
) a deep but
sat down to
jia, came in
on of Leah,
How him to
ved secretly
sition found
were about
le Midianite

1 a kid, the
ripped froui

2 they were
)east. This
, and in his
ling for his

Abraham's
d him to a
icer Joseph
Migtli nuide

as a hand-
\- her such
I i)roposals
son, where
;entle that
ire all the

t Pharaoh
n- and his
le to have
offending
lad during
that their

j'isi.:iMi CAST INTO rmc pit.
"And Uiey holil Joseph for iweiiiy piece!) of silver." — Gi{N. xxxvii. a8.

(77;

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

ii t

dreams were indicative of some great punishment which Pharaoh would inflict
upon them. The chief butler described his vision as follows : "In my dream,
behold a vine was before me ; and in the vine were three branches : and it
was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth ; and the clusters thereof
brought forth ripe grapes ; and Pharaoh's cup was in my hand : and I took
the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into
Pharaoh's hand."

f '■■

I 'i

i r

JOSEPH'S DREAM.

"And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brethren and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream
more : and behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me." — Gen. xxxvii. 9.

When Joseph had heard the butler's dream he gave him the interpreta-
tion by declaring that in three days Pharaoh would deliver him from prison,
and restore him again to his former place as chief butler. After showing the
butler the meaning of his dream, Joseph begged him, upon the fulfilment
thereof, that he would tell Pharaoh of the injustice of his imprisonment, and
that he had been sold into bondage by his wicked brothers, hoping thus to
secure his own release.

When Joseph had given an interpretation of the butler's dream, the chief

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

would inflict
[n my dream,
iches: and it
Listers thereof
: and I took

the cup into

anieil a dream
N. xxxvii. 9.

; interpreta-
"roni prison,
ihowing tlic
: fulfilment
mment, and
ing thus to

n. the chief

bl|ker described the vision which he had also had and requested an interpreta-
tion thereof. In his dream he said he bore three baskets on his head, setting
Oipe within the other, and that in the topmost one there was a great variety of
ced meats, which the birds flew upon and ate. Then Joseph told him that
three days Pharaoh would call him from prison and hang him upon a tree,
|d that while thus hanging the birds would come and eat the flesh from his body.
On the third day thereafter, as Joseph had prophesied, according to the
jams, Pharaoh gave a large dinner to his servants in honor of his birthday,
Id pardoned his chief butler and restored him, as was predicted, but the chief
ter was hanged.

JOSEPH INTERPRETING PHARAOH'S DREAM.

Although everything had been fulfilled according to the interpretations
feae by Joseph, the chief butler did not keep his promise to tell Pharaoh of
tbe wrongs which had been done the Hebrew youth, nor did he try to secure
tile release of Joseph, who continued languishing in prison nearly two years
after the liberation of the butler. At the expiration of this period an inci-
dent occurred which was of the most portentous importance to Joseph, as it
served to prove most conclusively his gift of revelation, and to establish him
in Pharaoh's favor as a man endowed with the blessings of God. This special
incident was in the nature of a warning which God gave to Pharaoh in a
drtam, in which the king thought he stood beside a river, out of which rose
seven fat cattle that fell to grazing in a meadow. Following the seven fat
Cftjttle were seven others that were lean and ill-favored, and these went also to
tlie meadow beside the river, and ate up all the seven that were fat. This was
Pharaoh's first dream, but he fell asleep again and dreamed that he saw a
field of corn, on the stalks of which grew seven large ears full}^ matured, but
while looking upon these, other stalks grew out of the same ground, each of
n^ich bore seven blastei ears, and these thin and immature ears devoured
jiose that were large and perfect.

These two dreams so deeply troubled Pharaoh that he sent to all the

igiciaus in Egypt that he might obtain an interpreter, but none of them

ire wise enough to tell him the significance of his visions. As the desire of

le king became noised about the chief butler re nembered how Joseph had

terpreted the dreams of himself and of the baker, so he went to Pharaoh

^d told him how truly Joseph had prophesied, and advised that he be sent for.

The king immediately dispatched a messenger to bring Joseph to him, so

young Hebrew hastily shaved himself, changed his clothes and appeared

Ifore the king as he was bid. And when the young man came before the

Irone Pharaoh told him that he had heard of how he had interpreted dreams

lile in prison and asked him if he could understand and interpret all

Jams. Joseph replied, " It is not in me ; God shall give Pharaoh an answer

peace."

•mm

hJMb

tM,

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

When Joseph had thus answered, Pharaoh related to him the two drea:
which so troubled him, whereupon Joseph gave him the interpretation as follon
The two dreams he pronounced as one in meaning, since they botn presag
that the seven succeeding years would be seasons of great abundance throuj
out all Egypt, but the next seven 3'ears would be seasons of famine, when t
laud would produce nothing, so that distress for food would prevail among ;
who did not take advantage of the seven years of plenty to fill their grauar,
and thus provide against the seven seasons of failure.

THE FAMINE.

Pharaoh perceived that Joseph had given him the true significance of \
dreams, and determined to provide against the predicted famine by appointi:
Joseph the receiver of tithes and the collector of such portions of the crops
he might levy during the seven years of plenty. But as a mark of his ijre
favor Pharaoh made Joseph ruler of all Egypt and put a gold chain about 1
neck and made him ride next to his own chariot, while the people were o:clcr;
to bow down to him.

As all provision to guard against the coming famine had thas been ,t,nv
to Joseph to make, he set about his duty by ordering large storehouses lo
made in all parts of the country, which he filled by raising the royal imp
of one-tenth on the produce of tlie 1:' dto one-fifth, which was no hardshij)
the people to payj because for sevei. years the crops were so great that i
people could hai'dly take care of them, and were therefc^re inclined to was;
fulness.

True to Joseph's predictions, the beginning of the second seven years w,
marked by a blasting of the crops; which conti'iued until great want was fc
throughout the land, and immense numbers of people would have starved h.
for the beneficent provisions made by Joseph. He now opened the storchousi
and from them supplied the wants of all who would come to buy.

The famine was not confined to Egypt, but extended into Canaan, Syr
and other countries, where it was so dreadful that the people of those hnv
were compelled to come to Joseph to buy grain to avoid starvation.

So large were the purchases made of Joseph during the first two years >
the famine, that all the mouey of the Egyptians and Canaanitcs had passi
into the treasury of Pharaoh. The authority which Joseph lliereafter exercix
over the Egyptians was somewhat despotic, though luirdlv so oppressive as t
might expect it would be among a people that were luited for their custom (
reducing the poor to slavery. The people who were no longer able to pay f;
the provisions they needed were removed from the country to the cities, b.
were still allowed to cultivate the lands, which had thus passed to Pharao:
by a payment of one-fifth of the produce to the crown, and this hard conditic
caused the permanent loss of tenure of land in Egypt.

(Tig

the two drea;
:atiou as folloj
y botn prcsag
ndauce tlirouj
amine, when
■evail among;

their graiiar.

nificance of i
e by appointi;
of the crops
irk of his t^re
chain about ':
)le were orden

has been ,t,nv
orehouses to
lie royal inipi
no hardslii
great that i
:liiied to was;

even 5'ears w;

want was fe
i\'C starved b:
the storehoiisi
ly.

Canaan, Syr
of those hui:
on.

t two years
tcs had passt
after exercist
iprcssive as v
leir custom c
ible to pay fi
the cities, bi
'd to Pharao;
hard conditic

iRP

■MHBIM

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

JOSKPH REFUSES TO DISCLOSE HIMSELF TO HIS BROTHERS.

Jacob, who still lived in Canaan, though an extremely rich man, didil
escape the terrible effects of the famine, and was forced to send also to Pluiri |
for grain to feed his household and famishing herds. Many years had n
passed since Joseph was sold into bondage, for at the time of the begiinii:
of the famine he was nearly forty years of age, while at the time of his s;|
lie was but seventeen. Yet in all these years Jacob had believed his son
be dead, having heard no word from him, nor did an}- of his sons reveal i
secret of their wickedness, little caring what had become of the brother.

When Jacob's granaries were emptied he sent ten of his sons to Egvpt
buy corn, but kept Benjamin, the youngest, with him, lest some harm mig
befall him, as he was now his father's favorite and consolation.

When the ten brothers came to Joseph he recognized all of them innm
ately, but they in turn did not know him, for they had never thought of tli
servant brother becoming a ruler over so great a country as Egypt. In ore
to I jufuse them, or test their fidelit}-, Joseph accused his brothers of bei:
spies come from Canaan to observe the povertj' and weakness of Egypt. '
their ])rotestations of denial Joseph answered that as one of the brothers h
been kept by his father in Canaan, he would keep them in prison and tn
them as spies until this one was also brought to him. So he cast all :
brothers into prison, but on the third day he went to them and said that
knew the famine was severe in Canaan and that he would therefore per:
nine of them to return, laden with grain, to their father, but that he wo.
retain one as a hostage for the bringing to him of their youngest broth;
The brothers were very sorrowful because of these conditions, and beer
conscience stricken as Reuben reminded them how they had turned a deaft
to the entreaties of Joseph when they sold him to the Midianite merchants

Joseph at length chose to hold Simeon, and accordingly bound him hcf
liis brothers and then sent the others away with their sacks filled with oir
but he ordered that the money which the brothers had paid for the corn shoe
be secretly placed in the sacks. As they journe3'^ed back home with their ass
laden with grain they stopped at noon-time to give their animals food, when
their astonishment, as they opened the sacks to get food for the asses, each o:
found the money that he had paid to Joseph in the mouth of the bag, and tb
believed that it was a miracle.

MEETING OF JOSEPH AND BENJ.VMIN.

When the brothers reached home they told their father all that had lii
pened to them, of how harshly the governor of Egypt had treated them ai
how he had retained Simeon as a hostage for the bringing to him of Benjani;

At this sad news Jacob was deeply distressed, for he could not bear to pi
with Benjamin. Reuben thereupon said to his father, " Slay my two sons,

HERS.

ch man, did:
also to Pilar;
r years had u
f the bcgiiini:
time of his >:
ieved his son
sons reveal •
e l)rother.
ons to Egypt
me harm mig

)f them inune
thonght of tilt
i)gy pt. In ore
'Others of be::

of Egypt. :
he brotliers 1:
)rison and tr;
he cast all ;
nd said that
therefore per.

that he wot
•nngest hrotk
ns, and bcca:
rned a deafe
te mercliaiits.
•nnd him hefo
illed witli cor
the corn shot
with their ass
Is food, when

asses, each o:
2 bag, and tin

that had lii
ated them ai
m of Benjain:
not bear to pi
ly two sons,

THE BHAUTIFI'L STORY.

iifiiil

I bring him not to thee; deliver him into my hand, and I will bring liini

thee again." But Jacob wonld not consent.

When tfie corn which they bronght was all eaten, Jacob told his sous

go again into Egypt and buy more, but they replied that the governor had v

that they should not see his face again unless they brought their youn-

brother with them. Then Judah begged his father to trust Benjamin inUi ^ fj

care, giving his oath to return him again or accept all the blame forever ilu -' .

after. At length Jacob consented, but he told his sons to take presents

fruits, spices, honey, myrrh and balm with them, and also the money found . ^

their sacks, lest there might have been an oversight. ,

With the blessings of their father the brothers departed again, w - . j

. 1 , , T> • •., ., ^r*, ■ ms tar

double money and presents, and took Benjamin with them. They jounK\

deep S(

Joseph
Benjan

on and soon came before Joseph, who commanded that they ])e brought in ♦.
dine with him. This order excited their fears afresh, because now tl' -l* *;v
believed they were apprehended to be punished for not paying for the ci ^^
they had bought on the first visit, and so they told the steward of Jost'ii f «
house of how they had found the money they had paid to Joseph tied uj) w
the grain in their sacks after departing, and that they had therefore l)rnii;
it back again. The steward assured them that there was no cause for :il;i: /•-_*. .,;
and that God had given them the treasure in their sacks. He then bnni^ i' i-r
water for them to wash their feet and provender for their asses, after wli -r «
Simeon was brought out to them. ,, r

Joseph returned to his brothers at noon, and asked diligently aboui : f«„Q«:te
health of his father, and then inquired if tlie young nuiu was Beujaiii i!r_ j- ■
Finding it to be so, Josejih was so overjoyed that he had to hasten from , t„Jo1i '
brothers to find a place to weep where they could not sec him. \\'hcii ^■l.^ |_^|
returned to them again all the brothers set before him the presents that tli «Tpli

had brought, and then the tables were made ready for dinner: one table ''<-'i£.„ri 1^.
set for Jo.seph, one for his brothers, ;uk1 a third for the Ivgyptians thai \^^^i|gn {
invited. But as they began to eat Joseph set dishes before them with I'i^ " savini;
hands, and before B(Mijamin he placed five times as much food as before
others, and they all drank and were merry.

After the fuast was over Joseph commanded his steward to fill up
sacks of his brothers with, ^orn, and into each place the money that they
paid for the grain, but into the sack of Benjamin he ordered the stewan
put a silver cup.

In the morning the brothers were sent on their way, but when they '15011 Jos
got outside the city Joseph ordered his steward to set after them and to '"inot: a'
them back, and to charge them with stealing a silver cup and money ^'luato m
The steward did as he was ordered, and when he came up with them an^'th
accused the brothers of offending his master by rol)bing him of a silver t'l'thei* a
They loudly jiroteste^l their innocence, and freely offered to unloose llH||att» c>
sacks, that he might see they had none of the things which they were 'i^'^'i'^Egypt,

fore, bt
God di(

takqi hi
in the

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

ill brincf him ^ , , , , 1 1 1 • • • 1 , r ■,

of Jl^aling. So the steward searched tlie sacks, beginning with that of the

, ,, , ., old^t and ending with that of Benjamin, in whose sack he fonnd the cup.

11 'Now were the brothers covered with confusion, knowing their innocence.

ivernor had ^ . ; , , 1 • 1 , • 1 r -i 1 1 1 • 1 1 '

, . ^ ail<|'i^3'et overwhelmed with t!"^ evidence 01 guilt, and they rent tlieir clothes

• ■ "^ wilM fifrief, but saddled up their asses, and with their sacks they returned to
•njamin "U(' "M,^ / .• .1 11 *i ^ 1 r i- i

^ r . J^^lS") ^^'"° ^^''^^ expecting tiieni ; and when they appeared before Inm he

, '^ asl^, "What deed is this that ye liave done?" Then he told them that the

r ^, matl^ in whose sack the cup was found should he his servant, but that the
monev found *^ , , , ,, . , • r 1

othijlir brothers should return in peace to tlicir fatlicr.

, . Judah, who had so carnesth- besought his father to give Benjamin into

' ' " his iarc, and who had vowed to return him safelv, was now stricken with such

They jounitM
e brought

' his royal brother with a humilit}- and dejection which plainly reflected the

1 , deep sorrow that we cannot read the sufiFeriug, agonizing plea which he offered

^ to Joseph without feeling a portion of the grief that moved him. Approaching

ig for the c
ard of Jost'i

pli tied uj) w
lerelore bnui
cause for al;;
e then h
ses, after

. agotly of his mind, he begged that he would listen to the sorrowful circum-
stances which had brought him and his brethren again to Pygypt. He reminds

, Tosetoh how he had truly answered all his iuciuiries, in which he had told why

lerelore bnui^*' «- - ' j

-•'■--..

first visit, and the sad cause that had brought him now. He then pleads for

""' Benjamin the j-ouugest, his father's comforter, had not come with them on the

' ihe life of his old father, who will surely be Ijrought to the grave with grief
^^ ' if Benjamin is not permitted to return, for that Jacob had mourned coutinu-

LMitlv about ;

ally for the loss of his son Joseph, ami now to remove from him his other

favorite would inflict ui)on him a burden greater than he could bear, " for his
was Beujani jj^g ^ bound up iu that of the lad." As a last plea for his young brother,

.' ' ^ x-i '" Judah begs Joseph to take him as a bondman iu Benjamin's place, and to let
Mm. \\ hen ^^^ j^^^ ^.^,^,„.„ ^^, ,,j^ ^1^,^;,,^^, j-.^^,j^.j.

^'"'^ ^ n^'\ This last soul-sorrowing supplication was more than Joseph could bear,

one ta )le i>^'i and he commanded every one to go out of the room "except his brothers, and

lans tlial ">,^yijen tjicy vere alone he burst out crying and revealed himself to his brothers,

m with bi^" sayijp^r: "I am Josejjh, your brother, whom ye sold into F)gypt. Now, there-

{ as '^^'»»"^' ' fore, be !U)t grieved nov angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither; for

God dill send me be'bro you to preserve life."

*' "" "P ' Joseph's forgivemss of his brothers for their wickedness in conspiring to

that they "takg his life, and afterward in selling him into bondage, is beautifully expressed

the steward ^^ ^jj^^ sacred records, wherein he is made to say :

^' Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus .saith thy
•fllBoseph, God hath made me Lord of all ICgypt : come down unto me, tarry
tt<Mpand tuou slialt dwell in the land of Gi/sheu, and thou slialt be near
untttme, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks,
with them andTfthy herds, and all that thou hast; and there will I nourish thee; for yet
pi a silver '^'"'thgil arc five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou
unloose lli^hilicome to poverty. . . And ye shall tell my father of all my glory iu
:y were acniMjjg^t ^,^^1 ^f ^^ ^1,^^^ ^^, jj^^^ ^^^^^ . ,^,^^ ^.^ ^jj.^j j^,^^^^ ^^^^ ^^,.^^^^ j^^^^^ ^^^

when they li
u and to liri;
id nione\- ;il-

J !

^m.MJ'

{>>}

fatlu
Beiij

ttpoi

Jose

and
that

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

i:r

fiither hitlicr. And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept ; and
Benjamin wept npon his neck. Moreover, he kissed all his brethren and wept
upon them."

,, When it was told to Pharaoh that Joseph's brothers had come, he told
lUieph to load all their animals with grain and let them retnrn to their father,
and to take wagons and bring back to Egypt Jacob and his household, and
t^at he would give him everything good that was in the land.

JOSICPH RKVHAMNG HIMSKI.H To HIS lIKdTlllvRS.

"And Joseph said unto his brethren, I iiiii Joseph."— tttm. xlv. 3,

To the brothers Pharaoh spoke, saying, " Now thou art commanded, thin do
; take you wagons om of ihe hind of Ivgypt for your little ones, and for
)ur wives, and bring your father and come. Also regard not your stuff; for
pie good of all Egypt is yours."

Mi'i'/nxi; oi.' josi'.i'ii AND HIS I'ATiu'.r.

Joscpli's brotliers departed for their home wilh many wagons and provisions
-^r the journey, autl other marks of kindness from both him and Pharaoh, in-
Jfluding changes of clothing and money. Benjamin received five limes us much

i i ; !

Mi \

■J :

'.' : 1' :

51' I

THP: BHArTIFUL STORY.

as was given to the other brothers, which was because of his nearness of l<i; jyj4»fs
ship to Joseph. When they reached Becrshcba they ran joyfully to their fatlit
and told hitn the glad news of how Joseph was yet living and had been «
alted to the ruler-.hip of all Egypt, and that he had sent them to bring ilit
father to him.

When Jacob heard all that had been told his heart fainted, for he did n
believe them, while the grief which he had felt for the loss of Joseph w,.
brought back fresh again to him. When he saw the wagons and prcstn;
which his son had sent, his spirit revived and he then believed. The reactii

eaftier
gaVie t
ahffttec

siglit,
could

from des])():idency which he had before felt to that of transporting happiiie> T(»cpl

which followed the satisfying evidence that Joseph was indeed still living, w;,
extremely great, as may be imagined, and was a fitting conclusion to the wn:
derful succession of surprises which hud come to himself and sons during i.
short period since the)^ had iirst i!;'>ne to Kgypt to buy corn.

When Jacob believed that Joseph was still living he became all impatioii
to go immediately to see him; but before setting out on the journe}- hv li
not neglect to make sacrifices unto God, who appeared to him in a vision
night, and said, " Fear not to go down into Kgypt, for I will ihcrc make of ilii,
a great nation." Jacob at once collected together all his household, includii;.
Lis sons' wives, and his grandchildren, sixty-six in numl)cr, ar.d all his i^on.
and his herds, and went to Kgypt. As the caravan reached the hrul of C.oslu:
which is on the frontier of Kgypt, and which was to be the dwelling-place '
Jacob, having been given to him by Pharaoh, Joseph came out to meet him ;
a chariot. What a sublimely beautiful though pathetic spectacle was now ;
be presented! More than twenty years had passed si!.ce the sad news w.
brought to Jacob that Joseph, his best beloved, had been torn and eaten by wil
beasts ; and iKdiold, in his old age, his heart was lifted out of its long grief I
the enrapturing tidings that this cruel story was false, and that the lost si
was to be restored to him ; uot as the little boy who went out in the field-
clothed in beautifully colored raiment, to bring repo'-t of the doings of li:

him
Phara
in bet
made
bless i I
the b(
Joscpl
the el
Esau,
to Ep
own s
he div
of whi
before
Redee
and L
of Dii
soattei
ships ;
to be

brothers, l)Ut as a man, grown to full estate, and wearing the purple of authorit) being

the greatest ruler in all Ivgypt, yet no less the loving sou.

When Joseph perceived his aged father appr )aching, he ran to meet hiir
•md falling on his neck wept with that joy which may best be described ;i
lifting us from earth into the l)lissful condition of angels. Jacob was equall;
overcome, for he said, in the pride and happiness of his heart, " Now let iik
die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive."

JACOB ni.l'.SSHS JOSHI'Il'.S CHII.DRHN AND DIRS.

When Jacob was brought before Pharaoh, he was questioned by the kiiii,
as to his age and possessions, to which Jacob replied that he was then ..
hundrea and thirty years old, <luring which lime his sorrows hud been \on wlprc
great. Pharaoh seems to have been much affected by Jt.o!.'< story of iii- wil^ ,

was ^

to-?^ei
an4 ^v

th%fa
po^ti(
Tl||se

an|| V

£« /

ailir

M-

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

eaniess of ]<::

to their futlit

had been ^v

to bring Uk

for he (lid n
of Josepli w,.
; and preseir
The reacti'
ting liappiiK-
till living, w;.
on to the wn:
ons dnring ti;

all inipalieii
jonrney he li:

in a vision ,.
•e make of tin
hold, ineliidii;
1 all his i^DiK
iukI of OosIk:
elling-place ^
o meet him 1
le was now ;
sad news wa

eaten by wi!

long grief li
It the lost sn:

in the fiel(l>

doings of Ii:
e of anthoriti

to meet liiii:

deseribcd a

b was eqnall;

" Now let UK

by the kiiij:

ti was then ;

1(1 been \on

^tory of Ii!^

grhifs, bnt was no donbt influenced more b}' the estimation in which he held
Joifph in his gifts to Israel — which Jacob and his household were now called.
Tip land of Goshen, also called Rameses, was a 'nost fruitful district near the
easiern confines of Egypt, and was a considerable territory. All this Pharaoh
gaV* to J acob, besides ordering Joseph to sustain the household until the famine
abated.

Jacob lived in Goshen for seventeen 5'ears, and was now so old that his ej'e-
sigllt, like that of his father Isaac in his last j-ears, had so failed him that he
coidd no longer see. Realizing that his death was near at hand he sent for
Joseph and his two sons, named Manasseh and Ephraim, who were born to
hiai by his wife, Asenath, whom he had married directl}' after interpreting
Pharaoh's dream. When they arrived Jacob summoned his strength and sat up
in bed, and after telling Joseph how God had blessed him and the promises
made toward his descendants, he called his two grandsons to give them his
bl«S8sings. Being blind he had to trust his touch, as Isaac had, so that when
th«s boys came to him he felt them, to distinguish the elder from the younger.
Joseph desired that his father'h- first blessing should be given to Manasseh,
the elder, but Jacob, remembering how he, being younger than his brother
Esau, had taken the blessing from his father, chose to give the greater blessing
to Ephraim, which he accordingly did. Following this he called all of his
own sons together, the twelve mentioned, and giving to Joseph a double portion,
he divided the rest of his possessions among the others, and then gave a prophecj'
of what should be the career of each. Through Judah, who pleaded so hard
before Joseph for the release of Benjamin, Jacob declared should come the
Redeemer (Shiloh). Reuben, through his instability, should not excel ; vSimecm
and Levi, for the wrong thej did in putting Hanior and his son, the husband
of pinah, to the sword, should be cursed for their anger, and their descendants
scattered in Israel; Zebulun should dwell by the sen, and keep a haven fin-
ships ; Issaehar should be a servant to carry lieavy burdens ; Dan was appointed
to ^1be a judge of one of the tribes of Israel; Gad would be overcome, luit
being a great warrior, should become victorious over his enemies at last ; Ashcr
was ajipointed to great riches; Naphtali should be a counsellor ; Benjamin was
to become a great warrior, who would never be satisfied with his conquests,
and would fight if for no other reason than fi)r the spoils that he might take.

l'\)r Joseph was reserved all the good things that tnight be given through
thf^:favor of God, but already had his destiny been almost complete, since the
pOi|tion to which he had attained was equal to that of king of a great country,
Thtse twelve sons afterward became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel,
and will be frequently mentioned in subsequent narratives.

After finishing the giving of his prophetic blessings, Jacob charged his sons
after lii« 'li^^^ith to bury him in the field of Machpelah, which is before Manire,
where already reposed the bodies of his parents and grandparents, and of his
wife Leah. When he had thus commanded !.hem, " he gathered up his feet

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

into the bed, and yielded up the ghost," aged one hundred and forty-sevt;
years.

When his father was dead Joseph threw himself mn the body in a wi
passion of grief and kissed it repeatedly. He then ordered his physicians •
embalm his precious dead, and kept the body in his house for a period of for
days, as was the custom of the Egyptians, but his period of mourninti w

THE llODY OP JACOB KMUALMBD.

"And the physiciaus euibnluied Israel." — Oi'.n, 1. j.

for se-cnty days. The body was now taken by Josepi' and his brothers, w'
were followed by all the servants in Pharaoirs house, and the proiniiu
people of Egypt, in chariots and on horseback, " to the threshing floor of At.u;
which was near the Jordan River. Here they halted and went into mouniii
for seven days, after which the body was carried to the place designatt.il
Jacob's last request, and deposited in the sepulchre with his fathers.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

and fortj'-v

seve:

body in a wi

s physicians :

period of for

mournin.y w

When they had retnrned from the burial of their father, Joseph's brothers
jressed fear that now he would punish them for their iniquity in selling him
bondage, and to propitiate his anger they fell down at his feet and begged
to forgive them, offering to remain forever his servants if he would but
ire them. At this Joseph wept, sorrowful that they should believe he harbored
taiy desire for revenge. But he soon dismissed their fears, by promising to do

r's will in all things and to provide for both them and their children.
There is little more recorded in the Bible about Joseph after his father's
death, as it merely tells us that he continued to dwell in Egypt, with his rela-
tfves, until he was one hundred and ten years of age, and had seen the third
generation of his son Ephraim, and had held the grandchildren of his son
Bfenasseh on his knee. At this age he died and was embalmed and buried in
^ypt. Many years afterward, when the Israelites reached Canaan, the remains
of Joseph were carried over to Sychem and laid in the sepulchre with his father.

f-.-n

brothers, w!
the proniim;
floor of Al;ui
into mouniii:

designated :.
Iiers.

I •

■IP

[■I

CHAPTER VII.

THK STORY OF MOSES.

^HE Egyptians were alwajs enemies of the Jews, and evec

in the time of Joseph, who was himself a Hebrew , ;;

was not permitted the Jews to sit at table with llu

Eg3ptians. Thus we saw, in the preceding chapter

that when Joseph's brothers came to him on thei:

second visit to buy corn, when he had ordered them t

dine with him, he had three tabk s jjrepared : one iV

himself, one for his brothers, and another for ilu

Egyptians who were in his house. Though Pharaoh and hi-

pcople were content to care for the lnuisehold of Jacob, llu

land which was given them in Goshen lay outside the bonkM^

of Egypt, i)robably on the frontier of Syria, as the senlinu'ir

against the jew> would not permit of e\en Joseph's rclatiwv

occu])yiiig a part of the Egyptian territory proper.

The story of the oppressious of the Israelites, descendants
of Jacob, wlio was called Israel, begins thus, " Now there rose
up a new king over Egypt who knew not Joseph." We ai\
therefore not informed of the circumstances which gave rise ti
the new dynasty succeeding Pharaoh who was king at iIk
time of Joseph. The sacred record does tell us, however, tlia;
the Israelites, or Jews of modern history, had increased si
rapidly that the king of I'<gypt grew fearful lest they should become mon
numerous than his own people, or that the\' might unite with other enemies
of the Pvgvptians and make war against him. This question of the Jewish in
c-rease became such a serious one at length that measures were taken to limit
it, and also to prevent them from emigrating, which the levy of burdens mii.;li!
proaipt them In d*). Accordingly, Pharaoh, the new king, appointed taskmasters
over the Jews ami in other respects also rediu-eil |hp||| |n 11 Hlale of bondage.
T!ie hea\iest burdens were Imposed upon the uuhMpp\ jews, by which they
were compelled to build the treasure cities of Pithom ami Raamses. But not-
withslandiug ihc Huvcvily tlf lliwll lulwr the Jew,s continued to multiply as
rapidly t>« belnrc.

St'eing the futility of his measures tiius far, Pharaoh adopted new and m<»re
rigorous ones, by uhtch the children of the Jews were forced to peiform the

ews, and even
a Hebrew , ■■.
ihle with ilu
•ding chapter
lini on tlici:
Icrcd them t
arcd : one tV
tlicr \\)v tlu
nioh and h:.
of Jacob, ilu
e tlic border-
Lhc sentiiiK'n:
)h's relatiw^

, dcsccndam^
)\v there rost
h." We arc
1 gave rise ti^

king at ik
however, that

increased s^

)cconie niort
thcr eneiiiit'v
le Jewish in
iken to liiiii;
urdcus u\iv,k
taskmasters

of bondage,
which thov

s. Bnt not-
multiply ivs

ew and ninre
per for ju the

"^3.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

hardest labor, such as the carrying of brick and mortar, and exposing them

the hardships and exposures of the field. To this was next added a yet luo:

severe law commanding the raidwives to kill every male child bom to the Jew
though they were ordered to spare all the female children.

BIRTH AND FINDING OF MOSES.

While these dreadfully restrictive measures were in force, a descendant
Lovi, one of Jacob's sons, married a Jewess of the ^ame descent, by whom ;
had a son. The mother, to save her child from being killed according tot
law, hid him for three months, but not being able, from her poverty, to k(
him longer concealed, she made a basket of willows and covered it with slit
and pitch so that it might float ; she then placed her babe in this frail shall
and laid it among the flags of the river (Nile) brink. The mother then si
tioned the babe's sister, Miriam, a little way off to see what might happen
the child.

It is most probable that the place wherein the basket was placed was o;
frequented by members of the royal household, for \re are told that soon aftt
Pharaoh's daughter, attended by her maids, came down to bathe at this ve:
place. Discovering the child in the basket, by hearing its cries, she order;
her maid to bring it to her. While holding the chid she saw that it was
Hebrew parentage; Miriam, now perceiving her oppor '.unity , asked if she slion
get a Hebrew mother to nurse it, to which the kind-hearted princess gave b
consent, and as the babe's mother was near by she was. called, and it was givt
into her care, with the promise of the princess to pay her wages for rearing

After some years, the child, which had now grown grtatly, was brought
Pharaoh's daughter, who accepted him as her sou, and called his name Most
•which means " taken out of the water."

thp: manhood of moses.

After the adoption of Moses by Pharaoh's daughter we have no furtlit
record concerning him until, according to the authority of St. Stephen, he w:
forty years of age, when we are told that one day, while Moses was watcliit
the hard labor of his people, he saw an Egyptian (taskmaster, presumedly
beating one of his Hebrew brethren. Evidently, all who were witnesses of tk
assault were Hebrews, for Moses looked this way and that way, and when 1:
saw that there was no man (Egyptian) in sight, he slew the Egyptian, an
buried him in the sand. .

On the next day, as Moses was walking out he saw two Jews fightint
whom he so soundly reproved that one of them asked who had made him
prince and a judge, and then taunted him with having killed and hid tl
Egyptian. Pharaoh was thus apprised of the murder, and resolved to kill Mose
for the crime, but he fled and went to Midian, which was in Arabia, and the:
sat down by a well to rest and refresh himself.

posing them
ded a yet luo
m to the Je

L descendant
t, by whom ;
iccording tot
overty, to kc:
d it with slin;
lis frail shall
tother then si
light happen

placed was o;
that soon aftt
he at this ve:
es, she order;
that it was .
d if she shoii
ncess gave k
id it was givt
1 for rearinjj
was brought;
IS name Mose

lave no furtli:
tephen, he w:
5 was watcliii:
presumedly
itnesses of tli;
and when I
Egyptian, at

Jews fightiiii
id made liiiu
and hid tt
i to kill IMose
ibia, and ther

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

i While thus resting, seven daughters of a Midian priest, named Jethro, came
e to water their father's flocks, and after they had filled the troughs some

Upherds came up and drove them away, but Moses came to their aid and
g^lantly watered their flocks for them. For this kind act he was invited to the
ilWse of. Jethro, where he lived but a short time before the priest gave him
one of his daughters, Zipporah, in marriage, by whom Moses had one son that
he named Gershom. It is somewhat singular that no mention whatever is
mide of this son, or of Zipporah either, beyond the mere statement of the marriage
aaSi birth. It is probable that Gershom died in infancy for had he grown to manhood
he would have almost certainly succeeded to some hereditary office, unless he
vmB ineligible by reason of some sin, or mental incapacity. Tlie four sons of
Aaron, as we shall presently see, were installed in the priestly office directly
after they became of age, or, rather, almost imuKuiately upon the completion
of ijthe Tabernacle, but Moses left no children that figured in the sacred history.

MOSES DELIVERS THE ISR.^ELITES.

Moses remained with Jethro attending his herds for several years, nearly
forty, by some authorities, when one day as he drove the cattle to a new
pasturage at the Mount of Horeb, an angel appeared to him, assuming the
appearance of a burning bush, out of which God called to him. When Moses
had made answer the voice told him to take off" his sandals because the place
was holy ground. The voice then continuing told him of the promises made
to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and that the burdens and sorrows of the Israel-
ites, under their cruel Egyptian taskmasters, had excited God's compassion.
The voice therefore spoke further to Moses, commanding him to go to Pharaoh
and procure the release of his people from bondage, by means which would
be placed within his power. Moses was then further instructed as to what* he
should do, and was permitted to perform miracles by which he would be able
to convince the Israelites that he was indeed sent to deliver them.

Moses had a brother named Aaron, three years his elder, concerning whose
birth the Bible tells us nothing. It may be that the word "brother" here
niiCans that Aaron was only a member of his tribe ; or, possibly, that the two
"Wfre half-brothers ; in either event, the importance of exactness in the narra-
is not great. We are told that while God was manifesting Himself to
tees, Aaron was journeying to meet him, and that the two met at Mount
Ireb, where Moses told his brother of the wonderful things which God had
pt performed, and of his call to go back into Egypt to deliver his people,
ron was an eloquent man, while Moses was, as he admits, slow of tongue,
[the Lord said to him that Aaron should help him to talk to the people,
that he, too, would be given the power to perform miracles.
It was not without much persupsion upon the part of God, who at length
^ame angered, that Moses consented to do that which he was bidden, for he
ibted, even in the face of the many miracles which God wrought before

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U IV

FINDING OF MOSES.

",\mi the icomaii limk f/if c/iiM (tiiti iit/rse<{ if. Aiulttit chiM tfrfiv." A'.\orfii\ ii.UIO.

sHI

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

[him, his fitness for tlie work of deliverance, or that God would help him as
Hi-' proiiw^ed. These doubts, however, were finally removed, and Aloses, first
paining- the consent of Jethro, his father-in-law, set out with his wife and
two sous for Egypt. As they came again to Mount Hoi-eb, Aaron met them
atul they travelled together until the}- came to a caravansary, or inn, where,

j after stopping for the night, Moses' wife was prevailed \ipon to return to her
fatlier, since the hardships of the journey were too great for herself and her

t young

babe.

MOSES AND AARON BEFORE THARAOH.

The t*vo brothers, upon reaching Egypt, called at once upon the priests,
or elders, of the Israelites, to whom they told how God had called them to
deliver the people out of bondage, and, as a sign of the power which the
Lord had given them, they changed their rods into serpents, which convinced
the elders. In all that was said Aaron acted as the mouthpiece of INIoses, for
to one was given the abilit}' to direct, while the other was endowed witn the
gift of eloquence.

When they had explained their mission to the elders, who were to tl e.u
prepare the Israelites for their freedom, Moses and Aaron went before Pharaob.
and asked him to allow the Hebrews to go three days' joiirney into the wil-
derness and make a feast, but Pharaoh evidently perceived the intention of
Moses, and instead of granting the request he imposed fresh burdens upon the
Israelites. These increased hardships made the Israelites regret that Moses
had ever designed their freedom, and they besought him to cease his efforts
for their release. Even Moses himself was overcome b}'' the sad results of his
attempts to procure the deliverance of his people, for he went out into a field and
cried to the Lord, "Wherefore hast Thou so evil entreated this people? Why
is it that thou hast sent me ? for since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Thy
name, he hath done evil to this people ; neither hast Thou delivered Thy
people at all."

TIIIv TEN PLAGUES. !

When Moses had thus complained, God answered him by saying that now
should He drive Pharaoh with a strong hand, and renewed His promise to bring
the Israelites out of bondage. God also renewed the covenant which He had
made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and told Moses that His name should
now be Jehovah, by which He had never before been called. Then God said
tliat Aaron should be the prophet, to declare to Pharaoh what shouM come to
pass, and to foretell the afflictions which should be brought upon the Egyptians
if Pharaoh persisted in refusing to give the Hebrews their fj-ecdom.

Moses and Aaron were now commanded to go again to Pharaoh, at which
time we are told that Moses was eighty and Aaron was eighty-three years of
ii.no. As they came before the king to sho\v him the power which God had
given them, and that their request for the deliverance of the Israelites was

If!

si,

, ■■

!!i,'!

tjiil

(98) MOSliS AND AARON UUKORK I'llARAOH,

"And Aaron cast dowu his rod before Pharaoh, . . . and it became a serpent."— Kx. vil. 10.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

iiuadc by God's commands, Aaron threw down his rod before Pharoah, when iu-

Istauclv it became a live serpent. But this miracle did not convince the king,

for calling his magicians before Moses, the}^ too cast dov.-n their rods and

cliant^ed them into serpents, but Aaron's rod swallowed up the magicians' rods.

On tlie following da}'^, as Pharaoh came down to the river, Moses went before

him, and striking the water with his rod turned it into blood; and when the

li'-vptians dug for wells they could find nothing but blood, and there was no

water to drink for a period of seven days. This plague of blood was so great

that Pharaoh softened his heart and promised to let the Israelites go if Moses

hvould bring back the waters as before. But when Moses, by prayer to God,

[restored the waters, Pharaoh broke his promise, so that other plagues were sent

I upon Egypt, each time the king declaring, while the plague was upon the land,

jthat if it were removed he would liberate the people, but as often refusing to

I redeem his pledge.

The plagues thai were thus sent by God were as follows : First, a plague
[of blood, then of frogs, next of lice, flies, murrain, by which all the domestic
animals died, then boils en both man and beast, then hail and fire, next grass-
hoppers, then darkness, and last, but most terrible of all, was the plague of
the first-born, by which the eldest child of ever}' Egyptian family was brought
[to death.

When God determined to visit the Eg3"ptians with this last dreadful punish-
Iment, He first directed Moses and Aaron to tell the Israelites and to order each
{Hebrew family to take a lamb from their flocks, which should be kept for a
period of four da3'S, at the end of which time it was to be killed, in the even-
ling ; into the blood of the lamb a hyssop branch was to be dipped, which
[should then be struck on each side and over every door of the Israelites' houses,
jso that there might be three marks of blood at the door of those who were to
[escape the visit of death. It was also commanded that the lambs thus slain
jshoukl be roasted and eaten while the Israelites were all ready to depart out of
[Egypt, their dress complete and weapons in their hands.

While the Hebrews were thus prepared, and were eating the lambs as

jOod directed, the angel of death came through all the land of Egypt, smiting

the first-born of every Egyptian house, but passing b}-, or over, every house

[that had the blood marks. It is this incident which the Jews still celebrate in

their Feast of the Passover.

None of the plagues which God had sent to worry the Egyptians were

permitted to visit any of the Israelites, but still Phai-aoh was so wicked in his

Ihcart, and had so long bowed down to idols, that with all the manifestations of

|€.()d';; will and power, he refused to give the Israelites their freedom. When,

therefore, the plague of the first-born was sent, God ordered His chosen people

to y;ather together themselves and their flocks, and to borrow, or take from the

lE.u^yptiaus all the gold and silver and jewels which they could obtain, and

iepart out of Egypt. The number which started in obedience to this command

" 1

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"If

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

lOI

I .^^ six huudrecl thousand iik .i, besides children ; and herds of animals, such
las "'^its, cattle, camels and asses, but without other provisions, as the haste
hvith wliich they left prevented them from taking any victuals except some
hnileavcued bread.

So great was the number of Israelites that the\' had gone some cla3's before

Ipiuinioh could assemble an army large enough to go in pursuit. We are not

told liow many soldiers Pharaoh collected, but it must have been a great host,

for "he took six hundred chosen chariots and all the chariots of Egypt, au4

captains over ever}- one of them."

Pharaoh's host drowxed ix thp: rkd ska.

The Israelites did not flee with any well-determined idea as to where they
were going, being concerned only for their freedom, and relying upon the Lord's

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PHAUAOll H IIOSI' S\VAl.l,i)\Vi:i) l'l>.

"And Mc^es stretclieil forth his hand over the sea."— Ivx. xiv. 27.

promise to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey. The desert
which lay between Egypt and Canaan (Palestine), being tht north portion of
Arabia, was called "the wilderness," through which their route lay. As there
were no roads through this dreary counlrv, lest they might become lost, God
sent before them a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, which they were
bidden to follow.

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I [02) DliATH HI' I'lIAKADHS l-IUST-liOUN.

"And there was a great cry in Egypt: for there was not a house where there was not one dead." — Ex. xii, 30.

THE BEAUTIFUI. STORY.

103

Wlieii the Israelites were several days march from tne capital of Egypt,

IGoiI commanded them to make a camp at Pihahiroth, which was beside the

[norrli-niost end of the Red Sea. Here, in the midst of the confusion of their

c:unii, they discovered the rapidly approaching army of Pharaoh, and became

panic-SLricken. Believing that thcj' should now be massacred, a great number

of Israelites began to find fault with Moses, "for," said thej', "it had been

IbcttL-r for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness."

Moses replied to their murmurings by bidding them to fear not and that they

should see the salvation of the Lord, for he would fight for them.

When Moses had prayed to God he \vas bidden to stretch forth his rod
and divide the waters of the Red Sea, and to order his people to move forward.
After he had followed the Divine direction the waters of the sea were divided
so that a great wall stood on either side and left a dry path between. Into
this miraculous pathway the Israelites marched, followed directly by the pur-
suing Egyptians, but the latter had not proceeded far when the great walls of
water were broken and came rushing together upon Pliaraoh's hosts with such
violence that they were overwhelmed and every one of that immense army was
drowned. But the Israelites marched out on the other side on dry ground, nor
was one of them destroyed, for the waters did not come together until they had
all passed out ou the Arabian side.

iiiit

WANDERINGS OF THE ISRAELITES.

When the Israelites were safe from their enemies thej'^ sang praises to the
Lord with hearty thanksgiving, and then continued their march. The land of
Canaan lay northeast of Eg\pt, but the route taken by them was a circuitous
one, since it led southeasterly through Aribia, and thus caused them to travel
many hundreds of miles farther, and through a vl-v much more miserable
country, than if they had skirted the Mediterranear. Sea, and gone by the
direct and easiest way. But there were two reasons why God chose that they
should be led by the longer and more difficult route. F/rsi. — If tbej' had gone
by *:he shore of the Mediterranean their march would have been interrupted by
the warlike Philistines, who dwelt in the southern pai't of Canaan, by whom they
would doubtless have been exterminated, without some miraculous interposition.
Second. — The Lord chose to chasten his people and impress upon them His
loving care and 'providence, by which they should come to serve Him loyally
— a most excellent reason, as we shall hereafter see.

The Israelites, after crossing the Red Sea, marched southwardly along
the Gulf of Suez, until they reached the seventeen wells of Moses, at the
station of Aynn Musa. From this point they diverged sonthwestwardly
through the margin of the desert of Paran, and the wilderness of Shur, which
is still noted for its great sand storms and aridity. For three daj-s they
were in this wilderness without water, and when, at last, being tormented by
thirst, they came to the spring of Marali, the}'- could not drink the water

f I.

It ■■ *

104

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

because of its bitterness. Again the Israelites complained loudlj' against
Moses for bringing tlicm into snch a land, v.lierein they were threatened wi'li
death by thirst, forgetting alreadj' how God had delivered them in tluir
extremities.

The Lord now directed ]\Ioses to take the branches of a certain tree,
which grew by the spring, and cast them into the spring, which being dune
the waters were at once made sweet and wholesome, so that the Israelites ami
their herds gratified their thirst.

FED WITH MAXNA FROM HEAVEN.

After quenching their thirst at ^larah the Hebrews continued their march
until thc}^ came to what was called the wilderness of Sin, which was not far
from the Red Sea, or between its waters and Monnt vSinai. Here the}- were

put to another great trial,
for the nnleavened brjad
which they had bronglit
away from Egypt was now
exhansted, and starvation
was threatening. As tluv
had alread}' done tluve
times before, when snffei-
ing nnder the chastenim;
rod, the}' again accusei.
Moses of leading them into
a strange land which Inul
made their hardships
greater than those whiel;
they bore while iuuIjv
bondage.

The Loi'd now told Moses and Aaron that he would again show to tlic
Israelites that he was leading them, l>y causing bread to fall from heavtii
wherewith to satisfy thoir hunger, and that He M-ould so continue to supi)lv
them until they should come into Canaan. According to this promise every
night thereafter manna was sent from heaven, which the people gathered earlv
in the morning so that the supply was never deficient. But besides this
miraculous provision, that the jjcople should not be fed l\v bread alone, in the
evening a great number of quails flew into iheir camp, which were caught and
served to supply them with meat.

WATER iiRouGiir ovr OF ruv. ROCK IX nt>Ri:n.

The many manifestations of God's watchful care which the Israelites had
seen still did not incline them to a belief in the promises Moses had made
to them; for with every fresh trouble they were i-eady to expend their wrath

THE POOI, OK Wlil.I.S OI' MOSKS.

upon
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1

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

105

upon the leader wlioni God had appointed to take tliem from a land of bond-
age U) a country blessed with an abundance for all their temporal nccdt..

After the Israelites had passed tlu-ough the desert of Sin they came to a
place called Rephidim, meaning rcsfin^ir place. Again were they afflicted with
the scarcity of water, and again did they raise a cry against Moses, which at
length grew into threats against his life. Moses appealed to the Lord, by
\\lu)m he was directed to take some of the elders and go on before the oeo-
plc until he should reach the rock in Horeb ; this rock he was directed to
.strike with his rod, promising that a plentiful supply of water should follow"
the act. Moses did as the Lord bade him, and a stream of water gushed out
of the rock sufficient for all the people an.d their herds'; but scarcely had the
dani^cr of thirst been overcome, when a king called Amalek, a leader of some
warlike tribes who were descendants of Esau, attacked them with no other
purpose than to rob them of their possessions.

This first battle of the Israelites was a severe one and was waged for
.some time with varying success, for we are told that, though Joshua was the
leader of the Israelitish host, when Moses lifted his hands his people prevailed,
but when he let them fall the Amalekites prevailed. The battle so continued
until Moses sat upon a stone and his hands were held up by Aaron on one
side and Hur on the other, when the Israelites put to flight the Amalekites
with great slaughter.

MOSES MEKTS HIS WIFE AND FATHER-IN-LAW.

After this great battle Jethro, the Midian priest, Moses' father-in-law,
heard of the events befalling the Israelites ; and taking Zipporah, Moses' wife,
and the two sons born to him, he went out to meet his kinsman. When
they met, Moses fell on Jcthro's neck and kissed him, and then told of all
the wonderful things which had befallen him since his departure from Egypt.
Jclhro seems to have been a very devout man, for he served the true God,
and when lu learned how Moses was an instrument in the Lord's hands for
hrini^ing the Israelites out of bonvlage, he took a burnt-offering and made
sacriliccs to God.

On the following day all the Israelites were called together before Moses
io receive such judgments as they might ask to have nuvde, as Moses was the
oul\- judge .vhich they had, and upon him therefore devolved the entire adininis-
tralii)n of justice. Jethro, seeing this, told Moses that the duty was too much
for one man to perform, and thereupon advised ihat councillors and judges be
appointed from among the people who should sit in judgment somewhat after
the manner of our present courts. Moses was to be the supreme judge,
whilst others should try the lesser offen.ses or causes, corresponding with our
circuit judges and magistrates. This would relieve Moses of all other duties
save the hearing of the highest complaints. These suggestions were so well
received that Moses at once acted upon them and appointed rulers, or judges,

io6

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

!■ I

over thousands, and over hundreds, and fifties, and of tens. After this Jelluo
departed, and there is no further record concerning him.

THE TEN COMM.\NDMENTS GIVEN TO MOSES.

In the third month after the Israelites had gone out of Egypt they came
into the wilderness of Sinai, and when the}' had encamped at the foot of
Mount Sinai Moscb went up on to the peak and there talked with God. In
this conversation the Lord reminded him of how He had sustained him ;uk1
• his people, and that greater things were yet in store for him if he would
obe\' His voice. Then God further told Moses to go down among the Israel-
ites and sanctify them, and to order them to wash their clothes and be ready
on the third day thereafter to receive Him. God charged Moses particularly,
however, not to permit any one to go up to the mount, for death would be
surely visited upon those who should attempt to do so.

When morning dawned on the third day there was a deep cloud seen restiiijr
on Sinai, out of which came flashes of blinding lightning and crasliing peals
of thunder, so that all the people in the camp trembled with great fear. Moses
now ordered all the Israelites to come out of their tents and to stand at the
foot of the mountain; as they obej-ed the commnnd the Lord descended u])(m
the mount in fire and made it smoke like an immense furnace, while thunder
continued to break in terrific discharges. Then a trumpet was heard blaring
in deep resonance, and growing louder and louder until Moses spoke, when the
Lord called to him to come up on the mountain. When Moses came up God
charged him to go down again and forbid the people, the priests or the elders
from venturing upon the side of the mount, lest they become victims to His
wrath, but to come up again and bring with him Aaron.

After Moses did what had been commanded, he received and communicated
to the people the law which God had promulgated, the ten commandments which
He afterward again gave to Moses on the same mountain written on tables of
stone. When Moses returned to God he stood in the thick darkness which
clothed the Omnipotent, while the people looked on from a distance, fearful of
the thunders and black clouds from out which God's voice was sent. Here
Moses received the Divine precejits, which related to the government and future
of the Jewish people. God, thus through Moses, assured the Israelites of His
protection if they would but obey Him, but warned them of His vengeance should
they embrace idolatry. Above all. He told them that the angel Jehovah (the
Christ), who had guided them out of Egypt, would still lead them to the land
of promise and fight their battles.

Moses returned to Mount ySinai several times, being the messenger between
God and the Israelites, but on the last \isit he remained for a period of foity
days and nights, fasting all the while, during which time he was coninuuuled
to make a sanctuary om the gold, silver, fine linens, shittim wood and skins
that the people slioi d contribute. He also told Moses that this sanctuary

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

107

shouUl liave an altar, or mercy-seat, of pure gold, with two clierubim of gold
that sliould be placed on either side facing each other, and with wings extended,
The mercy-seat was to rest upon an ark, at which God promised to meet and
cdmuaue with
Moses concern-
ill o- the govern-
meiit of his
pcdjile and of
holy things.
He also com-
luaiuled that a
Tabernacle be
built of ten cur-
tains of fine
twisted linen,
of blue, purple
and scarlet, and
ivitliinthisTab-
crnacle should
the ark be kept.
There was also
to be provided a
table for shew-
bread. This
bread was to be
baked by the
priests, appoin-
ted for a week,
and placed on
the golden table
in the sanctu-
ary. Til ere
w ere to be
twelve loaves,
representing
the twelve
tribes of Israel,
which were to
be changed

every v^abbath, and be eaten only by the priests in the holy place. The Lord
also told Moses to provide an altar for sacrifices, and also a candelabra, or
pilden candlestick, of seven brunches, and a lamp which should be kept supplied
with olive oil,

MIKIAM'S SOM; 01' TllANKSCIVlNC.

"The horse and his rider hath He thrown lute the sea." — Kx, xv. ai.

I f

io8

THE BEAUTlFUIy STORY.

Besides the instructions which God gave to Moses as to how the Tabernacle
of the congregation shonld be built, and the holy furniture with which it should
be provided, He also told IMoscs to establish a priesthood by investing Aaron
and his four sons with the vestments of the holy oifice, describing to His servant
what the insignia of the priestly office should be, and how Aaron and his sons
were to be consecrated. While the priestly garments were ordered to be mude
out of the most. costlj^ linens, bejewelled with many precious stones, such as topaz,
carbuncle, diamond, sardius, emerald, sapphire, ligure, agate, amethj-st, beryl,
onyx and jasper, set in '* ouches of gold in their inclosing," it is somewhat
surprising that the ceremony of investiture was made so simple. The command

woRSiiipriNa TUB c.oi.ni'N cam'.

given was that, "thou (Moses) shalt bring .'\aron and his .sons to the door of tlie
Tabernacle of the congregation and wash them, and thou shalt put upon Aaron
the holy garments and anoint him, that he may minister to Me in the priest's
office." Thus it aj^pears that the only ceremony was the pouring of oil upon
the head, as an act of sanclification, and the jnittiug on of the priestly garments,
Though the office was conferred by a simple act, this fact did not detract anv
from the solemn obligations imposed, since the surroundings were sufficictUlv
grave and holy to thoroughly impress upon the inducted priests its sacredncss,
while the people needed no other evidence of authority tlius bestowed by God
than the holy light that sho'ie ahvays about the Tabernacle.

..iiill

"«»lll>44

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

109

THE ISRAELITES BECOME IDOLATERS.

Moses was so long upon Sinai talking with God tliat at the end of forty
davs, upon returning to the people, he found that Aaron had made for them an
idol (nit of the gold and jewelry which they had brought to him, and moulded it
into a golden calf Before this image the people were bowing in adoration,
and had, by direction of Aaron, made a great feast and offered burnt-oiferings
and sacrifices to it.

God was so angered at the Israelites for their idolatry, and so speedily
turning away from Him after beholding so many of His mercies, that He re-

MOUNT SINAI.

solved to " consume them from the face of the earth." But Moses pleaded so
earnestly for their lives that God consented to spare them, but not without
sonio punishment which should be visited upon them in the future.

When Moses came b;ick to his people he brought with liim the tables of stone
liiawn with the ten commandments, but as he drew near he beheld the Israelites
making merry before the golden calf, which so offended him that he threw
down the tables ami broke them. Then he called to Aaron and asked why the
the i)e()ple had abandoned God and become worshippers of the golden iniage ?
Aaron made reply that the people had come to him and begged him to make

I f>

•i

■ 'i '

< i "

(no) MOSKS BRKAKING tItIS TAIII.US.

" And Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands. "—Ex. xxxil. 19.

■lii^

THE BEAUTIFUL STOR\,

III

them a god, since they knew not Avhat had become of Moses ; but he pleaded
with his brother not to be angry with them. Moses now went and stood iX the
"gate of the camp," and called aloud, " Who is on the Lord's side? let him
come to me." To this cry all the sons of Levi responded, and were told by
Moses that God had ordered them to " go in and out from gate to gate through-
out the camp, and slay every man his brother, and ever}^ man his companion,
and every man his neighbor." The children of Levi obeyed the command, and
killed that day three thousand of the offending Israelites.

After inflicting this punishment Moses took the Tabernacle, which had been
prepared as the Lord had directed, and set it up some distance from the camp,
and when all had been made ready he entered into the veil beside the nierc}'^-
seat. God then appeared to him in a cloudy pillar, which stood at the Taber-
nacle door, and talked with him, " face to face, as a man speaketh unto his
friend," while all the people looked on in wonder and praise. Here God cou-
iirmed all that He had before promised and told Moses He would show him
His mercy and glory. Moses was thereupon ordered to prepare other tables
and go again to the top of Mount Sinai, where God would write upon these
stones the commandments in piice of the tables that were broken.

Moses did as the Lord willed, and remained on the mount fasting for
another period of forty days and nights, talking with God, who gave him the
new tables, and promised that if the people would cease their iniquities He
would do greater things for them than ever before. Moses then returned to
the Israelites, bearing the tables, and told them of God's promises, and while
lie spoke to them his face shone brightly, so that they were afraid to come
near him.

< ■ i

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CHAPTER VIII.

Hi'. ■ !

" i

STONING A BLASPHEMER.

Lcvi'^/a/s.
i)OSES gave the law of the statutes, which God had made,
to the people and established the daj'S of thanksgivings
and praise-offerings, and ulso the tithe rate which was to
be given for the maintenance of the priesthood. After
this the people became very devout, seeing again how-
merciful the Lord had been to them, but withal there
were yet some who disregarded the will of God and
continued in their transgressions. The first instance of
a relapse into sin after Moses' last return from Sinai,
is described in the Bible as follows :
Among the host of Israelites who came out of Egypt there
was one Egyptian, or, rather, the son of an Egyptian by an
Israelite woman. The mixing of blood between the master and
slave was common during the Israelitish bondage, but in all
cases such offspring were held in slavery. On a Certain occa-
sion, this half-caste fell into a dispute with one of the Israelites,
and the two fought in the camp, during which contest the
former blasphemed the name of the Lord. This event mnst
have occurred soon after the last appearance, or manifestation,
of God before Closes and the people, and while the spirit of
righteousness was upon them, else they would hardly have re-
garded the offense so gravely, as the entire camp was only a
short time previously grovelling before the molten calf
Rut now the blasphemer was arrested and thrown into a ward, or jail,
until he could be brought to trial. When the matter was referred to IMoscs
he counselled with God, who directed that the offender be taken out of the
camp and there stoned by all those who heard the words of blasphemy
uttered. This wrath of God, against those who took His name in vain, was
thereafter formulated into a law, making the utterance of oaths punishable
with death by stoning.

TAKING A CENSUS OF THE ISRAELITES.

Two years after the children of Israel were delivered out of bondage
God ordered Moses to take a census of all the men iu the camp, twenty

(M2)

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

years old and upwards, who were capable of taking up arms and doing battle.
The date fixed by Bible students when this numbering of the people took
plaec was in I\Iay, 1490 B. C.

The result of the census showed that over six hundred thousand men
were in the camp subject to military duty, besides those of the tribe li
Levi, who numbered eight thousand five hundred and eighty, who were
exempt from all other duties than that of service in the sanctuary, from
which it would appear that the two years of journe\iug in the wilderness
of Sinai had not diminished the number that set out v/ith Moses, but on the
other hand showed a perceptible increase.

After the census was completed bj^ Aaron, to whom the work had been
assigned by IMoses, as ^^.-^, -g^^^^ggg^^ ^, ^ ..e- ^^:^ ^^ .^r^.;,^^

the Lord commanded, _:^^^^^ ^:%:: ''- - ^^:^ : :C ' ^^*^.>.

" Moses divided among ' "' -^— '

the families of the
Le\ites the charge of
the Tabernacle of the
congregation and of the
holy things," and these
lie specially charged,
hy the Lord's direc-
tions, as follows: "He
shall separate himself
from wine and strong
drinks, and shall drink
no vinegar of wine, or
vinegarof strong drink,
neither shall he drink
any liquor of grapes,
nor eat moist grapes,
or dried." This was
God's first injunction
against the use of strong drink, but in this case He forbade the use of it
hy the priests, lest in their drunkenness they might profane or defile the
holy things of the sanctuary, which offense the Lord promised He would
punish by death. But notwitstanding this command, it was not long after
the Tabernacle was dedicated that Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, went
into the hoi}' sanctuary drunk with wine, and there offered " strange fire "
on the altar of incense. This so offended God that he sent a fire which con-
sumed them. It is probable, and it appears so from the reading, that this
punishment was inflicted upon Aaron's two sons before God had given His
law to the priests against drunkenness, and that their offense prompted the
establishing of such a law.
8

Tllli TAUICKNACLE.

I ■)

114

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Bi,/. :

THE ISRAELITES RESUME THEIR JOURNEYINGS.

It was very soon, perhaps within a few days, after the numbering of the
people by Aaron, that Jehovah told Moses to break camp and resume his
Journey toward the Mount of the Amorites, which was in the southern part
of modern Palestine. During the continuance of the Tabernacle in the plain
where it was first set up, the Lord hovered upon it in a cloud, but now this
cloud was lifted, as the sign for the Israelites to depart from Sinai ; tlie
Tabernacle was taken down, the herds gathered together, and everj thing being
made ready, two silver trumpets were blown as a signal, and the march was
taken up again toward the land of promise. God now appeared to the wander-

PKir.ST AND FURNITURK 01-' THIJ TAUKRNACLE.

ing host in the form of a cloud which went before them into the wilderness of
Prjan, a three daj's' journe}', where it stopped to indicate that they should
tlure encamp again for a short rest. While travelling, the Levites, to whom
were given r!ie priestl}' offices, carried all the paraphernalia of the Tabernacle,
and these went before the Israelites, so that when the time for halting arrived
they might fix upon a place to set it up, for in the Tabernacle was the Divine
favor nuide nuiuifest, as previously explained.

While in the desert of Paran, which was an arid waste, difficult to travel
through, troubles agaiu began to assail the Israelites, which they, as usual,

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

115

attributed to Moses, accusing him of bringing them out of a land of plenty that
they might starve in the wilderness. Manna continued to fall from heaven,
which supplied them with bread, but of meat there was none, and for the want
of iliis their murmurings were very loud. This greatly discouraged Moses, for
he had done all within his power to preserve and lead aright his people, and in
his distress he called to the Lord and asked why so much trouble had been
sent upon him, and begged that he might die rather than continue to bear the
burden of the Israelites' complaints.

God, though somewhat offended at Moses for desiring to evade the duties
and responsibilities that had been placed upon him for a wise purpose, never-
theless heard his complaint with comjiassion, for He told Moses to select seventy
men of the elders of Israel and to bring them to the Tabernacle; which being
done, upon these seventy God divided the responsibilities, so that they were
assigned to such duties as made them answerable to the people in the same
luunner as Moses.

The Lord now promised Moses that He would also feed the Israeliles with
meat for a whole month, although their fault-finding and rebellious spirit should
not be left unpunished. Moses seems to have doubted God's power to provide
food for such a vast multitude, for he asks, " Shall the flocks and the herds be
slain for them ? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them ?"

By the will of Omnipotence an east wind was now made to spring xip,
which brought such a vast number of quails that they fell on the ground over
a space of thirty miles in diameter, and in places more than two feet in depth.
Upon this innumerable legion of birds the Israelites began to feed themselves,
but scarc.'ly had they placed the food within their mouths when a plague fell
upon the people, as a punishment for their sins, of which many thousands died.
To this day enormous flocks of birds pass at regular intervals over this region,
so great at times as to obscure the sun, and render the statement of Moses
readily credible, even aside of any miracle such as God here performed.

S| , I!

'^t!:'

SPIES SENT INTO CANAAN.

The length of time that the Israelites tarried at the camp pitched in Paran
is not indicated in the Bible narrative, but it could hardly have been more than
a few days, judging by the events which followed. We are told that they
arrived at Kadesh, which was by the mountain of the Amorites, in the southern
part of Palestine, forty days before the vintage, probably in the early part of June.

When the Israelites had gone into encampment at Kadesh, thfe Lord ordered
Mi)ses to send twelve spies, one from each tribe, into the la^nd of Canaan, who
should learn the number of people that dwelt in the country, what was their
fighting strength, the manner of their living, whether in tents or walled cities,
whether they were rich or poor, and whether the land was wooded or prairie.

in obedience to this command Moses chose one from each of 1?lic twelve
tribes of Israel and sent them to make a trip through Palestine, from the point

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

:' :,

! t

of encampment to near the northern extremity. The spies accordingly set
forth under the guidance and protection of God, and journeyed for a period of
forty daj^s, when they returned to Moses and made their report. Two of tlic
spies, named Caleb and Joshua, came upon a vineyard, by the brook Eshccd,
from which they cut a single cluster of grapes so large that it required their
combined strength to carry it, slung upon a pole, back to the camp. The re-
ports which the twelve spies made differed so materially that the effects were
most momentous to all the Israelites. While they all declared with one voice
that the land was indeed flortdng with milk and honey, some of them persisted
that the cities in which the people dwelt, — the Anakites, Amalekites, Hittites,

Jebusites, Amorites
and Canaanites, —
were surrounded by
high and impreg-
nable walls, while
the Anakites were
such might}' giants,
and of such exceed-
ing valor, that the
Israelites were but
as grasshoppers in
comparison. Caleb
and Joshua, the two
who had brought
back the grapes,
denied the reports
of their comrades,
and sought to in-
duce the Israelites
to go at once and
take possession of
the fair land, with
its immense wealth of fruits and treasure, and which they stoutly main-
tained they had the strength to do.

This contradiction and dispute among the spies led to a tumult among the
people who, being prone to fear under the least provocation, threatened to stone
Caleb and Joshua, and when they found Moses and Aaron also disposed to ,i;o
into the strange land, the Israelites rose in rebellion and sought a captain who
would lead them back to Egj'pt.

Moses and Aaron both fell on their faces, and in anguish implored the
people not to provoke the anger of God, but their supplications, as well as the
assurances of Caleb and Joshua, onh^ served to provoke them the more, for
now they gathered up stones to kill the four, Vvheu suddenly the glory of God

RETURN OK THK SPIES.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

117

blazed from about the Tabernacle and the people were awed, so that they with-
held themselves from committing murder.

FORTY years' WANDERING IN THE WILDERNESS.

God was again so angered by the perversity and extreme sinfulness of the
Israelites in refusing to believe in Him after all the signs and miracles which
He had performed for their salvation, that He now resolved to destroy them by
a pestilence ; but He promised to preserve Moses, and make his descendants a
greater nation than that of which he was now the leader. But Moses inter-
ceded with the Lord in his people's behalf and begged that their lives be spared,
saving : " Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this people, according unto
the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egj'pt
until now."

God at length consented to spare the lives of the Israelites, but He would
punish them b}' compelling them to wander in the wilderness for a period of
forty years, until all those above twenty years of age who had heard His voice
and seen His miracles should die ; so that none of them might come into the
land which was promised, though their children should receive the inheritance
and possess Canaan. Caleb, Joshua, Moses, Aaron, and perhaps others among
the priesthood were exempted from this punishment, for though they too were
doomed to wander with their people, the}' were suffered at last to behold the
land which God had promised to give the Israelites ; but the ten spies who
had so excited the fears of the people were stricken with a plague and died.

When the Israelites had heard this sentence they became greatly distressed,
but sought to force their waj- into the land of Canaan nevertheless, and insisted
on showing their courage b}' an immediate attack iipou the possessors. jNIoses
aL,Miii told them not to proceed thus against the Lord's will, since God would
not protect them, and if they went thej' would certainly be attacked by the
Ainalekites and Canaanites. Notwithstanding this advice, and the refusal of
Moses to allow the ark to be taken with them, early in the morning nearh^ all
in the camp went up the mountain, where the}'' were met by the Amalekites
and Canaanites, b}' whom they were defeated, and chased in their flight as far
as Hormah, several miles distant.

REBELLION OF TPIE PRINCES.

The Bible does not tell us much concerning the forty years of wandering
in the wilderness, thirty-seven years of which period is a blank, no mention
being made of a single incident that ti-anspired during this time. The first
three years of the Israelites in the wilderness are described in the Chronicles,
after which nothing more is written until far toward the end of their journey-
ings, as we shall see.

The first incident given after the Israelites were so badly defeated by the
Amalekites and Canaanites, is concerning a man who was arrested for gather-

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

ing sticks, for firewood, on the Sabbatii day. This was a very grave offeiiSL,
since God had given the law to Moses tliat no work shonld l)e jjerfornied on
the Sabbath. In order to make this kiw effective it was now resolved to visit
the offender with a penalty of snch great severity that thereafter its obscrvancr
would be general and faithful. Accordingly, when the man was bronght before
Moses he ordered the culprit to be taken outside the camp and there stoned to
death, in tlie same manner as blasphemers.

Soon after this event there was a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, led
by Korah, a Levitc, and Dathan and Abiram, descendants of Reuben. Korali
was in service to the priests, but he aspired at once to the priesthood, while
Dathan and Abiram sought to secure the leadership of Israel, basing their
claims, probably, upon the fact that they were descended from the eldest son
of Jacob, and therefore entitled to superior rights, according to the law of
primogeniture. They urged their claims before the people, b}' declaring that
Aaron had taken too much authorit}- and reserved for himself offices which
should of right belong to the Levites, while the old crj- went up against Moses
that he had bronght the Israelites out of a land of plentj- to bring them into
a wilderness which threatened their extermination. These complaints found
favor with a great number of the people, so that two hundred and fifty princes,
famous in the congregation, espoused their cause, and were upon the point of
attempting the overthrow of Moses and Aaron. At tliis jun.cture God com-
manded Korah and the other rebels to present themselves at the door of the
Tabernacle, each with his censer, while Moses and Aaro.i and the people who
remained loyal to them were commanded to do the same. When this was done
God told Moses and his partisans to separate tliemselves from the rebels, that
He might destroy them, but Moses interceded for them ; this intercession, how-
ever, did not this time avail, for when the two parties were separated the Lord
caused the earth to open and swallow up the rebpHions people, while fire came
out from the Tabernacle and consumed the two hundred and fifty princes. The
brazen censers which they carried were preserved, however, out c( which Aaron
caused plates to be made for a covering of the altar of burnt-offering.

It appears from the reading that only a part of those who favored the
rebellion were destroyed by the earthquake, for we arc further on told that a
great many of the people gathered before the Tabernacle to revenge the death
of their fellow conspirators \ipon Ivloses, but the Lord now appeared in a cloud
above the Tabernacle and sent a pestilence among the people which destroyed
more than fourteen thousand of those who had favored the rebellion. The
merciful disposition of Moses was now again strikingl}' shown by his command
to Aaron to fill his censer with coals fn)m the altar as an atonement for the
people, and to stand ])etween the living and the dead, by which the plague was
stayed. This was a striking symbol of Christ's mediation which shonld inler-
po.se t' save those doomed to death by sin.

God uow chose to show to the Israelites, by a miracle, that Aaron had been

selected
might tl
ordered
upon eai
the nam
l)c laid
\vere tak
was covi

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

119

selected by Him to discharge the chief duties of the priesthood, that the people
might thereafter accept him without further couipUiiut. The Lord aecordiugly
ordered that twelve rods, or sceptres, be choseu, oue for each of the twelve tribes,
upou each of which tlic luime of the tribe to which it belouged should be writteu,
the name of Aaron being upon the rod of Levi. These rods were ordered to
be laid in the Tabernacle over night. On. the following morning, when the rods
Vv-cre taken out of the sacred place, behold that one bearing the nauie of Aaron
was covered with buds and blossouis, and full grown aluionds, while all the

Tint Ron 01' AARON nnnnitn.

others were but dry sticks. This was the sign that Aaron should be the
fruitful sceptre of authority, the spiritual, life-giviug power out of which should
ultimately come the Messiah.

It was a vivid cuibletu of "the rod of Jesse," the "Branch,' spriugiug up
without the sustenance of nature, which in the prophets rcpresciils the spiritual
and life-giviug power of the Messiah. By the coiumaud of Ood it was laid
up iu the ark, for a perpetual meuu>r;al against the like rebellions. The people,
now terrified into submission, cried that they only drew near the Tabernacle to
perish, and Jehovah repeated the law, committing the charge t)f the sanctuary
to the Levites.

<"'•. ''\:'i

I ,

CHAPTER IX.

THE SIN OF MOSES AND AARON.

••st^IRECTLY after the events just recorded had tran-
•^TT spired, the Lord raised up the cloud which stood
over the Tabernacle as a sign that the Israelites
should leave Kadesli and continue their journey-
ings. As the cloud went before, the people fol-
lowed (which was about April, 1452 B. C.,)
^3§I^^^^^^^P^' through the wilderness of Sin, until they came to

V /7ijro*^i.='=^'> ^ place where there was no water, and the thirst was

very great. As was their invariable habit, when diffi-
culties arose, the Israelites began to murmur agaiust Moses
and Aaron for haviug brought them out of Egypt to die in
the desert. When these couiplaints became very loud, Moses
and Aaron weni 'o the door of the Tabernacle to ask God wliat
they sliould do. He commanded them to gather the people
together and to take their rods and sprak to a rock, which
should thereupon gi\'e out abundant water. Moses and Aaron
did as the Lord ordered, in calling the multitude together, l)iit
thev were so vexed b}- the complainiugs and threats of the
people that, instead of obeying tlie implicit instruction:? which
God ga\ e thcui, they said : " Hear now, ye rebels ; must we fetch you water
out of this rock?" and then instead of sprokiiii^- to the rock, Moses slnu/c it
twice with his rod. The water thereupon guslied out abundantly, so that eve y
one drank his fill ; but God was so displeased 1)y the disobedience of Moses
aud Aarou that He called them to Him at Mount Hor and said that because
of their rebellion against His will Aaron should die on Mount Hor, after his
priestly garments were first stripped from hiui and put upon his son Elea/.ar.
Aaron died as the Lord had predicted, and was buried on the mountain, wliilc
the entire camp of Israel went into mourning for a period of thirty days.

The punishment which God pronounced against Moses for the sin in which
Aarou was a sharer was not enforced until sometime afterward, as wc shall sec.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

121

THE BRAZEN SERPENT SET UP.

The wanderings of the Israelites from Mount Hor were by way of the Red
Sea, for the purpose of passing around the land of Edom, to escape their
enemies, with the hope of being able to enter the country by another route
than the one fruitlessly attempted. But they had not gone a great way from
Hot', before a new trouble assailed them ; whereupon they arose again against
Moses and also found fault with God. Said they : " Wherefore have ye brought
lis up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is
there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread (manna)."

God was so angry at the people for their
repeated complaints in the face of the many
evidences of His provident care, that He
now sent fiery serpents among them, which
bit the grumbling Israelites so that a great
number died. In this plague of serpents
the people observed God's just wrath, and
now realizing their sinfulness they begged
of Moses that he would pray to the Lord
to take away the serpents and thus save
them. Always merciful, Moses petitioned
God in earnest prayer to save the people
who had acknowledged their sin, and in
unswer thereto the Lord told him to make a serpent of brass and to place it
upon a high pole in the centre of the camp, and that this should destroy the
playue, for every one -that was thereafter bitten, who should look ujjon the
brazen serpent, should live.

A.vKON'.s ro.iin.

THE ISRAELITES ARE VICTORIOUS IN TWO MATTI.ES.

When the Israelites came near to the country of the Amoritcs Moses sent
messengers to the king, whose name was Sihon, asking permission to pass peace-
ably through his territory, promising to do no harm on the route, by going
iiili) any of the fields or vineyards, or even to take any water from the wells,
but that he would pass through only by the regular roads. This humble
re(|nest was not only refnsed, but Sihon collected his army hastily together
and attacked the Israelites, without the least justification, at a place named
Heslil)()n. But he paid dearly for his greed and obstinacy, fi>r his army was
hailly beaten, so that the Israelites took i)ossession, by the ,right of conquest,
of the whole country, including all the cities and villages. Here they dwelt
for some time, enjoying everything that the land alTorded, until called to
resume their wanderings.

•After leaving the land of the Amoritcs, Moses led his people toward the
laud of Bashan, which was ruled by a giant-king called Og. This king, whose

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^1 P*

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THE BEAUTIFUI. STORY.

123

bed was thirteen feet long, was as fierce and unjust as Silion, for he, too, went
out at the head of his large ami}' and attacked the Israelites at Edrei, where
a great battle was fought. The Lord again favored his chosen people, so that
Og and his army were completely annihilated, not a single one escaping.

THE STORY OF BALAAM AND THE ANGEL.

The period appointed for the wanderings of tlie Israelites was now drawing
toward a close, and their journeyings were near to the land which had been
promised them. After destroying the giant Og they were masters of the entire
region east of the Jordan River, and an extent of territory reaching several
hundred miles north and south, while the neighboring kings were in the
greatest alarm of an invasion by the victorious hosts of Israel. Therefore,
when the Israelites pitched their tents on the arid plains of Moab, the king
of the Moabites sought the ^lidian chiefs, with whom he made an alliance to
resist the people of God and Moses.

When the Israelites went into camp in the plains of Moab they were in.
sight of the fair land of Jericho, which lay near beyond the Jordan ; but while
waiting for the command to go forward and possess this fruitful heritage, the
combined forces of Balak, king of the Moabites, and the Midian chiefs appeared
in vast numbers on the hills of Abarim, from whence a view of the camp of
Israel was plainly had.

Balak, though at the head of a powerful army, was not disposed to hazard
an engagement until he could send messengers to the greatest prophet in the
land, Balaam, who lived at Pethor, in Mesopotamia, and bring him to the
Moabitish camps to curse Israel. So great was the faith in this prophet, who
was generally a godly man, that Balak believed if he could induce Balaam to
deliver a curse against Israel that victory would be certain.

In due time the messengers sent by Balak arrived at Balaam's house, and
acquainted him with their king's wishes, telling him also that if he would come
and curse Israel Balak would bestow upon him great riches. Balaam was a
very covetous man, withal he had found such favor in the eyes of God that he
had been permitted to prophesy truthfully, so that his fame had spread greatly
abroad. But instead of returning an immediate reply to Balak, he requested
the messengers to tarry with him until morning, until he could consult the
Lord. From what had already tianspired Balaam knew that the Israelites were
God's chosen people, and he should therefore have sent the messengers away at
once, but his love of riches so sorely tempted him that he would fain seek an
excuse for doing what Balak had requested.

During the night God appeared to Balaam and asked him concerning the
messengers that were in the house, but the reply being evasive, the Lord com-
inandod, *' Thou shalt not go with them, nor curse that people, for they are
blessed." Accordingly Balaam sent the messengers away in the morning; but
when they had returned to Balak with their unfavorable report, the king sent

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124

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

more honorable envoys to Balaam, with promises of still greater rewards if he
"would come and curse Israel. Again Balaam neglected to send the messengers

and thus

away,
tempting God
he was permit-
ted to follow his
inclination to go
to the Moabitish
camp, but it was
with the divine
injunction that
he was only to
speak such
words as God
should put into
his mouth.

The Lord saw
how anxious
Balaam was to
earn the riches
w h i c h B a 1 a k
had promised,
and determined
that the sinfully
inclined prophet
should have one
more warning.
He departed in
the morning,
with the prince-
ly messengers
who had been
sent to him, rid-
ing upon a she-
ass, but had not
proceeded fa "
when an angel
a])pcared in the
way with a
drawn sword.
The iniquity

BALAAM COM'UONTIU) IIY AN AN<-,lCr„

"Tlieti the Lord opened the eyes of lliilimiii, and he .«;iw the atiKel of the Lord standiny

iu the way." — Num. xxii. 31.

that was in his heart blinded his spiritual vision, so that he could not sec the angel,
but the Lord had quickened the sight of the ass, which being frightened turned

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

125

out of the road into a field. Balaam struck his animal sharply and turned
her back into the road again, but for a second time the angel stood in the way
of a narrow passage between two walls. The ass again shied so that Balaam's
foot was pressed hard against one of the walls, which so angered him that he
beat the poor animal harder than before, until a second time he continued his
journey, only to have his progress arrested for a third time in such a narrow
passage that the angel blocked the way completely. The ass now not being
able to go forward or turn round, lay down with her rider. At this Balaam
was more angered than before, and he fell to beating the ass so violently that
God gave to the animal the power of speech to exclaim, " What have I done
unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times ?" " Because," replied
he, " thou hast deserved it in mocking me ; had I a sword in my hand I
would kill thee." To this the ass answered, "Am I not thine ass, upon which
thou hast been used to ride ever since I was thine ; did I ever serve thee so
before?" Balaam could make no further reply than to admit what the ass had
asserted, but still he did not comprehend the miracle that had been done, until
the Lord caused him to see the angel standing in the way with a drawn sword.
At this vision Balaam realized the wickedness of his intention and fell down
on \i's- face. The angel now spoke and warned him against his perversit}^
and said if it had not been for the ass he would have killed him. Balaam
sought pardon for his great sin and begged that he might be permitted to
return home ; but this the angel would not allow, because the Lord had a
greater purpose for him ; for, instead of cursing the Israelites, God would com-
pel him to bless them.

As Balaam approached the Moabitish camp Balak came out to meet him,
to show him greater honors and thus obtain his wish ; but Balaam told him
of God's warnings and tried to excuse himself The king, however, still hoped
to secure his desire b}' treating the prophet sumptuously, and he accordingly
gave him a banquet to which were invited the princes and great men of his
camp, and on the following day brought him to the high places of Baal, from
whence an excellent view of the Israelites was afforded. While they were on
the mount of Baal the prophet ordered seven oxen and as many rams to be
prepared for a sacrifice, which were placed on seven altars ; and while they
were burning Balaam withdrew a few paces to consult God. The prophet being
moved by the Lord, now raised his voice within the hearing of Balak, and pre-
dicted the greatness which Israel should attain, and of how they should prexail
over all their enemies ; concluding his prophecj'- by wishing that his lot might
be with them in life and death.

Balak was greatly provoked by the prediction of Balaam, but he did not
yet abandon the hope of influencing the prophet to curse Israel, still relying
upon promises of great reward, for he knew the cupidity of the man with whom
lie was dealing. So he took Balaam up to the top of Mount Pisgah and be-
sought him to deliver his curse from this station. Anxious to win the reward

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126

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

promised, Balaam again ordered a sacrifice made of seven oxen and seven rams,
and going off a little way he consulted the Lord, hoping that this time he
would not be forbidden to do the will of Balak. But he was no more successful
than before, because God put into his mouth a prediction that greater glories
than those previously spoken should come to the house of Israel, concluding
with these words : And to show their future strength and success, " the peoi)le
shall rise up as a great lion, and lift themselves up as a young lion ; they
shall not lie down until they eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the
slain."

This second prophccj^ of Balaam grcatl}' incensed Balak, who comuiauded
him to make no more predictions, but in his eagerness to secure Balaam's curse
upon Israel, the king for a third time repeated his efforts by taking the prophet
to tlie top of a hill called Peor, which looked toward the wilderness. No
stronger evidence of the influence which money exerts upon a man was ever
afforded than this instance, where, after God's repeated warnings and His kind-
ness so often shown to Balaam, the prophet's cupidity for the third time tempts
him to set aside the Divine will We would suppose that when implored to do
that which God had three times expressly forbidden, Balaam would turn a deaf
ear to Balak's entreaties ; but so far from doing this he orders, as twice before,
a sacrifice of seven oxen and rams. "'le was upon the point of asking God's
advice again, when instantly the Spa it came upon him and he was made to
exclaim, " How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thj' tabei'iiacles, O Israel.
As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's sid.^. as the trees
of lignaloes which the Lord hath planted, and as c^dar trees beside the waters.
He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many
waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be
exalted. God brought him forth out of Egypt ; he has, as it were, the strength
of a unicorn ; he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their
bones and pierce them through with his arrows. Blessed is he that blesseth
thee, and cursed is thee that curseth thee." All this prophecy was to the
exaltation of Israel, whose glorious future was thus proclaimed. It was given like
the description of a vision, which no doubt rose before the sinful prophet, and
as in a dream he spoke of that which lie beheld : Israel possessing all the
fruitful valleys of Palestine, a power feared by neighboring nations, victor in a
thousand battles, and a people directed and protected by the omnipotent an?' of
the Almighty.

Stung to madness by Bala ju's evil prophecies, Balak xtpbraided him
soundly and bade him to be gone, "for I thought," said he, "to have promoted
thee to great honor if thou hadst answered ni)'' designs in cursing Israel, hnt
the Lord hath hindered thy judgment." Balaam was much depressed and
excused himself by saying that he could only speak the words which God had
put into his mouth. His unfathomable wickedness, however, was y?t furthjer
shown — hoping thereby to still obtain a portion of the reward promised — I'y

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

127

liis advice to Balak to send fair daughters of the Moabites and Midianites into
the camp of the Israelites to draw them into idolatry and otherwise corrupt
the people in introducing practices unknown to them before.

The wicked advice of Balaam was acted tipon, and with such effect that
the Israelites were induced by the fair daughters sent among them to worship
even the gods of Baal-peor, and also to perpetrate such foul acts that God's
resentment was fearfull}'^ exhibited. He ordered Moses to take the chief idola-
ters and hang them before the people, which was accordingly done ; but there
were other sins committed besides idolatry, which the Lord would not suffer
to go unpunished. Among the princes of the house of »Simeon was one Zimri,
who took a Midian woman named Cozbi, the daughter of a prince, and leading
licr, as if to parade his infani}' in contempt of AIoscs, to his tent, there com-
mitted an unpardonable abomination. No one attempted to punish the prince,
because perhaps of his station and influence, until Phiuehas, a grandson of
Aaron, who observed the shameless act, went out from the assembly straight
to Zimri's tent and with a ja\elin ran both the offenders through and k-lled
them while in the very act of pollution.

As a punishment for their idolatry and lewdness God sent a plague
among the Israelites which destroyed no less than twentj^-four thousand of the
iieople, but the wrath of God was taken away by the act of Phiuehas, and
llie plague stayed. For this act in defense of God's laws Phiuehas was highly
commended, and upon himself and posterity the priesthood was perpetually
settled.

THE ISRAELITES GO TO BATTLE WITH THE MIOIANITKS.

By direction of God Moses now ordered that another census be taken of
the Israelites who were above twenty years of age, that their effective strength
for fighting might be determined. By this enumeration it was shown that
there were 601,730 men capable of bearing arms, which was just 820 less
than when the first census was taken before Sinai, thirty-eight years before.
Considering the many thousands that had been destroj-ed in the mean time by
plagues and visitations of God's wrath, and the hardships tlirough which the
people had passed, their reproduction must have been very rapid.

After the completion of the enumeration Joshua was consecrated by the
high priest Eleazar as the successor of Moses, whom God had ordained should
not enter the promised land because of his sin at tlie rock of Meribah, as
already described. ft

Although the fighting strength of the ^raelites was not nearly equal to
that of the Midianites and their allies, it was nevertheless determined to give
them battle, in the Lord's name, and to punish them for their artifice in send-
ing their women into the camp of Israel to corrupt the people. The army
was duly marshalled, and with the trumpets pealing they set forth for the
mcmutains where the Mi'dianites lay encamped^ hut ready for fighting notwith-
standing Balaam'^ unfavorable auguries. The battle was fuiious for a long

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128

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

|.:i'^'

time, but the Israelites were at length victorious, slaying not only Balak, but
four other kings of Midiau also, and all the males of the tribes. Among the
killed was the wicked Balaam, whose desire for the rewards of Balak was not
diminished by God's; commands and miracles, and he thus espoused the Midi;ui
cause and was properly punished for his cupidity and treachery.

The results of this battle were of the utmost importance to the Israelites^
for they now came into possession of the entire country east of Jordan, which
was afterward given to the tribes of Gad, Reubeu and Manasseh, but they
were still confederated together for mutual defense. The line of separation
between them was so distinct, however, that a member of one tribe was not

DEFEAT OP THE MIDIANITES.

"And they warred against the Midianites, as the I,ord comniaaded Moses; and they slew all the

males." — Num. xxxi. 7.

permitted to marry the member of another, a law which was established iu
order that every one might enjoy the inheritance of his father.

■I*

DEATH OF MOSES.

The time which God had appointed for the death of Moses was now near
at hand. Already he had received a command to go up to the top of Mount
Abarim, from whence he might obtain a view of the promised land, but which
he might not enter. In the solemnity of the parting hour Moses therefore

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

assembled all tlie people of Israel and there delivered to them his last words,
which must have been extremely affecting to those who remembered how their
fathers, whom he had led out of bondage, had so often rebelled against him
and more than once sought his life for acts committed in fulfilment of God's
decrees that were given to promote their happiness. The forty years of their
wanderings were now completed, but of those who first went out of Egypt with
Moses not one who was at that time twenty j'ears of age, save Joshua, Caleb
and Moses, were living now ; all had died, as the Lord had foretold, for the sin
of rebelling against God and their chosen leader, as we have already described.

When the people were all assembled Moses repeated to them the story of
their tribulations in bondage, and in wildernesses through which they had
passed, not neglecting to remind them of how merciful and long-suffering God
had been, and of the disobedience, unruliness and iniquity they had been so
repeatedly guilty of; but though it was primarily their own wickedness which
brought upon himself the sentence by which he was forbidden to enter the
promised land, yet he had now no other feeling than that of love for his people,
with whom he had striven and suffered so long. He therefore instructed them
in their religious duties, encouraged them to be faithful to God and promised
them every blessing if they remained righteous, but that calamity would assail
those who kept not the commandments. He also sang a song under inspiiation
of the Lord, in which he recited the compassion of God and the wrath which
their iniquities would kindle ; this song he charged the people to learn, as it
might prove a witness for God against them. He then gave them a book of
laws by which their temporal and spiritual affairs should be conducted, and
ordered that it be placed in the side of the ark in charge of the Levites for
their expounding.

Having concluded his warnings and advice to the Israelites, " Moses went
up from the plains of Nebo [the head) ^ to the summit of Pisgah {the heights)^
that is over against Jericho. And Jehovah showed him all the land of Gilead
unto Dan, and all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all
the land of Judah, even unto the uttermost sea, and the south, and the plain of
the valley of Jericho, the city of palm-trees, unto Zoar." All this land God
told Moses should be possessed \>y the Israelites, being the same that he had
promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. When God had thus spoken, the hand of
death Avas laid tipon Moses, and on this sacred spot of glorious prospect the
great leader of Israel was buried by God, " in a valley in the land of Moab
over against Bethpeor; but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day."

At the time of Moses' death he was one hundred and twenty years old,
his allotted years being three less than were given to Aaron, who, being three
years the elder, died at the age of one hundred and twenty-three years. B5'
this reading it appears that Moses died within a very short time, a few months
at most, after the death of Aaron.

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CHAPTKR X.

THE STORY OF JOB'S FAITH.

Job.

HE Book of Job is, in some respects, the most singular in
^ the Bible. It is believed, fr-.ni the language of the text,
that Job was contemporary with Moses, say 1520 B. C,
but there is absolutely no means of determining when
he lived. He makes no mention of either Moses or the
exodus, from which it has been concluded that he lived
some time anterior to the promulgation of the Mosaic
law ; besides, the language is more nearly like the Arabic
than that of any other book in the Bible. Ezekiel (xiv.
20,) compares him with Noah and Daniel in righteousness,
and as deserving of the largest favors that God bestows on
man, while St. James (v. 11,) refers to his patience as a
maxim known to all men.

At the end of the Greek and Arabic copies of the
Book of Job, and also of the Vulgate (ancient Latin, or
Roman Catholic version of the Scriptures,) is found the
following account of the patriarch, said to have been taken
from the Syriac : "Job dwelt in the Ausitis, on the con-
fines of Idumaea and Arabia ; his name at first was Jobah.
He married an Arabian woman, by whom he had a son
called Ermon. He himself was son of Zerah, of the pos-
terity of Esau, and a native of Bozrali, so that he was the
fifth from Abraham. He reigned in Edom, and the
kings before and a?ter him reigned in this order : — Balak,
the son of Beor, in the city of Dinhabah ; after him. Job (or Jobah). Job Avas
succeeded by Husham, prince of Te-^an. After him reigned Hadad, the son
of Bedad, who defeated the Midianite^ in the fields of Moab. The name of the
city was Arith. Job's friends who came to visit him were, Eliphaz, of the
posterity of Esau, and king of Teman ; Bildad, the king of the Shuhites ;
and Zophar, king of the Naamathites."

Since there is nothing in Job Avhicli bears any connection with the his-
torical narrative of Israel or any other people, we must conclude that the story
is introduced with no other purpose than to serve as an illustration of the
patience and resignation which those who truly love God and appreciate His
mercy, should ever stand ready to manifest. Particularly appropriate was tlie
example of Job in the time he lived, for we have seen, in the face of all the

('30)

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

131

miracles and mercies of God iu delivering the Israelites from bondage, liow
prone they were to idolatry and other forms of wickedness whenever dangers
threatened or discomforts were encountered. Whatever its effects were upon
the pe .pie, the lesson was a beautiful and practical one, and almost equally
adaptable to our relations with God to-day.

The Bible tells us that " there was a man in the land of Uz (Aramaea)
named Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God
and eschewed evil. He had seven sons and three daughters who were his
delight, for in them he took great pleasure. But besides these his possessions
included 7000 sheep, 3000 camels, 1000 bullocks, 500 she-asses, and other
effects of great value. Each of his sons was provided with an estate of his own,
for we are told that "his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his
day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and drink with them."
When such feasts were made Job offered up burnt-offerings for each of his
children and sanctified them, having a fear that while they outwardly appeared
to serve God, yet their hearts might still harbor some impure thought.

The righteousness of Job was greater even than his riches, which exceeded
that of any other man in the east, but Satan had a mind to test him under
afflictions, urging that distress would make the most upright unmindful of
former blessings and turn his heart to bitterness. Trusting in his righteousness.
God suffered Job to be persecuted by Satan in the following manner : When Job's
sons and daughters were feasting in the eldest brother's house a messenger came
hastily to the godly patriarch, and told him that the Sabea^is had stolen all
his oxen and asses, and killed all his servants ; another messenger came in
while the first was yet speaking to tell him that a fire had descended from
heaven and burned up all his sheep and the shepherds that attended them ;
then another ran in and told him that the Chaldeans had stole ' all his cam-
els and killed the servants ; still another came with information that while his
ten children were feasting a great wind had blown down the house in which
tliey were gathered and killed them. When Job heard this he " rert his man-
tle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground and worshipped ; and
said, 'Naked came I into the world and bereft of all I have shall I go out
again. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name
of the Lord.' "

In this hour of woe Job turned not away from God, but blessed the hand
that had caused him to suffer. Satan asked permission to again test the
righteousness of Job, saying, "But put forth Thine hand now, and touch his
bone and his flesh, and he will curse Thee to Thy face." By which he meant if
God would afflict His devoted servant with a keen bodily suffering he would
become imbittered in his heart and secretly, if not openly, denounce the cause.
So the Lord answered, "Behold, he is in thine hand; but spare his life."
Receiving God's permission to make this second test, Satan afflicted him with
boils " from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head."

]

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(132) TItR IIAI'PY PAYS OJ» JOn.

"I waa eyca to the bliud, aud feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor, atiil the cause which

I kucw uot I searched out."— Joii xxix. 15, 16.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

133

Job's sufiferings were so great that he took a piece of broken pottery to
scrape himself and sat down in ashes, as a sign of his inconsolable anguish.
Seeing him in this adversity his wife called on him to curse God and die ; to
which he answered : " Thou speakest as a foolish woman speaketh. What !
shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil ?"

When Job had lain in his affliction for several days and his troubles were
reported to all the people thereabout, three of his friends came to mourn with
him and to give such comfort as they were able to afford. These three friends
were Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, who represented the wisdom of the age,
being learned in tradition and expounders of God's laws. When they first be-
held Job they were so affected by his supreme wretchedness that for seven days
and nights they could not summon up courage to condole with him ; which
seems to have rather iu'^reased his anguish, for his agony now forced him to
curse the day of his birth. Then follows a discussion, the effects of which are
felt to this day, for a principle was there established that is one of the foun-
dation stones of God's universal mercy to mankind. His friends insisted tliat
his afflictions were caused by some disobedience to God, in proof of which they
urged the law that suffering always proves the commission of some special sin.

To this plausible reasoning Job replied that wliilc he had no doubt of God's
justice, yet punishment does not always follow upon guilt, or even prove the
commission of a sin.

The thi-ee friends again persisted in the law of retribution, and citi d many
examples (xv.), to which Job answered by acknowledging that the hand of (iod
is in his afflictions, but maintains that it is not alone the imgodly whom God
punishes, nor the righteous alone whom He prospers. He shows them that in
iiU times, and under their own observation, the most wicked of men have enjoyed
an undisturljed life of prosperity, by which we must conclude that God extends
his mercy to all alike, reserving His punishments and rewards for His own
good time, and in another world.

Job bore his afflictions with composure for a time, but became less patient
bj^ reason of the argument of his friends, who continued to charge that his
sufferings were uudoul)tedly due to the commission of some sin, and urged him
to seek God for a pardon. Elihu, who also came to visit him, though j-ounger
than the three other visitors, rebuked Job for finding fault with (^lod, and for
seeking to compare the Lord with things of his own understanding. The dis-
cussion, after many days, was terminated by the voice of God" Himself, who
spoke out of a whirlwind, asking, " Who is this that darkcneth counsel by
words without knowledge?" He then calls on Job to answer Him how came
all the things on the earth : the sea and its creatures, the land and its pro-
dii:tions, the sky and its constellations, the heart and its understanding? Job
humbled himself before (lod, being made conscious of his weakness and insig-
iiilicancc by the reflections thus excited; whereat the Lord asked, ''Wilt thou
also disannul My judgments? wilt thou condemn Me, that thou niayest be

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134

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

righteous." When God had thus spolcen to Job and perceived how His servant
\va.s in earnest repentance for supf^sing that his afflictions were sent without
proper cause, He rebuked the three friends for urging the law of retribution.

joii AND HIS riiKi;i: i-uii;ni)S.

" Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came every one from

hia own place,"— Joii. ii, 11.

and confiriued the principle enunciated by Job. He also commanded them to
take seven bullocks and as manj^ rams to Job and offer them up as a l)nrnl-
offcnng, saying: "And My servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I

ism.

merit.'

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

135

accept : lest I deal with you after your folly, in thac ye have not spoken of
Me the thing which is right, like My servant Job.'"

The Lord now found the occasion ripe for rev/arding Job for the patience
and righteousness he had exhibited ; accordingl}''. He gave him twice as much
of everything as he had before, including sheep, oxen, camels, asses and house-
hold possessions. The patriarch's brethren and sisters, and those of his ac-
quaintance from all parts, now came to visit him, each bringing a present of
money or jewelry as an evidence of his love and regard. After this the Lord
also gave him seven sons and three daughters : of the latter it was said that
no other women in all the land were so beautiful ; and Job gave them an in-
heritance among their brothers so that the family ties remained unbroken.
Job lived one hundred and forty years after receiving these double blessings and
saw four generations of his children enjoying a prosperity sent by God.

The Book of Job is the least understood portion of the Bible. No one has
been able to discover when or by whom it was written, nor whether it is a
description of a real incident or given as a parable and example to instruct
those who profess to love God in the obedience which they should yield to
whatever affliction may be sent upon them. If accepted upon this latter expla-
nation of its purpose, the book is incomparably grand. Thomas Carlyle, viewing
it as a parable, says :

*' I call that, the Book of Job, aside from all theories about it, one of the
grandest things ever written with pen. One feels, indeed, as if it were not
Hebrew; such u noble universality, different from noble patriotism or sectarian-
ism, reigns in it. A noble book I all men's book ! It is our first, oldest state-
ment of the never-ending problem — man's destiny — and God's way with him
here in this earth. And all in such free, flowing outlines ; grand in its sincerity,
in its simplicity, in its epic melody, and repose of reconcilement. There is the
seeing ej'e, the mildly understanding heart. So true everj' way ; true eyesight
and vision for all things ; material things no less than spiritual ; the horse —
' hast thou clothed his neck with thunder ?' — he WauQ-Zis at the shaking of the
spear!' vSuch living likenesses were never since drawn. Sublime sorrow, sub-
lime reconciliation ; oldest choral melody as of the heart of mankind ; so soft
and great ; as the summer midnight, as the world with its seas and stars I
Tliere is nothing written, I think, in the Bible or out of it, of equal literary
merit."

CHAPTER XI.

, I

lit:

JOSHUA CHOSEN TO SUCCEED MOSES.

PON the death of Moses, Joshua, whom the Bible first mentions as

one of the twelve spies sent through Palestine, and who, with

Caleb, found favor with the Lord, for urging the people to go up

and possess the land, became the leader of Israel. He was the

son of Nun, who was of the tribe of Ephraim, who was the

younger son of Joseph, and who, we remember, received the chief

blessing bestowed by his grandfather, Jacob. His name originally

was Osliea, meaning helper^ but Moses changed it to Joshua, thereby

combining his original name with that of Jehovah, so that its

significance would be, God the lulpcr.

At the time of assuming leadership of Israel's hosts, Joshua was
about eight3'-three years of age. He had repeatedly shown his
ability both in counsel and in command, and had proved so faithful a
servant to Moses that it was no less the great prophet's will than
that of God that he should succeed to the responsible trust of being
chief over the Israelites.

When the successorship was therefore established God appeared to Joshua
and told him to gather to<7ethcr all his people, and lead them across Jordan
into the laud that Moses was permitted to view. There were many warlike
tribes west of Jordan, and of such great numbers that to attack them in tlicir
own defenses was very dangerous ; nor could such a half-armed and poorly
prepared ami}- as the Israelites were hope to prevail, unless the}' received help
from the Hand that had succored them so often in the hours of their deepest
distress. To stimulate him to do that which was bidden God therefore assured
Joshua that no nuiu should be able to stand before him; that He would always
be with him, and that the land of Canaan would be divided for an inheritance
among the Israelites. " Be strong and of a good courage ; be not afraid, neitlior
be thou dismayed : for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

SPIES SENT INTO JERICHO.

Joshua was greatly encouraged by the promises of God, and inimediatoly
prepare' t^o cross the Jordan with his army and invade the country of the
Canaanites, his first object being to attack the c.'ty of Jericho, which stood in a
plain, six miles west of the Jordan. This i)lace was the largest, richest and best
fortified city in all Canaan, being tlie chief depot on the highway between

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

^i7

Palestine and Egypt. It was situated in the midst of a grove of palm-trees,
from whence it took its name, which means a/y of palms ^ and was surrounded
by a great wall, with gates for entrance, which were shut at night or when
danger threatened. At intervals along the walls were observation houses, from

MO.Sl'S I.AYINC. HIS IIANIIS I'I'UN JOSHUA.

"And Joshua, the son of Nun, was full of the spirit of wisdom ; for Moses had laid liis hands ii|)on liim."

— Di'fT. xxxiv. 9.

which an extensive view was obtained of the surrounding country, and here
!t,nianls were stationed to give the alarm sliould any hostile body of men approach.
At the time of which we write, the news of tlic victories of the Israelites, and
their encampment near to the city, had spread all over the country, so that

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138

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Jericlio, as well as other cities within the region, was in a state of preparation
in anticipation of an attack.

Before passing the Jordan prudence admonished Joshua that he should
first gain some positive information respecting the strength of the forces witliiu
Jericho, and to acquire that he sent two spies with instructions to enter the
city and ascertain such things as might be of service for a beleaguering army
to know.

The spies set out accordingly, and their object not being suspicioned by
the Canaanites, they had no trouble in gaining entrance to the city. Tlicy
found lodging on the first night in the house of a dissolute woman named
Rahab, who, it appears, discovered their purpose ; but she was so impressed bv
what she had heard — that the Israelites were the chosen people of God, and
therefore under His protection, that instead of giving them over to the autliori-
ties she concealed them from the king's officers.

The text is somewhat confusing, so that it is impossible to understand
positively wheti'er, upon discovering the spies, Rahab reported their presence
to the king and afterward repented and concealed them, or whether the report
of their being at Rahab's house was circulated by some member of her house-
hold. We are told, however, that when the king's officers came to her house
and ordered her to deliver up the men, she admitted that they had been in the
house, but had now departed out of the city toward the Jordan. This seemed
to satisfy the officers, for they went out immediately to follow, as the woman had
directed. After their departure Rahab called the spies, and taking them to
the roof of her house, there covered them with flax which had been laid to
drj^, and so kept them hid until it was dark. She now came to them and
exacted a promise that when the Israelites should come into the city tliey
would save her and her family from death. This promise being given, she
let down the spies by a scarlet line from a window of her house that over-
looked the walls, which cord was to remain suspended thereafter to indicate
her house to the Israelites.

The spies escaped by the strategy of Rahab, but knowing that the Canaan-
ites were still searching the country for them, they fled to the mountains, and
there remained for three days before they were able to return to Joshua. WHicii
at last they came before the great leader of Israel, they told him how all the
Canaanites were without courage aiid would not fight because they believed, as
did Rahab, that God was commanding the Israelites and doing wonderful
miracles to bring them into possession of the land.

SIEGK AND CAPTURR OF JERICHO.

Upon receiving the spies' report Joshua ordered his army and his people
to break camp and march to the Jordan River, where they stopped for three
days, and the ark was set up. During this time Joshua sent his officers,
through the host, to tell them that when they should see the priests take up

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

139

the ark of the covenant and move forward, then all Israel should follow after
them, but they must not approach nearer than two thousand cubits (about
half a mile). Then Joshua bade the people to sanctify themselves, for on the
morrow t^ie Lord would show them great wonders.

When the morrow arrived Joshua called all the people to witness a miracle
which God was about to do, to show them that He was with them in their
undertaking ; he then told them to stand by Jordan's brink, while one mem-
ber from each of the twelve tribes should take up the ark and bear it across
the waters (which were now greatly swollen, as is usual during the harvest
time). The people did as the}^ were instructed, and stood upon the brink
while the twelve men chosen took up the ark and started with it toward the
swift-flowing river; but as they dipped their feet into the stream the waters
parted, as did the Red Sea, and left a dry path by which all the host passed
over. But when they had arrived on the other side the waters still remained
parted until representatives of the twelve tribes were sent by Joshua to the
dry bed of the stream to take up from there as many stones, which were
ordered to be carried and deposited in the place where thej'- should lodge at
night. After this order was given Joshua commanded the twelve to return
again to the midst of the dry bed with as man}^ stones, and there set them up
as a witness of the miracle which had been performed. When this was done
the waters came together as before and overflowed the banks.

When night came on the Israelites encamped at Gilgal, in sight of
Jericho, and there set up the twelve stones that had been brought out of the
Jordan, as a memorial of the great thing which God had done. This event
transpired, as Biblical scholars assert, April 13th, 1451 B. C, which was the
day preceding that appointed for the selection of the Paschal Lamb, and the
next day the people kept the Passover, which was its first celebration on
the soil of their inheritance since leaving Egypt.

On the day following the sacred ceremonies the Israelites tasted bread made
from corn which was taken from the Caraanites, and henceforth lived off the
product of the land, as manna ceased to fall on this date.

Everything was now in readiness for the march against Jericho, but as
Joshua went forward he saw staading in his way a man with his sword drawn,
as if disputing the passage. Joshua challenged him by saying, "Art thou for
us, or for our adversaries?" To which reply was made, "Nay; but as captain
of the host of the Lord am I now come." Joshua then perceived that it was
an angel who had spoken, and he fell on his face to worship, saying, "What
saith my Lord unto His servant ?" The angel then told him to take off his
shoes, as he was nf>w standing upon holy ground; and when he had thus done,
the angel spoke again, saying, " See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and
the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor. And ye shall compass the city,
all ye men of war and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six
days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams'

140

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

horns ; and on the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the
priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when
they make a long blast with the rams' horns, and when j^e hear the sound of
the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout ; and the wall of
the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight
before him."

Joshua observed well all the instructions which had been given him, aud

AN ANGEI. APPEARING fO JOSHUA.

"As Captain of the host of the Lord am I nnw come."— Joshua v. 14.

sent his army to march round the city, preceded by the ark carried by priests,
once every day for six days ; and on the seventli day they marched about
Jericho seven times, and then blew the trumpets and shouted as they had been
commanded, when, behold, the walls of the city tumbled down aud there was no
defense remaining. The Israelites now rushed into the city and put to tlie
sword every man, woman, child, ox, sheep and ass that they found tlKiciii,
sparing nothing except Rahab and her family, according to the promises made

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

[41

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to her by the spies. Thus was Jericho utterly demolished, and Joshua set his
curse upon any one who should attempt to rebuild it. The curse was after-
ward fulfilled when Hiel, a Bethelite, attempted to restore the city, for Abiram,
his oldest son, died while he was la3'ing the foundation, and Segub, his young-
est, expired while the gates were being set xip.

Rahab, although a depraved woman, was richly rewarded for her faith and
good services by being given a distinguished position among the Israelites
She married Salmon, probably one of the spies, and became the mother of Boaz,
who was afterward the great-grandfather of David, and was thus in the
geueulogy of Christ.
But among the
Israelites who par-
ticipated in the sack
of Jericho there was
one who committed
a great sin, which
resulted in a disaster
to his people at the
attack upon Ai, the
next city that was
besieged. Joshua
gave an order, be-
fore Jericho had
fallen, that all the
gold and silver
which might be cap-
tured should be
placed in the sacred
treasure and there
kept for the service
of the Lord. This
one recreant, who
was quite as avari-
cious as Balaam, in the excitement of the pillage seized upon a rich Babylonish
ganiieut, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold valued at fifty
[ shekels weight. These he hid by burying them in the earth beneath his tent,
'.vhcre tliey were afterward found by men wlioni Joshua sent to search for them.

The culprit was not apprehended, nor was he known until God chose to
[reveal him in His own mysterious wa}', as will be explained.

The city nearest to Jericho, possessed by the Canaanites, was called Ai,

land to this place Joshua sent out spies as before. They reported the place to

be poorly defended and so easy of capture that a detachment of only three

thousand Israelites was sent against it. Instead of meeting with an easy vic-

FALMVO OF THE WALW OF JERICHO.

"And ♦he armed men went before the priests that blew with the
trumpets."— Joshua vi. 9.

142

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

tory the Israelites were defeated ,\'ith a loss of thirty-six men, and were pur-
sued as far as Shc'»arim. This defeat was not so disastrous by reason of the
losses sustained, as for the effect it had upon the Israelites, who feared God
had forsaken them. Joshua and the elders fell down in mourning before tlie
ark and cried aloud to Jehovah. '."heir prayers were answered by a coininaud
which God gave to Joshua to sanctif}' the people, and on the morrow cast lots
to determine who was the offender. \Vhe:i the casting was first made it fell
iipon the tribe of Judah, next on the family of Zerah, and the third time upon
the house of Zabdi, all of whom were taken before Jehovah at the ark and
there examined. Among the number was Achan, the son of Carmi, whom the
Lord caused to make a confession of his guilt. The culprit was speedily stoned
to death and his body burned, together with his children, cattle and tent,
while over the ashes was raised a cairn to mark the place of execution, which
place was called Achor, meaning trouble.

THE CAPTURE OF AI AXD LEAGUE OF THE KIXGS.

After Achan had been punished, God appeared to Joshua and bade him
take courage again, for he should continue to be victorious until all Canaan
was subjugated. God also told Joshua to renew the attack upon Ai, wliicli
would fall into his hands if he heeded these instructions: He (Joshua) slioul!
take a force of five thousand men and lead them beyond the west side of Ai,
where they were to lie in ambush near the city, ready to rush upon it when
the sign should be made; Joshua was next directed to take thirt}- thousand
more men and appear in the valley before Ai, as if to challenge the people
therein to combat; but when the army of Ai should come out, Joshua was
orderc 1 to flee before them as if in great fear, and b}' this strategy was to
draw ;hem awa}' from the city, so that the five thousand \y'\wg in anihush
might rush out of their covert and into the cit}^ and thus possess its defenses,

The.se instructions Joshua obeyed and found evcr3'tliing to transpire as the
Lord had promised, so that when the king of Ai came out Joshua fled with liis
army, which gave so nnich confidence to the people of Ai that evcrj- man
therein left the city and went in pursuit of the Israelites. They followed
these so far that when they left off pursuing and started to return they saw
their cit}' in flames and being pillaged by the five thousand whose presence
had not been suspected. This did not end their troubles, for they were now in
a valley between two armies of the Israelites, unable to escape, and overwhelmed
by superior forces. In this position Joshua fell upon them with both wings of
his army and put everj' man, woman and child to the sword, with the exception
of the king of Ai, whom the Israelites captured and afterward hanged u])on a
tree. Over his bod}' was gathered a great heap of stones, which were placed as
a memorial of the city, and are said to remain there to this day.

The Biblical account of the capture of Ai intimates that the town of Bethel
was taken and sacked at the same time, but gives no particulars by which we

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

143

might form an opinion of the importance of either place. However, we do
know that by this victory the Israelites gained possession of all the principal
passes in the Jordan valley and obtained unobstructed access to the open country
ill the region of
Central Pales-
tine, though the
main body was
kept encamped at
Gilgal on account,
no doubt, of its
strategic position.
The victorious
march of the Is-
raelites through
Palestine spread
terror among the
people of all
Canaan until, for
mutual defense,
the kings west of
Jordan and as far
north as Lebanon,
formed a league
and consoridated
tlieir forces to
oppose the fur-
ther advance of
Joshua. These
kings, though no
donbt invested
with royal pre-
rogatives, held
dominion over
limited districts,
witli a city as the
capital, so that
they were scarcely
more than muni-
cipal masters ; and
their influence

was further diminished by the perpetual feuds which existed between them.
But the invading hosts of Israel were regarded as a common enemy, come.
to despoil all the cities without regard to the tribal ownership, so, for the

JOSHl'A WATCHING THIS DESTRUCTION 01- AI,

"Aud he (Joshua) took about five thousand men and set them to lie in ambush."

— JosHL'A viii. 12.

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THE BEAUTIFUL- STORY.

time being they ceased warring against each other and formed a confederation
which increased their strength and gave them hope of being now able to drive
the Israelites out of Canaan.

There was onl}- one tribe, of all the numerous hordes that claimed a jjor-
tion of Palestine, which sought to escape the sword of Israel b}' suing for piiice
and protection. This tribe was the Gibeonites, whose city, then called Gibcoii,
but now, El-jib, was chief of the four cities of Hivites and la}- directly opp()>iie
the pass, or valley of Ai, so that it was the next cit}- Joshua intended attackiii<r.

The Gibeonites had heard of some of the wondrous things performed bv
the Israelites by Divine assistance, and though they were idolaters, and knew
nothing of the true Goa, their fears were greatly excited by the miracles
which were reported to them ^s having been done by the Israelites, and
their confidence in the confederation of the Canaanitish kings was by no nie-ans
strong. Tlie\' had recourse to a curious strategy to obtain an interview will;
Joshua, knowing that if they should appear before him as Gibeonites he wcnild
not treat with them, and at the same time appreciating the necessity of
immediate action before the Israelites should move upon their city. This strat-
egy consisted in a delegation of a dozen or more elders, or wise men of
Gibeon, clothing themselves like so many way-worn travellers, with ragged and
dust-laden clothes, old mouldy provisions and unkempt beards and hair, and in
this tired and faint appearance they came before Joshua, claiming that tlicv
had travelled from a very far country, and thirsted and hu' -ed greatly
upon the wa}'. The}^ further asserted that the}' had heard fame of

Jehovah and of His wonderful deeds for Israel, and had come to form a league
with God's people.

Instead of consulting the oracle before the ark, as the Lord had admon-
ished him, as the successor of Moses, to do, in all cases involving the Avelfare
of his people, Joshua was immediately convinced of all the Gibeonites had told
him, and thereupon entered into a league, or treat}-, with them, by which their
lives were to be spared.

Three da\'s after a league was formed with the cunning Gibeonites, Joshua
and his army went against Gibeon, but when he was upon the point of attaek-
ing it the people came out and reminded him of the treaty and promise he
had made. Joshua now perceived how he had been deceived by the represen-
tations of the travel-worn strangers, but, notwithstanding the grumblings nf
his army, he respected the promises he had made and spared the Gibeonites.
But, by direction of God, their deceit was punished by Joshua ordering that
they should henceforth be slaves to the Israelites, and should be " hewers of
wood and drawers of water for the house of Gt)d forever."

Five of the other kings of cities in Palestine, learning of the defection of
the Gibeonites, consolidated their forces and laid siege to Gibeon, intending to
take the city — or, rather, the four cities, belonging to the Gibeonites — and put
the people to death.

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THE BATTLE OF UETH-HORON.

When the Gibeouites saw the appror\ching anuies of the Amorites, under
the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarniuth, Lachish and Eglon, and knew their
hostile intentions, they sent messengers to Joshua, whose eamp was still at Gil-
gal, begging him to come and help them. The cry for lielp was not in vain,
for Josliua at once assembled his arni}' and, by a forced march during the night,
fell upon the confederated Amorites earh' in th.e morning at Beth-lioron, and
routed them with great slaughter, but not until the battle had waged with
uncertain results for noariy the entire da}'. In this fight Joshua received such
direct aid from Gcxl that his own generalship seems to have played n ) con-
spicuous part, and to Jehovah must all the credit be given.

When, at eventime, the Amorites began to give way and were retreating
down the hill of Beth-horon, a great hail-storm was sent upon them, the stones
of which were so large that nu)re were killed in the storm than were slain b}
Israel's sword. Panic now .seized them, and the combined Amorite army was
a!)le to offer no further resistance against their relentless pursuers. The sun.
lijwcver, was now shining low in the heavens, and the rapid approach of night
would ])ut an end to the slaughter, when Joshua prayed to God that the siui
might stand still upon Giljeon, and ihz nujon renuiin bright o\'er Ajalon — an
adjacent city. This prayc. was ans.vered, for the sun did not go down that
day, but stood in the he ivens, until the Anuirites were nearly all slaughtered,

and the five kings pursued tc a place in the plains by the sea, where they hid
themselves in a case. Herc^ '.ley remained only a short time in security, f

they vere soon disco\ercd, ai I, at the bidding of Joshua, they were captured
and bro'ight before him, who ordered, as God had directed, the captains of
Israel to each i)Ut his foot iipini the necks of the five kings, as a sign that
thus should Isniel do to all iier enemies. At"ter this, the kings wei'c hanged
on a tree, where their bodies remained until evening, when they were cut down
and thrown into the tav-e wdiere they had first hidden, and the mouth of the
cave was then chised with great stones.

" vSo jcshua smoic all the coiuury of the hills, and of the south, and of (lie
vale, and of the springs, and all their kings; he left none remaining, but
ullerlv ileslroyed all that breathed, as the Lord Goil of Israel commaiided.
And Joshua smote lliem fu>iu Kadesh-barnea even unto Gaza, and all llic
r luntry of Goshen, even unto Gibeon. And all these kings and their land did
Joshua take at one time, because the lyord God of Israel fought for Israel."

josni'\ Diviuis Till': i.wn a\p maris \ m'.w co\-i:n'A\t.— his di'.ath.

The battles vvhirli Joshua fongliL in Canaan were \ery many, but only a
lew a.v described in the Bible. His conquests, howe\er, are sumnu'd up in
thj subjugation of no h-^s than thirty-one kings on the v,-est of b-rdaii, besides
Sihon, Balak and Og, whom he defeated before crossing the Jordan for Jericho,

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

These kings ruled as many cities, but in not every instance did defeat of the
Canaanites lead to an occupation of the cities, for we know that Jerusalem,
whose king was slain at Gibeon, was not captured until after the death of
Joshua. Several other cities, though subjugated, did not fall into the hands of
the Israelites until some time after the events just narrated.

But in defeating the thirty-one kings, Joshua came into possession of all
the country belonging to the seven nation;-, which was first promised to Abra-
ham, viz.: the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites and
Girgashites, but there still remained a considerable portion of Palestine unsub-
dued, which, however, God promised anew should be given to the Israelites.
These latter conquests were not reserved for Joshua, for he was now old, and
had been fighting almost continually for six years. But the time had now
come for a division of the whole of Palestine among the tribes of Israel,
which Joshua proceeded to award as God had directed liim to do. The division
was made by allotment among the nine and a half tribes, the two and a half
tribes having already received their portion from Moses east of the Jordan.
The Levites were not included among the tribes who were to receive an
inheritance of land, for "Jehovah, God of Israel, was their inheritance," they
being consecrated to the priesthood. \ his would have left eleven tribes to be
provided for, but the tribe of Joseph was divided into the tribes of Ephraim
and of Manasseh, so that- there still remained twelve, as originally.

When the allotments had all been made, Joshua reserved for himself Tim-
uath-serah, in Mount Ephraim, where he built a city and gave to it the name
Timnath. There Avere then appointed six cities of refuge, three on the west
of Jordan, viz. : Kadesh, Sheclicm and Hebron ; and three on the cast, viz. :
Bezer, Ramoth and Golan. To the Levites forty-eight cities were given, which
were awarded iu proportion to the possessions of all the other tribes.

Joshua, being now feeble from age, and realizing that but a few months
separated him from his grave, sent for all the judges, officers and heads of
tribes to come before him, as Moses had done before ascending Mount Pisgali ;
and Avhen they had gathered he gave them an exhortation to be courageous and
to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses. This was
the sum of his advice, but he enlarged this counsel so that it might be more
effective, by rehearsing all that God had done for Israel since the day of their
coming out of Egypt. He reminded them that of themselves they could do
nothing, but that through the aid of Jehovah they had triumphed over thtii
enemies and become possessed of cities which they had not built, and of vine-
yards which they had not planted.

He exhorted them especially not to affiliate or marry with the idolatrous
peoples of Palestine, nor to cease striving for the rest of the land which God
liad pronxised, and warned them that the day they departed from his counsel
and forgot their duties to Jehovah, they should certainly be scattered and
driven from the land that had been given them.

THE BEAUTIFUI^ STORY.

149

To the exhortatious of Joshua the people responded by promises to fulfil

the law of Moses and to cleave unto the God who had blessed them so

abundantly. Thus was a new covenant made, for a witness of which a great

stone was set up under an oak tree, perhaps the same shade under which

Vbraham and Jacob had spread their tents.

Soon after the establishing of the covenant Joshua died, being aged one
hundred and ten years. He was buried on the borders of his inheritance, in
Timnath-serah, on the north side of the hill of Gaash. The death of this
great and good man was properly bewailed by the Israelites, for of all of
Israel's host he was perhaps the most righteous. Moses and Aaron had sinned
repeatedly, but of Joshua there is not written a single act wherein he trans-
gressed God's will.

Directly after Joshua's death Eleazar, the high priest, the son of Aaron,
sickened and died also. He was buried beside his son Phinehas, who, we
remember, killed Prince Zimri for sinning with the Midiau woman, in Mount
Ephraim.

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CHAPTER XII.

GOD IS FORSAKEN BY THE ISRAELITES.

Judges.

'T would appear that a large portion of Palestine was left unsub-
dued at the time of Joshua's death for a wise purpose, since God
desired to know if the Israelites would continue to accept Him in
the hour of adversity, or complain against Him, as they had
always inclined to do, during their journeyings, when trouble
threatened. Hence their enemies were permitted to continue still
strong in many portions of Palestine, and so numerous in the soutli-

fwest that they refused tc yield to the Israelites. Thus God foresaw
that a conflict would arise which would determine their loyalty, and
with what measure they were deserving of IJ^Is further protection.
The generation which lived in the time of Joshua continued faithful to the
laws which they were exhorted to observe, but when these had finally perished,
the next generation forsook God, neglected to regard the counsel of their
fathers, and degenerated so rapidly that they were soon confirmed idolaters.
Their iniquities began by marrying, again^c the injunctions of Joshua, among
the seven nations they had conquered; and from this a worship of the god
Baal, in groves sacred to this false deity, was very soon instituted and the
true God utterly forgotten.

For the idolatrous iniquities of the Israelites, God gave them proper punish-
ment by sending the king of Mesopotamia against them, by whom they were
not only beaten in battle, but were kept in slavery for a term of eight years,
lu their afflictions only did they remember God, and while their backs were
sorely burdened they called aloud for deliverance. Their petitions were not
without avail, for the Lord appointed Othniel, a younger brother of Caleb, as
a leader of Israel, and he led the Israelites in a revolt against the king of
Mesopotamia, and in a great battle which followed he gained a decisive victory
that freed his countrymen. After this fight the Israelites were at peace for a
period of forty years.

But when Othniel died, who had been a wise and God-fearing judge it.
Israel, the people relapsed again into sinful ways and again provoked the
Lord's anger, so that Rglon, king of Moab, formed an offensive alliance with
Amnion and Anuilek, who combined their forces against the Israelites, whom
they beat at Jericho and captured the city, reducing the inhabitants to slavery,
in which condition ihcy remained for eighteen years.

The wars in which the Israelites were beaten, by reason of their diso-

(150)

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

151

bedience and idolatry, did not involve all the chosen people at one time. As
already stated, when Joshna made a division of all itie land among the twelve
tribes, he did not confine the division 10 those portions of Palestine that had
been snbjngated, bnt because God had promised that all the country' should be
given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Joshua allotted the
whole of Palestine — those portions that still remained in possession of the
enemies of Israel, as well as those that had been taken and occupied. It was
the efforts made by those members of the tribes whose allotment fell to dis-
tricts yet unsubdued, that led to such repeated wars, in which, because the
tribes neglected God's ordinances and covenants, the results were not always
favorable to the Israelites. ■ .

::Jn'

THFv ASSASSIN'ATIOX OF KI.VG EGLOK.

After the Hebrews had served legion for a period of eighteen j'cars, a
deliverer appeared in the person of Ehud, a Bcnjaminite (generally written
Benjamite), who was left-handed. Ehud did not foment an uprising among the
people as Othniel had done, but had recourse to, a strategy which served his
purpose most effectively. Making for himself a dagger, with this weapon c )n-
cealed under his cloak he awaited outside the king's door, while he sent in a
messenger to tell his majesty that he had an important communication for him
uliich he bore direct from God.

No doubt flattered by the pretense that God had regarded him with such
consideration as to send a messenger to him, the king, as Ehud requested, sent
all his servants out of the palace, that he might be alone with the celestial
messenger when the communication was deliveied. The auspicious opportunity
was thus presented, and Enud quickly dispatched the king with a thrust of
his dagger. The assassin then ran out, locking ever}' door that he passed
through, and soon sped awaj' over the hills to alarm his people and prepare
them for a desperate battle which he promised that God would help theru
to win.

When the king'p servants attempted to reach the royal apar :ments they
found the doors locked, which they took to mean that his majesty had tlnis
sought to prevent ini ?rruption while considering some weighty matter brought
to his attention hy t1 e late messenger. After leaving him alone for .several
hours, and finding t le doors yet locked, some alarm was felt, which grew
apace, until, at the venture of offending the king, should there be no proper
reason for their suspicions, the doors were tinbarrcd and the body of the mur-
dered ruler found bloodless on the throne. By this time, h(Twevcr, Ehud had
made good his escape by fleeing to Mount Ephraim, where, by blowing his
trumpet, he assembled a great body of Israelites. When the Moabites cnnip
out to fight them, the Lord gave Ehud the victory, so that he slew ten thcu-
satid Moabite soldiers, letting not one escape.

After this e\ent, but how long is not intimated in the Biblical account,

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152

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Shamgar succeeded Ehud as judge of Israel. During liis incumbency a lu^-gv
body of Philistines went .igaiust the Israelites to recover one of the cities that
had been taken from them, but Shamgar, who seems to have been not only a
desperately brave man, but wonderfully strong as well, seized a large stick
used in driving oxen, and, with this simple weapon, la}' about him so vigor-
ously among the Philistines that he slew six hundred n^en and put the entire
army to flight.

vSTORY OF THE DP:STRrCTIO\ OK THP: TRIRK OF HKN'JAMIN.

It will be remembered that in an earlier chapter there are descriptions of
the blessings and prophecies of Jacob upon his twelve sons, the j'^oungest
of whom, Benjamin, the great prophet predicted, " should raven as a wolf"
We shall now see how truly this prophecy came to pass. The event which
is about to be described occurred before Ehud, whom we have just noticed, was
born, but the exact time, or sequence of events, is not given in the Bible, so
that sequence is not absolutely necessary here.

A member of the house of Levi, possibly a priest, had taken a woman to
live with him, according to tne custom of the time. This woman subsequently
])ccame \infaithful, and she was sent back to her father's house at Bethlehem.
After she had remained there four months the Levite longed for her, probably
iulieving that he had condemned her too hastily, and, with a view of effecting
a reconciliation, he went to Bethlehem, hoping to bring her home with him.
The father-in-law gave him a hearty welcome, and together they feasted for
three days. By a pressing invitation the Levite remained yet two days longer,
when, having now spent five days with his father-in-law, he excused himself
from further prolonging his visit, and started back to Mount Ephraim, where
he resided, with his wife, who freely consented to return with him. The Levite
thus journeyed with liis wife, one servant and two asses, carrying such pro-
visions and coverings as were needed on the way. When they came near to
Jebus, the servant begged his master to ask for lodging tliere ; the Levite
refused, and journeyed on to a town named Gibeah, which they entered at
sunset. This town belonged to the Benjamiuites, who had become famous for
their bestiality and every manner of abomination ; besid-^s, they were jealous
of the other tribes. Thus, when they perceived the Levite and his family
enter their city, they offered them no place to rest, and meditated much ill
toward them.

No door being open to him, the Levite sat down in one of the open squares
of the city, intending to spend the night there, but .soon an old fellow country-
man of Mount Ephraim, who was at the time living in Gibeah, seeing the
Levite thus exposed to the night, invited him to his house, tendering a generous
hospitality. The Levite, and chose with him, gladly accepted his kindness,
but during the night a party of Benjamiuites surrounded the old num's house,
and demanded that the Levite be brought to them, having the most infamous

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

153

designs upon his person. When the crowd hecame clamorous, the old man went
out to them and sought to appease their desires by offering to them his own
virgin daughter, and also the wife, or concubine, of the stranger, if they would
but depart and do no violence to his guest. This offer they refused, when, to
save himself, the Levite sent his woman among them, and, by an artifice, escaped
himself The poor woman was so seriously abused by the crowd, during the
night, that she had barely strength enough left to stagger back to the door
where she had found shelter, and there fell dead at the threshold.

When the Levite opened the door in the morning he found the woman
lying as she fell, and thinking she was asleep bade her arouse that he might
renew his journey. When, however, he found she was dead, without making
any complaint, he set her
body on one of his asses
and hastened to Ephraim.
Arriving at home, he re-
solved to seek revenge
against the Benjaminites.
Accordingly he cut up the
woman into twelve pieces
and sent a piece to each of
the twelve tribes, together
with an account of all that
had befallen him atGibeah.
The report of the Levite
aroused all the children of
Israel, who vowed that no
such deed had been seen
since the}' had come out of
Egypt, and they immcdi-
atel}- determined to punish
tlie crime as it deserved.
In pursuance of this intent
tlie whole congregation of
Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, assembled together at IMizpeh, and presented
themselves before Jehovah, whose aid they implored. This vast throng may
be estimated by the fac. that there wtre four hundred thousand fighting men
gathered at IMizpeh, besides all the families of Israel, save alone the tribe of
Benjamin, which was about to be punished.

When the great army had come together the Levite was brought out and
ordered to repeat the particulars of the crime that had been perpetrated, and
wlien he had done so the Israelites assembled made a solemn vow of vengeance
and an agreement that they would not separate until the great wrong was
atoned.

TlIK ISRAISLITKS :.1..:'ING A VOW To AVICNGIC rin; MlKDlCli Ol' TUK

l,lvVITU WOMAN.

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154

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Provision was now made for an invasion of the countr}' in which the Benja-
minites dwelt, the first steps being the appointment by lot of one man out of
every ten, whose duty it was to secure food for the arm}'. ^lessengerr were
next dispatched to Gibcah, ordering the Beujamiuites to deliver up the culprits
who had done such a foul deed to the Lcvite's woman, but they sent back ;i
haughty defiance by the messengers, applauded the acts of tlieii lewd brethreu
atid nuide ready for battle.

Till-: CRl'AT r.ATTIJ', OF SIIILOII.

Those who remained within the walls of Gil)eah were marshalled into a force
of sword and spear bearers twenty-six thousand strong, in addition to which there
were seven hundred left-handed sling throwers, who could cast a stone, as it is
asserted, to a hair's breadth. This was a small ami}- to meet the besiegers, who
numbered four hundred tiiousand, and yet the results of the battle showed
that the Beujamiuites were much better fighters than the brethren sent against
them.

When the eleven tribes gathered together at Shiloh, the ark was set up,
Phinehas, Aaron's grandson, being high-priest. Here the oracle was consulted,
by which it was decided that Judah shouid lead the attack against the Beuja-
miuites ; and thus, elated by the promise that God was with them, they pitched
themselves against Gibeah. Instead of renuiining within their defenses, tlie
Beujamiuites, in nowise deterred by the immense force which opposed them,
rushed out of their city and fell with such impetuosily against their enemies
that the army of Israel was put to rout with a loss of 22,000 men, almost equal
to the entire fighting force of the Benjaminites.

On the following daj' the routed army came together again near Shiloh and
spent much time weeping before God and asking if they should again go into
battle against " Benjamin, nij' brother." To this inquiry the oracle replied in
the affirmati\e, but the second battle was scarcely less unfortunate than the
first, for again Israel was put to rout, with a loss of iS,ooo.

For a third time the congregation assembled at Shiloh, where they kept a
solemn fast and made many burnt-offerings, by which they hoped to win the
favor of God, who, it was clear, had not been with them in the two battles.
The oracle was now again consulted through Phinehas, who bade them go once
more against the Benjaminites, but not as before. By the Lord's direction llie
army of Israel was divided, one portion of which was sent to lie in ambush
behind the city, while the main bod\' was ordered to make the attack in front,
being the same stratagem which Joshua had employed so successfully at Ai.

According to orders given by God through tlie oracle, the main army of
Israel went before Gibeah, but turned and fled as the Benjaminites came out,
who pursued them .some distance. But, as they issued forth, Gibeah was left
unprotected, so that the ambushing portion of the army entered and closed the
gates, by which the Benjaminites were left on the outside, exposed to the fniy

B 3

156

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

of the immense host. A great shiiighter now took place, in which i8,(xx)
of the Benjaminites fell before the city, 5000 more were killed in the retreat
and 2000 more were slain while they were making a last rally at Gidoni.
The very few that escaped wandered abont the country for several momlis,
living in caves, while their victorious brethren went through the land burning
cities, and putting the inhabitants and their cattle to the sword.

This sack and pillage continued until the tribe of Benjamin was almost
obliterated, and would, no doubt, have been entirely extinguished but for the
fact that some pity was excited among a few leaders of the eleven tribes, wlio
sought to circumvent the vow that had been made at Mizpeh. It chanced that,
on numbering the people, it was found that the men of Jabesh-gilead had not
been with the other tribes in the battles, for which failure it was decreed that
their cit}- should be destroyed. Accordingly, 12,000 men were sent agaiust it
who not only captured the city but destro3'ed ever}' man therein, together with
all the women except four hundred virgins, who were given as wives to as
many of the remaining Benjaminites. There were six hundred Benjaminites
altogether who escaped the wrath of their brethren, and the two hundred who
•were not provided with wives from the virgins reserved from the sack of Jalcsh-
gilead, afterward secured wives by seizing some of the maidens of Shiloh who
had come out to dance at a great annual feast.

They afterward set about repairing their cities, and graduallj' increased,
nntil at the expiration of less than a century they had recovered nearly all
their former greatness. It was from out this rehabilitated tribe that Khud
sprang, who became Israel's second judge and the deliverer of his people, as
alread}' described.

DEI.IVKRAXCK OI' ISRAKL HV DI'.nORAH.

After Ehud's successful rebellion he Israelites enjoyed peace and lilxity
for a period of eighty years, when, Iku iTig now become rich, they relapsed into
such excesses as usually follow the acquisition of wealth by nations.

In northern Palestine there reigned a great prince whose name was Jahin,
called king of Hazor. He was chief of the Midianite nation, which had so far
recovered from the defeats sustained at the hands of Joshua, in the length of
time that had ensued, that it was now considered the strongest in all Palestine.
Not less the rich spoil which would follow a defeat of the Israelites, than the
satisfaction of avenging the capture of their cities nearly two hundred years
before, prompted the Midianites to invade the country now occupied by the
Israelites. At the head of Jabin's arni}'^ was a mighty general named Siscra,
who led an immense body of men, supplemented by nine hundred war chariots
of iron. This great host swept down on the Hebrews and overcame them in
every battle, and for a period of twent}' years kept them so badly oppressed
that their recuperative power even was almost destroyed, though they .'^till
managed to retain their government.

ily
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158 TIIIC Hl'AUTIIT'L STuRV.

At this time Israel was jiuli^cd hy a pnipliotcss iiaincd Dehorali, who is
reckoned to have been the ualijii's fourth jiul,>;e, or ruler. Thi^

s woman s place

^f al).)ile was uiuler a palm tree, wliieli rn<.i\eil the desionation, bestowed

unlrvmen, ot Deborah's Pali

l)V

e it was liei euslom to sit and re

ei ive

the o)mplainls of her people who came for judi^nient. When Israel st-ni up

a erv to (iod lo" deliveranee from the Midianiles He an

swei'fd the pel It Mil

through Deborah, who was eommandcd to send an inspired messai;e to niie
Barak, a resideni of Naphtali, whom she onlered to assendde ten thousand nun
at Tabor. Aeeompanying this order was an assuranee which she ga\e. that if
he ol/cyed the command God would send Sisera to meet him at the ri\cr
Kislu)n, where a great victory would be won by the Israelites.

IJarak, while much impri.'^sccl
by Deborah's message, was too
taint-hearted to undertake such
an enterprise alone, but bvliiV'
ing in the t'oreknowleilge of the
woman, replied that he woiiM

go up to

IKI

tile against J^iscra

only on condition that she wmihl
iccomi)any him. She lemindcd
him that shoulu the Israelites
])revail, as God had ])ronn'sod,
with herself kading the pe()[)lc,

lie woi

lid

recene no honor lor

le \ iclory. This appeal to his

ambition

had

no eltect upon

^-1 Barak, and in the aUernative

HARAK Ill'a-'Or.l! DKIUIUAIL

jsentcd, Dcboiali consented to

lie

lead Israel. The army of ten
thousand was now gathered together by levies upon the tribes of Zebuhiu,
Naphtali, Issacliar, Ki)liraiin, Manasseh, and Uenjamin, those tribes of the rast
and south not being engaged.

V\'hen Sisera heard of the uprising he assembled his great army at Haro-
«heth, and marched thence to the plain of Je/reel, which is drained ])y ll
Kishon, while Barak came down witii his ten tlio is.iud men from T;ibor, to
engage the Midianiles in battle. It was now that I'ne power of the Lord was
made manifest in a wonderful manner: "A tremendous storm of sleet and hail
gathered from the east, and burst over the plain, driving full in the faci oi
the Midianites. The rain descended, the four rivulets of Megiddo were swollen
to powerlul streams, while the torrents of Kishon rose to a Hood and the ji'ain
be.

a morass. The chariots and horses of Sisera's army were now tinned
against him. He became entangled in i!;" swamp so that the torrent of Kishon
ewept them away ia its furious eddies, while in the confusion that follow od

THK BKAUTirUL STORY

159

the strength of the
MiJiauitcs was trod-
den down by their
lorses, as the fcar-
Irickeu animals
damped and phuigcd
ill a desperate effort
to cxtrieate llicni-
selves from theijnak-
ing morass and rising
sircauis. Far and
wide the vast arm_v
lied throngh the
eastern braneh of
tlie plain of Endor.
There betwecnTabor
;uiil the Little Iler-
mon, a carnage took
place long remem-
Dcred, in which the
orpses hv}' fattening
ilie gronnd."

In the dread fnl
pnit nnd devastation,
v^isera contrived to
I'srape, by leaving
liis chariot and flec-
\\\\^ on foot to the
tint of Hebcr, a
Kenite. This man
was an Arabian
Sheikh, a descendant
uoin J c thro, the
lather-in-la\v of
Moses. lie was
1 welling at Katlesh,
;il the 'Oak of the
\\':mderers," and on
tViiudly terms with
liiith the Israelites
mid Canaanitcs.
lUiiig the nearest
(ilice of shelter to

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

the battlc-grouiid, vSiscra caiiic to his tent, but Hebei bein_t:^ absent at the time,
his wife, Jael, txide iiiiii enter iiiid ijave him hospitable (nitertainment.

Sisera was \ery tired wh( u lie entered the tent, and east himself at once
upon the floor, and Jael covered him with her mantle. After he h: d slept a
little he called for drink, which Jael supplied by .^iviui^ him buttermilk oui
of her choicest vessel. Thoui^h still extremely fatiiLiued, Sisera would not com-
pose himself to deep sleep until he had exacted from Jael a S\)lenin promise
that in no event would she discover him to his enemies, who were now hot
in the search. Believing himself secure in the promise given, Sisera fell into
a deep slumber. When Jael saw that her guest was soundly sleeping, she
seized one of the tent pins and with a hammer drove it at a blow through
Sisera's temples, thus killing him upon the instant. It was not long after that
the pursuing Israelites came to her tent, when the valorous Jael showed Barak
the deed she had done, and claimed the glory of Israel. This deed is made
the subject of the Soz/o' of Deborah and luiiak^ which ranks amongst tlr:
finest efforts of Hebrew poetry.

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160

'111'' HHAI 1 ii\ ., ^TniiV

1 iii>< tor.:, u!U ilrlu'; !*• -.i*; ;iI»i''U at f •

h'lb ,'. .. Iru ' aI']'

t'.jjoii 111. Hour ;ui(l j.iol L-n'.(^ri(l liim wV.]\ hn ;iii!itl.-. After hr h..i<! s
lit.Ic ]ic -I'K-.i ii>r tlriiii, wliicU juvl- .supplii.-d by "1 .a,;^ liini hutU'i i,.;i
"I I c! choici. ^l V(.'s-.ol r.. ii^Ii still ^ .Livnul\' lati,mu'ii, .■^1 ;cr I 'Viiild no
])()sl' iiini-^f.il 111 I'/i.ii sloe)! uiii.il no h:..l r\,u-Uil li'MU juM a s'>lciua 1
tliul II! lilt owiU ^.iiil'l -In.: diSi."'). ' l!) m.>. clli'-.'/aos, who wcvr !■

'" the ^i...:> 1\ llt'icviir:- liiv.i^i-lf mc'U'.^ in du. j..,'iinv mvcii, Si.^cra !• '
.X act'i' --Ininhe., W'iuMi f;iOi -aw flat h'..- .;;iu>.t u.is si. .inilv slfxj/in.
sci/^il wr of ;!i.' ic-uL |iln.- ."i.l "i'h .i I:.iri:iii'r flr<\L- it at m M"- '
,^i -rra'.^ ti'injilt. ■>, ibiis kiUin.^Miim irjiiiij. iIm mstnul. |i v\as lot Imij^r nr
li'v- ;>ar ;iiii,L; I--, .icli'rs <■.,:,,■ ;. liiv 'luI, ur.i... iiu- v.ilijruM' lail li..\',. M
"vhc ('...O'i sii; I::; 1 'l-n, and i.'l 1 i;i<.' i th»- -'or-- f ! ,1 if 1. 'riii-^ (k'fd is ■
tii<; a''JL-i.t ■' til- .V ,.- ; ,'/ iKoifii'i iV>:i i',\ii,;[\ wliic'a ranks .uuun^--'
liursl I'll. . "t" IT, 1>r(-\', iii(vl.r\-.

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JEPHTHAH S RASH VOW.

.\ii,t/„ !., Jii-t/iiiii/Zilcrrniiii-oiit /onn, I l„„iinl/l IwiOirh O'Ul Willi 'f'liiii.i tint/. y/ii'ir,i.s /„s„ii/i/iliili/ ■ /iiitffl-tt .\l .1/.

in;

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VVhei

lodg-suffe:

tiioy sent

parted fro

valor." *]

father liin

fxul cliosc

One c

1" a plaee

tiiijjf nndei

words, "Je

self and tl

liavin,ij cut

touched tlr

aiKe of hi

aiul asked

CHAPTER XIII.

THE STORY OK GIDKON.

^'^-^ FTER the defeat of Sisera there was peace in Israel
for forty j'ears, or until about 1250 B. C, but at the
expiration of this tiuie the Israelites returned again
to their idolatrous and shameful practices, the mira-
cles which God had wrought not sufficing to prove
His protecting care for a greater time than the life
of a single generation. The god Baal was publicly
set up and worshipped, and many other things done
by this wonderfully perverse people in defiance of
the Lord's commands, until His patience bccauie again
exhausted, and He resolved upon their punishment. Tliis
was accouiplishcd by delivering them into the hands of the
Midianites and Amalekites, who swarmed upon them "as
locusts for multitud'-. ' By these, their old enemies, the
Israelites were not only subjugated, but their means of
living were so completely taken from them that they had
to abandon their homes and flee into caves in the moun-
tains, where thej* subsisted upon the things which chance
threw in their way. This oppression lasted for se\en
yeprs, during which time a great number died of hardships and starvation.

When Ciod had considered the punishment of His people sufficient, His
long-suffering was again exhibited in hearkening to the cries of distress which
tlioy sent \ip to Him. Among the Israelites was one who had not wholly de-
parted from the worship of God, who was already esteemed as "a man of great
valor." This soldier was Gideon, a son of Joash, of tlic tribe of Manassch, a.
father himself, having sons also distinguished for bravery. It was he whom
CiDtl chose should be a deliverer of Israel.

One day, while Gideon was threshing out some corn that had been raised
111 a ])lace where it escai)ed the notice of the Midianites, he saw an angel sit-
ting under an oak that was a landmark, l)v whom he was saluted with the
words, "Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valor." Gideon bowed him-
self and then hastened and brought a kid for an offi^ring. This he killed, and
having cut it up brought it in a disli before the angel, whereupon the angel
toiulied the offering and a fire sprang up which devoured it. By this accept-
ance of his offering Gideon saw that the Lord had some use for his services
and asked what was desired of him. He was now comniuuded to go in his
II (.61)

"lib

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mi' ;

162

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

might and save Israel, for God would help him to prevail over the Midianitcs.
Gideon pleaded his poverty, and the weakness of his people, but the Lord
again assured him of His help, and then vanished. Gideon now built an
altar at the spot where the sacred presence hat! appeared, which he called Je-
hovah-shalom, meaning Jclun'aJi is our peace.

At night God again appeared to Gideon, in a dream, and commanded him
to take his father's second bullock, of seven years old, and to overthrow tlie
altar and idol of Baal, the fragments of which the Lord ordered him to use iu
making a fire for burning the bullock as a sacrifice. When he arose in the
morning Gideon told ten of his servants what had been commanded of him,
and by the aid of these on the following night, secretly, for fear of his father's
household and of the men in the cit}', he carried out the Divine order. Wlicu
morning again appeared, his deed was discovered, and a cry was at once set
up, by the worshippers of Baal, for Gideon's life. Joash, however, influenced
no doubt b}' God, defended his son and said, " Let Baal plead his own cause,"
and this argument convinced the citizens, who thereupon bestowed upon Gideon
the new name of Jerub-baal, which implies. Let Baal plead.

When the act of Gideon, and his people's sanction thereof, became known
to the Midianites and Amalekites, the}- prepared at once for war, and muster-
ing their forces went into camp at Jezreel, near the spot where Sisera liad
been overthrown. Gideon now also prepared for battle by calling together the
tribes of Manasseh, Zebulun and Naphtali, who pitched their tents overlook-
ing the Midian hosts in the plain of Esdraelon.

r.IDKOX'S FLKPXE.

In the sight of such an immense army as opposed him, Gideon's faith was
somewhat weakened, for he called upon the Lord to give him another sij,n'
that he should lead Israel to victory. Thus Gideon gathered a fleece of wool,
and laying it upon the ground, told God that if the dews of night should fall
heavy and the fleece yet remain dry in the morning, he would consider it a
sign that he had been chosen to win the battle. In the morning when (iideoii
looked at the fleece he found it dry, while all around the ground was wet with
dew. Though he promised that this sign should convince him, he was not yet
satisfied, and told God that he wanted one more evidence. He would la}- the
fleece upon the ground another night, and in the morning if it were wet, while
all the ground about remained drj', then he should accept it as a token of
what God had promised. This .second sign was also given, for when Gideon
went out and picked up the fleece, he found it so wet that he wrung much
water out of it, while all about the ground was as dry as at mid-day. He was
now satisfied that he would win the victory, and marched out at the head of
thirty-two thousand men to engage the enemy, whose numbers were iiiauy
times greater.

Before reaching the plain, God bade Gideon to send back a portion (jf his

anny, for
to give tl
Me, sayiu
to say to
their honi
that tweni
back to tl;
ber that e
large, as ]
show the I
miracle by
know He ^
Then, as tl
Gideon brc
to a small <
and observ
quenched 1
kneeling do
lip the wa
liands, whil
by putting 1
the water af
of brutes. \
there were
dred, and tl
commanded
^vith him in
all the othe
sent away.

The foil

spy, who liad

the Midian c

Gideon and

he had overhe

Midianites re

should overcc

encouraged tl

Gideon w

small army i

Dividing it in

trumpet, a toi

'"•'»I<e a dark

at night and ;

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

i6'

army, for, said Jeho\ah, "The people that are with thee are too many for Me
to give the Midiauites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against
Me, saying. Mine own hand hath saved me." The Lord further told Gideon
to say to all those of his army who were afraid to go into battle, to return to
their homes. The great fear which possessed Israel is evidenced by the fact
that twenty-tvo thousand acknowledged their cowardice by leaving and going
back to their settlements. There now remained ten thousand, the same num-
ber that engaged Sisera, but God told Gideon that his army was still too
large, as He was going to g
show the Israelites another
miracle by which they would
know He was their leader.
Then, as the Lord directed,
Gideon brought his army
to a small stream to drink,
and observed that some
quenched their thirst by
kneeling down and dipping
up the water with their
hands, while others drank
by puttin^^ their mouths to
tlie water after the manner
of brutes. Of the former
tliere were only three hun-
dred, and these alone God
commanded Gideon to take
with him into battle, while
all the others should be
sent away.

The following' night i?,
spy, who had been sent into
the Midian camp, came to
Gideon and told him that
he had overheard one of the
Midiauites relating to his comrade a dream, wherein was foretold how Israel
should overcome and despoil the Midian armj', which seems to have greatly
encouraged the little band of three hundred.

Gideon was no less a strategist than a man of valor, for" he disposed his
small army in a manner well calculated to inspire the enemy with terror.
Di\iding it into three bands, he ordered that every man be provided with a
trumpet, a torch and a large-mouthed pitcher, the two latter to be used to
'"ake a dark lantern, instructing them at the same time to make the assault
at night and to blow their trumpets at a given signal, then to break their

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THE bp:autiful story.

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pitchers that covered the lights, and rush on, shouting, " The sword of Jehox ali
and of Gideon."

When the middle watch was set for the night, the little army took up
positions ou three sides of the Midian camp, and at the word rushed down
upon the enemy, first in darkness, blowing their trumpets and shouting their
battle-cry. Then l)reaking their pitchers at a signal, they suddenly appeared
as if clothed in flames, brandishing their torches and still blowing the trum-
pets. The terror which this singular attack produced was equalled onK by
tlie miracles God had done. The swords of the Midianites were turned upon
themselves as the}- fled with precipitation down the pass leading to the Jordan.

Those of Gideon's army that had been sent back were now recalled, and
they pursued after the retreating Canaanites and enj^aged them in two other
battles, in both of which great numbers of ]\Iidianites and Amalekites were
slaughtered, making the victory the most important one gained since the time
of Joshua.

TIIIv RKHEIJ.ION' OF AlUMKLKCH.

After their deliverance tlie Israelites called upon Gideon to ser.e- thcni as
king, an honor which they desired to bestow in recognition of his great ser-
vices, but he replied to their entreaties, " I will not rule over you, neither
shall my son rule over you ; Jdiovak sli V rn/a oirr yony Though he resisted
this proffer of exaltation, remembering .aid observing the law of Moses, vet
Gideon was not cntirel}' above temptation, and fell into an iniquit}' by reason
of his vanity. Having, by Divine permission, once rai.sed an altar and nuide
an acceptable offering thereon, he was now induced by liis own pride to make
another of jewels and 1700 shekels of gold which he li.ad taken from the Mid-
ianites. This altar was not consecrated to God, but was raised as an oracle,
which became a kind of idolatry, for not alone the people, but he akso cou-
suited it regularly.

The species of idolatry practised by Gideon was hardly his worst siu, for
we are told that he had se\ent3-one sons, many of whom must have been
unlawfully begotten, one of whom, Al)imelech, whose mother was a concubine,
ai"ter\vard brought disgrace and great trouble on the Israelites.

Gideon was the fifth judge of liis people, and his rule was distinguished
by justice and the jieace of Israel for forty years. He died at a good old age
and was buried in his native city of Ophrah.

Soon after Gideon's death the Israelites, true to their perver.se and iniqui-
tous dispositions, abandoned Jehovah and made Baal-lK'rilh their national god,
which led them into all nuinner of evil. Though Gideon had refused the crown
for himself and sons, Ahimelech became ambitions to rule Israel, and to carry
his purposes into effect he went among his mother's people, the Shechcmites,
and urged them to crown him. The specious argument he advanced in .sup-
port of his claims was that it were better to be ruled b}' one man than In'
seventy, and that being himself a Shcchemite his people had better accept him

than to a
So well c
to make
which pu
Abini
father's h
stone alta
lii/uie whe
when he ]
done he w
in an on
counted i.
that had
He told 1
refused th
sons, and o
of Abimek
Mosaic lav
of an}' otl
bnt also b(
.sou of a m
not entitlec

What
had upon t'
but he del
unnatural b
Shechemite
afterward fi

Three

had ascendc

a rebellious

of vSliechen;

of Gideon's

revolted, bu

life, and la}'

lie knew th(

rebellious s]

son of Ebed

of these th

Shechem, ai:

routed the r

The vie

liirity, for t

THE BEAUTlFUIv STORY.

165

tluvu to allow his brothers — who belonged to another city — to rule over them.
So well did he ply this reasuning tliat his relatives entered into a conspiracy
to make him king, and provided him with a band of desperate followers, for
which purpose money was taken from the treasury of Baal-ljcrith.

Abimelech being now placed at the head of an army, marched to his
fathers house and seized his sixty-nine brothers, and murdered them on ;i
stone altar he had reared. One of his brothers, named Jotham, not being at
lioiue when the fratvi. ,de was perpe.rated, escaped his brotlier's vengeance, and
when he heard what Abimelech had
done he went to Mount Gerizim and
in an oration to the people re-
counted the infamy and reproach
that had been broiight on Israel.
lie told them how his father had
refused the crown for himself and
sons, and of the special iinworthiness
of Abimelech, not only because the
Mosaic law forbade the recognition
of any other king than Jehovah,
but also because Abimelech was the
sou of a maid-servant, and therefore
not entitled to any inheritance.

What effect Jotham's harangue
had upon the people we are not told,
but he delivered a curse upon his
inmatural brother, and also upon the
Shechemites, which was not long
afterward fulfilled.

Three years after Abimelech
had ascended the throne, God sent
a rebellions spirit among the men
of Shechem to avenge the murder
of Gideon's sons. Thej' not only
revolted, but conspired to take his
hfe, and \i\.y in wait for him in all the ways it was usual for him to take, but
he knew their purpose and kept himself hidden from tliem. At length tliis
rebellious spirit had ^o increased that the rebels found a leader in Gaal, the
sou of Ebed, who boasted that he would unseat tlio king. AT)imelech, hearing
of these threats, managed to collect an army with which he marched to
Shechem, and when Gaal and his party came out to engage him the king
routed the rebels Avith great loss.

The victory which Abimelech gained over Gaal did not increase his popu-
larity, for the Amorites uow flew to arms to defend the cit}' of ShccJiem.

IDol, 111' HAAI, IN THE UER.MO.V VAM.ICY.

' -i li

!|:i

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i66

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Their defense of the place did not avail, however, for it was captured and all
the inhabitants, except a thousand men and women who had taken refuge in
the tower sacred to Baal-berith, were put to the sword. A worse fate was
reserved for those in the tower. Abimelech, himself setting the example,
ordered his army to collect wood from the neighboring forest which was piled

,. 1

I.:

t':

DKSTRl'CTION OF SHKCURM BY AIIIMEI.ECH.

"And he took the city and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city,
and sowed it with salt."— Judges ix. 45.

high about the sacred edifice and then set on fire. Thus was destroyed tin
tower, together with all who had taken refuge therein.

A great uprising of the people in adjacent cities followed the victories of
Abimelech, who fell into public odium, though his army still remained true
to him. After sacking Shechem, he marched against Thebez, which he

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

167

besieged and captured after a brief resistance by its people. There was also a
tower- in this place, to which a large number of the people fled as a last resort.
Abimelech, who must have been a recklessly brave man, instead of intrusting
to his soldiers the most dangerous work of approaching and setting fire to
the tower, undertook the duty himself, but as he was in the act of applying
a burning brand, a woman threw down a piece of millstone upon his head,
which broke his skull. In the last agonies of death he bade his attendant
dispatch him with his sword, deeming it ignoble to die by the hand of a
woman.

Abimelech is regarded as having been the sixth judge of Israel, though
the title does not properly belong to him. He was evidently king of a faction,
perhaps of a single city, but was never recognized as a ruler by a majority.

THE STORY OF JKPHTHAH AXD HIS DAUGHTER.

After Abimelech, the Israelites were at comparative peace for a period of more
than one hundred j'cars, though, during this period they had grovelled in all
manner of vices, returning to the worship of Baalim, Ashtaroth, and the gods of
Syria, Zidon, Moab, Amnion, and other gods of the Philistines. God's anger
was slow to show itself this time, but it came at length. Two nations were
sent at the same time against Israel, one on the east and the other on the
west, and the Israelites were beaten at ever}' point. Not only were those east
of the Jordan brought under subjection by the Philistines, but also the tribes
of Judah, Benjamin and Ephraim, on the west.

For eighteen years the stiff-necked Israelites were humbled and oppressed,
as they richly deserved to be. When at length they cried to God, the prophets
told them to appeal to their idols, so that, for some time, the Lord refused to
aid them. But Israel thoroughly repented and begged God to deliver them
only this once. So they broke their idols and began to worship the true God
again, by which His aid was once more secured.

The Israelites now gathered their forces in Mizpeh, while the Ammonites,
who now opposed them, assembled at Gilead. A decisive battle was to be
fought, but Israel had no leader, and in their anxiety to secure a captain, they
promised to make the man who would lead them against their enemies the
head over all the people of Gilead. In the Israelitish camp was a man who
had already proved his valor in battles among neighboring tribes, and toward
him all turned their ej-es. His name was Jephthah, who was the son of
Gilead bj' a woman of very bad character. When his father died, the poor
lad was thrust out by his legitimate brothers, and having nowhere to go he
had wandered to the land of Tob. Here he grew up among vicious associates,
and became finally the leader of a band of robbers, whose levies of booty, how-
ever, were made entirely from the Ammonites.

Jephthah was so highly regarded for his power as a warrior among the
Israelites that they besought him to accept the leadership, which he consented

'^^■^11

1 68

THE BEAUTIFIL STORY.

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to do only on condition that slionld lie deliver Israel lie wonld be made cliicT
over all Gilead. This promise was not only freely given, but was further
affirmed b}' oath before Jehovah at the sacred place.

jia'H'iMiAii sAcKii'K-:;s iiis dal-chtivR.

After the confirmation of the Israelites' promise Jephthah took command
of the army, and sent messengers ti> the Ammonites to ask of their king wliy
he had made war on Israel. To tliit; message a reply was returned which was
.scarcely less than a history of the Jewish conquest.s since the day Moses
entered Palestine. The king reminded Jephthah that his people had bceii
driven from tlu'ir land along the Jordan by the Israelites, aiul demanded its
restoration, for which he had now come to fight. Jephthah sent his nies-
.sengers again to tell the Ammonites that what Israel possessed God had gi\iii
them, and as a taunt to their idolatrj' he submitted that they might take all
their god Chenu)sh would give them, but Israel would retain their own pus-
sessions ; and he called upon Jehovah to be a judge between them.

Foreseeing the result of his second message, which was ecpiivalcnt to
a challenge, Jephthah mustered all the Israelites that were in (iilead ami
Manasseh, and bringing them to the reiulezvous at Mizpeh, prepare I to give
batile to his enemies. Before setting out, however, he made a r;'sh vow,
whereby he promised if God would give him the victory, that uj/on his rcfiirii
home he would devote to Jehovah, as a ])urnt-offering, whatsoever came forth
from his door to meet him. The oiiject of such a vow is difficult to discover,
since it seems to contemplate the sacrifice of some member of his family, for
what else would be most likely to come out of his house to meet him? Vet
the sequel proves that the fulfilment of his promise brought upon him llie
greatest sorrow.

Having recorded his vow, Jephthah marched against the children of
Amnion, whom he defeated not only in the first battle, but ])ursued thtm until
he had cajitnred twenty ol their cities, and so broke their power that Israel
possessed their lands in peace until the time of the reign of vSaul.

Having won th-^ \ictory and been nuule judge of all (iilead, Jephtliili
returned to his city, Mizpeh, and was met by his beautiful daughter, v.'lio had
just issued forth from his house tt) greet him. She had heard of her fallui's
renown, and in the pride of her heart, desiring to attest her love and glad-
ness, she eanic forward dancing and playing upon timbrels, to signali/e his
triumi)li and to receive his caresses. .She was his only cliild, and the Biblical
account leads us to believe that he lavished upon her all the fondness !i dot in l,''
father is cap;d)le of bestowing; what, iherefine, must ha\e been his fjcling^ ni
the remembrance of the rash vow which he had made to Jehovah ? In ilio
bitter anguish of his heart he Siiid to his daughter, "Alas ! thou hast bron;Jit
me very low, and thou art one of them thai tioiible me; ibr I lia\e oprncil
my mouth unto the Lord and I eaiiudt go back." i^he appears to have liil'y

THE BKAl'TIFUL STORY.

169

coniprclicnclcd the awful import of liis words, for with that wonderful resig-
nation whicii sustains the trnstin.t;' ehild and the devoted followers of God, she
made reply: "My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the Lord, do to
me accordini:^ to that wliieh jn'occeded out of thy month ; forasmuch as the
Lord hath taken venjjfeanee for thee of tliinc enemies, e\en of the cliildren of
Amnion." And she said unto her father, "Let this tiling l)e done for me; let
me alone two months, that I may go up and down njioii the mountains and
bewail my girlhood, I and my fellows." And he said, "(ro."

Anil Ir'IioI

Jia'HTItAll'S DAICHTII* CulNU To MlilCT lli;k VlCTdKlorS lATlll'.K.

(1, his (liiughler cauie out to meet him wiUi imihrels and with duuces." — ^Ji DC.ilS xi, ,vi-

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There are ft.'w ineidents recorded in the Bible so pathetic as this, nor are
there any whicli exhibit such peaceful resignation lo the will of a father, or
of Ciod. It is much to be regretted that the nauie of this noble character is
D'lt gi\eii, for it deser\es perpiluatiou with that of Miriam, Ruth and Mary.

When the devoted daughter had spent two months with lier eonipani()n.s
nil the mountains, she returned to her father and told him to execute the
inninise which he had made to Jehovah. W'e would exjiect Jephthah to call
uiHiii (lod to set aside the vow, and to relieve him of the nioiislrous crinu of
; larderiug his daughter; or that Hod would >iav his hand at the last moment,

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170

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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as He did that of Abraliaju when the knife was uplifted to take the life of
his son Isaac ; but nothing occurred to prevent the fulfilment of the promise,
for Jephthah " did with her according to the vow which he had vowed."

The sacrifice of the loving, dutiful girl having been accomplished, the
lamentable circumstance was made memorable bj' the establishing of a custom
whereby on every anniversary of the execution the daughters of Israel went
out to some designated spot, and there remained for four days in mourning
for Jephthah's only daughter.

THK REBKr.UON AGAINST JKPHTHAH.

Although Jephthah had gained a decisive victory, and had been exalted
for his prowess, he was not long pcnnitted to enjoy the fruits of his ^JositiOn
in peace. The Kphraimitcs, who wco not called to engage ag.iinst th.'
Ammonites, became jealous, and calling llie men of Gilead outcasts of the
house of Joseph, threatened to bur!i Jephthah's hous>« over his lu'ad. Hut
Jephthah sent his army against them and put tliem to rout ;ift(M- a shai])
skii'misli, and the men of Gilead took possession ui" the U' -ds of the Jordan over
which the Kphraimites had to pass. Here, in order lo determine whether
those who attempted to cross were Gileadi'es or Kphraiurites, the liolders of
the fords jirovided a sirigular test. Every one who demanded a ])assage west-
ward was asked, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If the reply was " Xo," he was
required to pronounce the word Shiblxflcth (meaning a siiraiii or Jlood)^ but
if he should say " vSibnoleth," which their singular dialect was certain to make
the Ephraimites do, then he was immediately put to death. The loss to the
Ephraimites in their uprising against Jepht!;. ii was terrible, amounting to
forty-two thousand men. Jephthah ruled Israel only six years, when he died
and was buried in Mount (lilead.

Of the three judges who came after Jeplitluili tliere is little said in the
Bible. Their rule extended over a ])eriod of twenty-five years, during whicli
time there was comparative peace in Israel, and neither judge did anything to
distinguish liin'.self.

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CHAPTER XIV.

THE STORY OF SAMSON — HIS BIRTH.

sBBSHI^'^ mttst be borne in mind, while pursuing the subjects as they are
introduced in the Bible narrative, that the events are not recorded
in their sequence, but very frequently appear inverted ; that is,
the latter event often precedes the earlier ; so that if this fact is
overlooked the reader is liable to become confused in his inter-
pretations. But a greater liability to confusion lies in the general
statciaent which so frequently occurs in the Bible as follows : "And
the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and the
Lord delivered them into the hands of their enemies." This must
not be understood as implying that all the twelve tribes of Israel were
in sin and became subjugated at the saniv time. By the apportion-
ment of Joshua, all the land of Canaan, or Palestine, was given to the
Israelites, .so that the tribes became scattered all over the country.
Therefore, the statement just quoted usually has reference to only
two or three of the tribes, as we have seen that during the time of
Gideon and Jephthah and other judges, only a few of the tribes were involved
in wars with ihe Midiauitcs, Amalokites and Ammonites, the other tribes occu
pyiug a district too rcuu)te from the scene of conflict to participate. With
these facts kept well in mind there will be no obscurity in the manner in
which the Bible introduces the subjects of Israel's triumphs and defeats

In the .southern part of Palestine some important events occurred a few
years previ-'V;.; to the exploits of Jephthah, chief of which was the institution
of idolatry again among the Israelites and their punishment by the Philistines.
The story of their subjugatit)n ami o])i)ressions is so similar to those several
times before related that it is sutficient now to observe that the Philistines
were their masters for a period of forty years. By this fact we judge that the
sins of the Israelites must have been very great, for the term of their punish-
ment was equal to the life of a generation, by which we infer that God suf-
fered nearly all those who had transgressed His laws to die, and provided a
deliverer oh y for their children.

The deliverer whom the Lord chose to destroy the mastership which the
Philistines exerciscil over the Israelites was a person of lowly birth, but of
inuommon power, such as no man ever before or since possessed. Concerniug
his nativity, we are told that a certain man, whose name was Manoali, and
who belonged to the tribe of Danites, had a wife that had never borne hitu

("70

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1^73

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY

any cliildren, wliicli was a disti^racc in Israel, for the s^rcatcst tjlory of Jewish
women was to bear children to their husband.s. This im,ov woman, uo donbt,
suffered from many taunts hurled at her b}- her nei.i^hbors, and it was possibly
for this reason that God chose to comfort her. The Lord appeared to her one
day and promised that she should soon bear a son who would, from his l)irth,
begin to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines; at the sauie time
cautioning her against eating any unclean thing or the drinking of any wine
or strong drink. The same abstinence was demanded of the child, w luj should
also never suffer his hair to be shorn.

When the Lord had spoken to Mauoah's wife He disappeared, while she
hastened to tell the glad news to her husband. Manoah was greatly ])leased
at the promise that had been made, for he had long wished for a son, but he
was very anxious to sec the Divine messenger that had appeared to his A\ife,
and prayed that God would manifest Himself to him. Jcliovali answered
Manoali's prayer by appearing to him in luunan form, but the good nuin de-
tected the Divine spirit that dwelt in the presence before him, and tirged the
angel to accept his hospitality. The messenger thereupon ordered ^Lanoah to
make a burnt-offering to God, which he did by killing a kid and making a
sacrifice of it. As the flames came tip from the altar al>jut the offering, the
angel rose ui)ward and disai)pcared before Manaoh's sight.

In due time a child was born, as the Lord had promised, to whom Manaoli
gave the name Samson, meaning giuuif jin\ according to some Hebrew scholars,
but Josephus declares the word to mean sfroii^i^.

When Samson had grown to man's estate some of the tribes of Israelites
W'erc serving under Philistine taskuuisters, and their si)irits were broken,
scarcely lu)ping for a deliverer, and so corrupted by natural follies and their
degraded condition, that they had quite forgotten Jehovah.

The first cxhibitiini of the power which Ciod had given to Samson occurred
in the camp of Danites, which was in the central highlands, but what this
manifestation was we arc not told. Not long afterward he became conscious
of his marvellous strength, and, stung to madness by the reproaches heaped
upon his people, he began to seek a quarrel with the Philistines. With this
cud ill view he accomp;iuied his parents to a city called Timuath, where llie
Philistines were holding a great festival. Instead, however, of engaging in a
fight, he fell so dceidy in love with a Philistine maid, whom he met there,
that lie besought his parents to procure her for his wife. This request they
for a long time refused, because she was not a Hebrew, but his persuasinu
fiuall}' prevailed and he married her.

SAMSON DI'STROV.S A I.ION.

On our occasion, while Samson was returning from a visit to hl^ parents
to his wile in Timuath, he was attacked by .-i great lion \\hich meant to de-

vour ^.iin; but although Saiuson had no weapon, he seized t.i.

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\ fi

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

173

and with the powerful .jjnp of his arm stranj^lcd it ; he then threw the carcass
into a piece of woods .\-)iich bordered l]'" highway.

SAMSON TKARlNCt TIIK I.ION.

"Ami liehotil n youiiK lion ronii'il ii),'ainsl liim, . . . nml lie reiil I'iiii as lie would have rent n ki.1."

— JuDr.i'.s xiv. 5, 6.

It was not a .ureat while after vSanison's fiKht with the lion that he was
!i,vj;ain passinj; alonj;- tlie same road, wiien he spied tlie beast's carcass and per-

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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ceived that a swarm of bees had made of it a hive, when i Samson found a
quantity of honey, some of which he ate and took also pic s to his wife.

The astonishing strength of this wonderful man gave great concern to the
Philistines, who were in constant dread of his enmit}-; so, under pretense of
doing him honors appropriate to his renown, the}- gave him thirt}^ stout youths
for servants, whose real duty, however, was to act as a guard over him.
Short!}' after his marriage, at a festival given by him, these thirty youtlis
were making merry and disporting themselves in manj' wa3'S, when Samson
said to them : " Come, if I propose you a riddle, and j'ou can expound it in
these seven days, I will give you ever}- one a linen shirt and a garment, as the
reward of your wisdom." He then propounded the following:

"Out of the eater came forth food, and out of the strong came forth
sweetness."

Being extremely anxious to solve this riddle, but not being able to dis-
cover the answer themselves, they went to his wife and tried to induce her to
gain the secret from her husband. For some time she refused, but when the
thirty threatened to burn her if she did not do their bidding, she prevailed on
Samson to tell her the answer, and gave the reply to the thirt}-. At the end
of seven days, when they had come into the presence of Samson, they said to
him: "What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion?"

Samson knew immediately that his wife had betrayed his secret, and told
the young men as much ; nevertheless, he did not try to evade his promise,
for immediately he went to the city of Askelon, where he killed thirty Philis-
tines, whom he divested of clothing and sent it to the thirty as their reward.

SAMSON TURNS LOOSE THREE HUNDRED FOXES AND SPRE.^DS A FIRE.

His wife's betrayr.l incensed Samson so greatly tliat he left Timnath and
returned to his fathei-'s house, but very soon the old love for his wife rc\ivcd
and he went back to claim her. Upon arriving at Timnath his father-in-law
met him with the cruel information that his wife had been given in marriage
to one of his thirty groomsmen during b's absence, but offered to make amends
for the wrong d-me liim by giving him a younger and move beautiful daugh-
ter for wife instead.

vSamson rejected his father-iu-law'a proposal, and resolving upon revenge
directed against all Philistines, he captured three hundred jackals, which lie
tied togetlier iu pairs by the tails ; between each pair he fastened a burning
brand, and then turned the whole troop loose in the fields of the Philistines
among the standing c(M-n, which was just ready for harvesting. By this means
a great fire was spread that burned up not only all the corn, but vineyards
and olive trees as well. This wanton act of Samson's was avenged upon his
former wite and her relations, whom the Philistines seized and promiuly
burned. This cruelty further inflamed vSamson, who now went against his cue
luics, and, by the force of his marvellous might, slew many hundreds of thenr

:t r ■["

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

in the plains. Having done this, he took refuge on the top oi a large rock at
Etani, in the territory of Judah.

samsok's exploit with the jaw-bone of an ass.

When the Philistines discovered the place of Samson's retreat, they went
in a large army into Judah and demanded of the Judahites that thej- sur-
render the strong man to them. This demand alarmed the Judahites, for they
were not equal in fighting strength to the Philistines, and to avoid a conflict
they went to Samson and begged that he would suffer himself to be bound
and delivered to the Philistines, else their country would be ravaged for no
sin which they had committed. Though Samson was conscious of his power,
he permitted himself to be bound with two strong cords, first exacting a
promise from the Judahites that they would not side with the Philistines. He
was now led captive to the Philistine camp, and as they saw him approaching,
apparently in a helpless condition, with shouts of joy they came out to take
him. The spirit of God now came upon Samson, who broke his bonds, and
with the jaw-bone of an ass, which he found lying at his feet, he sprang
upon the Philistines, and thrashing on every side, he killed several thousand
and put the rest to flight.

For his success in beating so many of his enemies, Samson refused to
give God the credit, becoming so vain as to believe that he had done it b}- his
own unaided exertion. But God now afflicted him with a great thirst, until,
in his agou)', Samson prayed for pardon, perceiving that nothing could avail
him save God's help. Then the Lord caused a spring to burst out of a rock,
at which Samson refreshed himself and called the place Jaw-bone, which name
it retained in the time of Josephus.

SAMSON CARRIES OFF THE GATES OF A CITY.

After the slaughter at Jaw-bone, Samson went to the city of Gaza, where
he put lip at a certain inn. The Philistines, learning of his presence there,
formed a plan to capture him, which, however, miscarried, as had all their
Iniiuer efforts. They surrounded the city and barred all the great iron gates,
besides placing men to guard every axeniie, but in the night Samson, ha -ing
been appri.sed of their plans, got up from his lodging and ran with such force
against the gates that they were thrown down, with the ijosts and beams that
sujiported them ; to show his strength to his enemies he then picked up the
K^iles and carried them upon his shoulders to a neighboring mountain near
Ik'bron. This wonderful act struck such terror into the Philistines that they
did not attempt to dispute his way, looking only to their own safety.

HE IS AT LAST OVERCOME BY HIS ENEMIES.

The many favors which Jehovah showed him should have inclined vSani-
sun's heart to proper reverence atid obedience, but instead, he neglected to

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"Auil he foutul a iiuw jaw lioiie of nti ..ss, niid put fortli his liiiiid mid took it, ami slew u lliiiusaiid

iiii'ii therewitii."-Jriic.i;s xv. 15.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

177

exercise his power always fi)r the glor}- of God or tlie good of his people. He
at length fell iuto evil ways, broke eveu the laws of his own country, and

ill"''"

IIKI.II.AH DKCKIVINC. SAMSON.

" He told her all his heart, . . . if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me."— Judges xvi. 17.

adopted many of the aboniinable customs of the Philistines, notwithstanding
they had always been his enemies.

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It was no (louht sinful in Samson in takiny: liis first wife from anion.'
die Pliilistincs, as circuinsianccs proved the folly of the act; bnt cxperic-iui
failed to make liim any wiser, for he fell in lo\c with another I'hilisliik-
woman, one, too, of llie lowest chanteter, who at length compassed his down-
fall. Her name was Delilah, and as the Bible represents licr as having hccu
a most beautiful woman, it is not improbable that, despite her hiosc morals,
she may have occupied a high social position among her people. Her (pialitics
of beauty and acconii)lishme!its exercised so potent an influence upon Sanisoi;
that he became plastic in her hands, moving him as she chose. The Pliilis
lines, observing this, bribed Uelilah to obtain from him the secret of his
strength and betray it to them. She seems to have cared very little for her
Herculean lover, for she entered heartily into the scheme proposed. When,
therefore, a suitable occasion was presented, she urged Samson to tell her in
what charm la}' his wiJiiderful strength. In order to delude her, he replied
that if he were bound with seven withes of a certain green vine his strength
would be as that of otlier men. She hastened to tell the Philistines, who
stationed a number of soldiers in ambush, and there waited until Delilah plied
him with strong drink till he fell asleep. The soldiers then bound him as he
had prescribed. She now awakened him, as if in great alarm, by shouting in
his ear that the peo])lc were upon him. He roused up in a maudlin condition
and broke the withes as if they had been threads.

When her first artifice failed Delilah reproached Samson for liis want n\
confidence, and for having deluded her, and then renewed her persuasion
until he told her that if she would bind him with seven cords his streiigtl
would depart. .Again she tried to betray him to the Philistines, but with iic
better success than before. Pretending now to be sorely hurt by his dectii-
tion. and withal charging him with entertaining no love for her, she at leiii^lli
obtained his confidence, and he told her truly that (iod had taken care of liini,
and " thence it is that I suffer my hair to ,grow, Ood having charged me never
to poll my head, and thence my strength is according to the increase ;md
continuance t)f my hair." He further said that if she would braid his liair
and then cut it off his strength wouiil be no greater than that of any other
man. P>elie\ing that he spoke the truth, she lulled him to sleep with his
head resting in her lap, and then braiding his hair clipped it from his head,
When she now awakened him the soldiers rushed in and easily 1)ound liiiii,
for h.e had lost his strength, and when taken to the i)lace of judgment hi''
eyes were put out, and he was afterward led about the streets an object ot
iniblie derision.

iti.i.im; i)')W\ Tin" 'n-.MPi.i", nv dacox.

But the Philistines continued their cruel exhibition too long, for vSain-^nn''?
hair grew out again, and with its increase all his former strength vetuiiKil.
When his ])ower had become as great as before there was a great pnhlii
festival given., which was atte'.iled by the nio.-t ciuiuent Philistines in il.i'

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'Anil he bowed liiiiisell" witli all his :iiiL:ht, and the house fell."— JiM)r,i;s xvi. 30.

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whole country. In their feasting and revelling they sent for Samson, in order
to make sport of his shorn strength and helpless condition. Tlic jjkice in
which this festival was given was called the Temple of Dagon, and one of tl;e
rooms of the temple, in which the revels were being held, was supported h\-
two immense pillars extending from the foundation to the roof, and were its
chief supports, as Samson had perceived before he had been deprived of !ii^
sight.

After the Philistines had amused themselves for sonie time with Samson,
whose shame and anger were now fairly consuming him, he requested the l)oy
who had been leading him about to conduct him to a seat beside the pillars,
as he was verj- tired and desired to rest awhile. As soon as he was brouglit
to touch the pillars he put his arms out against them with such power tluit
they were broken asunder and the entire building was overthrown, crashing
down and burying in one common ruin three thousand men that were in the
Vemple. and with them oerished Samson also.

I' 1

vMN I//////

CHAPTER XV.

THE STORY OF NAOMI AND RUTH.

Ruth.

PON the death of Samson he was succeeded by Eli
(who had before been acting as high-priest), as judge
of Israel, whose rule was not distinguished for any
great wisdom, and who is chieily remembered in Jewish
history by reason of the iniquity and terrible fate of
his two sons. But during Eli's administration a
famine prc\ailed throughout the land, which bore
with such se\erity upon the people that a large num-
ber were forced to emigrate to save themselves from
starvation. Among those who thus changed their abode was a man named Eli-
inelech, who lived in Bethlehem with his wife, Naomi, and his two sons, Chi-
lion and Mahlon. He went to the land of Moab, where his affairs were all
prosperous, and after a little while he nuirried his sons to two Moabitish maid-
ens, named Orpah and Ruth.

Elimelech continued to prosper in the land of Moab for a period of ten
years, when lie fell sick and died, leaving the care of his estate to his two
sons. But it was only a little while after his death l^efore the two sons also
died, which double misfortune so deeply distressed Naomi that she decided to
return to Bethlehem, where many of her friends still lived, especially as the
fiuuiue luid now disappeared and the harvests there were again abundant.

Though Elimelecli had greatly prospered while in the land of Moab, he
iiuist liave left behind him only a small estate, for when Naomi decided to
ri'turn to Bethlehem her possessions were so small that it wa^ with much
difficulty she nuiuaged to subsist. When she was upon the point of starting,
l)olli Orpah and Ruth desired greatly to accompany her, having become so
iiuich attached to her that they were quite ready to leave their own friends and
kindred and go to a strange land, esteeming the companionship of their good
iiiotlier-in-law above all other attachments. This love greatly affected Naomi,
l)ut she, uevertlieless, sought to persuade her daughters-in-law against their
oxpres.sed determination, reminding them of the uncertainty which such a trip
might entail : that, perhaps, her old friends were now dead and her early
acciuaintances moved away or had forgotten her ; besides, she urged, it were
l)cUcr for them to renuiin among their kinsmen rather than trust themselves
upon a journey from whence they might never return. This argument finally
Iicrsuaded Orpah to renuiin, but Ruth replied, out of the fervor of her great

(181)

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THE BEAUTIFUL STvJRY.

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love : " PvUtrc;it nie not to leave thee, or to return from following after tliee :
for whither thou goest I will go ; and where thou lodgest I will lodge ; thy
people shall be my people, and thy God my God; where thou diest I will die,
find there will I be buried ; the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but
death part thee and me."

When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, which she
no doubt secretly desired, the two journeyed forward together and in due time

Rl'TIJ AND NAOMI.

" l{iUrcat me not to K'live thee, or to return from following after thee.'' — RlTH i. l6.

arri\ed at Bethlehem. \\'hen her old friends, of whom many yet remained in
the town, saw her, they greeted her with much affection, saying, " Ls thi^
Naomi?" To which she replied, "Call me not Naomi, call me Mara (meaning
S/ir :^'f/i> nw/v (>r /ini/r///s], for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I
went out full, and the Lord hath brought nie home again empty."

Xaomi returned to Bethlehem at the beginning of harvest time, and haviiii-
nothing upon which to feed herself, being so extremely poor, she sent Rutii
to glean alter the reapers in the fields of ;i rich man named Boaz, who was a

"§m

THH r.iCArTIFUL STORY.

I'^S

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I'; IJiS

W'^^^^m

kinsman of EHmclccli. It was customary in Judali to allow poor people to fol-
low the harvesters, and ij;atlier up the few straws of t^rain wliich were left on
the ground after the reapers had passed over it. This was called glcaninj^'.
While Ruth was thus engaged picking up the stray straws Hoaz came out
into the field, and seeing the girl, who was very beautiful, inquired of his
workmen what damsel it was ; to which they replied that it was a Moabitish
girl who had come into Bethlehem with Naomi, and had in the morning asked

of them permission to glean. |^^^^.^^^ .

Boaz now approached nd | "« ;;^-i^5-'^7;
told her not to go into any
other field to glean, but to
continue after his harvest-
ers and with his maidens,
and when she was thirsty
to drink from the vessels
used by his young men.
This kindness, so unex-
pected, because the poor of
Judah were not generally
treated with such compas-
sion, Ruth did not under-
stand, and she asked wh}'
she, being a stranger to
him, should find so much
grace in his eyes. Then
Boaz answered that he had
been told of her love for
Naomi, and of how she had
left her kinsmen to follow
her mother-in-law into a
strange laud, trusting to the
Lord for shelter. When
Ruth had expressed her
thanks, Boaz went among
his reajiers and told them
to allow the damsel to gather from among the sheaves, so that she might take
away all the grain she wanted, and in addilion to this he gave her food in
]ileuty.

In the evening Ruth returned to \;i,>nii, carrying with her ini cidiah—
eqnal to one l)ushel and a h.alf— of threshel I)irley, and related all that had
bofallen her in the field of Boaz. At the mention u'i this name, Xadiiii told
Ruth that he was a near kinsman, whose kindness was very great, since he
li;i(l not forgottiMi the living and the dead.

nil-; mi:

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KITH (■.r.KANiNi; :\
"Tlioti said Hoa/. unto Until, . . . (lO not to ulean in aiio'licr
I'lfl'l. . . ■ Imt aliiik' ln-re fast bv mv iii,iiili'iis," — Rri'ii i, S.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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In accordance with Boaz's wish, Ruth continued gleaning in the same
field until the end of the harvest, taking away each day all the grain she
could carry. When at length threshing time came, Ruth, following the advice
of Naomi, went in the night to a barn where Boaz was sleeping, and, uncover-
iug his feet, lay down by him. About midnight Boaz was awakened, and
discovering a woman lying at his feet, was alarmed, and cried out, "Who art
thou ?" She answered him with becoming meekness, telling him of her kin-
ship to him and desiring to be covered with his skirts.

,- r~-^^_,o-.-. ... The humilityand fidelity

./ .x^^>--;-0'<:-""' .->,_ "''■-■ Vp A of Ruth greatly increased

Boaz's I'espect for her, who
now told the girl that he
would be her protector,
calling her his "daughter"
to assure her of his good
iiitentions ; sa\'ing, also, "I
will do to thee all that thou
requirest, for all the city of
my people doth know that
thou art a virtuous woman."
He then reminded her that
there were kinsmen nearer
to her than himself, whom
he would ask to do to her a
kinsman's part ; but if they
refused, he would then him-
self do the part of a kins-
man.

It was a custom amoug
^)/-\ RfTM TiiK r.i.KANKR. ^^j^ IsracHtcs, accordiug to

a law givcu by Moses, that upon the death of a husband his
nearest of male kin took the widow for wife, for it was a
reproach for any woman to live single. It was to this law
that Boaz referred when he told Ruth if her nearest of
kin refused to take her. then he would himself espouse her.
When the interview with Boaz tcrmiuated, he gave Ruth six measures of
barley and sent her agaiu to Naomi, who, being apprised of al ihat had passed
between them, bade her daughter-in-law to await tlie fulfilment of what had
been promised, assuring her that Boaz would not rest until he had made good
all his assurances.

Early in the morning Boaz went up to the gate of the city and there sat
down, that he might talk with any of the kinsmen who should pass in or out.
As each came by Boaz called to him and urged him to sit down, until all the

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THE BEAUriFUL STORY.

185

near kinsmen of Naomi had been assembled about him ; ne next called ten
elders of the city, whom he also bade to sit by him, and when the party was
complete Boaz told the kinsmen that Naomi had returned to Bethlehem after
selling a parcel of land which was Elimelech's, which he called upon them to
redeem, as next of kin, but in case they refused to redeem it, then, as second
of kin, he would do so himself This was also according to a custom long
practised by the Israelites, by which the inheritance of one generatici' was
transmitted intact, or increased, to another.

When Boaz had
given these k i n s m e n
notice to redeem the
land, or renounce their
claim in his favor, they
all replied that the}' could
not make the redemption
without sacrificing some
of their own inheritance.
This was the reply which
it was evident Boaz de-
sired them to make, for
all his actions prove that
he was deepl}' in love
with Ruth from the time
he first saw her gleaning
in his field. He now
called all the elders and
l)eople to witness that he
would redeem all that
was Klitnelech's, and all
tluit was Chilion's and
Mahlon's of the land of
Naomi, and with this
promise he also claimed, '^'"■' (■M':am;ks.

of right, the beautiful Ruth, by whom he would perpetuate the inheritance
of the two sons of Naomi. So Boaz espoused Ruth before all the people, and
lie took both her and Naomi to his house, where he cared for them.

In due course of time Ruth bore Boaz a son, which Naomi took to her
own l)osom and became a nurse to it. The neighbors gave to this child the
name of Obed, whicli signifies srrra///, as it was prophesied that he should
become a .servant of the Lord. Obed became, as we shall hereafter see, the
father of Jesse, who was in turn the father of David, through whom the descent
is traced to Jesus Christ.

"^ IP B B

T' fi W

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CHAPTER XVI.

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b ;i l;'f

THE STORY OF SAMUEL, THE FIRST PROrHKT.

/ SaifiiirL
HE story of Samuel, the successor of Eli, the fifteenth
and last judge of Israel, and the first in the succes-
sion of prophets, is one of the most interesting re-
lated in the Bible. His descent is uncertain, because,
while the Bible tells us that his father was an
Ephraimite, his genealogy shows him to have been
a descendant of a Levite of the family of Kohnthites.
Samuers father, Elkanah, we are told, had two wives,
one of whom, Peninnah, bore him several children, while
the other, Hannah, was barren ; but for all this Elkanah
loved her better than he did Peninnah, and at the annual
festivals given at the sacrifices at Shiloh, he allowed her a
double portion. This preference excited Peninnah's jealousy,
so that she taunted Hannah for her barrenness and in every
manner possible made her condition intolerable. At length
in the fulness of her sorrow Hannah went to the Tabenuicle,
where EH was high-priest, and fell to praying to God for a
son, promising that if one were given her she would conse-
crate him to the Lord. She continued so long at prayer
that Eli thought she was disordered by drink, and tried to
drive her away, but she then told him her ti'oubles and so gained his pity that
he bade her to be of good cheer for God would send her children.

The consoling words of EH greatly encouraged Hannah, who returned to
her husband in gladness, and within a 3'ear she bore a son whom she named
Samuel, signifying Asked of Cod. When she next went to the Tabernacle to
offer sacrifices she remembered her promise and accordingl}' dedicated vSamucl
to God, that he might become a prophet. He was therefore brought up in
the Temple, his hair was left uncut and his drink was nothing but water, as
was the custom in the raising up of those appointed for the priesthood.

Hannah bore two other sous and three daughters, and she was abundantly
blessed by God for keeping her promise.

When Samuel was twelve years of age he was ready to begin prophesying,
so God called to him while he was asleep, but believing it was the voice of
EH he got up hastily and went to the high-priest, to know what was wanted
of him. Eli told him he had not called, so Samuel lay down again, but v/us

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

187

soon aroused by a second call, when, returning again to Eli *^^o know what was
wanted, he was a second and even a third time told that no one had called.
But Eli perceived that some one had spoken, and told Samuel that if he should
hear the voice again it was surely God who spoke, and ordered him to answer.
So God called to him again, and Samuel answered Him, " Here am I." Then
the Lord told him to prophesy of the evils that were to come upon the Israel-
ites, and how Eli's sons would be sl-;in and the priesthood transferred to the
family of Eleazar. All the things wliicli God told him he repeated to Eli at
the latter's request, for he did not like to be the bearer of such ill news to
the high-priest.

The glory of Samuel now spread rapidly, for all the prophecies tint he
made came to pass in due season, and he was hailed by all the Jews as their
true prophet.

It was directly after the beginning of the prophesying of Samuel that the
Philistines went to war against the Israelites, who had incurred God's anger
by reason of their idolatry and
other transgressions. Eli's two
sons made themselves specially
obnoxious by worshipping pub-
licly the idol Ashtaroth, and
committing other ecpiall}' great
sins, which Eli took no step:^ to
punish, holding them so highly
in his favor that he pixferred his
wicked sons to the love of God.
The next day after the Philis-
tines had made their camp at
Aphck, the Israelites engaged
them in battle, but were de-
feated with a loss of four thousand men. After this defeat the Hebrews became
afraid of their enemies, who were pressing them sorely. At length the sons of
Eli, and other elders in Israel, thought they might overcome the Philistines by
bringing the ark and setting it in their midst during battle. They remem-
bered the power God had shown in protecting those who had followed the ark,
and how His hoi}' presence was never removed from it, but they did not reflect
thai it was their profanation of the ark and their nuinifold transgressions
against God which were the cause of the punishment that was now being sent
upnn them.

But as they had wished, the ark was brought from the temple and carried
before the Israelitish host. At sight of the ark the Philistines A^-cre greatly
concerned, for they had heard of the miracles that had been performed by
its presence ; but nevertheless they fell upon the Israelites with the fury of
despair, killing thirtj' thousand, and routing the rest, and also captured the

RUINS 01' SHII.OH AS THICV AI'l'i:.\R Hi UAV

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THE BEAUTIFUL wSTORY.

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ark, which they proudly bore awaj\ Among the Israelites who were slain
that day were the two wicked sons of Eli, as Samuel had predicted.

A certain young Benjaminite was deputed to act as messenger to carrj- the
news of the defeat to Shiloh, which was the place in which EH sat in judg-
ment, and where the ark was kept before it was taken into battle. As tlie
people of Shiloh heard, through the messenger, what had happened, the}^ filled
the city with their lamentations. Eli, who sat upon a high throne by one of
the gates, hearing the cry of mourning, thought some ill thi:ig had hap-
pened to his family, and to know the facts he sent for the messenger. When
he heard that his sons were slain he did not show au}- grief, having been
already apprised, by the prophecy of Samuel, of how they should end their
days ; but when he was told that the ark was captured and taken away, the
news so distressed him that he fell from his seat upon the stones below
and broke his neck. Eli was a very large man, and ninety-eight years of age
at the time of his death, and had been judge for forty years.

On the same day that the fatal accident happened to Eli, the wife of his
son Phinehas, being unable to support the information of her husband's death,
was bro ight to bed by the excitement, where she gave birth to a seven-
months' child, and died immediately after the pangs of labor had passed. Tliis
child lived and received the name of Ichabod, which means disgrace, because
of the disgrace which Israel had suffered at this time.

HOW THp; PHILISTINES SUFFERED WHILE POSSESSING THE ARK.

When the Philistines bore away the ark of Israel they took it to their
temple in Ashdod, and set it up beside their own god, which was called Dagoii.
This idol was made to resemble a man above the middle and a fish below, to
personify its rulership over land and water. In the morning, when the Philis-
tines came to worship, what was their surprise to find poor Dagon lying
prostrate, as if in attitude of supplication before the ark. Though tliev
restored him time and again to his base, every morning they found him lying
prone before the ark, and finally sadly disordered, his head and hands having
been broken off.

The misfortunes of Dagon failed to prove to the Philistines their iniquity
in retaining the ark, so God .sent a terrible plague among them, by which the
people died in great torment, while myriads of mice sprang out of the earth
and destroyed all the fruits and plants, until their dreadful afflictions at last
admonished the Philistines that their disasters were due to the ark, and tliey
now clamored for its removal from Ashdod. Askelon was a neighboring city
in which the people were persuaded that the sufferings of their neighbors at
Ashdod were due to natural causes, and they therefore desired that the ark be
brought to them, which was accordingly done.

But hardly had the ark rested in Askelon, when the people of that place
became afflicted with calamities similar to those that had so grievously punished

tlie pec
city, an
spread,
eases wj

The

ernors o;
Aslidod,
council
wliile otl
due to tl

I'OOI,

a new cart

that the c.

where thre

tile cows

the Hebre\

their misfc

mended th;

as an evide

'^Iie sugge

they were

The ki
when, bein
Israelites u
tines follow
When the
working an

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

189

the people '^f Ashdod. It was therefore speedily removed again to another
city, and was ihus carried to five different cities, in each of which the plagues
spread, until the Philistines were convinced it was the ark that bred the dis-
eases which appeared and disappeared with its coming and going.

HOW THE PHILISTINES RETURNED THE ARK.

The disposition of the ark became now so serious a matter that the gov-
ernors of the five principal Philistine cities, Gath, Ekron, Askelon, Gaza and
Ashdod, met in solemn council to consider what was best to be done. In this
council there were some who advocated sending the ark immediately away,
while others declared that the visitations from which they had suffered were not
due to the ark, as many believed, for if God had so much regard for it. He

wotild not have suffered it to fall
into their hands ; and they were
therefore in favor of retaining it.

But there was a third party who
said that it was neither right to
send the ark away nor retain it, but
advocated the dedication of five
golden images, one for each city, as
a thank-offering to God for having
spared their lives from the distem-
pers spread among them. They also
desired that five golden mice might
be made, which they advised the
governors to have placed in a bag
and laid upon the ark. Also that
a new cart be made, to which a yoke of milch-kiue should be attached, but
that the calvec be kept from following after their dams, and driven to the spot
wliere three roads met. Upon reaching such a place it was recommended that
the cows be allowed to select their own wa}'. If the cows should go toward
the Hebrews it would be taken as a proof that the ark had been the cause of
their misfortunes, but should they go either of the other ways the}- recom-
mended that the ark be taken back to their cities, since it might be accepted
as an evidence that the plagues were in no wise the result of the ark's presence.
The suggestions of these hitter advocates found such general sanction that
they were at once put into effect.

The kine were harnessed to the ark and driven to where three waj's met.
when, being left to select their own route, they went directly toward the
Israelites until they came to a village in Judah called Bethshemesh, the Philis-
tines following in the mean time to see what would befall their enterprise.
When the ark came in sight of the village all the people of the country left off
working and came flocking out to greet it and express their joy. They rait

I'Oor, BEFORE ASKI.KLON — STII,!, EXISTING.

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I'HK BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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to tlie cart, and taking the ark and tlic vessels containing the images and
golden mice, set them npon a rock that stood in the plain. Here now they
killed the cows and burned the cart as a splendid sacrifice to God, which, the
Philistines seeing, they tnrned back, satisfied in their own minds that the ark
Avas Israel's and a plagne to other people.

While the people abont Bethshemesh were making the burnt offering, sev-
enty men, who were participating at the sacrifice, looked into the ark in a pro-
fane manner, possibly coveting the golden images, and were instantl}' struck
dead by the hand of God. The Bible tells us that there were smitten at tliis
time fift}- thousand, three-score and ten men, but in a foot-note in Jo.sephu.s'
works is the following :

"These seventy men, being not so much as Levites, touched the ark in a rash or profane manner, anil
were slain by the hand of God for such their rashness and profaneness. according to the Divint threati-u-
ings.— Numb. iv. 15, 20; but how our other copies came to add such an incredible number as fifty thousand
in this one town or small city, I know not." See Dr. Wall's critical notes on I Sam. vi. 19.

■'1)

DELIVKRAN'CE OF THE ISR.XEIJTES THROUGH .SAMUEL's PRAYERS.

Upon recovering the ark, the Israelites became suddenly conscious of their
iniquities, and showed such a contrite spirit that Samuel seized the occasion
to move their hearts yet stronger toward God. He reminded them that the
source of all their discomfitures was in their own wickedness, and assured thciii
that if they really desired to become free from the Philistine yoke, tliev
could obtain their wish by being righteous and casting sin out of their souls,
promising himself as suret}' for their deliverance if they would but turn to
God.

Samuel's speech greatly pleased the Israelites, who gave their promise to
resign themselves to the will of God, whereupon Samuel assembled them to-
gether at Mizpeh {icafo'i-tozi'cr)^ where the}- drew water and poured it out as a
libation to Jehovah, and, after fasting all day, betook themselves to praying-.
In the midst of their prayers, the Israelites were set upon by the Philistines,
who had observed the great gathering, and who took them by surprise. Being
wholl}' unarmed, as well as intimidated by their enemies, the Israelites scat-
tered and fled in terror, coming to Samuel with woeful forebodings on their
lips, and begging him to intercede with God in their behalf

Samuel bade his people to be of good cheer, since God would assuredly
assist them according to His promises. So he took a sucking lamb and sacri-
ficed it for the multitude, at the same time praying God to hold His protect-
ing hand over them when they should fight with the Philistines. While tliis
sacrifice was being made, the Philistines drew near in battle array against the
unarmed Israelites ; but before they had begun an attack, God sent a terrible
earthciuake, which split the earth asunder in many chasms, into which thou-
sands of the Philistines were hurled, while heavy tliu-"'^.er and blinding light-
ning caused those who escaped being ingulfed to drop tlieir weapons and llee

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

191

in confusion. Tlie Israelites followed after them, seizing the weaptms that hiv:
been dropped, with which they killed many others, and drove the remainder
as far as Bethcar {/loitsr of /unihs). This great victory, secured by the direct
aid of God, was duly celebrated by praises, and a memorial stone was set up
as a remembrance of the Philistines' diglit, which was called Eben-ezer (the
Stone of Poiucr).

Soon after this battle, Samuel headed an expedition into the enemies'
country, which was so successful that, besides slaying great numbers of the
Philistines, he humbled the others, and dispossessed them of all the lands they
had acquired from the Jews by conquest, and gave peace to all of Palestine,
during the remaining days of his rulership. In recognition of the services of
Samuel, he was honored by appointment to the office of Judge of Israel, in
which position he acted with great justice and became almost an oracle to the
people of neighboring countries. His life would have been doubtless a happy
one throughout but for the misconduct of his sons, who will be mentioned
again hereafter, as well as the acts of Samuel also.

THK ISRAELITRS DFIMAXD A KIXG.

Samuel ruled Israel somewhat differently from the administration of former
judges, for, while he held his personal court at Ramah, he appointed a court
in every city and district, which he attended twice every year. But after a
time he grew too old to conveniently make these semi-annual circuits, and to
relieve himself from the labor, he committed the government to the care of his
two sons, the elder of whom was called Joel, and the 3'ounger Abiah.

He sent one to the city of Bethel and the other to Beersheba, and made
each district distinct and answerable to the judgment of the respective sons.
They had not long held the reins of go ernment, however, before they fell
into extravagances that required expenditures greater than their proper incomes
could provide, and, as a consequence, they became corrupt and venal ; they per-
verted justice for gifts and bribes, and thus oppressed the people to provide
luxuries for themselves, until at length the masses could enuure their shame-
less conduct no longer. Taking counsel therefore among the elders, some of
the Israelites brought their complaints to Samuel, whom they begged to
relieve them of their oppressions by appointing a king to reign over them and
manage their affairs after the manner of the neighboring Macedonian kings.

Samuel was much distressed by the urgent request of the people, and for
many nights took no rest for troubling over the affairs which had been brought
to his attention. He, like Gideon, would have told the people that Jehovah
should alone rule Israel, but he knew that their complaints were well founded
ami therefore such advice would have by no means satisfied them.

While tormented thus in mind, and resolving what he should do, vSamuel
was called by God, who bade him not despair since it w^as not he but Himself
whom the Israelites complained of; God further told him that the people should

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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receive fitting punishment for their grumblings and desire for a king. " So 1
command tliee," saj-s the Lord, "to ordain them such a one as I shall name
beforehand to be their king, when thou hast first described what mischiefs
kingU government will bring upon them, and openly testified before then; into
what a great change of affairs they are hastening."

In the morning, Samuel called the Jews together, and after confessing io
them that he would ordain a king, told them of the adversities they would
fall into by reason of such a ruler ; showing how, to sustain the government
and the condition befitting their dignitj- and exaltation, such kings would draft
many people into their service, some of whom would be chariot-drivers, others
archers, guards, runners-before, servants, husbandmen, diggers in the field;
and equal servitude vvould be imposed upon the daughters of Israel. But,
besides this, he assured them that their kings would take away the people's
possessions to bestow upon the eunuchs at court, and take the cattle and give
them to their servants; and, in short, the people would be scarcely superior
to slaves. He further told them that in time they would sorely repent having
asked for a king, and would cry to God for deliverance, but that the Lord would
not hearken to their prayers, rather permitting them to suffer the punishment
which their evil conduct deserved.

But to Samuers kindly advice and his predictions of what would come to
pass the people turned a deaf ear, except to admonish him against anticipating
evils, which they did not believe would follow the ordination of a king. vSo
when he saw the Israelites fully determined, Samuel ordered them all to return
to their several homes, promising to send them a king as soon as he should
know, from God, whom to appoint.

vSATL IS ORDATNKD KINC. HY SAMUKL.

In the city of Gibeah, which was not man\' leagues distant from Ramalu
there lived a man named Saul, who was the son of Kish, a wealthy and pow-
erful Benjaminite, who kept many flookn and who brought up his family to
pastcu'al pursuit;.. Saul, at the time of which I write, abotit kxx> B. C, was
perhaps forty years of age, for he had grown sons, yet he continued in the
service of his father, as was the custom in Israel.

On an occasion some very fine she-asses, which Kish valued more than
all his other live-stock, broke out of the pasture where they were usually kept
and wandered away, none knew whither. Learning this fact Kish sent his
son Saul, accompanied by a single servant, in search of them. The two sol
out and travelled nearly three days withcnit discovering any traces of the strayed
asses, which so discouraged Saul that he propo.sed to return, lest his father's
solicitude for his long aksence be greater than for the lost animals, but the
servant replied that they were now near the city of Ramah, where dwelt ;i
most renowned prophet, and he proposed that they go to this man and ask
him the place where they might find the asses. Saul was in no wise averse

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

193

to this stiggcstion, but he rcmcnibercd that liis money was spent, and he
therefore had no means to pay the seer (^prophet) for the information songht.
The servant, however, had the fourth of a shekel and offered to give this,
whereupon the two went on.

When Saul and his servant reached the suburbs of Raniah, thev met some
maidens that were going out of the gates to fetch water, and these they asked

for diri^ctions to the
prophet's liouse. Tlie
nuiidens showed thorn.
and also bade the two to
liasten quickly as the
prophet was about to sit
down to a feast with
many invited guests.

It so ha])peued tliat
Samuel had lu-ought
seventy-one (according
tojosephus) of the elders
of Israel to feast with
him on that dry, for the
purpose of consulting
with them concerning
the king whom God had
promised to send at the
hour they were to eat.
But at the time v'^aul
entered the gates Samuel
was sitting on his house-
top watching \'ov the
approach of the Bonja-
miuite who was to be
ordained as the Lord had
declared. As he saw the
young man coming,
Samuel retired from the
house-top and met him,
aiul at that moment God revealed to liini that the .stranger was he who should be
ruler of Israel. But Saul did not know who it was that had greeted him, for
1k> inquired again the way to the prophet's house. Samuel now enlightened
lii'.n, and the two retired into the house, where they invseutly sat down to
supper. But before they had begun to sup vSamnel told »^aul that tlie asses
wore found and he slunild come uj) with them presently, but that greater news
was yet in store for him, for he had been chosen king of Israel. Saul know

SAUI, ANOINTHU KING BY SAMt'KU.

" Tlien Satuul took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed
him."— 1 .Sam. x. i.

liii:

lit:-.

■'rt

! I

194

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

not how to reg?.rd this speech of Samuel's, whether it were in jest, to make
sport of him before the other guests, or in earnest ; he therefore asked why he
should be made the object of laughter. When, however, Saul percci\ed that
Samuel was in earnest, he betrayed much modesty by declaring himself too
inconsiderable to hope for such great things; "besides," says he, "I am of a
tribe too small to have kings made out of it, and of a family smaller than
several other families."

Saul remained all night with Samuel, and in the morning when he
departed the prophet went a distance with him. When they had come to a
retired spot Saul was bidden to send his servant on apace, that no one might
be near; and when they were thus alone, Samuel took a vessel of oil with
which he anointed Saul king, as the Lord had prescribed. Samuel then told
him how he would soon meet three men who would inform him where his
asses might be found ; then, after going as far as Gabatha, he would overtake
a company of prophets, whereupon he would be seized by the Divine spirit
and begin prophesying, until all the people would wonder.

The choice of the people being declared, Saul was commanded to assume
the office of king ; but when the people sought for him to proclaim him their
sovereign he had disappeared and could not for some time be found. So great
was the diffidence of his nature that he had hidden himself, and had finally
to be drawn from the place of his concealment. When he was brought up the
people saw that he was of majestic size, being a shoulder taller than any of
his people, and they cried with one voice, "God save the king!"

Being now duly ordained ruler of Israel, Saul returned to his home in
Gibeah, but not until Samuel had given a new code of laws to the Israelites,
to which even the king was made subject, and laid it in the sanctuary' for the
guidance of all that should come after. He also prophesied the things Avhich
.should come to pass during the rulership of Saul. The multitude was now
dismissed, but many went away muttering their dissatisfaction at the choice of
Saul for king, for jealousies were as common in those days as they are in
these.

11 i!

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This X
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CHAPTER XVII.

THE REIGN OF SAUL — HIS FIRST BATTLE.

■ HERE is little in the Bible concerning Saul until he had
ruled two j-ears ; as, indeed, there was nothing of n'.atC'
rial interest to describe during this time, because all the
country about was at peace ; but now the Philistines'
began to make themselves troublesome again, and had
planned an invasion, which Saul prepared to resist by-
raising an army of three thousand meti. He took com-
mand himself of two thousand, and appointed his son,
Jonathan, captain over the others. He had scarcely made this
defensive preparation when a small army of Philistines invaded
the country, but Saul easily beat them, without much loss, how
ever, to either side. But it is probable that the small army of
Philistines spoken of were rather sent as spies to see what the
Israelites were doing under their new king.

Soon after this event the Ammonites, under command of
Nahash, laid siege to the city of Jabesh-gilead, and so certain
were they of effecting its capture that they refused to con-
sider any better terms of surrender than the condition that
the right eye of every person of the city should be put out.
Under pretense of giving even this hard and shameful con-
dition consideration, the people of Jabesh-gilead asked for a
seven days' truce, which was granted. This time was most profitably employed,
for messengers were at once dispatched to Saul, at Gibcah, for help, wlio
delayed not a moment in giving the assistance so badly needed. He forthwith
issued a call for troops among all the people of Israel, accouipanying the
order for enlistment with promises of severe punishmeiit upon those wlio failed
to respond prouiptly. In a few days he was thus enabled to assemble an aruiy
of 330,000 men at Bc/ek. He now made a forced uuircli to Jabesh-gilead,
before which he arrived on the sixth day of the truce, and fell upon the
Ammonites at night, to their surprise, routing the camp and slaying many
thousands. As the enemy retreated Saul pursued them throughout the entire
day until darkness and put an end to the slaughter.

This victory of Saul's many of his subjects desired to celebrate by putting
to death all those who had grumbled, in their jealousies, against his ordinatiou

(195)

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196

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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as king, but lie was above the pett}- spites so often exhibited by his people,
as Avith dignit}- and clemency befitting a king he replied that no man should
be put to death on the day that Jehovah had saved Israel.

samukl'vS advicp: to tiik people.

His success as a soldier and mere}- as a king, put an end to all opposition
to liis ruling, so that Saul was now solemnl}- ordained b}' all the tribes at Gilgal
who had before opposed his reign. At the festival, given soon after, SamuL'l
was present and addressed the people, at the same time resigning his judge-
ship, which office now became abolished bv reason of the substitution of a
monarch}'. Being old and full of the Spirit of God, at the same time possess-
ing great love for his people, Samuel spoke to them in a most touching and
compassionate manner. He first desired from them an acknowledgment of the
integrity of his judicial administration, which being given, he charged the
people with ingratitude to God, whom they had grievoush'' sinned against, in
calling for an earthly king to rule over them, rather than trusting themselves
to the mighty arm and loving providence of Jehovah. But he reminded thcni
that since their requests had been granted, the}' owed a sovereign allegiance
to the king of their selecting, respect for whom was necessaiy to the full
establishment of the kingdom. He further told them that if thej'- served both
Jehovah and their king they would attain to all blessings, but if they were
rebellious the hand of God would punish them as it had their fathers. As ;ui
evidence of the prophetic character of his utterances, and the inspiration which
had moved him, he lifted his eves toward heaven, it being a clear daj^ in har-
vest time, and called God to show the people a sign of His presence by send-
ing a thunder storm out of the sk}-. No sooner had he spoken than a tcrril)le
rain came pouring down, accompanied bj' fearful peals of thunder and dazzling
flashes of lightning. The people were stricken with fear for their lives at this
exhibition of Jehovah's response to Samuel's praA'er, and in terror fell or.
their knees and begged Samuel to avert God's wrath. He bade them fear not,
but to keep the Lord's laws, who would watch over them as long as they liwti
uprightly.

When Saul liad chosen 3000 men at Bethel, as already referred to, it is
probable that it was his intention to use them as a body-guard, 2000 of whom were
to remain with him and the other 1000 to be with his son Jonathan at Giboali-
These were no doAbt depended upon to serve him loyally in cases of insur-
rection or any emergency, just as we see nionarchs of the Old World to-day
provided with a contingent of loyal soldiers to serve as a body-guard, or special
protectors of the royal person.

joxath.\n'.s gre.\t valor.

It was not loi ^ after Saul's defeat of Nahash that the Philistines recov-
ered from their surprise and rout, and mustered their armies again for another

conte

Geba

discos

sallie(

the F

sword

army

witnes

encou]

been i
telling
then it
on the
iio up,
i)earer
one of
laughte
than tc
large re
followin
fought
unequal
eartli s(
Th(
and rep(
son's ac
was wa^
he ordc
Johatlian
it nnist
to the hi
were vict
tlie conn
(h'ers not
islinient
Jona
^'vening 1
All his n
or Saul's
flipped Iii
mouth,
than be j)

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

197

contest. A party of the enemy therefore formed a garrison on a hill called
Geba, which was opposite Saul's camp at ^lichmash. Jonathan was first to
discover their presence, and supposing their object to be to surprise the king,
sallied out, accompanied by no other person than his armor-bearer, to challenge
the Philistines to battle. The arms of soldiers at that time being spears,
swords and shields, it was quite a common practice for the soldiers of one
army to challenge those of another to conflict, and such duels were usually
witnessed by the two armies without interference, as such fights greatly
encouraged personal valor.

When Jonathan went out to challenge the Philistines he seems to have
been under the guidance of God, for he spoke to his attendant as a prophet,
telling him, if the Philistines answered his challenge by asking him to wait,
then it should be taken as a sign that the Lord would not help him ; but if,
on the other hand, they should cry out to him, " Come up to us," then he would
go up, because God would give him the victory. So Jonathan and his armor-
bearer went and stood in sight of the Philistines, whom they challenged, any
one of them, to battle. But the Philistines replied by mocking them with
laughter, and saying, " Come up to us and we will show 5'ou a thing." Jona-
than took these words as a sign of his victory, and clambered up over some
large rocks which separated him from the enemy, his armor-bearer faithfullj'
following. When they came up to the Philistines they fell iipon them and
fought with such valor that they killed no less than twenty. While the
unequal contest was thus waging an earthquake occurred which shook the
earth so violently that all the Philistines became helpless with terror.

The watchmen in Saul's camp saw the fighting among the Philistines,
and reported what they had witnessed to Saul. He, knowing nothing ul" his
son's adventure, was for a time sorely puzzled, for he • could not discover who
was waging battle with his enemies. To explore this niystcr}', therefore,
he ordered the roll called of all his army, by which he ascertained that
Johathan and his armor-bearer were not in the camp ; and now, perceiving that
it must be they who were fighting the Philistines, he set his army in motion
to the hill of Geba. A great battle now took place, in which the Israelites
were victorious, driving the enemy from their camp and pursuing them out of
the country. So eager was he in this pursuit that Saul commanded his sol-
diers not to stop to cat until night was come, threatening with dire pun-
ishnicnt any who should disobey his orders.

Joiuithati was leading his one thousand Uicn in the pursuit, and toward
evening he came to a wood in which he fi)uud a hive of honey in a tree.
All his men were very hungry, but they were afraid to eat the honey because
of Saul's order. Jonathan, however, not being told of his father's^ prohibition,
dipped his staff into the honey and thus conveyed some of the comb to his
nimith. When this act was reported to vSaul he inunediately ordered that Jona-
than be put to death, which sentence would have been executed but for the

i s

»;..

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3si r

198

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

earnest pleading of the soldiers for liis life, asking, " Shall he who won this
great victory for lis be put to death ?" and afterward declaring that no harm
should come to him. This demand, that he spare Jonathan, was made in such
an imperative manner that Saul was compelled to respect it.

Saul slew sixty thousand Philistines in this engagement, besides talcing
great numbers of cattle and much spoils, and then returned to his own city
and reigned in peace for some time, and until Samuel called him to punish

THE DEFEAT Ol' THR AMMONITES.

"And Saul aud all the people that were with him assembled themselves, aud they came to the battle."

— I Sam. xiv. 20.

the Amalekites and their allies. His success thus far had been so signal that
the Israelites looked upon him as an inspired leader, and therefore rendered
him such obedience that there was great prosperit}' among them. In time of
peace he was not idle, however; for being surrounded b}' tribes M'hose hatr-d
of Israel was perpetual, he increased his army, organized cavalry and chariot
forces, and recruited from among the tallest aud most vigorous of his subjects
a body-guard that became famous for valor throughout the realm.

This inq

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

199

vSAUL'S expedition against the AMALEK.fFS.

When, therefore, Samuel bade Saul to wage war against the Amalekites he
had the finest army that had ever been organized. This war was to be one of
extermination, for Samuel commanded Saul to pursue the Amalekites coustanth",
from generation to generation, beginning with the women and children, and to
spare not one, nor even the asses or cattle, but to '' blot out the name of Amalek
entirely," as Moses had before ordered. This dreadful, remorseless punishment
was to be inflicted on the Amalekites for the outrages they had perpetrated
on the Israelites during their sojourn in the wilderness, and upon the principle
expounded by Moses, that the sins of the father should be visited upon his
children and future generations.

In obedience to the command of Samuel, Saul hastened to gather his forces
together at Gilgal, where, after numbering them, he found his army to consist
of four hundred and thirty thousand men, at the head of which he marched
into the country of the Amalekites and set parties in ambush at the river fords,
so as to permit none to escape. He then began a series of surprises by Avhich
the Amalekites fell before him in great numbers, scarcely offering any resist-
ance. He also attacked their cities and strongholds, and drove them out by
battering down their walls, or by digging tunnels underneath, or by building
overtopping walls and towers, from which his archers could rain down their
arrows upon the people inside the defenses. These strategies were first prac-
tised by Saul, who therefore won greater honor for his masterful abilities as a
soldier than had before been accorded him, and to this day he is entitled to
rank among the great kings and generals of the world's history.

Saul's sin against god.

The ruthless ravages of Saul's immense army were not long in accomplish-
ing the utter destruction of the Amalekites, but their king, Agag, fell into
his hands, whose comely person and persuading eloquence so prevailed with
Saul that he resolved to spare him. The soldiers, too, instead of killing all
the cattle, as they were ordered to do, were content to capture and keep them
as a prey, and also to appropriate the spoils to their own use. All of these
acts were offensive to God, who had ordered, through Samuel, that nothing
should be spared, and especially that the Amalekites should be destroj'ed
both root and branch.

When Saul had returned from his great victory he was met by Samuel,
to whom he ran in raptures, declaring that God had given him the victory and
that he had done everything God commanded. Samuel, however, had already
been told by God of how Saul had done that which he was specially bidden
not to do, and he therefore said to the king: "How is it then that I hear the
bleating of the sheep and the lowing of the greater cattle in the camp?"
This inquir}^ covered Saul with confusion, who managed, however, to excuse

i:' i

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1^ 1

I'n

200

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

himself by saying the cattle had been reserved for sacrifices. He admitted
also that he had spared the iVmalekite king, but it was in order to bring him
before the prophet for sentence what should be done with him.

SAMUEL REBUKES SAUL AND PROPHESIES HIS DEPOSITION.

To the answers of Saul, Samuel made reply in full explanation of his faults
before God, saying, " God is not delighted with sacrifices, but with good and
with righteous men, who are such as follow His will and His laws, and never
think that anything is well done by them but when they do as God has com-

SAMUEL REBIKIXG SAl'I,.

" Because thou hast rejected the word c;f the Lord, lie hath also rejected thee from beiufj king."

— I Sam. XV. 23,

manded them ; that He then looks upon Himself as affronted, not when any
one does not sacrifice, but when any one appears to be disobedient to Him.
But that from those who do not obey Him, nor pay Him that duly which is
the alone true and acceptable worship, He will not kindly accept their oblations,
be those they offer ever so man}' and so fat, and be the presents they make
Hiiu ever so ornamental ; nay, though they were made of gold and' silver
themselves ; but He will reject them, and esteem them instances of wickedness
and not of piety. And that He is delighted with those who still bear in mind
this one thing, and this only, how to do that, whatsoever it be, which God

pron(

trans

fice f

He b

from

thou

He c(

sacrifi

thou

destro

longer

of the

somew!

Samuel

asking

to God,

would 1

this th(

i^'Ioak in

the pro

and tak

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go witli
had con(
hi, whos(
reflecting
t^onipassi
not, but
liiiu: "A
the loss c
thee also,
which ac
see Saul

After

obedience,
t" perforn
the prophi

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

2or

pronounces or commands for them to do, and to choose rather to die than to
transgress any of those commands ; nor does He require so much as a sacri-
fice from them. And when these do sacrifice, though it be a mean oblation,
He better accepts of it, as the honor of poverty, than such oblations as come
from the richest men that offer them to Him, Wherefore, take notice that
thou art under the wrath of God, for thou hast despised and neglected what
He commanded thee. How dost thou then suppose that He will respect a
sacrifice out of such things as He hath doomed to destruction ? unless perhaps
thou dost imagine that it is almost one to offer it in sacrifice to God as to
destroy it."

To this rebuke Samuel added the prophecy that Saul should not much
longer be king, for God would depose him and set up a new ruler more worthy
of the place than Saul hui proved himself to be.

This sentence added greatly to the distress of Saul, who had now become
somewhat vainglorious and anxious for the world's applause:, so he besought
Samuel to pray God for his forgiveness, promising never to offend again, and
asking the prophet to go back with him that he might offer his thank-offering
to God. But Samuel would not stay to hear him further, knowing that God
would not become reconciled, whatever his promises, and turned to depart. At
this the anxiety of Saul was so much increased that he took hold of Samuel's
cloak in an effort to detain him, but the cloak was torn in his hand, whereupon
the prophet told him that this was a new sign that his kingdom should be rent
and taken from him, and given to a good and just man.

THK TKRRIBL?; EXECUTION OF KING AGAG.

Seeing that his disobedience would not be forgiven, Saul asked Samuel to
go with him and worship God, which favor the prophet granted. When they
had concluded their worshipping, Agag, the captive Amalekite king, was brought
in, whose first exclamation before Samuel was, " How bitter is death !" possibly
reflecting upon his own miserable end, or with the hope of exciting the prophet's
compassion. Whether Samuel felt any pity for the unhappy monarch we know
not, but certainly he regarded the king as well meriting death, for he said to
him: "As thou hast made many of the Hebrew mothers to lament and bewail
the loss of their children, so slialt thou, by thy death, cause thj' mother to lament
iliee also." So saying, Samuel seized a sword and cut Agag to pieces, after
which act he left Gil gal and went to his own city, Ramah, nor did he ever
see Saul again, though he mourned long for the king's transgressions.

THE APPOINTMENT OE DAVID AS SAUL'S SUCCESSOR.

After Samuel had spent some time in Ramah mourning for Saul's dis-
obedience, God told him to leave off his grief, as he had a new duty for him
to perform in the ordination of a new king of Israel. He therefore ordered
the prophet to take some holy oil and proceed to Bethlehem, to the house of

■ 4

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1.4

m f

202

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY,

1[ iff I

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Jesse, and there anoint one of his sons to be king in Sanl's phac. At this
command, Saninel was mnch concerned for fear that Saul would learn of liis
mission and kill him to prevent the choosing of another king. But God re-
moved his fears by directing him in a safe way, so that Samuel reached Beth-
lehem without trouble, and repaired at once to Jesse's house. When he saluted
the famil}'- the}' asked the purpose of his mission, to which he replied that it
was to sacrifice to God. Samuel now set to work to prepare a heifer for the
sacrifice, which being completed, he called Jesse and his s; as, eight in num-
ber, to partake with him. Now, theie were only seven of tlie sons present, the
youngest, whose name was David, being at the time tending his father's flocks
in a pasture somewhat remote from Bethlehem. When Jesse and his sons
came to the sacrifice, Samuel perceived that the eldest son, Eliab, was tall
and comel}-, ver}- much resembling Saul, so he was upon the point of anoint-
ing him king, when God interposed, telling the prophet that he was not to
.seek a king among the tall and comeh- of feature, but from the righteous in
heart. Then Samuel would have anointed the second eldest, but the Lord
again restrained him; and so continued to withhold His sanction from the se-
lection of all the seven .sons. Samuel, now much embai'rassed as to what he
should do, asked Jesse if the seven were all the sons he had. The father re-
plied that there was one other, the youngest, who was tending the sheep. So
the young man was sent for; and when he came before Samuel, the Spirit of
the Lord commanded that he be anointed, for it was he that had been choscr.
to rule over Israel.

David (//jr beloved)^ at the time of his selection, was a small stripling, of
ordinar}' size, ar;d m no sense commanding in appearance. His aspect was
rather that of one in whom the poetic sentiment predominates — a tender, music-
loving youth, full of bright fancies and joj-ful satisfaction, who enjoj-ed the
companionship of his sheep more than the compau}' of boys, and preferred
rhapsodies and reffections to the common pastimes of boyhood. And yet this
grandson of the beautiful Ruth and the just Boaz, was destined to be the
greatest king that ever ruled, and from him was to descend the Christ, the
King of kings.

David's introduction to Saul was quite as singular as the circumstances
under which God had appointed him to take the sceptre of the Israelites.
Being much alone in the fields with his father's .sheep, David spent much of
his time in playing upon the harp to beguile the hours and indulge his low
for music, until he became known as a most skilled performer, whose music
delighted all who came to listen to him.

Now, after Samuel's rebuke of Saul, and the prophecy that he should not
much longer mile Israel, he fell into a great melancholy and was troubled with
loss of sleep and the vexings of spirits. To comfort him in these spells, Saul's
servants and physicians recommended that he send for a harper, whose nin-ic
would bring peace to his .soul and comfort to his troubled mind. This adxice

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

203

seemed so well that Saul sent for David, whose fame as a player upon the
harp was made known to him. But at this time, no one save the immediate
faniil}- of Jesse knew that David had been anointed by Samuel, for God had com-
manded that the n;atter be kept secret until His own good time for revealing it.

DAVID PLAYING nUFOKIC SAri,.

David was brought by his father to Saul's house, and renuiincd with the king
tor some time; for so well did his music relieve Saul's distemper that the
youth was prevailed upon to become the king's armor-bearer, and be also a
iiKMuber of his household.

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111

CHAPTER XVIII.

■lUilii :l

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THE STORY OF DAVID — HE FIGHTS WITH THE GIAXT GOLIATH.

|T is not told us in the sacred writings how long David re-
mained with Saul, and the narrative is also somewhat con-
fusing as to whether David was appointed armor-bearer
before or after his fight with Goliath; but it is more con-
sistent with appearances and natural consequences to sup-
pose that it was after. Another difficulty meets us in the
apparent conflict of statements wherein it is made to appear
that Saul remained at peace after his destruction of the Amalc'
kites and their allies, while succeeding chapters are devoted to
descriptions of his battles with the Philistines, among whom were classed the
Amalekites, Moabites, Ammonites, etc. This confusion undoubtedl}- arises, m
was explained in a previous chapter, from the want of sequence in the narra-
tive. This is even illustrated by the fact that David was the great-grandson
of Ruth, and yet circumstances are related in the history between Ruth and
the last chapters of i Samuel, which must have occurred nearly four hundred
3'ears after Ruth's death. But Avithout attempting to describe the events
chronologically, or arguing the reasons why the compilers neglected to arrange
the books of the Bible in the proper order as indicated b}' consecutive events.
we Avill proceed according to the history as it is printed, being content with
the assurance that the imperfect arrangement in no wise diminishes the inter-
est or truth of the sacred narrative.

David returned to his father and resumed the duties of shepherd after a
length of service in Saul's house, but events were now to happen that would
soon call him from his quiet pursuit to take arms, and before manhood's
period was reached he was to become the most famous warrior in all Israel.

Josephus says it was not long after David drove the spirit of melancholy
from Satil by the melod}' of his voice and harp, that the Philistines reorganized
a great arnij' and again went to war with the Israelites. The}' pitched tlicir
camp on a plain between Shochoh and Azekali, but were soon driven from
that place by Saul's army, which now came out to oppose them. It is more
likely that, instead of being driven from their first position, the Philistines
withdrew of their own accord in order to take up a more strategic place on a
hill near by, from whence a wide view was afforded. Saul also occupied a hill,
which lay opposite the Philistine camp, so that a valley lay between the two
camps.

(2C4',

... , ...

it,*

*.(i-/

£0 that
that he
protected
j''ninds,
of which
the same
on his si

THK BEAUTIFUL STORY.

205

It would appear that iicitlver amiy. was anxious to open hostilities, for
the\- lay thus inactive, glarinjj^ at cacli other for a period of forty da^.s, con-
tent with exchan;e;ini:^ taunts, each awaiting an attack fn ni the other, as,
owing to the nature of the encauipnients, the attacking pariy would have to
march up a steep hill exposed to a galling fire of arrows and stones frcni
those on the apex. There was in the Philistine camp a man named Goliath,
a citizen of Gath, whose stature was so extraordinary that his very aspcc(
inspired terror. His height was above eight feet, and his bulk proportionals

DAVID'S FIGHT WITH THB GIANT.

"The stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth." — i Sam. xvii. 49.

£0 that he must have weighed four hundred pounds at least. But the arms
that he bore were even more formidable and massive than his size. He was
protected bj^ a coat of mail that weighed more than one hundred and fifty
]i()uuds, while beneath this and on his limbs were greaves of brass, the value
of whieh at that time was greater than gold, and he wore a helmet made of
tlio same metal. He carried a spear that was so heavy he had to support it
on his shoulder : the head of it was made of iron, a metal even more rare than

, rh

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

i iii i

I-)''

brass, Avhicli weighed above twenty pounds, while several attendants followed
behind carrying his shield, which was made to resemble a moon. This giant's
voice was quite as terrible as his general aspect, for when he cried out it was
like the deep tones of thunder. Relying upon his amazing strength and the
massive armor that he wore, he marched down from the Philistine camp into
the valley below and thence hurled defiance at the Israelites, challenging any
of "the servants of Saul" to come out and fight him. But at his appearance
all the armj' of Saul were dismayed, and no one was bold enough to hazard an
issue with him. Every da}-, for forty days, this giant went into the valley,
near the Israelites' camp, and bellowed his defiance, returning to the Philis'
tines at evening to gloat over his valor and the cowardice of the enemy.

In Saul's army at this time were the three eldest brothers of David, for
whose safety Jesse was so greatly concerned that he sent David to inquire of
their welfare and to carry such messages as he might choose to send. As he
came into the Israelite camp on the afternoon of the fortieth day that Goliatli
had stood before the army of Israel, he heard the giant issuing his usual
challenge, and observed the fear that possessed the people. A youth, a mere
stripling, though he was, David's courage and pride revolted at the cowardice
displayed by the Israelites, seeing that none Avould go out to fight. "Who,"
he asked, " is this Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living
God?" Those who stood near told him that Saul had promised to give hi^
daughter in marriage to the num who would kill the giant, but Eliab, his
eldest brother, rebuked him for presuming to - ik such a question and derided
him the more when David expressed a willingness to stand before the mighty
man in the name of the Lord.

David's desire to wage battle with Goliath was at length expressed before
Saul, who, sending for him, and seeing his youth, advised him against
matching his weakness against the strength of such a giant, who had been ;i
warrior all his days. David, however, bade Saul to dismiss his fears, sayini,r,
that Jehovah, who had delivered him from the lion and the bear, would also
protect him from the great Philistine. At this Saul told him to go, and
prayed that Jehovah might be with him, besides arming him with his own
weapons and armor. David started out to meet Goliath thus encumbered, but
finding the armor too heavy^ he cast it aside and went forward clothed in his
simple raiment and with no other weapon than a staff and sling, in the us(;
of which he had made himself an expert while .serving his father as a shcj)-
herd. As he went along he came to a little brook, from which he picked up
five round stones and placed them in a pouch ready to his hand.

When Goliath saw David coming to accept his challenge, he spoke scoru-
fully ; asking if he had come to fight as against a dog, seeing nothiu"* in hi;:
hand but a staff, not being near enough to observe the sling; but David rc])lii(l
as became a servant of God, in whom he relied for the victory, and ran swiftly
toward his hngc antagonist. When within the distance of a few yards Daviil

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

207

placed a stone in his sling, and, whirling it twice about his head, let fly the
missile upon its certain errand. In another moment the two armies saw the
mighty giant stagger and fall forward prone on his face. The stone, directed
no doubt by God, was true to the aim, and went crashing through the giant's
forehead, and deep into his brain. David now ran fleetly to the body of his

"And David took the boiM of the I'hilistiiie and brought it to Jerusalem." — i Sam. xvii. 5.1.

fallcu foe, and jerking the dead man's sword from its sheath, with a sweep of its
l<ecn blade cleft the head of Goliath from the body and held it aloft to show to
both armies how he had vanciuished the vain-boasting giant.

At the dreadful siglit of their champion fallen by tlie hand of a youth, the
Pliilistiues became ])anic stricken and fled with precipitation, pursued by the
Israeliteb, as far as the gates of Guth and Ekron, who killed thirty thousand,

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

iiii

and afterward returned to take the spoil'^^ of the abandoned camp. David took
from the bod}'- of Goliath, as trophies of his conquest, the head, armor and
sv'ord of the giant. Goliath's head was soon after publicl}- exhibited at Jerusa-
lem, and the fame of David spread not onl}- throughout Israel, but the neigh-
boring countries as well, for such a valorous deed had never before been done.
Saul sent for David and persuaded him to remain with him for a time,
though apparently having cntirel}' forgotten him as the minstrel who had only
a few years before charmed away his melancholy. In his new position, whether
as armor-bearer, as it is written, or an officer of his court. David demeaned
himself so uprightly that Saul bestowed upon him lavish favors, while Jona-
than, of whom I have already written, conceived for him the strongest friend-
ship, which was further cemented by v covenant between them. This friendship
was of the iitmost consequence to David, as we shall presently' see.

SAUL BECOMES JP:AL0US OP DAVID ANT) SHKKS IIIS LIFE.

It was not long after David entered the king's service a second time that
Saul became insanel}' jealous of the young warrior's fame, provoked chiefly bj-
a song which was composed in celebration of David's victory over Goliath and
which became popular in everybod3-'s mouth. Saul first heard it sung In' a
body of Hebrew women who came out to serenade David, with instruments
to accompau}' their voices. All the words of this song are not given in the
Bible, but among the applauding verses were these :

'"Sail! Iiatli slain his //loiisaiids.^''

To which the chorus responded in the full burst of praise :

"And David his ten thousands."

The fear of detlironement, according to Samuel's prophecy, continually
haunted Saul, so that lie was suspicious of every one who became the subject
of popular praise ; and now that David had taken a place in the warmest
affections of the people, Saul's hatred of him became so violent that on the
day after first hearing the song sung, while the two were dining together, the
king rose up suddenly and threw two spears at David, who only escaped beiug
murdered by fleeing from Saul's presence.

In his saner moments the king, realized how devotedly the Israelites loved
David, and that to openly assassinate him might cause a revolt among the
people, so he resolved to rid himself of the young man b}' secretly plottinir
his death. To disguise his schemes more effectuall}'' he sent for David and
appointed him chief of a thousand men, at the same time offering to fulfil
his promise to give him his daughter in marriage for having slain Goliath.
But before celebrating this promise he expressed a desire that David would
undertake new enterprises against his enemies, hoping that he would meet his
death from some of the Philistines. All the things asked of him David per-
formed, but when he returned to .S-.ul he found that Merab, the daughter
promibcd iiini, had been uiarriea to another during his absence. But now the

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

209

second daughter of Saul, ^liclial, became deeply enamored of David, who
returned the love given him, and would have gladly espoused her at once ;
but Saul, still hoping to bring about his destruction, contrived to have his
servants demand of David, as a dowr}'-, the spoils of one hundred Pliilistincs
whom he should slaughter. These hard terms David readily agreed to, and
taking his army went into the Philistine country and engaged a body of the
eneni)' in battle, in which he killed two hundred. Divesting the slain of their
bloody garments, he brought the spoils and cast them at Saul's feet.

Though mad with jealousy and ambition, Saul still possessed some goodly
traits, especially during intervals of calmness ; and it chanced that his reason
was with him when David returned with the bloody spoils, so he gave his
daughter Michal in marriage to David, but his enmity was in no wise abated.
Michal, however, was a true and faithful wife, loving her husband above her
father, upon which account, and also the friendship of Jonathan, which seemed
to grow constantly stronger, Saul sought no longer to disguise his it;tentions,
but gave a peremptory order to Jonathan and his courtiers to kill David. By
a strategy of Jonathan, however, he contrived to restore David to Saul's favor,
but the reconciliation was of short duration.

SAUr.'S SECOND ATTACK ON DAVID'S I.IFR.

The Philistines, though often beaten, were still strong enough to offer
opposition to the Israelites, and there was, therefore, constant war between
them, though of a desultory character. David imdertook a new expedition
against the enemj'', who had appeared upon the borders of Judah, and gained
a great victory, for which he was again applauded by the people. This so
increased Saul's jealousy that he cast his spear at David a third time, but. as
before, without avail. David now ran from the royal presence and hid in his
own house, round which, however, Saul stationed a guard, with instructions to
kill him when he should appear in the morning.

It was now that the faithfulness of Michal was best shown, for in the
night .she aided her husband to escape by letting him down over the walls,
and then, making a dummy, set it in bed, and .sent messengers to Saul to
tell him that David was sick. The deception was protracted long enough to
enable David to make good his escape from Gibeali — the royal residence — and
to reach Ramah, the home of Samuel. A strange thing now came to ])ass :

There was a " school of the prophets " at Ramah, instituted to reform the
priestly order and to prepare those received into the school for prophesying,
or, more properly, no doubt, to prepare thenv for the ministry, somewhat aft'^r
the manner of theological schools of to-da}'. At the head of this prophetic
order was »Samuel, who.se quiet life had kept him from view since his anoint-
ment of David.

It was not long after David's escape that Saul learned of his presence in
Raniah, and he sent his officers there to arrest him, but when they came to
14

II,

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

the school tliej' were astonished to see the company of prophets, with Samuel
as their instructor, all engaged in prophesying. The effect upon them was so
great that they, too, fell to predicting, by the power of God. Saul, hearing

how his messengers were con^
verted, went himself to the school,
but as he came to the well of
Sechu, in the suburbs of Ramah,
the Spirit of God also came upon
him, and he, too, began to pro-
phesy, and afterward came and
fell at the feet of Samuel, acknowl-
edging the goodness of the Lord.
When Saul returned to Gibeah
he told his kinsmen and the people
that he was reconciled to David,
and desired him to attend again
at court. But this pretension was
discredited by both Jonathan and
David, who, however, resolved to
test Saul's sincerity, by first re-
newing the covenant of tlieii
friendship perpetually.

The following day was the feast
of the new moon, which was
solemnl}' kept by the Israelites as
a time for purification, but instead
o{ appearing at the table at feast-
ing lime, David went and hid him-
self in a pile of stones called Ezel,
near Saul's residence, as Jona-
than had directed him.

Saul sat at the banquet with
Abner, his chief officer, and Jona-
than, but made no inquiry why
David was absent, supposing that
he had not yet purified himself
On the second day of the feast,
however, finding that David con-
tinued to absent himself, Saul
asked Jonathan the reason why he
was not with them. To this inquiry Jonathan replied that David had been invited
to sacrifice that day with his kinsmen, in Bethlehem, having first asked his |)er-
r.iission to go. At this Saul fell into a furious rage, and calling Jonathan a

liSCAl'IC or DAVID.

"So Michal let David down throuj;ha window."— I Sam. xix. I3

rene|

him

lawfu

orden

attem

where

table

O
field 1
gathen
life, bt
fidelity

city of
was pre
and wa:
a comm
place,
bread fc
nothing
fii'st beii|
against
necessit}
Befo
urgency
therefore
The prie
was then
if he wii
this infor
like it.

DavK
the forme
tines, whc
fcre King
nowhere ■
now took
plains of
Being, as
■ind lawle.'-
liiniself th
over befon

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

211

renegade, accused him of conniving with David against himself, and reminded
him that while the rulership of Israel should rightfull}^ descend to him as the
lawful heir, yet he would never become king while David li\'ed. He then
ordered that David be brought to him that he might kill him. Jonathan
attempted to remonstrate with his father upon the injustice of his motives,
whereupon the enraged king hurled his spear at his son, and then left the
table without partaking of any food.

On the succeeding morning Jonathan, accompanied b}- a lad, went into a
field where David was hiding, and began shooting arrows, which the boy
gathered up again. This was the sign to David that he should flee for his
life, but as he came out of hiding the two embraced and pledged anew tlieii
fidelity to each other.

DAVID IX EXILE.

Being thus warned of his danger, David fled from Gibeali and went to the
city of Nob, which belonged to the priests, and the place where the Tabernacle
was preserved. As he approached alone, Ahimelech, the high-priest, saw him
and was concerned for his safety, but David told him that he had come upon
a commission from Saul, and had appointed servants to meet him at the next
place. As his food was nearly exhausted he asked Ahimelech for five rolls of
bread for himself and his imaginary servants. It chanced that the priest had
nothing but some loaves of stale shew-bread, but these he gave David, after
first being assured that the receiver was undefiled, but the act was nevertheless
against the law, though afterward justified by the Lord xipou the ground of
necessity.

Before taking his departure from Ahimelech, David explained that the
urgency of his mission had prevented him from taking any weapons, and he
therefore asked the priest if he had a sword or spear that he could give him.
The priest replied that the sword of Goliath, the Philistine, whom he had slain,
was there, wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod (high-priest's dress), and that
if he wished he could take that, as he had no other. David was rejoiced at
this information, and took the sword gladly, for he said there was none other
Hke it.

David tarried only a short time at Nob, and went quickly on to Gath,
the former home of Goliath. Here his identity was discovered by the Philis-
tines, who would have quickly put him to death; but upon being brought be-
fore King Achish he feigned idiocy so well that he Avas dismissed. Having
nowhere to lay his head, and with enemies on every side, as a last resort he
now took refuge in the caves that are so numerous on the borders of the great
plains of Shefelah, near the Mediterranean Sea, and not far from Bethlehem.
Being, as it were, outlawed himself, there were attracted to him the restless
and lawless characters of the adjacent country, and in a short time he found
himself the leader of a brave band of followers such as Jephthah was captain
over before being called to deliver Israel.

ill!

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212

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Having first provided a place of safet}' for his parents among the Moab-
ites, who were his kinsmen through Ruth, his grandmother, David began a
war of spoliation against the Philistines, though his army numbered only four
hundred men, some of whom were his nearest relatives. His success was so

H'\

run PAKTINC. Ol- DAVID AND JONATHAN.

"And they kissed one anolher, and wept one with another." — i Sam. xx. 41.

remarkable, however, that notwithstanding the smallness of his forces, the
Philistine cities were in a state of anxiety lest he should attack them. The
wonderful bravery of his warriors is illustrated by an incident recorded in the
Bible, wherein David, having expressed a wish for a drink of water froai a

u'ell i

three

Xotliii

tine a

wliich

their a

drink.

instead

God, s,

in jeop

joined
son of
and wei
tarried '.
in perse
he had
his am
endeavor
failed to
for the t
reinenibe
priest a;
to David
had give
had give)
the king
Saul, cha
being coi
treason, I
he had re
ing him >
Thi.s
so great t
pi'iests of
the same
iufanious
the entire
every live
alone esca
brought gi
ie had pri

~>T,

THE BEAUTIFUL GTORY.

2^3

well in Betlilelieni, beside wliose brink he had spent manj' hours of his j-outh,
three of his devoted followers started at once to procure the longed-for water.
Nothing daunting their desperate valor, the}- cut their wa}' through the Philis-
liue army, which was encamped in the Rephaim valle}-, and reached the well,
which was by a gate of Bethlehem. Having procured the water, they fought
their way back, and in the pride of their renown gave the water to David to
drink. The wonderful daring of this trio so affected David, however, that
instead of drinking the water he poured it upon the ground as an offering to
God, sa3ang, " Shall I drink the blood of these men, that have put their lives
in jeopardy ?"

SAUL RENEWS THE HUNT FOR DA\'ID.

While Da\na and his men were hiding in the cave of Adullam thej^ were
joined by the prophet Gad and eleven other men under Amasai, who was the
son of his sister Abigail. By Gad's counsel David soon after left the cave
and went into the forests of Hareth, among the hills of Judah, but he had
tarried here only a short while when Saul heard of his presence and set out
in person to effect his capture or death, having become mistrustful of the men
he had before sent against him. Repairing to a gro\e at Ramah, Saul called
his army together there and harangued them upon their disloyalt}^ and
endeavored to incite them to anger against David and Jonathan. This speech
failed to elicit any response from his arni}-, whose s3-mpathies continued strong
for the two exiles ; but there was an Edomite officer, named Doeg, who, we
renieuiber, was present, as a servant, at the meeting of David and the high-
priest Ahimelech, when the latter had given bread and the sword of Goliath
to David, and this Edomite now told Saul of the help which the high-priest
had given to his enemy, artfully contriving to make it appear that Ahimelech
had given succor to David out of sympath}' for the latter's conspiracy against
the king. Ahimelech was therefore immediately summoned to attend before
Saul, charged with treason. The high-priest responded to the summons, and
being confronted with the charge, told Saul that he was ignorant of David's
treason, but believing him to have come as a loyal messenger from the king
he had received and honored him as such and also as Saul's son-in-law, esteem-
ing him worthy of the confidence bestowed.

This protestation of innocence Avas not accepted by Saul, whose fur}'- was
so great that he ordered his soldiers to slay Ahimelech, together with all the
priests of Nob. But his guards refused to execute the cruel order, whereupon
the same command being given to Doeg, who was a descendant of Esau, the
infamous man slew eightj'-five of the priests with his own hand. Besides this
the entire city was given up to massacre, including men, women, children and
every live thing that was in the place. Abiathar, one of the sons of Ahimelech,
alone escaped, and fleeing to David, told him of the slaughter. The news
brought great sorrow to David, for he saw that it was the result of the deceit
lie had practised upon Ahimelech.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

!-l

DAVID RKFUSES TO REVEXGE HIMSELF UPON SAUL.

Having now with him the prophet Gad, and also the rightful successor
to the high-priesthood, David placed himself under the guidance of the oracle
of Jehovah, and marched against the Philistines, who were at the time besieg-
ing Keilah, and whom he speedily overcame, after a great battle. Here Da\id
established himself for a time, but being warned by the sacred ephod that the
men of Keilah had conspired to deliver him up to Saul, he hastily left the
place with his army, now numbering six hundred men, and fled to the wilder-
ness of Ziph.. It was here that Jonathan and David parted, after renewing

their covenant of per-
petual friendship, the for-
mer assuring David that
he should yet become king
over Israel, and expressing
the hope that he himself
would be next to him.
Jonathan now returned to
his own home, refusing to
join his father, whose
anger would have made
such a step dangerous.

The Ziphites, joined
against David, betrayed his
presence to Saul, who now-
left Gibeah and with his
army and spies hunted him
like a partridge over the
hills of Judea. David fled
again to the wilderness of
Maon, in the extreme
south, where he was pressed
so closely by Saul that
only a mountain separated
them. When he had
almost surrounded David, Saul was suddenly called away by the news of an
invasion of the Philistines, but he soon after repelled the invaders, and witli
an army of three thousand men renewed his search for Dayid, who had now-
fled to caves in the wilderness of Engedi.

Saul sorely pressed David and his little band, who were compelled to Hce
from rock to rock like so many hunted goats. At length, as David had taken
refuge in a certain cave, Saul by chance entered alone, not being aware, how-
ever, that the place had been chosen as a retreat by his enemy. Being weary

DAVID CUTTIXC. OKI' TIIK SKIRT f)F SLEEPING SAUI,.

" Theu David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily."

— I Sam. xxiv. 4.

f"'

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

215

with the chase, Saul lay down by the mouth of the cave and fell asleep, and
while thus resting he was discovered by David and his men. The opportunity
for revenging himself upon the king had now arrived, and he was therefore
urged by his followers to slay him, but David contented himself with approach-
ing the unconscious monarch and cutting off a portion of his skirt. But even
this insult to his king gave him much remorse, for when Saul had awakens (I
and was going out of the cave, David ran after him, crying, " My father, lord,
the king ;" he then bowed down before him and, in a passionate burst of grief,

'And David said to Saul,

DAVID ^DDRUSSINC. t.Ari,

My father, see, yea, see, the skirt of thy robe in my band."

— I Sam. xxiv. 11.

protested his innocence of any desire to harm him, and showed the skirt he
had cut off as a proof that he had spared the king's life.

The appeal which David made to Saul touched his heart, ana with that
impulsive spirit so often before exhibited, he replied, " Is this thy voice, my
son David !" An interview now took place between the two, in which Saul
acknowledged the magnanimity of David, and confessed the Divine decree
which had called him to rule over Israel. After this interview Saul returned
to Gibeah, but David would not trust himself to the whimsical caprices of
his jealous father-in-law, and remained in his fastnesses.

I *

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

THE STORY OF DAVId'S MARRIAGE TO ABIGAIL.

It was not long after the parting between Saul and David ir the cave o^
Engedi that Samuel died and was buried with great ceremony, at Ravi ah, wher?.
he had spent the last several years of his life. The mourning of Israel fo*
this great man was long and bitter, but by none other was his death so greatly
regretted as by David, who loved him, not only as his early precepioi and
guide, but also because, up to the time of his death, he continued to eX'^^rcise
some restraint upon Saul, and whose advice was always in behalf of the anointed
of God — himself. Anticipating a renewal of Saul's jealous anger, David moved
from his haunts in Engedi and retired into the v/ilderness of Paran, which
was in the south. Here a singular adventure befell him, as we shall see.

The chief city of Paran was called Maon, in which there lived a man
named Xabal, a descendant of Caleb, who was possessed of great wealth. His

flocks Avere so numerous that the}"
covered all the surrounding hills ;
but as the country was infested
with robbers, he was much an-
no3-ed b}'^ thieves who thrived ofi
his folds.

David made his camp beside
Maon, and having no other means
of subsistence he volunteered to
defend Nabal's flocks for the few
that would suffice for his food.
Having performed this service well,
David sent ten of his men to Nabal,
during sheep-shearing time, with a
polite request for a present of
such number of sheep as he might
choose to give. Instead of generously responding to this very proper request,
Nabal returned a reply so insulting in its language and spirit that David's
anger was aroused and he resolved to administer a severe punishment to the
rich but avaricious churl. Accordingly he took four hundred of his men to attack
Nabal, leaving two hundred behind to protect the camp. But on his way he met
Abigail, the wife of Nabal, who, having been informed of David's request and
also his threat to destroy her husband, had come to propitiate his anger by
bringing an abundance of provisions, such as parched corn, bread, raisins,
ready-dressed sheep, figs and wine in skins. When she had met David she
pressed upon him all the things thus brought, and besought him to spare her
husband, acknowledging him as the future king of Israel and the power in the
hand of Jehovah.

Abigail is represented as having b2en a very beautiful woman, and of great

NAIIAI, CEr.EBRATIXG THK HARVEST CLOSE.

"Nabal is his name, and folly is with him." — i Sam. xxv. 25.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

217

intelligence, so that it is no matter of surprise that she should find favor in
David's eyes, who gave thanks for the presents, and sent her home with assur-
ances that the possessions of Nabal would not be violated. But upon Abigail's
return she found her husband unconscious from the deep potations of wine in
which he had indulged, and it was not until morning that she could tell him
of the evil her actions had averted. Nabal, however, though he recovered his
senses, did not recover his strength, for his drunkenness produced a sickness
from which he died ten days after the meeting of his wife with David.

Upon hearing of the death of Nabal, David sent messengers to Abigail
asking her to become his wife, for he was greatly moved by her beauty from
the time of first beholding her. She seemed to have well understood the
character of David and the future that had been predicted for him, for she
sent a reply in which she declared her unworthiness to even touch his feet.
But being pressed she came finally to David's camp, with all her servants, and
became his wife.

Before his marriage to Abigail — how long before we are not lold, nor is
the circumstance explicitly related in the Bible — David had married Ahinoam,
of Jezreel, his first wife Michal having been given by Saul to Phalti, in the
city of Gallim.

DAVID AGAIX SPAREvS SAUL'S IJKE.

After his marriage to Abigail, David left Paran and returned again to the
wilderness of Ziph, but no sooner had he come into the countr}' than some
of the Ziphites made report of the fact to Saul, assuring him that his old
eneni}^ might now be easily cauglit.

Upon learning that David was again among the Ziphites, having returned
from Paran with fresh honors, Saul's old jealousy and hatred were aroused,
and gathering together three thousand men he marched rapidly toward the
camp of David, and at night halted near him at a place called Hachilah.
David, however, had been apprised of Saul's coming, and sending out spies to
watch, he thus discovered the king's army encamped at Hachilah. As soon
as he learned of the enemj-'s proximit}-, he called Abishai, his nephew, and
Ahimelech, a Hittite, and taking onl}- these two with him he made his way
secretly into Saul's camp. Carefully approaching the royal tent he looked in
and saw the king asleep, while about him lay his guards, who were also in
profound slumber. Abishai desired to kill Saul as he lay sleeping, but David
restrained him, desirous of again manifesting his magnanimity; so he took
Saul's spear and the cruse of water that was beside him, and with these evi-
dences of his daring he made his way out of the camp undiscovered by any
of Saul's arm3^ When he had passed well out of the camp and across a
brook beside which the armj^ lay, David cried out to the king and his guards
until they were awakened, and then reproached them for their want of vigi-
lance. Abner, the commander of the guard, answering the cries, asked who it
was that had called, to whom David replied : " It is I, the son of Jesse, whom

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you make a vagabond. But what is the matter? Dost thou that art a man
of great dignity, and of the first rank in the king's court, take so little care
of thy master's body ? and is sleep of more consequence to thee than his
preservation and thy care of him ? This negligence of yours deserves death,
and punishment to be inflicted on you, who never perceived when, a little
while ago, some of us entered into your camp, nay, as far as to the king
himself, and to all the rest of you. If thou look for the king's spear and his
cruse of water, thou wilt learn what a mightj' misfortune was ready to over-
take you in your very camp without yc ^r knowing it."

Saul heard David thus talking aloud to the guard, and knowing it to be
his voice, saw at once how he had been again in David's power, but who had
a second time so graciously spared his unworthy life ; so he rose up and went
to speak with David, thanking him for his preservation, and assuring him
that he would do him no harm now that he perceived David loved him better
than he loved himself. Saul also begged David's pardon for having so
unjustly hunted him and made him an exile from his friends, returning his
kindness with anger and injustice. David, seeing that Saul was humiliated,
sent back the spear and cruse, aftei which the king returned to Gibeah, but
David, still mistrustful of Saul's jealous}-, went away into the land of the
Philistines, and with his six hundred men entered Gath, over which city Achisli
was still king.

THE SIM AND DECEPTION OF DAVID.

The ways of God are often mysterious, as we have already seen in the
careers of David and Saul, both of whom were anointed by Samuel to rule
over Israel. We may wonder why God's forbearance -with Saul was so great^
or that He permitted David to be so dreadfully persecuted when He might
have at once brought him into possession of the throne whereon he had been
appointed to sit. But the end only shows a wisdom which man could never
have exhibited. God's purposes are always wise, and we will now soon see
how His design was accomplished through the exercise of wholesome examples
that would prove of great benefit to David, and to all mankind as well.

David's second visit to Achish was made under very difl^erent circuin-
stances from those which brought him first before the king. He was now no
longer the friendless outcast, driven to act the idiot in order to escape the
penalty of having slain the Philistine champion, Goliath; but a man of renown,
whose army of six hundred might well be compared to the modern heroes of
Balaklava.

The Philistines had become so powerful that Saul gave them battle without
great confidence in the result, and only M'hen driven, by acts of invaders, t>>
measure his strength with them. David knew this, and, therefore, for his own:
protection, he sought Achish, who Avould respect him for Saul's enmity. Soon
after thus joining forces with the Philistines, David asked for a place of resi-
dence, and was given the frontier city of Ziklag. We now behold David iuj

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219

the role of a deceiver, whose actions are difficult to explain, though they are,
uo doubt, due to the mj'sterious ways in which Providence works His wisdom
\o perform,

la his wars with the Israelites, Achish expected that David would lend
his assistance, since, though he was an Israelite himself, having craved the
protection of a Philistine against his own people, it was proper to suppose he
would prove loyal to his benefactors. But David could not be an enemy to his
race, for he loved his people, and believed that they would be true to him
when Saul should be removed by the hand of God. Though cherishing these
sentiments, David sought to deceive Achish, and committed a great sin in the
manner in which this deception was carried out.

David's residence in Ziklag was only for a period of a few moutli - but
during this time, being sent to battle with the Israelites, instead of engaging
them, he privately attacked the Geshurites and Amalekites, neigh, ors and
allies of the Philistines, and laid waste their country, took their cattle, camels
and spoils of whatever character he could find, and brought them to Achish
as possessions captured from the Israelites. To the more perfectly protect his
deceit from being discovered by Achish, he put every one to the swoid of
those he attacked, so that none might be left to tell the true story.

When David presented himself before Achish with an abundance of free
gifts as the prey of his invasions, and being asked from whence the spoils had
come, he made answer that they had been taken from those tribes living in
the south of Palestine, which were, of course, the Jews. Thus imposed upon,
Achish placed unlimited confidence in David, as an enemy of Israel, and planned
a campaign against the Israelites in which David was expected to aid him.
Indeed, David had carried his deception so far that he "boasted of the courage
he would exhibit against his people, and which acci lent alone prevented him
from proving.

SAUL CONSULTS THE WITCH OF ENDOR.

When Achish had resolved upon a war with Israel he sent orders through-
out his realm and to his allies to arm themselves and assemble at Reggan,
from which place and rendezvous they would suddenly attack their enemies
and overwhelm them. David was also appealed to for aid, and he, quickly
responding, made boasts that he would now repay the kindness and hospitality
of the Philistine king.

A short time before this last declaration of war Saul had taken the most
dreadful measures to rid the country of necromancers and fortune tellers, in
accordance with God's command that all those having a familiar spirit should
be put to death. He caused a great many of those suspected, as well as those
openly charged with witchcraft, to be slain, until he believed there was not
one remaining in his realm; but he was soon to repent this decree, and to
commit sacrilege by seeking for a witch for consultation.

When the Philistines had gathered together in the valley of Jezreel, oppo-

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

site the camp of Israel, Saul saw that their numbers were very great, so that
he was sore distressed in mind, being afraid to engage in battle lest he should
be put to rout and his kingdom devastated. In the agony caured by his de-
sperate situation he cried to God, but receiving no answer, he sent his messen-
gers to inquire if there was not yet living a woman having a familiar spirit
who could call up the dead, by which he hoped to learn the fate that was in
Store for him. One of the messengers soon returned and told him that there

SAii.'s VISIT TO iHH WITCH oi' i:ni)oi<.
"And Saul perceived that it was Samuel." — i Sam. xxviii. 14.

was such a woman in the cit)' of Eudor, unknown to any that were in tlic
camp. Upon receiving this news, he divested himself of his royal apparel,
and taking his servants with him he repaired to the woman's house. When
he had come into her presence he entreated her to call u]) the soul of our
that was dead whom he would name. She refused at first to exercise her art,
telling him that the king liad banished or slain all such of her kind, and that
it ill became him to lay a siuire by which she would be di.scovered iind pun-
ished. Saul declared to her upon oath that he would tell no one and other-

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

221

wise pleaded so hard that the
witch at length consented to
bring up the spirit of Samuel,
as he had begged her to do.
After some incantations the
woman saw, clairvoyautl}', the
spirit of a man whom she de-
scribed as of venerable and divine
aspect. But at this she showed
great fear, and exclaimed, "Art
not thou King Saul?" for the
spirit of Samuel had so im-
pressed hei Saul now admitted
his identity and asked her to
give him a better description ot
the spirit she saw, whereupon
she told him it was the soul of
one glorious in aspect, of extreme
old age, and clad in a priestly
mantle. By this description Saul
perceived that it was the spirit
of Samuel, and bowed himself
low in an attitude of worship.
Samuel now spoke to him,
through the voice of the woman,
commanding to know why he
had been disturl)cd, to which
Saul answered by saying that he
was in great distress of mind
by reason of the defiance and
threatcnings of his enemies ; that
(lod had forsaken him in his
extremities, and that neither the
medium of prophecy nor of
dreams was longer available to
(lisc()\er to him the future, and
hence he had come to consult
llie shade of his old friend wlio
had taken care of him and had
anointed him.

v'^amuel answered Saul, as
reported by Josephus, as follows:
" It is in vain for thee to desire

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'Saul Imil put awMy tlioso tliiil li;\ii familiar siiirits, nnd the
wi/.anls, out ol" the luiul.'— I Sam. xxviii. 3.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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to learn of me anything further, when God hath forsaken thee ; however, hear
what I say, that David is to be king, and to finish this war with good success;
and thou art to lose th}' dominion and thy life, because thou didst not obey
God in the war with the Amalekites, and hast not kept his commandments, as
I foretold thee while I was alive. Know, therefore, that the people shall be
made subject to their enemies, and that thou, with th}' sons, shall fall in the
battle to-morrow, and thou shalt then be with me [in Hades, siguifying s/iude,
or dcatli]:'

When Saul heard this prophecy he fell down from grief and fear, and for
a time appeared as one dead. His anxieties had caused him to abstain from
food the foregoing da}', which being discovered to the woman, she prepared
some bread, and gave him meat of the only calf she possessed, and after much
persuasion induced him to sit at her table and cat. When he had finished he
returned to his camp that night, so that none might know of his visit.

DAVID IS DRIVKX OUT OF THP: I'HII.ISTIXK CAMl'.

In the assembling of the Philistine forces in the vallc\- of Jczrcel, Achish
came to the place of rendezvous, accouipauied by David and his six luuidred
men, last, and when the numbering of the arm}' was bcgiii! ;;x^ording t(i the
custom of that time, it was disovered by souie of Acliish's allies that David
had enrolled himself as a fighter against Israel. Many of the Philistiues
objected to trusting David in the battle, declaring that he would prove recre-
ant in the most critical stage of the fight by becoming reconciled to Saul, as
he had previously done. Achish tried to dispel their doubts of David's loyalty,
but being unable to do so the king sent him immediately away, telling hiiu
to return to Ziklag and preserve the place against threatened invasions, thus,
by an accident, so to speak, preventing liim from fighting against hi!:' own
people.

David had not proceeded far on his road toward Ziklag, when he met a
messenger who told him that the city had been laid waste by the Amalekites,
who, not content with burning the place, had carried off all the w:>nien and
children captives, among whom were David's two wives. This si 1 news .so
oppressed David that he rent his clothes, and would have wept, bii; I'lat his
heart was so oppressed, grief had dried his tears. His soldiers wt.iv i . less
affected, and blaming him for their misfortunes, were upon the point of .stonini,^
him to death. At this, D.ivid raised his voice to Jehovah, and calling to .Vbia-
thar, the high-priest, bade him inquire of God, by the sacred ephod, if he
should pursue after the Amalekites. The oracle being favorable, Da\id sol
out on the march at once, accompanied by his following of four hundred men.
As he came to the brook of Besor he met an Eg}'ptian who was wauderin.L,'
about almost dead of hunger. After David had given him food, he inquired iti"
the man the cause of his misfortune. The Egyptian replied that he had beou
with his master at the pillage of Ziklag, but having been sick he was uuahic

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

223

to follow his master, and was left behind to care for himself. David refreshed
the man so that he was able to travel, and nsed him as a guide to find the
Amalekites. He came up with the enemy as they lay scattered on the ground
feasting and drinking off the
spoils taken at Ziklag, and
made such a sudden attack
upon them that ilicy were all
slaughtered except four hun-
dred, who escaped on the
camels. David thus recovered
everything that had been
taken from Ziklag, including
the men, women and children
carried :avay captives, among
whom were his two wives, and
returned in triumph to liis
own city.

THE DEATH OF SAUL.

While David was pnr-
3uing the Amalekites, a great
thing had happened to Saul
and his followers, bj- which
the last barrier was removed
between David and the throne.
Notwithstanding the rueful
prophecy of the spirit of
Samuel, Saul, though feeling
that his doom was impending,
went out to meet the enemy
that was marshalled injezreel
valley. He had moved his
army to the mountain of Gil-
l)()a before .seeking an inter-
view with the witch of Endor,
and having returned oppressed
with the forecast of his own
destruction he .seems to have
grown reckless under tlie
knowledge that nothing could
now avail him. He therefore marched down into the valley of Je/.reel and engaged
the host of Philistines, whose forces greatly exceeded his own. The battle
niged furiously for some hours, when at length the Israelites gave way and

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

retreated up the mountain, closely pressed by the Philistines, who slaughtered
them in vast numbers and without mercy. But none fought more valorously
on that day than Saul and his three sons, Jonathan, Melchishua and Abiria-

SUICIDK OK SAUr, ANTl HIS ARMOR-HHARRR.

"Therefore Saul took a sword ami fell upon it."— i Sam, xxxi. 4.

dal), who fell one after another rour.d their father and king, esteeming death
an honor in the defense of Israel. At last, wounded by a score of arrows, uiilil
further defense was impossible, when his mighty arm had become palsied

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

225

through the exertion of hewing down his enemies, and the ioss of blood. Saul
commanded his armor-bearer to pierce him through ■>-vith his sword, that it
might not be said he had perished at the hands of the Philistines, The
armor-bearer, however, was afraid to raise his hand against his master, where-
upon Saul took his sword, and placing the point to his breast fell upon it, but
not being able to force it through his armor he called to a 3'oung man who
was near, and who chanced to be an Amalekite, to slay him, which he accord-
ingly did. Thus miserably perished one of Israel's greatest warriors who, had
he obeyed God in all things, might have become the most renowned character
of Jewish history.

The young man who had killed Saul took his golden bracelet and the
royal crown that was upon his head and fled away with them, afterward bearing
the news of Saul's overthrow to David and delivering up to him the bracelet
and crown, as a proof that he told what was true.

After the battle was over, and all the Israelites engaged therein had been
slain, the Philistines went over the field to gather up the spoils that had been
left, as it was customary to strip the dead bodies of all enemies. While thus
engaged they came upon the c( pses of Saul and his three sons, whom they
stripped, and then cutting off their heads, carried their bodies and hung
them on crosses on the walls of Bethshan, and dedicated their armor in the
heathen temple of Ashtaroth.

The cities of the Israelites that were in the district of Jadea were hastily
abandoned in fear of the Philistines, but some of the most courageous inhabi-
tants of Jabesh-gilead, having heard of the indignity done to the bodies of
Saul and his sons, journeyed all night and secretly came to Bethshan, and
recovering the bodies, took them to their city and buried them at a place
called Aroura. The funeral rites were conducted with great ceremony, befit-
ting a king whose death they lamented, and a public fast was observed for
seven days.

By none Avas the death of Saul more sincerely mourned than by David,
who, though persecuted and outrageously wronged by the king, looked upon
him still as one of God's anointed. But for Jonathan, David's grief was
yet greater, and the overwhelming sorrow which now bowed him down found
expression in a Jeremiade that is justly celebrated as one of the most exquisite
poems of any age. Saul's reign, as the first king of Israel, was for a period of
forty years, eighteen years during the life of Samuel, and twenty -two yeau
after that great prophet's death.
15

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CHAPTER XIX.

DAVID IS PROCLAIMED KING.

2 Samuel.
HE overthrow of Saul was followed by other vic-
tories by the Philistines, until they had made
themselves masters of all that region west of the
Jordan, which was the richest portion of Pales-
tine. All the Israelites fled to the east of Jor-
dan, and soon afterward made David their king
at Hebron, where he ruled for a period of seven
years ; but not in peace, for Abner, Saul's
general, was so jealous of David that he
fomented a division in Israel by proclaiming
Ish-bosheth, Saul's only surviving son, king of
Gilcad, and nominally over all Judea, whose
seat of government was at Mahanaim, which was also east of Jordan. Abner
attempted to enforce his proclamation not only upon those east of the Jordan,
but sought to extend Ish-bosheth's power on the west side as well, and a civil
war followed which continued with varjnng results for about five years.

Abner raised a considerable army and marched upon Gibeon, where he
was met by an opposing force iinder Joab. who was the son of David's sister
Zeruiah. The two armies encamped on opposite sides of the Pool of Gibeon,
where, both being reluctant to hazard battle, it was agreed that twelve soldiers
selected from each side should engage each other, and the result of the con-
test should decide which army had the more valiant men. Accordingl}', twelve
Benjaminites went out to meet twelve men of Judali, and they fell upon each
other at a place equidistant between the two armies. The combat was a fear-
ful one and fatal to all of the contestants. When the}- came together it was
in pairs, each nuin seizing his adversary by the hair and plunging his sword
.into his enemj^'s bodj' until the twenty-four champions lay dead upon the
field. The fight therefore not determining the question at issue, the two
armies became engaged and fought with great fury until Abner's men were
beaten, and retreated, followed by Joab, who incited his soldiers to do their
utmost to destroy every man of their enemies. In the army of Joab was his
younger brother Asahel, whose fleetness of foot it is said exceeded that of a
horse. His valor was equal to his swiftness, and he pursued after Abner to
take his life. The race was a strong one and continued for a great distame,

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

227

with Asahel constantly gaining on his foe. Seeing that he was about to be
overtaken Abner begged Asahel to turn back lest he should be forced to slay
him and thereafter not be able to look his brother Joab in the face. But
Asahel had no mind to give over the pursuit, but continued to press Abner
until within a spear's throw, when the latter turned suddenly upon Asahel and
cast his javelin into his body, killing him upon the instant. Joab, seeing his
brother fall, pressed on with his other brother, Abishai, after Abner until it
was sunset, and they had come to a place called Animah. Here Abrer con-
trived to talk with Joab, and to persuade him to give over the pursuit b}' tell-
ing him that it was not right that men of the same nation should fight
against each other, and by declaring that the death of Asahel was due to his
own fury and folly.

When the pursuit had been abandoned, Joab camped with his army at
Ammah while, during the night Abner drew off his forces and marched aci'oss
the Jordan to Mahanaim, where Ish-bosheth lived. In the morning Joab took
account of the slain, finding that there had fallen three hundred and sixty of
Abuer's men, but only nineteen of David's. He buried all the dead on the field
except the body of Asahel, which he carried to Bethlehem and deposited in the
sepulchre of his relatives.

fre he
[sister
ibeon,
lldiers
coii-
welve
each
fear-
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sword
II the
two
I we re
Itheir
L his
of a
:r to
Hire,

THE TREACHEROUS ASSASSINATION OF ABNER.

The battle at Gibeon was onlj'' the beginning of long protracted internecine
strife, in which the power of David gradually increased, while that of Saul's
sou, the pretender, as surely diminished. David did not lead his army in these
conflicts, trusting the execution of his plans to Joab, in whom he reposed the
greatest confidence.

About this time, or three 3'ears after he had been proclaimed king at
Hebron, David had become the father of six sons by as many mothers. The
eldest of these was by his first wife Ahinoam, and was named Amnion ; the
second was by his wife Abigail, and called Chileab ; the third was Absalom,
by his wife Maacah, who was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the
fourth he named Adonijah, by his wife Haggith ; the fifth was called Shepha-
ti;ih, by Abital, and the sixth was Ithream, by Eglah.

The increasing strength of David so alarmed Abner, whose course had been
that of a traitor to the lawful king by God's appointment, that he determined
to ^ain his favor before a final victory might place him within David's power.
Accordingly, he sent overtures to David, first reciting some of the insults he
had received from Ish-bo.:heth, and proffering his aid to the establishing of
hi: undisputed power over all Judali. Before agreeing to treat with him David
required of him first to restore his wife Michal, whom Saul had given to
Phalticl, as already explained. This Abner succeeded in doing through an
order from Ish-bosheth, and then treated with the ciders of Israel, through

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whom lie persuaded tlie tribe of Benjamin to acknowledge David, because of
his designation by Jehovah and of his services against the Philistines.

So well did his league with David succeed that he determined upon going
in person to Hebron, accompanied by a guard of only twenty men, to pay his
homage to the lawful king. He was received by David with every mark of
respect and consideration, being feasted with all the good things that could be
found, and honored with great promises of preferment; so that when he de-
parted it was with an expressed resolution to gather all Israel to David's
standard.

Abner had not gone above a few miles from Hebron when Joab returned
to the city from a successful expedition against some foraging Bedouins, and
learning that David had treated with him as a friend, was so enraged in his
remembrance of the death of Asahel that he sent messengers in the name of
David to tell Abner to return, as he had some more important matters to con-
sult with him about. Abner, suspecting nothing wrong, rode back to Hebron,
but was met at the gate by Joab, who received him with evidence of nnich
kindness. Upon the pretense of a desire to speak with him secretly, Joab and
Abishai led Abner apart from his guard behind a gate, where they foully
miirdered him. Josephus tells us that this treacherous act was committed by
Joab, not because of revenge for Asahel's death, but because he feared that
Abner would supplant bini in the favor of David and becomes the king's chief
officer,

DAVID LAMENTS FOR ABNER.

When David learned of the assassination of Abner he was exceedingly
grieved, not so much for the loss of a new ally, who would be of gi'eat ser-
vice in establishing the kingdom, as because his honor had been compromised
by the act ; for Abner was ostensibly under the royal protection and had been
promised the king's favor. To relieve au}^ impression which might obtain that
he secretly sanctioned the murder, David called all his people as witnesses
and appealed to God for an affirmation of his condemnation of the act. He
also called down curses upon those who committed the crime, and then ordered
that there be a public lamentation for the dead and that the body be accorded
all the honor due to one occupj'ing an exalted station. As a still further
evidence of his extreme sorrow, David put on sackcloth and followed the l)ier,
with all the elders and rulers of his kingdom, and had the remains deposited
in a magnificent sepulchre in Hebron, over which he indited funeral elegies.

The sorrow and respect manifested by David procured for him the favor of
the people, particulaid}^ those who had joined their fortunes to Saul's son, ;uid
the affair therefore did great credit to David's judgment, for it gave him the
confidence of those who had been his enemies and did more toward establish-
ing his kingdom over all Judah than a hundred great victories in war would
have done. David would have gone further and requited the murder, except
that this power was wanting ; for he says, " God, who hath regard to all men's

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

229

actions, will not suffer this man (Joab) to go off unrevenged ; but know ye,
that I am not able to do any thing to these sons of Zeruiah, Joab and Abishai,
who have more power than I have ; but God will requite their insolent attempts
upon their own heads."

THE ASSASSINATION OF ISH-BOSHETH.

The sad death of Abner affected Ish-bosheth quite as much as it did Davia,
for he did not know how Abner had made a league with David to depose him,
or auvthing of the true reason that had caused Abner to visit Hebron. But
he did not long survive his chief officer, nor was his death any less horrible
and untimely. The change of public feeling in Alahanaim had been very rapid
from the time that Abner had first advised the elders of the Benjaminites to
accept David as king, and after his death the eagerness to abandon the failing
fortunes of Ish-bosheth and secure the favor of David was so great that two
sons of Rimmon, Baanah and Rechab, resolved to murder the king, with the
expectation that David would reward the deed by bestowing upon them some
rich presents or offices of preferment. Being captains in Ish-boshc ' h's army
tliey had free access to the royal presence, and one sultry mid-day, finding him
alone and asleep in an upper room, they cut off his head, and making their
escape, travelled all night until they came to Hebron. Here they procured an
audience with David, to whom they presented the ghastly trophy of their
villainous deed, explaining at the same time how they had killed his enemy.

Instead of fulfilling the wishes and expectations of the murderers, David
at once ordered that they be put to the torture and afterwards to death for the
crime of murder, and also for offending his own honor with the infamy of
their proposals. Accordingly their heads, feet and hands were cut off, and
their bodies hanged over the Pool of Hebron, while the head of Ish-bosheth
was deposited in the sepulchre with Abner, after appropriate rites had been
bestowed upon it.

DAVID IS CROWNED KING OF ALI. ISRAEL.

All the things which David had done out of respect to Abner and Ish-
bosheth so increased his popularity among all the Israelites that there was
now a general consent to accept him as the ruler of United Israel. The
armies that had before been in revolt against him began, one after another, to
come into Hebron with their anus and lay them at his feet iu acknowledgment
of Ills sovereignty. Seeing the disposition that was everywhere manifest, David
feasted and otherwise kintU}- treated those who first came to him, and sent
them away to invite all the other tribes to visit him. Accordingly, there now
came all the legions of Israel, enumerated by Josephus as follows : 6800 of the
tribe of Judah, who had served under Saul's son; 7100 of the tribe of Simeon;
4700 of the tribe of Levi ; and after these came Zadok, the high-priest, with
T2 captains of his kindred; 4000 out of the tribe of Benjamin, though many

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

others of this tribe refused to acknowledge David, expecting a new ruler from
the house of Saul to aucceed Ish-bosheth ; of the tribe of Ephraini there were
20,800, all mighty men of great valor and eminent for strength ; of the half
tribe of Manasseh came iS,ooo of the most potent men ; of the tribe of Issa-
char there came 200 who were gifted with the foreknowledge of events and
20,000 warriors ; of t tribe of Zebuluu were 50,000 chosen men, which was
the onl}' tribe that came universall}' to acknowledge David ; of the tribe of
Naphtali there came 1000 eminent men and rulers, besides 37,000 others of the
tribe; of the tribe of Dan there were 27,600, and of the tribe of Asher there
were 40,000. Beside these came those from the two tribes east of Jordan
(Reuben and Gad), and of the tribe of Alanasseh, who used shields, spears
and swords, 120,000, making a total of 357,200 armed men. All these came
together at Hebron to David, bringing vast quantities of corn, wine and other
fruits as offerings to their king, and here David was crowned king of Israel,
after which event there was a great feast and rejoicing for a period of three
days.

DAVID LAYS SIEGE TO JERUSALEM.

Finding himself now strong in the affections of his people, and at the
head of an army almost invincible by reason of its vast numbers and unison
of sympathy and purpose, David resolved to change the seat of government
from Hebron to a city more central and accessible to the commerce of the
several tribes, while at the same time other necessary advantages, in case of
war, were not overlooked. It is but natural that his choice should fall on
Jerusalem, which was the largest and strongest city in all Palestine, but iu
the possession of the Jebusites. In the daj'S of Joshua the advantages of
Jerusalem had been well understood, and at that time a desperate attempt was
made to capture the place. That portion of the town situate in the valley
had surrendered to Joshua, but the city proper, that was built upon a hill,
resisted all the efforts of the mighty men of Judali, and had continued in the
hands of the Jebusites.

David marched at the head of his army against the great city of Jeru-
salem with composure and confidence in his abilit}^ to effect its capture,
notwithstanding its reputed impregnabilit}'' ; his confidence, indeed, exceeded
that of proper discretion, as the circumstances afterward proved. He directed
his first attack against the lower city, which, being feebly garrisoned and
slightly protected, soon capitulated; but the citadel on top of the hill held out:
and repulsed so many attempts to scale the walls that, at length, in derisiDu'
of David's efforts, the Jebusites manned the walls with those that were siek,
lame and blind, shouting to the besiegers that these were sufficient to over-
come the Israelites. Infuriated by these taunts, David encouraged his army
to superluunan exertions by the offer of large rewards, but all to no purpose,
until he finally proffered the command of his entire army to the one \\!io
would first pass the ditches and ascend over the wall. This offer was so

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

231

'emptiug that many hundreds tried with reckless desperation to win the honor
\nd distinction, but were sent, one after another, headhjng back from the walls,
ill the ditches were nearly choked, and certain death appeared to wait on all
^•ho made the efifort. There was one, however, whom fortune favored, whoi
managed to guard against the shafts flung at him, and, by prodigious effort'
and valor, finally gained the citadel, and standing aloft on the walls claimed
the command as had been promised. This great warrior was Joab, who had

SIEGE 01' JICRUSALEM— SHOWING ANCIENT WKAl'ONS OI' WAR.

dishonored David In' the murder of Abner. and upon whom now fell the office
of chief commandant of Israel. He was soon followed by other brave men,
and a breach being effected the army poured into the city and put the Jebu-
sitcs to the sword. This was the first capture of Jerusalem, effected after a
fit,^ht scarcely less desperate than that which took place more than two thou-
sand years afterward, when ySaladin, the Moslem conqueror, wrested the city
from the Christians after a siege of twelve days.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

REBUILDING OF JERUSALEM.

The attack upon and sack of Jerusalem by the Israelites so nearly de-
stroyed the cit}-, or left it in such confusion, that when David had made him-

JOAIl MOUNTING TIIIC WALLS Ol' JKRUSALEM.

self secure he set about repairiuj^ and rcbuildini2f the place, and changed itr
name to that of T//r Citv of Davids for it was his desire to rule here all tne
days of his life. David was thirty years of age when first proclaimed king,
and his rule at Hebron was for a period of seven and one-half years, so that

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

233

at the time of the capture of Jerusalem he was still a comparatively j'oung
man, but he had long before proved the possession of remarkable resource, both
in conception and execution, in civil and military affairs. In the rebuilding of
Jerusalem, he again manifested the great sagacity and craft with which he was
endowed. Understanding the importance of perfect defenses to the lower por-
tion of the city, which previous occupants had utterly failed to consider, he
caused a strong wall to be built around it, and so arranged the building that
there was a safe connection between the lower city and the citadel, thus making
it a compact city, where, befot , the lower portion, being detached and ill-
defended, served as a lodgment for an enemy who, b}' occupying it, could be
safely housed for a siege against the citadel, or upper city.

Five hundred and fifteen years had elapsed since Joshua divided the land
among the twelve ♦^ribes, and in all this time Jerusalem (formerly called
Salem, before the aays of Melchizedec, and after Abraham Jireh-Salem, hence
its present designation, meaning, '"''the Lord will sec and provide^'') had
remained in possession of the Canaanites until David, strengthened by God,
effected its capture. The consequence of this triumph did not terminate with
the mere possession of the city, but its influence was wide-extending and had
the happiest effect of largely increasing David's power. Tyre was a kingdom
adjoining Palestine on the west, and was ruled over at the time by the most
powerful potentate o the then known world, whose name was Hiram. This
king had carried terror among all tlie nations with whom he was ever engaged
in war, but the capture of Jerusalem, regarded for so many centuries as being
absolutely impregnable, spread the fame of David so greatly that Hiram imme-
diately desired him for an ally. He accordingly sent ambassadors to the new
city of David, and made a league of mutual friendship with the Israelites, by
which the power of David was so strengthened that no nation now dared to
incur his ill-will.

DAVID COMMITS A GREAT vSIN.

The possession of great power almost invariably reacts dangerously upon
the possessor, since it promotes vanity and undue exaltation that prompt to
the most extravagant conceits and follies, leading finally to disaster. So it
proved with David; though a man of excellent judgment, when great respon-
.sil)ility required its exercise, the enlargement of his powers and the sccurit}' of
his present situation caused him to become careless of his honor and dignity,
and he abandoned himself to the lowest craving of his nature.

Though alread}' married to six wives, which was apparentlj- no sin, as
polygani}^ was then general, David established a %'erv harem, which he filled
with concubines, to whose dalliances he devoted his time to the neglect of his
royal duties, and his respect for God's laws. How many wives he had we are
not told, for he took mau}'^ others beside the six alread}' mentioned, and by
whom he had nine more sons, named respectivcl}-, Amnon, Eninos, Ebon,
Nathan, Solomon, Jebau, Elien, Phalna and Emnaphen. By his concubines he

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

U,ll'

had two sons, named Eliplialct and Jcnai. Afterward he took other wives and
ten more concnbines, who bore him as many sons.

Daviil's excesses bronght upon him the anger of God, who snrronndcd
him with enemies that he might be brought to realize the sinfuhiess of hisv
living. The manner in which he was punished will appear hereafter.

THK rHILISTINHS W.'vR AGAIN WITH DAVID.

Sometime after David had been proclanned king of all Israel, and had
fallen somewhat into disrepute by reason of his immorality, the Philistines gath-
ered together a great army, and came to attack him at Jerusalem. Thej^ took
possession of the \'alley of the Giants, which is near the cit}', and there
pitclied their tents to prepare for a siege. David, somewhat fearful of the
result, now realizing the wickedness of his conduct, prayed to Jehovah for for-
giveness ; but not being sure that his praj-er would be heard, commanded the
high-priest to foretell the will of God, and what would be the result of the
battle. Jehovah, though offended, did not abandon David, but promised to give
him the victory. The fight soon took place, in which David came upon the
Philistines by ambush, and defeated them with small loss to hiii self. But
though the Philistines retreated without showing any courage, they speedily
reorganized, and securing help from S3'ria, Phoenicia and other nations, they
raised an army three times greater than that of David, and pitclied their camp
as before, in the \'alley of the Giants. Being again in doubt as to the issue
of the batt!", David prayed to God as before, and ahso sent the high-priest to
inquire whether Jehovah would give him the victor^'.

The proj-hcc}' was again favorable, but he was directed to assemble his
army in a grove near the enemy's camp, called the Grove of Weeping, and
not to sally out from this ambush until a wind should spring up and disturb
the trees. David ''epaired to the place designated and there remained with
his army until he perceived the trees bending under pressure of a strong
wind ; he now rushed out and fell upon the enemy with such suddenness
and impetuosity that they retreated with scarcely a show of resistance. The
Israelites pursued them for several days, slaughtering great numbers, until
the Philistines were driven to Ga/a, by the sea, which was the limit of their
country.

DAvin imiNcs vv run ark to jkrusalem.

The decisive victories which David had gained over his enemies made liiin
desirous of manifesting thanks to God, of proving his disposition to do Uiii
which was holy instead of following in evil ways; therefore, after despt)ilinK
the Philistines of their riches and breaking their idols, he returned to Iiis cit\,
and selecting i: large number of soldiers from the flower of his army, and
taking many priests and Levites, he set out to bring the ark, which had tnr
several years, indeed, since its restt)ration by the Philistines, vested at Kirjalli-
jearini with the family of Abinadab, to Jerusalem, that he might sacrifice u>

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

235

it as the symbol of Jehovah's presence. Accordiiiglj-, this new army proceeded
to Kirjath-jearim, and bi-inging out the ark, they put it upon a cart and both
cart and oxen started drawing it toward Jerusalem. Before the ark nuirched
David and a great multitude, singing hymns to i.kk1 and playing musical instru-
ments. As the procession reached a place called Chidon, where there was a
threshing floor, a singular and melancholy accident occurred, bj' wliicli Jeho-
vah's presence was manifested. In passing over some rough ground the cart
was all but upset, and to save the ark from such a catastrophe a man named
Uzzah put out his hand to save it, when on the instant he was struck dead.
This was in accordance with the law, bj' which any person, save that of a
priest, who might touch the ark should perish for his rashness.

It seems most probable that this explanation is a correct one, for David
evidently so construed it. He was much frightened by Uz/ah's singular death,
and bade the people to leave the ark at the house of a righteous man named
Obcdedom, where it remained for three months, and until David could arrange to
have it transported to Jerusalem in a manner which he thought would please God.

During the time that the ark was in the keeping of Obededom it brought
to him many blessings, elevating him from a position of extreme poverty to
one of competence and happiness. When the time arrived for its removal,
David, who now perceived that the ark was calculated to increase the pros-
perity of its keeper, repaired to the house of Obededom with many priests,
who took it upon their shoulders and again started for Jerusalem, preceded
by seven companies of singers, while David himself played upon a harp and
UKinifested exubemnt joj'. His demonstration excited the derision of his
wife Michal, Saul's daughter, who afterward wished him all possible happiness,
but could not refrain from taxing him with unseemly actions iu dancing and
uncovering himself before the multit'ule.

The ark was brought in safety to Jerusalem and deposited in a tabernacle
which David had prepared as its depository, after which he offered costly
sacrifices and peace-offerings, and gave to each of the great number who re-
jdiced with him a loaf of bread and two cakes, together with portions of the
sacrifice.

llAVin rUOSKCUTK.S A WAR VOK SPOILS AND CONQUKST.

After the removal of the ark to Jerusalem David prospered in all things,
giving the credit to Jehovah's presence, vho was now always with him. This
success made him anxious to ])rovc his worthiness and appreciation, to do
which he resolved to build a more woriiiy repository for the sacred object than
the tent in which it was kept. He mentioned tliis intention to the pro])hct
Nathan, by whom the project was highly commended ; but during the same
night Jehovah came to Nathan in a dream, conimanding him to tell D.-ivid to
forego this intention, as he should first establish his kingdom and leave to
liis sou, vvho would be chosen to rule hereafter, the duty of providing a suit-
able house for the ark.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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David contented himself with what God had ordered through Nathan, and
then set about extending his kingdom, to conducting a war of subjugation and
for spoils. He now attacked the Philistines and captured their chief frontier
city, Gath, and continued driving his enemies until he had made himself
master of all of southern Palestine to the " river of Egypt." He next turned
toward the eastern frontier and overran Moab, two-thirds of whose people he
ordered put to death, and the remainder laid under tribute. This vengeance
on the part of David is unaccounted for, and can scarcely be credited, since it
was to the Moabites he committed the care of his father and motlier wlicn he
was first forced to flee from Saul, as alreadj- related. There is an okl Jewish
tradition to the effect that his parents were murdered by the Moabitcs, but
there is no record of the crime in the Scriptures.

After subjugating Moab David advanced toward the northeast, intending
to extend his kingdom to the river Euphrates. Two vSyrian nations lay
between him and the river, one of which was ruled by Hadadezer, and the
other b}' Hadad. He engaged the former near the Euphrates and speedily
overthrew him, destroying twenty thousand of his foot soldiers, seven thousand
horsemen, and took one thousand chariots, one hundred of the finest of which
he reserved for his own use.

Hadad, king of Damascus, hearing of Hadadezer's defeat, who was his
ally, raised a powerful ami}-, and nuirched quickly to his friend's aid, coming
up with David also beside the Euphrates. Here another great Ixittle was
fought, but with no less decisive results for David, who slew twenty thousand
of Hadad's army and put the rest to fliglit.

Tliese victories were followed by alliances with Toi, king of Hanuith, and
a renewal of the treaty with Hiram, so that David now held possession of
nearly all of Fal'^stine, besides gaining enonnous spoils of gold, silver, jewels,
arms, and everything that had been used bj' those with wliom he fouglu. A
portion of the plunder thus taken was dedicated to the service and building of
the future temple.

DAVID ADOPTS JONATHAN'S vSON.

In the hour of David's greainess he did not forget the memory of his
dead friend Jcmathan, to whom lie had been joined in his early years with ties
stronger than those of brotherhood. In the hours of his reflection he lenieni-
bered the covenant he had nuule with Jonathan, and the desire came upon him
to know if any of his frieiul's children were 5'et living, that he might show a
kindness to them acconliug lo his jiromise. He therefore sent for a man who
had been a servant to vSaul, of whoui he made iuquiry concerning JoiuUhau's
children. The servant told hiui that there was one child of his friend yet
living, who was a cripple, having received his injuries by being dropjjed from
his nurse's arms ou tlie day of his father's death. David immediately setii
for the young man, whose nauie was Mcphiboshelh, and when he was brought
into the king's presence he bowed down very low atul asked what was desirei.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

237

of liini. David raised the j'oitng man and assured liiiu that no danger should
befall him. He then explained to Mephibosheth that he desired to do a kind-
ness to him tor the sake of his father, who being dead, he should now find a
home in his house and a father in himself. David then ordered that all the

Mi;i;ii.Ni; oi' kaviu and mi;i>hiuosuuth.
"And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the kiiin." — 2 .Sam. xix. 24.

land that had belonged to Saul should be given to the young man, who should
thereafter eat at the royal table and be a member of the royal household.

d.wid's war with 'rniv .\mmonitKvS.

The conquests of David had made him master of nearly all Palestine, and
Ills jiower was greatly feared by all the neighboring nations yet he was not
IH-nuitted to remain long in peace, for, by a curious incident, he was forced
to go to war with one of his strongest allies, the .Ammonites. Nahash, king
of the Ammonites, having died, his eldest sou succeeded him, u petulant, vain

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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and bigoted young man, wholly unfitted, by reason of indulgences in his
youth, to assume so important a position. When David heard of Nahash's
death he sent ambassadors to the young king, conveying messages of con-
dolence and assurances of liis wishes that the alliances made with Nahash
should continue in effect.

The youthful king had several brothers who, to secure their own exalta-
tion, should their schemes be consummated, advised their roj-al brother not to
accept the assurances of David, whom they charged with having sent condoling
messages to disguise his real intentions, which were to spy out the country
and discover its weakness. The new king was so influenced b}' these declara-
tions of his brothers that he abused David's ambassadors by ordering that
they be shorn of half their beards, and that one-half of their clothes should be
cut off. With this indignity he sent them out of his kingdom, not deigning
to answer David's messages with any words. The result of this insult was a
speed}' declaration of war by David, who vowed an oath that he would be
revenged.

The Ammonites, though strong in war themselves, could not hope for a
successful issue with David without help, so they sent a present of one
thousand talents (equivalent to nearly fi2, 000,000), to the king of Syria and
Mesopotamia, who had twenty thousand soldiers, for his assistance, and they
also hired the king of Maacah, whose soldiers were not enumerated, and also
auothcr king named Ishtob, who had twelve thousand armed men. With these
forces and such as they themselves could muster, the Ammonites marched
against the Israelites.

David had no reason to fear the result, for his army was well nigh
invincible, so perfectly were his soldiers trained. He therefore ordered out
only a portion of the forces at his command, with Joab as the leader, a posi-
tion which he had held since the capture of Jerusalem.

DAVID'.S GRK.\TKST IN'IQUITV.

The Israelites pressed the Ammonites to their own city of Rabbah, the
capital of Annuon, and here a decisive battle was fought, lasting nearly three
days. Duriug the progress of this war David connnitted the greatest sin of
his life. While walking upon the roof of his house, late in the evening, he
chanced to observe a very l)eautiful woman washing herself in a h'nise near
by. Being infatuated with her appearance, he sent a messenger to inquire who
she was. By tliis means he discovered that her name was Bathslieba, and
that she was the wife of Uriah, Joal)'s armor-bearer, who was witli Joab fight
ing against the Ammonites. This information caused him to conceive a
heinous plan by which he should become possessed of this comely woman
either as wife or concubine. He accordingly sent word to Joal), ordering that
IViah be brought to him. When Uriah had answered the summons David
received him with affected kindness and many pretensions of friendship, but

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

239

when he sent him back to the arm}-, he wrote to Joab, secretly instructing
liiiu to procure the death of Uriah by advancing liini to the forefront of the
next battle, and then suddenly to abandon him that he might be slain by the
Liiemy. All was done as David had commanded, and Uriah fell fighting at
the gates of Rabbah, after proving himself to have been the most valorous

n.win iii':,sii:r,iNr, Tin: crrv oi' uahhaii.
"Ami David gathered all the people together, and went to Uabhali, and fou},'Ut aRainst it, and took it."

— 2 vSam. xii. 29.

limn of all Israel. Wc will presently sec how God punished this monstrous
act of David.

Tlic l)attle, or siege of Rabbali, was vigorously contested, both sides losing
so heavily that it was a very slaughter. Joab divided his forces so that a por-
tion, under the command of Abishai, fought with the Ammonites, while he led

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

the rest of his army a^-aiiist the three incrcenar}' kings. In thus fighting,
the Syrians finally flanked Joab and fijr a time the indications were that Israel
would lose the battle, but Joab's stratagems turned the tide when all seemed
lost, and finally drove the eneni}- into their cit}-. The Israelites laid siege to
Rabbah for a time, but finally gave over the contest, being content with a
bare victory, and returned to Jerusalem.

The manner in which they had withstood the assaults of Israel's army
encouraged the Ammonites to renew hostilities, but not until they had largely
increased their forces by the engagement of other mercenary kings. They
accordingly sent to Chalamou, a Syrian king, whose nation was beyond the
Euphrates, whom they persuaded, by the use of liberal rewards, to join them.
This was a great accession, for he brought to the assistance of the Ammonites
a force consisting of So,ooo foot soldiers and 10,000 cavalry.

When David heard how great an i.rmy his enemies had raised to attack
him, he was somewhat concerned for the result, and instead of trusting to his
officers, as before, he took command in person of his troops and pushed across
the Jordan to meet the enemy on their own soil. A battle was soon precipi-
tated, which resulted in a complet > overthrow of the Ammonites and their
allies, and the loi-s of 700c charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, besides the
death of the great Syrian leader, vShophach. The Syrians thus became trilni-
tary to David, and the powt r of the Ammonites was utterl}' broken.

NATIIA^: COXDKMN'.S DAVID IN A I'ARAIiI.E.

When David returned from the war with the Ammonites he was confronted
by Nathan, the prophet, whom God had instructed, in a dream, to reprove tlic
king for the infamy of his action in causing Uriah to be slain. Resolving
not to expose himself to the anger of David, which would certainly be excited
by openly accusing him of his crime, Nathan engaged him in a good-natured
conversation, which he artfully changed after a short time, and asked the
king's opinion of what punishment should be given to one guilty of such an
ofFen.se as the following:

" There were," said he, " two men, inhabiting the same city, the one of
them was rich, the other poor. The rich man had a great many flocks of cattle,
of sheep, and of kine ; but the poor man had onl}'^ one ewe lamb. This he
brought up with his children, and let her eat her food with them ; and he
had the same natural affection for her which any one might have for a daughter.
Now, upon the coming of a stranger to the rich man he would not vouehsaio
to kill any of his own flocks, and thence feast his friends ; but he sent for the
poor man's lamb, and took her away from him, and made her ready for fofnl,
and then feasted the stranger."

This complaint of Nathan's aroused the keenest sympathy of David, win)
denounced the rich man as the basest of criminals, and declared that he shouil

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

241

first be required to restore the lamb fourfold, after which he should be executed
as one unworthy to live among God's creatures.

When the king had somewhat spent his rage, with maledictions upon the
lii^h man, Nathan arose, and pointing his finger at David, in a stern voice
said: "Thou art the rich man who hath committed this crime." When the
king would have remonstrated Nathan rehearsed to him the infamy of his act
with Bathsheba, and how
he had ordered that her
husband be slain in order
that he might indulge his
base and lecherous pro-
pensity. But Nathan did
not content himself with
a mere denouncement of
the king's monstrous
crime, but employed the
occasion to remind him
of God's provident care
in raising him from the
humble and lowly posi-
tion of shepherd to be king
of the Jews, and liad en-
larged his kingdom by
numerous manifestations
of His divine favor and
power. For .:hese bless-
ings he accounts himself
under no obligations, and
even turns against Jeho-
vah with acts of iniquity
and disgrace. Nathan
then threatened David
with v^rod's anger, for it
' aS ui reasonable to sup-
pose ti.at He \\Ould take "Ami Natlmn saul to David, Tliou art Uie man."— 2 Sam. xii. 7.

.10 account jf a crime so monstrous; therefore the pro])het jjronounccd against
i)avid a curse wherein a bitter punishment would lie; that his harem shouM
be broken^ up, his wives disgraced, and that he should be supplanted by a sou
bcuotten in iniquitous relations with one of his wives ; nuu-eover. he prophesied
that tlie offspring of Bathsheba would speedily languish and die.

When David had heard all that Nathan was ordered by God to tell him,
he was overcome with grief and renu)rse, discovering now the enormity of hi.s
sni, and he prayed for compassion Avith such earnestness that God finallv pro-
16 '

■'TlKir AKT THIC IIAN !"

"And Nathan said to David, Tliou art Uie man.'

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

raised to preserve to him his life and kingdom. But the Lord could not
wholly forgive David's great fault, and that the measure of his punishment
might be complete the child born of Uriah's wife to the king was stricken
with disease and soon died, as Nathan had predicted.

When David first learned that the child was sick, remembering what
Nathan had declared, he clothed himself in a black garment and lay down
upon the floor of his room, where he remained seven days, refusing food and
praj'ing God for its recovery. When the child was dead the servants refused
to tell him, fearing that any increase of his present grief might cause him to
prolong his fast until he should starve to death. But David discovered, by
the actions of his servants, that a fatal issue had resulted, and being so
informed when he had commanded that they should tell him, instead of relaps-
ing into greater grief, he rose up and washed himself, after which he put on
a white garment and oroered supper to be brought. While he was eating,
some of the company perceiving how great a change had come over him, ven-
tured to inquire why, when the child was ill his grief was uncontrollable, while
now that it had jtist died, he should put aside his grief entirely. To this
inquiry David made reply in the most memorable and hopeful of all words :
"I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." This expresses his belief
in the final resurrection, and is the most direct and implicit reference to that
life bevond the grave that is made in all the Old Testament.

David explained to those who attended him that while his child lay sick
he prayed to God, in the anxieties of his heart, for its recovery; but now that
it was dead grief could not restore its life, and it was becoming in him thai
he should accept the Lord's decree without murmur. This contrite spirit
gained for him the favor of God, who comforted him with forgiveness and new-
assurances, and also by another proof of his continued care, foi when Batli-
sheba had been joined to David in lawful wedlock God gave to him another
child, who was afterward the glory of his kingdom. This chili was named
Solomon ifianr), whom Nathan also called Jedidiah, which signifies in tlic
Hebrew, Beloved of Jehovah^ and for whom the prophet predicted the most
wonderful things, chief of which was that through him should come the
promised Messiah.

D.WID ANNIHILATES TIIp; AMMONITES.

Very soon after the birth of Solomon, Joab was sent again against the
Ammonites, at the city of Rabbah, and after capturing the first defenses ami
cutting off the city's supply of water, rested until David came to his assist-
ance at the head of all Israel. After a siege of a few days the city capitu-
lated and was followed by one of the nujst cruel massacres of which history
gives an account. The sacred narrative tells us that " David brought out the
people, and put them under saws, and harrows of iron, and axes, and made
them pass through the brick-kiln, to their grim idol." The terrors of these
tortures can scarcely be pictured, and are too painful to be dwelt upon. Of

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

243

the spoils which he captured little is said except that he deposited them in
the ark of the Tabernacle. There was captured at the time, however, in addi-
tion to the other spoils, a so-called sacred crown weighing a talent (93^^
pounds) of gold,'^' which was set with precious stones. This was worn b}- the
idol Moloch, which the Ammonites worshipped, but David did not eschew it,
nor consider it any profanation to wear it upon his own head, for we are told
tli.it he took the crown for his own royal vestment. Other cities of the
Ammonites also fell into David's possession, and their inhabitants were as
cruelly sacrificed to his anger as were those of Rabbali.

AMNOX C0NCKIVF:S a PASSION' FOR TAMAR.

Though God forgave David for the sin of causing Uriah to be slain, he
did not choose to forego the punishments which Nathan had prophesied, and
we shall soon see how great a judgment was sent upon him, fulfilling all that
the prophet had foretold.

Among the several children that were born to David by his many wives
and concubines there were four who became conspicuous in Bible history, viz.:
Aninon, Taniar, Absalom and Solomon. Others are mentioned, but not so
often, nor in connection with such important incidents as these four. Aninon
was the eldest, having been born of his first wife, while Tamar was an illegi-
timate, or daughter of one of the king's concubines, but she grew up to be a
woman famous for beauty and withal goodly in her deportment. The fascina-
tions of Tamar inspired Amnon with an unhol}- passion for her, notwithstand-
ing she was his half-sister. This love constantly g.cw greater until he
contrived, through the advice of Jonadab, a kinsman, to have Tamar wait
upon him, while he was pretending sickness, and taking advantage ;f her
helplessness while they were alone, committed a great wrong which brought
grief and disgrace upon her. Ai> she went out from Amnon's presence, she
covered her head with ashes n.nd recited the violence of her half-brother in the
streets until she was met by her brother Absalom. When she had told him
of Amnon's conduct he bade her to leave off crying, and not to esteem the act
of Amnon as being so di-^graceful as she had declared. He thus comforted
her and brought her to his house to live with him.

David was in due time told of Amnon's sinfulness, but on account of his
.yroat affection for this, his eldest son, he did not offer to punish him. Absa-
1(1111, ho\wver, though controlling his anger, resoA'cd to avenge his sister's
wrongs, which he oiten attempted, but was iinablc to acconij^lish until two
years ] ad passed. He finallj'', to nuike an opportunity for his purpose, went
u[) lo Baal-hazor to shear his sheep, and while there gave a feast, to which he
invited his father and kinsmen. They all accepted the invitation except David,
and when the feast was at its height wine was introduced and drunk until all

■V,

i'. i-,

I I

1 I

:i !;!:'. I

1 ■ !'

* A foot-note to Josephus fixes the weiRlit of this crown at seven pounds, and estimates that it could not
luivL' been greater, because David wore it upon his head perpetually.

244

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

were senseless with intoxication. Absalom's servants, as they had previously
been instructed, now rushed into the room, and first creating great confusion
in order to better disguise their purpose, fell upon Amnon with their swords
and killed him. The other brothers, as soon as their condition would permit,
gained their horses and fled away, intending to go directly to David, but were
persuaded to tarry awhile at a neighboring town. Thus it happened that some
one went to David and told him that all his other sons had been slain l)y
Absalom. This news so greatly affected the king that he never attempted to
inquire the cause of his sons' death, but fell upon the^ ground, tore his clothes
and was fairly crazed with grief. Seeing him so inconsolable Jonadab venture',
to suggest that it was possible the facts had been exaggerated and that his
sons had not been slain, though he was inclined to believe that Absalom had
procured the death of Amnon, for his crime to Tamar.

The brothers who had tarried by the way came to their father while
Jonadab was trying to console him and reported how Amnon had been slain,
whereupon David's grief was in no wise diminished, for his love for Amnon
was greater than the affection he bore for any of his other sons except for
Absalom.

DAVID r'^COMES RFXOXCILKD TO ABSALOM.

After the assassination of Amnou, Absalom fled to Geshur, over which liis
maternal grandfather was king, and remained with him for three years, when
David sent Joab to induce him to return home. But when Absalom had come
back to Jerusalem his father was still unreconciled, and bade him not to come
into his presence, but to remain at a house which was occupied by his own
family.

At this time Absalom surpassed in beauty all other men in his father's
kingdom. Notwithstanding the hardships endured during the period of his
exile, his fine appearance had not become impaired, for he still remained st)
comely that every one was attracted toward him. In his hair, however, lay
his chief glory, for Josephus tells us that it grew so thick that it had to be cut
every eighth day.

Absalom dwelt in Jerusalem for two years without seeing his father ; for
being a married man he remained at his own house and never ventured to call
at the royal residence. His wife bore him three sons and one daughter, ilu
latter being as famed for her beauty as was her aunt, Tamar. She afterward
became the wife of Rehoboam, who was the son of Solomon, by whom she had
a sou who was named Abijah. We will hear further of this son in a futnie
chapter.

Absalom became very much oppressed by reason of his father's coldness,
and being unable to endure the suspense longer, he sent for Joab with the
view of influencing him to prevail upon David to be reconciled to him. Joab
promised to intercede for Absalom, but neglected for some reason to do so, and
wh^n the cast-off prince sent for him again he refused to come. To belter

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

245

effect his purpose, therefore, Absalom ordered his servants to set fire to the
fields adjoiuiug Joab's, knowing that he would come to inquire the cause.
When Joab came over to reproach Absalom the latter accused him of unfaith-
fulness, and then said : " I have found out this stratagem that might bring
thee to us, whilst thou hast taken no care to perform the injunction I laid
upon thee, which was this, to reconcile my father to me ; and I really beg it
of thee, now thou art here, to pacify mj- father as to me, since I esteem my
coming hither to be more grievous than my banishment, while ui}- father's
wrath against me contir '.es." Joab pitied the distress of Absalom, and imme-
diately went to David with such excellent excuses for his son's conduct that he
succeeded in fully reconciling the king. When at length Absalom came before
his father he fell down on his knees and begged forgiveness of his offenses,
which so moved David with compassion that he raised him up and gave him
tlie kiss of reconciliation.

ABS.M.OM'S rebellion against DAVID.

It appears very strange that Absalom should have felt such great grief by
reason of his father's long refusal to receive him back to his royal and pater-
nal favor, when we learn that within a short time after he had been restored
lo his father's confidence and love he began to plot a treason against the hand
that had blessed him. Indeed, we are almost forced to conclude that Absa-
lom's pretensions of anguish were intended to disguise a purpose he had con-
ceived while sojourning with his grandfather, Talmai, in the land of Geshur.

There were two things specially favorable to Absalom's enterprise, one of
which was his extreme beauty and suavit\' of manner, attractions which David
liiiuself could not resist ; but the more important circumstance was the decreas-
ing popularity of the king because of his numerous wives and concubines, and
particularly the crime through which he secured Bathsheba for his wife.
The people generally commended Absalom for assassinating Amnon, and held
David accountable for bringing odium upon Israel by maintaining a harem thai
produced the natural consequences of domestic discord and crime. This feel-
int; was greatest among the men of Judah, and was most openly expressed in
Hebron, where he was first crowned.

Absalom began to put his treasonable designs into execution by first
winning the affection of the people. He stood every day at the portal of his
father's audience chamber; as those having business with the king came out,
he would accost them with civility, and to those who failed to obtain favorable
judijnient on their causes he would make promises to intercede in their behalf.
Besides this, he would kiss those in distress, and assure them if he should
ever come into power to do them the fullest justice. By this means he rapidly
increased his popularity and very soon had a large following upon whom he
could depend when the time should come for an open announcement of his
ambition. Knowing nothing of his purpose, David granted Absalom the great-

,pp1i

246

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

est indulgence, and provided him, at his request, with fifty armor-bearers and
a considerable body of foot-runners, chariots and horsemen, ostensiblj' as an
honorary guard, as befitted his station as a favorite prince of so powerful a
potentate as was David. His popularity having been pretty well established,
Absalom asked permission of his father to go up to Hebron, offering as an
excuse his desire to sacrifice there according to a vow he had made while at
Geshur.

David still suspected no evil, and freely gave his permission ; so Absalom
started with two hundred men who, though his followers, were unacquainted
with his designs ; but he sent out spies at the same time, whom he instructed
to secretl}' inform the people of Hebron of his intentions, and to notify them
that when a certain trumpet signal was given they should consider it as a
proclamation that he had been crowned king.

Absalom not only induced a large number of the common people to join
his standard, but also succeeded in winning over to his cause David's chief
counsellor, Ahithophel, who, we suppose, was glad of an opportunity to oppose
the king for the wrong done to Bathsheba, who was his granddaughter.

Absalom's plans succeeded so admirabl}' that within a short while after
entering Hebron, he had not only been proclaimed king, but had also raised
an immense army, which he led against Jerusalem with the hope of taking
the city and his father as well. When messengers came tu David telling him
of Absalom's intentions, and how all the hearts of the men of Israel were with
him, the king was frightened and made immediate preparations to abandon
Jerusalem, which he, no doubt, regarded as being filled with those who sanc-
tioned Absalom's conspiracy.

When the king departed he left the city in charge of ten of his concu-
bines, but why he chose to make these the custodians of his possessions the
Bible docs not tell us. There were still several faithful followers left him,
among whom were the dev- ."id six hundred who had shared his fortunes when
Saul was so bitterly pursuing him for his life. As they fled they passed over
Kidron and up the Mount of Olives and across to Jericho, thence to the wil-
derness, "crying with a loud voice " as thej^ went.

When David reached the territory of Benjamin he was assailed by some
of the friends of Saul, one of whom, Shimei, threw stones at him, and
cursed him as a bloody man ; insults which David would allow none of his
soldiers to resent, esteeming his crimes as worthy of any punishment which
God might see proper to inflict.

While resting on Jordan's banks for the night, weary with much travelling,
David was warned by two messengers, who had escaped from Jerusalem, to
cross the river at once, as Absalom's forces were hot in pursuit. This news
proved true, for directly after entering the city, Ahithophel asked leave of
Absalom to take 12,000 men and pursue after David, who, he claimed, might
now be easily dispatched while weak and overcome with fatigue. This counsel

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

247

was highly commended, as Absalom was anxious to procure the death of his
father, so as to prevent any dispute in the future as to who should rule all
Israel.

The army would have been pushed forward at once, but for the advice of
Hushai, who, being shocked by Absalom's depravity, interposed a stratagem to
save the king. First secretly sending messengers to apprise David of his
son's designs upon his life, should his plans miscarr}-, he went to Absalom
and represented that the counsel of Ahithophel was unwise, since David was a
cunning warrior, who had no doubt protected his retreat and )iad certainly set
his soldiers in ambush in caves along the route he had taken, where to follow
him would be sure to result in a defeat that would bring disaster to his ambi-
tion. He further counselled Absalom to first gather Israel together in a great
army, and then assuming command himself, to overpower David, and thus
make secure his claim to the throne. This advice Absalom followed, to the
great mortification of Ahithophel, who, thus finding himself replaced as chief
counsellor by Hushai, went at once to his native city, Giloh, and hanged
himself.

When David was apprised of Absalom's design to pursue him, he crossed
the Jordan and went to Mahanaim, where he was kindly received by Shobi, son
of Nahash, and other Gileadites, who brought him all needful supplies and
bade him rest with them. Here also a great number of people came to his
assistance, which enabled him to organize a considerable army to resist the
threatened invasion of his son.

I Uii

DE.\TH OF ABSALOM.

Absalom was crowned king at Jerusalem, where he spent some time in
peaceable possession of the throne, but being in constant dread of the return
of David at the head of a large army, resolved now to follow the advice of
Hushai. Accordingly, he drafted every man available for service in that part
of Palestine, and conferring the command upon Amasa, a half-cousin of
David, he set out in pursuit of David, crossing the Jordan and making first
camp at Mount Gilead.

David prepared to receive .Absalom's attack by dividing his army into
three bodies, commanded, respectively, by Joab, Abishai and Ittai. Before join-
ing battle David charged his officers and soldiers, particularlj', not to harm
Absalom, for his love for his erring son had not been diminished by his
numerous acts of perfidy, and he would rather sacrifice his own life and crown
than that any harm should come upon the head of Absalom.

The two armies became engaged in the "forest of Ephraim," and a great
battle was fought throughout the entire day, in which Absalom's army was
routed with a loss of 20,000 men, a larger number of whom perished in the
defiles of the forest, being unable to extricate themselves. Absalom sought to
retreat on a mule, but the animal ran beneath the bough of a tree upon which

248

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

* I

his luxuriant hair caught and left him suspended, and from which he tried in
vain to release liiniself. Some of David's ?nen, in pursuing the fleeing enemy,
came up to Absalom, but spared his life because of David's command ; instead
of releasing him, however, they went quickl}' and told Joab, who returned with
ten armor-bearers and thrust three javelins into the helpless num's heart.
Joab now sounded the trumpet of recall, and taking down the body of
Absalom cast it into a pit, over which he raised a pile of stones as a mark
of execration.

DAVID LKARN.S OI" ABSAI.OM'S DKATII.

When the victor}- was complete Joab sent a messenger to inform David of
the result, but cautioned him against saying anything concerning Absalom's
death. In the mean time, however, David had sent his own special messenger,

'jpi|.^ Ahimaaz, to in-
quire how the l)at-
tle had gone, and
especially to know
if Absalom was
safe. David sat al
the gate of Ma-
hanaim awaiting
the return of his
messenger, breath-
less with anxiety
and forebodings of
bitter woe. The
watchman on the
tower at length
announced the
rapid approach of a
runner, followed

directly after by another, whom he perceived by his gait must be Ahimaaz.
This inspired David, who believed, by the manner of their running, that they
must be bearers of good news. The first messengor came forward witli
open hands and beaming face to inform the king of his victory, but David's
first inquiry was, "Is tho young man, Absalom, safe?" The runner evaded
the question by speaking of a confusion which was in the camp when he lett.
Ahimaaz now flew tmvard him with expressions of congratulation, to which the
king made no reply, but eagerly asked if .Absalom was safe. To this Ahimaaz.
responded, " The enemies of my lord, the king, and all that rise against tliee lo
do thee hurt, be as that young man!"

The full horror of this news burst suddenly upon David, the pathetie
grief which followed being thus beautifully described by the inspired writer:
"And the king was much u'oved, and went up to the chamber over the gaio

JOAH KlI.I,INC-, AltS.M.DM.

"And bv! took three darts in his hand, and thrust theui through the heart
of .'Vbsaluiu." — a Sam. xviii. 14.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

249

and w ept ; and as he went, thus he said : O my son Absalom ! my son, my
son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!"
The distress of David was so great that he relused to see anj- one, or to
show himself to his victorious troops, who expected some recognition of their
success and valor. When at length they began to murmur at his seclusion,
Joab forced his way to the king and loudly upbraided him for giving himself
(iNc'i to grief for his bitterest enemy, and for holding aloof from those who
liad preserved him. When this argument failed to move him, Joab threatened
1,1 persuade the people to leave him and give the kingdom to another, and to
make him grieve thereby more bitterly, if he did not cease his lamentations
and go before the soldiers, who desired an expression of his favor. This threat
amused David from his melancholy, and he went out and sat by the gate to
receive the salutations of his people.

D.WID RE.MITS TIIH OFFKN.SKS OF HIS KNRMIKS.

The soldiers mourned with David for the death of Al salom, but the affairs
of state required 'hat he should, as speedily as possible, vesume the throne
and set about restoring the cour.try to peace and prosperity. He was thcre-
fore conducted back to Jerusalem, but while on his way .several of those who
iiad espoused the cause of Absalom came before him to ask forgiveness. One
of these was Shimei, who threw stones at him when the king was retreating
from Jerusalem. Abishai begged David to kill this man for his offenses, but
lo iliis importunity the king replied. "Will you never leave off, ye sons of
Zerniah ? Do not you, I pray, raise new troubles aud seditious among us,
now the former are over; for I would not have you ignorant tliat I this day
l)c,L;in uiy reign, and ♦^herefore swear to rcuiit to all offenders their puuish-
nients, aud not animadvert on any one that has sinned. He thou therefore of
good cheer, O Shimei, and do not at all fear beiug put to death."

It v;as thus that David gave a full pardon to all those who had joined in
Ahsaloui's rebellion, believiug that sueli a course would most speedily secure
the adherence of those who had been against hiui. Hut his generosity was the
direct cause of another uprising, for the Henjaniinites were displeased at his
actions, and especially angered at the men of Judah, who having bceu the first
t(i give their allegiance to Absalom, were also the first to receive aud convey
David back to Jerusalem ; so that a dis])ute arose, the desire of the Henjauiin-
ites being to punish the Judahites, or to shut them out from the benefits of
Israel. This dispute finally led .Sheba, a Heujaminitc, to proclaim war.
Taking advantage of the furious passions excited, he blew his trumpet and
shouted, " Every man to his tent, O Israel! '

Learning of the trouble, which grieved David greatly, he appointed ;\masa,
as an evidence of his desire for reeoneiliatioi,, a commander of his army, to
succeed Joab, and itistrueicd him to jnustcr the forces of Judah within three
days to crush the revolt of the Benjaminites. Amasa went, promising to per-

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250

THK BEAUTIFUL STORY.

form the duty assigned him, but wlieu he got into the camp of Judali he
refused to muster the men. David now sent Joah and Abishai to suppress iln
uprising of tlie Benjaminites. The}- pnjcceded to (libeou and there met Amasa
witli tlie main aru'w Under a pretense of great friendship Joab eml)race(l
Amasa, but while so doing lie thrust a dagger into his he^rt, and then presstil
on after Sheba, who fled north adding reeruits as he went until he came tn
Abel of Beth-maaehah at the head of the Jordan River. Here he made a stami
and was soon besiegeJ by Joab. The in\eslilure of the city being completr,

and the citizens perceixin-

that there were no means
for escape, were upon tin
point of surrendering ami
submitting themselves to
the mercy ol their caplors,
when a wi.se woman of the
town contrived to secure an
interview with Joab, li\-
which she learned that ilk-
desire of the besiegers was
to ])uuish Sheba rather than
those who were his followers.
.Accordingly, she induied
the jieoplc to cut off Sheha's
head and throw it over the
wall to Joal), who now being
satisfied raised the siege and
ri'tnrned to Jerusalem.

The assassination n[
.\masa by Joab was a greatr;'
(lime than that of the nin;
dcr of Abncr, as alreath
related, for in the latlir
case Joab had the small
excuse for his act that .\bner had killed .\sahel, his brother, though in si!'
defense. But .\masa was murdered for no other reason than that of the jt.
ousy of Joab, aroused by his being superseded in the comnumd of l)a\id's arm

JiiVli .\sS.^s^l^.\TIM. AM.\S.\.
".\masa look no liceil lo tlie sword tliat was in Joah's hand."

—J vSam .xx. 10.

n ATi'i.i'.s wirii 'nil-; imiii.istiM'. ci.wrs.

David enjoyed only ;i short period of |)eace after .Sheba's death, when
went to w;ir with the I'hilistines, who.se territory bordered on hi^ kingdi
In the first battle David's arui\ wiis \ ictorious, but he came near receiving 1
death wound after the enemy had Ix-en (lis])ersed. Meing in personal comma
of his men he had ])ursued tin- Pliilistines until he had become separated fi

Li!

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

251

his attendants, and
bLinj; at length vevy
im-d he sat down to
rest himself. While
thus resting, one of
the enemy who had
been hiding came ont
of his place of con-
cealment to attack
the exliausted king.
This man was a giant
who bore a spear qnite
as large as was that
of Cioliath, and wore
hreast-plate of chain
work. He rnshed
upon David, but his
prcat stature chanced
ti) be observed liv
Abishai, who ran to
his king's assistance
just in tunc to receive
tlie giant's stroke
npou his shield. He
new engaged the
giant in a conflict witli
swords and slew him
before David's eyes.
This narrow escape
adinouished the king
to accept tlie advice
of liis coUr ellors not
to go any more into
b;ittle, and to intrust
his leadership to
good men of his
selecting.

The Philistines
soon after gathered at
the city of Gazara and
were tht re besieged !>y
the IsraeilTt<»s. The
victory he** obtuiued

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i. .

Ill

353

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

ill

was due to the remarkable courage and dexterity of Sibbechai, a Hushathite,
who challenged and vanquished, single-handed, several of the most noted
fighters in the Philistine army, who prided themselves upon being the sons
of giants.

After their defeat at Gazara the Philistines made war again, and the two
armies being brought up in battle array it was decided by mutual consent
that the issue should be determined by an encounter between a champion
chosen from among each army. Nephan, a kinsman of David, was selected to
fight for Israel, and his adversary was " the stoutest of all the Philistines."
The victory was on the side of Israel ; but though the Philistines retired, they
were not vanquished, and when they had changed their camp and set it up
a short distance from that of the Hebrews, thej- sent another challenge to any
one in the Jewish army to fight with the champion they offered to put forth.
This defy was promptly accepted. The one chosen by the Philistines was a
giant nine feet in height, and w \s distinguished also for having six toes on
each foot, and as many fingers on each hand. Notwithstanding his great size
and appalling aspect, Jonathan, the nephew of David, went out to meet him.
They fought a furious battle, but Jonathan killed his mighty antagonist,
thereby gaining a reputation as great as tliat of any other man who had ever
fought for Israel.

n.WII) IS ITNIvSHKO FOR XrMnKRINTi THE PEOPLE.

Af^er the last war recorded with the Philistines, David reigned in tran-
quillit}' for a considerable time, during which he wrote many beautiful songs
which we find printed in the book of Psalms. Josephus is of opinion that
nearly all of these were written during this interval.

The dominant spirit of Israel being warlike, though there were no ene-
mies threatening, David, at length, to employ his restless disposition, conceived
the enterprise of subjugating .some neighboring tribes, and to prepare for such
a campaign he ordered that a census be taken of all the men in his kingdom
capable of bearing arms. This order was given to Joab, who first refu.sed to
obey it, because he foresaw that David had in his mind some new enterprise
of conquest ; but when the order was repeated he undertook the duty, which
was l)v no means a snuiU one. Joab appointed census takers in all the several
districts, but it was nearly ten months before the enumeration was completed.
The result of the numbering showed that there were five hundred thousand
available men of the tribe of Judah, and eight hundred thousand belonging to
the other tribes, all of whom were capable of performing military service. The
entire population of Israel must have been therefore about ten millions.

This enumeration of the people, for the purpose it was intended, greatly
angered God, who perceived that David had become bloody minded, as Shiniei
had said, and He accordingly resolved to punish him. God's determination
had been communicated to David in a dream, so that he had forekrowlcdire

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

253

that a visitation of Divine wrath was to be sent npon him, but knew not what
character of punishment would be inflicted. In the prayers which he now
ofRred up he freely acknowledged the crime he had contemplated, but begged
for forgiveness.

In the morning David was visited by the prophet Gad, who announced U
him God's purpose, but permitted him to choo.se one of three kinds of punish-
ments, viz, ; seven years of famine ; three months of fighting in which his
enemies should be invariably victorious ; or three days of pestilence. David
knew not which to choose, but upon being pressed with one of three alterna-
tives he at length bowed himself in submission to the promised pestilence.

A few days thereafter God sent an angel over Israel to afflict the people
with a pestilence, from which no less than seventy thousand men died within
the time it was permitted to endure — three days.

On the last daj-, as David was looking toward the point of Mount
Moriah, he perceived an angel, as if suspended in mid-air, having a drawn
sword, threatening the utter annihilation of Jerusalem. David and the elders
of Israel now put on sackcloth, and the king bowed himself and prayed that
God might sacrifice him, but to spare the people, who had not shared in
his sin.

When Gad saw David humbling himself before God, he told him to go up
to Mount Moriah, and there tipon the threshing-floor of Araunah set up an altar
to the Lord. In obedience to this command David went up, but when
Araunah, who was at the time threshing wheat, saw the l:ing coming he
bowed himself and asked wh}' he had come to his place. David answered that
he had come to buy the threshing-floor upon which to build an altar for a
burnt-offering to the Lord, that He might take away the pestilence. Araunah,
hearing this, offered his threshing-floor as a gift, and also his oxen for a
'.acrifice, but David would not a-^cept them, except that Araunah would take
iiU payment. So David bought the threshing-floor, paying its full value, and
built an altar, and when he had put an ox thereon God sent down fire from
heaven to consume it, which was a proof that his sacrifice was acceptable.
The pestilence was thus stayed on the evening of the third day.

/ '

CHAPTER XX.

I'ii

DAVID PREPARES TO I?Uir,D A TEMPLE TO GOD.

I Kiiiffs.

OUNT MORIAH (siii;nifyinj^ z'lsion) had become
ccle1)nitcd long" before David had set up an allur
there, for it \vas the identical spot upon -which
Abraham had built an altar to sacrifice his
son Isaac. It was therefore now doubly holy
ground, and David decided that it should be the
site for a glorious temple to (jod, long- contemplated
in his mind. Ho had been preserving spoils cap-
tured from his enemies Avith Avhich to build the
Temple, and these, we are told, now amounted to loo.ou)
talents of gold, and ten times as much silver. The exact
value of the Hebrew talent of the time of David has never
been determined, being- variously estimated by Biblical
writers at from $kxx) to $1700, 1)nt if either of these esti-
mates be correct, the value of the precious metals captured
by David, to be devoted to the construction of the Temple,
was enormous, greater, indeed, than the accumulation of any
sovereign that e\er ruled on earth. The probal)ility is that
the amount of David's treasure has been greatly exaggerated,
for there is scarcely such an amount of silver now anuiii^
all the commercial nations of the world.
Having chosen a site for the temple, thus miraculously pointed out, Da' id
]irocured the services of all the skilled workmen that could he found, eillur in
his own kingdom or the foreign nations with which he had intercourse. TIusc
he emj)loyed to hew stones, and to pre])ave iron and hn'ass for use in the ci in-
struction, and sent to the Sidonians and Tyrians for the famed cedars of
Debanon, of which the wocnl-work was to be made. Hut after these prepai'a-
tions were begun, David was warned by (rod, through the prophet Nathan, that
he should leaxe the construction to his son and successor. ,S()lonu)n, as it was
not becoming that a man who had slicd so much blood as David should be cither
the designer or builder of a ti'Uiple to be dedicated to Jidiovah anil ])eaee.
David recognized the justice of tliis denial and accordingly charged all the
princes of Israel to help »Solomon in the great work, and to give their hearts
and souls to (lod.

ADoMjAiTs AMiu'noN' 'x'o srcci'.i'.n nA\-ii).

.Xdonijah, the fourth and eldest surviving son of David, by his wife Ila,u-
gith, had long aspired to the rulership of Israel, in succession to his father.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

255

1 1', was a man almost as
cli^iin,ij;iiislicd for his beauty
as had been Absalom, and
\\a> the recipient of quite as
many indulgences, so that
hi-- expectations were nat-
ural. Therefore, when he
karued that Solomon had
l)ei.'ii desij^nated by David as
tlic successor, he attempted
til raise a rel)ellion and es-
tal)lish himself by force.
He accordingly gathered a
siroug guard about him,
iiK hiding many charioteers
and horsemen, and also won
()\cr to himself the services
(if Joab and Abiathar. Con-
sitleriug the time ripe for
liis enterprise, he gave a
^real feast at the rock of
Znheleth, near luirogel, to
which he invited many of
his brothers, and others
favorable to his schemes,
who sj.'t up the cry, during
tJK' festival, " Long live
King Adouijah."

Xews of the revolt
speedily reached the prophet
Xalhau,and he immediately
in f( >ruied Bathsheba, mother
of Solomon, whom he ad-
vised to see David at once
and secure the interests of
hur son. This she did, and
hail the satisfaction of p.-o-
ciuing an order from Da'id
tiir the immediate anointing
(it Solomon, which was per-
fi limed by the priest Zadoc,
witli the sacred oil taken
fruiu the Tabernacle. When

KI.NC, IIAVID— I'KOM TlIlC KAMOl'S I'AINTlNCi HV CUSTAVI'; MORIvMf.

(This ^jre.it piiliitt* rc))resi'ins Daviil .th Ihi: Kin>; aiui Poet, slmIlmI tiimii liis tin out- aim
iKUieitdy, sailly wilitiiik; for llie suiniiloiis to "roiiir np InniiPr." The aiiKcl nicssenjiiT siK at
Mh fi.4*i, reaily t<> uive the stiiumniis when the hour )ia*< cnnie. It ii all impressive work,
ulTurtli[i^ a stvuly of the ileeprst interest to every Uihic student.)

256

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

™

Solomon had thus been proclaimed king a great shout of rejoicing went up
from the people, which frightened Adonijah so that he fled for safety to the
horns of the altar in the sanctuar}'. Solomon, however, being a man of peace,
had no desire to harm his brother, whom he now assured of safety, and batlt.
him return to his house.

DAVID S LAST CHARGF: TO SOLOMON.

Soon after this event David called all the people together, to whom he
BOW gave his final charge, knowing from his age and extreme feebleness that
death was near at hand. He gave to Solomon, in the presence of his subjects,
the plans of the Temple which he had designed, and also the monc}' ami
materials that had been collected. A thanksgiving and prayer service was
then held in honor of Solomon, who was now for a second time anointed
king of Israel, and Zadoc proclaimed high-priest.

The last act of David, when he had become bed-ridden and felt the chill
of approaching death, was to send for Solouion, whom he charged to keep the
laws of Moses and to walk nprightl}' before the Lord in all things, who would
magnify his power and glory above that of any other king who had ruled
Israel. He told him also of the crimes of Joab, who had without just provoca-
tion murdered Abner and Amasa, and advised that he be punished accordiiit;
to his deserts. He also denounced vShimei as a man unworthy of confidence,
but commended to Solomon's favor the good people who had so generously suc-
cored him when he had fled from Absalom to Mahanaim. Soon after com-
pleting this charge David, the greatest king of all Israel to the time of his
successor, died, having reigned in all forty years, seven j-ears in Hebron, aiiil
thirty-three in Jerusalem. He was buried in the City of David (Jerusalem 1
with great pomp, and his sepulchre was long a shrine at which the Jewish
people came to weep and praj'.

god's GRKATKST gift to .SOLOMON.

After the burial of David, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked
him what gift he most desired, for whatsoever he should ask would be granted.
The answer which he returned was a true index to his greatness and a pro-
phecy of the success of his reign. To the time of his accession to the throne,
all of Israel's rulers had been devoted to war, first of resistance and afterward
of subjugation and spoliation, and none had pursued the profession of arms m>
industriousl}^ as David. Therefore we might suppose that Solouion won hi
choose greatness, the overcoming of all enemies and a further extension of his
power, but so far from inheriting ambition, he had been given a spirit of pru-
dence with a degree of humility, so he prayed to God that he might he
endowed with wisdom, which was accordingly given to him, with a promise
also of a long life if he should show himself worthy.

■wJL— .-

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

257

SOLOMON CAUSES ADOXIJAH AND JOAB TO BE SLAIN.

Though Soloniou had come to the throne with acclamations of all the
people, Adonijah did not give up all hope of gaining the coveted position, and
sought ill many ways to secure a following that would enable him to wrest
the power from his brother. He conceived the infamous project of wedding
one of his deceased father's wives, with the idea that such a marriage would
give him the throne by right, and chat his claim would then be acknowledged
by the people. He therefore went to Bathsheba and begged her to intercede
in his behalf, and obtain from Solomon consent for him to marry Abishag, a
woman whom David had married in his declining years. In making this
request Adonijah protested his love for Solomon, and declared that since God
had ordained him to be king his own wish was to be a servant to his lord
and brother all his days. Bathsheba did not discover the purpose which
Adonijah had so speciously disguised, and though thinking the request a
singular and improper one, went to Solomon and asked him to give his con-
sent to the marriage of Adonijah with Abishag, supposing the desire proceeded
from a natural passion.

Though Solomon had a great affection for his mother, to whom he prom-
ised to grant any request she might make, he perceived at once the object of
Adouijah's desire, and horrified at the iniquity of the man, he ordered Benaiah,
captain of the guard, to seize his infamous half-brother and slay him as
unworthy to live to the disgrace of Israel.

When Joab heard of Adouijah's death he was greatly frightened, having
been an instigator of the treasonable designs of Adonijah ; and knowing that
his actions and advice must be betrayed to the king, he fled to the sanctuary,
hoping to find safety in the reverence which Solomon held for the sacred
altar. But when Solomon was apprised of what Joab had done, he ordered
Benaiah to pursue him and bring him to the judgment seat for trial. Joab,
however, refused to leave the altar, still cleaving to it as his only hope of
escape from punishment, which fact being told to Solomon, he ordered Benaiah to
cut off his head where he stood. This order was promptlj^ obeyed, and Benaiah
was thereafter appointed to succeed Joab as commander of the whole army.

Shimei's punishment was not long delayed. Solomon, not desiring to put
him to death, ordered him to build a house in Jerusalem and remain in the
city, where he would not be molested, but if he passed over Kidron (Cedron)
he should be slain. Solomon no doubt prohibited Shimei from going out of
the immediate neighborhood for fear that if he were put under no restraint he
would stir up trouble and possibly incite some of the people to rebellion, for
it was evident he was not a trustnorthy man. Shimei promised with an oath
to observe the command, but three years afterward he left Jerusalem and went
to Gath iu pursuit of two of his servants, who had fled there. On his return
Solomon had Shimei brought before him, and after reminding him of his oath
17

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asS

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

<M1(

and also the insults he had heaped upon David, ordered Benaiah to kill him,
which was accordingly done.

SOLOMOX RRSTORES A CONTESTED CHILD TO ITS MOTHER.

One of the first cases brought before Solomon for judgment, which must
have been very soon after his accession to the throne, was one wherein two

.Snl.dMo.N ORDICKINC. TIllC ClIII.liRi;N TO UK IHVIDKn.

"And the kiii^ said, Divide the livinj; child in two." — i Kincs iii. 25.

women claimed to be mother to the same child, and disputed for its pos-
session. The first to speak before the king made lier complaint that she lived
in the same house with the other \v(jman before the bar, and that each had
given birth to a child at the same hour, the resemblance of the two being so
great that it was impossible to distinguish one from the other. She furtlier

1"^.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

259

declared that during the night the woman of whom she complained had over-
laid her child and killed it, and then taking its dead bodj' had laid it in the
place of the live child, which slie had taken away and claimed as her own.

When the first woman had spoken Solomon asked that the second one be
introduced to give her testimony. When she had come in she fell to crying
and related to the king a story exactly similar to that which the first woman
luul told, except that she accused the first of overlaying her chiid and of then
stealing her own. When these statements had been made, all those about the
king vondered how a just judgment could be given, as it was impossible to
decide which woman had sworn falsel3\ The difficulty, however, did not
appear so great to Solomon, who ordered that the living and the dead child
should both be brought to him, and when they were laid on a cloth before him he
commanded one of his guards to take a sword and cut them both in twain,
so that half of the living and half of the dead child might be given to each
woman, it appearing, as he declared, that thus alon. could he undertake to do
justice to both. But when the guard was upon t.ie point of destroj'ing the
live child the real mother cried aloud, begging the king to stay the hand of
his officer and to give the child to the other woman, for she would rather be
content with occasionally seeing her babe, even in the arms of her rival, than
that it should be so cruelly killed. The other woman, however, insisted ou
having both children cut in two, as the king had ordered, by which cruel d°sire
the king perceived who was indeed the real mother of the living child, and
accordingly ordered that it be restored to her. He also condemned the other
woman for her wickedness, but whether he visited her with any puiusuUi'Mit
the Bible docs not state.

This manifestation of the great \risdom with which he was endowed
inclined all the people to believe that the king was possessed of a divine mind.
Concerning the abilities of this great man, Josephus thus writes :

Now Uie sajracity and wisdom wbicli Cod had bestowed upon Solotuon was so urcat that he exceetled
the ancients, iiisoniuch that he w.is no way inferior to the Egyptians, who are said to have been beyond
all men in understanding ; nay, indeed, it is evident that their sagacity was very much inferior to that of
the king. He also excelled and distinguished himself in wisdom above those who were most eminent
among the Hebrews at that time for shrewdness; those I mean were ICthan, and Hitman, and Clialcol, and
I>ar(la, the sons of Mahol. He also composed books of odes and songs, a Ui')usand and five; <i\ parables
and similitudes, three thousand ; for he spake a parable upon everv sort of tree, from the hyssop to the
ceMar; and in like manner also about beasts, about all sorts of living creatures, whether upon the earth,
or in the seas, or in the air; for he was not unacquainted with any of their natures, nor omitted imiuiries
about them, but described them all like a philosopher, and demonstrated his exquisite knowledge of their
Mvenl pro])erties. (^od also enabled him to learn that skill which expels demons, which is a science useful
and sanative to men. He composed such incantations also by which distempers are alleviated. And he
left li<Oiind him the manner of using exorcisms, by whiih they drive away demons, so that they never
retun. unl this method of cure is of great force unto this day ; for I have seen a certain man of my own
countr), whose name was Elea/.ar, releasing people, that were demoniacal, in the presem-e of Vespiisian,
and his sons, and his ca]>taiiis, and the whole multitude of his soldiers. The numner of tlio cure was this :
He ])ut a ring that had a root of one of those sorts mentioned by Solomon to the nostrils of the demoniac,
after which he drew out the demon through his nostrils; and when the man fell down immediately, he
abjured him to return into him no more, making still mention of Solomon, and reciting the incantations
which he composed. And when Klenzar would persuade ami demonstrate to the spectators that he had such
a power, he set a little way oiT a cup or basin full of walur, aud couimauded tliu demon, as he went out

ft ii

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260

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

of the man, to overturn it, ami thereby to let the spectators know that he hail left the man; aii<l when
this was (lone, the skill ami wisdom of Solomon w:us shown very manifestly: for which reason it is that
all men may kimw the v.'istness of Solomon s ahililies, ami how he was heloved of (Voil, and that tlie extranr-
dinary virtues of every kiud with which this king was eudowed may not he unktjowu to any people un.lcr
the sun.

P.UII.mXO THK TICMPl.I':.

Solomon set about buildintj^ the Temple, that was conceived bj' his fatlicT,
soon after comint^ to the throne and immediately after the organization of his
army. In this jfigantie undertakinii; he was assisted by Hiram, kinir of Tvro,
whose aid he solicited by letter. The Tyrians felled cedars and brought them
by sea to Joppa, from whence they were carted by Solomon's men over the
thirt}- miles of road to Jerusalem. For all this work a levy was made from
among the people whom David had subdued, numbering one hundred and
fift3--three thousand si.x. hundred men. These were appointed to certain tasks,
seventy thousand being set to transporting cedars, eight}' thousand were made
hewers, and three thousand six hundred were appointed overseers. Beside
these there were also thirty thousand Israelites engaged, who worked in Lebanon
b}' relays of ten thousand, each of the three relays serving a month's time,
and returning home they rested two months, when they renewed their work
again. Some of these were also masons set to hew out large stones, which,
being brought from Western Phoenicia, were very expensive when laid down,
ready dressed, in Jerusalem.

The chief architect of the Temple was a man named Hiram, no relation
of the king of Tyre, but a person whose .skill was so great that his fame was
known throughout Palestine. He was the son of a widow of Naphtali, and
whose father had been a noted artist. This man was not only an architect
but also a worker in brass, iron, gold, silver, stone, timber, and a designer in
all branches. His greatest work in connection with the Temple was the
building of two brazen pillars called Jacliin and Boaz, which stood on eitlier
side (jf the porch in front of the Holy Place.

The Temple proper was erected inside of a walled enclosure, which formed
a square of six hundred feet, and was planned after the model of the Taber-
nacle, being different chiefly in having- chambers built about the sanctuary
for the al)()de of priests and attendants, and also to keep the treasures. Tliis
sanctuary covered a space about one Inindred and twenty by sixty feet, and
the Tabernacle thirty by sixt}^ feet, the latter covering just one-fourlli the
space of the former.

The Tabernacle was divided into three parts, as was also the Tciiinlc,
called respectively the Porch, Holy Place, and Holy of Holies. The Torch
was supported b}' Hiram's two brazen pillars, wliich stood nearly thirty-five
feet high and were magnificently figured with imitations of lilies and pome-
granates. The entire interior of the Temple was made of cedar overlaid with
gold and occasionally set with precious stones, producing at once a suhiinie
and dazzliugly beautiful effect. Gold and silver were also lavishly used in the

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

261

exterior aclorunient of the building, and all the principal furniture of the Holy
Phicc was of the more precicnis metal. Above tlic ark were jjlaeed the ima,L,a'S
of two cherubim, made of cedar laid with m^old, wlujse wini^s extended above the
ark till they touched, and also met at the walls behind them, their extreme

luuAM siCNDS mi;s.si;n('.ici<s td kim; sdi.hmun.
"Anil lliraiu, kiuj,' of Tyre, sent his servants unto Solomon: . . . I'or Hiram was ever a lover

of David."— I Kings v. i.

llci,!^dlt bein,t^ fifteen feet. The altar of incense was of cedar overlaid with tjold,
aiul the place was lighted with candles set in seven golden candlesticks. Be-
sides these there were ten tables of gold upon which the shew-bread was .set,
aud all the vessels used in the service were of beateu gold.

! t

!••»

. ^^f.-M: ,>>■*> ■ ..^f^ ,

i"iiifMftifl#i-tifiriifirffiifv-rtiiiir-Tfi"iin'iti wrMt

\ •

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'1:1

Msj!

r\,

\.:\

262

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

The outer court was scarcely less lavishly decorated and provided. The
brazen laver which had so long done service for the priests, since the days of
!Moses, was now replaced b^- what was called "a molten sea of brass," which
was supported upon the backs of twelve brazen oxen. This contained holy

water for the
ablution of the
priests. Its
size was eiglit
feet in height
and fifteen iu
diameter.

The Temple

w a s m a d e

chiefly of

stones cut at

the quarries,

which were cut

so exactly that

when brought

to be laid every

one fitted as if hewn upon the site and frequeutly

tested. The time required in constructing this

then greatest wonder of the world, was seven and

one-half j'ears, the completion occurring in the

eleventh year of Solomon's reign, 1). C. 1005.

DEDICATION OF THE TEMPI.K.

The dedication of Solomon's Temple was, in
all respects, the grandest occasion that was ever
celebrated b}' the Jewish people. The preparation
for this event was on a scale equal with the he-
wildering magnificence of the Temple itself. The
time chosen for its celebration was the joyous
season, the Feast of Tabernacles, correspond iuij^
to our month of September. The people had now-
garnered their crops, which were plentiful that season, and in the exubcrauicj
of delightsome spirits gathered from all parts of the kingdom to participate
in the ceremonies. Solomon clothed himself in the priestly vestments woia
by his father, but gave the ark in charge of the priests and Levitcs, to
whom its care had been bestowed by the law of Joshua. When all had brru
made ready the full body of holy officers appeared to transfer the ark from its
former resting-place to the new abode provided, beneath the wide-stretchir.g
wings of the cherubim and behind the holy veil. After thus depositing the ark,

luimiu,

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

J63

as the priests came out the Levites arranged tliemselvcs in three courses of
psalmody, chul in u^annents ot" wliite, and burst forth willi tlie sacred chorus,
accompanyiui^ their tuneful voices with instruments, and making the very world
musical with their di\ine-like symphou}-. The jo^-ful refrain was, "Fur He is
good; for His mere}- eudurcth forever."

God was near this holy scene, for at this moinont, "just as the trumpeters
and singers were as one, to make (jue sound to be heard in praising and thank-
ing Jehovah," He gave the sign of His coming to take possession of His Tem-
ple. "The house was filled with a cloud, e\cu the house of Jehovah, so tliat
the priests could not stand to minisLcr because of tlie cloud ; fur the glory of

SERVICl'S AT I)i:i)ICATtON l)I' Till: TllMI'I.i;.

Jehovah had filled the house of Jehovah." .Vs that sacred cloud spread
through the open doors over the sanctuary, the voice of vSolomon was heard
recognizing the presence of the God who had said that He would dwell in the
thick darkness, and for whom he had now built a habitation forever. Tlvr
turning to the people from the great platfonn of brass, which he had erected
in the midst of the court, in front of the bra/cn altar, the king blessed Jeho-
vah, the God of Israel, who had chosen Jerusalem as the place sacred to His
name, and had performed His promises to David and fulfilled his desire to
huild Him a house. And now, kneeling down before the whole congregation,
with his face toward the sanctuary, vSolomon poured forth a prayer unequalled
for sublimity and comprehensiveness, in which the leadin^ thought, repeated

' u

:HI

l'^5

I I

I 1

Vud"

264

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

! !'

[I'M!
I Is

with beautiful vanctj' and minuteness is this : that the abode which Jehovah
had deigned to sanctify \vith His presence, might prove the centre of blessing
and forgiveness to His people ; tliat whatever prayer for help, whatever peni-
tent confession in the time of suffering and exile they might offer toward that
house, (iod would hear it from His true dwelilug-place in heaven, and forgive
His people who had sinned against Him. The prayer is, indeed, a prophecy
of the history of Israel, and of God's cluistisemcut of their sins, even to the
capti\ity. He concluded with a blessing and exhortation to the people.

The prayer of Solomon was followed by another sign of God's presence.
The fire came down from heaven, as on the first altar of burnt-offering, and con-
sumed iiie sacrifices, while the Shekinah again filled the house, preventing the
entrance of the priests, as if, for that one day, God claimed the sanctuary as His
very own, to the exclusion of all mere creatures. Tli'^n Solomon and all the
people offered their sacrifices on the altar, 22,000 oxen ar.d 120,000 sheep, the
priests executing the office, while the Levites playel and sang in their order
and to the words of David. A great feast followed for twice seven days, seven
fi)r the Feast of Tabernacles, and seven for the dedication, and on the twenty-
third day of the month Sol-inon dismissed the people. They returned to their
homes, "glad and merry in heart for all tie goodness that Jehovah had shewed
unto David and to Solomon, and to Israel His people."

llUir.DIN'G 01." Till'; KINC.'S PAL.\CR.

When Solomon had finished and dedicated the Temple he set about con-
structing a palace which was little inferior in maguificencc to the House of
God, though he did not hasten the work as he did that on the Teni])le.

This palace, which took thirK .'U years to build, was about one hundred atu^
fifty feet in length, se\euty-five feet l)road, and nearly ffty feet in height, suj)-
ported by cedar ])illars. It had fi)lding doors, somewhat after the fashion of
modern l)uildiugs, and its Corinthian roof and ceilings were elaborately frescoed.
Josephus declares it to have been in many resjiects a ver}' curious building, au
observation no doubt ])rouii).ed by the fact that it was never told how many
rooms it con'.ained, nor were the people given to know anything about the suh-
terraue;iu passages and dungeons which were built beueatli it, except that such
secret ways and rooms had l)eeu provided. Adjoining the nuiin building was
another erected fiir the habitiition of Solomon's queen, and smaller structures
fi)r sleeping and dining, y-^ome oi' these were built of stones fifteen feet square,
and all their fioors were laid in cedar. .Miont the whole was a garden that
must have exceeded in beauty those of Babylon. Among the ornaments scat-
tered about the grounds were immense stones carved to represent trees and a
great variety of plants, with such perfection, too, that Josei)hns tells us it was
difficult to distinguish them fiom the real, the stone leaves being carved so
thill as to appear to stir with (very breeze.

The throuc-rooiii of Solomon's palace exceeded iu grandeur aud maguifi-

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

265

ccuce of furniture and cuibcllisliuicut all tlie other rooms or edifices excepting,
pdssibly, that of the Holy of Holies iu the Temple. He adorned the ceilings
:. "1 v.alls with precious stones set in gold, which must have ]-)rodnce(l the most

T1!R QlIl'MJN OK SIIICBA VISITS HOI,OMO\.

"And when the yiu'tii of Shebii heard of the fame of SdIohioii . . . she came to prove him with hard

questiona." — i KiNCS x. I.

cxtiuisitcly beautiful effect. The throne itself he made of solid ivory, and it was
si) luge that it had to be ascended by a flight of six stei)S. At the end of each
sli-p Avas the figure of a lion of life size, though of what material wc arc not
toKl. Iu the back of the throne-seat were fixed the uiechauical hands, which,

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266

THK bp:autiful story.

Joscphus sa^'S, came out to receive the king as he sat down, but his back
rested on the figure of a Ijullock of gokl.

Sok)nU)n was greatly assisted in all this labor and expense ])y his friend
Hiram, king of Tyre, who sent him vast (juanlities of gold and silver and
receiv'cd in return presents of corn, oil and wine, which the Hebrews raised in
abundance. But Solomon further enriched his possessions by fitting out ships
that went as far as India and brought him precious metals, stones and fiibrics.

SOI.OMON IS \'ISITi;i> I'.V Till': onci'.N' oi' sah.ica.

The wisdom and wealth of Solomon, as well as the renown of his palace
and the Temple dedicated to God, made his name familiar to all the rulers
of the world. l]y marriage with a daughter of one of the kings of ICgypt, lie
established commercial relations with the Kgyptians, which resulted kirgely to
his advantage. Among tho.se who heard much concerning his fiinie was a
certain queen who ruled over a portion of south Arabia, called Salxea, near
the sea. vShe is commonly called, as in the Bible, the Queen of vSheba, and
is represented as having come from Ethiopia, but those best versed in the
history of the Jews declare that she was not an Ethiopian, but that the
countr}' over which she ruled was south of Arabia Felix, and was called
Salxea, of which fact there is now no longer any doubt. This woman was of
an inquiring mind and much given to philosophy, for which reason she nuulc
a journey to visit vSolomon, that she might discourse with him on matters
concerning which she desired infi)rmation, as well also to behold with her own
eyes the wonders of his palace and of llie Temjile. Accordin-^ly she loaded
many camels with rich presents, and accompanied by a large retinue of ser-
vants, came to Jerusalem, where she was graciously received by the king.
Upon beholding all the magnificent things which »Solomon showed her, she
confessed that they exceeded even the flattering descriptions she had heard,
but in her interview with the king she was more deeply impressed by iiis
K-isdoni than by the wondrous things and riches of his surroundings. This
friendly visit was terniiiKited, at the cud of several days, by an exchange of
costly presents, such as gold, silver and precious stones, when she returned la
lier own country to spread anew the fame of Israel's great king.

!H ■ ■'

SOI.OMON AllAXDOXS CoD AN'D lioWS DOWN' TO IDOI.S.

The history of .Solomon's reign is very meagre, comparati' "ly few iiui
dents of his administralion being recorded in either tlie J^ible or Jose])hus'
M-ritings. We are told that he subjugated all the Canaaniles and nuide tluni
his slaves, but none of the battles he had with these pco])le arc descrihcd;
but he could hardly have aecomi)lished their enslavement without a long ;.ik1
terribly destructivi' warfare. So are we (old, l)ut \fry l)rieny, of the maiiiicr
in which he fortified Jerusalem, and surrounded the city by a great wall, hut

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

the principal portion of the Bible referrin to Solomon is devoted to descrip-
tions of his wealth and the luxurious extr. agances of his court.

With all of Solomon's wisdom, his riches finally destroyed the gift of
prudence with which he was endowed, and brought , him into i cesses that
incurred God's displeasure, resulting in a rupture, and a division of the king-
dom of Israel. In many respects he was like his father, and these inherited
passions at length dominated his better nature, and carried him to his grave
in an inglorious manner. His disorder was first manifested by his taking a
large number of wives, to which he afterward added hundreds of concubines
from idolatrous nations, such as the Sidonians, Tyrians, Ammonites and
Edomites, though he was inconsistent enough to order that none of his people
should marry except among themselves. These foreign wives and concubines
exerted the greatest influence upon him, to the extent of weaning him entirely
from God, and causing him to worship their idols. Having started upon the
downward road, his descent was rapid, and the unhappy end could now be
plainly foreseen.

THE KINGDOM OV ISRARL IS DIVIDED.

When the king's conduct had become so profligate as to excite the fears
of all Israel, God sent a prophet to warn him against his misdoings, and to
tell him also that while the kingdom should not be taken from him during
his life, it would be rent after his death, and that his son would succeed to
the rulership of only one of the twelve tribes. This prophecy greatly grieved
Solomon, though he made no effort to amend his ways.

An enemy was soon raised up against the king in the person of Hadad,
who had married a sister of Pharaoh, and whose aid and sympathy he received.
This man, learning of affairs in Israel, joined what forces he could muster
with a robber named Re/on, and together they attacked Syria with such suc-
cess that Hadad soon made himself master of the country, and was proclaimed
king thereof He next entered Israel and laid waste a great portion of tliat
fair land. About this time, Jeroboam, the son of Xabat, who had been in the
kiujif's favor and was in charge of the tribe of Joseph and the walls of Jerusa-
lem, was prompted by the advice of a prophet named Abijah to make a revolt
against Solomon. This prophet met him in a (|tiiet place, and taking off his
mantle rent it into twvlve i)ieces, and bade Jerol)oam take ten of them as a
si'ni that he should become king over ten tril)es of Israel.

This revelation of Abijah fired Jeroboam with such ambition that he went
immediately to sowing discord among the people, and inciting them to rebel
against Solomon, in which, however, he was only partially successful. The
king, hearing of Jeroboam's treason, sent men to arrest him, but he fled to
Shishak, king of Egypt, under whose protection he remained only a short
while before Solomon died. Solomon ruled forty years and was buried with
the usual royal ceremonies in Jerusalem, but so unpopular had he become
before his death that when his son Rehoboam attempted to ascend the throne

THE BEAUTIFUIv STORY.

369

the people rejected him, after exacting a promise of how, in the event of his
reign, he proposed to rnle the conntry. The bitterness of the people was so
great against him that he fled in his chariot to Jerusalem, where he was pro-
claimed king by the tribes of Judah and of Benjamin, who had not participated
in the revolt. All the other ten tribes now sent for Jeroboam, who, upon his
coming to them, was made their ruler, and established his seat of empire at
Shechem, where he built a palace. Rehoboam tried to raise an army of 180,-
000 men to drive out Jeroboam, but the prophet Shemaiah restrained him by
advising him of God's displeasure at such an act, which would be causing

brothers of the same country to fight against one another.

JEROBOAM SETS UP GOLDEN IMAGES AND IS PUNISHED.

The two kings ruled Israel under constant dread of each other, aud though
there was no war it was an armed peace. Affairs thus continued for a few
months, until the Feast of Tabernacles, when it was customarj'' for all the
Hebrews to visit the Temple at Jerusalem to worship and make their sacrifices.
Jeroboam very wisely concluded that if those tribes over which he was ruling
should go to Jerusalem they would fall into the power of Rehoboam, whc
might persuade them to abandon him, and to prevent this possible result he
invented a contrivance whereby his people might worship without going to
Jerusalem. He accordingly had two golden heifers cast, and making a temple
for each, set one up in Bethel and the other in Dan. He then made a speech
to the people, telling them that God had His abode in every place and it was
therefore unnecessary that they should make a long journey to Jerusalem to
worship Him. He reminded them that it was only a man who had built the
Temple and that he had likewise made two golden heifers and dedicated them
to God, together with temples consecrated to God, and had provided priests
and Levites to minister to them.

This speech satisfied the ten tribes and they had no desire to go to Jerusa-
lem ; but when the day of ceremony arrived Jeroboam built an altar before
one of the heifers and undertook to be a high-priest himself. As he was going
to offer the sacrifices a prophet named Jadon, who had come from Jerusalem,
stood up in the midst of the people and prophesied that a certain man of the
name of Josiah, from the family of David, would be sent by God to punish
these false priests and the deceivers of the people, and as a sign of the fulfil-
ment of his words he declared that the aUar should be immediately broken to
pieces and all the fat of the sacrifices upon it be poured upon the ground.
At this prophecy Jeroboam stretched out his hand and asked the people to
grasp it, but instantly his arm was paralyzed and hung down limp l)y his side,
while the altar was scattered and broken as the prophet had fi)retold. Jeroboam
now prayed that his arm might be restored, which the prophet graciously did,
but refused to accept his invitation to sup with him, having been ordered by
God not to tarry in the city, nor to -ieturn by the same way he came.

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270 THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

JADOM IS DESTROYED BY A UON.

When Jadon had gone out of Bethel, on his way to Jerusalem, a certain
false prophet, who was in the esteem of Jeroboam, though enfeebled by age
and infirmity, fearing that the true prophet might supplant him in the king's
affection, had his ass quickly saddled and set out to overtake Jadon and bring
him back to Bethel, that he might cause him to transgress Ood's counnands.
The false prophet overtook Jadon as he was sittiug beneath an oak-tree resting.
Saluting him graciously he begged to kuow why Jadon had not stopped to
sup with him, seeing that he, too, was a prophet worshipping the same God.
Jadon excused himself by saying that God had forbidden him to tarry or sup
in any man's house in Bethel. At this the false prophet importuned hiui the
more, and at length induced Jadon to returu with hiui to his houie and to stay
over right.

While the two were making themselves merry at supper, God appeared to
Jadon and told him that he should suffer the iuiquity of his disobedience, and
foretold also the manner in which it should be. When, theretore, Jadon rcsuuunl
his jouruey in the morning he was uiet iu the highway by a lion, which
pulled him off the animal he was riding, ;\\\d after killing him muI beside the
bod}' until some travellers came by and discovered what had been done.

The false prophet begged of the sons of Jadon, wlu-u they came out to gci
the remains of their father, to give them sepulture, that when he himself should
die, his body r.iight be laid in the grave with so good and divine a uuxu as Jadon
had been ; but when he saw Jeroboam he persuaded hiui that Jadon had been an
impostor whom God had punished for his wicked pretenses. He thus gained the
favor of Jadon's son, and also of the king, who, believing all that had been told
him, continued in his wickedness.

A KING OF EGYPT CAPTURES JERU.SALEM AND SPOILS THE TEMPLE.

Rehoboam, being left unmolested for a long time, governed with such wisdom
as not only made him very popular among his own subjects but also gained
him the favor of the Levites and others of Jeroboam's people who esteemeil
the sacrifices made at Bethel as sacrilegious. As his power increased by these
accessions from the ten tribes, Rehoboam extended his kingdom and built many
cities which he provisioned with corn, wine aiul oil, and garrisoned them with
troops as a measure of safety.

Soon after reaching the ihroue Ri'liiiliiiiini nirirried a Jewish woman, by
whom he had three children, but, like llu: nlluT leaders of Israel, he was not
content with one wife, and accordingly maiiietl seventeiM' others. His second
wife, however, was of his kindred, a double half-cou lU, so to speak, for she
was I he dsiughtcr of AbHnloiu by his sister Tanuir. By this woman, whose
name was Maachah, he had a son whom he called Abijah (son of Jelwvah)^
and because of his exceeding love for Maachah, he desigtiated this son as his

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

271

successor and gave him charge of all the cities of his kingdom, and of his
treasures.

The eighteen wives and thirty concubinr" which Rehoboam had, bore him
twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters, a manifest evidence of the same passion
that had characterized Solomon and David, and which led to the same dis-
as )us results. Having given himself to all manner of excesses, he forgot the
goodness of God and became so wicked that he contaminated his subjects until
Israel had become as perverse and iniquitous as were the Canaan ites or
Ammonites.

God would not permit such wickedness to go unpunished, but instead of
afflicting the pot^ple with His own hand He sent Shishak, king of Egypt, to
invade the country and lay it waste. This king led an army comprising
twelve hundred ohariotH, sixt\ thousand horsemen, and four hundred thousand
foot soldiers, the t^natct part being composed o-f Ethiopians and Liln'ans.
This invasion ooouvu'd di\n\y^> l\\\- fifth year of ReKoboam's reign, and consid-
ering the si/e rtud c»tndition of his fainilj' at this time, we obtain an idea how
rapid Reh >l\v)au\'s descent had been from that of a high-born ruler to the slave
ot the most despicable passions.

ShisbtVk's march through Jurlah was almost unopposed. He captured city
aflev cily, and garrisoning them with his own troops, continued the invasion
until he reached the gates of Jerusalem. He laid siege to I-^rael's capital, and
was not long in reducing the inhabitants to such straits for food that they
surrendered without resistance. This result was hastened by the prophecy of
Sheniaiah, who told Rehoboam that God had forsaken him for his iniquity, and
had determined to deliver him and his people into the hands of the Egyptians
to be slaves.

When Shishak was admitted into Jerusalem he set his soldiers upon the
Temple, from which they took all tlie treasure, not sparing even the bucklers
and shields of gold which Solomon had made, nor the golden quiver David had
taken from the king of Zobah and dedicated to God. With the enormous riches
obtained from the Temple, Shisuak was content, for they were very much greater
than he had expected to find, and lie therefore returned to F-^gypt \vitli( jt sub-
jecting the Israelites to the bondage which Sheniaiah had prophesied.

But Rehoboam, though escaping slavery, had lost all his glory, and never
recovered his former power. He retained his crown, however, twelve ycar^ after
Shishak's invasion, though a portion of his kingdom v.as taken from him. He
died at the age of fifty-seven years, and was buried in the ro3^al sepulchre at
Jerusalem, and was succeeded by Abijah, who was now scarcely fifteen years
old.

THE DOWNFALL OF JEROBOAM.

While affairs in Judah were so calamitous, the ten tribes under Jeroboam,
though escaping Shishak's invasion into Israel, were in little more promising
condition. The king continued to disregard the covenants of his father, and

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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made sacrifices to ima£»'es at Rethel, which finally brought him to a fate even
worse than that to which Rchol)oani was reduced.

Jeroboam had a son b}' a wife whom he had married from among his own
people, who was called Abijah, being the same name that Rehoboam had given
to the heir to his throne. This son having fallen very ill, Jeroboam sent lii-^
wife to Shiloh to inquire of a prophet named Ahijah, whether the child should
recover. Before going, however, he charged her to put on a disguise, so that
the prophet might not know, when she should come into his presence, that
she was the queen. But disguise did not serve to conceal her identity from
the holy man, whose eyesight, though dim, discovered to him, through revela-
tion from God, who she was, and also the purpose of her visit. When, there-
fore, upon the moment she appeared before the prophet, he told her that he
knew she was the wife of Jeroboam, come to ask concerning whether her child
should live. He therefore prophesied that her son should be dead before she
could return to her home, and that Jeroboam himself should be punished by
being dethroned, and all his household given to dogs and fowls for food.
Moreover, he added, the people themselves should be scattered into places
beyond the Enphrates, being first overcome by a king who would be raised to
the throne by appointment.

All these things came to pass as the Shiloh prophet had predicted. When
his wife returned to Jeroboam she found her child dead, but this verification
of the prophecy did not incline the king to mend his ways, for the projects he
now conceived only hastened his downfall. Despising the youth and opposition
of Abijah, he fitted out an expedition against Judah, consisting of 800,000 men,
and marched to Mount Zemaraim, where he was met b}' an army of about one-
half the size of his own at the head of which was the youthful king of Judali.
While the two armies were in battle array Abijah stood in an elevated place
and begged Jeroboam and his people to hear first what he had to say. He
then made a speech before the two armies, in which he reminded the peoj^le
that God had appointed David and his descendants to rule over Israel, and
consequently that Jeroboam was wrongfully in possession of the crown, but
that God would not much longer suffer him to thus reign and divide the
twelve tribes. He also charged Jeroboam with sacrilege in offering burnt-
offerings and worshipping golden heifers, which God would certainly punish.
While he was thus talking, Jeroboam secretly sent a portion of his army to
surround Abijah's camp, and fell upon him with such suddenness that the
young king's army was on the point of a panic. Abijah's bravery and exhorta-
tion rallied them, however, and after a great battle he routed Jeroboam's forco^,
with a loss unparalleled in all history, for there were slain of Jeroboam's army
500,000 men. This victory was followed by the capture of Bethel and other
important cities, until Jeroboam was reduced to a position little above that of
a vassal.

Abijah did not live long to enjoy the fruits of his victory, or to bestow

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

273

tipon his people the benefits of that wisdom and conraj^e which he so early
iii.inifested. But his history is clouded by the same vices which distinguished
Ills predecessors, for though he reigned only three years, .ind had therefore
not attained his majority at the tiuu- of his death, yet he was married to four-
teen wives and left behind him twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters. He
was succeeded by his son Asa, under whom the country had peace for ten
years.

Jeroboam sur\'ived Abijah only two years, after governing the ten tribes
for a period of twenty-two years. His successor was his son Xadab, a foolish
and wicked young man, who met his dirith, two years after he had assumed
the throne, at the hand of one of Abijah s sons, Baasha by name. After kill-
ing Nadab, Baasha took the 1 )wn, and his first act thereafter was to destroy
tlie entire house of Jeroboam. Those uhom he killed in the cities were given
to dogs to eat, while those slain in llie fields were allowed to remain where
they had fallen, as food for fowls, thus fulfilling the predictions of the propliet
of Shiloh.

ASA'S GRKAT victory Ci\i;r THK I'OVI'TIAXS.

Asa was a man altogethi r different in disposition from those who liad
ruled before him. Instead of giving himself up to the vices wliicli had so
often caused the downfall of Israel's kings, he devoted himself to doing that
which was good for his people, and observing God's laws. The dangers by
which he was surrounded caused him to look to the safety of his kingdom,
and he therefore raised an army of defense, consisting of three bun ^'ed thou-
sand men of Judah, and two Inmdred and fifty thousand Benjanu.iites, who
wore admirably equipped with spears, shields and bows. Besides organizing
so large an ami}' he added new defenses to Jerusalem, and having thus pro-
vided so well against foes he ruled in peace and with great wisdom and piety
for ten years. At the end of this period, however, Zerali, king of P^thiopia,
inulertook an expedition against him at the head of nine hundred thousand
footmen, one hundred thousand cavalry and three hundred chariots. Asa
heard of the invaders before they had reached the boundar}' of his country,
and making preparations hastily, went out to meet them. The two armies
came in sight of each other in a valley called Zephathah, which was only a
short distance from Jerusalem. When Asa saw the magnitude of Zerah's army
he recited a prayer to God that he might be given the victory, to which peti-
tion a gracious reply was made.

Strengthened by God's assurance Asa began the battle, and with such
valor and impetuosity that the enemy was speedily defeated with the loss of
niaiiy thousands. As the Ethiopians retreated, Asa pursued them as far as
Oerar, taking such a vast quantity of spoils that his soldiers returned to
Jerusalem heavily laden with the things they had captured.
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274 THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

BAASHA'S war with ASA AND ITS TERRIBLE RESULTS.

When Baasha had increased the power of the ten tribes somewhat, and
had built himself a strong cit}' at Tir/ah, he became so dreadfnll}'^ impious
that God sent the prophet Jehu to warn him of the punishment which awaited
his wickedness. But Baasha disregarded all these warnings, and continued to
lead a life like that which had distinguished Jeroboam. He also became vain-
glorious, and in a spirit of bravado took his army and laid siege to Ramali,
Avhich is only five miles from Jerusalem. Having effected its capture, lio
fortified and garrisoned the place as a menace to Asa, and as a defiance to
that power which Asa acknowledged and worshipped.

To circumvent Baasha without going to war with him, as it was not proper
that the Hebrews should fight among themselves, Asa sent ambassadors to llie
king of Damascus — who was an ally of Baasha — with a vast treasure of gold
and silver to purchase his friendship, and to induce him to fight Baasha. The
king of Damascus was mercenary enough to accept the reward, upon the con-
ditions imposed by Asa, and he took his ami}' and laid siege to several cities
Avhich Baasha had left poorly protected, and captured some that were of tlie
greatest importance to the king of Israel. This attack from a new enemy
caused Baasha to abandon Ramah and return to Tirzah, where he soon after-
ward died. His son Elah succeeded him, but after a reign of two years was
treacherousl}' assassinated by Zimri, a commander of one-half the king's army.
Zimri then seized the throne and put to death every one of Baasha's house-
hold, just as Baasha had those of the house of Jeroboam. Zimri, however,
was not permitted to rule unmolested. A large portion of the army, while
laying siege to Gibbethon, would not acknowledge Zimri, and proclaimed Omri
their king. As soon as he had been thus declared, he drew off his army fnmi
Gibbethon and went to Tirzah for the purpose of seizing Zimri, who, however,
anticipated his coming, and fled into a secret room of his palace. He had
hoped that some of his guards would defend him, but, finding that no one
espoused his cause, he set fire to the palace and miserably perished in llie
flames.

Omri was no more righteous than had been Jeroboam, nor more fortunate
than Elah or Zimri, for he in turn was assassinated by one of his own house-
hold. The crown, however, was permitted to descend to his posterity, he being
succeeded by his son Ahab.

Asa continued to rule the two tribe? of Judah and Benjamin for a period
of forty-one years, during which time his kingdom was greatly strengthened,
and his people remained in increasing prosperity. His death was the occasion
of intense sorrow throughout all ' idah, and he was buried in Jerusalem with
all the pomp and funeral rites that were shown by the Israelites at the burial
of David. Asa was succeeded by his son Jehoshaphat, who was born to li.m
by his wife Azubah. Whether he hall any other wives or not the Bible <ioc.s

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

275

not tell lis, but we may verj' justly infer, from the success of his reign and
the high favor in which he was held by God, that he was never married to
an}' other woman.

AHAn's WICKED REIGN.

The kings succeeding to the throne of the ten tribes learned no wisdom
from the crimes and punishments of their predecessors, but continued in the
same follies. Ahab was more wicked, if possible, than Jeroboam, Zimri or
Omri, eschewing all good and following all manner of wickedness. He mar-
ried shortl}^ after coming to the throne, but instead of taking a Jewish woman,
according to the written law of Moses, he wedded a daughter of Ethbaal, king
of the Tyrians and Sidonians, who were idolaters. This woman's name was
Jezebel, a proud and infamously wicked creature, who brought to her husband
for his adoption the practices of her idolatrous people. One of her first acts,
after becoming queen, w^as to build a temple for the god Belus, around which
she had a beautiful garden made. She also appointed a large number of
priests and false prophets, and otherwise sought to impress the people with
tlie divine nature of this idol. In all these things she was assisted by Ahab,
who was pleased at this means for manifesting the wickedness in his heart.

Samaria was Aliab's seat of government, and it was liere tliat the altars
for idolatry were erected ; but besides these altars he dedicated a grove to the
revolting orgies of Ashtaroth, and established a college for his false prophets
in the grove where four hundred were kept under instruction, besides four
hundred and fifty other prophetical priests who predicted for the king. All
of these were fed by Jezebel, who held them in such reverential regard that
she ordered her officers to put to death all the true prophets of God. This
order w^as the cause of great sorrow, and in the end the destruction of this
dreadful woman.

Obadiah was the governor of Ahab's house, but, though surrounded by
the most evil of influences, he still retained a godly spirit and was true to the
laws of Moses and of Joshua. When, therefore, Jezebel's order was issued,
Obadiah sought out* many of the true prophets and apprised them of their
danger; he also hid one hundred in a cave and supplied them v/itli food, trust-
ing to the Lord for their and his own protection. This was the darkest hour
that had yet fallen on Israel, when we are told that there were not above
seven thousand who acknowledged Jehovah, all the others of this mighty
nation and ten tribes having given themselves up to the worship of idols and
iniquities of every kind.

THE MIRACLES OK ELIJAH.

The day of retribution was now^ near at hand, for (^rod could no longer
suffer Ahab to continue in his corrupting vices. He accordingly sent a j^'-reat
prophet, named Elijah, a Tishbite, to the king to tell him that his iniquities
should be punished by a famine that would oppress all the land, for no rain

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276

THE BEAUTIFUL vSTORY.

should fall for three or more years, or until the king became humbled and
left off his wicked ways. This prophecy nuide Ahab very angry, and he would
have killed Elijah had the prophet not obeyed God's instructions to flee into
the wilderness and there remain hidden by a brook. While Elijah was thus
in hiding God sent ravens to feed him, both morning and evening. He

renuiined beside the brook for
several months, and until, by
reason of the failure of rain, it
dried up, when he was told by
the Lord to go to a cit}' named
Zarephath, where he would meet
a widow woman that would fur-
nish him with food.

As Elijah was approaching
the gate of Zarephath he met a
woman gathering sticks, and
accosting her, begged a cup of
water and a piece of bread, to
which request she replied that
all the food remaining in her
house was a handful of meal and
a little oil which she was upon
'he point of preparing for her-
self and son, believing that she
must starve when this was gone.
Elijah thereupon bade her be of good cheer and to bake the
meal, of whicli she should give him a snmll cake, assuriii.^
her that God would not allow her store to decrease during
the famine. The woman now did as the prophet had requested,
and when she had baked the l)read and given a part to Elijah
and made another cake for herself, she saw that there still
remained as much meal and oil as before, nor was the store
in any wise diminished during the remaining 3-ears of famine.
When Elijah had remained with the widow for a long while, thus
subsisting by God's providence, the woman's son fell ill and soon
afterward died. She thereupon fell to lamenting, and givi.ig expres-
sion to her fears that the death of her only child was sent as a puuishuKMit
upon her for harboring a prophet whose life the king had condemned. Elijali
now asked her to give the body into his charge, and taking it up to his room
in the house he prayed Ciod to restore the child, and to take away the evil
from the good woman who had fostered His servant, and in all things had been
so upright and charital^le. The Lord answered I'Uij all's prayer by renewing
the child's life and giving him back in health to his bereaved mother.

i>i;.\'ni oi" thk widow s om.v ciiii.u.

>UMti^

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

277

': .,1

ELIJAH MANIFESTS HIS POWER BEFORE AHAl

had lasted three years and the people

il Israel were

mt sli'o

J^OllO.

ce the
isurinii;
during
nested,
Elijah
M-e still
le store
"amine.
c, tints
soon
cxpres-
ishnieiit
Elijah
IS room
he evil
id hcL'U
niewiu.v;

When the famine
dying of starvation,
wean the people
from their, idolatry.
While on his way to
Samaria the prophet
met Obadiah, whom
he ordered to go and
tell Ahab of his
presence ; but Oba-
diah refused at first
to carry such a mes-
sage, because, he
declared, that Ahab
had searched his
kingdom for all true
prophets that he
might slay them ;
besides, if he should
inform the king ot
the prophet's pres-
ence and the king
should not be able
to find him, he him-
self would be put to
death as a messen-
ger of false news.
After .some persua-
sion, however, Oba-
diah informed Ahab
of Ivlijah's desire to
have an audience
with him, and when
I he prophet came
into the king's pres-
ence he told him
that the Lord would

now show to him the impotence of the idols of Raal and the ])ower of the true
(iod. He asked the Wing, therefore, to call all his people and his prophets
together at Mount Carmel, where God would manifest to him the ]^')wer he had
declared. Ahab did as Ivlijah had requested, and assembled a vast multitude

i:i,ij.\ii uAisKS Tin; widow's son.

"And he stretched himself upon the child lliruo limes, and cried unto the

Lord." — r Kinc.s xvii. 21.

', I;'

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11'^

278

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

!!l

of his subjects on the mount, besides the four hundred and fifty prophets of
Baal, who had come to exhibit the wonders which they believed their god to
be capable of performing.

KXIX't'TION OK TlfK PROI'IIKTS Ol'' HAAF,.

".■\iui Klijuh bro'iRht them down to tlie brook Kishoii, and slew them there." — i Kinc.s xviii. 40.

When the vast concourse of peo])le were brought together Elijah addressed
them and asked liow long they woukl serve false gods, that could do nothing
for them, and reject the living God to whom they owed everyihing. He sai'.l,
if Jehovah be the true God then they should worship Him alone, but if B;inl

THE BEAUTlFUIv STORY.

279

be God then it were meet that they should obej' him, but that he would this
day show to them who was the God of gods. So saying, Ivlijah ordered that
two bullocks be slain, one to be laid upon the altar of Baal, and the other
laid upon the altar which he had built to God. When this was done lie
called upon the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal to pray to their god
to send fire to burn up their offering, a^j a sign of his power and acceptance
of the sacrifice. The prophets thereupon fell to praying until the day was
well spent, but though they cried in a very loud voice and performed many
carious ceremonies, their sacrifice remained unconsumed, and no answer came
to them from their idol. Elijah now mocked them with such suggestions as,
" Cry louder, perhaps Baal cannot hear, or is asleep, or his spirit may be
absent on a journey."

When the prophets of Baal were unable to arouse their god, and were in
a shameful condition of mind because of their failure before the people, Elijali
asked that a bullock be placed upon the altar of wood v/hich he had erected.
He also requested that twelve barrels of water be brought and poured upon
the wood until the trench that was dug around it should be filled. When all
this was done Elijah bowed himself in praj'er to God, whom he petitioned for
a manifestation of His holy power, that all the people might know who was
the living and true God, that they might destroy their idols and return to the
worship of Jehovah, who had brought them out of bondage and established
them in the land promised to Moses, Abraham and Jacob. While he was
thus praying a fire came out of heaven and descended upon the altar, which
it burned up, together with the water that was in the trenches ; seeing which
^wondrous thing the people fell upon their knees crying, " The Lord, He is
God! The Lord, He is God!" When he saw all the people bowing in adoration
of the true God, he commanded them to seize all the false prophets and
bring them to the brook Kishon, where, according to what God had told him
to do, he put them all to the sword.

RAIN IS SENT, BUT RUJAII IS PERSECUTED BY JEZKBEF..

When the sacrifices had been made Elijah told Ahab that rain would soon
be sent upon the land again, and the famine would specdil}^ abate ; so Ahab
retired to the side of Mount Carmel while Elijah went on top and pra3'ed to
God that rain might fall and nourish the parched earth, now so long barren.
While he prayed he sent his servant to a higher point of the mountain, to
inform him if any clouds were visible in the sky. The servant returned tell-
ing him that the sky was like brass and np cloud visible. Elijah i-cut him
up again, and six times did the servant return with the same answer, but the
seventh time of his going up he told the prophet that he saw a cloud rising
out of the sea, but it appeared no larger than a nuan's hand. Elijah, however,
knew by this sign that the rain was near at hand, so he told Ahab to make
ready his chariot and return quickly to Samaria, for that a heavy rain would

I i

I ;

2So

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

ill

-A'

soon fall over all the laud. Aliab started at once for the city, accompanied hv
Elijah, who ran before the king's chariot to the gate of the cit}-. As thev
came within the place a terrible wind storm came up which filled the sk}^ with
dark clouds that hung like an inky pall over the whole laud, and soon tlie

rain began to fall
until it swc])t
down in torrents,
as if God had re-
solved again to
destro}^ the
earth. But when
all the country
was refreshed
the rain abated,
the sun broke
forth again and
the people re-
joiced that they
had been thus
delivered from a
famine that had
oppressed them
for three and
one-half years.

When Jezebel
was told of the
things which
Elijah had done,
and how he had
caused the death
of her prophets,
she sent officers
of her court in
pursuit, with in-
structions to kill
him. But Elijah
was forewarned
of the consjMr-
acy against his
life and fled to

Beershcba, which was on the boundary of Judah. He reuuiined here only a
short time when he learned that there was no greater safety for him among the
people of Beersheba than among those of Jezreel, so he fled to the desert. His

];i,ijAH ri;R,si':ci'Ti',D iiv jKZKiiRt.
"I, even I only, wii l:ft; and tliev seek my life to take it away."— i Kings xix. lo.

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THE ASCENT OF ELIJAH.

Ilvholil t/ii-rc a/>/)nrief/ <i rlutntjt nffne. anil /io/-.iv-.v of Jin-, aiul paited f/ifiii

/10//1 iiuiiidi-r. find /■.'ti/iifi iceiil lip hi/ n whiilniiHl into /leiiivrt ' .H Kinys il II.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

2S1

\vanderiiigs through the waste lands of Judah were accompanied by so much
distress and fear of starvation that he prayed for death,, since being pursued
oil every hand by enemies he could obtain neither rest nor peace. Worried
thus and exhausted by hunger, he fell asleep under a large tree whose friendly
branches were his only cover'ng ; he was awakened after some hours of rest,
and found set before him a vessel of water and a bowl of food, with which
he satisfied his hunger and thirst, and then arose and went to Horeb. Here
he found a cave in which he made his abode, because it was a place seldom
visited by any one, and therefore offered to him a safe retreat.

One day, while l^'ing within the depths of the cave, he heard a voice ask-
ing why he had chosen this solitude for his habitation : to which he replied,
not knowing to whom the voice belonged, that it was because his life was
sought by the wicked Jezebel. Another voice now told him to come out of
the cave on the next day and it would instruct him what to do, for God would
take care of His servants. Elijah came out, as he had been bidden, and is
he approached the light he saw a brightness like that of a great fire, while
tlie earth shook beneath his feet and a voice was again heard, commanding
him to return home, and ordain Jehu to be king over his own people, and
Hazael of Damascus to be over the Sj'rians, to whom should be given an order
to slay the impious multitude ; but he was also told to appoint Elislia, of the
city of Abel, a prophet in his stead, for the Lord was about to do a wonderful
thing to him. When Elijah heard these instructions he returned to Gilead,
and soon after found Elisha plowing, and other laborers in the field driving
twelve yoke of oxen. Immediately he cast his mantle upon Elisha as a token
that he had been appointed a prophet of God, and the latter began forthwith
to prophes}', and taking leave of his parents became a follower of Elijah.

AHAn HAS XAHOTH STONED AND TAKES HIS VINEYARD.

vShortly after Elijah's return to his country Ahab and Jezebel perpetrated
a crime which brought upon them the vengeance of God — though not imm; ■
diately — and a piinishment which brought an end to their iniquities.

There was a man named Naboth who had a vine3'ard that adjoined one
of the king's fields, and was very near the royal residence. Ahab was anxious
to possess this piece of grour.d so as to enlarge his gardens, but when he went
to purchase it Naboth refused to sell it for any sum of mone}', or to exchange
it for any other parcels which the king ofifei'ed, valuing the vineyard thus
hi<rhly because it was an inheritance from his father. Ahab's disappointment
was such that he fell into a melanchol}' mood, and refused food for some time.
Seeing him thus depressed Jezebel asked the cause, and learning that it was
because of Naboth's refusal to sell the vinej'ard, she encouraged him not to
be troubled over so small a matter, and that she would yet obtain for him
the coveted ground. Accordingly, she sent letters to all the judges among
the Jezreelites, in Ahab's name, commanding them to fast and afterward to

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282

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

assemble in council and bring Nabotli before them, tipon tlie charge of having
blasphemed God and the king, and to have three witnesses to prove Naboth's
transgressions. She also ordered that upon his being found guilty he should
be stoned to death, and that his vine3'ard should be given to the king as a
forfeit. By this infamous order Naboth was taken and stoned to death and
Ahab fell into possession of the gronnd ; but he was not permitted to enjoy
his new propert}-, for God sent Elijah to reproach him for his crime, and to
prophesy that in the very place where Naboth's blood had been licked by dogs

NAIUITII Ili;i'ORli KING AHAll.

both his own blood and that of his wife should be shed, and the body of the
latter should be eaten also b}' dogs.

When Ahab heard this prediction he was exceedingly sorry for whp* ho
had done, and putting on sackcloth he refrained from food and prayed canicslly
to God for forgiveness. The humility which Ahab exhibited was so great
that God sent Elijah to tell him that He would not destroy his famil\ a;
once, as He had intended, but would not withhold his wrath from Ahab's son,

In all the things which Ahal) did he was held less responsible because
they were prompted rather by his wicked wife than by his own propcusitiLS,
for Jezeljcl was so bold, and of such a strong mind, that she exercised the most
potent influence upon Ahab and was, indeed, the supreme ruler.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

2S3

BENHADAD BEvSIEGE.S SAMARIA, BUT IS BEATEN BY AHAB.

The king of Sj'ria at this time was Benhadad, of Dcmascus, a proud and
insolent person, who was so ambitious to extend his dominion that he engaged
thirty two mercenary kings from beyond the Euphrates and made an expedition
again it Ahab, with the intention of wresting the kingdom of Israel from him
and adding it to his own. He soon invested the "ity of Samaria, and then
sent ambassadors to Ahab to inform him if he would surrender all his riches,
together with his wives and children, that the siege would be raised and the
city spared. Ahab was in such great fear of Benhadad, on account of the
enormous army that he had thrown around Samaria, that he returned a most
abject answer, sa3'ing all that he possessed would be freely given if Benhadad
would but spare the place. This servility of Ahab inspired Benhadad to
enlarge his requests ; so he dispatched his ambassadors a second time, to tell
Ahab to deliver to the servants, whom he would send, all the valuable things
that were in the city, and that he should permit them to search the palac,
and all the houses of his friends and kindred and to take what they pleased.

Ahab now assembled his people together and told them that he was will-
ing to surrender to Benhadad all his own possessions and also his wives and
children, for the safet}' of the city, but that the Syrian king had now demanded
that he be permitted to search all the houses for treasure and to take every-
thing which might please him, so he asked the people for their advice as to
what he should do. With one accord they recommended resistance, and advised
him to return an answer that his demands were rejected, which Ahab accord-
ingly did.

When Benhadad received the king's answer he sent his ambassadors a
third time with such terrible threats that he supposed Ahab would be more
humble than before ; but in this he was disappointed, and the siege was
renewed with greater energ}- and in many different ways, until Ahab was upon
the point of despairing. But when his fears were greatest a prophet came to
him and declnred that if he would but give the leadership to the sons of llic
princes in Samaria he should gain a victory over the enemjr. This advice
encouraged Ahab, so that he sent for the men designated, who numbered two
hundred and thirty-two persons, to go to the Syrians when they were found
feasting, trusting to God for the success of their undertaking, not knowing
himself how they were going to make the attack. The princes' sons went out'
of the gates of Samaria at night and came upon the vSj-rians while they were
too drunk to offer resistance, and falling on them suddenly killed a great num-
her and put the others to flight. Seeing tlu enemy in retreat Ahab now fol-
lowed after them with hi'- soldiers and continued the slaughter for a long
while, capturing eveiything in tiie vS^-rian camp and taking the king's chariots
and a vast amount of gold dnd silver, with which he returned to the city.

In the following spring Benhadad nu.sed another arr^y and went again

ill ^i! ?i

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284

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

against Aliab, but with no better success than before. The two armies met iu
a great plain near the city of Aphek, where they remained inactive, watching
each other for seven days. At the end of seven daj'S Ahab began the battle,
and after some sharp fighting routed Benhadad and slew one hundred thousand
of his men. The others fled to Aphek for protection but the walls of this
city fell upon them, killing twent3^-seven thousand more. Benhadad himself,
however, succeeded in escaping by taking refuge in a cave, where he remained
for several days, and until hunger drove him forth. Learning that Ahab was
a merciful and humane man, and finding his retreat cut off from all sides,

Benhadad at
length clothed
himself in
sackcloth and
putting a
rope about
his neck as a
sign of his
helplessness,
he went to the
king of Lsrael
and made a
supplication
for mercy.
Ahab received
him gracious-
ly, and not
only promised
tospare his life
but bade him
to come up to
his chariot and
kissed him

affectionatel}' ; nor did he cease with these kindnesses but promised to restore to
him his cities and his rule over Damascus.

A certain pi-ophet, named Micaiah, learning of Ahab's generous actimi,
made use of an artifice to come before the king ; and when he had gained his
presence delivered himself of a prophecy to the effect that God, being dis-
pleased with Ahab for having so mercifully pardoned and covenanted witli the
blasphemer Benhadad, would requite his act by delivering him into the hands
of other enemies. In' whom he should be killed. Ahab was much distressed
at this prophecy, though he ordered that the prophet be cast into prison and
there kept until he should see proper to liberate liim.

SYRIANS SCALINO THK WALLS OV SAMAKIA.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

285

JEHOSHAPHAT AND THE PROGRESS OF HIS KINGDOM.

Jelioshaphat, the king of Jerusalem, was a wise and righteous ruler,
unlike his predecessors in all things, and his kingdom grew amazingly in con-
sequence. One of his first acts was to put his country in a state of perfect
defense, which he accomplished by raising a very great army, consisting of
three hundred thousand men of the tribe of Judah, who were provided with
armor, and over whom Adnah was appointed chief; he had, besides, two hun-
dred thousand archers commanded by Jehu, and one hundred and eighty
thousand foot soldiers, well armed, and commanded by Jehozabad. This great
army was kept constantly ready for the king's service. But these did not
comprise all his fighting force, for he built walls about all his cities and gar-
risoned them with large bodies of men, so that he must have had, altogether,
one million well drilled soldiers. His power, as well as his wisdom, gained for
him the favor of all neighboring kings, who made him such liberal gifts, in
addition to his own possessions, that he became one of the richest and most
exalted rulers that ever governed any part of Israel.

In the third year of his reign Jelioshaphat called together the rulers of
the countr}' and commanded them to teach all the people in the several cities
over which the}- ruled the laws of Moses, and to incite them to diligence in
the worship of God. This produced a most favorable effect, for it served to
cement the Hebrews in a common fellowship which largcl}'' increased their
power, for there were now no factions or disturbing elements in the kingdom.

When Jelioshaphat had reigned several j'ears he chose for his sou
Jehoram a wife from one of Aliab's daughters named Athaliah, by which he
hoped to promote a friendship with Aliab as king of the ten tribes, and it is
possible that he also looked forward to the reunion of all the twelve tribes
into one nation and under one king.

Some time after Jehoram's marriage Jelioshaphat paid a friendl}' visit to
Ahab, at Samaria, who received him with many evidences of affection and
caused great feasts to be held in his honor. During this visit Ahab besought
the assistance of Jelioshaphat in a war against the king of Syria, which Aliab
was at the time contemplating, in order to recover the city of Ramoth, in
Gilead, which was held by the Syrian king. It is probable, also, that Ahab,
being troubled by Micaiah's prophecy, had made this a pretense to renew the
war with Benhadad and execute upon him the punishment which he now
believed he merited as a blasphemer, though three years had elapsed since he
gave his pardon to the Syrian king.

To his request Jehoshaphat returned his promises of aid, but only upon
an understanding that, while fighting a coninum enemy, the armies of Ahab
and Jelioshaphat should remain distinct and commanded by their own kings.

When Ahab had made everything ready for beginning the war, he called
together his four hundred prophets and asked of them if he should gain a

iit I

1^ -iHini

i ' 1 I' I

286

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

victory over Benliadad ; they, being anxious to please the king, answered him
favorably, but Jehoshaphat, understanding by their speech that they were false
prophets, asked Ahab if there were not in his kingdom some true prophet
belonging to God who might give him surer information of how the battle
would result. Ahab answered that there was one, indeed, but that he was a
man to be despised because he alwa3's prophesied evil, who had always fore-
told that he should be overcome by the king of Syria, for which reason he
had cast the prophet into prison. This admission of Ahab's only caused
Jehoshaphat to be more greatly concerned, and he ordered that Micaiah be

sent for. When tl:e true
prc])het appeared before
the two kings and was
commanded to speak, lie
was at first loth to do so,
but being pressed to tell
^1 what should come to pass,
he told Ahab that his
troops would be dispersed,
though the}' should return
in safety, but that he
would be overcome and
slain.

Ahab was much im-
pressed by the prediction
of Micaiah, and would no
doubt have abstained from
war had not Zedekiah, one
of the false prophets, re-
assured him by charging
him to give no heed to
the words of Micaiah, who
was not to be believed, for
he always spoke falsely.
Moreover, to better convince the king Zedekiah struck Micaiah violently, '"^t
the same time saying : " If this be a true prophet let him hurt my hand as
Jadon caused the hand of Jeroboam to wither." When Ahab saw with what
impunity the false prophet treated Micaiah he no longer hesitated, but led his
army forth. However, with still some forebodings that evil might come ujion
him as predicted, Ahab put off his royal robes and clothed himself in the
garments of a common soldier, wearing armor, and bade Jehoshaphat to wear
his habit and stand before the army, that he might appear ns king of the ten
tribes. Jehoshaphat cheerfully complied with Ahab's request, for, besides beiut^ a
brave i.;an, his courage was doubly fortified by reason of the assurances of Cod.

KI.IJAII I'KU IIY KAVl'NS.

"And the ravens brought him bread anil flesh. "-

-I KiNOS xvii. 6.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

287

When Ahab and Jehoshaphat drew up their armies before Ranioth,
Bcnhadad sallied out and met them, but first gave instructions to his soldiers
to slay no one but the king of Israel. The Syrians therefore fell upon
Jehoshaphat, whom they at first judged to be Ahab because of the clothes he
wore, but perceiving their mistake they fell back. The fighting continued all
tlic da}'-, but without any casualties, for the Syrians contented themselves with
liokling the Israelites in check, giving no blows, but striving all the while to
find Ahab. Late in the evening a 3'oung nobleman belonging to Benhadad's
army, and whose name was Naunian, becoming irritated with impatience
because his commander forebore charging the enemy, drew his bow and let
fly an arrow, little regarding its flight, and without any idea of the fatal
messenger it would prove to be. God evidently directed the arrow, for it
struck Ahab between the plates of his armor and penetrated his lungs. The
wounded king, anxious for the honor of his army, bade his chariot driver to
take him quickly off the field, and not to let the disaster that had befallen
liim become known to any one, for fear that it would cause his army to retreat.
Ahab endured great pain until sunset, when death came to his relief. At the
same time the Syrians withdrew, for they did not want to engage in a pitched
battle, being doubtful of their power to defeat the Israelites, but when the
news of Ahab's death was received they immediately retired within the walls
of Ramoth.

The Israelites took Ahab's bod}' back to Samaria, and buried it there with
honors appropriate to the exalted position he had held. The chariot in which
lie had been conveyed was covered with blood, which was eagerly licked up by
dogs, as it was being washed at the fi)untain of Jezreel, thus fulfilling Elijah's
])rophecy, and also that of Micaiah, who foretold that the king should die at
Ramoth.

GOD PKRK0RM.«5 A MIRACI.K IN nKHAT.F OK JKIIOSHAPHAT.

As Jehoshaphat was returning to Jerusalem, from his expedition against
Rcnhadad, he was met by the prophet Jehu, who rebuked him soundly for
aiding so wicked a man as Ahab, but said God had delivered him from the
enemy because of his generally righteous conduct. Jehoshaphat v.-as convinced
of the truth of Jehu's words, and betook himself to thanksgiving and the offer-
ing of sacrifices as an atonement ; he also exhorted his people to observe strictly
all the laws of Moses, and appointed judges and priests from among the Levites,
who were instructed to teach the Israelites to obey God, and to award sentences
according to the most exact justice. These wisa acts greatly pleased the people,
for they perceived in them the goodness of Jehoshaphat, and that God was with
him.

Scarcely had the king regulated his affairs, which had become somewhat
disordered during his absence from Jerusalem, when a large army, composed
of Moabites, Ammonites and Arabians, made an invasion into Judah, and
encamped at Engedi, nearly forty miles from Jerusalem, having come to gather,

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by force if necessarj^, a precious balsam called Balm of Gilead, which was
brought out of Arabia by the Queen of Sheba as a present to Solomon, and
which, being planted, had flourished greatly in the region of Engedi.

When Jehoshaphat heard of the invaders he called his people to a congre-
gation in the Temple, and there prayed to God for the power to overcome his
enemies, to which prayer all the people added their entreaties. While they
were thus crying, a prophet named Jahaziel came into the midst of the assem-
bly and assured Jehoshaphat that God heard his supplications and had promised
to fight his battle fo; him. The prophet further instructed the king to take
his forces on the following day and go toward Engedi, for he should find the
enemy at a place called The Eminence, which was between Jerusalem and
Engedi, but having brought his army thither, he should stand still and wait to
see what God would do.

Jehoshaphat observed all that Jahaziel had told him, and as soon as day-
light appeared he marched out of Jerusalem headed by the Levites, who went
before singing hj'nins and playing upon musical instruments. When they came
in sight of the invaders, Jehoshaphat commanded them to halt and observe
what should come to pass, for he believed, as the prophet had told him, that
some miracle was about to be performed. Nor was he disappointed, for God
created a confusion among the Ammonites and Moabites, which caused thciu
to fall upon each other in a desperate conflict that did not terminate until tlie
whole had been slain, and the valley was filled with dead men. For this
happy deliverance Jehoshaphat gave thanks to God, and then sent his soldiers
to take all that was left in the enemy's camp and the spoils that they might
find upon the dead bodies. The search for valuables continued for three da\-s,
so great was the number slain, and the spoils recovered were enough to load
all those of his army. Tl.e valley where God had thus fought the Moabitcs
and Ammonites was therefore called The Valley of Blessings.

When Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem he offered up sacrifices and kept
a festival of thanks for many days, nor did he afterward forget God, but
remained a righteous man to his death. His glory greatly increased, for he
was feared by all neighborii.g kings ; and establishing a league of friendship
with Ahaziah, Ahab's son and successor, the two built a considerable fleet of
ships which they sent to ports on the Mediterranean and Red Seai for various
articles, hoping to establish a commerce with other countries. This eff'ort
largel}"^ increased his power among his own and neighboring people, but tlie
undertaking was not successful in immediate results, for most of the ships were
destroyed because they had not been properly constructed.

Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he ascended the throne, and his
rule continued for twenty-five years, when he died, leaving his subjects at
peace with all the w^orld and more prosperous and contented than they h;ul
ever been under any previous ruler. His place of sepulture was among the
kings who preceded him, in the royal tomb at Jerusalem.

CHAPTER XXI.

ahaziah's short reign and death.

2 Kings.
^\ HAZIAH, though having Jehoshaphat as an example and
ally, had inherited all the weaknesses of his father, Ahab,
and the iniquities of his mother, Je.zebel. Scarcely had he
gained the throne before the worship of Baal was instituted
^^ anew, presumably through the influence of Jezebel, though
^U it is hardly probable that idolatiy had ceased before Ahab's
death. It had certainly greatly diminished, howe^'er, and
was not publicly observed, until re-established by the sanction, if
not open avowal, of Ahaziah. His wickedness provoked the just
anger of God, who speedily sent afflictions upon him. His troubles
began by the refusal of the Moabites to continue the payment of
the tribute that had been levied upon them by Ahab, and when he
attempted to force the collection they rebelled and brought a war
upon the country. Ahaziah, however, was prevented by an accident
from leading his army against the rebels, for at the beginning of hostilities,
while he was descending a stairway in his house, he ctumbled and fell, and
received mortal injuries. While lying in bed from his hurt, he sent mes-
sengers to the god of Flies, the divinity which he worshipped and which was
set up in Rkron, to inquire if he should recover. The Bible calls this god
Baal-zebcib, but Josephus says it was the god fly, which Ahazith worshipped
under the belief that it had the powv-r to drive away the flies which were so
troublesome at the sacrifices.

God .-sent Elijah to meet the messengers, and to tell them that the people
of Israel had a God of their own, therefore they sinned in going to a foreign
god with their inquiries ; but that they might return home at once, i"or Aha-
ziah should not escape the judgment which had been brought upon him.
The messengers came back to Samaria at once, and when they gained the
king's presence he asked how they had returned so quicklj' ; in response to
which they told him of ha\ing met an old man who forbade them to go any
further, but to return Avith the word that their king should not recover. This
prediction worried Ahaziah, and the more because he knew by the description
given of the prophet by the messen;.;ers that it was Elijah.

THE MESSENGERS DESTROYED \\\ FIRE.

When the king had heard all that had been reported him, though his
concern was great, he thought to punish the prophet for making such a pre-

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

diction, as though such a course might avert his fate. He accordingly sent
a captain with iifty men to arrest Elijah and bring him to the city. The cap-
tain went out with his company and found Elijah sitting on top of a hill
girt about with a girdle of leather. He accosted the prophet harshly and com
manded him to come at once to the king, threatening him with force if he
should refuse. Elijah thereupon not only refused, but told the captain that
he would show him, b}' a miracle, whether or not he was a true prophet. So
saying Elijah prayed that a fire might come out of heaven and destroy the
captain and his men. His prayer was speedilj' answered, for a whirlwind of
flame descended from out the clouds and consumed the men. The disaster
which had befallen the messengers was told to Ahaziah, who, with increased
anger, sent fifty others to accomplish the prophet's arrest, but these, too, were
destroj'cd in the same manner. These calamities, which would have readily
convinced a reasonable man, had no other effect upon Ahaziah than to increase
his wrath and determination, so he dispatched a third company of fifty men.
The captain of this last body was more discreet than those who had gone before,
for when he found Elijah, instead of speaking in a peremptory and threaten-
ing manner, he accosted him civilly and told the prophet that he had not
come of his own accord, but because he had been commanded by the king,
and desired that he would have mercy upon himself and men and come will-
ingly to Ahaziah. To this civil and courteous request Elijah returned a kind
answer, and went with the captain to the king ; but when he had come into
the royal presence he repeated the prophecy, that, because Ahaziah had
rejected the true God and had given himself over to the worship of idols, he
should not recover from his injuries, but would speedil}' die. This prophecy
was fulfilled almost at the instant that Elijah had left off speaking.

Ahaziah's reign lasted only two 3'ears when, having died without issue,
iiis brother Jehoram succeed to the throne.

ELIJAH IS TAKEN VP TO HEAVEN.

The last act of Elijah was to prophesy against Jehoram, who, for follow-
ing in the footsteps of Ahab and Ahaziah, the prophet told should be brought
to destruction. His mission on earth was now accomplished, and he received
from God the intelligence that he would soon be called to that glorified con-
dition which surpasses all earthly exaltation ; nor was the grave to triumph
over him at last, for it was ordained that he should pass into heaven without
entering through the doors of a sepulchre. I^lijah was much given to con-
templation, and desired to be alone that he might hold communion with Jeho-
vah, who was always with him. Elisha, however, had been his companion and
servant since the Divine power had descended upon him in the field that he
was plowing; but now that he was about to be called hence, Elijah desired to
be alone again, so he told Elisha to remain at Gilgal, as he wished to go up
to Bethel. But Elisha was also forewarned of Elijah's end, and refused to

MlUtv.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORV.

291

reniaiu behind, but followed liim to Bethel. At this place tne two were met
by several other prophets, who said to Elisha, " Kuowest thou that Jehovah
will take away thy master from thy head to-day ?" to which he replied, " I do
know it ; hold j'our peace." Elijah now told Elisha that he was going up to
Jericho, and again asked his servant to remain behind ; but, as before, Elisha
persisted in following, and when they came to Jericho the same inquiry was
addressed to Elisha by the prophets there that was made at Bethel. Upon
tarrying here a short time Elijah went on to the Jordan, with Elisha following
as before; but the two were now watched by fifty other prophets who had
been apprised by Divine intuition of Elijah's end. As the two arrived at the
river's brink Elijah
took off his leather
girdle, and striking
the water, tiie
stream divided so
that a wall stood
on either side, thus
permitting them to
walk across in the
dry bed. When
they had gone over
Elijah asked his
servant what gift
he desired should
be bestowed upon
him, as the time
was now near when
they should be sepa-
rated in this life.
Elisha eagerly
begged that a
double portion of
his master's right-
eousness and power might be granted him. To this Elijah replied that while
his request was a bold one, yet it should be granted if he wei'e permitted by
(lod to see him taken away; otherwise not. While they were thus conversing
a fiery chariot, drawn by horses of flame, came down from the sky and
took the good prophet P^lijah up to heaven before the eyes of Elisha, but
as he went up Elijah cast off his mantle, which falling to the ground, was
picked up by Elisha, for it was a sign that his power and spirit had been
given to his servant. lilisha now went back to the Jordan, and striking the
water with the mantle was rejoiced to see that the gift he had asked for had
been bestowed. The river parted again and permitted him to recross on dry

ELIJAH CARRIED IIEAVENVVARI) IN' A CHARIOT Ol' l'J.AMi:.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

land. When Elisha told the fifty prophets of what had befallen his master
they doubted his word and sent in search of him fifly of the most active men
in Jericho; but after prosecuting the search for three days they returned ami
reported their inability to discover any trace of Elijah, whereupon Elisha was
accepted as his legitimate successor. But to further prove to his brethren tlu
Divine power which had been given him, he cast some salt into a bitter spring
that threw out its acrid water from i:he base of a hill near Jericho, and
instantly the spring became pure and wholesome, and so remains to this day,
refreshing a considerable territory that was bef re barren.

Elisha went from Jericho to Bethel by the same route over which he had
followed Elijah, but upon returning to the town some children, as the Bible
tells us, came out and mocked him by such expressions as, "Go up, thou
bald-head." This so angered the prophet that he prayed God to avenge his
insults, whereupon two she-bears issued out of a neighboring wood and tore
forty-two of the children. That the rendering into our language of the descrip-
tion of this incident is too literal, is so apparent as to scarcely need mention.
The monstrosity of such an act as that of sending bears to destro}- lisping
little children for so small an offense as this harmless raillery can scarcel}- be
measured by the judgment of men, and to impute it to the Holy Spirit is an
iniquity that is unpardonable. It was at Bethel that Jeroboam set up golden
heifers for the people to worship, and this idolatry was perpetuated through
the reigns of Aliab and Ahaziah. It is therefore most probable that when
Elisha came by way of the golden images he rebuked the people for their
sinfulness, and was answered by the children of Belial with mockiugs, as it was
their practice to do, as we have already seen. These children of Belial were tlie
recreatic Israelites who had abandoned the true God and joined themselves to
idols, and their punishment, by being torn by bears, was a natural visitation jf
the Divine wrath. Any other interpretation is an injustice both to God and to
Elisha.

JEHORAM JOINS JEHOSHAPH.A.T AGAINST THE MOABITES.

Upon the death of Ahaziah, Jehoram, his brother, assumed the rulership,
and immediately turned his attention to the Moabites, to compel them to con-
tinue paying the annual tribute of one hundred thousand lambs and as many
rams ; but he did not have the courage to attack the rebels with his own
army, and so applied to Jehoshaphat for help. This pious ruler readily prof-
fered his assistance, and as the two marched toward Moab they were joined liy
the king of Edom, who ruled over a dependency of Judah. The three kinj^^s,
at the head of their respective armies, marched for seven days in the dii-ection
of Moab, but their progress was very slow, and on account of a scarcity of
water in the wilderness through which they passed their sufferings were great.
The complaints and misgivings of the armies induced Jehoshaphat to inquire
if there was a prophet of God among them, and learning that Elisha had
accompanied the expedition, besought him to foretell what should befall them.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

293

Jehoram had persisted in the idolatry of his predecessors, and on account
of his wickedness EHsha ' ^fused to prophesy until the king had promised to
yield himself to God; whreiipon the prophet commanded the armies to set
about immediately to digging trenches over all the plain, assuring Jehoshaphat
that a rain should soon come to fill these ditches, and that a great victory
would be won over Mesha, king of the Moabites. The army set resolutely to
work in the night digging trenches, as Elisha had commanded, and when
morning broke thej' were filled with water b}^ a rain that had fallen just before
dawn. The Israelites had retired to their camp, when the Moabites appeared,
and, seeing the ditches of water red with the sun's reflected raj's, at once
concluded that it was blood that had been spilled by the confederated armies
fighting among themselves. Without considering further, the Moabites rushed
in disorder to the camp which lay before them, in their desire to take such
spoils as might be found, but they were taken completely by surprise, for the
three armies now left their ^, ■'^-zr - -^-^^g^ ~sr.: ^r v— ' ■ ^^

tents and met the Moabites i,}}M JJ^ ■ -"- L i-,mXg&S^P^:'^^^'if"-\^^^
with such suddenness that
they were scattered like so
many sheep, and rettcated
without a show of resistance.
The Moabites were pursued
and slaughtered with impu-
nity, their cities were burned,
fields destroyed, and the
whole country devastated
until their last place of
refuge was in Kir-haraseth,
the last city left to them.
This place was besieged, and
would no doubt h.ave been taken also but for the action of Aleslia, who,
mounting the walls, raised his son and heir in his arms, and in the face of
the besiegers offered him as a sacrifice to the god Moloch for the safety of the
city. A singular thing followed. Instead of this sacrilege further offending the
pious Jehoshaphat, or raising the wrath of Elisha, who was presumably still
with the army, its effect was immediately what the idolatrous Moab king pre-
dicted, for the siege was at once raised and the confederated armies returned
to their respective countries.

THE MIR.\CLES WROUGHT BY ELIvSHA.

The record of Jehoram's reign is chiefly made up with the deeds of
Elisha, whose power to work miracles was greater than that of any other
prophet, and second only to that of Christ himself.

Soon after his return from the war against ^lesha he was met by a poor

THE rOOL OF EI.ISHA.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

woman, who begged him to pity her distress. He asked the cause of her
present trouble, to which she replied that her husband had contracted a debt
and soon afterward died without being able to pay it ; that she had tried in
vain to discharge the obligation herself, and now the creditor was threatening
to take away her two sons and make bondsmen of them, thus leaving her
wholly without means of support. Elislia saw how great was the poor woman's
sorrow, and feeling compassion for her, seeing that she possessed only a. small
pot of oil, bade her go to the neighbors and borrow from them all their empty
vessels, and to have her sons bring them into the house and shut the door.
When this had been done, he instructed her to pour into each vessel a little
of the oil which she had left, and to then watch the result. In a little while,
and as she looked at them, all the vessels had become filled with pure oil,
which Elisha now ordered her to sell and pay the man whom her husband
had owed, and to buy food for herself and children.

A while after performing this miracle Elisha Avas sojourning in the city of
Shunem, and one day while in the street, a certain rich woman meeting him,
and knowing that he was a prophet, invited him to stop with her and partake
of her hospitalit}', which invitation he gladly accepted, for the lot of a prophet
was a hard one, their dependence being generally upon the bounty of those
with Avhom they chanced to come in contact. The woman was so pleased with
Elisha that, after learning that he frequently passed that way, she proposed
to her husband that they prepare a special chamber in their house for this
man of God, to which he assented, and a room was fitted up with a bed, stool
and candlestick, so that the prophet had a comfortable lodging.

Some time after Elisha came by Shunem, accompanied by his servant
Gehazi, and put up with the good woman, whose hospitality continued to grow
warmer. As a reward for this kindness Elisha told the woman, who had
remained childless, that she should have a son, which greatly pleased her, for
barrenness was a reproach among the Hebrews.

According to Elisha's prophec}' a son was born to the woman, in whom
she had great jo}', for her life was wrapped up in him. But when the sou
was almost grown he fell suddenly ill one day while in the field among his
father's reapers. He was carried to his mother and sat in her lap until noon,
when he died. The anguished woman took the body and laid it upon Elisha's
bed, and shutting the door, ran off to find him, her heart being filled with the
hope that he might restore her lost one again. Elisha, while sitting on Mount
Carmel, saw the woman approaching on an ass, and sent Geliazi to meet her
and inquire the cause of her coming. She refused to talk with the servant,
however, but came directly into Elisha's presence and told him of the sorrow
that had befallen her. Upon learning these evil tidings, Elisha bade Gehazi
take his staff and run quickly to the woman's house and lay it upon the
child. But the woman would not turn back without Elisha himself should
come, so the two went on together. As they neared the house Gehazi came

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

295

out and told Elisha ttiat he had hiid liis staff upon the child, as directed, but
that he had not awakened. Thereupon Elisha went into the house and lay
himself upon the body, which forthwith grew war-ii, and the youth soon rose
up in life and was given in health to his mother, whose thankfulness was
expressed by bowing herself to the earth and kissing his feet.

After this miracle Elisha went to Gilgal to visit some of the prophets and
their families that lived there. Becoming hungry he ordered his servant to
put a great pot on the fire and go into the field and gather some lentils or
peas, and boil them for the company to eat. The servant gathered the peas,
as directed, and he also brought some poisonous berries which he took to be
good. When the peas and berries were sufficiently boiled the company sat
down to eat, but soon discovered the deadly danger that was in the pottage
set before them. Elisha now commanded that a little meal be brought, which
he threw into the pot and then bade all before him to eat without fear, for the
poison had been removed. The men ate accordingly without receiving any
harm.

After performing this miracle Elisha went to a gathering of the prophets
at another place, and the time being come to eat it was discovered that all the
food available was twenty loaves of bread and a few ears of corn. With the
assurance born of his divine character, however, he ordered these to be dis-
tributed, and when the loaves were broken there was enough food at hand to
feed more than one hundred persons.

Elisha's next wondrous work was the healing of Xaaman of leprosy. This
man was a captain in Benhadad's Syrian host, and because of his great valor,
and victories won over the Israelites, was most highly esteemed by the king.
In one of the battles which he had fought against Israel he captured a little
Hebrew girl that he employed as a waiting-maid to his wife. One day this
little girl told her mistress that if Naaman would go to the prophet Elisha he
would be healed of his affliction. Thus encouraged, Naaman came to Jehoram
with a letter from Benhadad, requesting him to cure the captain of his disease,
but Jehoram did not tmderstand tl e message, believing that it was an excuse
to make war against him. Elisha, however, soon heard of the message and
sent for Naaman to come to him ; and when the captain arrived before the
prophet's house Elisha sent his servant out to tell the leper to bathe seven
times in the Jordan. This greatly offended Naaman, for he expected Elisha to
come out himself and do a miracle by his own hands, and he was, therefore,
on the point of returning again to his own countrj'. But some of those who
were his attendants persuaded him to do as Elisha had bidden, and when he
had dipped the seven times, immediately his flesh became clean and pure.

When he beheld himself restored Naaman returned to Elisha's house, and
calling the prophet out, praised him and said, " Behold, now I know that there
is no other God in all the earth but the God of Israel." Then be begged
Elisha to accept a present, but the prophet refused, desiring no recompense for

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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{

tlie work accomplished through the Lord's will. Then Naaman asked that he
might be permitted to take as much dirt from the land as two mules could
carry, for he wished to biiild an altar of the sacred earth upon which to make
his offerings thereafter to the true God.

After Naaman had gone away Gehazi, who was a selfish man, thinking to
take advantage of the captain's offer of a present, ran after him, and when he
had come near he called to Naaman, saying that since he departed two sons of
prophets had come to Elisha destitute, and his master had therefore sent him
to ask if he would not give them each a talent of silver and two changes of
raiment. Naaman was too thankful to refuse so modest a request from the

THE JORDAN (TRADITIONARY DATHINO ri.ACR OI* NAAMAn).

prophet, and at once ordered two talents of silver to be placed in two bags,
and two changes of raiment brought forth, which he gave to two of his servants
to carry back for Geliazi. When they arrived at Elisha's house Gehazi took
the silver and clothes and hid them, thinking to appropriate then> to his own
use when a suitable time should come. The Lord, however, acquaiiited Elisha
with what his servant had done, and when Gehazi came into his presence the
prophet inquired of him where he had been. Hoping to deceive him, Gehazi
auswered that he had been nowhere. Then Elisha covered him with shame
and confusion by saying, "Went not mine heart with tiioe, when the num
(Naaman) turned again from his chariot to meet tliee? Is it time to receive
money and garments ? . . . The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

297

imto thee and unto thy seed forever. And he went out from his presence a
leper as white as snow."

AN ARMY IS SENT TO APPREHEND ELISHA.

Elisha had founded a school for prophets at the place where the curse on
Goliazi was given, and the attendance became such that more room was required,
or else a more retired spot became necessary, for we are told that these pupils,
called " sons of prophets." came to him to say that the place in which they
were dwelling was too small for them, and desired of him permission to make
a new dwelling house on the banks of the Jordan. This request was granted
and the school was removed to a chosen spot on the river's bank. Here the
sons of prophets fell to work cutting down trees, but while thus engaged one
of the workers chanced to let his axe fall from his hand into a deep place in
the river. He was inconsolable at the loss, because axes were precious tools
in those days; besides, the one thus lost had been borrowed. When Elisha
learned of the accident he went to the man, and inquiring the spot where the
axe had fallen, he cut a stick and threw it into the water, whereupon the axe
rose and swam upon the surface until it was taken in the man's hand, and
recovered.

Some time after this event Benhadad declared war against Jehoram and
sent a large army of Syrians to take him captive, but Elisha forewarned the
king of Benliadad's designs, so that he was able to evade arrest. This failure
to capture Jehoram greatly angered Benhadad, who believed that some of his
own sei V ants had discovered his secrets to Israel's king, therefore, sending for
several of his trusted men, he asked who of them had given Jehoram knowl-
ed :e of his purposes. To this one of the men made reply that it was not
they who had done this, but Elisha, the prophet. At this Benhadad sent to
find where Elisha was dwelling, and by this means learning that he was in
Dotlian, went up with all his army in the night^ and laid a watch upon the
city, first surrounding it so that no man could escape. At this his servant
was greatly alarmed, and asked Elisha what they should do to be delivered
from the Sj'rians. He counselled him to be of good courage, sajang, " Those
that b' with us are more than they that be with them," and then fell upon
his knees and prayed that God might show to his servant the mighty host
Avhich guarded him. Then the young man looked up and saw the mountain
wliich stood upon their right covered with horsemen in chariots of fire, and
otlicrs surroutiding the person of his holy master, whereat he perceived that
Jehovah had come to protect him.

When the Syrians drew near to enter the city, their sight was confused
so that they did not recognize Elisha, who told them that the prophet whom
they sought was not in Dothan, but that he would lead them to the place
where he might be found. The army accordingly followed him without know-
iui,^ whither they were going, or being able to perceive their real surroundings,

• t

II li

■; \

298

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

until they were led into the city of Samaria and into the power of the Israel-
ites. Elisha now restored tlitir sight and they were made to discover how they
had been led by the prophet whom they were seeking. Jehoram now asked
Elisha if he shonld destroy the Syrians, but the prophet forbade him, sayiii'^,
" Wouldest thou smite them, whom thou hast taken captive, with thy swonl
and with thy bow ? Set bread and water before them that they may eat ami
drink, and go to their master." And thus were the Syrians permitted to return
to their country without suffering the loss of one of their number, a mercy
which they ill requited, as we shall soon see.

THE SIEGE OE SAMARIA AND A MIRACULOl'S TERMINATION OF THE FAMINE.

Benhadad not long thereafter undertook another war against Jehoram,
whose kindness should have secured his friendship, but he was a cruel man
and was led by his greed and ambition to fight against Israel, hoping to pos-
sess the country and the rich spoils it afforded. Therefore raising a great
army he laid siege to Samaria and kept the people within the walls so long
that a great famine ensued, food becoming at length so scarce that an ass's
head sold for four pieces of silver, and even cannibalism was resorted to. As
Jehoram was passing along the wall still encouraging his soldiers to hold out
against the enemy, a woman came crying to him with the complaint that she
had made a compact with another wonum on the preceding day that they should
sacrifice each a child to serve them for food, and that accordingly she had
boiled her son and eaten him yesterday, but now to-day the other woman had
hidden her son and I'efused to sacrifice him as she had promised.

The horror of his situation was now fully revealed to Jehoram, who \n\\.
on sackc^ th and rent his clothes with grief and despondency. But believing
that his desperate strait was due to Elisha, who, he thought, withheld the relief
which he was able to give, sent an executioner to cut off" the prophet's head.
But before the headsman reached the house of Elisha, Jehoram repented his
rash order and ran himself to prevent the execution. Elisha was sitting in a
room counselling with the elders when God revealed to him Jehoram's purpose,
and turning he said to those about him that a messenger had been seul to
take his head, but ordered them to hold the man in the door, for the king
would run after him to prevent the execution, which came to pass as he had
spoken. The king ran with all haste and reached Elisha's house while the
messenger was attempting an entrance, and gaining the prophet's presence he
humbled himself and asked what he should do.

Elisha had compassion upon the king and his sorely oppressed subjects,
and declared to him that on the morrow such an abundance of food wouUl he
provided that a measure of fine flour would be sold for a shekel and two measures
of barley for a like small sum. One of the king's lords made light of the
prophecy saying, " If the Lord made windows in heaven might this thing be;" hut

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

299

Elislia assured liini he should sec it with his owu eyes, but that on account
of his mocking he would not be pernnticd to break his fast.

At this time there were six lepers sitting without the gates of Samaria,
who, because of their affliction, were indifferent as lo the manner of death
which they might meet, and being pressed for hunger deterniined to go to the
Syrian camp. It was death by starvation to remain beside the gate, ?ind if the
Syrians .should deny their request for food and kill them, even this alternai^ive
would be letter than the former. So, early in the morning they went out
to the enemy's camp, but as they drew near they could discover no man,
which was a thing so surpassing strange that they stopped to consider the
cause. Then they went on again and found the vS3'rian camp entirely deserted,
with all the arms, provisions and treasure left behind, as if they had been left
on account of precipitate flight. And so it proved, for God had wrought
another miracle to save the Israelites, in fulfilment of Elisha's prophecy. " For
the Lord had made the host of Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise
of honses, even the noise of a great host ; and they said one to another, Lo,
the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings
of the Egyptians to come upon lis. Wherefore they arose and fled in the
twilight and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp
as it was, and fled for their life."

The six lepers went from tent to tent taking as much provisions as they
could and such an amount of gold and silver as they could carry, and then
went back to Sanuiria to spread the joyful news. When Jehoram heard what
the lepers had said, he suspected that the Syrians had drawn off" and laid
themselves in ambush, to entice the people out of the city. But he followed
the advice of one of his servants and sent five lior.semen to discover if the
enemy was hid near by ; these went out as far as the Jordan, and saw the
road scattered with garments and vessels, by which they knew that the Syrians
had retreated and gone back to their own countr\'. The Israelites now issued
out of the city and found such a quantity of provisions in the abandoned
camp that flour and barley were sold for the prices that Klisha had predicted ;
but the mocking lord was not permitted to enjoy any of this abundance, for as
he stood as a guard at the gate, the multitude came out in such crowds and
confusion that he was trampled to death.

r n

1^ sH

I 1 ;'i

TIIH SKVl'N VlsARS' FAMIXH IN jrn.MI.

Elisha, it would appear, never wandered far from the district in which his
first miracles were performed, and had become known to all the people therein,
respected by them for his uprightness and regarded as a man of divine charac-
ter. On one of his visits to the Shunamite woman, whose son, it will be
remembered, he restored to life, he told her that a famine would come upon
the laud in a short while, and that it would not cease for seven years. He
therefore advised her to go to some other country and renuiin there until the

\ i'.

' 'i'

. \'

Ml,

pll

300

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

■
1'

land prospered again. The woman accepted his advice and went away, leaving
all her possessions without any one to care for them during her absence, by
reason of which others who remained in the stricken district took charge of tlie
property, and when the woman returned, after the seven years had elapsed,
refused to surrender it to her. It so happened that on the day that Gehazi
was telling the king, at his request, of the wonderful things Elisha had done,
this same woman came to him with her complaint that she had been dis-
possessed of her property during her absence from Judah, and that those who
wrongfully held possession refused to yield it up. Gehazi was a most import-
ant witness in her bpnalf, for he now testified to the things which Elisha had
done for her and also of the truth of her complaint. Jehoram accordingly
appointed an officer to remove the trespassers and to restore to her all tlie
fields, and the fruits thereof since the day of her departure, which was promptly
done.

When the famine was over, Benhadad fell sick, and being afraid that he
should die, sent an officer of his court named Hazael with a rich present to
Elisha to inquire of the prophet if he should recover. Hazael set out v.ith
forty camels loaded with every good thing of Damascus, to seek the prophet,
and when he had found him, made him a present of the articles he brought,
and besought Elisha to foretell the issue of Beuhadad's illness. The prophet
did not wish to answer the inquir}-, but being urged said, somewhat evasively,
"Go, say unto him, thou mayest certainly recover; howbeit, the Lord hath
shewed me that he shall surely die." At this Hazael was confused, for he dreaded
to carry back such a message, but as he looked somewhat sorrowfull}', Elisha
began to weep, and upon being asked the cause, he replied that it was because of
the afflictions that he, Hazael, would inflict upon Israel, for Elisha foresaw that
this man would become king over Syria.

Wlien Hazael returned to Benhadad he told the king that he would surely
recover, but on the morrow the wicked messenger, prompted by the ambition
-which Elisha's words had created in him, took a thick cloth, and saturating it
with water held it over Beuhadad's fixce until he was suffi)cated. After conn.iit-
tiug this crime Hazael proclaimed himself king, and was accepted by the people
as their ruler.

JEHU IS ANOINTED KING OVER JUDAH.

The latter end of Jehoram's reign was marked by acts of wick<^dness which
brought troubles thick upon him. The Edomites revolted against him and set
up a new king, but Jehoram went to Zair with his army and there fell upon tiie
rebels with such suddenness that they were unprepared for the attack, and tied
without offering any resistance ; the Edomites rallied, however, afterward, and
were joined by the people of Libnali, which gave them sufficient power to main-
tain their independence. Jehoram soon after died, leaving his kingdom in a
disturbed and miserable condition. He was succeeded by his son Ahaziah, who,
after reigning one year in Jerusalem, joined forces with Jorani, son of Ahab,

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

301

in a war against Hazael. Some confusiou of names arises liere by reason of
the fact that Jehoram and Jorani are the same name, but one of these was the
son of Jehoshaphat, while the other was the son of Ahab, and both ruled con-
temporaneously over tribes of Israel.

In a battle with the Syrians at Ranioth, Joram Avas wounded, and he went
back to Jezreel to be treated for his hurt. During the period of his inability
he was visited by Ahaziah, thus leaving both kingdoms without a ruler.
Elislia embraced this opportunity to dispossess the wicked Ahaziah, whose acts
had all been impious. He accordingly sent one of his messengers with a box
of oil to Ramoth-gilead to anoint Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, to be king
over Judah. The young man executed his commission as he had been directed,
aud when Jehu was anointed the messenger bade him to punish the house of
Ahab and execute vengeance upon the head of Jezebel for ordering the prophets
slain. So saying he opened the door and fled, for fear that some of the friends,
of Ahaziah might apprehend him.

Jehu came out from the chamber in which he had been anointed and
amiouuced to the people that he had been called to rule Israel, whereupon
all who heard him took off their garments and cast them under his feet as a
sign of their loyalty, and then blew trumpets to announce the proclamation.
Jehu at once set about the destruction of Ahab's house b}' raising an army
and going to Jezreel. As he came in sight of the city a watchman on the
walls espied him and reported it to Joram, who sent cut a horseman to inquire
of Jehu if his mission was that of peace. When the messenger came up
with Jehu and made his inquiry, he was coarsely answered and bidden to
go behind. When the messenger failed to return a second was sent out, but
he too was ordered to the rear, and a third likewise. By his furious riding Joram
discovered that the leader of the approaching army was Jehu, and he made
ready to meet him.

The chariots were hurriedly ordered out, in one of which Joram was placed
and Ahaziah rode in another. The two met Jehu in Naboth, where Ahab had
caused the owner of a vineyard he coveted to be stoned, and asked if he came
upon a mission of peace. To which Jehu replied, "What peace, so long as
the iniquities of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many ?" At
this answer Jorani turned and fled, crying to Ahaziah that they were about to
be made the victims of a treachery. As they retreated, Jehu pulled his bow
and shot an arrow through Joram's back, so that it penetrated his heart. The
body was then taken by a captain in Jehu's army and cast into the field of
Naboth. Ahaziah sought to escape by way of the garden-house, but he was
so badly wounded by an arrow that he died on the following day at Megiddo.

iii . 1

THE ThRniRLE DEATH OE JEZEHEL,.

There was none to dispute the entrance uf Jfhu into Jezreel, and he made
search quickly for Ahab's infamous widow, the terrible Je/.cbel, who had been

I :!'

302

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

suffered so long to survive her iniquities, and to sow fhe earth with a seed
of human thistles that had almost choked the growth of justice. This cunning
woman tried to avert her just fate by disguising her appearance. She
painted her face and put on a tawdry head-dress, like a serving-woman, and
then gazed out of an upper window as a quiet spectator of what was going
on below ; but her discretion was confounded by God who caused her to inquire
of Jehu as he rode beneath, "Had Ziniri peace who slew his master?" Whereat
Jehu looked up and asked, " Who is on my side ? Who ?" At the first glance

he perceived that it was Jezebel
who had spoken, and seeing
three eunuchs standing beside
her he bade them throw her
down, which they immediately
did, for they saw that Jehu
was one ^a authority, and tliat
he now had possession of the
city. Jezebel's bod}' fell upou
the stone pavement below, and
was so mangled that her blood
was sprinkled upon the wall,
and the horses trod her under
foot. Here the body was per-
mitted to remain for some
hours and until Jehu had feast-
ed, when he sent some of his
men out to bur}- it, for, thongli
an iniquitous woman, he desired
that she be given burial as a
king's daughter. But when
those thus sent came to pick
up the bod\' thcj^ found it had
been eaten by dogs until only
the skull, feet and hands re-
mained, thus literally fulfilling
the prophecy of Elisha.

Jehu had made an excel-
lent beginning in destroying the house and posterity of Ahab, but there were
still seventy sons of the wicked king living, and to these Jehu dispatched
letters, and also to the people of Samaria, challenging them to set up one ot
the seventy as king. Bnt thej' were afraid, and sent back word that they would
be his servants and in all things obey him as their rightfnl king. Then Jehu
wrote a second letter, wherein he commanded the people to manifest their loy:ilty
by sending to him on the morrow the heads of all the seventy sons. Accord-

HORRIIII.IJ niCATH OK TIIK INIyl'ITOrS JlC/lUllil..

" So they threw her down ; and some of her blood was sprinkled on
the wall, and on the horses."— 2 Kincs ix. 33.

'WMllkii^Muik^

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

303

ii .,/ :■!:

iii^ly, the seventy were slain and their heads put into baskets and sent to
Jehu at Jezreel, where he set them up in two rows before the gates as a warn-
ing, after which he ordered to be slain all the great men, kinsfolk, and priests
tliat had served in the house of Ahab. After this Jehu went up to Samaria,
hut while on his way he met ^orty-two of Ahaziah's brethren at a shearing
house, as they were travelling to Jezreel to salute Joram and Jezebel, not know-

KI.AIC.HTICR Ol" AIIAH'S SONS.

iiitj what fate had overtaken them. These Jehu ordered his men to take alive
and to slay them at the shearing pit, which was promptly done.

DESTRUCTION OV THR WORSHIPPI^RS OK 15AAL.

After slaying Ahaziah's brothers, Jehu resumed his journey and met
Jehonadab, who was coming to meet him. Accepting his hand as a token of
friendship, Jehu brought him into the chariot and together they rode to
Samaria. Reaching the capital, he issued a proclamation ordering all the
prophets and servants of Baal to meet him, to offer up a sacrifice to their
god. He also threatened to punish with death all those who refused to obey
the summons, pretending that his desire was to make a glorious feast in
honor of the idol of the people. In response to this order all the priests,

304

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

prophets and Avorsliippers of Baal came to Samaria, being so vast in niimberr^
that the house of Baal was filled to overflowing. When these idolaters had
assembled he ordered them to be clothed with vestments which were used in
the idolatrous service. His next order was issued to Jchonadab, instruct! ii:^
him to have the worshippers observe strictly that none of the servants of (',(.!
were among them. When the service had been made ready Jehu appoinud
eighty of his men as executioners. These he stationed at the door of ihc
temple with instructions to begin the slaughter at a signal, and threatened
that if any of those of Baal should escape, to punish with death those who
permitted it to be so. Therefore, when the burnt-offerings had been made
Jehu gave the signal, and his guards rushed in upon the worshippers witli
their swords and slew ever}'^ one, so that the temple was filled with dead
bodies, and not one escaped. When the slaughcer was complete his soldiers
were ordered to break all the images of Baal, and afterward to destro}- tlie
temple itself, so that no remnant of the worshippers or of the idol might remain
in all Israel. The golden calves at Bethel and Dan were also destroyed,
though the}'- did not compose any part of the worship of Baal, but all kinds
of idolatr}^ were uprooted by an heroic remedy that turned the nation once
more toward God.

Singular, almost beyond understanding, Jehu left off his zeal for Jehovah
after destro3'in,< "dolatrj' and fell into all the evil waj'S of Jehoram, which
plunged Israel into sin again. This was followed by a war in which Hazael
overcame the Israelites and laid all of western Palestine under tribute, so
that at his death Jehu left the laud in a ivoic miserable condition — idolatry
excepted — than he found it on usurping the throne. He died at Samaria and
was buried there with the other kings of Israel. He reigned for twenty-ei.^ht
years and was succeeded by his son, Jehoahaz, and his posterity reco\cred
Israel, as will be seen.

The reign of Jehoahaz was unimportant beyond the interest which may
attach to his wicked acts and the failure of his ami}- in the field againsi
Hazael, who prosecuted the war against Israel after Jehu's death. He was
beaten in every battle, and was at last reduced to a kind of vassalage, being
left only ten chariots and as many thousand footmen. He, too, was buried in
Samaria, in the sepulchre with his father, and was succeeded by his son
Joash, or Jehoash.

thp: youxgkst king of ISRAE'

Upon the death of Jehoahaz, Israel would have been left entirely without
a lineal branch of the house of David had it not been for the daughter of
Joram, who saved the infant Joash, son of Ahaziah, by keeping him in hiding
for a period of six 3'ears, during which time a verj- Avicked woman, Athali ah,
ruled. Joash was finally proclaimed king, when but seven years of age, by
the high-priest, Jehoida. Thus we find, for the second time, two kings of the
same name, one ruling Israel and the other Judah, so that we are liable to

;li inay
against.
rie was
;, being
uried in
lis sun

^vit".hout
liter lit"

1 hiding
tlialiah,
age, by
i of the

liable 10

(3051

S^llfPi,,

hi:i

306

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

get tliem confused ; but Joash, the son of Jelioahaz, was more wicked than his
father, and his reign was of short duration, while Joash, the son of Ahaziah,
proved himself a wise ruler, and with his acts we will therefore be most
concerned.

Joash was crowned without the knowledge of Athaliah, who came into the
Temple while Jehoida was anointing the young king. She raised the cry of
treason, hoping to arouse the loyalty of her subjects, but she was intensely
hated, and at a command of the priest she was taken out by the pillars of
the Temple and there slain. Joash set about building up the waste wrought
by Benhadad and Hazael. He was as resolute as Jehu had been in pro-
hibiting the worship of Baal, but fell into the waj-s of Jeroboam and permitted
sacrifices to the golden calf, which it seems had been set up again at Bethel.
He -.isited the aged prophet Elisha and was by him warnilj' received, though
at this time he had grown out of his youth and become a warrior. lu
response to his request for a prophecy concerning his affairs with the Syrians,
Joash was given a sign of the victories he should obtain. EHsha bade him
draw his bow before a window, and laying his hands upon the arms of the
king, told him to shoot. The other arrows in his quiver the king was com-
manded to draw and throw upon the ground. Joash, however, only threw
down three arrows, whereat EHsha was vexcd^and told him that now he should
gain only three victories, whereas, had he thrown them all down, it would
have been given him to destro}' the Sj'rians, root and branch. Aft^r this
Elisha died, and was buried in a sepulchre hewn out of the rock, near
Jerusalem.

A DKAD liODV IS BROUGHT TO LIFE BY TOUCHING THE BONES OF ELISHA.

Joash made war against the Syrians and, as Elisha had prophesied, beat
them in three great battles, but their power was not bro'-en, and they after-
ward oppressed Israel sorely, but not until Joash had departed from the good
work lie had early begun of repairing the Temple, and was no longer advised
bv the high-priest Jehoida, b}' whose counsel he had been long governed.

The Moabites invaded the countrj' and laid waste a considerable portion ;
it was during this invasion that a singular miracle was wrought, the object
of which it has not been given us to know. A part}' of Moabites, while carry-
ing the dead body of one of their comrades for burial, sighted a company of
men whom the}' took to be enemies, and to relieve themselves of the body
tliey thrust it into a sepulchre which chanced to be near them, and would
have retreated. However, this sepulchre was that in which Elisha had been
laid, and when the bod}' of their comrade touched the bones of the prophet he
was restored to life and stood upon his feet.

Hazael, king of Syria, defeated Joash in many engagements, and placed
him in sore straits, biit the fortunes of battle turned again in his favor, and bef're
his death he had recovered all the cities that had been wrested from his father.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

307

The two kings,
Joasli of Judali, and
Joash of Israel, also
fought against each
other, and the one
of Israel attacked
Jerusalem with
such success that
he broke down six
hundred feet of the
wall of the city, and
carried away all the
gold, silver and
vessels found in the
Temple, and
brought them to
Samaria. He also
fought against
Auiaziah, the suc-
cessor of his name-
sake, but was beaten
on every side and
finally fled to Millo
badly wounded.
While lying in bed,
helpless from his
hurts, two of his
servants set upon
him with swords
aud destro3'ed him,
in the forty-seventh
year of his age.
His burial place
was also Samaria.

Amaziah suc-
ceeded his father,
joash, as king of
Judah, ascending
the throne in the
twcuty-fifth year of
his age. He ruled
with the wisdom of
David, aud won

to
o
n

O
1;

f;i i

!Wi

f I

iii^

I !

308

THE EiiAUTIFUL STORY.

many great victories. One of his first acts was to organize an army of three
hundred thousand men, to which he added one hundred thousand picked
soldiers of Israel, whom he hired for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars'
worth of silver, to go with hiui against the Edoniites. When his expedition

THE MURDKR OK QUKKN ATHALIAH.

"So they laid hands on her ; and when she was come to the entering of the horse-gate by the king's house,

they slew her there." — 2 Chrox. xxiii. 15.

started, however, he was commanded by a prophet to dismiss his mercenaries,
whose loyalty could not be depended upon. These men of Israel, out of
revenge for their dismissal, plundered many cities of Judah, but Amaziah did
not turn back to punish them, but continued on to the Valley of Salt, Avhere
he engaged an army of the Edoniites and slaughtered ten thousand of their

THE BEAUTIFUIv STORY.

309

■Hif^

nanes,
out of
ah did
-where
their

soldiers, and destroyed as many more by driving them over the rocks of Pctra,
the capital of Idumea. He also captured the city and changed its name to that
of Joktheel, which, in the Hebrew, signifies Possession of God.

In the midst of his great successes Amaziah turned from God and became
idolatrous, setting up images at Mount Seir, to which he made sacrifices. When
reproved by one of his prophets he rebuked him bitterly for daring to advise
him, whereupon the prophet foretold that he would be destroyed for his
iniquity.

The period of his decline now began, for he \y'as soon after beaten by his
enemies and a conspiracy was formed against him in his own house, which he
sought to escape by fleeing to Lachish, but he was here overtaken and killed.
Azariah became his successor, and though only sixteen yea^r of age when he
began to rule, he displayed a wisdom beyond his years. Insreau of engaging
in devastating wars he confiued himself to increasing the glory of his kingdom
in peaceful ways. He built Elath and restored it to Jndah, a id set his people
in industrial ways. His reign lasted fiftj'-two years, but in the latter cud he
was stricken with leprosy, and had to give the government over to the charge
of his son, Jotham, who exalted the kingdom.

JEROBOAM'S PROSPEROUS REIGN.

Jeroboam, the second, succeeded Joash, his father, as the ruler of Israel,
and reigned for forty-one years at Samaria. He jvas fourth in descent from
Jehu, and proved himself to be the ablest king Israel had yet possessed. When
he assumed authority the country was scarcely more than a dependency, so
greatly reduced was it by the conquests of the Sj'rians. But he was a man
of great courage, and set resolutely about the restoration of his dominions,
being indeed a saviour for Israel. He went to war with the Syrians, who were
also being pressed at the same time by their enemies from the east. This
gave Jeroboam a great advantage, which he employed with such s.iccess that
he recovered to Israel all that district which lay east of the Jordan, and cap-
tured Amnion and Moab. Afterward he attacked Damascus, and though beaten
before its walls, he laid the surrounding territory under tribute. His death
occurred about 750 B. C, but under what circumstances is not recorded.

Zachariah succeeded Jeroboam, but after a rule of only six months he was
treacherously slain by Shallum, who in turn was assassinated in the first
month of his reign by Menahem. This cruel man also carried a force of con-
spirators into Tiphsah, where he murdered the inhabitants and continued his
bloody course up the coast to Tirzah, sparing neither women, children, nor the
aged, and, having forced a* submission from the people, he asceijded the throne
and ruled ten years in Samaria. Pul, king of Syria, brought ti great army
and besieged Samaria, but was persuaded by a present of nearly two million
dollars' worth of silver to spare the place and become an all3\ Th*s amount
Menahem raised by making a levy on all the rich men of his kingdom, but

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TIIR BIvAUTIFUL STORY

lie did not live loiis^ after this alliance with Pul. I lis sen: Pekahiah siieceeded
him, and reigned tor two years, when Renialiah, a eaptain in the king's arniv,
broiight his company to the pahice and killed not ou\y Pekahiah, hnt also his
counsellors and fifty luleadites, who were visiting hiu: Renialiah then sei/cd
the throne, but it is not recorded how long he reigned. He was succeeded h^-
his son Pekali, who retained the rulersliip (ov twenty years.

Till'; ASSYRIAN' IWASIOX.

During the reign of TVkah, Israel was iiuadeil by the great Assyrian king,
Tiglath-pileser, who came with siicli a mighty force that he captured se\cral
of the most important cities in Pekah's kingdom, and took jiossession of all
the land of Xaphtali, and carried his capti\es to Assyria, where tlicN' were
made slaves. Pekah, in turn, iiuule an alliance with Reziu, o[' Syria, and tried
to recover his losses by a war against Jotliam, of Jiu-.h, but he was also l)calcu
by that king, ami came back to S;imaria, to perish soon after by the hands of
Hoshea, who ruled in his stead.

Affairs in Judali had not been more ]-)rosperous after Jothanrs death than
those oi' Israel after the reign oi' Joash. Aha/, succeedeil his fuller, Jothani,
but did not profit by the good example oi his iiredecessor. He was tweniv
years old at the beginning of his reign, and ruletl at Jerusalem tor sixleen
years. He was an iilolater trom the beginning, and began his ailministration

bv th

le performanc

e of heathen rites, and made his sacritices "on the hi!

and under every green tree." instead of at the Temple.

Aha/, was besieged at Jerusalem in the third year of his reign l)y Re/iu
aud Pekah, but the lortifications were too strong for them to scale, and the two
armies drew otT. Rezin now turned his attention to Ivlath, aud at'tcr capturing
the city he drove out the Jews and re-peopled it with v^yriaus. The occiipaliou
of a rich district of his domiuit)iis by Syrians grievetl .\lia/, greatly, and to
recover possession of PHatli he sent to Tiglath-pileser tor help. This assistance
it was not expected wcnild l)e given out of friendship, so Ahaz scut his mes-
sengers loaded with all the gold, silve.' and other treasures that were in the
Temple, accompanying these rich jiresents with a letter, 1 ! which he begged
the .\s,syriau monarch to ctnue and deliver him out of the luuuls of the ,Syriaiis.
Tiglath-pileser iiccej^ted the reward otVered, aiul sent his army against Re/in,
whom he killed, and then captured l>aniascus, carrying the people away ca[>-
tives to Kir.

While at Damascus, .\haz saw an altar which so pleased hi;; fancy that lie
sent a design of it to his priest, Urijah, at Jerusalem, with instructions lo eieei
one exactly like it. The work was ilone so expeditiously that upon his niuiu
he I'oniul the altar ready, aud he immediately made sacritice of liurnt-oiVcriug
upon it. Nor did he cease his sacrilege with this one iuitjuitous act, but sent
to the Temple of the Lord, and hail brought tlie brazen altar, which he now
placed ill au inferior positiou to his own, iulcading to use it as an oracle u>

Tin-: BHAUTIKUL STORY

itiquirc by. lie then ccnninaiukHl thai all the iiioniing and eveiiinj;' saorificos
oi' bunit-DtTcriui;-, o\' ilrink-offcrini;' ami nical-offoriiii;- he made r.jum the altar lie
had erected. Hut he had not e\eii \et completed his saerilej;e, tor lie went
attain to the Temple anil cut off the borders of the ba^^ins and la\ers, "ami
took down the sea from off the bra/.en t)xen that were under it, ami put it on
a pavement of stones." Besides this, he caused ima;^es to be built and set uj)
in manv places uboul Jerusalem tor the people tu worship, and e\en sacritlced
children to the idt)l Moloch.

Vet for all these in-
iquitous practices God ilid
not cut off Ahaz imme-
diately, but exteiuled His
mercies for the sake of His
promises to l)a\id. How-
ever, he was not suffered
to prosper, tor even the
victories gained by the assist-
ance of Tis;lat h-pileser
availed him nothiui;', since
all the spoils and captivred
possessions were taken by
the Assyrian conqueror, so
that by reason of the ;)ay-
lucnt oC such a (|miutity of
riches to Tit^lath-pileser for
his help, he was in reality
left poorer than when he
undertook the war against
Reziu and Pekah. It also
appears that he lost the con-
fidence and respect oi' his
own subjects, for tlumgh, in
2 Kings \\i., it is recortled
that at his death he " was
buried with his fathers in
the City of David," j Chron.
xxviii. J 7 tells ns that
".Miaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, e\en in jernsa-
lom, but thev brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings oi' Israel."
vSiuce all the previt)us kings were laid in a royal sei)nlchre pro\ itled i-specially
lor ih'MU, we must conchule that there was a gooil reason for not giving the
body t)f Aha/, the same burial accorded to his oiedecessors.

AMI IN i'i:ki'ki ri'Ks oi. iiii: i \\\.

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CHAPTER XXII.

THE STORY OF JONAH.

^V^

. y-^ * Tonah.

j«|i";^.^^<URING the reign of Jeroboam II., about B. C. S60, Joiiali,
a prophet Avho is little mentioned in the Bible, was
sent by God to Nineveh on a purpose not definitely
understood, but presumably to influence the king of
Assj-ria froui undertaking an expedition against Israel.
The records make it appear that his mission was to
warn the king that if he did not repent of his sins and turn to God
he should perish, but the results of his preaching and the condition
of affairs in Israel at the time, render it improbable that this was
the literal object of his visit. At the particular time when he was
called of God to proceed to Nineveh the Assyrian Empire was at
the zenitli of its power and was o\errauning Syria. Israel was also
at war with Syria, r.iid, as already related, had recovered froui that
country all of Palestine cast of the Jordan. This success would
naturally excite the jealousy of Assyria, which was contending with S3'ria, not
only to punish that nation for some grievance, but for new possessions as well,
for all wars in that age had their chief object in spoliation. It is therefore
even more than probable that Jonah's real mission was to dissuade the Assy-
rinii king from invading Tsriel, or that portion recovered from Assyria, which
interpretation is strengthened by the entire book of Jonah.

We arc told, in the opening chapter, that "the word of the Lord came
unto Jonah, the son of Amittai, saying. Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city,
and cry against it ; for their wickedness (designs) is come up before me."

Vox some reason Jonah was averse to going to Niiuvidi, and ir.stead of
obeying the instructions which God had given him, lif \\\w\. to Jop])a and
engaged passage on a vessel going to Tarshish. Tlr: it. 1 was offended at
his disobedience, and as a punishment sent a great storm, v, uch caused the
ship to become unmanageable and threatened it with destruction. To save the
vessel from foundering, the sailors were ordered to throw overboard all the
freight; but this failed to diminish the dan};"cr, for the wild waves dashed furi-
ously over the bark and were filling it with water, which the sailors could not
bail out fast enough to give them any hope of keeping the vessel much longer
afloat. In this dire extremity the vessel's captain found Jonah asleep in the
boat and, amazed at his apparent indifference to the danger, called on him lo
pray that they might be saved. Whether Joiuih humbled himself before God

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

3^3

wc know not, but in his shame for having disobeyed the command given him
to jj^o to Nineveh, it is probable that he could not snnnnon courage to offer a
petition even for his own preservation. In anj' event God prompted a belief
among the sailors that the storm was the result of His anger for a sin com-
iniitcd by some one on board, so they cast lots to determine upon whom the
evil rested, and it fell upon Jonah. The sailors then asked him to what coun-
tr\- he belonged and also what sin he had committed, to which he replied that
he was a Hebrew and feaied '' the God of heaven, which hath made the sea
and dry land." At this the sailors were afraid, and asked him why he had
fled from the presence of the Lord, and what they might do to him that the
sea sliould be calmed. And he answered, " Take me up and cast me forth

JONAH CAST INTO TITl' Sl'.A.

"So tliey took, up Jonah, iiiiil cast him forth into the sea."— Jonah i. I5-

into the sea: so shall the sea l)e calm unto ycm ; for I know that for my
sake this great tempest is upon you."

The sailors were reluctant to thron- him overboard, even when Jonah told
thoni that he merited this punishment, and that only by thus sacrificing him
would the storm subside. They rowed hard to gain the shore, but finding
tlicir energies expended and their labor vain, they called to God not to lay
upon them innocent blood, and to pardon the act by which ihey only hoped to
-s;ive their own lives; so they threw the prophet into the sea, whereupon the
stonn immediately ceased.

Though God had resolved to punish Jonah, Me did not intend to destroy
him, and therefore prepared a miracuhnis means for saving his life. As Jonah

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

fell into the sea a great fish swallowed him, of what species wc are not
iufoniied, nor is it important to know, since with God all things are possible ;
and whether the fish were a whale, shark, or now extinct creatnre, is wholly
withont conseqnence.

Jonah remained in the fish's belly for three days, during which time he
praj-ed God to forgive his transgression, acknowledging the justice of his pun-
ishment, and giving praise for the mercies and blessings shown him. At the

loNAit wakmm; Till-: I'l'.dri.i: oi' nim;\i;ii.
"And he cried and said, Vel forty days and Nineveh shall he overthrown." — ^Jonah ii. 4.

end of three days Jonah was vomited up In- the fish upon dry land, and was
again comnuuuled to go to Nineveh.

N'INl'N'I-.H IS COWl'.R'ri'.I-) A\0 JOXAH IS DISl'I.l'lASl'in.

This time Jonah obeyed tlie instrncticms God had given and went I.
Nineveh, and on the way apprised tliosc whoiu he met that within fi)rty d-w>
the city should he overthrown. When he came within the gates he prcaelieil
to the people and to the king, exhorting them not to offend God but to ka\c
off their evil designs, for surely the Lord had said Me would destroy the jtlaco
and all that was in it. His exhortations and prophecy greatly distressed tlio
king, who now put on sackcloth and ordered all his subjects to obser\c a

UL.iM

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

3^5-

fast and to praise God. So pious did the people appear that " God repented
of the evil that He had said that He would do unto them; and he did it not."
The refusal of God to destroy Nineveh, as Jonah had prophesied, ijfreatly
anij;ered the prophet, who considered that the people would now hold him in
disrespect for having falsely })redicted the city's destruction, and in his melan-
cholv he called on God to take his life, since his disappointment was more
than he could bear. He went out of the city and on the east side made a
seat, where he rested until he could see what should be done to the citv. Cod,
observing him thus shelterless, caused a gourd to spring up out of the ground
and to spread its thick vine over him for a shelter from the sun, and to pro-
tect him from the dews at night. At this Jonah was greatly pleased, but on
the second night a worm gnawed the vine so that it withered, and when day
had dawned (lod caused a hot east wind to spring up which ])arched the earth,
while the sun now beat down on Jonah's unprotected head until he fainted
from the heat, and again wished that he was dead.

"And God said to Jonah, Doesl thou well to l)e angry for the gourd? and
he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. Then saith the Lord, Thou
hast had pit}- on the gourd, for which tliou hast not labored, neither madest
it to grow; which came u in a night and perished in a night. And should
not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein arc more than six-score thousand
persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand, and
also much cattle ?"

Till'; C.M'TIVITY OF ISRAKL.

In the twelfth year of the reign of Ahaz over Judah, Hoshea, the son of
Elah, ascended the throne of Israel in Samaria, having assassinated Pekah to
gain this dignity. Under him the ruin which set in with the rule of Jehorani,
became complete. In morals he was hardly so good as the wicked kings who
preceded him, while his abilities were of the most meagre character. He reinsti-
tutcd the worship of Baal and of other gods ; and the horrid sacrifices of chil-
dren, who were given to be burned in the arms of Moloch, became a daily
observance with the people. He also made groves and set up images tliereiu
as Ahab had done, and bowed before a host of wooden gods, besides renewing
pr.K'tices, tirst made common in the worship of Ashtaroth, loo rexoltiujL;; to be
chronicled. Under him, indeed, the people sunk into the lowest depths of
depravity and infamy." His punishment was long deferred, but it was sent
upon him at last. In the ninth and last year of his reign, ,Shalmaneser, king
of Assyria, and successor of Tiglath-])ileser, became offended with him because
ho had sent rich ]n*esents to So, king of Ivgypt, but had withhehl such evi-
dences of regard and friendship from himself. Concluding that Israel was seek-
ing a league with I\gypt, Slialmaneser entered Israel at the head of a large
army and laid siege to Sam:iria. The city hehl out for a ]ieriod of three years
but snccumi)ed at last, and the Assyrians took Hoshea and all his subjects
that were in Israel and carried them away captives to the cities of Halah and

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Habor. These places, however, could not contain them all, so that many of
the captives were sold into bondage to the Medes.

The depopulation of Samaria and other cities of Israel was followed by a
vast immigration of Assyrians from the cities of Bab3'lon, Cuthali, Ava, Hamath,
and Sepharvaim, who quickly repeopled the towns, so that all of northen. Pales-
tine fell into possession of Israel's enemies. Thus terminated the kingdom of
Israel, having endured two hundred and fifty-five j-ears under nineteen kings
and nine dynasties.

HEZKKIAH, THP: SECOND DAVin.

Hezekiah, the son and successor of Aha/, was twenty-five years of age
when he ascended the throne, his accession being in the third year of the reign
of Hoshea. He began immediately to undo the evil institutions of his father,
one of his first acts being the reopening of the Temple and restitution of the
things that had been taken from it. He also appointed priests of the Levites
to cleanse the House of the Lord and to renew the sacrifices therein. This
work of cleansing occupied sixteen days, at the end of which time Hezekiah
called the rulers together, and taking seven each of bullocks, rams, goats and
lambs he went into the Temple to dedicate it anew and offer them up as a
sacrifice for the sins of his people. Tliis sacrifice was made a feast of rejoicing,
at which the priests played on cyml)als, liarps and trumpets, while the people
sang songs of praise. There were also brought during the feast, as contribu-
tions from the people, seventy oxen, a hundred rams and two hundred lambs,
all of which were offered up by the priests.

Hezekiah's next act was to renew the Feast of the Passover, which had
not been observed since the days of Solomon, and at this feast he made a
covenant with God and sent letters to all of the ten tribes asking them to
come and celebrate with him. His hope evidently was to unite Israel and
Judah, though the Bible narrative tells us that all those of- the ten tribes had
been carried away captive by the Assyrian conqueror, as already described. It
is possible, indeed probable, that there were still remnants left in the far south
that had escaped captivity, to whom Hezekiah sent his invitation. If, as the
records state, all of Israel had l^een carried to Babjdon, Hezekiah's letters may
have been addressed to the Assyrians who had been brought to repeople the
cities of Israel. This version is not improbable, because we are told that the
Assyrian immigrants were punished for their idolatr}- in Samaria and other
places in Israel by lions that were sent to destroy tliem, but upon learning
that this visitation was on account of their idolatr}' the}'' sent to the Assyrian
king for a prophet of Israel to come and teach them .how to worship the ti tie
God. Such a teacher was sent, who, though not able to wean them from their
own gods, effected a great reformation that resulted in the people becoming
renowned for their charit}'. Ever afterward they were called the Samari-
tans. One of Christ's most beautiful parables illustrates the kindness of those
people.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

317

Though the transplanted Assyrians, who now occupied Israel, were inclined
to generosity and goodness, they refused to participate in the Passover, and even
sent back a scornful reply. A few, who were probably Israelites, accepted the
invitation, and all of Judah came to the feast. At this feast those who parti-
cipated renewed their vows, and as an earnest of their intention to serve God,
gathered all the images they could find, also the altar of Ahaz, and threw them
into the Kidrou.

MIRACULOUS DESTRUCTION OF SKNXACHERIB'S ARMY.

There was peace and plenty in all Judah for the first fourteen years of
Hezekiah's reign, at the end of which time a great force of Assyrians, under
King Sennacherib, invaded the country and set siege to all the walled cities and
took them one after another until only Jerusalem was left. His immense army
and invariable victories destroyed the courage of Hezekiah, who sent ambassa-
dors to Sennacherib at Lachish to inquire what tribute he would accept to with-
draw his forces from Judah. The Assyrian monarch replied that he would give
the countr}^ peace and retire to his own land upon payment of a sum equal to
five hundred thousand dollars, which was cheerfully paid. But upon receiving
the money Sennacherib's cupidity was only increased, and he sent his army,
under three of his best generals, to besiege Jerusalem.

When the Assyrians had surrounded the city they sent letters to Hezekiah,
asking why he refused to open the gates to receive the arm\-, at the sauio time
admonishing him that if he continued to oppose them they would enter by force
and treat him as an enemy. They further demanded a payment similar to that
which Hezekiah had made to Sennacherib, as the price of their withdrawal.
As the king of Judah had exhausted his treasures in paying the tribute to
Sennacherib, it was impossible to compl}' with this second demand, and despair-
ing of his ability to defend the city, he clothed himself in sackcloth, and going
into the Temple prayed to God for deliverance from his enemies. He also sent
priests to Isaiah, asking that prophet to pray for Jmlah, and to help him save
the country from Uie destruction that threatened. Isaiah ordered the priests to
return forthwith to Hezekiah and to tell him not to be afraid of the boastful
words of the Assyrians, for God would cause them to abandon the siege, and
that Scnacherib would speedily return to his own country, where he would die
b}- the swt)rd of one of his people.

When Hezekiah heard the prophecy of Isaiah he was no longer concerned
for his safety, knowing now that God had heard his prayers. On the same
ni^ht the Lord sent a plague among the Assyrians, b}' which one hundred and
cijL,^hty-five thousand were destroyed. In the morning the remnant fled out of
Jiulah and to their own country. Sennacherib returned to Nineveh, where he
soon after perished by the sword of his two sous while worshipping in the idol-
house of Nisroch.

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319

HEZEKIAH APrROACIlKS DEATH, BUT IS MIRACULOUSLY CURED.

Shortly after the deliverance of Jiidah from Sennacherib, Isaiah went to
He/okiah and bade hini prepare for death, since God had given him to know
that his end was near at hand. At this time the king was confined to his
bed by a carbuncle that gave him great pain, so that the words of the prophet
seemed to foretell the resnlt of his affliction. When Hezekiah heard what was
said he tnrned his face to the wall and wept bitterl}^ not becanse of h's fear
of death, but because he regretted that he was to be called in the midst of
his labors of rebuilding the Temple and bringing Judah to righteousness.
The zeal and virtue thus exhibited by Ilezekiah moved God to spare his life,
and Isaiah was sent back to tell the king that his praj-er for a prolongation
of his years had been heard, and that in three days he should be healed and
his life spared for fifteen more years. Then Isaiah made a poultice of figs
and bound it upon the boil, as the Lord directed, and in three daj-s his
recovery was complete. But Hezekiah desired the prophet to show him by
some sign that his days should be extended for the time promised, whereupon
Isaiah made the sun to move forward ten degrees, telling him that this should
he the sign. Still Hezekiah was not satisfied, for he said to he prophet, " It
is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees, nay, but let the
sliadow return /?(i('/; ten degrees." This sign was also given him, and he was
then convinced that the promise would be fulfilled.

The king of Babj-lon, hearing of what had been done for Hezekiah, sent
letters and a rich present to him by his ambassadors, imder pretense of en-
couraging his friendship, but in reality to discover the wealth and condition
of Judah, and whether it was an inviting field for invasion. Hezekiah received
the ambassadors with great cordiality, and in a spirit of vanity and self-glori-
fication he exhibited to them all his immense riches that had accumulated
luider the system of tithes which he established after holding the Feast of the
Passover, and '' there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that
Hezekiah shewed them not."

Isaiah was greatly displeased at the vanity and imprudence of Hezekiah,
and coming to him, asked who were the visitors and what he had done. To
this the king replied truthfully, telling him that the ambassadors were corns
from Piabylon, and tint he had showed them every rich and valuable thing in
his kingdom.

Then spoke the prophet to Hezekiah, " Hear the word of the Lord.
Beliold, the days come that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers
have laid up in store unto this day, shall be canned into Babylon; nothing
sliall be left, saith the Lord." He also prophesied that some of his posterity
would become servants in the palace of Babylonian kings.

Hezekiah was very much cast down by the prophecy of Isaiah, knowing
that all would come to pass, for lie had I'eceived many evidences of the Divine

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

power of the prophet. Acknowlcdjfitifj, tliercforc, tliat what Oorl had wilUcI
conkl not be set aside, he prayed tliat these evils should not beiall Jiulidi
during his life, but that peaee might be given him to the end of his da\.s.
Hczekiah devoted his latter years to the improvement of Jerusalem, his prin-
cipal work being the building of an immense pool and conduit by wliich ficsli
water was si _^'plied to the city. He died at the age of fifty-four, haviu"-
reigned twent3'-nine j'ears, and was buried in Jerusalem. Hczekiah was child-
less a greater portion of his life, but when past forty years of age he married
a woman named Hephzibah, b}' whom he had one son, Manasseh, who suc-
ceeded his father as ruler of Judah when but twelve years of age.

THK CAPTURE A\D RF;ST0RATI0N OF MANASSEH.

Manasseh fell into the hands of evil counsel, and before he had become
of age the people, whom Hczekiah had done so much for b}' way of reforma-
tion, had relapsed into idolatry and had profaned the Temple by setting therein
wooden images, to which they paid their daily devotions. Manasseh carried
his iniquities yet further, for he killed all the righteous men in his country,
and was as zealous in destro3-ing ever}- trace of the true worship and substi-
tuting idolatry as his father had been in purifying the kingdom. Men were
sent to remonstrate with him and to prophesy the miseries that he would
bring upon himself and people if he continued in his iniquities, but this advice
was not heeded, and God sent the kings of Bab3don and Chaldea to punish
him. These kings overran all Judah, laying waste its cities, killing the jx'ople,
destroying the fields, and at last captured Manasseh himself and carried him
away to Babylon bound in chains.

How long he remained in Babylon, or how he spent the time is not
recorded, but Josephus tells us that he repented heartily of his sins and lifted
up his prayers to the living God, who at length caused him to be restored to
his kingdom. Upon Alanasseh's return, he tried to repair some of the great
injury he had done by dcstrojdng idols wherever they could be found, and by
devoting himself to a religious life. He did not neglect Jerusalem, however,
for he repaired the old walls and added a new one, and fortified them wiili
many lofty towers. The latter years of his life were spent in such piety
that "he was a pattern for imitation." He died at the age of sixty-seven,
and was buried in a sepulchre in his own garden.

a:\I(>\ is mfrdered and josiaii recomes kixg.

Anion became the successor of Manasseh, who was his father, but after
reigning two years he was treacherously slain in his palace by his own ser-
vants, who, in turn, were killed by an incensed multitude, that afterward ga\e
the throne to Anion's sou, Josiah, who was only eight 3'ears of age. In early
youth he manifested a kind and loving disposition and when twelve years old
he began to devote himself to religion and the expulsion of idolatry from his

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320

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

power of the prophet. Ackiio\vleclj^in,cf, therefore, tluit what God had \vilU(l
could not be set aside, h.e prayed that these evils should UoL befall Judaii
during his life, but that peaee niij^ht be ,y;iveu hiui to the end of his da\^.
Hezekiah devoted his latter years to the improvement of Jerusalem, his prin-
cipal work being the buildirig of an immense jjooI and conduit by which ficsh
water was supplied to the city. He died at the age of fifly-four, ha\irr4
reigned twenty-nine 3'ears, and was buried in Jerusalem. Hezekiah w;is cliild-
less a greater portion of his life, but when past forty years of age he married
a woman named Hephzibah, by whom he had one son, Manasseh, who suc-
ceeded his father as ruler of Judah when but twelve j-ears of age.

THH cArrrRK and rkstoratiox of maxasskh.
Manasw?h fell into the 1viiu1< of n^■'^^ — -V ,m,- 1,^_., ;, li^ ^mi i.

of rj.;v 1'.- I •; ■ J . , .^I.■i I. . M ■ •,.. .. •. i)'. ■■ iiiucb tor bv w.'\ nf ••'

tu.u. i;.id ; cl.ipst'd, into •'!. 'i"-. . .1:1.1 Iiad pioiiiurl tl.^ Teinple 1»^- sctlinj^
wotxicn images, t'' .:. •'' v!uy pa'd lluir d.nlv drv-olious. Mm 1 -xli
liis ini'i'iiti'.' ' v*'i '.'•riu*', l<>i he kidc'l ai! llic vi^iiteous inc-'i in hi'; • 1
ard •>"i..-> a-N ze-.'-rii': iu dc-.-,lri..',ii!" ^■<^}' i:'a^'' of the true W!<i->lii;) and
tuting ido''"!'"^- as b fith : d 'x-mi ;i na'-iivinL' tiie l.iigdori. Ab
•sert ' • ;e:U' 1; I ! -li-- •• I'S b .1 '" ;>. Mii-sv ihc mistTii--- tli.i'. h-

"•iii'u u, in !i!:- ''vouuie^- i>' t tir
kings .r \ ... . ' " I'd^-a !■.. ■
'W .■..' I lii- '. I- 'Hiu^ til'-'
•sst. h hir'iidf a-id ea;

hi ing .:i O'.r'i i:!;!". /. i:.i ;''";'■'

wa.-> pot !l'..-dt;-:!, aii;'. C.'k'I -ri

iaaah. lax iin

<>■'■ how !n: siioni ihe tiiii<

•«ui''.i Ir. .irl'd'.' "f I'.'s ^'ivs .L

{{■:^'.- ■>\\.,;^ the field-, a)!'' .il ' : I (.•;'>tir
aua\ lo H.d'vl'iri ..'Unu'L "a chai;i.-.

Ho'v 'ony he re'iiai'.iod ;\. \\''^v.>-

r,H-o'- ■'■■('., tiUl j<';.--;d)U .A'l.-. U- Jl '.I '!■■■

',p ''• j>va\-ei\.- It .1.- l''viiig ("w;', ula) a' '■ngili eaii.-^cil i'.'.m ; ■ be :>.
hi> b!:.4'lo-,!i. Jpon Ma!!a:';>ch".~. '■■;: .n. Ik n' .1 to repa.! <.in'e of t
i.ijurv 1',' bad i^iwne b',' desiinviiig nio!--. \vlicri.-\ r lia--. comM ho ro'.in-i
d^-()t'!ig ':.;,. .■.■!: !■> ;. ri.!i;.;:"!. a'"' iieaM •; iL •ji.giLA.l Jeru^akui
\.>, 'il- repaiit\'. llie i\\ wa'U and .u'ivicl m i;,-\v one, and forliiioil 'h
■.', -rv. "I'bc lii-.er \-rt:-; ot' li' . hk \\.;e spi-nt iu >.
■ ■. •lattorn fo; imihil.!>ai." ii ''.if' .iL (he age oi .si..;

1 1, i'l l^e ^v-t ■
and :*'.•' bun. >,i

,, ;.:iUl!rc in lii:- ovvii i/":vli.a.

\ iS Ml K)'"

■ 1 i' '-^r \ '; i-.i'.roMi.'.s i-tr^v,.

oi' Ma.i.i--eii, ■;. h r was liis fai

ill hi:. ''.aiaL'..- tjv hi-

•s. who, ui uiri;. ■'.•i-ie L llfd i.y a iiiceii.-.i' "' tauititud'.' iluit all'

; ilo w,i'.. o!d\- cig!'.' ', ■ a:-, <>i .!•.;!.

the ihror.o 'lO Anion's Si -i. I'

r, of...) o I- 'm ' , i-a

1 - 1

\<'aLi
iu: b

niaiii!

■1 ' ti; ! !<

'\ ill'' di.-'.if'-i'.'i and V, lien IweU'c sear';

L'paii

■u l;i

X-'.. •lO!' a 11. 1

"\ (. . ,1""

of ;dolatr\- frf

MTl

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DANIEL IN THE LIONS DEN.

"I'/ii t, I III funti I" <t^' * ' I n I 'trill ' H I hi 1 1 ion I in 1/ iinit it i lit ii i liu-t' <ti- 1<> < In tli-
Ait'l ■■■ In ■ /■" li '■ :'n ,. '.ittti iii,tli!i- , „(,, iititi, I hi) III- 1 .' I )i 1 1 tit I VI. nt en

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111

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

3^1

kiiik^flom. In many respects he was like David, and in piety and zeal tor the
establishing of the true worship of God he even excelled his great-grandfather,
Hc/ekiah. Josephus attributes to him a wisdom far beyond what might be
expected of one so young ; for, in addition to his devotion to the service of
God, he exhibited a rare judgment in tliC administration of the affairs of his
kingdom. He cut down, and ntterl}^ destroyed, the groves that were devoted to
strange gods, overthrew all their altars, broke images wherever he could find
them, and then turned his attention to repairing the Teniple, that had been
desecrated by Manasseh. For this purpose he solicited donations )f gold and
silver from all his subjects who were able to contribute, by which means he
secured a very large treasure, and appointed four curators to take charge of
the Temple and its repairs.

When the rebuilding was completed it was found that there was a large
surplus of gold and silver left over, aiid this he gave in charge of Ivliakim, the
high-priest, with instructions to have the overplus used in casting cups, dishes,
etc., for service in the Temple. While bringing out the treasures from t^he
place where they were stored Eliakim found the holy books of Moses, which
he brought and read to the king. When he had heard the law thus read
Josiah rent his garments, for he perceived how frequently his forefathers had
disobeyed the commands, and that the punishment for disobedience was disin-
heritance. He therefore called I'<liakim, and Shaphan, a scribe, and sent them
to a prophetess named Huldah, with a recjuest that she pray to God to make
him so righteous that he might not be in danger of being cast out of the
couiUry for the transgressions of his predecessors. The i)roplietess, however,
could afford him no consolation, fi>r she replied that (lod's decrees were irrexo-
cable, and that sentence had alread}' been given against the people; they would
therefore be deprived of their present liapj)iness and be taken captive as had
already been prophesied ; she told the messengers to say to Josiah that though
God had given this decree against Judah, that because of his righteousness lie
would delay these calamities, but that after the king's death all the miseries
promised would be sent upon the people.

jo.siAii i'Xia\"ri'.s nmxoi'AncI''. rrox 'riii'. i'Ai..sr: proi'uhts.

When Josiah had received the reply of Muldah, he called together at Jeru-
salem all the priests and Levites, and ])eople of every age, and had his scribe-;
read to them all the books of Mosiv-^ which set forth their duty to God. .Mlc
the reading was concluded, he stood u])on a pulpit anil preached to his sub ,
jt-Ms the first sernu)n ew r '\'li\ered. This discourse so jileased the pi'ople
thai upon his request they all made a covenant by oath to worship only God,
and keep the laws of Moses. Josiah did not cease his labor of converting the
country with these exhibitions of his piety, but he also ordercil to be destroyed
every vessel that had been used in the service of itl(.)ls, and slew all the priests
that were not of the family of .■\aron, or such as those who were not appointed

ilill
II' '

!!h

' 1 1js-

^ Ml

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am-''

322

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

from among tlie Levites, as Moses had designated. He next ordered that all
those buildings be destroyed that had been erected b}' Jeroboam wherein were
set up golden calves for the people to worship, and upon the altars before
these images he instructed his priests to collect the bones of Jeroboam's false
jjrophets and burn them. Thus was the prediction, uttered by Jadon three hun-
dred and sixty-one years before, literally fulfilled.

When the work of purification was complete, and not an idol or idolater
was in all the land, Josiah called the people together again at Jerusalem and
celebrated the feast of unleavened bread and of the PassoV^er. On this occa-
sion, which was the greatest since the day of Samuel, there were sacrificed
thirt3--seven thousand lambs and three thousand five hundred oxen.

JOSIAH IS SLAIN IX HATTLR.

Judah had undisturbed peace and prosperity for a period of thirty ^-enrs
under Josiah's wise rulership, all neighboring kings holding him in high regard,
while within the kingdom there were no feuds or jealousies, the people being
devotedly attached t(> him. His death was due to the maintenance of a princi-
ple which is now accepted by all the nations of the earHi, viz.: a denial of tlie
right of one nation to march its army across the territory of another without
first gaining permission to do so ; a violation of this principle is considered as
equivalent to an invasion.

Xccho, king of Egypt, raised an immense army for the purpose of invading
Assyria, which had, only a short time befn-e, been conquered by the Medes
and Babylonians. To reach the As.syrians it was necessary for Neclio to
march across Palestine, which he undertook to do without so much as asking
permission of Josiah. His passage, however, was disputed by such an army as
Josiah was able hastily to summon. Necho sent a message to the king of
Judah, upon finding himself opposed, to the effect that he had no designs upon
any portion of Palestine, and hoped that Josiah would not provoke a quarrel
with him by obstructing his march. Josiah was not to be intimidated, how-
ever, and set alKUit posting his army. As he was driving from one wing of
his army to another, giving orders, the Ivgyptiaus came up and discharged
their arrows, one of which struck Josiah mortally. When their king fell lite
retreat was sounded by the Hebrews, who fled back to Jerusalem, carrying
Josiah with them. He died a few days after, at the age of thirty-nine years,
and was buried in the royal sepulchres, amid the universal mourning of liis
people. Jeremiah was for eighteen years contemporary with Josiah, residing in
Jerusalem, and gives us to know how beloved was the king by a lamentatinu
which the prophet composed, and which is recorded in 2 Chronicles xxxv.

Josiah was succeeded by his son Jehoaha/, at the age of twenty-three years.
He was a coarse, brutish man, whose impious reign was cut short by Neelio,
under a strategy. As the Egyptian king was returning from his war iu
Assyria, he sent for Jchoahaz to visit him at Hamuth, which was in Syi-i.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

323

under pretense of a desire to honor him. Bnt when Jehoahaz came to Necho
he was put in irons and taken to Egypt, where he died, having reigned less
than four years. The kingdom passed from Jehoahaz to his half-brother,
Eliakim, whose name was then changed to Jehoiakim. This. king ruled as a
vassal of the Egyptians, to whom he was compelled to pay a tribute, laid as
taxes upon the land, (nearly $200,000), annually.

THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM BY NEBUCHADNEZZAR.

Jehoiakim was no better than Jehoahaz, for he set up idols, and, in addi-
tion to leading the people into idolatry again, was merciless in his disposition
and an oppressor of his subjects. In the fourtli year of Jehoiakim's reign
Nebuchadnezzar became king of Babylon, and no sooner had he gained the
tlirone than he set about driving Necho out of Syria, which country the
Ki,'yptian king had conquered. In a battle which soon after took place, Necho
lost many ten thousands of his men, and was driven out of Syria, so that
Xc'buchadnezzar passed the Euphrates and made himself master of all the
country as far as Pelusium, excepting Judah. By his conquests tlirce years
later, however, he demanded tribute from Jehoiakim, which that king was
forced to pay to preserve his kingdom. This tribute he paid two years, but
on the third year Jclioiakim sought to take advantage of a war which had
now broken out between Nebuchadnezzar and tlie king of Egyj^t, and believ-
ing that his eneni}' was too weak to enforce the tribnte while figliting a
powerful king, refused to continue the pajMuents. His hopes, however, were
upon a poor ftjundation, for Nel)ucha(luezzar soon routed the Egyptians, and
now turned upon Jndah his great and apparently invincible army. Jeremiah
had daily prophesied concerning the destruction that would be brought upon
Judah, but yet the king took no heed to his words and continued in his
abominable wa3'S. He had also foretold how Judah would rely upon Egypt
in an evil hour, and that for this reliance Jerusalem would be captured and
the king conquered. His prophecies, so far from warning the pet^ple, excited
their anger and enmity. He was at length seized and brought before Jehoi-
akim for sentence. A majority of the judges and the king himself were in
favor of killing him, but the elders refused to give their consent to so harsh
a sentence, and succeeded in saving his life liy adnumishing the king that
nuiuy other prophets had foretold the same things tu)w ])rophesied by Jeremiah,
and therefore it was wrong to punish him for the sins that others had com-
ese aru:uments jehoiakim w

pel

bnt a short while after, while the people were celebrating a fast in their Tem-
ple, Jeremiah read all his prophecies from a book in which they had been
wrilleu down by a scribe named Baruch. When the rulers heard of this act
they seized the book ami carried it to the king, but suffered Jeremiah and
Haruch to escape. Jehoiakim, however, sent for one of his sons, named Jehudi,
to read the book. As the prince proceeded, the king cut off from the numu-

I i

m u

' -1

ri>

324

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

script pieces as they were read and threw them into the fire nntil all the
written prophecies were consumed. God now instructed Jeremiah to write anew
his prophecies, to which were added that of the destruction of Judah, and with
these the prophet vainly besought the people to turn froi" their wicked ways
before it was too late.

The final catastrophe, as predicted by Jeremiah, came upon Jchoiakim in
the seventh year of his reign. Nebuchadnezzar stirred up against him the
Ammonites, MoabitC) and Syrians, who now overran Palestine and demanded
the surrender of Jerusalem. Jehoiakim made no resistance, thinking if he
admitted the enemy into the city that they would commit no depredations and
would spare the lives of its inhabitants, but in this he was deceived, for
Nebuchadnezzar slew a majority' of the people, including many of the elders
and people of dignity and position ; he also killed Jehoiakim and ordered his
body to be thrown before the walls, as unworthy of burial, and after com-
mitting other acts of wantonness seized three thousand of the principal persons
of wealth of the city and carried them away as captives to Babylon. Among
these captives was the prophet Ezekiel, who was u very young man at the
time, and of whom we will read much hereafter.

THE 15RIHK .\Nn SAD Kt'LH OF JKHOI.VCIIIN.

Upon the death of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar permitted his son and
Kfightful heir, named Jehoiachin, to ascend the throne, but this unfortunate
prince had ruled only three months when Nebuchadnezzar, repenting that he
had given the kingdom to one who must bear him a grudge for killing liis
father, sent his army and besieged Jehoiachin in Jerusalem. Knowing that he
could not hold out long against the vastly superior numbers which Nebuchad-
nezzar had thrown around the city, and understanding the motive which hud
prompted the Babylonian king to make war, he surrendered the cit}', first
exacting a promise that he and his people would be suffered to depart without
molestation. This promise was broken on the moment that Jerusalem fell into
his power, for Nebuchadnezzar ordered his officers to take the king and all liis
family captives, and bring •them bound as slaves to him; he also commanded
that the people, both, old and young, be similarly taken, of which there were
bound with thongs ten tlunisand eight huiulred and thirty-two, and brought lo
him to serve in bondage. The kingdom was then given to Zedekiah, who was
the uncle of the deposed king, but not until he had taken an oath of perpetual
loyalty to Babylon and to abslain from any league of friendship with the
Egyi)tians.

Zedekiah was twenty-one years of age when he assumed the nominal ruler-
ship of Judah. He is represented as a man de\oid o*" the principles of juslice
and of a depraved disposition. His impiety jiroduced alarm, for even those w ho
were were but little better in their morals than he foresaw that his end uuist
be a bad one, while the condition of the people under such a ruler was

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

325

greatly debased. Jeremiah was niucli distressed at the wickedness of the young
king, and besought him to abandon his e\il ways, and abo\e all to refuse to
give credit to the false prophets who wrongfully advised him that neither
l',gypt nor Babylon would make war against him.

Zedekiah was at first disposed to believe the words of Jeremiah, and
promised to do as he was bidden, but when again in the company of his
friends, who were enemies of Jeremiah, he preferred their counsel. About this
time Ezekiel sent a prophecy to Zedekiah fortelling the calamities that would
come upon him, in which respect his predictions were identical with those of
Jeremiah, excepting that the former declared Zedekiah should be taken captive,
but that he would never see Babylon, while the latter prophesied that the king
would be carried to Babylon in chains. On account of this disagreement in the
two prophecies, Zedekiah declared that neither spoke the truth, and, therefore,
continued his evil ways.

After a rule of eight j'ears, Zedekiah revolted from Babylon and estab-
lished a league with the Egyptians for the purpose of invading Syria. As
soon as this intention became known to Nebuchadnezzar he entered Judah at
the head of a great army, and after capturing many smaller towns started to
besiege Jerusalem. The king of Egypt came to Zedckiah's relief, however, and
engaged the king of Babylon in a battle, but with the most disastrous results
to himself; for Nebuchadnezzar easily defeated him and drove him out of the
country with immense loss. But this engagement saved Zedekiah and Jerusa-
lem for a time, and was taken advantr e of by the false prophets to foretell
that the king of Babylon would not make war against Judah again, but would
soon return the captives taken away at the time that Jerusalem surrendered.
Jeremiah, however, prophesied to the contrary ; declaring that Nebuchadnezzar
would again besiege Jerusalem, and would destroy many of the people by
famine and spoil every thing in the city, and then carry awa}' the inhabitants
tluit had survived into captivity, where thc}^ should serve for a period of
seventv years.

ii \

I' r !

DESTRUCTION OF JKRUS.\LKM AND CAPTIVITY OF jmAII.

The prophecies of Jeremiah were accepted by many of the jieople as a
revelation of God, but the chief rulers charged him with unjustly alarming the
cduntry, and when he was on his way to Anathoth they seized him aiul cast
him into a dungeon, the bottom of which was mire. Here he was kept for
a time, but finally delivered, though not until he had been subjected to other
torments. Though brought up out of the mire by an order from the king, he
was not permitted to go free, l)Ut was detained in prison and fed on bread and
water, to await Zedekiah 's pleasure.

In the ninth year of Zedckiah's reign, Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah and
laid siege to Jerusalem, before which he built forts and set up battering rams
and engines for throwing arrows and great stones. He remained l)efore Jcru-

'r4

326

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

salem, hedging in all the inhabitants for eighteen months, at the end of which
time a famine broke out in the city, followed by a plague that destro3'ed
thousands of people. From his prison quarters Jeremiah cried out and sought
to prevail with the king and his counsellors to open the gates and admit the
enemy, for by so doing the people would be spai^ed, but if the}'^ refused then
the king of Babylon would capture Jerusalem at last and put every one therein
to the sword.

The elders continued to advise Zedekiah against the warnings of Jeremiah,
which the}- characterized as the vaporings of a madman, but the king, while

fi/i

JKREMIAII CAST INTO THK DIINGKON.

"Ami Uiey let down Jert'inia'.i with cords. And in the duujjeou there was no water, but mire • so
Jeretniah sunk iu the mire." — JER. xxxviii. 6.

afraid to openl}' reject the elders' advice, secretly sent for Jeremiah and asked
him to foretell what circumstances would transpire, assuring him that he migli ,
speak freely witliout danger to his life. Jeremiah, thus assured, told the kini,
again of what cnlamitics would befall him if he held out and refused to snr-
rendcr th.e city. Zedekiah was so impressed by Jeremiah's words that lie
desired to follow the prophet's advice, but was restrained by the fear that smli
a course, being so bitterly o])posed by the people, would invite destruction ;ii
the hands of his subjects; but he was just enough to give Jeremiah his freedom.
Every thing came to pass as the prophet had foretold. The Babyloninns

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

327

captured Jerusalem at last, aud committed it to pillage and the flames.
Kobuzaradan, Nebuchadnezzar's principal general, first pillaged the Temple,
from which he carried away all the gold and silver, the large laver which
Solomon had dedicated, the brazen pillars of Boaz and Jachin, and their beauti-
ful chapiters, and the golden tables and candlesticks, the wliole composing a
tr'^asurv of riches of almost inestimable value. Having secured these treasures
he set fire to the Temple and royal palace and reduced them to ashes. When
this destruction was complete, the Babylonians continued their depredations
upon other buildings of the city, and seized all the people, among whom were
the high-priests and rulers, several hundred in number. These latter were
taken in chains to Riblah, where Xelnicluidnezzar had his palace, and there
publicly beheaded, but the common people were spared to become slaves to the
Syrians, as Jeremiah had foretold.

Zedekiah contrived to make his escape from Jerusalem, with his family
and intimate friends, by passing through a ditch, but he was overtaken and
captured near Jericho, and was taken to Riblah with the other prisoners.
When carried into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar he was bitterly reproached
by the Babylonian king for his ingratitude, and for the crime of having broken
the compact which he had nuule to renuiin loyal to ^^ain'lou, and as a punish-
iiieut for his treason Nebuchadnezzar ordered that h.s eyes l)e burned out and
all his sons and kinsmen slain. The blind and captive Zedekiah was then
taken to Babylon, where he was kept in prison until his death, at which he
was buried by Nebuchadnezzar with the magnificent honors accorded a favored
king.

The destruction of Jerusalem and captivity of Judali occurred four hun-
dred and seventy years, six months and ten days after the building and dedi-
cativ.a of the Temple, and one thousand and sixty-two years, six months and
ten days after the hegira from Egypt. Josephus also estimates that from the
time of the Deluge to the destruction of the Temple was one thousand, nine
hundred and fifty-seven years, six months and ten days, and from the time of
Adam, three thousand, five hundred and thirteen years, six months and ten
days.

A remnant of Judah, the poorest in ihe land, was suffered to renuiin in
their country to be wine-growers and husbandmen. Over these Xebucluulnezzar
appointed Gedaliah to be ruler, but he served only a short time when Ishmael,
of the seed royal, brought a party of ten atlherenls into Judah, and being
invited to dine witli Gedaliah, seized the occasion to ply the king with wine
until he was drunk to unconsciousness, and then treacherously murdered him,
together with all the Jews in the city.

Two days after the murder of Gedaliah eighty numrners came to do honor
to the remains of their king, but seventy of these were also mercilessly
massacred b}' Ishmael and their bodies hidden in a pit. Ten onl}- were spared
because of their pitiable supplications for mercy. Ishuuiel then took the

•i1

32S

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

people of Mizpali, where his imtrders had been caininitted, and carried them
off as captives toward Ainmoii, but he was pursued b}- a Jewish captain named
'ohanau, wlio overtook him at Gibeoii and released his captives. Johanan went
(o Bethlehem, where he in([uircd of Jeremiah what Jehovah desired him to do.
Islimael had fled southward, intending' to reach Egypt in order to escape
a punishment from Xebuchadu'^zzar for murdering Gedaliah, and thitlier
Johanan also went, but Jeremiah warned him against going to Eg\'pt, l)ut

Ji;\VS CARUll'.l" AW.W INTO CM'TlNlTV ItV THr: IIAllVI.t )MANS.

".Villi them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to IKiliyloii, where Ihey were servants to him aiu

his sons." — 2 Ciikon. xxxvi. 20.

promised him God's protection if lie would remain in Judah. His wartiiiii,'
was accompanied by a jirophecy to the effect that if he went to Egypt ho
would be afflicted with ])estilence and famine, and in the end Xebuchadnezxar
woiild find and punish him. vSo far from being ad\ised b}' the propliil,
Johanan seized him and the scribe Baruch, and carried them with him to
Ivgypt, and also the small remnant of Jews that liad shown their loyalty to
Gedaliah. A few Jews had preceded these to Egypt and formed communitii >

Ujti .^

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY

329

in Mi*jclol, Nopli, Patliros and Talipanhes, where the}' fell into idolatry. Jere-
miah threatened these witli the vengeance of Ood and of Xebueliadnczzar,
wliich prophecy was soon afterward fnlfilled. Xebnchadnezzar made an expe-
dition sonthward, bnt nnder what pretense is not recorded. He besieged Tyre,
'wliich capitnlatcd after an heroic resistance of thirteen _vears, after which the
viclorions king led his army into Egypt, and deposing Aprics, the Egyptian

DAMI-.I, INTi:R!'RI;TINC. NICBfCIIAI)M:/./.\K'S DUKAM.

" Tlif ti Ariocli Ijrouiilit in I )aniel hefore the kiiiK in li:isle, and said llins unlo liini, I have found a man

of tile ca])tivi.'s of Judali, tliat will niaku known unto the kin^ the interiiretatiou." — I)AX. ii. 25.

king, .,ct np -' vassal in the ]K'rson of .\niasis, ilins making himself virtnally
nikT of tie then known world. God had made Xebiichadnc/zar an instrnment
f'tr the final fall and complete jninishment of the Israelites for their idolatry
and m.itiifold transgressions, and the fnlfilmonl of the prophecies of Jeremiah
:ui(l Ezekiel. The king look away all the Jews ont of I'.gypt and carried
them captives to Babylon, thns leaving Judah a waste, which it continned to
be for a period of seventy years.

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VW" i!

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE JEWS BECOME ORACLES IN BABYLON.

Da ///(/.

'HE Bible record, as before explained, is not a consecutive
history of the Jews, and the books of the Bible, tliLic-
fore, cannot be followed, one after another, else the
reader would become confused by the repetition he
would find. 2 Kings is followed b}- Chronicles, aiul
then by the books of Ezra, Neheniiah Job, Psalms
Proverbs, Ecclesiastcs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations,
and Ezekiel. The most of these are the repeated record
of Kings, and others the writings of Solomon. We must there-
fore pass over these to Daniel. This latter book gives a partial
hi.tory of the Jews in their Babylonish captivity, though it
carries us back almost to the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's
reign, thus ante-dating some of the records already given ncarlv
thirty years. The consecutive narrative follows with Ezra, after
Daniel, which describes the return of the Israelites out of their
seventy j-ears of bondage in Babylon.

The Babj'lonians quickly discovered the good '^arts and
learning of their Jewish captives, and were not long in
improving their condition, as the Egyptians hau done before
them. Although we are told that Nebuchadnezzar put to death
all the sons and kinsmen of Zedekiah, there is a manifest error
either in the Scriptural account or the record as given by Josephus, for it is
expressl}' stated by Josephus that Nebuchadnezzar "took some of the most
noble of the Jews that were childycii^ and the kinsmen of /cdckia/i, their kinu^,
and delivered them into the hands of tutors," to be instructed in all the leaiii-
ing of the Chaldeans. The Bible sa\'S : ".'Vnd the king spake uuto .\shpcnaz.
the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children
of Israel and of the kini^'s srrd, and of the piinccs^^ to be likewise instrueted.
The probabilities are favorable to the supposition that only a portion of 7a. le
kiah's house was destroyed by the order of Nebuchadnezzar, a supposition
rendered more probable by the fact that it was a practice c()muu)U to all K\v-
ish kings to be married to numy wives, ^;nd b}' them to raise up a consider-
able number of children.

In any event, the king of Babylon gave orders that the comeliest, and
those giving the best promise of easy training, be taken from among the lu)nse

(330)

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

331

of Zedekiali and put to school to be instructed in the wisdom, cunning, know-
ledge and science of the Chaldeans, who were reckoned as a learned people.
Nebuchadnezzar also made provision for the care of these Jewish pupils by fur-
nishing them with provisions and wine from his own table for a period of three
years, at the end of which time they were expected to be worth}' to " stand
before the king," or to answer such questions as the king might wish to put
to tliem. Among the number first chosen were four sons of Zedekiah, named
respectively Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The names of these
were changed, however, upon entering the school to the following : Daniel was
called Belteshazzar ; Hananiah, Shadrach ; Mishael, Meshach; and Azariah,
Abcdnego. Daniel, however, preserved his original name, for in the records of
his life he is called by no other.

In the beginning of their instruction Daniel made a request of Ashpenaz
that instead of giving himself and brethren the rich meats and other foods
from the king's table, that his diet might be only pulse (which was a pottage
made of meal), and dates. Ashpenaz was willing to please them, but he
admonished them that such food would not serve as a sufificieut nourishment
and that their bodies would grow thin, which would make the king inquire
why they had been improperly fed. To this Daniel replied that his jjurposc
was to avoid a rich diet because it would make him effeminate and prevent the
rapid acquisition of knowledge, a matter which proved that he was already well
instructed in the effects of food upon the brain. Ashpenaz was thus persuaded
to let Daniel and his brothers make a trial of ten days to discover what effect
so sparse a diet would have, but at the end of that time he was surprised to
see them, instead of growing thinner, much plumper, as if they had lived
luxuriously.

The four made such rapid progress in their studies that at the end of three
years there were none in all Babylon accounted so learned as the}', for besides
the wisdom they had gained at school, God had given to them the ability to
internret dreams, by which they became as oracles to all the people.

DANIKI. INTERPRETS NEBUCHADXEZZAR'.S DREAM,

Two 3'ears after Nebuchadnezzar had conquered Egypt he had a dream
which gave him great concern, for he believed that it was a portent of something
whicli would befall himself or kingdom; but upon rising in the morning he was
un iMe to recall to mind more than the impression it had produced. It was the
custom in Assyria, as well as in Israel, Egypt, and other countries of the tiuic,
for kings to maintain magicians, soothsayers and prophets, in who.se powers to
forelell events and interpret dreams the most iiuplicit confidence was placed.
Tlurefore, when Nebuchadnezzar desired an interpretation of the vision which he
had beheld in his sleep, he sent for several of the Chaldean prophets, of whom
he requested an explanation of his dream. They pretended to a wisdoui far
beyond that which the}^ really possessed, and told the king if he would relate

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332

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Pfu

- , i ;i

'to them the particulars of his dream that they would give him a true interpre-
tation thereof. This made Xebuchadnezzar very angrj-, for he said if they really
were able to forecast the future the\- could also tell him what he had dreamed,
without the necessity of any explanation from him of what his dream had been.
\Vhen he found that they could afford him no satisfaction he ordered that all
the so-called wise men be put to death as impostors. When Daniel heard of
this harsh command of Xebuchadnezzar, and had learned the cause, he went to
Arioch, captain of the king's guards, and besought him to prevail on the king to
defer the execution of the men against whom his order was directed, for a single
night, promising, if he would do so, to make an inquiry of God, through praver,
for an interpretation of the dream.

I'AI.AClv Ur .NlCHlLllAliNl-.// AR IN IIAI; Vl.ON.

Xebuchcdnezzar, having heard what Daniel had promised, commanded his
guards not to molest the magicians until he should renew his order, for lie
hoped that he might obtain, through the wise young Hebrew, a description
and explanation of the dream that was so vexing him. Daniel and his three
brothers now retired to their own house and spent the night in an earnest
entreaty to God that He might reveal to them what the king had dreamed
and the interpretation thereof, which request God condescended to grant out
of pit}' for those against whom Xcbuchadnezzar's anger was directed, aud
because of the piety of Daniel and his three righteous brothers.

On the following day, at his request, Daniel was brought before the king,
by Arioch, and to him the j'oung prophet spoke in a spirit of great humility,
declaring that he did not pretend to greater wisdom than the other Chaldeans,

THE KHArTIFl'L STORY.

333

nor to the possession of any forekno\vlc(li,^c beyond that wliich God chose to
rc\<-.il to him. He then told the king how he had prayed for that nnderstand-
iiii;' which wonld enable him to discover his dream and to give an interpretation
of it, at the same time rebnking him for his crnel order, and for requiring of
his wise men that which God alone was able to perform. He then made his
revelation to the king as follows :

"Wherefore, as thou in thy sleep wast solicitous concerning thase that should succcfd thee in the
eovennnent of the whole world, God was desirous to show thee all those that shou'.d reign after thee, and
to that end exhibited to thee the following dream : — Thou seeiuedst to see a great image standing before
thee, the head of which proved to be of Kolu, the shoulders and arms of silver, and the belly and the thighs
of brass, but the legs and the feet of iron ; after whicU thou sawest a stone broken off from a mountain,
whiiU fell upon the image and threw it down, and brake it to pieces, and did not permit any part of it to
remain whole ; but the gold, the silver, the brass, and the iron became smaller than meal, which, upon the
blast of a violent wind, was by force carried away, and scattered abroad ; but the stone did increase to such
a degree that the whole earth beneath it seemeil to be filled therewith. This is the dream which thou sawest,
and its interpretation is as follows: — -The head of gold denotes thee, and the kings of Babylon that have
been before thee ; but the two hands and arms signify this, that your government shall be dissolved by twO'
kings ; but another king that shall come from the west, armed with brass, shall destroy that government ;
and another government, that shall be like unto iron, shall put an end to the power of the former, and
shall have domitiion over all the earth, on account of the nature of iron, which is stronger than that of gold,
of silviir, and of brass.'*

prp:diction'S of thp: coming of christ.

Continning his interpretation and prophecj', Daniel said : "And in the days
of the.se kings shall the God of heaven set np a kingdom which shall never
be destroyed, and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, bnt it shall
break in pieces and consnme all these kingdoms, and it shall stand foreve-.
Forasmnch as tlion sawest that the stone was cnt ont of the monntain without
hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and
the gold, the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass
hereafter; and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.''

When Nebuchadnezzar had received this revelation he bowed down before
Daniel in an attitude of worship, and commanded the people to make sacri-
fices to him as a God. More than this, he imposed the name of his own god^
Balthasar, upon him, and made him ruler over all Babylon, and appointed Sha-
drach, Meshach, and Abednego governors of the provinces of Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed with the divine nature of Daniel that
he desired to make a manifestation of his faith and belief in the true God,
and at the same time elevate Daniel to a position in the hearts of his people
only one degree less than that of God himself; so he ordered made a gigantic
image of gold, ninety feet in height and of a breadth of nine feet, which was
set up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon, and tipon its dedica-
tion he commanded that at the sound of a chorus of musical instruments,
every person in all his dominions should bow down and worship it, threatening
those who ret'used with the terrible penalty of being cast into a fiery furnace.

From the reading and connection we can hardly escape the belief that this
image was designed to represent Daniel, and its worship was therefore the
worship of Daniel, as the king had done at the time his dream was interpreted.

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334

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Sliadracli, Mcsliach and Abedncgo, though no doubt anxious to honor
their brother Daniel, or to do the king's bidding when it did not conflict with

tlieir duty to God, refused to pay homage to tlie iniav^e,

and i)eing accused and brouglit before Nebuchadnezzar,

tliev told him that not even the fear of a fiery furnace

would compel them to bow down to idols in disobedience

to Ciod's law. This resistance to his commands su

angered the king that he at once gave orders

to heat the furnace seven times hotter than

it had ever been before, and to bind the three

offenders in their coats and cast them into

the flames. The heat was so intense lliat

those who executed the king's order were

destroyed by coming so near the mouth of

the furnace, but vShadrach, Meshach .md

Abednego no sooner fell into the fiery pit

than they stood up and walked about in

the flames unharmed, for God had, even

liere, given them His protection. Xebuchad-

ncz;:ar, co\ered with coui"usion and aston-

islniicnt when told of the miracle, looked

into the furnace and there be'icld the three

Hebrews and the \isiou of a fourth man,

who bore the sign of the Son of (iod ; so he

called them by name and begged them to

come to him, ami thus satisfying himself

of the miraculous protection which had

been afforded them, he turued to worship

(iod He also issued a decree that any nne

who should thereafter speak tlisrcspeclfully

of the (lod of vShadrach, Meshach and .\hed-

nego should be cut into pieces and their

houses be laid waste, and promoted the three

righteous Hebrews to positions of gre.ite;

trust in his eiupire.

Ni<;HUcn.\i)Ni';/./.AR lua-oMi^.s ins.vnI'; i "K
si':\i';.N' \i:Aks.
A short tiuie after the marvellou
cideut just described Xebuchadnezzar
in his sleep aiu)tlier vision, and sent ;i

III-
,i\v
lin
lit,

TiiK iMAi'.ic oi' c.Di.n .sivr n- init kanimi,. ' . . .

, to the soothsavers lor an niler])retat'ou. !int,

»hosei.fiKi.iw,;Hihrtc»corccui.its.' -IMN. iii. I, lliougli tlus tiuie lie repeated to them Ins

THE BEAUTIFUI^ STORY.

335

dream, none of them were able to tell to him its portent, so he called for Daniel,
wluj came promptl}' and inquired of the king what his dream was, to which
X(.buchaduezzar answered :

"I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, a'.d the height thereof was great. The tree
crtu antl was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all
1110 earth. The leaves thereof were fair, aiMl the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all ; the beasts
of tlie field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, ami all Jlesh waa
fcil of ii. I saw, and behold a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven. He cried aloud, and said
tluis : ' Hew down the tree and cut otT the branches, shake oft tai- leaves and scatter the fruit ; let the bea.st«
get away from under it, and the fowls ft-om its branches. Nevertheless, leave the stump of the roots in the
eartli, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew
of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth. Let his heart be chaiige<l from
num's, aiul let a beast's heart l)e given unto him ; aiul let seven times pass over him. This matter is by the
decree of the watchers, and I'le demand by the word of the holy ones ; to the intent that the living may
know th.it tlie Most High rulelh in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and .settetli
up over it the basest of nitn.'

"This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now then, O Relteshazzar (lialtasar of Josephus),
(led. ire the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of "tiiv kingdom are not able to make
kii"\Mi unto me the interpretation ; but thou art able; for the spirit of ini. noly gods is in thee."

Upt)n hearing the king's dream Daniel stood for an hour without speak-
int;', manifesting by his countenance that he was -orcly troubled because he
knew tiiat tlic vision was of bad import, and he feared to (..xplaiu its meaning
lest he should give offense to the king. Upon being assured by Xebuchad-
iie//ar lliat he might speak plainly and witlu)Ut fear, Daniel told him that
the tree in its greatness represented his kingdom in its extent and power, but
the Holy One scut to hew down the tree had an e\il significance, for it
implied that he should be driven from among men and be made to dwell with
the beasts of the field, and to feed upon grass with oxen for a period of seven
years. The stump of the tree that was ordered to be left indicated that his
kingdom should not be taken away from him, but that he should return to
rule Babylon at the end of the time appointed by God for his ostracism from
among men. Daniel also exhorted him to leave off his sins, and to begin at
once a course of righteousness bj' showing mercy to the poor.

We arc not told in what particular Nebuchadne/zar was sinful, but it is
probable that his great dominion and enormous wealth had inelined his heart
constantly to vanity and self-glorifieation, amounting to a worship of power
and riches, and that (iod had, therefore, taken His own mysterious wa\' to
liiinible him. This supposition is further strengthened by the events that
siueceded, for a twelvemonth after the interpretation of his dream, while walk-
iiit; in his palace, giving voice to his own praises by declaring that it was
liiiiiself alone that had built Babylon and extended its jiowcr for his own
i"nor and -^lorv. a voice from heaven cried out to him: "() King Xebucliad-

lUV/

nd glory,
ir, to thee it is spoken ; the kingdom is departctl fr

om lliec." In the

same nKiment li'- was stricken with insanity and went out into the fields, as
Daniel had foretold, and became like !i beast, and there li\ed "till his hairs
Were grown like eagle's feathers and his nails like bird's claws." ;\t the end
111 seven years, however, the king's reason returned, and at the same time his

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336

THK BEAUTIFUL STORY.

counsellors and officers who had administered the government m his absence
sought him and brought him l)ack to tlie throne again. He, therefore,
acknowledged God and sang to tlim praises such as these : '' Now I, Xcbii-
chadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose \v ^rks
are truth and His ways judguient, and those wlui walk in pride He is dbU
to abase."

Nebuchadnez/'-ar ruled Babylonia for forty-three years, during which tiujc
he not only conquered Judali, but Egypt as well, and nuule himself master of
the world, l^ider him the Assyrian Empire grew in wealth as no other
nation, perhaps, has since done. Babylon, which was built upon the spot where

the tower of Babel
was erected, from
whence sprung its
name, was resplen-
dent with every
thing that human
ingenuity could de-
vise. Its liangiiig
gardens and terraced
slopes, as well as its
magnificent palaces,
great aqueducts aud
golden statuary.
have perpetuated its
fame and made the
n.iuic imperishable
in history. Tlie
time or manner of

Nebuchadnezzar's death is not recorded, but it is probable that he died about
560 B. C.

Xel)ucliadnezzar vras sticceeded by his son, Ivvil-mcrodach, who rtili i
eighteen years. The succession thereafter, as given b} Smith, in his " History
of the Bible,"" is as follows:

n c. \i.^K-

^59. Nerinlissiir, sister's huslmiid to ICvil-iiuTotliicli, a usurjuT ; pirlmps the satin; as NerKalsliarezer, the

Rail m.-iK I ('/"'7"/' /'''t' .Uiix'i /) Jor. xxxix. 3, i.v (hut acoonhiin tn J(>si|ilms, 40 years), ;'..

556. Lnhiini'ioinhinl, his son, kilU'il hy a I'oiisiiiracy, ami tin- fainilv of NehiiclMihuv/ar restored, .

555. Nalioiiaihus or N.ihoneilus {.\\;f>iiuih. the I.ahynetus II. of lUnHlotus, proliahly the soil or j^r iiiii.soii

of Ncl)iK'haiim//ar, ami tlio liisl kitii; of llahylon, ......... i;

5^9. (.\himl.i I!elsha//ar ^ /til sliiir-nsin), son ot Nalionailius, hei'oiiieH his associate in the kiii),'>loiii, ami

Hoveriioi of H;iliyh»n. ................ i

5,^8. Ilahyloii taken hy Cyrus, ami K^^'T'icil hy his uramlfather (?) Astya^es, Darius the Medi . . i

.536. Dealll of l»ariiis— Cyrus reigns alone — Restoration of the Jews, . . ...

529. Death of Cyrus, after a r»iKii of iiiii" years from the lakiii>{ of Haliy Ion, ...

.\Nen;NT ii,\ii\i,o\.

The book of Daniel. ho\ve\-cr. makes no mention of the rulers of Babyl""
between the death of Nebuchadnezzar aiul the accession of Belshuzzar, Imt

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

337

proceeds directly from the record of Nebuchadnezzar's praise of God to a
description of Belshazzar's feast and the fall of Babylon. The reader will not fail
to note the singular coincidence of names in that of Daniel, called Balthasar,
and that of Belshazzar, which is only another name for Balthasar, both being
derived from the Assyrian god Bel. In this we observe another striking evidence
of the reasonable supposition already noted, that Daniel had been regarded by
Nel)uchadnezzar as a man scarcely inferior to God, and that he sought to raise
him to a position almost equal with God.

bki.Siiazzar's feast.

Little is written about Belshazzar's reign beyond the fact that during his
rulcrship Babjdon was besieged by Cyrus, king of Persia, and Darius, king of
Media, who had formed an alliance for the destruction of the king lorn. During
this great siege, memorable in history, a

marvellous event occurred which brings \''^- . . .^_., . _.,

Daniel agani into prominent notice as a i- •.Ci-i'^v'; Tr?-'^-^- -~^»^-i
reader of Clod's signs. The king made a i ' ■■"■ r. •,;:"":."'__ _. -,^— 7^'~^■-'"''■'^■^'t'■ ■~.\^;;^
jfreat feast in his sumiituous palace,
wliieli was attended by all tlie lords and
ladies of tlie mighty empire. Tlicre was
a mad revelr}' of music, songs and
riotous carnival, sucli as an abundance
' wine could (mly cause, during wliich
the king coinmandcd that all t"ie golden
and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar
lia<l captured out of the Temple in Jeru-
salem he brought in for the service of
liimsrlf, wives, coucubiues and ])rinccs.
The rc\elry now became greater, and
in this hour of debauchery i)raises were
saiiL;- to tlie gods of gokl, silver, iron,

hrass, wood, and stone. The dvlirium of drink and passion was suddenly
" sted by the ap])carance of a hand which nu)ved over against tlie wall
k'hind the rich candelabra, and in view of the asseinldage wrote ui)ou the
plaster these ominous words, " Meue, mene, tekel, upharsin." \\'heu the king
saw lliis strange thing he was so frightened that his knees knocked together
and his countenance became like that of a dead man. lie called loiuUy for the
astrologers, soothsayers and wise Chaldeans; to any one of whom who wonl
:nt.T])ret the meaning of the sign he promised the appointment of third ruler
111 lus kingdom. When all these wise men admitted that they could not
uiurpret the sign, Helshazzar became more gloomv than before and his deprcs-
M'M was ptLiablc to sec. Th-.? queen, seeing him in this condition, bade him
iil,- new courage, for though his favorite soothsayers could give him no

TVl'lC Ol' Sni-ARK ASSVKIAN TliMl'LE.

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338

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

information she assured him that there was one man in his kingdom upon
whom the Spirit of God rested, for he luid manifested his power in the frequent
interpretations of dreams and the solving of hard questions. Such a man she
dechired was Daniel, and advised the king to send for him. Eager to discovci
what fate had been thus signified, Belshazzar sent for Daniel, and upon hi;
coming into the king's presence he was offered mau}^ rich gifts of reward fo;
an interpretation of the sign. These offers, however, Daniel rejected, but la
told the king that he would undertake to explain to him the handwriting on
the wall, though he desired first to remind him of his wickedness in profaning

C.M'TlUi; Ul' IIAIIVI.ON IIY CVKl'S.

the vessels cajitnred from the Temple at Jerusalem, and of the punishment tliat
had been svut upon \ebucliadne/.zar for the pride and self-glory he had
exhibited. These sins the king had also committed, and now God had declaivd
'lie penalty which he must snffer. "This," said Daniel, "is the interi)retalioii
of the thing: .\frii,\ God hath mimbered thy kingdom ami finished it. 7^/''/,
Tliou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. Pcrrs (or Upharsiii),
Thy kingdom is di\idcd and given to the Medes and Persians."

In accordance with his promise, the king clothed Daniel in a scarlet rnl)e
and put a chain of gold about his neck, and ahso made him the third ruler iu

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

339

his kingdom. A fulfilment of Daniel's interpretation came specdilj-, for on the fol-
low ing night Darius and Cyrus entered the city b\' drawing off the Euphrates into an
artificial channel and passing in by way of the dry bed. The}' put the inhabitants
t(i the sword, and killed Belshazzar, b}' which the last posterity of Nebuchadnezzar
was destroyed.

DANIKL IS CAST INTO A DKN OK LIONS.

Daniel was not only spared from slaughter, buc Darius carried 'nim to Media,
ami on account of his wisdom appointed him chief of three presidents over the
three hundred and sixty provinces into which his kingdom was divided. The
great esteem and honor in which Darius held Daniel aroused intense jealousy
among the princes and those who had been candidates for the king's favors,
ami they sought every means to destroy him. They found him so upright in
all things chat it was impossible to bring any charge against him, but observing
that he was given to prayers three times each da}', they went to the king and
persuaded him to concur with the governors in a proclamation allowing the
people " a relaxation for thirty days, that no one might offer a petition or
prayer, either to himself or to the gods, but that he who should transgress
tliis decree shall be cast into a den of lions and there perish." By this order
we are given to understand that in the kingdom of Darius every one was free to
practise any kind of religion, or to pray to any god he might choose to wor-
ship, so that there was perfect religious tolerance. But on feast and fast days,
appointed usually by the governors of the provinces, and sometimes by the
king when the observance was to be general, it was connnon to put some
restrictions upon the people. In this instance every one was commanded to
abstain from all prayers or worship for a period of thirty da}-s.

Darius had no suspicions of the conspiracy of Daniel's enemies, and accord-
int(ly promulgated the order to enforce abstinence from prayers for the time
specified. Since Daniel was devoted to God's service he gave no heed to the
order, but continued his prayers publicly as before, whereupon his enemies
cliarged him before the king and demanded an enforcement of the punishment
threatened for disobedience. At this Darius was very sorry, for he loved
Daniel above any other man in all his kingdom, having found him steadfast
in duty, honorable in all things, and one endowed with such wisdom and
])iely as could not be found elsewhere ; but the people were resolved upon liis
])nnishment, and the king could not find any satisfying pretext for remitting
the ])enalty. He spoke kindly to Daniel, however, and begged him not to be
cast down, since God would surely be with him and protect him. So Daniel
was cast into a den wherein were kept many lions that were ill-fed, so that
they might the more surely and ravenously destroy such offenders as might
lie cast to them. The king placed his own royal seal on the rock that closed
tile month of the den, and then went away and spent the night in weeping,
taking neither food nor sleep, and in the morning, when it was yet scarcely
day, with anxious heart he ran to the cave to discover if his good and beloved

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

servant were alive. He found that the seal had not been broken, which
increased his anxiety, but hastily rolling the stone away he cried out aloud,
" Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest
continually, able to deliver thee from the lions ?" To which the king heard this
joyous and triumphant answer: " My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the
lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasnjuch as before Him innocency
was found in me ; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt."

At this Darius rejoiced in a full measure of gladness, and he helped
Daniel out of the den and brought him to the palace. Having understood

DANIIU. HOt'NM) AND CAST TO TllK I.LONS.

"Then the kiug comttiaiuleil, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions."— Dan. vi. 16.

now the conspiracy that sought to destroy his favored officer and servant, lie
ordered that all tliose who liad accused Daniel, together with their wives ;iiul
children, be cast into the lions' den. where they were set upon by the raven-
ous beasts and torn to pieces almost upon the instant.

n.VXII-I.'S I'RAVl'K FOR TIIK Ri;STOR.\TlON OF JKRUSAI.KM.

.Mtliough Daniel had been promoted by Darius to the highest office within
his gift, and was regarded with the most affectionate appreciation and dcvotrd
attachment by the king, yet he longed for the restoration of Israel and llie
rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple that had been dedicated by Solonmn,

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

341

He had not himself seen Judah in her pride, bnt he had read the prophecies
of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and knew that the seventy years of desolation were
now nearl}'^ accomplished, so he betook himself to pra3-ing for the forgiveness
of his people, who had transgressed the laws of Moses, and to petitioning God
to restore Jernsalem and the sanctuary, wherein the people might renew their
worship in their own land that was given them as an inheritance.

Morning, noon and evening was Daniel wont to pray, nor did the deferred
mercy of God, from day to day, in anywise diminish his faith or abate his
fervor. At length, while engaged in his devotions one evening, the angel
Gabriel flew down from the throne of mere}', and presented himself before
Daniel, bearing the glad tidings that his prayers had been heard and would
soon be answered. But the angel spoke to him also as a prophet, foretelling
things which should occur many years after. He promised that after seventy
weeks the period of Judah's punishment would be completed and the people
would be suffered to return to their desolate country and rebuild Jerusalem ;
that for sevent}' times that length of time, or nearly one hundred years, Judah
should be blessed with luidisturbed prosperity', after which there would come
wars and dissensions. These wars, however, the angel assured Daniel, would
not result in disaster to Judah, for God had determined that the people should
be spared and the nation finished by the birth and glorious ministrxtions of
the Messiah. But to this pleasant prediction he added the sorrowful prophecy
of Christ's death and the second destruction of Jerusalem.

After his interview with Gabriel, Daniel beheld another vision, in the person
of the blessed Messiah, Avhoni he thus describes: "And in the four and
twentieth day of the first month, as I was beside the great river, which is
Hiddekel (the Tigris); then I lifted np mine eyes and looked, and behold, a
certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of I'pliaz :
His body was like the beryl, and His face as the appearance of lightning, and
His eyes as lamps of fire, and His arms and His feet like in color to polished
brass, and the voice of His words like the voice of a multitude, and I Daniel
alone saw the vision : for the men that were with me saw not the vision ; but
;i great quaking fell upon them, so that the}' fled to hide themselves."

Daniel was at first overcome with fear, but the Lord spoke to him such
words of encouragement that he was strengthened and prepared to hear the
prophecy that was to be given. Thereupon the Messiah told him that in the
years to come a league would be made between four kings who would over-
throw Persia and destroy Babylon ; that the country would also be invaded by
the Romans, who would tyrannize over the peojile, but that Israel would be
(klivered from their hands by Michael, though it was not given to Daniel to
know when these things should come to ])ass, his instructions being only to
write them down and thus transmit the proi)hecy to his posterity.

Concerning Daniel's death we know nothing, for he is not mentioned in
sacred history after the record of his vision of the Messiah.

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CHAPTER XXIV.

RETURN OF THE JEWS FROM CAPTIVITY.

Ezra.

"WJIs*'

'HE prophecies of Jeremiah are more definite than those
of any other prophet, as is their fulfilment also.
The captivity of Judah and destruction of Jerusalem
came to pass exactly as he had foretold. It mit^^lit
have been possible for a shrewd observer of events,
and especially for one who knew so
thoroughly the weaknesses of the Jews
and the strength and disposition of tlieir
neighbors, as did Jeremiah, to fore-
shadow the downfall of Judah ; but to this prophecy he added another, the
fulfilment of which could best conclusively prove that he spoke as the oracle
of God. Nearly one hundred years before the occurrence, he foretold that
Judah would be held in captivity for a period of seventy years, at the end of
which time the Jews would be restored by a king named Cyrus, who would
also assist them in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and of the Temple. The same
prophecy was given by Isaiah nearly forty years earlier, though not so expli-
citly. How perfectly this prediction was verified we shall soon see. As already
recorded in Daniel, Belshazzar, who held the Jews captive, was overthrown by
C3'rus and Darius, both of whom appreciated the wisdom of their captives e\cii
more than did Nebuchadnezzar. Gradually their liberties, or privileges, were
increased, until before their manumission the Jews held many of the most
important positions in the Median and Persian governments. At all times their
religion was in no wise interfered with, so that, being under restraint only ^s
regards their disposition for conquest and internal dissension, their morals
became vastlj^ improved and their worship and manner of living more in accord-
ance with the laws of Moses. The result of this was that Cyrus and Darius
were both led to embrace, in a measure at least, the worship of God, and to
select Jews for their counsellors. All this prepared the way for a fulfilment of
Jeremiah's prophecy.

In the first j-ear of the reign of Cyrus in Babylon (about B. C. 536),
that king issued a proclamation for the rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem,
apparently, from the language used, in compliance with the prayers and request
of Daniel. In this proclamation Cyrus acknowledges the God of Israel as the
true God, and therefore invited the people of God throughout all his dominions
to assist in the work by contributing money or other possessions. The Jews

(34J)

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

343

tesponded to this order with great enthusiasm, for, though they now had nearly
all the liberty they desired and were prosperous in the new land, still their
thoughts recurred to Jerusalem and the Temple of Solomon, about which they
read much and were constantly reminded in all their religious observances. The
work of raising funds and apportioning the labor was intrusted to those of the
ln)use of Benjamin and Judah, assisted by the Levites, as enumerated by Ezra.
But Cyrus showed his zeal by restoring all the vessels which Nebuchadnezzar
had carried away from the Temple, and giving them into the care of a prince of
Judah named Zerubbabel to be taken back to Jerusalem. Besides these gifts
many other equally rich ones were contributed by neighboring countries then
at peace with Cyrus, so that when all the donations were collected together, the
whole represented nearly, if not quite, as much wealth as Solomon had at his
command when he undertook the building.

The day of restoration was now at hand, and with the blessings of C3'rus
the Hebrews started for the desolate wilderness of Judah to erect upon the
ruin of their homes and cities a new empire and a Temple to be dedicated
to God.

According to the account of Ezra there returned by the first caravan forty-
nine thousand seven hundred and twenty-seven persons, who took with them
six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses, seven hundred and thirty-six
horses, four hundred and thirty-five camels, and two hundred and forty-five
mules. This number did not include all the Jews that then lived in the land
of their captivity, for many had become attached to Persia by possessions
which they had acquired there and were therefore unable to return without
sacrificing their property. Many went back to the rebuilt Jerusalem years
after, while enough remained permanently in the country to form what was
called the "dispersion," about which we shall read further when we come to
the book of Esther.

The fifty thousand — a few less — first visited several of their desolate cities,
but in the seventh month they assembled at the ruins of Jerusalem, and after
observing the Feast of Tabernacles set about rebuilding the Temple. They
followed the plan of Solomon in nearly ever}' particular, though the work was
carried on much more expeditiousl}'^ than at the first building. In the second
month the foundation was laid amid a solemn service and praise to Jehovah,
the sons of Asaph repeating the chorus of David, "Because He is good, for
His mercy endureth forever." The noise made by the shouters for joj' was
equalled by the lamentations of the old men who had beheld the first Temple
and its destruction.

THE BUILDING IS HINDRRRD BY ARTAXERXKS.

When the old adversaries of Judah heard what was being done at Jerusa-
lem they sent up and asked permission to assist in the building of the Temple,
for, said they, "We seek your God as you do, and we do sacrifice unto Him

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344

THE BKAUTIFUIy STORY.

since the days of Esarhaddon, king of Assur, which brought us up hither."
These people were the Samaritans, who had supplanted the Jews as already
explained. Though they were a hospitable and generally a just people, they
were given to idolatry and still entertained a prejudice against the Jews, whicli
feeling was so heartily reciprocated that a Jew would perish of thirst before he
would receive water from the hand of a Samaritan. On account of the preju-
dices, and perhaps also because thej' desired that the honor of rebuilding the
Temple remain theirs exclusively, the Jews refused the assistance offered and
returned a pert repl}-.

A rejection of their kind offices so incensed the Samaritans, or Cutheans,
as they were also called, that they oflfcrcd every impediment in their power
to the work, while Cyrus was unable to afford any relief to the Jews because
of wars in which he was at the t^ime engaged. At length, upon the death of
Cyrus, the Samaritans sent letters to his successor, Artaxerxes, in which they
represented the Jews as a people given to quarrelling and rebellion, and
declared to him if he would search their history he would discover how many
seditions they had made, and how unworthy they were to be trusted to com-
plete a work that would result in encouraging them to rebel against Persia.

Artaxerxes was influenced by these specious representations to order a
suspension of work on the Temple, and for the next few months nothing was
done toward the building of either Jerusalem or the Temple. Artaxerxes' rule,
however, lasted onl seven months, when he was dethroned — having been a
usurper — by Darius II., son of Hydaspes, who came to the throne of Persia
about B. C. 520. His sanction and assistance in the resumption of the work
was procured by Zerubi)abel, who, having been invited to a feast with the
king, manifested such wisdom in nuxking a reply to the question, " Which is
greatest, wine, kings, women, or trutii?'' that Darius promised to grant hiiu
any wish which he might make. Thereupon Zerubbabcl desired him to aid in the
building of the Temple, which desire the king not only granted, but also
threatened any who should thereafter interfere with the work with the severest
punishment.

The work was now resumed under the encouragement of the prophets
Flaggai and Zechariah, and was finished in the sixth j'ear of Darius' reign
(B. C. 515), twenty-one years after the return of the Jews from Babylon. A
feast of solemn dedication now followed, at which there were sacrificed one
hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, " and for a sin-
offering for all Israel, twelve he-goats, according to the number of the tribes
of Israel.'*

EZRA GOKS TO JERUSALEM.

The dedication of the Temple was an occasion of great rejoicing, but the
people were not j'et free from the harassments of their neighbors, nor did
they obey the laws of Moses, as the manner of their deliverance should have
prompted them to do. Among the special sins charged against them at this

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

345

time was tlieir taking wives hum among strange nations, which offense was
particularly forbidden by Moses, Learning of their transgressions, E/ra, wlio
was a priest and teachi r in Babylon, asked permission of Artaxerxes IL, or
rather of Xerxes, so well known in Grecian historj', and who was king of
IVisia at the time, to go to Jerusalem, announcing his purpose to be to teach
rlie Jews tLere their duty to God, and wherein they were dis()])eying the laws
of Moses. XerxLS not only granted Ezra's request, but loaded him with many
presents of gold and silver to be taken with him to Jerusalem as offerings to
God. These presents included money with which to bu}- bullocks, rams and
goats for the sacrifices, and also precious vessels for use in the Temple, for
Xerxes had now begun to fear God, and was glad to show his sympathy for
restored and reunited Israel.

As already stated, at the time of tlie return of the first caravan of fifty
thousand Jews to Jerusalem, there were many v.ho could not leave Babylon ou
account of their landed possessions, but now Xerxes provided a wa)' for those
who desired to return with lizra, by grantii ^' them sufficient treasure V, com-
pensate them for their Persian possessions, so that a large number of these
jews went with Ezra to Judah to assist him in upholding the laws of Moses.
Their journey to Jerusalem occupied four months, but though their wa}' was
through a desert beset by robbers and dangerous enemies, they accomplished
the trip in safet}-, and delivered all the treasure brought with them into the
charge of the priests and Levites of the Temple. The success of tiieir journey
prompted them to offer up sacrifices to God of twelve bullocks, ninety-six rams,
seventy-seven lambs and twelve goats, after which all that Xerves had com-
maii'led the people to do in honoring God was given to the governor.'-., by letters
which the king had entrusted to Ezra to deliver.

Having thus prepared the way for his real mission and established him-
self in the confidence of the people, Ezra ordered all Judah to assemble
together at Jerusalem, which command being obeyed, he told them of their
disobedience, and especially rebuked them for having married with women who
belonged to the neighboring heathen nati(/ns. Shechaniah, one of the chief men
in Israel, was the first to acknowledge the sins which Ezra had charged against
his people, and first asking forgiveness for their transgressions, proposed that
all those who had so married should n iiounce their heathen wives and also
the offspring of such marriages. This ])roposition found favor with all the
people, including the priests and Levites as well, and a time was accordingly
appointed for the rulers to hear complaints and to dissolve these objectionable
marriage bonds. From this we inter that where di\orces were thus made it was
according to some rule of justice by which the wives were awarded a portion
of the property of their husbands, for we are told that it took three months for
Ezra and the elders to instruct the people what they should do in putting
away their wives.

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CHAPTER XXV.

THE STORY OF ESTHER.

EstJlC)\
|HE story of Esther, and how she saved her people from massa-
cre b}- her beauty and strategy, is laid in the reign of Aha-
suerus, called also Cyrus, B. C. 510. The Biblical account
of the • circumstances, though formerly discredited by many
learned Hebrew scholars, is now universally accepted as an
historical fact, since the proofs adduced by Dean Prideaux
and Dr. Lee were put in print, who place the event in tlie
reign of Artaxerxes Longimanus, who was the son of
Ahasuerus. The account as recorded by Josephus is some-
what fuller than that contained in the Bible, and also reveals
some motives which the Bible does not allude to. Dr.
Williaiii Smith, one of the most profound of Bible scholars,
gives the date of the incident at about 480 B. C, under the
reign of Xerxes, which is the Greek name for Ahasuerus,
and cites several excellent reasons in support of his claim, on which account
we have chosen to allow the book of Esther to follow that of Ezra, instead
of preceding it, as we would if we accepted the Biblical chronology.

In the third year of the reign of Ahasuerus, whose kingdom extended to
Egypt and comprised one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, the king gave
a grand feast in the banquet hall of his sumptuous palace, to which he invited
all the princes and go\ernors of Persia, which lasted for one hundred and
eighty days. At the conclusion of this feast he gave another in honor of
neighboring nations, which was attended by the ambassadors thereof, as well
also as many of the leading men of his own kingdom. The second feast
lasted seven daj'S, and was given in a tent composed of rich linens supported
by gold and silver pillars, so ample that "many ten thousands" might sit
beneath it, while the cup service was of gold inlaid with precious stones.
Wine was served in abundance in a laver into which the guests might dip
their cups at pleasure, it being deemed offensive to have the servants offer the
wine in cups continuall}', as was the practice among the Persians.

At the same time of Ahasuerus's .second feast his beautiful wife, Vasliti,
the queen, also gave a banquet in the palace to a large number of her distin-
guished guests, no doubt the wives of those ambassadors whom the king \va.s
so roj'all}' rntertaining. In the jiride of his heart and the excitement produced
by the large quantities of wine he had drunk, Ahasuerus described the charni.s

(346)

even
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king
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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

347

of his wife to his guests, and at length sent messengers to bring her to him
tli.it he might show her beauty to those who were feasting with him, but on
account of a practice among the Persians which forbids wives to be seen by
strangers, she refused to answer his summons. Several times he sent his
eunuchs to her, exhorting and again commanding her to show herself to his
conipanj', but she as steadfastly refused.

However potent her reasons for refusing to show herself before the king's
guests, the}' failed to satisfy him, and he became so irritated at her action
that he asked of his counsellors how he could lawfully punish her. To this
in(|uiry a man named Memucan responded by saying that the queen's dis-
oi)edience was not only an affront to the king, but to all Persians as well,
.since it was an example to all wives to have regard for their husband's com-
mands only when it appeared to them proper or their inclination prompted.
The other advisers agreed with Memucan, and urged the king to punish her
arrogance b}' divorcing her and selecting another queen in her stead. Though
Aliasuerus did not deem so severe a measure in any wise unjust, yet he enter-
tained such a great love for Vashti that it was a long time before he could be
persuaded to act upon the advice of his counsellors.

When, finall}', the king had determined to dethrone Vashti, he sent mes-
sengers to select and bring to him a large number of the most beautiful
virgins that could be found in his dominions. Among the number who were
thus chosen for the king to select a new queen from was an orphan Jewish
girl named Esther, scarcely yet grown to womanhood, whose beauty surpassed
even that which Vashti had possessed. Since the death of her parents she
had been carefull}' brought up by her uncle, Mordecai, who belonged to the
tribe of Benjamin, and was a principal man among the Jews in Persia. When
her beaut}' had marked her out as the one who would most likely please the
king best, she was committed to the temporary care of the eunuchs, who provided
her with rich raiments and costly perfumes. There had been selected four
hundred virgins, all of whom underwent a purification of six mouths, at the
end of which time they were brought before the king, one at a time, until all
were examined. But scarcely had Ahasuerus's ej'^es fallen on Esther than he
fell in love with her, and immediatel}' proposed to make her his lawful wife ;
nor did he find a momentary peace until she had become his queen. The
marriage was celebrated bj- public feasting and merry-making throughout all
Persia and Media for an entire month, and he sent a request to the other
nations that they also should nuike some observance of this glad occasion.
On the day after his marriage he set a diadem upon Esther's head and made
her an equal ruler with him ; but so engrossed was he with his love that lis
never thought to inquire what was her nationality, not the least suspecting
that she was a Jewess.

At the time of his wedding Ahasuerus had his palace at Shushan, and
thither did Mordecai move from Babylon in order to be near his royal niece,

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348

THE HKAUTlFUIv STORY.

for he loved her as though she had been his own daugliter, and desired there-
fore to he eonstantly neiir, to eonifort her with his adviec.

Some time after Mordeeai's removal to vShushan he diseovered, through ,1
servant named Harnaba/.us, a. plot that two eunuchs had made to murder tlu:
king, and ♦'ortlnvith aecjuaiuted Ahasuerus, through Jvsther, with his jjeril, ami
also told him the names of the two conspirators. The king was greallv
troubled by Mordeeai's revelation, but he promptly ordered the two who had
ph^tted against his life to be hanged, and without rewarding his informant,

AlIASI'lCRfS OICI.IUIUATtNC. HIS MARRIACH WITH KSTIII'IK.

"And the kiti^ loved Rstlier, ... so tlmt lie sot the royiil crown upon tier hfr.id. iind made her queen. . . .
'ilien the king nmde a greut least unto all his primes iiml his servauus."— Ivsthick xi. \-, 18.

merely instructed the scribes to enter his name and deed upon the records,
and bade Mordecai to remain in the pahice as an intimate friend.

IIAMW INDrClsS TIM'; KIXC. TO ORDl'.R Till", Ml'RDl'.K OI" ALT, jl'.U'.S IN TIKSIV.

At this time there was an Amalekite named llaman, wliom Ahasuerus so
highly esteemed that he ordered all the ])eople to pay him the most ob.seqninii.s
honors, as though he were a" king himself. H.iman lived also at the palui",
and found his delight in having men bow down before him in an attitude of

TIIK BKAUTIFUL STORY.

rcuce. All tlie people aeeorded him this honor except Mordeeai, who,
laihorins;' an eiunity aj^aiiist all Anialekites on aceonnt of their idolatry and

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sni.

tlh wars which the Israelites had with them in the estahlishiniL;' of Jndai
rctused to pay him any res^ard whatever, on account of which Ilaman hecame
fiuiously an.y;ry and resolveil upon a terrihlc revenjj^e, not only on Mordeeai
aliiue, but upon all the Jews that were then in Persia; for he harbored a
lice ajj^ainst the nation because the Anialekites had been almost annihilated

Ilia

bv the Jews, as described in previous chapters, Aecordiiiifly, he came to the

kiui,^ and accused them, sayinjj^ :" There is a certain wicked nation, and it is

dispersed over all the habitable earth that was under his dominion ; a nation

sc])arate from others, unsociable,

luilher admittinij^ tiie same sort of

di\ine worsliip that others do, nor

usiujr laws like to the laws of

others; at enmity with thy people,

anil with all men, both in their

nianuers and practices. Now, if

tin 111 wilt be a benefactor to thy

subjects, thou wilt j^ive orders to

destroy them utterly, and not leave

e least remains ot

lem. nor

scr\e any of them, either for slaves
Mnt that the kini;-

or lor cantives.

nil

i^ht not be eiuoarrassed by the

I'lSTIIl.K l'Ui:i' VKIM". Tl) Mine

Till-; KINC.

loss of the tributes which the Jews paid him, Ilaman iiroiuised to };ive him out
f his own estate forty thousand talents whensoever he pleased

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he would pay this money \ery williu,nly that the kini^doiu mii;lit be freed iVom
such a misfortune. I (piote from Josephns the foUowiuj;':

" Wlu'ii Ilatii.iii luul timde this pi'litioii, ilic kiiij^ lioth fotf^.ivf liiiii Uii- iiioncv mul j^rniiU'il liiiii the
niiMi, to (l(» wlu'.l lie would with lliiMii. So Ilam.iii, having; K'''''^^'' what ln' di'siicil, st'iil out iiuiiuiliatilv a
df !ei', as liom the kiii^;, to all nations, tho contrnts whcn'of wetL' ihi'sc : 'Ahasiu't\is, tlu' ^ri'al kin^, to
till' riders of the hnndred anil twentvseven provinii's, from India to Ivtliiopia, sends this wrilinj; : Whereas I
have governed many tiatioiis, and obtained the dotninion ul' all the hahitahle earth, aeeordinn to my desire,
mill have not lieeti olilii^ed to do any lliin)^ that is insolent or cruel to my suhjeets hy snrh my jiower, hut
have shown myself mild and gentle, hy tukinj; eare of their ]ieaee iind ^ood order, and have souuhl how they
mii;ht enjoy those hlessin^s for all time to come; and whereas I have heeu kindly informed hy Ilaman, who,
nil ai'eonnt of his jirudenee and jnstiee, is the first in my esteem, and in dij^'tiilv, and only seeond to nivself,
fur his fidelity and eoiisl mt (goodwill to me, that there is an ill tiatiired iLitioii interinixed with all niinkiiid,
th.il is averse to our laws, and not sntijeet to kiiiijs, and of a dillerent eondiul of life from otliirs. that haleth
iiiduaivhy, and of a dis|ii)siliiin that is ]K'niii'iciiis to our affairs ; I >;ive ordiT that these men, of whom Hainan,
iMir sirniid father, hath inforuud ns, he deslioved, with their wives and ehildren, and that none ol them he
spai'd, and that none jirefer ]iity to them hefore oliedietiee to this deeree ; and this I will to he exeeuted on
the fourteenth day of the twelfth month of this present year, that so ilicii all that have enmity to us are
ik'Hlnivcd, and this in one day, we may he allowed to lead the rest of our lives in peaee thereafter.' Now when
this deeree was hroujfht to the eities, and to the eoniltry, all were ready for the destruetioii nnd entire
nl'Mlishmeiit of the jews, auailisl tin- dav hefore mentioned; and they were very liaslv ahoiil it ai Shiishati
in I' uliiular. \i'i'i>idinnly, the kiiij; and Hainan siieiil their lime ill feasting tonether with ^oud eheci
mill wine ; hut the eily was in disorder.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

"Now, when Mordecai was inforincd of wlipt was done, he rent his clothes, and put on sackclo!!,,
and sprinkled ashes upon his heail, and went about the citj-, crying out that ' a nation whiih had In . ]i
injuiious to no man, was to he destroyed.' And he went on si'.yiu^; thus as far as to the kinj^'s jialai <-,
and there he stood, for it was not lawful for him to no into it in tl'.at hahit. The same thiuf,' w s
done by all the Jews that were in the several cities wherein this decree was ])ublished, with lanientati. u
and inourniuK, 011 account of the calamities denounced against them. Hut as soon as cert.iiu jjursms
had lold the (pieen thai Mordecai stood before the c n rt in a mouruinn habit, she was ilislurbed at t!i;s
rep,)rt, and sent out such as should chan>i;e his jfirmen's ; but when he could not be induced to jiut r.if
his sackcloth, because the sail occasion that forced him to put it on was not yet ceased, .she called tin-
eunuch .\eralheus, for he was then jiresent, and sent hiui to Mordecai, in order to know of him wli a
sad accident had befallen him, for wliicli he was in mourninis', and would not put olf the habit Ik li.i.l
put on, at her <lesire. Then did Mordecai inform the eunuch of the occasion of his inourninj;, and i,(
the decree which was scut by the kin^ into all the •ounlry, and of the promise of money where I. v
Ilanian l)ou.i;ht the de-ilruclioti of their nation. He also ^ave him a .'opy of what was pniclaimeil .it
t.iuslian, to be carried to ICslher ; and he charged iier to petition the kinj,' about tliis matter, and nut

to think it a disbonoralile tliin.n in her to
put on an humble hdiil for the safelv uf
her nalif)n, wherein she mi>;!it depreiMie
die ruin of the Jews, who were in daui^er
o( it ; for that H.iman, whose dignity -.v.is
only iiilerior to that of the ki;ig, li.id
accusccl the Jews, and had irritated the
king against them. When shewas iiUoniml
of this, file sent to Mordecai again, and tuld
him that she was not Cidled by the king,
and that he who goes into him witliuiit
being called, is to be slain, unless wluii
he is willing to save any one, he holils (jiit
his golden sceptre to him ; but that to
whomsoever he does so, althougli he gn in
without being I'llled, that person is su l.ir
from being slain, th.it he obtains jiardii 1,
and is entirely preserved. Now when llie
eu .icli cariieil this message from Mstlu-r
to Mordecai, he fide him also tell lur
that she must not only jirovide for her own
.safety, but for the common jireservatioii of
her nation, for if she now mgleeted this
opportunity, there would certainly an^e
help to them fioin Cod some other \\.i\ ;
but she and her iionse would be desliuvcil
by those whom she now despised. Hearing
this, and f-llowing her own inclination as well, she sent ba.-k word to Mi;rdecai by the
same messenger, instructing him to call all the Jews in .Shushan togetlier and enjoin llu ni
to hold a fast, and that she and her maidens would observe the same, and promised that cluring llie
f.ist she would go before the king, even though it was cgailist the law, and petition him to revoke
Hainan's cruel order."

Tlic law to which T'.sthor refers was one ])eeuliar io Ahusuerus's rei};ii, ^r
at least there is m. iiieiUion of its existence either helore or after him. 'j'lic
kiiiyf was surrounded with a l)ody-j.;uard, armed with axes, who had orders lo
ehop down any one who should (hire to approach to the royal ])resence or \cn-
ture to make a re(|iiest without first receiving the kiiijij^'s sanction. The prM-
k\i.,H' of addressiujn' the throne was indicated hy the kin.^' extendinjjf hi.s j^o! Vii
sceptre toward the person who mij^'^ht win his favor by appear.inces, hut to
iitem])t an audience was like teinptiu}.; death, for the king's moods w> lo
variable and his mercy ecpially so.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

351

Mordecai obeyed the instructions of Esther, and having assembled the Jews
ii: ii congregation, fasted for three daN's and offered up earnest entreaties to

I.MIII.K ^iWllDNS lUIOKl, Till'. KINli.

C,n^ to deliver the Israelites from the calamity which was threatened. Ksthc;
al 11 prayed witli c([nal ferxor, nfter the custom of the Persians, In' clothing

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herself in mouniing garments and casting herself npon the gronnd, and
besonght God to make her more beantifnl in the eyes of the king that licr
words might be more pcrsnasive in averting his anger. After thus praying
for three days she put off her mourning clotlies and dressed her.iclf in tlie
rich raiment she wore as a queen, and taking two of her maidens to support
her, she went to the king more radiantl}' beautiful than she had e .■ appear^r'
before. Possibly expecting to receive some pleasant salutation, she was thero
fore the more surprised and affrighted when she saw his countenance lighted
up with anger, as if he were disposed to order his guard to kill her in
his presence. The poor queen, anxious for her own life, and equally
concerned for the lives of her people, was so overcome with fear tliat
her knees trembled until she fell sideways to the floor in a swoon as one
dead. At this the king was terrified, and leaping from his throne he laid
aside his royalty for the manhood that nature had aroused, and taking her in
bis arms called back with words of passionate endearment the life that had
been almost destroyed by the spectre of fear. Holding her still in his embrace
he bade her to dismiss lier alarm, for the law which denied subjects the right
to come into his presence unbidden did not apply to the queen, whose powvr
was equal to his own. He then put the scejjtre into her hand as a sign of
her equality in the rulership, and declared that whatever request she made
should be granted, even to the Iralf of his kingdom.

When Esther had somewhat regained her composure she smiled swccllv
upon the king and said that the only request she now had to make was that
he and Hauuin should come and sup with her presently. When the king and
Haman had come to feast with her and were drinking in her honor, Ahasuerns,
who was anxious to discover what request the queen would make of him,
besought her to withhold nothing from him and to ask freel}' what she dcsind
But Esther replied that she was not yet ready to make her desire known, hut
she promised that if, on the morrow, the king and Haman would again conic
and sup with her, she would tell him what was her petition.

This second invitation elated Haman so much that he went home and
among those whom he met he vaunted himself by declaring that he alom.',
besides the king, was honored by a request to eat with the queen, who thus
had manifested her great esterm for him. Though delighted with this honor
and preference, Haman was uneasy, being consumed with a jealousy against
Mordecai, whom he daily saw enjoying the liberties of the kir.g's court, while
the "proud Jew," as he called him, refused to pay him any respect. He
spoke to his wife, Zercsh, of li»)w obnoxious Mordecai was to him, whereupi>:
slie advised him, according to Josephus :

"To give order Uint a >?allows should 1)e made fifty cul)its 1i1k1»i and that in the inoriiiiiK lie sliinlil
ask it i)f the kitijj tliat Mordcnii luii^'ht lie haiiKcd thon'Oii. .So he coiiiiuended her advice, and ^ave ci !rr
to his servants to prepare the irallows, and to place it in the court, for tlic j)unislinieiit of Mon'^'cai tlicicn,
which was accordingly prepared, I'.ul God launheil to scorn the wicked expectations of Iliinian ; and 11s lie
knew what the event would be, lie was delijshled at it, for that night He took away the king's sleep : "ml

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

353

as the king was not willing to lose the time of his lying awake, but to spend it in something that might be
oi' advantage to his kingdom, he commanded the scribe to bring him the chronicles of the former kings,
and the records of his own actions ; and when he had brought them, and was reading them, one was found
to have received a country on account of his excellent management oa a certain occdsion, and the name of
til ' country was set down ; another was found to have had a present made him on Recount of his fidelity :
then Ihe scribe came to Ih^; ban and Tetesh, the eunuchs that hail made a conspiracy against the king,
wliieh Alordecai had dis.'overed ; and when the scribe Slid no more but that, and was going on to another
history, the king stoppi'd hini, and inquired, 'whether it was not adiled that Mordecai had a reward given
him ?' and when he sa.d tliere was no such addition, he bade him leave olT; and he inquired of those that
were appointed for that purpose, what hour of the night it was; and when lie was informed that it was
already day, he gave onler that, if they found any one of his fricnd.s already come, and standing before the
court, they should tell him. Now, it happened that Hainan was found there, for he was come sooner than
ordinary, to petition the king to have Mordecai put to death; and when the servants said, that Hanian was
before the court, he bade them call him in ; and when he was come in, he said : ' Recause I know that
thou art my only fast friend, I desire thee to give me advice how I may honor one that I greatly love,
and that after a manner suitable to my magnificence.' Now Ilanian reasoned with himself, that what
opinion he should give it would be for himself, since it was he alone who was beloved by the king ; so
ho gave that advice which he thought of all others the best; for he said: 'If thou wouldst trulv honor
a man whom thou sayest thou dost love, give
order that he may ride on horseback, with the
.same garment which thou wearest, and with a
gold chain about his neck, and let one of thy
iiititnate friends go before him, and proclaim
through the whole city, that whomsoever the
king honoreth obtaineth this mark of his
honor.' This was the advice which Haman
gave, out of a supposal that such reward would
come to himself Hereupon the king was
pleased with the advice, and said: 'Go thou,
therefore, for thou hast the horse, the garment,
and the chain, ask for Mordecai the Jew, and
give him those things, and go before his horse
and proclaim accordingly; for thou art,' said
he, ' my intimate friend, and hast given me
good advice; be thou then the minister of \\Lat
thou hast advised me to. Tliis shall be his re-
ward from us for prese: ving my life.' When
be h^ard this order, which was entirely un-
cxjiected, he was confounded in his mind, and
kiiew not what to do. However, he went out
and led the horse, and tock the purple garment,
and the golden chain for the neck, and finding
Mordecai before the court, clothed in sackcloth,
he bade him put that gariiieiit off, and put
the purple garment on ; but Alordecai, not knowing the truth of the matter, but thinking that it was
(lone in mockery, said: ' () thou wretch, the vilest of all mankind, dost thou thus laugh at our calamities?'
Hut when he was satisfied tliat the king bcitowed this honor upon biiu, for the deliverance he had pro-
cured him wlien he convicted the eumiclis who had conspired again.st him, he put on tiiat purple garment
whiih the king always wore, and put the chain about his neck, and got on horseback, and went round
the city, while Hainan went before, and proelaimed : 'This shall be the .eward which the king will bestow
oil every one wliom he loves, and esteems worthy of honor.' And when ihey hail gone round the city,
Mordecai went in to tlie king: liut Hanian went home, out of shame, and iiidirmed his wife and friends
of what liad happeiud, and this with tears: who said, that lie never would be alih' to be revenged of Mor-
ileiai, for that fiod was with him.

"Now while these men were thus talking one to another, Esther's euiiiuhs hasieiied Hainan nw.iy
to cdiiie to supper; but one of the eMiiuchs named .S.ilniehadas saw the gallnws that w.is fixed in Hainan's
house, and iiKinited of one of his serv.mls tor what purpose they had prepared it, .So he knew that it
was lor the iiueen's uncle, lieeausu Haman was about to petition tlie king that he might be punished ; Imt
at present he held hi.s peace. Now when the king, with Hanian, were at the bumiiiet, he desired the
<|ueen to tell him what gifts she desired to obtain, and assured her that she should have wliat.soever she
hid a mind to. She then liuiieiited tie danger liir people were in; and said, that 'she and her nation

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355

were given up to be (lestroyc<l, and that she, on that account, made this her petition : t!i.it she would not
have troubIe(l him if he had only given order that they should he sold iuto hitler servitude, for such a
misfortune would not have been intolerable; but she desired that they might be ilelivered from destruction.'"

When the king had heard Esther's comphiint he inquired of her who was
the author of this conspiracj- against the Jews, fur though he had given
1 hiinan authority to issue a proclamation to destroy' thcni, he now saw that he
was about to be made the instrument of some wicked design, which he became
anxious to discover. To this inquiry Esther replied b}' exposing to him all
the iniquities of Hainan in the presence of Piainan himself. Without giving
any intimation, at the time, of his disposition, the king went out into the
trarden to meditate noon what he should do. The moment that Ahasuerus
left the room Hanian fell down before the queen and implored her mercy for
the iniquity he had designed, and remained beseeching her pardon and influ-
ence until the king rq^urned, when, seeing the supplicant bowed upon his
wife's bed, and the queen full of anger, he determined to visit upon Hainan
a punishment equal to his great crime. At this moment one of the servants came
to call Hainan to supper, and to notify him that the gallows prepared for
Mordecai was now ready. This informatiDii decided the king in his intention
to punish Hainan, for he imniediatel}' ordered that the offender be hanged upon
the gallows, and that his estate be confiscated and given to Esther, who
directly after granted it to Mordecai, whom she now acknowledged to the king
was her uncle.

HOW THE DKCRKK OK HAM.\N WAS NTI.l.lKir.n.

By this action of the king the wicked Hainan was justly punished and
Mordecai saved, but the proclamation which gave the right to the people to
slay the Jews at the time appointed and confiscate their estates was still i)ro-
spectively in force, and the da}' was fast approaching for its fulfilment.
Hstlier therefore prayed and besought the king to spare the Jews from slaugh-
ter, declaring that if her countrymen were destroyed she could not bear to live
herself any longer.

The king was greatl}' troubled by Esther's entreaties, because while he was
anxious to save the Jews, he knew not how to contrive a means for recalling
tlie proclamation of Hainan, since it was a principle among the I'ersians and
T^Iedes that the decrees issued by those in authority, in either govennneiit, were
irrevocable even by the king himself. After much reflection, and a meeting
with his counsellors for their advice, Ahasuerus, at k'ligth, probably with tlie
help of God, disco veered a way v)f nullifying the proclamation. To :arry into
effect his plan for saving the Jews, he called his scribes and had them hastily
write a new proclamation at the dictation of Esther, but which he signed with
his own seal. This new decree recounted the coii.spirac}- of Hainan and the
crimes for which he had been hanged, and called upon the people to treat the
Jews with that kindly consideration which their merits deserved; at the same
time the proclamation of Hainan was permitted to stand, the king denying

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

357

himself the right to revoke it, bitt to render it less effectual he gave the Jews
permission to arm themselves and to fight any who might attempt to molest
them ; more than this, he encouraged them in every way to repel their enemies
and declared that God would be with them in their battles. This order was
sent by messengers to every town within the one hundred and twenty-seven
provinces in Persia, so that the Jews were given timely notice and held them-
selves in readiness for the daj' ap^ ointed for their destruction.

As a sign of the king's favor to all the Jews, Mordecai was clothed in
royal raiment and a crown of gold was placed upon his head, in which array
he rode at the head of a public procession to reassure his people. At this
sight many (^f the Pt-rsians became stricken with fear that the Jews would
iuru on thorn to revenge themselves for the proclamation of Haman, nor were
their fears withv,Mit good reason, for when the fatal thirteenth day arrived the
jews slew ^ve hundred Auuilckites in Shushan, and on the following day,
with the kiwji's piMUiis'.ion bj Esther's request, they hanged the ten sons
of H,vu\!U\. M\d killed three hundred more of their enemies. The same ven-
ja\u\t"e was manifested by the Jews in all the provinces, where altogether no
less thiVU sevejity-five thousand AmaU kites were slain. This action of the
K'\V» was a fulfilment of Balaam's prophecy, as given in Numbers xxiv. 20:
''Amalek was the first of the nations, but his latter end shall be, that he perish
forever."

After the destruction of the Amalekites, Mordecai wrote to all the Jews in
the kingdom of Persia, ordering them to observe the victory, and their deliver-
ance by a public feast, and also exhorted them U> make a similar observance
on the thirteenth niul fourteenth days of the twelfth month of each year there-
after, which observance was to be called tlir- Feast of Purim. Mordecai lived
many years alter this e\ent, and became the most illustrious Jew in Persia,
and did n;ore than any other man of his nation in consolidating the power
of his people.

It is a singular fact t'lat the name of God does not ouci' appear in the
book of Esther, on wiiicli account, as before mentioned, many learned Bib ical
scholars have doubted its authenticity, though others ec^uallv well versed in
Hebrew history accept it as canonical.

,.i i-

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CHAPTER XXVI.

;il

NEHEMIAH OBTAIXS PERMISSION TO RF.IU'ILD JERUSALEM.

URING the time of Mordecai's triumpli and of the events just
described, affairs in Jerusalem had come to a sad condition. The
Temple was completed and in it the Jews made their sacrifices, but
thej' had not kept the commands of Moses, so that their measure
of prosperity was small. We have already explained how Kzra
was sent to rebuke them, and how successful had been his
mission ; but even Ezra did not encourage the people in anything save their
religious duty, apparently being unconcerned as to their commercial growth, or
the dangers to which they were subject from hostile neighbors. Matters had,
indeed, become worse for the Jews than at any time since their captivity. The
walls of the city had not been repaired, and the citizens were exposed to
attacks, and they seemed to have lost heart generally. Says Josephus :

" Now there was one of those Jews who had been carried captive, who was cup bearer to King Xerxes ; his name
was Xeheniiah, who belonged to the tribe of Judah. As this man was walking before Susa, the metropolis of the
Persians, he heard some strangers, that were entering the city, after a long journey, speaking to one arother in the
Hebrew tongue ; so he went to them and asked from whence they came ; and when their answer was, that they
came from Judea, he began to inquire of them again in what state the multitude was, and in what condition
Jerusalem was : and when they replied that they were in a bad state, for that their walls were thrown down to the
ground, and that the neighboring nations did a great deal of mischief to the Jews, .while in the day-time they
overran the country, and pillaged it, and in the night did them mischief, insomuch that not a few were led away
captive out of the country, and out of Jerusalem itself, and that the roads were iu the day-time found full of dead
men. Hereupon Nehemiah shed tears, out of commiseration for the calamities of his cou.itrymcn ; and looking'
up to heaven he said, ' How long, O Lord, wilt thou overlook our nation, while it suffers so great miseries, and
while we are made the prey and the spoil of all men ?' And while he staid at the gate, and la'nentcil thuo, one
told Iilm that the king was going to sit down to supper ; so he: made haste and went as he was, without washing
himself, to minister to the king in his office of cup-bearer : but as the king was very pleasant after supper, and
more clieerful than usual, he cast his eyes on Nehemiah, and seeing him look sad, he iisked him why he was sad.
Wliereu])oii he prayed to Cod to give him favor, and afford him the i)Ower of persuading by his words ; ami said,
' How can I, O king, appear otherwise than thus, and not be in trouble, while I hear that the walls of Jerusakni,
the city where are the sepulchres of my fathers, are thrown down to the ground, and that its gates are consuiiicd
by fire? Hut do thou grant me the favor to go and build its walls, and to finish the building of the Temple.'
Accordingly the king gave him a signal, that he freely granted him what he asked ; and told him that he should
carry an epistle to the governors, that they might pay him due honor, and alTord him whatsoever assistance lie
wanted, and as he pleased. ' Leave off thy sorrow then,' said the king, ' and be cheerful in the performance of i1i\
oflice hereafter.' vSo Nehemiah worshij)j)ed Ood and gave the king thanks for his promise, and cleared uji In
sad and cloudy countenance, by the pleasure he h.id from the king's promises. Accordingly, the king called Uiv
him the next day, and gave him an epistle to be carried to Adeus, the governor of Syria, and Plnu'iiicia, ami
Samaria ; wherein he sent to him to pay due honor to Nehemiah, and to supply him with what he wanted for lii-i
building.

" .Now, when he was cotne to Babylon, and had taken with him many of his countrymen, who voluntarily
followed him, he came to Jerusalem in the twenty and fifth yearof the reign of Xerxes ; and when he had shown the
epistles to God, he gave them to Adeus, and to the other governors. He also called together all the people to
Jerusalem, and stood in the midst of the temple, and made the following speech to them : ' You know, O Jc\\>,
that God hath kept our fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, in mind continually ; and for the sake of tluir

(358)

THE BEAUTrrUL STURY.

359

I'K'hteousness, hath not left ofTthe care of you. Iiuleeil he hath assisted tiie in gaining this authority of the king
l.i raise np our wall, and finish what is wanting of the Temple. I desire you. tlierefore, who well know the
ill-will our neighhoring nations hear to us, and that when onee they ari' made sensiMe that we are in eurn<.st about
building, they will come upon us, and contrive many ways of obstructing our works, that you will in the first
(ilace, put your trust in God, as in Him that will assist us against their hatred, and to intermit building neither
night nor day, but to use all diligence, and to hasten on the work, now we have this especial opporlnnitv for it.'
Win n he had saiil this, he gave onKr that rulers should measure the wall, and part the work of it
among the people, according to their villages and cities, a.s cvry one's abilities should rc<|i'irc. .\iid
ulien he had added this ])romise, that he himself, with his servants, v^oidd a.ssist them, he dissolved llie
assembly. So the Jews prepared for the work : that is the name they are called by from the day that they c.ime
up from Babylon, which is taken from the tribe of Judah, which came lirst to these places, and thence both they
and the country gained that apptllalion."

Rut wlicii the Aiuiiionitcs and Moabitcs heard of the resolution of tlic
Jews they formed a conspiracy with the view of attacking and destroying them
before the walls could be complete, d. Fortunately, though the plot was conceived
in the city of Ashdo'^ some Jews living there discovered the plans that had
l)een made and hastened to Jerusalem U) appri.se their brethren of the danger
that threatened, and thus gave them timely notice to prepare a defense.
Nehemiah was in no wise discouraged by the evil reports that came to him,
but took the precaution to give orders to all those engaged in building the
walls to keep well in rank and have their armor on while at work, that they
might not be taken unaware. Tlie mason and the hod-carrier alike wore their
swords constantly, wiiile shields were deposited at a place near at hand where
they could be instantly grasped. In addition to these measures of safety
Nehemiah placed trumpeters five hundred feet apart round the city, willi
instructions to give warning of the approach of any enemy. Xehemiah gave
much of his own time to encouraging the builders and to watching for signs
of danger, his custom being to walk round the city several times each night.

In addition to the great responsibilities which rested .pon Nehemiah as
superintendent of the builders, he assumed others of a yet more trying order,
which was no less than a reformation of .several abuses that had much to do
with making the people so indifferent to their condition before Nehemiah came
to Jerusalem, The Jews were required to pay such large tributes to Ahasuerus
that a large majority were reduced to such poverty that they were searely above
the condition of slaves. Their possessions were mortgaged for money borrowed
at usurious rates of interest, and tho.se who were unable to meet their burden-
some obligations were punished in many cruel ways, not the least of which
was the enslavement of the children of the unfortunate debtors. To reform
these terrible abuses that were destroying the ambition of the people, Nehemiah
called a solemn assembly of all those in Jerusalem. At this meeting he
excoriated the usurers, and so shamed them of their practices that he induced them
to release the possessions of their debtors and to lend their aid to the building
of a city to be dedicated to God. He also set an example to them of his own
enrnestness and loyalty to the interests of all alike by maintaining at his own
table one- hundred and fifty poor Jews, and gave with generous hand to those
found in disti"ess and to those who returned in poverty from Persia.

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(716) 872-4503

36o

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

The success and liberality of Neliemiah, however, brought him poor
reward, for as the walls rose day after day and the breaches were repaired, a
party of the nobles in Judah, under the instigation of Sanballat, Tobiah, and
Gesheni, formed a conspiracy to bring Nehemiah to the king under a charge
of treason. At four several times the}'^ sent out open letters, so that all might
read them, wherein they gave currency to concocted reports that the Jews had
resolved to rebel against Ahasuerus, and were fortifying the city preparatory
to declaring Nehemiah king. They also charged him with encouraging certain
prophets to preach and proclaim, "There is a king in Judah." But to all of
these attacks Nehemiah contented himself with making no other answer than
a denial, and an appeal to God for judgment upon his motives, which was
sufficient to retain him in the confidence of the king.

CELEBRATING THE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM.

The walls of Jerusalem were finished at last, after two years and four
months of diligent work, in the twenty-eighth 3'ear of Ahasuerus's reign, and
the completion was celebrated by a grand feast which lasted eight days. But
there was much yet to be done. The walls were finished, it is true, but there
were comparatively few houses, and the building of these to accommodate the
people was the next necessary thing to be done.

On the second month after the walls were completed there was celebrated
"the j-ear of release," which v/as the inauguration of the people in their new
life in restored Jerusalem. On the first day of this public observance Ezra
appeared before the people and read to them the Book of the Law^ assisted by
six scribes on his right hand and seven Levites on his left.

"The reading produced an impression like that made on Josiah. All the
people wept at what they heard ; not only, we may well believe, with regret
at the past glories of their nation, but at the recital of the sins for which that
glory had departed, not unmixed with a penitent consciousness of their own
guilt. But Nehemiah (who is now first mentioned in the transaction), sup-
ported b}' Ezra and the Le\ites, bade them cease their sorrow, and go home to
'eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing
was prepared, for the day was holy to Jehovah.' The people went away to
make great mirth, because they understood the words that were declared unto
them. When the reading was resumed on the following day, they came to the
institution of the Feast of Tabernafles in this very month of Tisri. Their
excited minds caught the signal for fresh rejoicing in Jehovah. They went
forth into the mount to fetch branches of olive, and pine, and myrtle, and
palm, and thick trees, and made booths on the roofs and in the courts of their
houses, and in the Temple court and along the stre.'ts to the city gates. Such
a Feast of Tabernacles had not been kept since the days of Joshua. Tl'c
reading of the law was continued for all the seven days of the feast, and tlie
eighth was a solemn assembly, as Moses had comuiauded."

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

361

After a large number of houses had been built in Jerusalem, Nehemiah
sent word to all the priests and Levites throughout Judah to come and make
their homes in the
city, and ordered
those engaged in
agricultural pursuits
to bring a tithe of
their productions
each year to Jerusa-
lem to maintain the
public worship. By
these means the city
was soon filled with
a larger population
than it had at the
time of its capture
by Nebuchadnezzar.
From the language
of Nehemiah it would
appear that the in-
habitants of Jerusa-
lem were exclusively
of the tribes of Judah
and Benjamin, while
those of the other
ten tribes were as-
signed to the cities
of Judah, but just
what cities we are
not told.

There was also
another celebration
held after the set-
tlement of the two
tribes in Jerusalem,
at which the walls
of the city were dedi-
cated by solemn cere-
monies. "The priests
and Levites, called

together from all the cities of Judah, purified the walls and the pcu-Dlc. The
nilers were divided into two parts, which went round the walls in procession
to the right and to the left, the one headed by E/ra and the other by

RZRA HKADINC, THE HOOK OK Tllli I.AW.

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362

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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Nehemiali, each with his train of priests and Levites, blowing the trumpets
and singing thanks to God. The day was crowned with great sacrifices, and
their shouts of joy sounded from the rock of Zion far and wide over the hills
of Judah. The only remaining records of Nehemiah's twelve years' government
relate to the provisions made for the priests and Levites and singers, and the
separation of the Ammonites and Moabites from the congregation, according to
the sentence pronounced on them by Moses — another indication of the reorgani-
zation of the Church of Jehovah,"

Nehemiah remained in Jerusalem nearly seven years, and then returned to
the Persian court, but some time afterward he again visited Jerusalem, having
been called to reform abuses that had grown up under the princes. He found
Tobiah, an enemy, occupying a room in the Temple, which had been set apart
for the sacred vessels and tithes, all of which were removed to make room for
the household effects of the new occupant. The effect of this was to drive
away the Levites, who, being defrauded of their tithes, had abandoned the
Temple and gone into other cities. Nehemiah threw out the furniture of
Tobiah, returned to their proper places the sacred vessels, meat-offerings, frank-
incense, etc., and then recalled the Levites and established them in their offices
again. The people had also fallen into a profanation of the Sabbath by
engaging in their usual occupations on that day, and giving no attention to
worship or the observance of the Mosaic laws. This Nehemiah corrected by
ordering the gates of Jerusalem shut from Saturday night until the close
of the Sabbath, and appointed t^iards to enforce a strict compliance with the
law. His third reform dealt with the mixed marriages, against which Ezra
had previousl}' promulgated his decree. The Jews had married among the
Ammonites and Moabites, and the effect could hardly have been otherwise
than to lead them into idolatr)^ Nehemiah repeated the law of Moses again
to the people and induced them, as Ezra had done, to divorce their heathen
wives and thereafter abide by the command that enjoined them from taking
women from among strange nations.

The end of Nehemiah's life is not recorded in the Bible, his historj' con-
cluding with a description of the reforms he accomplished in Judah, and of his
curses upon those vvho had defiled the priesthood. The last exclamation he is
credited with making is as follows : " Remember me, O my God, for good,"
which might have been appropriate as his dying words, yet of his death
nothing is written. He was the last of the prophets, and hence called by the
Jews " the seal of the prophets." The time of his ministrations was in the
fifth centurj' B. C, and his death probably occurred about four hundred years
B. C. Between this date and the birth of Christ there is no sacred record,
except the Apocrypha, by which we are able to discover the conditions through
which the Jews passed during this iutcrval.

. ^:.,.

fmwmM^.

CHAPTER XXVn.

THE APOCRYPHA.

HERE are fourteen books in the Apocrypha, in the following
order, viz.: i and 2 Esdras ; Tobit ; Judith ; the rest of the
chapters of Esther; the Wisdom cf Solomon; the Wisdom
of Jesus, or Ecclesiasticus ; Baruch ; The Songs of the Three
Holy Children ; The History of Susanna ; History of the
Destruction of Bel and the Dragon ; the Prayer of Manasses ;
and I and 2 Maccabees.

The original meaning of the Greek word, Apocrypha, was " hidden, secret ;"
but about the end of the second century the signification was changed to
" spurious," or *' unpublished." The term is, however, variously applied in the
Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches. The former uses the word to desig-
nate those books which were refused admission to the canon of the Old
Teotament. Protestant theology generally calls them psciidcpigrapha^ or doubt-
ful records, and made them the subject of much dispute until they were declared,
by the Council of Trent, to be a part of the canon. These books are not
included in the Hebrew canon of the Old Testament, but the Septuagint
embraced them, and having been frequently quoted by the early Church writers
as sacred books, they were at length received into the Christian canon bj^ a
synod of African bishops held at Hippo A. D. 393, and were accordingly
adopted by the Latin, or Catholic Church.

The Protestants continued to print the Apocryphal books in all their Bibles
until about the year 182 1, when discussions arose in the British and Foreign
Bible Society which, in 1826, resulted in the adoption of a resolution that that
society should no longer include them in the Bibles which they circulated.
German Protestants having long been divided on the subject, some of the most
learned divines, like Hengstenberg and Stier, accepting the books as inspired
writings, while others equally distinguished, such as Ebrard and Keerl, declare
against their reception. The Greek Church, at a synod held in Jerusalem in
1672, adopted the Apocrypha as a part of the sacred writings. Tliere are also
several Apocryphal books of the New Testament, which Protestants generally
hold to be spurious, claiming that they were wri:Len by heretics in the special
interests of their sects. The Roman Catholics, however, accept them as
authentic and adopt them in all their Bibles, in some of which appear a history
of the boyhood of Jesus.

The Old Testament Apocrypha is generally a repetition of the history
recorded in the other sacred books, going back even to the time of David and

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364

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Solomon, whose wise sayings are preserved in Ecclesiasticus. Maccabees is tlie
only book of special interest in the Apocrypha, and even this is hardly impor-
tant beyond the description given of the struggle for religious liberty against
Antiochus Epiphanes. For a connection between the Old and New Testaments,
showing the affairs and conditions of the Jews during the four hundred 5^ears
preceding Christ, we must rely on profane history, which, however, is reliable,
and quite as interesting as the Bible record.

CONDITION OF ISRAEL AFTER NEHEMIAH'S DEATH.

The Jews remained under the nominal dominion of Persia until 331 B. C,
during which time, however, they had perfect religious liberty, and except for
the tribute paid they were an independent nation. Nehemiah left his impress
upon Israel not only in the social reform which he inaugurated, but especially
in the re-establishment of the priesthood. Under his authority the high-priest
became the first person in the government, and as a natural result, a hierarchy
was established which continued until the Syrian persecutions, about B. C. 170,
as will be hereafter described. Eliashib was appointed high-priest in the time
of Ezra and Nehemiah, and at his death the office passed to his son Joiada,
<vho held it but a short time when his son Jonathan (John) succeeded to the
office and held it for a period of forty-six years, from B. C. 405-359. The
chief event in his rule, by which he is best remembered, is a bloody one. His
brother Joshua (Jesus) was suspected of conspiring with a Persian satrap
named Bagosas, to possess the high-priesthood, and without confirming the
reasons for his suspicions Jonathan slew his brother in the Temple, an act at
once atrocious and sacrilegious. For this crime he received no other punish-
ment that that imposed by Bagosas, who required him thereafter, as a penalty,
to pay a tax of fifty shekels, or a sum equal to something more than thirty
dollars, for every lamb offered in sacrifice, which tax the satrap collected by
polluting the Temple with his presence and demanding it in person.

THE JEWS ARE DIVIDED BY THE BUILDING OF A SECOND TEMPLE.

Jonathan was succeeded by his son Jaddua (B. C. 350), who is the last
high-priest mentioned in the Old Testament. The duration of hi? pontificate
— which the office of high-priest manifestl}' was — was for t\/enty years, so that
he was in office at the time of the downfall of the Persian empire and the
death of Darius. About this time it is recorded that Sanballat, a Jew who
was puffed up with ambition, upon learning that Alexander the Great had
designs upon Jerusalem, presented himself before the great Grecian conqueror
upon the following mission : He represented that Manasseh, his son-in-law,
was brother of Jaddua, and that he was therefore in the line of Levitical
descent to the priesthood. He also told Alexander that it was the desire of
Manasseh, as well as of a large number of the Jews, that another temple be
built in which to worship God, and that it would be to the interest of Alex-

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

365

ander to encourage this desire, because if there should be two temples dedi-
cated to God and the high-priest thus officiating among the people, that the
nation would therefore be divided, and accordingly be more easily subjugated,
an argument which so pleased Alexander that he immediately gave Sanballat
permission to build such a temple, and to make Manasseh high-priest thereof.
Soon after the building of the new temple, which was at Mount Gerizim,
Alexander, having already taken Damascus, went against Tyre. After invest-
ing the city he sent a demand to the Jews for supplies, and also promised
that if they would submit to him he would extend his protection over them.
To this they replied that they were faithful subjects of Darius, and had there-
fore to refuse all his demands, though they treated his messengers with much
respect. In seven months, however. Tyre capitulated, which was followed by
the fall of Gaza two months later, and the victorious Alexander marched
against Jerusalem.

ALEXANDER PROSTRATES HIMSELF BEFORE JADDUA.

When Jaddua heard how all Palestine was overrun by the Macedonians,
and that Alexander was then marching on Jerusalem because of his anger at
the refusal of the Jews to furnish his army with provisions, he was in great
distress, and called upon the people to make sacrifices, and to pray God to
avert the peril in which the nation stood. In answer to this, prayer God
appeared to Jaddua in a dream and ordered him, after making proper sacri-
fices, to adorn the city with banners and garlands, as if in a celebration of a
gala occasion, and to open the gates to Alexander. He was also charged to
put on the high-priest vestments, and to clothe all the priests in fine linen
and the people in white garments, and thus apparelled to go forth and meet
the conqueror.

Jaddua followed the admonition that had been given him, and when Alex-
ander drew near to the gates he went out to meet him, followed by the priests
and a great multitude of the citizens. Jaddua went to meet Alex nder at a
place called Sapha, which signifies a prospect^ so named because from the spot
a splendid view of Jerusalem and the Temple is to be had. At this sight the
Phoenician and Chaldean soldiers thought they would be permitted to plunder
the city without being opposed, but Alexander bade his army to remain in
camp while he went up the hill unattended, and seeing the multitude in white
garments, and Jaddua clothed in purple, with a mitre upon his head in which
was a golden plate with the name of God engraved thereon, he prostrated
himself in an attitude of adoration. At this strange proceeding every one
wondered, but none were so greatly surprised as the kings of Syria, who
thought Alexander must have become disordered in his mind. At length one
cf his generals, named Parmenio, vc iitured to ask the conqueror the cause of
his singuUr conduct, to which Alexander replied : " I did not adore the high-
priest, but that God who hath honored hiri with the high-priesthood; for T

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AI,K\ VNniCR AT THK SIKGI{ OF TYRK.

Ul' II

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

36?

saw this very person in a dream, iii this ver)- habit, when I was in Dios, iu
Macedonia, who, when I was considering with myself how I might obtain the
dominion of Asia, exhorted me to make no delay, but boldly to pass over the
sea thither, for that he would conduct my ami}-, and would give nie
^lie dominion over the Persians ; whence it is, that having seen no other in
that habit, and now seeing this person in it, and remen bering that vision,
and the exhortation which I had in mj' dream, I believe that I bring this
army under the Divine conduct, and shall therewith conquer Darius and
destroy the power of the Persians." When Alexander had made this reply he
took hold of Jaddua's hand, and with him went into the cit}' and also into the
Temple, where he made sacrifices to God, accoiding to the high-priest's direc-
tion. When he had completed his sacrificing, the book of Daniel was brought,
and those portions referring to the destruction of the Persians by a king of
the Greeks were read to him (viii. 3-8, 20-22 ; x.i. 3). At this Alexander
was so well pleased that he called the people to meet him again on the
following day, and promised to grant them any favor that they miglit ask ;
whereupon the high-priest asked him to procure for them the enjoyment of
the laws of their forefathers, and to exempt them from paying tribute after
seven years ; Jaddua also asked that the Jews who were yet in Babylon and
Aledia might enjoy the same privileges, all of which requests Alexander made
a liolemn promise to grant.

After making a covenant with the Jews in Jerusalem, Alexander led his
army into the neighboring cities, where he was hospitably received, and where
he ako made many generous promises, by which he gained a large number of
recruits from the Jews. The favors which he showed the Israelites wherever
he went admonished the people of Shechem that they had be;tcr also procure
h's friendship, lest he might become prejudiced against them through the
adverse reports of the people. Shechem was the metropolis of the Sanuiritans,
who, through the representations of Sanballat, as already described, had built
a temple on Mount Gerizim, at the base of which was situated the city. Here
they followed their own inclinations, and it is also probable M-orshipped idols,
for which purpose the temple was certainly built. There were a number of
apostate Jews among them, who were doubtless well treated by the Samaritans,
but generally there was no affiliation between the two, as explained in pre\ious
pages.

To obtain the favor of Alexander, the Samaritans professed themselves to
be Jews, and sent a delegation to invite him to honor their city with his
presence. When he became their guest they showed him the greatest atten-
tion and appointed the soldiers of Sanballat — who was now dead — as a guard
of honor to conduct him to the temple they had built. When they had flat-
tered him with such unction as they could command, they petitioned him to
Kiaut them the remission of tribute after the seventh year. This request
somewhat surprised Alexander, who had already given this promise to all

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36S

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY

Jews, so that he asked, "Are you not Jews?" With some confusion they
replied that they were Hebrews, but had the name of Sidonians, living at
Shechem, by which evasion and confusion Alexander discovered that they had
tried to deceive him, and instead of granting their request he carried away
with him the Sanballat soldiers, and took them to Egypt to guard a portion
of the country he had subjugated.

The temple at Gerizim was permitted to remain, but it served no longer
the uses to which it was dedicated. Josephus tells us that it afterwards
served as a refuge for Jews who had committed any crime in Jerusalem ; and
we also know that it was standing even during the time of Christ, but the uses
to which it was put are not described, nor is the circumstance of its destruction
recorded.

THE CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM BY PTOLEMY.

Jaddua Avas succeeded in the priesthood by his son Onias I., who exercised
the office from about B. C. 330 to B. C. 300, during which time the empire
of Alexander was largely extended ; but Palestine, though nominally a portion
of the Greek empire, was treated still as a part of Syria and was ruled by
Laomedon until B. C. 321, when he was dispossessed bj- Ptolemy, an Egyp-
tian satrap. This ruler was very ambitious, and as Alexander the Great had
died two years before, there was no one to restrain his inclination. Accord-
ingly, Ptolemj'- made an expedition against Jerusalem, and attacking the city
on a Sabbath, when he knew that the Jews would make no resistance, he
easily effected its capture. Instead of disgracing his conquest by a slaughter
of the people, however, as was the custom of the times, he carried away a
great number of both the Jews and Samaritans, whom he transferred to Alex-
andria and conferred upon them all the rights of citizenship. This humane
treatment, which was adopted with the view of increasing the importance
of Alexandria and of Egypt as well, caused manj- other Jews to abandon Pal-
estine of their own accord to settle in Egypt, where their condition was A-astly
improved.

Several wars followed soon after the capture of Jerusalem, in which Anti-
gonus opposed Ptolemy until the decisive battle of Ipsus (B. C. 300), when
all of Palestine and Phoenicia was conceded to Ptoleni}', under whom, and his
successors, it remained until about B. C. 19S.

Very soon after the battle of Ipsus, by the death of Onias I., the hisj^li
priesthood devolved upon his son, Simon I. (B. C. 300), to whom was directly
afterward applied the appellation "The Just," bestowed out of compliment for
his justice and wisdom. His administration is eulogized in the book of "Jesns
the Son of Sirach," wherein we are told that Simon increased the size of the
Temple, and doubly strengthened its walls, besides administering the Temple
services in a manner never attempted by his predecessors. Tradition tells us
that Simon was the last survivor of the Great Synagogue of 120, which was
established by Ezra on the return of the Jews from their captivity under the

rHE BEAUTIFUL STORY

3(59

Syrian kings, and to him is also ascribed the completion of the canon of the
Old Testament.

CALAMITIES FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF SIMOX.

The death of Simon, which occnrred about B. C. 292, is said to have been
followed by many miraculous events presaging what calamities were to speedily

U.VTTI.K HliTWKKN ANTIGONUS AND I'TOI.ICMV.

c ):iie upon the Jews. It is told that during his life all the sacrifices made
WLMV acceptable, but immediately after they were invariably unfavorable, while
the sacrificial fires were frequently extiuguished, and when aflame burned with
an unsteady glow and shed no light. The sacrificial bread was baked amid
dirticulties never before experience.!, and when laid away it diminis!'.cd until

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370

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

there was never sufficient for the priesthood. But more ominous than all these
signs ',vas the ending of the ceremony of sacrificing the scape-goat. It had
been the Jewish custom since the time of Moses to la}' the sins of the people
upon a goat, and to throw the animal from a precipice, so that it might be
dashed to pieces, its death representing or serving an atonement frr the sins
of the race. Upon the occasion of this sacrifice after Simon's death, however,
the goat, though hurled from an amazing height, fell upon the rocks below
unharmed, and escaped into the desert. The calamities which these several
omens seemed to fortell proved delusive, as subsequent events proved, and we
are left to believe that tradition has greatly exaggerated the facts.

Antigonus Socho became founder of the New Synagogue, and it is said to
have received from Simon the oral traditions which had been preserved since
the time of Moses. His influence upon the Jews as a teacher was very great,
and to him is ascribed the doctrine that God should be served faithfully with-
out regard for reward. Notwithstanding the influence of Socho, there arose
one named Sadduc, who opposed the doctrine of disinterestedness, b}'- denying
that God either punishes or rewards hereafter. This belief obtained among
many Jews who thereafter Avere known as disciples of Sadduc, or Sadducees.

ELEAZAR AND THE SEPTUAGINT.

On the death of Simon — his son not being old enough to assume the
priesthood — rhis brother Eleazar succeeded him. This man was devoted to
literature, and, appreciating the need of a reliable historj' of the Jews, repre-
sented to the king Ptolemy II., Philadelphus, his desire for an authentic
transcription, and accordingly obtained an order for the appointment of seventy-
two translators to compile the Jewish history. This work was performed by
the most learned Jews of Alexandria, who spent many years upon the task,
which is preserved under the name of the Septuagint. The design of Eleazar,
in having the sacred writings translated into the Greek, was evident enough.
The conquests of Alexander had led to an infusion of Greek manners and
influence among the Jews, and particularly to the aaoption of the Greek lan-
guage, which had fairly Hellcnizcd all of Egypt and western Asia. Eleazar
therefore foresaw the necessitj'' of introducing the religious doctrines of his race
among the Greeks, which could best be done by translating the history of his
people, through Jewish sources, into that language, the result of which was the
adoption of a common religion by half the world.

Eleazar was succeeded by Manasseh, whose tenure v>'an short and unim-
portant, as was also that of Onias II. (B. C. 240), who died in B. C. 226, and
was followed by Simon II. Four years after Simon had assumed the priest-
hood, Ptolemy IV. became king of Egypt, upon whom war was made by
Antiochus III., called " The Great," king of Syria, for the provinces of Phoe-
nicia, Coelesyria, and Palestine. The result of this war was the imposition of
hardships upon the Jews from which they had been exempt for nearly two

li !'

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

hundred years. The two kings met with their armies at a plain near Gaza,
where was fought the battle of Raphia (B. C. 217), in which Antiochus was
defeated with immense loss. His pride being exalted by this victory, Ptolemy
went to Jerusalem, and after making sacrifices persisted in entering the Holy
of Holies, from whence, however, he was driven by a manifestation of super-
natural power. Burning with resentment he r<.turned to Alexandria and began
a most cruel persecution of the Jews, which resulted in an alienation of thos*
in Egypt and Palestine.

Ptolemy died in B. C. 205, and was succeeded by Ptolemy V., Epiphanes,
a child onl}' five jears of age. This circumstance gave Antiochus anothei
opportunity to gain what he had vainly attempted to wrest from Ptolemy IV.,
Philopater, He accordingly formed a league with Philip V. of Macedon, and
proceeded against Ccelesyria and Palestine and made himself master of those
provinces (B. C. 198). While the Jews of Egypt suffered greatly in this con-
flict, those of Palestine were rewarded by a grant of an annual sum for sacri-
fices, and an order prohibiting foreigners from entering the Temple.

In the same year that Antiochus became master of Palestine, Simon II.
was succeeded b}' Onias III. as high-priest, and shortly after Ptolemy Epi-
phanes married Cleopatra, the daughter of Antiochus, upon which the conquered
provinces were given him again as a dowry, though absolute possession was
not surrendered, the gift being no more than a privilege to collect the annual
tax.

HEIJODORUS REl .JLSED BY AN ANGRL.

Antiochus was seized of a distemper which he declared was sent upon him
for the evil that he had done and contemplated against the Jews ; he also fore-
told that he should die of his ailment, though the disease did not terminate
fatallj' for some time ; upon his death, as the king had appointed, Seleucus IV.,
Philopater, succeeded him, B. C. 187. During his reign the Jews suffered con-
tinually, though chiefly because of dissensions among themselves. It was during
the reign of Seleucus that a wonderful miracle was perform( I to preserve the
treasures of the Temple.

Under Onias III., the Apocrypha tells us, " the Holy City (Jerusalem)
was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the
godliness of Onias the high-priest, and his hatred of wickedness. There was
at this time, however, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, named Simon, and
who was governor of the Temple, who conceived a great jealousy for Onias, and
after vainl}'^ endeavoring to prejudice the people against him, sought another
means for attaining his infamous ends. In pursuance of his aim, therefore, he
paid a visit to Apollonius, the son of the governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia,
to whom he represented that the treasury of the Temple " was full of infinite
vsums of money, so that the multitude of their riches, which did not pertain to
the account of the sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it was possible to bring
all into the king's hand.'*

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

As Simon had anticipated, Apollonius hastened to tell the king of the
immense wealth which might be justly taken from the Temple, since it was
not used, or intended to defray the expense of the sacrifices, and so excited
the cupidity of Seleucus that he forthwith ordered Heliodorus, his treasurer, to

proceed to Jerusalem
and take awa)' the
money of the Temple
and bring it to him.
Heliodorus proceeded
at once to obey the
king's orders, and
when he had reached
Jerusalem he was re-
ceived with many
manifestations of
pleasure by the
priests , th ey not know-
ing for what purpose
he had come. After
receiving their cour-
tesies he at length re-
vealed to them what
had been told the
king, and asked if it
were true that there
was so much money
stored in the Temple.
To this they replied
that there was a sum
of four hundred tal-
ents of silver and two
hundred talents of
gold, laid up for the
relief of the widovs
and , fatherless c'.il-
dren, some of wlii 'h
belonged to Hyr';i-
nus, the son of Ti-
bias. But they v n-
ceived it to be impossible that any one should covet that which had Ik. 11
committed to the holiness of the place, or to violate the sanctity of the Temple
which was honored even by kings all over the world. To this, however,
Heliodorus only answered that he had been .sent upon the king's business, and

II.a.IODOKI'S ri'NISItKD IN Till! TrCMPI.E.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

373

that he should obey the orders given him to take awa}' the money on the
morrow. When it was understood that he would certainly rifle the treasury of
its currency, the priests went into the Temple and there prostrating themselves
before the altar, called to God, that he might preserve inviolate the money
committed to their care. To this siipplication was added that of all the citizens
of Jerusalem, who prayed openl}^ in the streets, and women clothed themselves
in sackcloth and went througli the streets praying, while maidens offered their
supplications from the city walls or at the gates, the universal entreat}^ being
for the preservation of the treasure.

Heliodorus, though besought to renounce the purpose for which he had
come, turned a deaf ear to all prayer and entreaty, being resolved to carry away
the money to enrich the already enormous wealth of his king. Accordingly,
on the day appointed, he gathered his guards about him and proceeded to the
Temple, but when he was upon the point of going in a wonderful apparition
appeared which entered in with him, and when Heliodorus had reached that
part of the Temple where the money was stored, the appar.^.iun became more
terrible until it assumed the form of a horse, upon the back of which rode an
angel carr5'ing a scourge. Those who were with the king's treasurer fell down
in a faint from great fear, but the}' received no harm. The horse ran fiercely
upon Heliodorus, however, and struck at him with his fore feet, while the
rider scourged him sorely. " Moreover, t^'o other young men appeared before
him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and cornel}' in apparel, who stood
by him on either side, and scourged hiii] coutinually, and gave him nuiny sore
stripes."

When the angels had beaten Heliodorus some time, the place was suddenly
enveloped in dai'kness, so that lights had to be brought, and the stricken treasurer
carried from the sacred place on a litter, and when he was brought out it was
found that he was near to death from the punishment. The friends of Heliodorus
now begged Onias that he would pray to God to spare his life, seeing that h«».
had been dealt with by the Lord, which request was granted, but rather out of
fear that the king would suspect some treachery. So Onias prayed God to
restore Heliodorus, and the priests also offered sacrifices for his health, during
which the angel again appeared before the suffering man and bade him give
thanks tc Onias, since for his sake the Lord had granted his life. Said the
angel : " Seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men
the mighty power of God."

Heliodorus returned hearty thanks to Onias for sparing his life, and when
he had returned to the king and reported all that had befallen h.im he said to
vSeleucus : *' If thou hast an\ enemy or traitor, send him thither (to the Temple
for the monej'), and thou .shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with
his life ; for in that place, no doubt, there is an especial power of God,"

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CHAPTER XXVIII.

SACK OF JERUSALEM AND POLLUTION OF THE TEMPLE.

Apocrypha.
LTHOUGH Heliodonis was unsuccessful in his efforts to loot the
Temple of its treasure, and notwithstanding the report which he
carried back to Seleucus, Simon continued to prejiidice the king
against Onias, and a feud soon after began which led to the most
distressing results, as we shall see.

The accession of Antiochus, nicknamed the " madman," liter-
ally placed Judea under ihe domination of Syria, and took from the Jews
all the privileges that they had enjoyed under the Ptolemies. This cruel
king, the son of Antiochus the Great, had been sent to Rome as a hostage,
where he was treated wilh such marks of consideration that he became
so imbued with Hellenistic ideas and admiration for the Greeks and
Romans, as to hold his own subjects in contempt. Upon' his return tc
his kingdom he found Onias at Antioch defending himself against the bt.se
charges of Simon and his own brother Joshua (Jesus), who had adopted
the Greek name of Jason. To the opposition of Simon and Jason, Antiochus IV.
added that of his own, so that Onias HI. was speedily deposed fi-om the
priesthood and the office given to Jason. The Hellenizing spirit now became
stronger than ever among the Jews, as Jason neglected the Temple service and
established a gymnasium wherein the Greek athletic exercises were taught
and the mark of circumcision made odious.

Jason held the office of high-priest for a period of three years, when he
was deposed by Meuelaus (B. C. 172), who had purchased the office by a large
bribe to the king. If Jason was sacrilegious in his conduct, Meuelaus was a
hypocrite and devil incarnate. He came to Jerusalem, as the chronicler wisely
describes him, " having the furj' of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a wild
beast," Jason fled for his life to the Ammonites, while the new high-priest
plunged into a mad revelry of dissipation and persecution. In order to raise
the money that he had promised to pay the king for the office, he sold many
of the sacred vessels of the Temple to the Tyriaus. Onias, who was still ai
Antioch, charged Meuelaus with the sacrilege, but would have imniediateh'
perished for his boldness had he not fled for safet}' to the sacred grove ot"
Daphne. But even here he was destined to remain only a short time unmo-
lested, for Meuelaus instigated Audronicus to entice Onias from the grove and
murder him (B. C. 171). Antiochus, however, was deeply incensed by the
cruelty thus exhibited, and in turn ordered the execution of the murderer.

(374)

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

375

He would also have visited Menelaiis witli a like punishmeht, had not the
crafty high-priest placated the king by a large gift of money, raised, no doubt,
like his first bribe, by a sale of sacred vessels, or by treasure taken from the
Temple.

About this time Antiochus engaged in a war with Egypt, in which he
was successful during the interval B. C. 178-16S. In one of his campaigns
(B. C. 170) a report was spread abroad that the king had been slain, where-
upon Jason raised a body of one thousand men and attacked Jerusalem and
drove Menelaus into the citadel, but after practising barbaric cruelties upon
the citizens for three days he was forced to evacuate the place and flee to
Ammon, where he soon after died.

The report of Jason's insurrection reached Antiochiis while he was in
Egypt, and supposing that all Judea had revolted he hastened back and fell
v;ith fury upon Jerusalem, which he took by storm and put forty thousand of
"he inhabitants to the sword, besides selling as man}' more into slaver}'.
Menelaus again succeeded in diverting the king from his own crimes by offer-
ing to conduct him through the Temple and assist in its profanation. Accord-
ingly, the high-priest made a sacrifice of swine upon the altar, and making a
broth by boiling the flesh, sprinkled it over the sanctuary, besides defiling the
Holy of Holies with ordure. The king then took away all the treasures of
the Temple, amounting to one thousand eight hundred talents, and leaving a
Phrygian named Philip as governor of Jerusalem, he went to Gerizim, where
he profaned the Samaritan temple in like manner.

"And besides, Menelaus, who was worse than all the rest, bore a heavy
hand over the citizens, having a malicious mind against his countrymen, the
Jews. He sent also, that detestable ringleader, Apollonius, with an army of
twentj'-two thousand, commanding him to slay all those that were in their
best age, and to sell tlie women and the younger sort ; who, coming to Jerusa-
lem, and pretending peace, did forbear till the holy day of the Sabbath, when
taking the Jews, keeping holy day, he commanded his men to arm them-
selves. And so he slew all them that were gone to the celebrating of the
Sabbath, and running thi-ough the city with weapons slew great multitudes.
But Judas Maccabeus, with nine others, or thereabouts, withdrew himself into
the wilderness, and lived in the mountains after the manner of beasts with his
compau}', who fed on herbs continually, lest they should be partakers of the
pollution."

DRKADFUT, ri'.RSKCUTlON OK THR JKWS.

Antiochus did not cease vexing the people with the sack of Jerusalem
and pollution of the Temple, for these sacrileges only seem to have inspired
him with the desire to perpetrate greater infamies. In pursuance of his savage
disposition and ambition, he appointed an old fixnatic, of Athens, as religious
governor of Judea and Samaria, ostensibly to enforce a uniformity of worship
throughout these dominions. In reality, however, his intention was to perse-

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376

THii BEAUTIFUL STORY.

cute tlie Jews in a manner that they had never before, as a race, been sub-
jected to. The first act of the gubernatorial Athenian, acting under instruc-
tions of Antiochus, was to further pollute the Temple of Jerusalem by giving
to it the name of the "Temple of Jupit^ Olympus,"' while that of Gerizim
was thereafter called the " Temple of Jupiter the Defender of Strangers." In
the former he caused to be enacted some of the most shameful acts that his-
tory has ever described ; indeed, history blushes and recoils from the attempt
to describe them. It was an effort to exterminate the Jewish religion and
substitute therefor the Phallic worship of the Greeks and of Dionysius par-
ticularlJ^ For an understanding of the orgies and worship thus practised we
have to go to Knight's " History of Phallic Worship," a book so obscene that
it can be retained in public libraries only by being kept under lock and key.
Besides tr3'ing to obliterate the religion of the Jews by appealing to and
encouraging lustful passions, the idolatry of Baal was openly set up, the Book
of the Law either destroj^ed or profaned by obscene interpolations, while cir-
cumcision and refusal to sacrifice to Baal were made capital offenses. The
persecutions which followed an enforcement of these cruel and odious laws
were indescribably terrible. Women who had their babes circumcised were led
in derision around the city and then executed by being thrown from the walls
A part}' of Jews were detected in a cave keeping the Sabbath, and imme-
diately the exit was barred and a fire started at the mouth of the cave, by
which the worshippers were slowly roasted. One of the common tests applied
by Philip to determine the loj-alty of Jews to the laws of Moses was by forc-
ing them to eat swine's flesh. A notable case of resistance by this iniquitous
test is given us in IMaccabees, wherein Eleazar, a \\ise and noble Jew, past
ninet}'^ j-ears of age, preferred torture to a violation of the Mosaic injunction.
When his tormentors offered him a piece of pork he boldly rejected it, and
when they sought to force it into his mouth he spat it out, and to the
requests of his friends, who besought him to eat of the unclean food as a
means of preserving his life from his enemies, he made answer: "It becomcth
not our age in au}' wise to dissemble whereby nuiu}- young persons might
think that Eleazar, being four-score j'^ears old and ten, were now to go to a
strange religion, and so through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a little
time, should be deceived b}^ me, and I get a stain to my old age, and make
it abominable. For though for the present time I should be delivered from
the punishment of men, yet I should not escape the hand of the Almighty,
neither alive nor dead." He concluded by declaring his resolve, "to leave a
notable example to such as be young to die willingly and courageously for
the honorable and holy laws."

Tlllv HORRIBLE PUNISHMENT OF SEVEN SONS AND THEIR MOTHER.

Eleazar died under the scourgings of his tormentors, but his suflferin.i^s
were unworthy to be compared with that of a mother and her seven sons, wlio

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

377

refused, under threats of direful penalties, to partake of the forbidden flesh.
Antiochus himself dealt with the recusants, and found in them a measure
of faith that was destined to trouble him sorel}^ thereafter.

When the king learned that the family of mother and sons stoutly resisted
obedience to his injunction, he commanded that they be tormented with
scourges and whips ; but this punishment onlj' made them declare that they
would rather die than transgress the laws of their fathers. This declaration
so enraged Antiochus that he ordered certain pans and caldrons to be h<=ated,
and when these were ready he commanded that the tongue of the eldest son
be cut off, after which his legs and arms were amputated at the joints next
the body, and the mutilated boy, still alive, was then brought to the fire and
cast into a caldron to be boiled, and his limbs into a pan to be fried. As the
vapor rose from the vessel the mother and remaining sons exhorted each other
to remain steadfast and die heroically for the faith.

The second son was next led forth and the scalp torn from his head, in
wliich condition he was asked if he would eat, or rather go to a horrible
death like that which had befallen his brother. Bravely he answered, "No!"
and submitted himself with extraordinary courage to the knife and flames.
^\'hen the third was called he came promptl}' forth and put out his tongue
voluntarilj', and held forth his hands to be cut off, sa3'ing: "These I had from
Heaven; and for His laws I despi.se them; and from Him I hope to receive
ihem again."

And thus one after another all the seven brothers went cheerfully to their
deatlis, and lastly the mother, who was no less courageous than her sons,
displayed such wondrous fortitude that the king was greatl}' distressed in
mind, feeling a pang of guilt that tliereaUer [j;vc,v more intense daily until his
death, which occurred after an agony of bodily afflictions, sent, no doubt, by
God as a punishment for his crimes (B. C. 164).

Dl'.LIVKRAXCK Ol' THH JF.WS !5V MArCAHKUvS.

The heroism manifested by Elcazar and the mother and seven sons has
but few parallels in history, particularly outside of what is called religious
fanaticism, but another incident of equal fortitude occurred during the perse-
cutions of Antiochus, which led to the deliverance of Judea from the yoke of
Syrian oppression.

\Vc have already mentioned how IMaccabcus and eight others fled to the
mountains when the persecutions were begun, but before betaking themselves
to flight they had struck a l)low at Hellenism, which, like the shot fired at
Lexington, was heard round the world. In the ancient town of Modin there
lived, at this time (about B. C. 166), an aged priest, called by some Matta-
lliias, and by the Apocrypha chroniclers I\Iaccabcus, who had five sons, viz.:
Jonathan, Judas, Simon, Johanan, and Eleazar. He was a man of considerable
poijsessions, but of greater influence, and above all was endowed with that

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

rugged disposition of wlii'"''i heroes are made, and which is most strongly
manifested when great crises arise. Antiochus sent to Maccabeus his officer,
Appelles, with splendid offers of preferment to secure his submission to the
royal edicts, but to all such advances the aged priest turned a deaf ear and

JUDITH wrrrf tiih hicad hk howkhrnes.
(Apocrypha : JuniTH xiii.)

declared his purpose to live always according to the covenants made between
God and His chosen people through Moses. Other Jews, however, foreseeing;
the persecution which would follow disobedience to the king, readil)' aposta-
tized, and before Maccabeus one of these advanced to nuike a sacrifice to B;iaK

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

379'

v.lieii tlie old priest became so incensed that lie struck the apostate dead, and
turning then upon Appelles, gave hini also a mortal blow.

Realizing that his ac*- would speedily bring down upon his head the ven-
geance of Antiochus, Maccabeus harangued the people by whom he was sur-

1, ■ ( 1

I'UNisiiMK.NT 111' ANTiiiciiis. — 2 MACC.\ni';i;s ix. 7.

rounded, and called upon them to join his standard of revolt against the king
and to fight for God and the religion of their fathers. A few followed him,
anuing whom were his five sons, and, making a quick retreat before officers
coukl apprehend them, the}- sought refuge in caves, with which the country

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

abounded. His force gradually increased until within a year two thousand or
more Jews, steadfast in the faith, had united their fortunes with the aged
priest, who they rightfully believed was under the Divine protection. The
recusants were hunted, however, like wild game by the Syrian troops, who, on
one occasion, during the Sabbath, attacked them in a cave and slew half tlie
whole number, or above a thousand. Up to this time the Jews had refused to
even defend themselves on the Sabbath, and thus they frequently fell an easy
prey to their enemies on that day, but the destruction of half his followers in
the cave, by reason of their religious scruples, led Maccabeus to introduce a
new teaching among his people, wherein he showed the lawfulness of defend-
ing themselves at all times against the enemies of God.

Though in the beginniug the insurgents met with many repulses, still
there was a constant increase in their numbers, which multiplied when they
began aggressive measures against the Syrians and apostate Jews. In the
second year of the revolt Alaccabeus led his forces, numbering now several
thousand, against the least protected towns of the country, and struck con-
sternation into the enemy. He broke all the idols he could find and put the
idolaters to death, and in addition to this compelled all his captives to circnm-
cise their children, and set up synagogues where he enforced the Jewish wor-
ship. His wonderful success was cut short by death, which claimed him in
the third year of his patriotic endeavors, a|nd he Avas peacefully laid at rest iu
his native town of Modin.

JUDAS MACCABEUS LEADS HIS ARMY AGAINST THE vSYRIAXS.

The revolt did not cease with Alattathias's death, for his third eldest son,
Judas, took up the cause where his father had left it, and pushed the enemy
€vcn more vigorously than had Maccabeus, whose age had prevented the
activity that his spirit would have joyfully executed.

Judas also received the name ^Maccabeus, which in the Hebrew tons^ue
signifies ///r //a/j/wcrrr, and is henceforth variously called Judas, Judas Mac-
cabeus, and Maccabeus. His first act was to put forth special effort to recruit
his army to the greatest number possible, and then to meet the enemy in the
op;?n field and to laj' siege to their cities. In a short time he found himself
at the head of six thousand enthusiastic troops, thoroughl}- imbued with the
belief that God was their leader, and that however great the Syrian host
against them, they should conquer in the Lord's name. Their success was
very great from the beginning, for by masking their movements and making
their attacks at night the}' captured several cities and fortified them, in each
of which new recruits were added sufficient for garrison purposes. Judas's
first battle in the open field was with Apollonius, governor of Samaria, whom
he defeated, though his force was scarcely half of that led by the »Syrian
governor. Seron, governor of Coelesyria, next went against Judas, whom he
met at the memorable pass of Beth-horon, where Joshua overcame the Canaan-

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

3Si

ites more than a thousand years before. The victory was again with the Jews,
after a sharp contest in which the loss of the enemy was greater than that of
the entire army of Judas.

The crushing defeats sustained by Apollonius and Seron brought to
Antiochus a realizing sense of the- grave danger which now threatened his
dominion. For to these victories of Judas was added another perplexing
misfortune, being an exhausted treasury, due to the refusal of Armenia and
Persia to pay their annual tributes. Thus he was menaced by foes on both
the east and west, and was compelled to proceed against the Armenians him-
self, while intrusting the suppression of the insurrection in Judea to his gen-
eral, L} sias, thus dividing his forces, and rendering success in both enter-
prises less probable.

Juaas was qtiick to recognize his advantage, atid turned his attention
toward Jerusalem itself. Philip, governor of the cit}', in anticipation of an
attack from Judas, called urgently for relief, which was responded to by
Nicanor and Gorgias, who led the Syrian vanguard of twenty thousand sol-
diers. As they put their troops in motion toward Jerusalem they were quickly
followed by Ptolemy Macron with twenty -seven thousand more troops, the
two forces soon after forming a junction near Emmaus.

Judas kept himself advised as to the enemies' movements, and though he
still had but six thousand soldiers, he did not hesitate to lead these few
against the forty thousand font and seven thousand cavalry of the S^'rians,
who, he knew, were then trying to surround him. Before going into battle he
called his troops together before the sanctuar}' of Mizpeh, where he fasted and
prayed according to the laws and customs of his forefathers. When the period
of devotion was accomplished he issued a proclamation, according to the Mosaic
injunction, that those of his soldiers who were married, or were fearful of the
battle, should return to their homes, whereupon no less than three thousand,
or one-half of his entire force, immediately left him, so that his little army
was as one to fifteen of that of the eneni}'. Placing his reliance in Jehovah,
Judas resolved to lead his small but devout and heroic band against the Syrians,
who were encamped at Emmaus. "With his characteristic energ}' and audacity,
finding that Gorgias with six thousand men had been detached to gain his rear,
Judas resolved to attack the main bod\' in their camp at night. This resolve
was put into execution at an hour before the break of day, while the Syrians
were sleeping and unconscious of the proximity of any foes. The impetuosit}'
with which the attack was made rendered the Syrians almost helpless, and
when three thousand of their number were slain the rest of the army fled in
a wild rout in four different directions, like affrighted quails, taking no time to
either defend themselves or carry away any of their arms or provisions.

Instead of permitting his army to sack the camp, Judas wisely restrained
them, knowing that Gorgias must soon return when he discovered that tlie Jews
had abandoned Mizpeli. Nor was the wisdom of this sagacious policy long in

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TIIK BEAUTIFUL STORY.

being inanifcstcd, for in the aftcnuon of tlie same day Gorgias rctnrned to
camp, while the Jews hiy in ambnsh until an auspicious time, when they rose
nji as one man, and like a whirlwind descended upon their enemies. So com-
plete w IS the surprise that the Syrians were beaten with great slaughter, and
.led without so much as offering a resistance. When the victorj- was completed,
the victors were permitted to spoil the camp, in which the}'- found large quan-
tities of treasures, such as gold, silver, rich silks and many arms and provisions.
These were divided and a due portion given to the orphans and widows.

These magnificent victories only served to make Judas ambitious for greater
undertakings; therefore, without taking time to rest his arm}', he marclied
beyond the Jordan and attacked a body of Syrians under the command of
Timotheus and Bacchides, whom he easil}'^ defeated, and from wdiom he cap-
tured a quantity of arms.

Two months after these events, or earl}' in B. C. 165, Lysias raised an
army of sixty thousand and went to Bethsura, on the southern frontier of
Judea, from whence he intended to renew operations against Judas, whose army
at this time had been increased to ten thousand effective men. Judas, learning
of these movements, did not wait for an attack, but boldly pushed forward and
invited an engagement in an open field with the proud Lysias. A terrific
')attle ensued, which, after several hours, resulted in a defeat of the Syrians
with a loss of five thousand slain.

This victory left the route open for Judas to Jerusalem, upon which he at
•once marched and entered the city without opposition, though a force of Syrians
still held possession of the strong tower on Mount Zion. The sight which met
his eyes was one which excited him to the exhibition of great sorrow, for he
found the Temple almost destroyed by the profanation to which it had l)cen
subject and the neglect it liad afterward received. Nevertheless, Judas and liis
followers gave praise to God for having made them the instrument for the
reclamation of the cities and the holy shrines of the Temple, which they
immediate; V set about to repair, and held a feast of solemn dedication, which
has ever su.^e been observed as a mark of the tegeneration of the people as
well as the re-e.tablishmeut of the Temple.

eleazar's heroic death in b.\ttee.

Though Judas had defeated the Syrians in every engagement, and had
nade himself master of a very large portion of Judea, where he had set np
anew the worship of God, his enemies continued active in vexing the Jews,
man}' of whom were treacherously murdered, and upon the accession of Antio-
chus v., Eupator, B. C. 164, hostilities were renewed under Lysias against
Judas. War was begun again by Lysias laying siege to Bethsura, which Jndas
had strongly fortified and garrisoned with several thousand troops. The force
which the Syrians brought against this place consisted of one hundred thou-
sand infar.try, twenty thousand caAalry, and thirty-two elephants trained to war

BLBAZAR KILLKD BY AN ELEPHANT.

(383)

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384

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY,

in the far east, but never before nsed in tlie western provinces. These animals
were relied upon to strike terror into the Jews, which they partiallj- succeeded in
doing. Each elephant was richly caparisoned with bright cloths and gleaniinj^
breast and forehead armor, while upon the back was a howdah, in which eight
men stationed with cross-bows and javelins, being thus elevated so that they
could hurl their weapons with greater effect and precision, while the huge
animal would trample the enemy and carry destruction with his tusks and
trunk.

The powerful army sent against Bethsura failed to accomplish its capitu-
lation, since the garrison held out by the manifestation of extraordinary heroism
until Judas could march from Jerusalem to the rescue. When the relief partv
came upon the scene the battle waged with ten-fold increased fury. Eleazar,
the brother of Judas, displayed such valor that his name has survived to this
day as the synonym of patriotism and courage. He was ever in the thickest
of the fight, pl3'ing his sword with a desperate energy and exciting the admira-
tion even of his enemy. At length, perceiving the largest elephant of the
Syrian host trampling hundreds of his valiant countrymen under foot, while
the beast was carrying terror among the soldiers, Eleazar ran up to the huge
beast and plunged his spear into its belly, until the mighty animal fell dead,
but in its fall it crushed out the noble life of the heroic and self-sacrificing
Maccabean.

The death of Eleazar had a most discouraging effect upon the Jews, who
continued to fight, however, until they were fairly overwhelmed b}^ superiority
of numbers ; Judas was compelled to retreat to Jerusalem, where he resisted
every effort made to capture the city. Bethsura also held out for a long while,
and until famine forced the garrison to surrender upon honorab'e terms.

Wars continued between the Jews and Syrians., involving the Romans
ultimately, until the death of Judas, B. C. 161. He was permitted to lead the
army of Judea, however, until he had defeated Nicanor in a great battle
wherein the Syrians lost thirt3'-five thousand men, and had established the
worship of God and the independence of all Judea.

Here ends the history of the Apocrypha, which leaves an interv^al of one
hundred and sixty-one years between the death of Judas and the birth of
Christ. For events which occurred during this time we are dependent entirely
upon profane history. All of Judas's brothers, except Eleazar, attained to the
high-priesthood, in which office they discharged their duties in a manner as
honorable as was their patriotism. Though the war was continued for
supremacy throughout Palestine, the Jews were generally successful until tlie
death of John Hj^rcanus, son of Simon, and high-priest from B. C. 135-106,
under whom the Holy Land was restored to its ancient limits, according to
the allotment of Joshua. Upon his death, however, affairs became less favor-
able to the Jews. The Hellenizing spirit again grew strong under Hyrcanus's
son, Aristobulus, who was first of the Maccabean house to renounce the laws

I'M Hi

THE BEAUTIFUIv STORY.

385

of Moses and give himself to a course of \v!:kedness and crime, and his end
was a fitting conclusion to a life of infamy which would have been even
greater had he survived longer.

ALEXANDER THE HORRIBLE.

Aristobulus was succeeded by his brother Alexander Janneus, who retained
the priesthood until B. C. 78. His cruelty exceeded that of his infamous
brother, and caused the people to give him a new name characteristic of his
disposition, viz.: the Thracian. His ambition was immeasurable, and as a
consequence the Jews were kept in a constant state of oppression. He aroused
the enmity of Cleopatra and Ptolemy Lathyrus, who, though set to fighting
between themselves, soon after invaded Palestine. His most dangerous enemies,
however, were among the Pharisees of his own people, who began a revolt
during the Feast of Tabernacles and pelted him with missiles as he was
officiating as high-priest. To avenge this insult Alexander orde.ed his troops
to destroy the multitude, which they did to the number of six thousand.

The very great disfavor in which he was held by his own people prompted
Alexander to secure the services of a large, number of foreign mercenaries, at
the head of whom he marched against the country east of the Jordan and laid
tribute upon Amathus, but he was soon after defeated by an Arabian king
named Orodes. At the same time the Jews rose in rebellion, and though
Alexander defeated them at first, they gained the help of Demetrius, a i>yrian
king, and defeated him in a battle in which nearly all his n.ercenarie. were
destroyed.

A year after his defeat by Demetrius, Alexander contrived to raise another
army of sixty thousand men, with which he drove Demetrius out of Palestine
and then captured Jerusalem from the insurgents. This success he signalized
by giving a grand banquet to his numerous concubines, and as a divertisement
for these creatures he publicly crucified eight hundred of his enemies, first
murdering their wives and children before their faces. Four j^ears after this
shameful act he became afflicted with a painful malady, of which he died after
enduring a suifering equal to that he had imposed upon his unfortunate
enemies.

Alexander was succeeded by his wife Alexandra, who officiated at the head
of the hierarchj'' for nine j-ears and then gave place to Aiistobulus, B. C. 69,
who made terms with the Romans, but afterward found that he had admitted
a new enemy into the country whom riches could not seduce from his pur-
pose, as it was the intention of Pompey, the Roman leader, to make Palestine
tributary to his own country. Finding that there Mere too many factions in
Jerusalem to encourage a defense of the cit}', Aristobulus tried to purchase
security for his people by an offer of a large sum of money and the surrender
of the city; but while he was conducting negotiations with Pompey a faction
in Jerusalem closed the gates and prepared to defend the place. Siege was
25

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386

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

immediately laid to tlie cit}-, but it was not until three months of vigorous
fighting that the place was captured. Nor would its capture have been effected
then had it not been for the observance of the Sabbath day, during which the
Jews would not fight, and thus suffered the Romans to work unmolested
with their battering rams uutil a breach in the towers was made.

When Pompey had
captured Jerusalem
he treated the Jews
with unexpected niag-
nanimitj' ; instead of
sacking the Temple
of its treasure he
commanded that it
be purified, and would
not suffer his soldiers
to molest any of the
sacred furniture,
More than this, he
set up Hyrcanus II,
as high-priest, and
assisted in the resto-
ration of order and
the institution of re-
ligious observance ac-
cording to the Jc\vi.sli
worship. He eon-
tented himself willi
fixing the tribute that
should be annually
paid to R.onie, and
with carrying Aris-
tobulus as prisoner
back with him. This
generous treatuient I
had the excelleiitj
effect intended, lor
finding themselves
so well respected bv
their condition uuder

Ca.>sar and were obedient subjects, wliirh obtained for them such concessions
as they chose to ask, besides a deliverance from the temporal power of llw]
priesthood.

CAl'llRB Ol» JERUSAI.KM UY THK ROMANS.

their conquerors, the Jews at once became satisfied with

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

387

i^igorous

effected

liicli the

molested

npey had
enisalem
the Jews
cted iiKig-
nstead of
; Temple
isure he
that it
and would
lis soldiers
uiy of the
ivniture.
L this, he
rcanus 11.
iriest, and
, the resto-
order and

MARK AXTOXY AND CLEOPATRA.

Civil war broke out in B. C. 49, shortly after the Temple had been
pillaged by Crassus, king' of Syria, during which Aristobulus was released
and sent to Judea from Rome. He was basel}' murdered, however, while on
the way, by friends of Pompey, and Antipater was made procurator of .-ill
Judea, by which it came almost exclusivel}'- under Roman administration.
Antipater's four sous were placed in official positions, where they would be an
aid in maintaining the supremacy throughout the several districts, and thus
render rebellion, if attempted, less harmful. One of his sons, whose name was
Herod, a character that figures so proniiueutly in sacred history, was made
governor of Galilee, and though onlj' fifteen years of age at this time, he
manifested thus early something of the cruel disposition which distinguished
his life. One of his first acts was to execute the leader of an opposing fac-
tion, for which offense he was ordered to appear before the Sanhedrim for
trial, but Hyrcanus adjourned the hearing so as to permit of his escape to
Damascus, where he found protection from Sextus Cossar, who was governor
of Ccelesyria.

The death of Julius Cassar, which occurred B. C. 44, was a calamity to the
Jews scarcely to be estimated, for he had guaranteed them the right of prac-
tising their religion unmolested, which privilege was immediately taken from
them by Cassius, who had assumed the government of Syria. He not only
denied the Jews the right to worship, but imposed a tax of seven hundred
talents (about $1,250,000) upon the country, which could onl}' be paid by
taking the larger portion from the Temple, which Antipater did not hesitate
to do, and for which act he was assassinated by a priest under Hyrcanus
named Malichus. This man was in turn murdered by Herod.

At this period (B. C. 42) Mark Autonj' is first mentioned as a character
in Jewish history. He left Syria at a time when his presence was nu)st
needed — if his influence were so powerful — to allay the popular ill-will for
Cassius, whose intolerance was quite as rapacious and oppressive to the Syrians
as to the Jews. But he had met the beautiful Cleopatra, and in the allure-
ment of her charms neglected all else to repose in the light of her magnetic
eyes. At the instigation of the beautiful Egyptian enchantress Antony aspired
to the rulership of the world, which at that time was held b}' a triumvirate.
This triple governmeni did not last long, however, for as An' ,y and his
brother-in-law, Octavianus, held the principal possessions and in.uicuce, after
the battle of Philippi a new assignment of provinces was nuxde, by which
Octavianus became master of the West and Antony assumed possession of all
the East. By this arbitrary division Octavianus and Antony, of course,
became rivals, since the consuming ambition of the time was an extension of
power and influence. An open rupture soon took place, precipitated by th'/
well-founded charge of Octavianus that Antony was squandering the revenues

i fell

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388

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

of tlie E''.st to satisfy the caprices and extravagances of Cleopatra, unckr
whose witchery he became plastic in her hands. This ace isation aronsed the
active hostility of the Egyptian queen, who now influeu ed Antony to make

his will and deposit
it with the vestal
virgins, bequeathiiio;
all his possessions
to her children, hv
which one of tlieiii
should become suc-
cessor to Julius
Cresar. By some
means ()cta\ianus
obtained possession
of this will, and hv
reading it publicly
inflamed the aui^cr
of the people against
Antony. The Senate
soon issued a proehi-
nuition of war agai nst
Cleopatra, who was
charged with sub-
verting the rcasmi
of Antony to her
overweening ambi-
tion. The issues
were now joined, and
Antony divorced liis
wife Octavia in order
to break the last lie
that bound him tn
Rome. The two
hastih' brought their
large armies into ae-
tion, and sailed their
fleets of war-ship-
towards the Andira-
cian C.ulf. They
drew up their S(|U;nl-
rons off Actium, and the battle began at once with great vigor. In the Iklmh-
ning the fleet of Cleopatra and Antony had some advantage, and would ha\'.
probably won the l)attle but for the cowardice of the Egyptian queen who, leaitul

MAKK ANIONV AT TIIIC llATrMC Ol'' ACTIUM,

lllCKOl) COMMANDING A CKHSAriON Ul' TIllC SI,AI.'C.I1Ti;r.

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390

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

of the result, and being in the rear of Antony, drew off quickly, followed by her
sixty galleys. Discovering her flight, so great was his infatuation, Antony threw
himself into a swift-sailing boat and s])ed after her. His lieutenants continued tlie
battle for a while, but without avail, and the whole fleet surrendered to the vic-
torious Octavianus. Antony followed Cleopatra back to Egypt, and there renewed
his shameful life of abandcni and luxur}-, until he M-as aroused to action by the
inxasion of Octavianus, who laid siege to Alexandria. Antony here showed
the true spirit of a soldier, and defended the city with rare heroism until a
messenger brought him a false report of Cleopatra's death. Without hesitating
to await a confirmation of the news he fell upon his sword, but before
expiring" was carried into the beautiful queen's presence. Almost while \vatcli-
ing the glaze of death in her lover's eyes, Cleopatra was seized b}- the soldiers
of Octavianus and carried before their general. Neither her beauty nor art of
per.uiasion could avail her now, but as preparations were being made to can\-
her to Rome to grace the triumph of Octavianus, one of her attendants con-
trived to convey to her, in a l)asket of flowers, an asp, the bite of whicli is
immediately fatal. This reptile she applied to her breast, and thus misenibly
perished, but avoided a disgrace that would have been more bitter to lier
imperious nature than any form of death.

While these events were transpiring in Eg3'pt a powerful part}- in .Syria
raised an insurrection, and succeeded in forming themselves into an army, and
also in gaining the aid of the Parthians under Piince Pacorus. Antigonus,
the only surviving son of Aristobulus, by a gift of money equal to nearly
$2,000,000, and five hundred women of noble families, induced the Parthians
to give him their assistance in his contest for the throne of Judea. With tliis
force Antigonus laid siege to Jerusalem, during which Herod was driven out of
the city, but capitulation of the place was avoided by the submission of
Antigonus's claims to the Parthian commander, who.se decision could hardly
be otherwise than fiivorable to the claimant.

Antigonus ruled for a period of only three years (B. C. 40-37), when
Herod returned with a considerable force, which was further augmented by tlic
aid of Antony, whose troops were placed at his disposal. Herod defeated
Antigonus's army in a decisive battle, and then, marched against Jerusalem,
which he captured after a siege of six months, during which time the inhabit-
ants of the citv suffered all the horrors of a famine. Upon its capitulation
the Roman soldiers began a slaughter of the now defenceless citizens, which
was so remorseless and vengeful that Herod was compelled to restrain the
brutal passions of his soldiery, not, however, froui a merciful disposition, hut
t'./ prevent a complete extirpation of the inhabitants, which would have gi\eii
him possession of a depopulated capital.

The unfortunate Antigonus was taken, and being first loaded with chains
was sent to .Vntony, who, at the instigation of Herod, soon afterward put Itiiu
to death, and thus expired the last sovereign of the Maccabeuu house.

THE GLADIATOR'S WIKR.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

THE CRUELTY AND RAPACITY OF HEROD.

In many ways Herod greatlj'' resembled the blood)' and vengeful Antiochus.
He put to death every member of the Sanhedrim, save two, because they had advised
against the surrender of Jerusalem ; he also instigated the drowning of a high
priest that Cleopatra had forced him to appoint. He did not even withholu
his murderous hands from his own household, for upon the bare suspicion of
unfaithfulness, probably disloyalty, he killed his beautiful wife Marianne, and
soon afterward brought his mother-in-law to a like fate.

To gain the good opinion of his subjects, who despised him with an
implacable hatred, Herod instituted the Olympian games in Jerusalem, and
popularized gladiatorial combats, fights between wild animals, and other savage
amusements ; but in addition to this he gave the greatest attention to a rebuilding
of the Temple, which had become decayed and unsightl}'- from neglect and
abuse. For nine years he kept a force of eighteen hundred artisans at work
on the sacred edifice, which on its completion was a marvel of beauty, far
surpassing the Temple of Solomon. Nor did he neglect the commercial
interests of his empire. A city, with a fine harbor, which in honor of Augustus
Ccesar he called Cresa/ra, was built after the Craeco-Poman style of architecture
and on a scale of unrivalled splendor, including among its chief features of
interest an immense theatre, and amphitheatre for games, besides many exqui-
site pieces of statuary. In the theatre here constructed, however, he came near
being assassinated, the plot upon his life being discovered but a few hours
before it was to be executed.

A few years after, or B. C. 7, Herod suspected his two sons, who had
been sent to Rome to be educated, of conspiring against his life out of revenge
for the murder of their mother, and though there was no evidence of such a
conspiracy he ordered the sons home, and upon a false charge had them
strangled.

Two other sons still remained to him, and singularly enough, his favorites.
One of these, whose name was Antipater, stung to revenge for the triple
murder of his mother and two brothers, formed a conspiracy with his half-
brother, Pheroras, against Herod, but though their plot was well conceived and
they had the active sympathy of seven thousand Pharisees, their ]ilans mis-
carried. Pheroras was destroyed by poison, while Antipater was brougat Ic
trial and condemned, but while awaiting the confirmation of the judgment against
him Herod was seized of a dreadful venereal disease, which set him in a frenzy
by reason of the boils which covered his body, and, anticipating his death, he
ordered that the heads of the chief families of Judea be gathered together in
the hippodrome at Jericho, and there be slaughtered, that his own funeral might
not be wanting of mourners, and with his last breath he also ordered tlie
execution of Antipater. This was the condition of affairs in Judea at the time
of Christ's birth.

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COPVKIGHTtD I 8 a 7

Plate Na2.

OH, GRAVE. WHERE IS THY VICTORY ?

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1 HE

iRiu OF Christ.

CIIAi'Tf-k XMY

TJIK TURTil v'H i. UKiSs*.

"'^N the iMoniiiig- of the AvorM. fH'r'.re tlic rnbv port:ils of the
east were opeiU'! lo juh'.iit. a g<il>lft ohusi, tluM-e 'Va.-> l:;,'ht
horn the invisible Uirt.ii'/. nwd lH.am:j o'* rt^fuigt-ncc t'roin
(lod'rf prescMK'o, wli'i-b ilUunijs-tt. 'I (,i.ll tiiat He luid m;uie en
tlu: ilist day of His 1l^;^:•<.'■*^•.ll^ \vr,r|.. W'iu-a tiu: i.i_c days
■\vcrc finished the sun, st. u >, v^i.; :- .., .<:<•- ;x''ired their ilood
of lambent tlau;.' ('.-rr c:'')i.'"ii tri; -rh'-k^n ■•.ml tiiado the
■world n .-ynij/hon^- ot iiarmujiy ;h>.-; '.•i*^.;'-*, , v»h>k- bird, flnwer,
landsca)}e, uiid a twain "f moriab ;.M-,>- \; 'iieu ■••^.Lttiuns in
pteans and swect odors. luit — ■

"Of ni.iiiS ilrst (lifio|j<»(!ieii<-<i an^l Vk- (lult
Of that forbidden tree, wlios^f luouai tiisic
Itroujiht cUm'.Ii into the wot!), aiv! all our woe,
With loss of Ivdvu," —

W'c have akcadj- written' in i'oUowiug the sacred narrative ri:- the
inspired winters were pjiveu tu record it. •shc-'-ein is described h!>«.v
from the l.Hvine oin;'.natif'U there spran;,!' hcait^y ,;»'! iov until rhc
ec agency of h'uv. crviwd mi the !-^ene:v <=i Go*' wt'^- '{i;r .sin
to disfigure ihe pii!c>i wi)''k ot creation. 0^^\ \l\>- vault where
spread the glory of a pU-;iv».(.) (.)ianip' Lenee. uijii.:h b ithe'' tiic wi>rM

with splendor iiieonee

'> A.'

tliere n'>\'.- voru-d 'he cunid^

^-^eiiring the hannonv and hainjiness of ail things thr't wei*> liuide, nnlil fn'Mj
■ V eelestial birth there developed a mortal doomed to lose his high est.;le

Til! out" t;n*nl»;r Mun
Rpslor<» US .iriii tce^in t?ic Wisuful f-fivt.

This restoration was like the breaking of a new day on creation. ^*'^-\;

light (if the world rose, not in the -.Ln . to ])a. s its brief eirenit rmd • uV

'lind the hills with darkness fast m the wake, but a Sun that «}T':iuld jv . . _

nor lose its radiance by opp'j.>ing cloud ; a I/iglit that beal^ «p<.vn i-^tf

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Oa.fcjRAVL.WHtRLlS iriY VICTORY

The Birth of Christ.

r.^'-is--

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIS5T.

,^N The Four Gospels.

'^^N the niorniug of the world, before the ruby portals of the
\^ east were opened to admit a golden dawn, there was light
from the invisible throne, v-.^ beams of refulgence from
God's presence, which illuminated all that He had made on
the first day of His marvellous work. When the six days
were finished the sun, stars, and planets potired their flood
of lambent flame over completed creation, and made the
world a symphony of harmonj'^ and beauty-, while bird, flower,
landscape, and a twain of mortals offered their oblations in
paeans and sweet odors. But —

"Of man's first disobedience and the fruit
Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste
Brought death into the world, and all our woe,
With loss of Edeu,"—

We have already Avritten in following the sacred narrative as the
inspired writers were given to record it, wherein is described how
from the Divine emanation there sprang beaut}'^ and jo}^ until the
free agency of him created in the likeness of God wrought sin
to disfigure the perfect work of creation. Over the vault where
spread the glory of a pleased Omnipotence, which bathed the world
with splendor inconceivable, there now rolled the clouds of evil,
obscuring the harmony and happiness of all things that were made, until frou:
the celestial birth there developed a mortal doomed to lose his high estate

^ Till one Greater Man

Restore us and regain the blissful seat.

This restoration was like the breaking of a new daj' on creation, when
the light of the world rose, not in the sky, to pass its brief circuit and sink
behind the hills with darkness fast in the wake, but a Sun that should never
Set nor lose its radiance by opposing cloud ; a Light that beats upon the

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394

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

soul, imparting hope and eternal life, and brings lis back to the Fatherhood
of God.

This perennial sun of which I speak was the Son of God, about whom
we love so much to read because of His mission, character and beautiful life,
and because the story of His meekness, suffering and crue. death is so sad
that our hearts are awakened with the touch of profound pity and a realiza-
tion of the love that could prompt the sacrilice He made for our redemption
and restoratio.i to tlie celestial estates set apart for man when God made the world.

UETHI^EIIKM.

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, unto the city of David, which is

called Bethlehem." — Luke ii, 4.

In closing the Apocrj'pha and recording the chief events of Herod's reign,
I deferred mention of Christ's birth in order to conclude the Old Testament
account as given in the narrative, which contains no reference to Jesus, though
anticipating occurrences four years subsequent to our Lord's birth. We must,
therefore, turn back to view the most important incident that transpired during
the rulership of Herod the Great, whose life, from the time he ascended the
throne, was a fitful fever. We have seen how he had rebuilt the Temple, in
a st3'le more magnificent than Solomon ever dreamed of, and how he turned
Palestine into a dependency of Rome, valuable for its commerce no less thau

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

395

its importance as an adjunct to Roman power. His reign had therefore been
of much consequence, both to the people cf Palf^stine, whose condition he
somewhat ameliorated, and to Rome, that had now begun a nuister}' over the
w'orld by striking the first victorious blows at Assyria. But though a successful
ruler, Herod, as we have already noticed, was an inflexible tyrant, a criminal
i.t heart, and with all his outward show of religious tendenc}' and respect for
the Jewish theocracy, he was very much less devoted to the interest of his
subjects than to his own ambition, which he sought to attain through pretences
that would disguise his real motives. These motives became more apparent in
the later years of his dominion and, as a natural consequence, his intrigues
and plans were less successful ; his popularity rapidly diminished, and being a
man of violent disposition, the obstacles wliich set at defiance his ambitions
provoked him to desperate measures that fiudlly brought him to a miserable
end.

The prophecies of Isaiah, Zechariah, Daniel and Alicah, that a Alessiah
should be born to redeem the world, were now at the period of fulfilment, and
all Israel was looking forward to the promised event. It was therefore a matter
of small surprise to Herod when word came to him that a Saviour had been
born in Bethlehem who should become King of the Jews. But when he had
definitely learned that this promised King was the child of a lowly woman who,
too poor to la}' her head upon the couch of a sumptuous home, was forced to
seek shelter among the beasts of a manger, he gave no credit to the report,
since all Israel had expected the Messiah to make His appearance clothed in a
glory that would dazzle human eyes, and with a manifestation of power that
would prove His heavenly descent. To nearly all Jewry the manner of Christ's
coming was a disappointment, which caused many to reject Him and led finally
to his crucifixion, as will soon be told.

AX AXGEL APPEARS TO ZACHA 'JAS.

There were a few persons, however, who, being blessed with the Divine
favor, were foretold of the manner and time of Christ's coming, and these pro-
claimed that the coming of the fulfilment of the prophecies was at hand. The
most favored servant of God was Zacharias, who was a priest in the Temple
at Jerusalem. He was married to a woman named Elisabeth, wdio Avas extremely
pious and devoted to good works, but had never borne any children, on which
account she was held in small "regard by the people, for among the Jews
ban-enness was regarded with reproach.

At the time of which I write the twenty-fotir priests who administered in
the Temple each day were required to make their offerings as in the time of
David, and on each day the service was changed, so that a different company
of twenty-four priests went on duty every twelve hours. Their services con-
sisted in trimming the lamps 'on the golden candlesticks, replenishing the sacred
fires, and altar of incense, and offering up a lan^' on the r.ltar of burnt-

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

offerings. At three o'clock of each afternoon the people were summoned to
prayer during the burning of incense and offering of the lamb, but each priesi
had his special duty to 2:)erf()rm, both in secret and before the people.

One afternoon Zacharias went into ihe H0I3' Place to prepaix Jie offering
of burnt incense on the altar and while engaged in this dut}' he beheld ou a
sudden the form of a i-adiant angel standing beside the altar, as if to stay the
service. Zacharias, upon beholding so strange and beautiful a form, with hands
stretched above the golden altar, was very much frightened, and would have
hastened from the celestial presence had he not been restrained by a sweet
voice that spoke, and declared to him that though he and his wife were old,
yet Elisabeth should soon bear him a son, whose name would be John. More-
over, the angel said that this son
would never pollute his lips Avith
strong drink, but that his conduct
would QXQV be that of a pious person,
in whom the Spirit of God would
be manifest from the day of his
birth. Tliis prophecy filled the
heart of Zacharias with pleasure
but the angel had better news yc
to toll, for continuing his speech he
told the enraptured priest that John
would proclaim to the people the
time when the Saviour of the world
should come, and that he would also
preach repentance of sin and prepa-
ration for receiving the Lord.

Although Zacharias was happy
in hearing such a pleasing prophecy,
j-et he desired some sign of the ful-
filment of what had been spoken,
aiul therefore asked that it might be
given him to know how such things should come t(^ pnss. Perceiving his donl)ts,
the angel answered: "I am (^.abricl, that stand in the presence of God; anr
I am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. Am
behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until tlie day tliat these
things shall l)e performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall
be fulfilled in their season."

When the angel had thus sjtoken he disappeared, lea\ing Zacharias speech-
less, but glad in heart, for by this sign he ]K'rcei\ed truly that what had been
told him proceeded from God. AMieii he came out of the Tem])le to the people
who were waiting, he could only make them understand by signs what manner ol
vision he luul beheld, and why he had been so long detained, for his tongue had
become useless in his mouth.

THE ANOIU, GAIlUir.r SPIiAKING tU ZACirARTAS.

appy
jliecy,
^ ful-
)kcn,
-lU 1
)\ibts,
au<"

shall

|)CL'l.'ll-

k'oplo
lor ol

had

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

397

GABRIEL Al'rKARS TO MARV.

In less than six months after the annunciation to Zacharias, Gabriel
became a second time the messenger of God, to proclaim a glorious birth, and
accordingl}' he appeared before a young woman of Xa/areth called Mar}', a
cousin to Elisabeth, and who was espoused at the time to a poor carpenter
named Joseph, who was a descendant of David, as was Mar}- also.

When Mary' beheld the angel Gabriel standing before her, she, like Zaeh-

'I'lli; ANMNA lA I'lciN.

"The Lord is wit'i \.Uvc : lik'ssod art tlioii aiiioiiy; wdiiicii." — I.lKi: i. 2S.

.irias had been, was iiiucli fritjlili'ucd, not understanding the import of the
celestial visitor, hut she was speedily reassured by the angel, who spoke llitse
joyful tidings: " hV-ar not, Mary, for thou hast found fa\dr with God, and
behold, thou shah bring forth a sou, and shalt call his name JI';,Sr."'\ lie
shall 1)0 great, and shall be called the .Sou of the Highest, and of I lis king-

(loui tliere sual

he no em

Marv, however, was no less doubtful of the truth of Gabriel

s pro])hccy

than Zacharias had been, ami hiing anxious for some prooi", iiKjuired, "How

; A

' 1

ll '1

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1 f

i '

i ^ i

i I

. I

I Hi I

I '

398

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

shall this be ?" for she was not yet married. Whereupon the angel responded,
"The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall
overshadow thee ; therefore, also, that holy thing which shall be born of thee,
shall be called the Son of God." He also told her how that Elisabeth should
soon bear a son, notwithstanding her old age, which delighted ]\Iary and
caused her to desire greatly to see her cousin, to tell what had been prophesied
and to learn if it were as the angel had told concerning her. A.ccoi"dingly,
Mary left Nazareth and went quickly to a small town in Judah, near Jeru-
salem, where Elisabeth was sojourning, to visit her cousin, with whom she
remained nearly three months. It is left Lo us only to imagine how these
two women, so highly favored of God, spent their time together, since unfor-
tunately, neither Matthew, Mark, Luke nor John left any description of the
joy which must have been manifested every day by these blessed women, who

were now experiencing the
rapture which fills the
mother's heart with every
pulsation of her first-born,
a hundred-fold intensified by
the unutterable jo}'^ whicli
must have sprung from the
glad promises of Gabriel.

HIS NAMK IS lUlIN.

THE BIRTH OF JOHN.

For reasons Avliich the
Bible does not give ns to
know, Mar J' returned to
Nazareth before the birth of
Elisabeth's child, though
the event must have been
expected near the time of
her departure. But we are
which the angel had nuidc to licr
^' ho, in accordance with the custom

Zacharias, after his father. The

told that tipon ^Mary's return the pro^iiv-
cousin was fulfilled, for Elisabeth bore a -
of the Jewish pcojile of that time, was cal;
mother, however, insisted upon naming him John, which matter being tlius
brought into dispvte, was determined by referring it to the priest lather.
Zacharias was yet speechless, and had to make his desires known by signs, so
in this waj' he called for writing materials, which being given him he wrote the
name — ^John. Instantly the seal of his tongue was broken and he broke forth
in praise-giving for the mercies and favors which God had bestowed upon him.
The curious manner in which his speech was restored, no less than that by which
he had been stricken dumb, awakened the keenest surprise of the people, who
manifested their mj'sticism by inquiring, referri ig to the babe, "What maiuior
of child .shall this be?"

)HN.

ch the
us to
led to
)irtli of
though
e been
ime of
\vc are
to her
custom
■. The
jv thus
' father,
ligus, so
Tote the
fc forth
|ni him.
^vhie•h

pic, wlio
luauuer

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

399

The question asked concerning the future of John was answered in due
time. Of bis childhood we know nothing except that he "waxed strong in
spirit," by which we may infer that he was a very healthy, and possibly pre-
cocious child. As he grew to manhood's estate he refused to be bound by the
ordinary pursuits of his people, but I'etired to the desert, where, after a period
of contemplation and preparation, he began to preach as a forerunner of Christ
that salvation was at hand.

THE BIRTH OF JESUS.

Soon after Mary's return to Nazareth, which was near the time when she
was to be married — and no doubt, this engagement was that which caused her
to terminate her visit to Elisabeth at so critical and yet auspicious a time —
Josepn discovered the evidences of maternity in his betrothed, and secretly
sought a pretext to withdraw his vows without making public the cause. But
God came to him in a dream and told how blessed among women Mary was,
and that the child was conceived by the Holy Ghost while she was yet a
virgin. So Joseph and Mary were married.

A few months after the marriage of Joseph and Mar}', at Nazareth, they
were compelled to make a journey to Bethlehem, eighty miles distant, in obe-
dience to the Roman law which required every man to enroll his name in the
city where his father had lived. This law was passed to enable the govern-
ment at Rome to take a census of the male population of Palestine, so that
in case of war it might be known how to make a levj'^ for troops from that
country. Another purpose of this registration was to fix the taxing of the
nation, each man being required to make a return of his possessions ; and
hence it was that Joseph, who was of the house of David, was required to
make the journey to Bethlehem. When the two reached their dcstiuation they
found all the inns full, so that they had to take shelter in a small private house
where the accommodations v/ere meagre, but perhaps quite as good as either
Joseph or Mary were used to, for the;,' had always been extreuicly poor. How
long the two remained in Bethlehem we do not know, but during their visit
to the place Mary gave birth to the blessed Child, to whom, as the angel had
declared, was given the name JESUS, which signifies Suvioui^ and CHRIST,
the Anointed.

The small dwelling ^vhegein thej- lodged afforded so little privacy or
convenience that ^lary laid her ])rccious babe in a manger, which was doubtless
connected with the family abode, as was customary among tlie people of all
that region of Judah. Tradition tells us that this so-called manger was a cave
scooped out of the limestone rock, a common thing about Bethlehem. Beechcr,
in his " Life of Christ," says such caves abound in the limestone rock of that
region, and are used both for sheltering herds and sometimes for human
residences. The precipitous sides of the rock are often pierced in such a way
that a cottage built near might easily convert an adjoining cave to the use of

ili '

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1

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400

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

an outbuilding. " Caves are not rare in Palestine, as with us. On tlie coiitrary,
the whole land seems honeyconibed with them. They are, and have been for
ages, used for almost ever}- pui-pose which architecture supplies in other lands —
as dwellings for the living and sepulchres for the dead, as shelter for the
household and for cattle and herds, as hidden retreats for robbers, and as
defensive positions or rock castles for soldiers. Travellers make them a
refuge when no better inn is at hand. They are shaped into reservoirs for

water, or, if dry, they are
emplo^-ed a'" granaries. The
limestone of the region is so
porous and soft that but a little
labor is required to enlarge, re-
fashion, and adapt such caves
to any desirable purpose."

In Thompson's " Land
and the Book," I find the
following description of the
cave-habitations about Betli-
lehem : " It is common to
find two sides of the one
room, where the native fanner
resides with, his cattle, fitted
up with these mangers, and
the remainder elevated abont
two feet higher for the ac-
commodation of the family.
The nuiugers are built of
small stones and mortar, in
the shape of a box, or rathci
of a kneading-trough, and
when cleaned up and white-
washed, as they often are in
summer, they do ^•c•.■v well
to lay little babes in. Indeed,
our own children have slept
there in our rude sunmivr
retreats on the mountains."
In view of these facts we have no warrant for believing that Joseph ami
Mary were so distressed by poverty that they were forced to lay their babe in
a manger given over entirely to the shelter of cattle, nor that the child Jesns
was snbjc'.-ted to any greater hardship than was common to the peasant children
of that region.

Bethlehem, the place chosen 1)y Ciod for the nativity, as foretold by

JOSKl'H ANU MARY ARRIVE AT THIi INX.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY,

401

Micali, lies five miles south of Jerusalem, on a spur of the hills of Juchih.
To the east spreads a softl}- undulating plain upon which grass grows
abundantly, and upon which, most probabl}^ the shepherds were grazing their
flocks when apprised b}' the angels of the birth of Jesus. Small as the town
was, it had long before been famous as the birthplace of David, and about the
valleys and plains of which he had attended his father's herds before being
crowned king of Israel. About this sacred place also attaches a holy feeling,
because it was here that Ruth gleaned and Boaz won her from unfeeling
relatives for his wife.

The date of Christ's birth, though unimportant so far as it affects His
mission or character, has been the subject of much discussion among commenta-
tors for hundreds of years. " In the primitive cliurch," as Dr. Schafif observes,
" there was no agreement as to the time of Christ's birth. In the East the 6th
of January was the day observed for His baptism and birth. In the third
century, as Clement of Alexandria relates, some regarded the 20th of May,
others the 20th of April as the date. Among modern chronologists, and
biographers of Jesus, there is still great difference of opinion, and every
month — even June and July (when the fields arc parched from want of rain) —
has been .lamed as the time when the great event took place. Lightfoot
assigns the nativitj^ to September; Lardner and Newcomb to October; Wieseler
to February; Paulus to March; Greswell and Alfera to the 5th of April, just
after the spring rains, when tliere is an abundance of pasture ; lyiclitcnstein
places it in July or December; Strong in August; Robinson in autumn; Clinton
in spring; Andrews betw2en the middle of Deceuiber, 749 and the middle of
January, 750 (after the founding of Rome). On the other hand, Roman Catlu)lic
hi.storians and biographers of Jesus, as Lej^p, Friedlieb, Bucher, Patricius, and
also some Protestant writers, defend the popukir tradition — the 25th of December.
Wordsworth gives up the problem, and thinks tliat the Hoi}- Spirit has concealed
the knowledge of the year and day of Christ's birth and the duration of His
ministry from the wise and prudent, to teach them humilit3\

AN ANGEL ANNOUNCKS TIIK GLAD TIDINGS.

Although born to the poorest and cradled in a manger, the glory of God
shone round the Babe, while angels sped on swiftest wing to bear the glad
tidings of Christ's birth to the world'. They did not go to kingly halls, but visited
the lowly shepherds minding their flocks in the still watches of night 011 the
plains where David watched when he was called to be king of Israel, ami to
them declared the " good tidings of great joy to all the people." How startled
must have been the sleepy shepherds when, aroused froui their half-watchiug,
they perceived a light breaking through the darkness and heard angelic voices
proclaiiuing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will
toward men." Their fear soon subsided, however, when an angel told them
that in Bethlehem had that day been born " a Saviour, which is Christ the
26

I i

: '

f 'ill

402

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY,

Lord," and that the)' might find him then wrapped in swaddling clothes,
l3'ing in a manger. Convinced of the truth of what they had heard by the
miraculous manner in which the news was given, the now thoroughly aroused
and excited shepherds made haste to Bethlehem, where they found the new-born

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"while shepherds kept their fi,ocks by night."

Babe as had been declared, and immediately joined their praises to God for His
mercies and the gift of a Redeemer.

TiiH ciRcrMcisiox A\n ^•A^rI^'^, of ciirist.

Since Christ was "born of woman," and "under the law," on the eigluli
day after His birth He was brought by His parents to the priest in Bethlehem
for circumcision, and upon the ])erforinance of this ceremony He was given the
name JivSrs, as the Angel Gabriel had connnauded.

The Jewish law rel.'itiiig to births was not fully complied with by the
observance of circumcision, for it was necessary for each motl^r to offer up a
^;acrifice at the expiratu)n of her period of purification, which was at the
end of forty days after the birth. According to this rcqu'rcmcnt Mary and
Joseph took the precious Babe to Jerusalem, and in the Temple there made

1 h

given Uic

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

403

tlieir sacrifice of " a pair of turtle doves," which was the custoinar}' offering of
the poorest people.

This first appearance of Jesus in the Temple was the signal for His
reception by those who may be regarded as the representatives of the spiritual
remnant of Israel. An aged man and woman had long watched, with prophetic
spirit, for the dawn of the Sun of Righteousness. Simeon, who had been fore-
warned by the H0I3' Spirit that he should not die till he had seen the
"Anointed of Je-
hovah," was now
guided by the
same Spirit into
the Temple ; and,
taking the child
in his arms, he
proclaimed Him,
for the first time,
as the Christ
OF, God, and de-
clared that, for
himself, the time
■Aas come to de-
part in peace,
since his e3-es had
seen the Salvation
of God, the Light
of the Gentiles,
and the Glory of
Israel. But his
prophecy was not
ended ; for, as Jo-
se ^jh and Mary
wondered at his
words, he an-
ucunced the
varied reception
which Christ

would meet from His own people, the trial of the inmost hearts of men by
His Spirit, and the sorrows which, in striking at Him, would smite through
His mother's heart — the prinud curse and blessing on the wonum. Sinieon
liad scarcely ceased, when Anna, the daughter of Phanucl, of the tribe of
Asher, entered the sacred court. This devout woman had employed her
^vi(lowhood of eighty-four years, after a marriage of only seven, in constant
prayer and fiisting within the precincts of the Temple. She was a prophetess ;

"xaiiuii IS BORN A s.wioru which is chkist thic lord!'

1 ' V

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■I 1

II
■li'

404

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

and in that character she now gave thanks to God for the advent of the
Christ, and repeated her testimony to all that looked for redemption in
Jerusalem.

Though only forty days had expired since the birth of Jesus, yet the glad
news had travelled on the wings of morning and night from one end of Pales-
tine to another, and even to the far distant east, where a people lived who
had never come in contact with the Jews, but who, learning that a Saviour of
the world had been born, came to pay homage to Him \^ho, it had been
declared, should be " King of kings." Accordingly, there came " wise men
from the east," who were doubtless IMagians, as these were frequently called,
and, being guided by a star, they journeyed to Jerusalem, inquiring where the
young Child, who was to be King of the Jews, was, that they might wor-
ship Him.

Herod the Great, who was still living at this time, had no doubt heard
the report, common throughout all Judea, that a Saviour had been born, but
attributed the belief in such an event to the superstitious character of some of
his subjects, and gave the matter no attention until he learned that wise men
from the east had come to Jerusalem in quest of that Saviour whom they
called " King of the Jews." Upon learning that this wonderful babe should
become king, he immediately conceived the idea that he was himself to be
supplanted, and began to concert means to destroy the child.

At this time Herod was unpopular with the people, and had several times
nearly lost his kingdom and his life through conspiracies headed by his own
sons, as already' described; besides these narrow escapes, which constantly
harassed his mind with dreadful forebodings, he was afflicted with a painful
and incurable malady, which rendered him more susceptible to evil reports,
and the more ready to believe that every public rumor affecting his govern-
ment was the result of some conspiracy to wrest the sceptre from him.

Herod accordingly summoned the Sanhedrim, and from the sages of that
body learned that the Redeemer should be born in Bethlehem, and that the
time of His birth, as fixed by the prophets, was near at hand. He thereupon
called the Magians, and requested them to proceed in search of the new-born
King, and when they should find Him to come and tell him, that he miglit
worship Him also.

Who these wise men, or Magians, were, it is even difficult to conjecture.
Tradition ^itill preserved among the Jews represents them as three astrologers,
named Balthazar, Melchior and Casper, from Assyria, whose skulls are pre-
served and shown in a shrine at Cologne. This tradition is, of course, unre-
liable, and has no basis of truth to rest upon. Of one fact only are wc
assured, that whether kings, astrologers, or "wise men," they were unquestion-
ably persons of great wealth and much learning, proved by the gifts tli'V
brought to the child, "gold, frankincense and myrrh," which were the gifis
customary to be made by subject nations to their kings or conquerors.

F the
111 iu

; glad
Pales-
1 who
)ur of
been
: men
called,
;re the
it wor-

heard

rn, but

ome of

se men

m they

should

to be

,1 times
lis own
istantly

painful
reports,

govern-

lof that

Ihat the

ireupou

lew-born

might

Ijccture.
lologcis,
Ire pre-
uurc-
are we
luestiou-
ts th«'y
le gifts

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

HEROD MURDERS THE CHILDREN" OF RETHI.EHEM.

40s

When the " wise men " went on their way again from Jerusalem, they
beheld the star still brightly shining, by which they were guided to Bethlehem
until it stood still over the young child and thus discovered Him to them.
When they had presented their treasures and paid due houiage to the child
Christ, they would no doubt have returned to Jeru' alem to inform Herod of
the place where Jesus was, but were forewarned by God in a dream not to go
to the king, but to return to their country by another way, which they accord-
ingly did. When Herod learned that the " wise men " had departed from his
realm without obeying his injunction, his fears were the more excited, and he
resolved upon a most horrible measure to accomplish the destruction of Jesus,
whom he now regarded as the successor to his kingdom if permitted to live.
Having caused the murder of his wife and sons, out of suspicion that they had
conspired to dethrone him, he was not likely to stop short of any crime that
promised to relieve his mind of the fears excited by the report that a new king
of the Jews had been born, and accordingly he issued an order for the exter-
mination of every male child under two y*.ars of age within Bethlehem and
adjoining district. In pursuance of this dreadful edict several hundred innocent
babes were foully murdered and the whole land thrown into mourning. In this
terrible scene the Jews saw a fulfilment of Jeremiah's prophecy of Rachel,
whose tomb was near Bethlehem, weeping for her children, and would not be
comforted, because they were not.

THE ESCAPE OP JESUS.

How vain of man to suppose that he can set aside God's will and compass
his own desires in opposition to that of his Creator. In this Herod was nmre
than vain and foolish, and by his wickedness only hastened his own miserable
end. God, knowing the heart of Herod, sent an angel to Joseph directing him
to take Jesus and IMary and flee into Egypt, and there remain until the death
of Herod, and until he could return with the child to his own countr}'' without
fear. Thus did Jesus escape, through God's intercession, the terrible slaughter
of infants. But Herod's end was near, and in the same year, almost directly
atter the Feast of the Passover, he rendered up his crime-laden life and went
thither to answer for his iniquities. Imuiediately after an augcl again appeared
to Joseph in a dreaui, and bade him return to Palestine. Wliile on the journey
to Bethlehem, however, Joseph learned that the son of Herod, Archelaus, had
ascended the throne, and that this new king was no better than his father,
who, to perpetuate his power, would likely murder Jesus if he should discover
the Child. Joseph, therefore, turned aside from Galilee and went to Nazareth,
the former home of Marj% wdiich lay sixty-five miles north of Jerusalem. Here
Jesus lived with his fiithcr in obscurity, so far as history gives us to know,
until he was twelve years of age. We are only told that "the Child grew,

l>i;;t

i i

1: ill

' n

T' f

4o6

THE BKAUTIFrL STORY.

1 i

and waxed strong in spirit, filled willi wisdom : and the grace of God was
upon Him." It is clear from the next event recorded in His histor}', that
these words imply not only a growth in moral and spiritnal excellence, bnt a
conscions prepanition for His ministr}- b}' commnnion with His divine Father
■ ud by diligent stndy of the Scriptnrcs. His public niinistrj' did not begin
with a sudden impulse, bnt was prepared for by His whole life. The con-
sciousness of His divine nature and power grew and ripened and strengthened
until the time of His showing unto Israel. The very silence of the evange-
lists, however, leads to some important inferences respecting our Saviour's
training in boyhood and in j'outh. As Neander has observed : " His education
for a teacher was not due to any of the theological schools then existing in
Judea ;" and thus was He the better prepared to stand forth, in perfect inde-
pendence, as the antagonist and rebuker alike of the dead ritualism and hypo-
critical casuistry of the Pharisees and Scribes, a'nd the negative coldness of the
Saddncees. And while the rigid purit}' which He taught might suggest some-
thing of an outward resemlilance to the Essenes, He had no real connection
with that ascetic body, to deaden his sympathies with humanity at large.
Herein was the contrast with his forerunner, which he himself traces: "John
came neither eating nor drinking: the Son of Alan came eating and drink
ing."

JESUS IS FOl'Xn DISPUTING WITH THR DOCTORS.

Ever since the captivit}-, the great festivals, like other institutions of the
law, had been observed with regnlarit}', and even the women went \\\ to Jeru-
salem once a year to keep the Passover. Such was the custom of our
Saviour's parents, and when He reached the age of twelve, He accompanied
them to the feast. When Joseph and Mar}- left Jerusalem He remained
behind. His absence being only discovered after the caravan had gone a day's
journey. His sorrowing parents found Him in the Temple, the centre of a
circle of the* professed teachers of the law, astonishing all who heard Him,
both by His replies to them and by His own questions. There is nothing
here to imply a contentious spirit ; bnt, in the sincere effort to obtain instruc-
tion. He could not but show the fruits of His profound study of the Scrij)-
tures, and the power of the Spirit that had "filled Him with wisdom." This
" spiritnal discernment," bj* which He opened the true meaning of God's
Word, was the "understanding" which astonished the "natural men," who
had long been bound down to the mere letter.

Though the town of Nazareth was a small place it afforded Jesus oppor-
tunities for stud3'ing the Scriptures free from the bias and preconceived opinions
of the teachers at Jerusalem. It was here that He not only studied the Scrip-
tures, but studied human nature as well. Nazareth was, though only a village
a place whose chief reputation was the disrepute in which its people were held.
This is proved by the inquiry of Nathanael, of Cana, a place near bj^ "Can
any good thing come out of Nazareth?" The proof of Nazareth's wickedness

4— «

WlM*M»|MfM»Mg#w

of the
;o Jeru-
of our
iipanied
:maincd
|a day's
e of a
Him,
[lothing
iistnic-
Scrip-
This
God's
" who

oppoi'-

hnnioiis

Scrip-

k-illagv,

Je held.

"Can

tedues^

THE BKAUTIFUL vSTORY.

407

is further increased by the inanncr in which Christ was received when lie
first preached there, for we are told that as He discoursed to the people plainly'
of their misdoings they offered Ilim i)ersonal violence.

There were some things, liowever, about Nazareth, which were favorable
to the acquisition, by Jesus, of those princijiles which, unknown to the Jewisli
priests, became to Him so serviceable in the pnjpagation of His teachings.

"and ai.i. That iikard him wkrk astonishicd at nm rxnr.RSTANniNT,."

These favorable conditions arose from the natural beauties of the jdace, which
seem to have brought His mind into a more perfect accord with God, even if
we choose to regard Jesus, at the time, as a person with no more of the
Divine attributes than His fellows possessed. Of the exquisite beauty of Naza-
reth and the surrounding district the Rev. Dr. Stanley, a missionary to Pales-
tine, writes : " Fifteen gently rounded hills seem as if they had met to form an

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4oS

THE BEAUTIb

STORY.

I ■^■\

inclosure for this peaceful basin. Tlicy rise round it like the edj^e of a shell,
to guard it from intrusion. It is a rich and l^autiful field in the midst of
these green hills, abounding in ga}' flowers, in fig trees, small gardens and
liedges of the prickly pear."

The town is built, not upon the apex of a hill, but rather upon the side
Avhich slopes westerly toward the basin. From this hill a view is had
nnequalled in all Palestine ; not even from Mount Tabor is such a grand sight
afforded, for we may here behold almost the whole of Galilee, the northern
portion of which is covered with snow lying on the high mountains and reflect-
ing back the sun's rays like peaks of silver, while away to the west and south-
west sweeps the Mediterranean in full view. But nobler still is the plain of
Esdraelon (which takes its name from Jezreel), which stretches its length fif-
teen miles from the valley at the
base of Nazareth. Beautiful as
the scenery is, it is the historical
events associated with each hill
and plain of the vicinity that give
to the place its chiefest charm.
On the plains of Jezreel rushed
the tide of battle in the patriarchal
age. Here the hosts of Midianites,
Amalekites, Syrians, and Philis-
tines went forth to battle against
Judah and made it the battlefield
of ages. Is it a matter of wonder,
therefore, that in a mind so re-
ceptive as Christ's must have been.
He drank so deeply from the cup
of nature ; that He was so familiar
with the history of His people and
with the law, or that he thrived upon the inspiration which placed Him in
communion with God ?

But of the boyhood of Jesus we know nothing, beyond the fact that he was
a carpenter's son, who doubtless helped His father, after the manner of Jewish
soris who were brought up to learn a trade. We may picture Him in our
minds as doing wonders in His infanc}^, and of being radiantl} beautiful as
well as divinely good, but we nuist trust entirely to our imagination, for on
these matters the (iospels are silent. So, after we find Plim at the age of twelve
years, sitting in the midst of the doctors and disputing with them, history
affords no other gli-mpse of Him for a period of eigliteen years, when, now thirty
3'ears of age, He sets out upon His niinistr}-. All that is said of Him, to
cover this long interval, is contained in the Gospel of St. Eiike, who writes tl.iit
while Jesus was conversing with the doctors His mother came to seek Him,

JESUS THE CARPENTER'S SON.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

409

saying: "Son, \vli\' hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I
have sought Thee sorrowing."

"And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me ? wist 3'e not that
T must be about My Father's business ? And the}'^ understood not the saying
which He spoke unto them. And He went down with them and came to
Xazareth, and was subject unto them ; but His mother kept all these things
in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with
God and man."

PRK.\CHING OK JOHN' THK B.VPTIST.

The (jospels are quite as reticent concerning the boyhood of John as they
are of Jesus. We are merely told of the manner of John's birth, and the
prophecy of what he should do as the forerunner of the Saviour, and that at
an early age he retired into the wilderness about Engedi. It was common in
those days, and even later, for those who desired to prepare themselves for a
religious life, to withdraw for a time into the desert and there live in strict
seclusion from the world, in meditation upon the goodness and nature of God,
And this is what John did for a period of perhaps fifteen or more years. During
this time he subsisted upon the wild hone}- that he found stored by bees in
the rocks and dwarfed trees of the wilderness, and upon the locusts, or grass-
hoppers, which abounded in that region.

At the withdrawal of John from a life of seclusion he found a sorry con-
dition of affairs in Judah. The Jews had no longer an}' voice in the govern-
ment, being now ruled by a Roman procurator, named Pontius Pilate, under
the prefect of Syria. The people were bitterlj' oppressed b}' publicans, who
were collectors of the revenue, and who placed the must burdensome exactions
upon the Jews, amounting almost to a confiscation of their possessions. These
levies were not paid without much complaint, and the murmurs of rebellion
became audible, which at length gave rise to an organization under Judas for
actively opposing the payment of further tribute t'. \ugustus Ca?sar, who was
now Emperor of Rome.

Besides the dissatisfaction, well founded, which the Jews felt at the burdens
laid upon them by Rome, they w'ere torn by dissensions among themselves,
produced, however, by Roman interference with the priesthood, which was fre-
■queutly changed to prevent a consolidation of the Jews, whose tribal relations
were thus made to change with each change of the priesthood.

JOHN" DIvCLARKvS THp; COMIXG OF CHRIST.

It was while these dissensions and conspiracies were most threatening that
the Spirit of God called John from his seclusion and sent him through Judea
to preach the coming '^f Christ. Though making no claim to the possession
•of miraculous powers, he assumed the garb of a prophet — "a raiment of
camel's hair and a girdle about his loins " — and in other respects, as well as
by his preaching, he seems to have sought to imitate F^lijah. His first declar-

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410

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

atiou to the people, who were expecting a forerunner of the Messiah, accord-
ing to the prophecies of Isaiah, was to disguise his personality — "I am the

RIU'KNT YK, I'OR TIIIC KIM'.hOM 01 IIH.VVKN IS AT IIANO.

voice of one crying in the wilderness; 'Make straight the way of the L<'i.!,'
as saith the prophet Ivsaias." iCven Jesus seems to have sought to coulinii
the impression of the identity' between the two, for while addressing the pei'pk'

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

411

on one occasion, referring to John, He said: "If ye will receive it, this is Elias,
which was for to come." Here Elijah is called Elias, the name having been
changed in the Septiuigint version, and by this declaration there were many
who were made to believe that John was the reincarnated Elijah, whose com-
ing had long been looked forward to. His preaching, therefore, became, as St.
Mark declares, " the beginning of the Gospel of Jesns Christ, the Son of God."

John's appearance and manner of addressing the people immediately gained
for him a very large following. Mnltitudes flocked to hear him from all parts
of Jndea, where his fame had spread. Besides prea. -hi ng the doctrine of repent-
ance, he institnted the cercmon}' of biiptism as an ontward sign of the begin-
ning of a new life. Specifically, he besonght tl.e nnblicans to practise honesty
and generosity, and the selfish he exhorted to share their abnndance with the
poor. The soldiers, too, were advised to guard the rights of all, and to have
regard for the lowly who were suffering from oppressions. The Pharisees and
Sadducees, who set themselves up as example.; of that righ^^eousness inherited
from Abraham, were roundly dniounced as " a generation of vipers," and were
warned that God could raise up true children to Abraham from the very stones
of the desert. More than this, he declared the two sects no better than barren
trees, fit onlj' to be cut down and cast into the fire, and that they would be
thus dealt with unless they "brought forth fruit meet for rejDentance," befon
the coming of the Messiah.

To these exhortations the two stubborn sects gave little heed, but the
publicans and mass of the people accepted the warnings of John and came to
him in great numbers to be baptized, by which ceremony they made a public
acknowledgment of their sins, and in repentance sought to establish a cov-
enant with God. Thus did he preach and bapti/e for a period of six months,
until Jesus, having attained the Levitical age of thirty years, and thus become
eligible to the priestly ministry, came out of His retirement to be Himself
baptized.

JOHN H.M'TI/.l'.S CHRIST.

When Jesus besought John to administer to Him the rite of baptism, the
latter opposed the wish bj^ saying: '•! have need to be baptized of Thee, and
couiest Thou to me?" But to this Christ replied: " vSufifer it now, for thus it
becometh ns to fulfil all righteousness." The answer carries with it a sati.s-
factor}' exjilanation of the need of such an initiatory rite, which was givfu ac
a sign to the people that those who truly repented of their sins should gi\v
some public proof that would partake of the nature of an obligation. Christ,
though a man \;ithout sin, and therefore having no need for the rite, so far as
it affected His character or conscience, desired bajitism in order that He might
fulfil all the conditions common to man. Having been born in the flesh. He
was made subject to all the natural laws, and He felt it to be as much his
duly to "condemn sin in the flesh," by renouncing it through the water of
baptism, as by expiating it by His lilood upon the cross; and so He set the

:!.N

11! ..1

■:i. !

412

THE BKAUTIFUl^ STORY.

example cf entrance into His kingdom l)v the path of meek repentance, and
of solemn obligation to a holy life. His conscience, free from all sense of
gnilt, must have lelt it hard to descend into the water ; but this first suffer-
ing had its reward in the glory that at once followed. This first act of sub-
mission to His Father's will called forth the first public tokens of His Father's
acceptance of the sacrifice, and approving love toward Himself. As He stepped
past the water's edge, He knelt down to pray, devoting His whole being to the
work to which He had been consecrated by His baptism. At that moment a
double sign was vouchsafed from heaven to the ej-es and ears of the multi-
tude, among whom Jesus had hitherto appeared as one of themselves. The
sky was seen to open, and the Spirit of God descended upon Him in a bodily
shape, like a dove, and a voice was heard from heaven saying, " Thou art My
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." The fi)rmer act was another bap-
tism, which exceeded the commission of John, endowing Jesus with the power
of God, and was gi\-en to Him to be conferred in turn upon His disciples.

B}' this baptism Jesus was lifted abjve the conditicnis to which mankind
are subject, and He immediately enters a new sphere, where the Divine attri-
butes begin to appear. Henceforth He becomes a teacher, and in His walks
now displays the Divine presence. It is upon the banks of the Jordan, on that
blessed day when, as a man, Jesus underwent the rite of baptism, that He
emerged from the waves Thiv Christ, to declare a new dispensation.

THK I'ORTV DAVS' I'AST AND TI'MI'TATION.

Christ did not at once proceed upon His mission to redeem the world, but
was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for a period of fort}' days
He fasted, and was no doubt in communion with God. Was it an ordeal of
suffering that He was compelled to undergo as a trial of faith ? Impossible,
for He was without sin and of the (iodhcad. riiis retiren.ient of fi)rty days is
identical with that of Moses uj)on vSinai, and of l^lijah at Horeb, and was a
^vithdrawal from man into the presence of God, which Christ did not only at
the beginning of His ministry, but also at its conclusion, when he sought 'lie
Solitude of the garden at Gethsemane, and poured out His great soul to tl.o
heavenly Father.

After the period of forty days was past Christ became hungry, when the I)r\ il
came to temjJt Him to make a ilisplay of the ])()V,er that had been given Him,
possibly to discover what power had 1)een 1)cst()wed. Accordingly, vSatan said
to Him: "If Thou be the Son of God, coi;.-nand that these stones be niailc
bread.'' P>ut Jesus perceived wheri-in the UMUjitation la\- and wisely answernl,
*'Man shall not li\e bj^ bread alone"

This request made of Jesus by the Dexil reminds us at once of the leni[i-
tations which so ofien o\ercame the children of Israel in their journey out "f
}vgyi)t, and leads us to suspect that Satan lemembered the weaknesses of tie
Jews whenever assailed by tribulation, and believed that Jesus would as easi'^'

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

413

:e, and
use of

suffer-
)f sub-
'athei-'s
stepped

to the
iinent a

luulti-
s. The
I bodily
art My
iicr bap-
c power
pies,
naiikind
lie attri-
is walks
I, on that
that He

orld, but
rty days
iirdeal of
h possible,

days is
lul was a

only at
,hi>ht the
11 to tl.e

hie Devil
jell Him.
Iitan said
he luaili-'
Ins wen il,

lie teiup-
y out "i
[s of t'

succiiinb to temptation. Though disappointed in his first effort, Satan was not
discouraged in his belief that he might yet humble Christ, so taking Him up
to a pinnacle p.,^,,.. ..,,„.
of the Temple I
in Jerusalem, [
said: "If Thou
be the Son of
God, cast Thy-
self down, for
it is written,
He shall give
His angels
charge concern-
ing Thee : and
in their hands
the}- shall
bear Thee up."
But to this Je-
sus answered :
" It is written
again. Thou
shalt not tempt
the Lord th}'
God." But the
Devil would try
once more to
convict Christ
of worldly as-
pirations, by
appealing to
His ambition
and vanity, so
he took Him
to the summit
of a high moun-
tain, possibly
the peak of
(Juarantania,
where numer-
ous wild beasts

made their lairs, as they do to this dav, and from this lofty cmincuoe sli
11

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!Hflll!';i

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111

I all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, all of which he
promised to give Jesus if He would fall down and worship him. But agaiu

M '

414

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

triunipliant over this last and most potent temptation in seducing human nature,
Christ answers : " Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written. Thou shalt worship

JAMKS AND JOHN ARR CAM.KD.

"Ami KoiiiK oil from thence, \w saw two othtr Lretlireii, Jiiiiios, the son of Zphi-deo, ami John, his
brother, in a ship with Zebeilee, their father, niemlitig tlieir nets, ami he culled them." — Matt. iv. 21.

the T.ord thy God, and Him only shalt thou .serve." Vanquished by the
invincil)lc faith of Jesus, Satan left Him, whereupon angels descended and

u W A 'T

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

415

ministered to the Holy One, who now entered upon the mission which he was
sent to perform.

JOHX DKCI.ARKS JKSrS THK MI':SSIAH.

During the time of Christ's disappearance in the wilderness, John continued
CD preach, as before, of the Messiah, who was now come, until the rulers of
Jerusalem, having heard of the wonders manifested at the baptism of Jesus,
sent priests to make inquiries of John concerning Him. These Levites accord-
ingly came to John and asked, "Art thou the Christ?" "Art thou Elias ? "
"Art thou the prophet?" To all of which John replied that one greater than
himself had come, " the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose,"
who would baptize with fire. While John was thus making answer to those
who questioned him, from day to da}', Jesus reappeared among the multitude,
whereupon, in a burst of joyful enthusiasm, John exclaimed, " Behold the Lamb
of God, which taketh away the sins of the world." He also repeated to the
people how it had been manifested at His baptism that Jesus was the Christ.

On the following day, as John was standing with two of his friends, or
disciples, Jesus passed by, whereupon John again exclaimed, as brfore, " Behold
the Lamb of God." These two believed on the Lord and immediatel}' followed
Him and became His disciples, being the first conversions to Christ. On the
vime day Simon, the brother of Andrew, was called, to wliom Jesus gave the
name of Cephas, meaning a stour. One day later, Philip, from Bethsaida,
wliich was the dwelling i-'^ace of Andrew and Peter, became also a disciple of
Jesus, and these induceu Xathanael, of the vicinity of Nazareth, to come and
see Jesus. Nathanael was doubtful of the things that had been told him, but
upon coming into the presence of Jesus he was convinced, bj' the Lord telPng
him that " before Philip called, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee."
Nathanael was thus nmde to l)elieve, because he knew that, being at ihc time
a remote distance from Jesus, He could onlv know of the circumstances of tie
call by the Divine power that had been givf.n Him. Perceiving him thus easily
convinced, Jesus said to him, " Because I said unto tliee, ' I saw thcc i!"der
the fig-tree' believest thou? thou shalt* see greater things than these."

THE FIR.ST MIR.\Cr.K.

On the third day after Jesus had returned from the wilderness there was a
marriage in Cana, a small town of Galilee, to which He and His four disciples
uul also His mother were invited. Those who were to be joined in wedlock
were evidently very poor, and unable to provide such a feast as was commonly
spread at celebrations of this kind in Judea. Wine was regarded as an almost
indispensable adjunct of such an event, and it was tlierefore a natural thing for
the guests, who doubtless were not entirely acquainted with the poverty of the
bride's friends, to call for wine witli which to drink the health of the bride
and groom. To this request Mary replied, addressing Jesus, that no wine had
been piovided, but turuiug to the servants she bade them do whatsoever her

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416

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Son wislit-'d. In obedience to His command, therefore, the servant brouj^lit six
earthen water-pots, wliich would hold about twent}' gallons each, a- l these thej'
filled with water to the brim. When this was done Jesus bade lem to draw
measures thereof and bear them to the governor of the feast. \ ncn the gov-
ernor had tasted of the liquid that was thus brought he found .1 to be such
excellent wine that he called the bridegroom and said : " Every man at tlie
beginning doth set forth good wine ; and when men have well drunk, then that
which is worse : but thou hast kept the good wine until now," but he did not
know that the good wine which had been given himself and the guests to
drink, had, onl}' a few minutes before, been pure water. But the disciples, and

THK FIRST MIRACI.K— TURNING WATRR INTO WINK.

servants also, kuew that a miracle had been performed, and were trus made to
believe the stronger in Him. After this Christ went dowr to C^apcrnauni
with His mother and brothers, followed also b}- the disciples, whw remained
there with him for a few days.

Tin-; MOXl'.V CH.WGKRS r)RI\'KX PROM THP, TI-lMn.K.

Jesus tarried at Capernaum but a short while, because the Feast of tlic
Passover was near at hand, and with His disciples T-Ie went down to Jcrusalcn
to assist in the celebration, and here was to begin His public ministry, acconi-
ing to the prophecy, "Jehovah, wliom je seek, shall suddenly come to His
Temple."

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K- «..ucl uKic uhi.h l.a.l Utn j.-vcn Innisclf and the i;ucsts to

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:;■";■'"• ^^---.'■' 'f-' .'..-. r this (M,.-„, ,.,„, ..,..., :. rape-
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'•' a..:st !M th,. aMJ„..t..n, and hci- ua':"',, h,^,,! Hi-

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JESUS WALKING ON THE WATER.

'A/i(i about (Ao/otiitA uairh of the nighi he coffwth uhfo (hetn .walking vpon (A^ .iter.'' St.X/rrrA \'f 4S.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.
The Passover was a „ ""^

■nay therefore conceiVe.n " """''"' =""1 ""e hav 1 " "' ="''<="' t''--"
day of His bap.' r w, :?"^' "= '-"d grow,, i " f; '""';'.' ^""'-"-V. We
hke a beuedictinn if """'^ "="■ out of th- I / <!it„„at,on si„ce the

Hi.n the Holy &,; """^ " ^'■" ™-. l,ke th " , .'T™'^ /f '«'"'" <>■• Hi,"

wor.,ippers'X;h,,ne,r'\.:'^i/' -" "^ at ,.:i "a^itt^- "; '^'

had drifted^ :t„er 17'%'" "'= '""= of our ZjTr'" """■''er was

filled with particip ntsr:„f "" ^■■"'- >""*» w'as t? r" "■■•"'>' >-
aud fields must have !,, " "'^ ':"<=>"o.,ies of tl,e fea, K?,; "^■^'^'°''=. "ot only

But above, .a"d sutrei;:"'"= "■"" '-"=- ^'^^^^^^ '^''''"" '""'
was the one ereite« " ""7 conspicuous an.ono- all ,, ^ " ''a"'?-

.hat looked SToT^tf^" ■^" J"-'"" U,e Tc I'^'Tr"^ '''='^""^.

to offer service there h' '"*' "^ ■'^"« "Pou the ,ist'° ,,'".' ^^""'''''

by the profane I,a ,d ' of He .o7%"" ''°'^- ^'■•^"- "f D "S "^S^f """ "ocked
"o less than its spiritual" ' " '"«=• •"'* «!" preservin """' ' «'>""'

As the TcnpT'^: ri: ■; '■ f"" -•-■'»- ort^^a": '" "'"-■■^••

chase such t.b Sts foT "^f"' ^'^'P "'^d dov \rS::r"r 'V'^-Piri'ual
outer courts of , ' T "'?'^"- ^"01,, tradi,,. Was at fi T''" ''f '■■■<^<' '<> P'"--

gradually iutntded poI'Z ' '"' '" ''''""Pe'itfo,," .elated th '"'''' "' "''
took possession p7 , "^. ''Pace witl,i„ the saercH .Tc ^■""' '"e'chants

f""hef pro?a™tio,K°Thft:!, "■;*■■■■"«■' fo^t rffi ' t^wirl! t""^' '"'^'^
tax, and as the fnr„; ?^ P''' f™"' abroad came 1,. . "' " ^'eP to

«le,n, broker setTpn'he-r"V'"'^" "->■ ^^-gh w rf'! P'-^ '■- .Tcupk
such foreign ,„o„ev r f '■''"''■'' "> exchange shekek "".i'""" '" Jeru-

I" a moment as L ^ "'" '" P^'"^^"" His vo vs a H T'T "^ '"^'^t'"?

Temple had be"n p. t H^T' ^'^ ^--ration; a d v ,e 1''"' ^'\^ P^P^-

,^ put, His brow beetles with iudiguatiou aid' -"'"'^^ '^'^

guatiou, and seizing a whip

'< I

l-i

I/. I:

418

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

of small cords, possibly used by a driver of cattle, He plies it vigorously upou
the desecrators until they flee from His scourgings ; the brokers' tables are
then overthnjw n, the money scattered over the marble pavements, and the
])lace speedily cleansed of the unclean things which defiled it. As the ava-
ricious hucksters made '^ood their retreat Christ called to them in these

" Yli lIAVli MADli MY FATHliR'S UOLSIC A DliN OF TlIIEVliS."

words: "Take these things hence! Make not My Father's house an house of
merchandise ! "

The supciiority of Jesus was manifested over the priests of the Temple
by the fact that no one offered to interfere with Him, though in thus harslily
driving out the merchants He revoked, arbitrarily, a privilege which had
evidently been granted by those having authority. Instead of His action
exciting anger, it appears to have raised expectancy among the Jews who had

TilK BHAUTIFUI^ STURY

419

already heard, but probably received the rumor as an idle talc, that Jesits was
the Messiah. They therefore said to Him: "What sit^u showcst Tlr 'U unto
us, Seeing Thou dcjcst such things?" Which question bore the same lueaiii ig
as that afterward addressed to Him, " If Thou be tlie Christ, tell us plainly."
But to this He only replied, " Destnn' this Temple, and in three days I will
raise it up." Not understanding that He spoke with a hidden meaning, and
that He referred to the temple of His body, in their astonishment tliey said:
"Forty and six years was this Temple in building, and wilt Thou re;ir it up
in three da3's?" Though Jesus gave His questioners no satisfaction, and wilh-
held from them an acknowledgment of His Messiahship, 3-et the uuinner of
His speech, while it puzzled the priests, seemed to have served an excellent
purpose, for the cunning of His words impressed both priests and people with
the superior wisdom which He possessed. Crowds besieged Him to h.ear Him
preach, and thousands became at once converted. But this conversion was
chieflj'' among the common people, the priests appearing outwardly as if con-
vinced of the great truths which He declared, but secretly they held Him in
contempt.

CONVERSION' OF XICODKMrS.

There was a ruler of the Jews, a Pharisee, named Nicodemus, who wap
more affected by Christ's teaching than either the priests or people, but under-
standing the ill favor with which He was regarded by those high in authority,
was restrained fiom making an open confession of his faith lest he should be
made the object of scoffing. Revolving the matter in his mind for several
days, he at length went to see Jesus in the night, when none that knew him
might discover his visit, and hailing Christ as "Master," said: "We know
that Thou art a teacher come from God : for no man can do these miracles
that Thou doest except God be with Him." To this Jesus replied in language
disguising His true meaning, as He had answered the others : " Verily I say
unto thee, Except a man be born agai*h, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
Nicodemus thereupon asked an explanation of what had been spoken, by con-
fessing that he knew not how a man could be born again when he is old.
Perceiving that the heart of His questioner was inclined to an acceptance of
His mission as it had been declared by John, Jesus told him that unless a
man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom
of God, and therefore made plain to Nicodemus that it was the spiritual
second birth which was essential to salvation. But this consolation was not
all that Jesus gave to Nicodemus, for to this hundde ruler was first declared
what sacrifice was to be made to save the world, in the following glowing and
glorious promise :

"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son
of Man be lifted up : that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but
have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting

11 i

11; i

l<*.

l| ill

11 1

' : '

' BsImIi

420

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the weld ; but
that the world through Him might be saved."

To Nicodemus, therefore, Christ vouchsafed the first confession of His
real mission, and the bitter sacrifice which was to be made as an atonement
for the sins of all mankind. Tlie impi"ession made upon Nicodemus by the
speech of Jesus was both profound and exalting, though he is only mentioned
three times in the history, but in the last of these he manifests how truly con-
vinced he is of Christ's power and love. Though at first seeking Jesus under
the cover of night, his fears of the loss of popularit}'' by acknowledging Him
never came to Nicodemus afterward. On the other hand, when the end of
Christ's ministry was near, and enemies sought His life, in the supreme hour
of His liumiliRtion Nicodemus arose, solitary and alone, as a meml)er of the
Sanhedrim, and amid the clamors of his compeers, who, having prejudj^ed the
Lord, were onh' awaiting his arrest to pnniounce sentence, confronted them
with a question which brought the blush of shame to their cheeks as judges:
"Doth our la\.- judge any man befi)re it hear him, and know what he doelh?''

But yet again came Nicodemus, to numifest his love and faith in Jesus
when, after the crucifixion, the disciples were confounded and were afraid to
acknowledge that they were followers oi Him who had been condemned ; when
the mere suspicion of sympathy for Christ was sufficient to bring a man to
judgment Nicodemus sliovs his fearlessness, and reverence for his dead Lord.
"And there came also Nicodemus (which at the first came to Jesus In' night),
and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound 'veiglit,''
with which to anoint the precious body. Timid in the beginning, in the end
he showed a courage greater than that numifested by any of the disciples.

Till". ARRI'.ST Ol' JOHN' Till-; liAI'l'IST.

How long Jesus remained in Jerusalem we know not, but perhaps for only
a lew days, or weeks at m t. He found a strong i)rejudice ])revailing agniiist
Him there, chiefly because He had not been brought up in tl.c synagogue and
instructed in the law, and, therefi)re, the priests were jealous because He
received more attention from the i)eople than they. Another cause of their ill-
favor is fi)und in the self-holiness which they, as Pharisees, arrogated to them-
selves, and their condemnation of any one who pretended to as many \irtues,
or attempted to declare a better doctrine. These influences decided Jesus to
V ithdraw from Jerusalem to the country districts in Judea, where He bei; ;;
j: reaching and ba])ti/iug the jjcoijIc — though the actual administration of tin
rite was performed by His disciples. John was at the time preaching at Kj»'>n,
and bajitizing his converts in the small streams near that jilace, while Je>
confined His work to the l)anks of the Jordan, where there came to Him givii
gatherings of ]'>'^oi)le and hundreds were ba])ti/ed d;iily. vSo numerous were
His converts that some of those who made confession under John began to
inquire why Jesus should meet with the greater success, and thus a spirit ol

Chi.

r only
i<f;'.inst
uo ami
sc IK'
icir ill-
tlK'in-
irtucs.

of tin

Jesus
1 ^iv.il
s wo 10

iril "t

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

421

rivalry was apparently about to spring up. John, however, though assailed by
a temptation which few could resist, took occasion to bear a final testimony to
Christ, no less remarkable '"or explicit statement of the gospel than fur its
profound humility and '-elf-renunciation. Reminding both parties to the con-
irovers}' that he had always insisted on the superiority of Christ to himself,
as being the \evy purpose of his mission, he marks this as the divinely
appointed order: — " Hk f/nts/ increase, I must decrease." And to this law he
not merely submits, but derives from it unbounded satisfaction. Likening him-
self to the bridegroom's friend at a wedding, rejoicing at the bridegroom's
voice, while Christ rejoiced
over his pure spouse, the
Church, about to be redeemed,
he declares, "This my joy
therefore is fulfilled."
Though himself destined to
remain outside of the Chris-
tian Church, he concludes his
testimony by pointing his
disciples and all his hearers
to the way within it.

SKI.I'-RKNUNCIATION OF JOHN.

To avoid any anpearance
of rivalry, John left the vicin-
ity of Enon and advanced
northward into Galilee, where
he continued to preach to
immense crowds, and where
his influence became so great
that Herod Autipas, who was
now ruler of Jiulea, went out
to hear him. Herod had mar-
ried Herodias, the self-
divorced wife of his half-
brother Philip, against which
ut there had been complaint by the people, that was silenced only by the threats
of Herod. Hut John was iu)t a man to be easily intimidated, and in an impetuous,
lury manner which was so characteristic of him, he preached against the unlaw-
ful marriage of Herod, and to his face declared, "It is not lawful for thee to
have her." This speech, so well calculated to inflame the jieoplc, who were now
laboring uiuler intense leligions enthusiasm, not only angered Herod, but im-
jKi-sioned Herodias the more, and at her instigation John was sei/ed and cast
into j)risou at Pertea, His execution would no iloubt have followed at once but

HI'.KOtilAS.
(From llic P.iinting by llciijaiiiiii (.j'lisi.iiii, exhiliited at the Salon, 1881.)

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

for the fear which Herod had of the people, who had accepted John as the
forerunner of Christ, and hailed him as the re-incarnated Elijah. Perhaps
Herod himself was also impressed with the true prophetic nature of John, as
his conscience is said to have troubled him, and this fact increased his reluct-
ance to punish with death a i)ropliet who had declared what he knew to be
true, and what (lod had, i)erhaiis, prompted him to pronounce. John therefore
rer.iained in prison several months, an object of Herodias's hatred, and of the
Pharisees' jealousy. More than once this wicked woman was baffled in her
designs upon John's life, but at length an occasion aroe which gave her oppor-
tunit}' to satisfy the bitter resentment which she felt. A court festival was
kept at Macluerus in honor of the king's birthday. After supper the daughter
of Herodias came in and danced before the company, and so charmed was the
tetrarch by her grace, that he promised with an oath that he would gi\e her

„, whatever she should ask. Salome,
prompted by lierabni'loned mother,
demanded the heae of John the
Baptist. The promise had been
given in the hearing of his dis-
tinguished guests, and so Herod,
though loth to be made the in-
strument of so bloody a work,
gave instructions to an officer of
his guard, who went and executed
John in the prison, and his head
was brought to feast the eyes of

,_^,_. the adulteress whose sins he had

"■."n^^;^^-^^'^ denounced.

Aleanwhile Jesus, turning to the

people, vindicates John from any

suspicion of wavering or time-serving that his message might have raised, and

bears testimony to his true character as "a prophet, yea, more than a proi)hct."

at had the}' 1

•Id:

ersity ; no dainty

le was

e ver\-

their childish folly
ontent a:ii' unbclict

OVO ()

was a

(.'SllS.

Iread

Hut

\- COIIK-

not accept Hi in

Kl.\.

e, Jesus fotwd llu'
too left Jjiwka and

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

i^:i

journe^-ed to the retired districts of Galilee, where he would be removed from
the Jews who were seekiii.t? His downfall, if not destnietion. In maknit^ this
journey, from a point far north on the Jordan, His ne-arest way was ihmuiLrh
the district cf vSamaria, and by way of a pass that led into the valley of She-
chem, near which were
the graves of Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob and Jo-
seph, and over which
road Jesus had before
passed during His
childhood.

In thisvaleof She-
chem Jacob first pitched
his tent after his part-
ing from Esau in safety,
and here he purchased
a field in which he
erected an altar to God.
And here also assem-
bled all the tribes of
Judah before Joshua,
to receive their allot-
ments. On the north
stood the lofty peak of
Ebal, and to the south
was Gerizim. Here
the tribes were divided,
some standing on the
base and sides of one
mountain, some upon
the other, while the
ark, priests and Leviles
stood between ; there
it was that the nation,
with a dramatic sol-
emnity unparalleled in
history, entered into a
covenant with (lod.

To this sacred
placcChrist now jour-
neyed. His mind, no doul»t, filled with solemn relbA-tion, and cDnteniplation of
the great events that had transpired on this ouee hallowed ground, since profaned,
however, by those scut l)^• the king of Babylon, seven hundred years before, to

SAl.OMh:.
(Ki'|iru>lui:tiuii ol' I'lie of ihu worl rs f.iniovij ijaintint;'' )

-! ''■:!

^ifiiii

424

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.-

if:
k

'I:

replace the Jews. Here now were the hated Samaritans, who being repelled by
the Jews from participating in the worship at the Temple in Jerusalem, had
built a temple of their own on Gerizim, for which they claimed a greater
sanctity. Thus sprung up a hatred between the Jews and Samaritans that
time had not diminished, but rather rooted more deepl}'.

MUROIUAS KICCKIVES TIIH IIKAI) ()!•• JOHN.

".\iul his head was brought iu a charger, and given to the damsel." — Matt. xiv. 11,

At the foot of a low spur which crops out near the northeastern base of
Mount (icrizim was tlie celebrated well of Jacob, dug by that patriarch two
thousand years liefore to water his vast herds. The centuries had not touched
it with tiieir corroding fingers ; the well still remained as when first dug.
eighty-five feet deep, through the solid rock, and eight feet in diameter, while the

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

425

water continued its grateful flow as in the early years of Jewish freedom. She-
chem, once the capital of Judah, where kings were crowned, was near by, but
no longer a royal city ; it alone showed signs of decay, but the poor people
still came out from its broken gates to draw water at the famous well, uncon-
scious, though, of the portentous events that had transpired about the place.

It was in the vale of Shecheni, beside the hoary but inviting well of Jacob,
that Jesus came with His disciples, in the heat of the day, and rested for a
while. The disciples tarried but a few moments, for they had no food with
them, and went on into the city to buy provisions. While they were gone a
woman of Sychar, which was a village near by, came to draw water at the
well, and as she carried a water-pot and rope Christ asked her to draw and
give Him drink. Perceiving at once that He was a Jew, the woman replied,
" How is it that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a woman of
Samaria ?" Conscious of the absence of any outward appearance of Divinity in
His nature, Christ gave the woman such an answer as was calculated to excite
in her a curiosity to know something concerning Him : " If thou knewest the
gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, ' Give Me to drink,' thou wonldst
have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water."

Believing that Christ had reference to fresh water from the well, but evi-
dently impressed by his august address or the benign expression of his coun-
tenance, she addressed him most respectfully, saying, " Master, Thou hast
nothing to draw with, and the well is deep ; from whence then hast Thou thi.t
living water?"

Having gained her respect, and doubtless excited her curiosity, Jesus
increased her confusion of mind by saying, " Whosoever drinketh of this water
shall thirst again : but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him
shall never thirst ; but the watf.r that I shall give him shall be in him a well
of water -springing up into everlasting li(e." Eager with anticipation, she asks,
'* Master, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw."

Seeing that she was incapable of understanding the import of His words,
Christ determined to reveal His nature to her in a more direct manner, and
accordingly asked her to call her husband, knowing what reply she would
make. Confused the more by His request, she answered, " I have no husband."
This gave to Christ the opixn-tuuity which He foresaw to show her how per-
fectly He knew the heart and mind of all through the Divine power within
Him: "Thou hast well said, 'I have no husband:' for thou hast had five hus-
bands ; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband : in that saidst thou
truly." In other words, He told the woman that she was living in a ^'ulition
of unlawful cohabitation, aiul so explicitly revealed her life that she saw her
questioner must be more than mortal, and gave expression to this belief by
saying to Him, " Master, I perceive that Thou art a prophet." A discourse
followed, wherein Christ taught the woman the difference between an outward
worship of God through impressive ccremouies iu fine temples, and the worship

!^H

426

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

^ii

feiil

of Him in the heart and spirit. " But the hour conieth, and now is, when the
true worshippers shall worsliip the Father in spirit and in truth ; for the
Father seeketh such to worship Him." Moved by what the Lord spoke, and
catching, as it were, the shadow of His Divine nature, the woman spoke, " I
know that Messias comcth, which is called Christ. When He is come, He will
tell us all things," whereupon Jesu? replied, "I that speak unto thee am He."

I THAT S1M:aK into Tlli;i5 AM IIK.

At this moment, when the conversation was most interesting, and the heart
let'.ps with expectation for another revelation, the disciples who had been sent
to Shechem for food returned and expressed in mute astonishment their sur-
prise at finding Jesus in familiar conversation with so lowly a person. The
woman, however, transported with enthusiasm, put down her water-pot and

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

4«7

hastened away to tell her people of the wonderful man she had met at Jacob's
Well. To her friends she exclaimed, " Come, see a man which told me all
things that ever I did: Is not this the Christ?"

While the woman was gone the disciples offered the food which tlie\- had
brought and besought Jesus to eat, but He only answered, " I have meat to
eat that ye know not of." Not understanding the import of His words the
disciples, in their simplicit}-, inquired if, during their absence, any man had
brought Him food, to which He answered that His meat was to do the will of
His Heavenly Father. Then lifting His eyes toward the green fields which
stretched away down that beautiful valley and suggested to Him the exquisite
parable, He spoke, " Say not ye, There are j-et four months and then cometh
harvest ? behold I say unto you. Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields ;
for they are white alread}- to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages,
and gathered fruit unto life eternal."

The woman soon returned to Jesus, followed by a number of her towns-
people, who surrounded and entreated Him to return home with them, accept-
ing Him at once as the long-promised Messiah. For two days he tarried with
the Samaritans, and though it is not recorded what He said to them, the effect
of His teaching was to make many believe that He was indeed Christ, the
Saviour of the world.

The familiarity which Jesus exhibited with the Samaritans, those most
bitterly detested by the Jews, was the first lesson He taught that all people,
regardless of race or training, were equally favored of God, provided the heart
inclined to truth and righteousness ; it was also a sign which Jesus chose to
give, that the exclusiveness of the Jewish Church was offensive to God, and that
Divine sympathy and love extended to all mankind, not excepting such degraded
creatures as He knew the woman at the well to be.

HEAUXG OF THE N'3nLEMAX'S SON.

After tarrying two days in the vicinity of Shechem, Jesus and His disci-
ples resumed their journey into Galilee. It would appear that some desired
that He should go to Nazareth, for as He travelled, conversing of the people
aiul their spiritual needs, He says, in sorrow, "A prophet hath no hoiu)r in
his own country." Evidently this must have been His reason for not going
to Nazareth, which lay so near by His route as He journeyed on to Cana.
His fame had so rapidly increased and gone before Him that as He came into
tl'e gates of Cana vast throngs greeted Him, many no doubt led b}' curiosity,
but others believing that He was indeed the promised Messiah,

Among these latter who came earnestly to seek Him was a member of the
court of Herod Antipas, miscalled a " nol)leman " in the translation. Tliis man
rode down from Ca])ernaum to ask Christ's bicssiug upon his son, who lay
sick near unto death, the jihysiciaus who attended him having given him over
to die. This courtier was like nearly all the others who came to see Jesus ;

428

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

I ;;

while they had some faith, certainly more than a hope that He was Christ, yet
they were moved by a curiosity to behold the proof in miracles rather than in
instructions which pointed them to the way of eternal life. When the courtier,
therefore, asked Jesus to come down and heal his son, he evidently expected
that Jesus could really perform such a miracle and that He would esteem it an
honor to work His powers before the people upon a person of rank. But
instead of immediately responding to the request, Jesus answered: " Except ye
see signs and wonders, ye will not believe," which was in the nature of a
reproof for the curiosity which was displayed, and which was well merited.
However, the courtier was too anxious for the life of his son to waste time in
listening to pious reflections, and in the agony of suspense he implores Christ,
"Sir (equivalent to master), come down ere my child diel" Thus appealed to,
in language which manifested his faith in the ability of Jesus to save his boy,
Christ dismissed the trustful courtier with these grateful words, " Go thy way ;
thy son liveth." That the man of rank believed from that hour his son would
recover, is attested by the fact that he returned home at once, but travelled so
slowly that though Capernaum was but twenty-five miles distant from Cana,
he did not reach his house until evening of the following day. As his servants
saw him approaching they ran out to greet him with the joyful tidings, "Thy
son liveth," or, more properly, "Thy son has recovered." Then he asked them
what hour he began to amend, and they replied at the seventh hour of yesterday
did the fever leave him. As this was the hour when Jesus had promised that
his son should be healed, the courtier knew it was to Christ he owed his
restoration, so he and all his house believed on Jesus and glorified Him. After
this, Christ preached in the synagogues and converted all who came to hear
Him about Cana.

■in

1"' i

3 A

THE PEOPLE OF NAZARETH SEEK HIS LIFE.

When the fame of Jesus had spread throughout all Galilee, and He was
called by the people of many cities in Palestine to come and preach to them,
just as the services of popular ministers of to-day are in great demand. His
heart, yearning for Nazareth, where His boyhood was spent, prompted Him to
go from Cana to that town. He dismissed His disciples, however, and jour-
neyed on alone, healing and preaching by the way. Arriving at Nazareth, he
spent some time with His mother and went to the synagogue to worship with
His people, without, however, exhibiting Himself as a teacher, or appearing in
any respect other than as an humble man, careful of His conduct and pious
in His demeanor.

The Jewish synagogue in Christ's day was a very plain building, though
often built of the purest marble. On one side of the entrance were seats for
the men ; on the other, behind a lattice, the women, wrapped in their long
veils, sat and worshipped. At the end was the tchhah,, or ark, of painted
wood, which held the rolls of Scripture, and at one side of this was the bema,

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

429

an elevated seat for the reader, who was any one who had a reputation for
learning, and had been invited by the chief of the synagogue to take that
part of the service. In the chief seats sat ten or more " men of leisure," one
of them the chief of the synagogue. The chazzcn^ or "angel," was the man
who had the care of the Scripture rolls, handing them to the reader. After
the prayers two lessons were always read, one from the Law, or books of
Moses, and one from the Prophets.

The fame of Jesus, as the promised Messiah, did not reach Nazareth, it
appears, until a time after His visit to the place, subsequent to performing
His miracles in Caua. Report had no doubt been made often to the Naza-
renes that He was in the line of the priesthood, and therefore entitled to
teach in the synagogues, but very fevv believed it, and were the less disposed
to give the claim credence from the fact that He was not brought up in the
schools wherein candidates were prepared for the priesthood, but spent His
early years assisting His father at his trade as a carpenter. However, when
it was told in Nazareth how Jesus healed the courtier's son, and of the enthu-
siasm inspired by His teachings at Cana, He was invited by the rabbis to
read the second lesson on a certain Sabbath. In compliance with this request
He ascended to the seat prepared for the reader, and taking the sacred roll,
opened it and read the following prophetic words of Isaiah, peculiarly appro-
priate to the occasion : " The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath
anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal tlie
broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight
to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable
year of the Lord." When Jesus had thus read He returned the roll to the
keeper, and sat down and began to preach, saying, among other things that
excited the wonder of His hearers, " This day is this Scripture fulfilled in
your cars." This declaration, taken in connection with the reports of His
Messir.hship, led the people to desire of Him some evidence that He was the
promised Christ, for, said they, " Is not this Joseph's son ?" Anticipating
their desire, He forestalled it by saying, "Ye will surely say unto Me this
proverb: 'Phj'sician, heal thj-self;' whatsoever we have heard done in Caper-
naum (or Cana), do also here in this country'; but I say unto you, no pr{)])het
is accepted in his own countr}'." In proof of this He reminded them that
Elias (Elijah) came to the succor of only one widow in the days of the
famine in Sidon, though there were thotisands suffering; so were there man}
lepers in Israel, in the time of Eliseus (Elisha), but the prophet healed only
Naaman, who was a Syrian.

When the people saw that He would perform no miracle to gratify their
curiosity, and that He answered their requests in this wise, while denouncing
their ains, all the congregation arose in wrath and, seizing upon Him as a
blasphemer and infamous pretender, they carried Him by force out of the city
and to the brow of a high eminence which overlooked a rugged gorge covered

I I r

430

THE BEAUTlFUIv STORY.

II.

'^l

\4'>'\

with rocks deep below. Here they determined to wreak their full veugeailce
by casting Him headlong, that He might ])e daslied in pieces on the stones
and His carcass be given to the ravens. But His hour had not yet come. In
a moment tlie wild cries subsided, the voice of anger was hushed; a calm stole
upon the mad throng, and amid the silence of the stricken crowd, palsied by
the breath of Omnipotence, He walked out from among them and went peace-
fully on His way. Thus was a miracle wrought before their eyes, but their
hearts were not softened.

TIIK MIRACULOUS DR.VUGHT OK FISIIHS.

The scene of Christ's next labors a)id miracle was beside the Lake of
Galilee, in the vicinity of Capernaum, a town which had many attractions for

THIC MIRACIU.OUS DRAUGHT OK FISHKS.

Him, perhaps, because of His invariable good treatment by the ciMzens, not
less than the romantic picturesqneness of the place. This lake is variously
called in the Scriptures, Sea of Galilee, of Tiberias, and of Oennesaret, and
became the scene of many of the Lord's miracles. Here He spent a greater
portion of His ministry, devoted to preaching, relieving the sick, ud casting
out devils. It is here that Clirist is first presented to our view as preaching
to such vast multitudes that He was forced to take His station in a boat i>r.
the lake, pushed off from the shore, so as to face all the people. To gain
this position He had recourse to one of two fishing boats that were drawn out
upon the beach, while the owners, two brothers, named Simon and Andrew,

■I I

THE BEAUTiri'L STORY.

431

were washinj^ their nets after several ineffectual hauls. After Clirist had
preached aulnle from the boat He called lu Simon and Andrew, and bade them
push off in the other boat to deep water and to let down their nets. In reply
to this re(|uest Simon responded. "Master, we have toiled all the nij^hl, and
have taken nothini;'; nevertheless, at Thy wonl, I will let down the net."
This answer was equivalent to replyintj^ that he knew there were no tish to be
taken in the lake at that place, but, if Jesus desired it, he would cast the net
to show how useless had been their toil. In makin.y^ tliis demonstration, how-
ever, instead of brins^iui^ up an empty net as ix-fore, Simon and Andrew found
the net so tilled with fish that in the strain to draw them in the lines broke,
and they bad to call for help from some fishermen in another boat some little
distance away. These other fishers were John and James, the sons of Zebedee,
who was also a fisherman of (lalilee, and they came quickly to the aid of their
astonished jxirtners. When the fish of this single haul were secured they were
thrown into the two bo;i s, which were loaded to tb _• point of sinking. This
miraculous draught was made in the presence of u.l the vast multitude, and
so impressed was Simon with the sight that he fell down upon his knees,
exclaiming, " Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord,'' thus, by direct
prayer and confession of sin, recognizing for the first time Christ's div'uity.
In respon.se to this prayer Jesus said to Simon: "Fear not; from henceforth
thou shalt catch men." The impression made upon Simon was no greater
than the effect produced upon his brother, Andrew, and John and James, for
the four brought their boats to land, and lea'ing them, loaded as they were,
with a catch which might have yielded them a .jum very considerable in the
eyes of men so poor as they, followed Jesus and became His disciples.

CHRIST DRUKS .\ DKMOX OUT OK A M.W I'O.SSESSKD.

On the Sabbath following the miraculous draught of fishes Jesus went up
to Capernaum, on the north shore of the lake, and preached there in the syna-
gogue. While conducting His discourse a man interrupted Him with the
exclamation, which brought great surprise to the congregation: "Ha! What
have I do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth ? Art Thou come to destroy
lis?" Christ instantly perceived that this poor creature was a lunatic, with
probably only a ray of reason left to remind him that Jesus had been called
an impostor by the Nazarenes. Whether, however, it was the irony of lunacy
which prompted the \ictim to add, "I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy
One of God," ^r whether this speech was suggested by an evil spirit that
possessed the man, we are left to form our own conclusions, but since in either
view of the case the demonstration of Christ's power remains the same, any
controversy concerning these points becomes hypercritical. We have already
seen, in the temptation of Jesus, how powerless Satan was in the jircsence of
the Holy One; and in the miracles which were afterward perfoiiucJ, Clirist
shows his power over evil sj)irits.

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

! ;!

It was evident from the text, liowever, that the people believed the disturber
of their worship was possessed of a devil, or imcleau spirit, and therefore
Christ chose rather to indulge this belief than to excite a controversy which
might diminish the effect of the lesson He sought to teach. Accordingly, He
spoke to the man, " Hold thy peace, and come out of him." Instantly reason
was restored to the sufferer, and he turned from his delusions and frenzies to
worshipping Jesus,

This miracle astounded the congregation, as well it might. Thej' had thus
seen a manifestation of the Divine mind over that of a deranged being, and
perceived that with a word Christ could perform such wonders as only one
who possessed the power from God, or was leagued with the Prince of Dark-
ness, could accomplish. They gave expression to their surprise by asking one
another, " What thing is this ? What new doctrine is this ? For with what
authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits and they obej'^ him ?" But
though they did not fully understand through what influence Christ cast out
devils — which all crazy persons were supposed to possess — they were satisfied
that He was no ordinary man, and they therefore spread His fame until all
Galilee was excited and tlie crowds that flocked to see Him continued to
increase.

HEALING THE SICK AND CASTING OUT DEVILS.

When Jesus came out of the synagogue He went to the house of Simon
Peter, who had extended to Him the hospitality of his humble home, which
must have been poor indeed, since he was a fisherman, dependent upon his
daily catch of fish for subsistence. When Christ entered the lowly abode, one
of the first things He saw there was a sick woman, consumed with a fever,
and unable to raise her head. She was the mother of Simon's wife, being cared
for by a dutiful daughter, whose distress was great, but whose parental love
brought sunshine into the home of poverty. Jesus went immediately to the
bedside, ai;d taking the sick mother's hand, gentl}- raised her up, probably at
the same time passing His healing touch over her hot brow, when suddenly
the fever left her and she arose, restored to health and full of thanksgiving.
So great was the excitement now in Capernaum that people from the country
about came hastening to Him ; the}- crowded the fisherman's hut, poured out
into the \'ard, filled the streets, probably gathered on the house-tops to catch a
glimpse of His gracious form. Many came out of curiosity, others as believers
in His Messiahship, and yet others were brought suffering from all manner of
ills, the sick, the lame, and those afilictcd with insanity — possessed of devils.
These were speedily healed by a touch of His magic hand, and sent on their
way praising God for the gift of a blessed Saviour. When the Sabbath day
had Ijcen thus spent dispensing blessings upon the sick, and in giving hope
to those who sought the means of salvation, Jesus rested and slept under
Simon's roof until the early hours of morning, when He stole out before the
crowds began to assemble again, and retired to a lonely spot to pray and hold

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

433

comniuiiion with His Heavenly Father. But the anxiety of the people was
such that, with Simon, they went out, about the break of day, to search for
Jesus, and when He was fouvid they greeted Him with the persuasive plea :
"All men seek for Thee." His repl}- was, " Let us go into the next town that
I ma}' preach there also; for therefore came I forth." This was equivalent lo
telling the people of Capernaum that He had done enough to convince them
of His mission and to show them the way unto salvation; that it was now His
duty to declare Himself, by divine works, in other places. So He went into
all the towns of Galilee, preaching and healing the sick, while crowds continued
to follow Him wherever He went. So general had become His fame as The
Christ, attested by so many miracles wrought before the eyes of multitudes,
that thousands came to hear Him from S^'ria, Decapolis, and the region btyoud
the Jordan, including all Judea.

jKsrs iiKAi.s .\ m;i'i:r.

While preaching in a certain cit}', the name of which none of the apostles
have given lis, a man afflicted with leprosy came to Jesus beseeching, and,
kneeling down to Him, said : " If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean."
Leprosy has alwa\'s been, and is to this day, regarded as the most tcrriljle of
all diseases that mankind is subject to. In the time of Christ, however, to its
loathsome and incurable virulence was added the belief that leprosy was the
type of inveterate sin, so that the sufferer was not only excluded from the
society of his fellows, but was also denied the ordinances of religion. But
outcast as he was among men, the leper found fellowship with Christ, for the
Divine One had compassion on him, and strttching forth His hand He touched
the sufferer, saying : "I will; be thou made clean," and immediately the man
was cured. In healing the leper, therefore, Christ proved that He could purge
the soul of sin as easily as He could drive disease from the body, but yet He
carefnll}' regarded the law, and charged the leper to repair to a priest and offer
a thank-oflfering, as appointed by Moses, for his restoration ; he was also
admonished against telling au}' one of what had been done for him, but to go
directly to the priest and offer himself for cleansing. Instead of obeying this
injunction of the Lord, the leper, unable to repress his joy and thankfulness,
went " blazing abroad " the miracle of his healing. The report spread rapidly,
and thousands of cripples, sick, lepers and infirm, so besieged Jesits that to
escape their importunities, for a necessary rest, He withdrew for a time into
the wilderness.

THE PERSISTENCY OF THE F.VITHFUL.

After Jesus had rested a short while in the wilderness. He recurned to
Capernaum and began again His gracious ministrations to the sick. Many
Pharisees came now to hear Him, as well as others learned in the law who
were attracted partly out of curiosity, but chiefly b}' a desire to manifest their
learning and to accuse Him of violations before the people. While Christ was
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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

tcacliing before the great crowd so mixed with carpers and the faithful, »)p]H)r-
tunity was afforded for Him to manifest His power, and at the same tiMe

'THY .SINS 111'. i'((1<c,i\i:n tiii:i

impart a wholesome lesson to the Pharisees. The house in which Jesus was
preaching was uot only filled, but the crowd outside and at the door was so

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

435

dense that neither exit nor entrance was possible. Four friends of a palsied
man had sought in vain for an entrance, desiring to reach Jesus with their
cliarge, but being unable to penetrate the crowd they at length drew the suf-
ferer up on to the housetop, and removing the tiling from the roof, they thus
made an opening through which they lowered the palsied man on his bed to
where Christ stood. By this act perceiving how great was the poor nuin's
faith, Jesus turned to the bedridden paralytic and said: "Thy sins be forgiven
thee." Horrified at these words, which sounded so blasphemous to the Phari-
sees, in a protesting spirit they inquired: "Who can forgive sins, but God
alone?" In reply to this cavilling incpiiry He asked: "Which is easier, to say,
Thy sins be forgiven thee, or to sa}'. Rise, take up th}- bed and walk?" To
demonstrate, therefore, His divine prerogative. He said. "But that ye may
know that the vSon of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, I say unto
thee, Arise, and take up thj' couch, and go unto th}' house." Immediately the
paralytic was infused with new life, and with a gleeful bound he got up, and
taking his couch upon his shoulders like the strong nuiu which he had thus
suddenly become, walked out of the house giving praise to God. This sight
was a convincing demonstration even to the Pharisees, who now also glorified
Jesus, and being filled with fear, said to one another: "We have seen strange
things to-day."

Jl'Sl^S ILLUSTR.\TKS HIS DIHCOURSK 15V IWRAIU.KS.

After healing the paralytic, Jesus went out of the house where He had
been preaching and repaired to the shore of Lake Gennesarct, whither the great
multitude of peopl: followed, anxious to hear every word He might speak and
to see every wonder He might perform. A*s He walked toward the lakeside
He saw a tax collector, named Levi, sitting at a stand where He received
taxes from the Jews.

These tax gathers were called publicans, and were nndcr-ofricors of the
Roman government, whose arbitrarj' exactions made them objects of intense
loathing to the Jews. There were some, however, as we find in every obnox-
ious vocation, that were possessed of humane feelings, and who, while their
calling was despised, were personally liked. Such a one seems to have ])een Levi,
afterwards called Matthew. This man received the Lord's favor, prnliably
because of his good reputation among the people of Capernaum, and iio was
accordingly called by Jesus to follow Him. What llie nature of this call was
we are only able to determine by subsequent events, for we know that Levi
(Matthew) became from that moment one of the disciples.

When Christ had preached again on the shores of the lake, generally
called the sea. He returned to Matthew's house and sat down with him to eat;
so persistent was the crowd, however, that several followed him into the house,
some of whom were doubtless Matthew's neighbors or friends, and a nnni])er
sat down at the table with Him. When the Pharisees saw Jesus thus eating

436

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

with Levi, the publican, and with Gentiles, whom they called sinners, the}-
turned quickly to the disciples among them, and in an accusing voice said,
"He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners." To the implacable
character of the Jews, who were the greatest of sticklers for the letter of their
laws, this commingliujL, with sinners, and with the obnoxious tax collectors,
was unpardonable, and to them an evidence of Christ's moral delinquency.
Hearing their complaints, Jesus condescended to explain to them that it is not
those in health who need a physician, but the sick ; and that His mission was
not to call the righteous, but the sinful to repentance, which answer was so
apt and convincing that the Pharisees were confused. When after this confu-
sion they asked Him why it was that, while John's disciples fasted accord-
ing to the law. His own disciples disregarded such observance. He replied to
them by parables which illustrated that the spiritual power of His own king-
dom was not coutiued within f-rms and traditions that appealed onlj- to the
eye but rather to the heart, the seat i^{ conscience.

When the Sabbath day arrived Jesus and his disciples were on a journey
toward another jiart of (ialilee, still followed 1)}' a large body of men, not a (i^w
of whom were Pharisees. These self-righteous bigots had often beheld the
power that had ieen given Him, and were ready to confess the more than
human agency which He employed, '/Ut were still quite as read, to coudeuiu
any infiaction of tin? old Jewish law as before; so when His discijjles began to
pluck the ears of corn which grew in a field through which the route la\-,
these Pharisees exclaimed in their holy horrov, " Behold, why do they on the
Sabbath day that which is not lawful?" But Jesus only answered, by remind-
ing them of how I)a\id, to appease his huui^er, had entered into the house
of God a?! 1 eaten the shew-bread, which it was unlawful for any but jjriests to
eat; that t.ie Sal)balh was made for man and not man for the Sabbath; more
than this He declared that the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbatli.

Till'. niAKISI'.I'.S ni'.MAM) HIS ITNISIIMI'NT.

After this Jesus entered into a synagogue and began to ])reach on
a vSabbath to a large congregation; while He was thus teaching a man
ttp])roached having a withered hand, which he extended and begged the
Lord to restore.

The Pharisees were all attention in a moment, wondering if He would
do nuch a gracious miracle on the sacred diij' in the synagogue devoted exclu-
sively to worship. Jesus knew how the bigots in their hearts desired to accuse
Him, and addressing them He therefore said, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath
day to do good, or to ilo harm? to save life or to kill?" Ihit none of tluiu
answered Him, whereu]K)n, seeitig how embittered were the;.' feelings toward
Him and that they h;ul set their regard upon the strict letter of the law, even
though it were in conflict with the noblest instincts in nature. He said to the
miu, "Stretch forth thy hand." Immediately the uuui had extended his arm.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

437

in obedience to the command, his hand was fnlly restored. Though a miracle
was thus performed in their presence the Pharisees and Herodiaus accused
Jesus of violating the law, and they set up a fierce cry against liim, demand-
ing that He be stoned, or otherwise severely dealt with as a blasphemer and
criminal.

To the reader who knows nothing of the austerites of the Jewish laws, or
of the extraordinary bigotry of the Pharisaic sect, a refusal to accept the
miracles performed by Christ as an evidence of His Divine nature, appears
contrary to human nature. But it was to the tenacious principles of the race
that a rejection of Christ was due, and to those understanding the Jewish
nature and tradition, that rejection is perfectly natural. Tl'.e Pharisee devoted
all his spare time to a religious study of the traditions of the rabbis, which he
considered far more important than the Scriptures themselves. I'or this reason,
the declarations of the rabl)is were held in greater veneration than the words
of the prophets. A thousand foolish stories were told, and implicitly believed,
of how certain rabbis had manifested their power over the elements and made
inanimate objects obedient to their will.

The Pharisee was distinguished by the broad fringe to his dress, the great
size of the four tassels on his cap, and the large phylacteries, or little boxes
containing Scripture texts, which he wore strapped on his forehead and right
arm. They prayed aloud, and took care that all should hear of any alms
they gave. Some of them were sincere, devoted men — Pharisees from love to
God — but, as a class, they were hypocrites, as Jesus called them, making num-
berless laws for the common people, and secretly breaking them themselves.
One can better understand how tliese Pharisees bound heaw burdens on men's
shoulders (as Christ said), by learning a few of the laws which they riade as
to the Sabbath. The daj' began at sunset on Friday and ended with sunset
on Saturday ; and, as the disappearance of the sun was the onl}' mark of the
time, its commencement was different on a hill-top and in a valley. If it were
cloudy, the hens going to roost was the signal. The beginning and the close
of the Sabbath was announced by a trumpet. All food must be prepared, all
vessels washed, and all lights kindled before sunset. The money girdle must be
taken off, and all tools laid aside. On I*riday, before the beginning of the
Sabbath, no one must go out of his house with a needle or a pin lest he forget
to lay them aside before the vSabbath opens. livery one must also search
his pockets at that time to see that there is nothing left in them with which
it is forbidden to go out on the Sabbath. To wear one kind of sandals was
''carrying a burden," while to wear another kind was not. It was unlawful to go
out with wooden sandals or shoes which had nails in the soles, or with a shoe and
a slipper, unless one foot were hurt. It was unlawful for any one to carr}' a
loaf on the ])ublic street; but if two carried it, it was not unlawful. The quan-
tity of food that might be carried on the Sabbath was settled by the rabbis ; it
must be less in bulk than a dried fig; if of honey, only as much as would

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THE BEAUTIFUIv STURY.

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anoint a wonnd ; if water, as nincli as wonlcl make eye-salve ; if ink, as much
as woukl form two letters. To light a fire, or even to put out a dangerous con-
flagration on the Sabbath, was considered a grave crime. Xo one might ad Min-
ister physic to the sick, set a broken bone, or put (Mie back that had slipped out
of joint on the Sabbath. I-acu if a person were burio-^ under ruins no one miglit
attempt to uncover him. There were also set rules tor washing on the »Sabballi.
Water must be drawn on the previous da\', and when used on t)ie Sabbath it must
be only for sprinkling the hands. For a long while a heated discussion was
carried on between two Pharisees as to whether or not it was lawful to eat an vi^^
that had l)een laid on a vSablmth. There was no disi)ute, however, on the point
as to whether an egg could l)e thus eaten if laid by a hen that was kept for ui>
other ])urpose. Such an idea was monstrous in the eyes of both ; but if it had
been decided tliat a hen should be killed and eaten on the day following, aiul
by chance she hiy an c^\:^ ou the vSabbath ? Tliat was the question. One rabbi,
Schamnuii, said such an egg might be lawfullv eaten, but another rabbi, Hilk-l,
held otherwise, and the egg was accordingly condemned.

There were thirty-nine principal occupations forbidden to the Jews on the
Sabbath. A traveller must stop at the hour of midnight on Friday regardless
of the wilderness or weather he might be in. The lame were permitted to
use a crutch, but the blind coukl not lawfull}- carry a cane. A person could
not carry a fan or whip to drive off tlie flies; a handkerchief must not be
carried loose in the pocket, though it might be carried if tied to a girdle at
the waist.

Though so nu;ny small things were forbidden to be done by a Jew on
the vSabbath, it was lawful for his (ientile servant to do them for him, b\-
which loop-hole through the law the rich Jew did not have to deny himstif
nuiny privileges. Not only did they ado])t many devices for indulging what
the law forbade, but their hypocrisy extended so fir that the Pharisees nuule
of the vSal)1)ath a day of feasting and social enjoyment, during which a boun-
teous hospitality was practised by the wealtlu'.

Amidst such austerities, subtleties, superstitions and bigotry, it is small
matter for surprise that Jesus should become the object of hatred to the
Pharisees, whose hypocrisy He was constantly exi)osing ; but though they
cried out in threats against Him, He passed them by and went up to Jeru-
salem to attend the celebration of the Passover.

p, i-

CHRIST III'.AI.S Till'. CRIl'l'I.Iv .\'" lii'/nil'.SDA'S I'OOI,.

Soon after Christ came within the gates of Jeruiuilem He repaired to the
pool of Hethesda (signifying the //(>//.•<(• of ///my), which was near the sheep-
gate on the northen t side of the Temple.

It is said tha* the waters of this tank were connected with those of tin-
pool of .Siloam b)- subterraneous channels, through which there were sudden
flnslu^ that made the water bubble up in commotion. At such seasons the

i5to.ftifei*'*--#--'^'^"^*«=**'

i^jjifci'Jiiifli-K-^ *-■'

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

AS9

water was supposed to have healing virtues, confined, however, to the first
who stepped down into the tank, around which porticoes were built to shelter

I'doi. Ill' iiin'iii;si>\.
" For an aiigtl went down ut a ciTtaiu season into Uic iiool, ami troiiMol the water."— John v. 4

the multitude of sick and cripples who cani.> to take their chance. The doubts
that have been cast ui)i)n the prodigy do not in the least detract from tlu-
use made of it by Christ, On the contrary, the supposition of its l)cing a

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

im:

delusion sets the tnitli of His ininicle in a more striking Hffht, as being the
reality of that powx- .vliich was there vainl}' sought. In any case, the miracle
itself displayed the j ver, which Jesus displayed in a subsequent discourse, of
exercising authority boih over the laws of nature and the positive institutions
of religion. The case chosen by our Lon' was among the most hopeless of
all that lay in the house of mercy. The cripple had been p:iral\zcd for

W '•^'

"AKisi;, T.vKi; 11' Tiiv iiici), and wai.k.

thirty-eight years, the xery period that his forefathers had wandered in the
wilderness; and the burden of his infirmilies was aggravated by the conscious-
ness that tliey were the natural reward of his sins. Thus he was a fit type
of the ]K'()ple, in whom Jesus fuHilled the words of Isaiah, " Himself took our
infirmities and bare our sicknesses." Jesus healed him, not by helping him to
ihe water, nor by any other visible agency, but by the ver}- command to use the
powers iliut had been so long suspended: "Rise, take up thy bed and walk!''

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

441

When the man, restored xipon the moment, took up his pallet and started
with it toward his home, the Pharisees stopped him on the way, saying, " It is
unlawful for thee to carry thy bed on the Sabbath." To which he responded,
with that confidence born of the miracle which had been done for him, that
he had been bidden to carry it by the Great One who had healed him. When
these Jews knew that it was Jesus who had again counselled the violation of
their austere law, they made angry threats against Him and sought His life,
but Christ defended His act by declaring to them that it was through God
alone He was able to perform such wonders, and that as the Son of God He
had been given the power to raise the dead and to call sinners to repentance.
He thereupon announces to them that the hour was coming when the dead
should hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live.
*'Thej' that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have
done evil, to the resurrection of judgment." "The works which the Father
hath given Me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bea' witness of Me
that the Father hath sent Me."

THK TWHI.VK DISCIPLES CHOSEN.

After thus announcing the new law to the Jews, and explaining to tliera
from whence the power had come that enabled Him to do such great works,
Jesus retired to a desert place on the mountain, and spent a night in prayer
and communion with God. Early on the following morning a vast crowd
assembled as usual to hear Him preach, but before discoursing to them He
called twelve persons from the assemblage whom He designed should become
His special messengers on earth and to bear testimony to all His acts. These
messengers He called aposflcs, and were selected from among those who had
already been His iutinuite friends and followers during the first 3'ear of His
ministry in Galilee. Their names were as fi)llows : Simon Peter, and Andrew
his brother ; James, and John his brother, sons of Zebedee ; Philip ; Barthol-
omew, who was first called Xatluinael ; Thomas ; Matthew, who as a publican
was called Levi ; James the sou of Alphrcus ; Simon the Canaanite, called
Zealot; Judas Iscariot, and Tluiddeus. Though the call of all alike proceeded
from tlieir Mastei*\s grace, we cannot fail to notice those personal qualifications
wliich He Himself condescetuled to own and use in his scr\ic(.' : the firm faith
of Peter (the Koik) ; the energy of the sons of Zebedee, whom He surnamed
Boanerges {Sons of Thunder)^ iinited in John with that spirit of love that
made him the beloved disciple ; the fraternal and friendly afi"ection of Andrew
and Philip ; the devotion and guileless sincerity of Nathanael ; the self-sacrifice
of Matthew ; the practical godliness of James, and the firm resolve of his
brother John to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints ";
and, at the o})posite extremity of the moral scale, that love of the world,
which made Jiulas Iscariot an awful example, that even one of those chosen
by Christ to live with Ilim and hoar His word could yet betray his Mister,

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

and prove to have been all along " a son of perdition " — for " He knew fron>
the beginning, who shonld betray Him."

Having appointed the twelve disciples, and conferred upon them the Holy
Spirit, by which, in His name, they were instructed to teach and heal the
sick, Christ withdrew from before the multitude, and taking his beloved
messengers higher up upon the mountain he there assembled them after the
manner of Moses when he took the heads of the twelve tribes to Sinai's peak
to expound to them the law — and instructed them in the new dispensation
which they were to proclaim to all mankind.

Uuder the eye of God, Christ preached to His disciples " as one having
authorit}'," and revealed to their woudcriug, but no less aduiiring, senses what
they should do in order to produce fruit meet for sinners, and who were really

to be called blessed. Blessed,
said He, are those who uiouru,
are patient, and are those who
hunger after inghteousuess,
so are they also blessed \. ho
are merciful to tUliers, p\»ve
in heail, and ihey that k»vp
peace auu>ng uieu.

Besides these assuran'.-es
of happiuess through patieuce
and huuiility, the Lord taught
His disciples to practise for-
bearance and self-sacrifice
even in the face of wrongs
which they might suffer at
the hands of persecutors, for
by this they might learn to
appreciate the sacrifice which
He was born into the world to endure. His instructions, however, were sunnued
up in the one general law which should constitute the gf»lden text of every Chris-
tian's life: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and they neighbor as thyself,"
or *' Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." He counselled
them especially agaiust worshippiug after the manner of the Pharisees, who did
their good works publicly with the view of gaining the praise of men; but to
build their hopes nml lullll Upon the rewards promised by God, who bestows
His favors opeuly ii|»im those who worship Hiui secretly. He illustrated His
couusels by rccitiug the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The fonucr
built his house upon a rock, wlicre the foundation was so secure that neither
wave llor wind could uiove it ; while the latter reared his habitation upon the
saiul, which yielded under the fir.it assaults of the elements and was swept away.
The former He likened unto the true Christian, whose foundation was truth

jBsns SAID TO MArriiKw, " i'Oi,i,u\v mi;."

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

443

Insellcd

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and righteousness and a trust in God, while the latter represented the
hypocrite, whose prop was vainglory and tiie applause of the world.

TIIH CKN'TL'RIOX'S FAITH IS RKWARDKD.

While Jesus was preaching in Capcinauni, after appointing His discijiles,
a centuri(»n, or c;.,itaiu of a company of Roman soldiers, sent to Him by some
of the Jewish elders asking Him to come to his house and heal a favorite
servant who was at the time lying ver}' ill. The Jewish messengers accord-
ingly besought the Lord to do this favor for their friend, whom they pronounced
to Ik> a very excellent man, although a Roman, for he had shown great
compassion for the Jews and had even built a synagogue with his own monc^',
in which they might worship. The request was at once responded to, but
whiK' Jesus was on His way to see the sick man He met other messengers
thai had been sent on the same errand as the first, wlio addressing Him, said,
" \.oydy the centurion has not come himself to ask you this favor, esteeming
hiuiNL'lf as miu\)ithy to approach your presence; nor does he regard himself
so well as to merit yomr coming to his house, and in his humility, tlierefore,
believing that Thou hast all jjower in the name of God, he begs that Tliou
wouldst u'/// that his servant recover, being sure that in so doing it would be
accomplished."

When Jesus had heard tin's message, the exhil)iti()n of implicit faiih
astonished Him, and turning to those who were with Him He declarded that
in all Israel He had not found one who had such belief as this Roman officer.
He told them also that at the day of judgment mau}' people of other nations
who believed in Him would be saved, wViK- the uni)elieving Jews would be
lost, since it was neither the forms of worship nor the race that God took
account of, but the heart of every man.

When the messengers returned to the centurion they found that the Lord's
will had been done, for the sick servant was suddenly mad> well.

JKSl'S RAISES TIIK WIDOW's SON.

On the day after restorin-^ the centurion's servant, Jeatts went to Nain, a
small town of Galilee not far from Capernaum. As He drew near to the gate
of the city He was met bv a funeral part^' bearing the body of a man away
■for burial. IJeside the bod\' walked a woman \ lolently weepia^f, whose grief
excited such compassion that Jesus stopped the cortege. u.nd approaching tlu
woman, bade her not to weep. vShc told Him that on the lier was the ])()dy
of her only son, by whose death she had been left without a statf to lean upon,
and ])raised his \irtucs in life as only a fond and soiTowing ra. *her couUl.
While she was thus crying, Jesus went to the bier, and taking t:ie h.uid of
the dead boy, said, "Young man, I say unto thee, Arise." Picture rn imagina-
tion the surprise manifested by the funeral attendants, and the beatific joy of
the loving nu)thcr, when the}- saw the dead thus restored, by a word. \ > life

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

445

again, the pallor of death giviiiijf place to the rosy blush of health and strength!
We cannot wonder tluit all who saw this marvellous sight were afraid, for in
the midst of death the soul of the living seems burdened with an afHnit\- for
the i'nmovtal, and becomes leagued with melancholy. To behold, therefore, life
burst fortii anew from the dead, ,ind throw off the cerements tluit already seem
heavy with the odor of the grave, would produce a reaction so spontaneous as
to convulse the soul. Rut in another moment the restored j-oung man had
spoken, and the spell of fear was broken ; a joyful mother springs forward to
convince herself that her son is really living, and as she clasps him to her
bosom she finds a responsive heart beating measures to her own. And all who
saw this miracle praised God.

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JKSrS IS ANOIXTlvD HV A rKNITl'NT WOMAN'.

Some time after the raising of the widow's son, we know not when, for the
Bible does not pretend to describe the niinistr\' of Jesus in the natural secpience
of events, Christ was invited to share the hospitality of a Pli irisee named Simon.
This man was .somewhat better than the sect to which he belonged, for he was
impressed, by \\liat he had seen, that Jesus had about Him many of the
Divine attributes, though he could not reconcile His teachings with the Mosaic
law, which he still reverently regarded. Thus was the Pharisee in conflict
with himself, but he sought to know more of Christ, and therefore invited Him
to his house. A sumptuous dinner was provided — which was a feature charac-
teristic with the Pharisees — to which Jesus, the host and other friends sat
down ; but before the meal was begun a wonum named Mary, of Magdala,
having heard of the Saviour's presence, came into the room bearing an alabaster
box filled with holy ointment. Distinguislnng Him at once she fell upon her
knees and begged the Lord to have compassion and to forgive the sins with
which her soul was burdened. She then washed tlie feet of Jesus with her
tears and wiped them with her hair, after which she anointed them with the
precious balm which she had brought.

The Piiarisee, knowing the woman to be a sinner, a lost sheep from the
social fold, looked with horror tipon what was being done, for it was the
Pharisees' boast that they suffered no sinner to touch them. In his heart he
therefore said, "If this man is indeed sent of God, he would know that this
woman is a sinner, and would have sent her awaj*." Knowing that the Phari-
see was revolving these thoughts in his mind, Jesus said to him, " Simon, I
have so .-thing to say to thee ;" whereupon He propounded to the Jew
this question : Two men owed another man monej' ; one owed a large sum,
while the other's debt was small, but as neither was able to pay any part of
his indebtedness the creditor freely cancelled the obligations of both. Tell me,
now, which of the two men should be the more thankful? To this Simon
replied, Surel}^ the one whose debt was largest. Thou hast answered rightly,
said Jesus. To illustrate his meaning, and teach a practical lesson to the

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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Pharisee, He called Simon to bear witness to his own shortcomings, for, said
Christ, Compare thyself with this woman ; I entered into thine house, thou
gavest ]Me no, water for Aly feet ; but she hath washed My feet with tears, and
wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest Me no kiss ; but this
woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head
with oil thou didst not anoint ; but this woman hath anointed My feet with
ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee. Her sins, which are many, are forgiven;
for she loved much ; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
And He said unto her, Th}^ sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat
with Him began to say within themselves. Who is this that forgiveth sins
also ?

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER.

Heretofore, possibly in the first two years of His ministry, Jesus had
given practical proof of His Divine nature, not only by the wisdom of His
discourse, which confounded the rabbis, but by wondrous miracles that fully
attested His powers. While many were convinced and sought Him as their
Lord, the Saviour, others of the Pharisaic order, and members of what we may
term the Temple party, the priests, and arrogant scribes, vain with riches,
refused to accept His works as evidence of His Godly nature. Admitting, as
ithey were forced to do, that He healed the sick and cast out devils, yet they
A'ociferously declared that it was not through the gift of the Holy Spirit, but
■by virtue of a league which He maintained with Satan, which made Him more
worthy of death as a blasphemer and necromancer, or witch. For this reason
thej'^ pursued Him with malice and insult, seeking ever}^ way possible to inflame
the people against Him.

Notwithstanding the taunts, rebukings and revilings of these self-righteous
lij'pocrites, the popularity of Jesus continued to increase, and multitudes poured
in upon Him from all parts of Palestine and Syria, and probably from Egypt,
Arabia and Rome also. But He now began to change the character of His
preaching, and adopted an objective style of teaching, by which he hoped to
illustrate His discourse for the more perfect iinderstanding of His hearers.
According!}', he taught by parables, which arc moral truths thrown in attrac-
tive colors and distinct outline upon the conscience, like pictures cast upon a
screen hy a magic lantern. It was, as Beechcr so well describes, an instructive
form cf speech, addressing the imagination and clinging tenaciously to the
memory. It was admirably suited to the intelligence of the common people.
It had also this advantage, that tliroughout the east it was a familiar style of
instruction. By parables Jesus could adv;'.nce His views with the utmost bold-
ness, and 3'ct give to His enemies but little chance of perverting His words.
It was necessary to baffle their devices, without restricting the scope of His
teaching or abating His activity.

On a certain day, it is related, Jesus went and sat by the seaside, but
"being soon surrounded by a great multitude anxious to receive His instruction,

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

447

He went into a boat, and anchoring it a short distance from the shore, deliv-
ered to them the parable of the sower. " Behold," said He, " a sower went
forth to sow: and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the
fowls came and ate them up ; some fell among stony places, where they had
not much earth, and forthwith they sprang up, but when the sun was up,
they were scorched, because they had no root. And some fell among thorns,
and the thorns choked them ; but others fell into good ground, and brought
forth fruit, some an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty-fold. Who hath ears
to hear, let him hear."

When the disciples asked Him to explain the meaning of this parable. He
•answered them by likening the sowing of seeds to the teachings of the truth.
There are some who hear but cannot understand, and though they may be
inclined for a time to believe, yet evil promptings arise to make them speedily
forget their obligations to God ; others receive the truth with understanding and
rejoicing, but after cultivating it for a time succumb to tribulations or perse-
cutions ; while yet others, like seed among the thorns, endeavor to receive
righteousness and worldly pleasures into their souls at the same time, but
which being irreconcilable, righteousness is crowded out to give place to vanity.
But the seed that falls upon good ground, is like the teachings of godliness,
that find permanent lodgment in the heart and understanding, where, in such
goodly soil, they bring forth the fruit of righteousness.

Jesus also gave the multitude other parables, wliich brought directly home,
to them that heard, the lessons which they needed most to learn.

, I

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CHAPTER XXX.

JESUS CALMS THE TEMPEST.

HEN Jesus had given these parables to the multitude He
departed in a vessel for the other shore of Gennesaret,
accompanied by His disciples and several sailors; but they
had not gone far when a tempest arose which grew fiercer
until there was danger of the boat foundering. Wearied by
preaching so long, and ministering almost night and day to the
countless crowds that thronged about Him, He took advantage of
the quiet hour afforded on board the little vessel and sought
repose. Here He slept, unmindful of roaring wind and lashing
wave which rocked Him with the safety that a mother lulls her
babe to rest. But there was fear upon those who were cradled
with Him; they saw not the hand of God outstretched above the
craft, but looked upon the lowering clouds as so many fingers of
a destroying demon, moving toward them with relentless tur}'
and a savage fierceness that would pall anj- save those having a heart filled
with abiding faith. Wave after wave dashed over the frail shallop, while deaf-
ening blasts rent the sails. With the energy of despair the sailors manned
the pumps, but their labor was as futile as though they had been bailing the
sea. Hopeless, exhausted, the crew ceased their battling and rushed to where
Jesus lay peacefully sleeping, crying, " Master, Master, carest Thou not that
we perish?" Did they believe there was a hand to save? No! It was a cry
like. Wake, wake, the vessel is sinking; every man now for himself; seize
whatever is near that will float, and trust to fate for salvation. But as Jesus
awoke, he gazed about for a moment upon the pale faces and hurr3ang feet of
the stricken crew, and without moving from His seat bade the wind cease, and
with a calm voice spoke to the raging sea, "Peace, be still." In a moment
the elements, obedient to His will, hushed their wild ravings and sunk their
white crests beneath a placid surface, while the whispering winds went back
into their cavern homes, and "there was a great calm." "And He said unto
them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye liav; no faith?" In their
wonder and thankfulness the crew could make no answer, but looking into
each ether's eyes they said within themselves, "What manner of man is this,
that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

DEVILvS CAST OUT OF TWO DEMONIACS.

When Jesus passed over Lake Geuuesaret, He lauded iu the country on
the east side called Gergasa, where, it appears, the people were awaiting Him.
He had scarcely landed when two demoniacs came out of the " tombs," in the
language of the Scriptures, but in realit}' out of their cave dwellings on the
hillsides of Gadara, and in fierce words, disputing His way, cried out, " What
have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God ? Art Thou come hither to
torment tis before the time?" At that moment a large herd of swine were per-
ceived feeding on an adjacent hill, and the devils besought Him that if he cast
them out He would peruiit them to enter the swine. The request was granted,
and immediatel}'' the devils left the demoniacs and entered the swine, which.

TIUERIAS.

being thus possessed, ran down the hill and plunged into the lake, where they
speedi; ' perished. The swineherds, astounded and angered by the sudden loss
of their animals, ran quickly to Gadara and reported what had occurred, which
brought out the entire population of the town in protest. They, fearful of his
power, begged Him to leave their coast.

We can oul}' understand the importance of this miracle by considering the
circumstances under which ii'. was wrought. The Gadarenes were wi at would
have been called ''tomb dwellers" at the time, but which have since been
classed as irog/odytrs^ or "cave dwellers." These so-called "tombs" were exca
vations wrought in limestone rocks, which even to this day dot the hills of that
country, known as the mountains of Gilead, and which are about sixteen miles
from Tiberias. The people were given to acts of outlawry, so that it was
extremely dangerous for a person not well protected to travel through tlio

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THE BEAUTIFI'L STORY.

451

country. Their chief pursuit was the raising of swine for which thej' had
infiiiitely greater regard than for their souls, lience the destruci-ion of the herd
of swine was in the nature of a punishment for their cupidity. Jesus found
the Gadarenes so densely ignorant, treacherous, a\6. self-willed in their degra-
dation, that He remained in the country- but a short while, and returned by
ship to the other side of Gennesaret, where he was immediately surrounded by
a gr^at crowd anxious to hear His teaching.

thp: raising of jairus's daughter.

Scarcely had He touched the beach when one of the rulers, or chief priests,
of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came beseeching Him to heal his little
daughter, who was at that time lying at the point of death at his house, a
little way off. Hearkening immediately to the distress call, Jesus started for
the priest's house, followed b\^ the throng of people. As he was moving along
the way, there came up stealthily behind Him a poor woman who had an issue
of blood for twelve years. The exact nature of her affliction is a matter for
conjecture, but that her disease was of a most exhausting and painful nature
we are assured by the narrative, which tells us that she had suffered many
things and had spent all her possessions upon physicians without gaining any
relief. She heard of Jesus, of His gentle ways, and the cures which He had
performed, and now sought Him ; not, however, as one expecting to command
?Iis immediate attention, but as a lowly, though faith-inspired aspirant for His
grace and favor. Believing in His Divine nature, from whence all goodness
emanated, she stole up behind Him and touched His garment, saying within
herself, "If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole." Nor was her
sustaining faith misplaced, for the moment she had touched Him, the panacea
of His holy nature was poured out graciously upon her, and forthwith she
felt the rejuvenating, health-imparting influence, and knew that she was
made whole.

The moment of the pious contact Jesus knew that some afflicted, but faith-
ful person, had sought His holy catholicon, and turning to His disciples, asked
who had touched His clotlies. To this thej^ made answer, "Thou seest the
multitude thronging Thee and sayest Thou, Who touched me?" The poor
woman, with joy in her heart for her restoration, but with tremblings upon
her lips, came, and throwing hei'self at Christ's feet, told Him, in faltering
accents, of what she had done, and imploi-ed His loving compassioi:.- The
confession of her faith and acknowledgment of un worthiness brought forth
another blessing from Jesus, who, with fatherly affection took her by the hand
and lifting her up said, " Daughter, thy ftiith hath made thee whole."

Scarcely was the woman dismissed when some of Jairus's servants came
running to meet him, bringing to his sad heart the crushing news of his
daughter's death, and saying, She is dead, wherefore trouble the Master (Jesus)
any further?

.. I;

452

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

ill! a

As Jairus fell to weeping, Jesus bade him dismiss liis sorrow and to only
believe, for all should be well. Requesting the multitude, to halt and abide
in that place, Christ took with Him onlj' Peter, James and John, and follow-
ing on behind Jairus, He soon reached the house of death and mourning. As
He came in at the door, loud lamentations reached His ears, and to quiet th-e
weeping household He asked, "Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel

is not dead but sleepcth!"
This declaration, instead
of abating their grief,
elicited only their scorn,
for had iu)t the physicians
pronounced her dead, and
had not the loving hands
of mother, sisters and
friends felt the cold brov.',
the hushed heart-beat, and
their cn'cs l)eheld the pallid
fiice, the seal of death ?
But Jesus heeded not their
rebuke ; He bade all go
out of the house save the
father, mother and His
three disciples ; then with
these He repaired to the
death-chamber where the
pulseless form of the girl
la}' tinder the pall of a
winding sheet, awaiting
the resurrection call.
Jesus went forward, and
taking hold of the cold
hand, spake, " Damsel, I
say unto thee, Arise."
Alagic voice! Wondrous
words! The girl imme-
diately threw back the pall, and responding to the touch of the blessed Saviour,
straight-way rose up and walked into the em'n-ace of her mother's arms. 0\\ !
what joy was there in this house ; what faith was there awakened, what hope
created in the hearts of those who were thus given to know that Jesus was
indeed the Christ, the resurrection and the life ! Refusing the adulations
which the house offered, Josus charged them to tell no one of what He had
done, but to set food before the young girl, for she was hungry.

"who touched mi:?"

1 to only
ud abide
d follow-
ling. As
quiet tl?°
le damsel
lecpctli!"
, instead
ir Ri'ief,
;ir scorn,
)hysicians
dead, and
ng hands
,ters and
■old brow,
;-beat, and
the pallid
3f death?
:1 not their
de all go
z save the
and His
then with
ed to the
/here the
the girl
all of a
waiting
on call,
ard, and
the cold
anisel, I
Arise."
ondrous
rl ininie-
Saviour,
Inis. Oh !
hat hope
esns was
jidulations
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THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

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JESUS FEEDS THE MULTITUDE.

Jesiis now made a third circuit of Galilee, each time the crowds which
followed Him becominj^ greater. " He went about all the cities and villages,
teaching in their synagogues, and preached the gospel of the kingdom, and
healing everj^ sickness and every disease among the people." The multitude,
drawn from every part of Judea, now became so large that He could not talk
to all of them, the sea of faces growing everj'- day like waves from a disturbed
lake running from a common centre, until His voice fell short of the outer
circle. To reach all who were thirsting for knowledge, therefore, Christ told
His disciples to go out and preach the word to all people. He had found a
fulfilment of His prophecy made to His disciples at Sychar; the spii'itual
harvest had become too great for the laborers. So, after bidding them to pray
the Lord to send forth more laborers, He commissioned them for their work
and sent them forth, two by two, to preach. To them He gave power to cast
out devils, heal diseases, and bind up wounds. But He charged them not to
go amoug the Gentiles or Samaritans, whose stubborn resistance to God made
them like seed sown among thorns, and He also bade them to take neither
purse, scrip nor changes of raiment, nor to abide two nights in any man's
house, but to rely upon God for their protection. Thus would they be in
constant remembrance of their mission, and not be drawn away from the object
for which they were called, by temptations of selfish interest. Following these
instructions, the apostles went through the towns " preaching the gospel everj'-
wliere." "They cast out many devils and anointed with oil many that were
sick, and healed them."

About this time news came to Jesus that Herod Antipas, hearing of His
wonderful teachings and miracles, and believing Him to be the risen John
whom he had so foully caused to be murdered at the solicitation of Herodias,
resolved to visit Him. Jesus knew how rankled in the breast of Herod a
jealousy which was seeking vengeance upon His head, and to a^'oid meeting
the king He withdrew l)v ship with His disciples into " a lonely place."
Whither He went we are not told, but most probably He retired, as He had
frequently done before, to some .sequestered spot where He might pour out
His soul in prayer, and where He might talk confidentiall}^ with His disciples
and arm them against the snares laid for their destruction as well as for His
own. He was not long in solitude, however, for the multitude sought Him by
day and night, giving themselves neither rest nor food, and scouring all tht
lakeside retreats until He was discovered near the town of Bethsaida. But by
this time the long fast to which, in their excitement, they had been subjected,
began to tell on them, and there was a cry set iip for food. The disciples
now asked Jesus to send the crowd awaj^ to the towns nearest by, where they
might procure food and lodging, but He said to them. "Give ye them to eat."
At this command the disciples were much surprised, for they assured Him

i i! i wj | i<j|i ( iip |i M^

? which
villages,
)m, and
ultitudc,
not talk
listurbed
le outer
rist told
found a
spiritual

to pray
^ir work
r to cast
11 not to
od made
: neither
y man's
y be in
he object

ng these
lel every-
iiat were

of His

;en John

'erodias,

lITcrod a

meeting

place."

He had

)our out

jdisciples

for His

Him b\

all tlK

But by

[ibjected)

disciples

M-e they

Ito eat."

:;d Him

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

455

that all the food at hand was only five loaves of bread and two small fishes,
with which to feed the multitude that numbered five thousand persons. But
Jesus knew all this. He ordered them, nevertheless, to divide the crowd into
fifties and make thom
sit down in companies;
the order being obeyed,
Jesus took up a basket
containing the loaves
and fishes, and first offer-
ing a blessing for the
feast. He commenced to
divide the bread and
fishes and gave the dis-
ciples to set before the
multitude. Though
piece after piece was ^g
given yet the supply did 3
not diminish, until at »
length all that were
present had eaten their g
fill and scattered so
much food besides on
th- ground that when ^
the feast was concluded, s,
twelve baskets of frag- r>
ments of bread and
fishes were gathered up.
At the time of this
miraculous feast the
Passover -was being
celebrated at Jerusalem,
which Jesus did not at-
tend because of fears,
vvhich He very properly
entertained, of Herod,
Pilate, and the Jewi

r .lers, who

hil

e ac

knowledging His mir

cles,

were vcliement
their declaration

.it was through the
feeding the people, tl
the multitude this

I i

456

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

salein were eating nnlea/ened bread of human manufacture. The distinction
between the observance in Jerusalem and the works which were made perfect
through Jesus, was revealed in a subsequent discourse where He showed Him-
self to be the true bread of life that had come down from heav n.

jf:sus walks on the vSEa.

After feeding the multitude Jesus sent them away, and ordered His dis-
ciples to get into a boat and cross over to the other side of the lake, while
He went apart by Himself to pray. It is very affecting to observe how, the
more Christ multiplied miracles before His Galilean followers, the further they
were from receiving His spiritual teachings. The personal benefits they had
now so long been in the habit of receiving came to be everything to them ;
and the witness which the works bore to Christ was only valued as exciting
selfish hopes in them. It was to see and to profit by more miracles that they
ran after Him round the lake ; and this last wonder of His feeding five thou-
sand men, beside women and children, with fiv^ barley loaves, and two small
fishes, leaving twelve baskets of fragments to be gathered up, while it con-
vinced them that He was the prophet predicted by Moses, excited proud hopes
of independence instead of humble faith in Him, and they were ready to take
Him by force and make Him king. On this first mention of such a design,
we may well consider what it involved. It was no offer of a peaceful succes-
sion, made by a united people. With Judea governed by a Roman procurator,
and Galilee held b}- Herod at the pleasure of the emperor — with factions among
the Jews themselves ready to support the Idumean dynasty, and even to cry
out, " We have no king but Caesar " — His consent would have been the signal
for a war such as burst out under Nero. And here we may doubtless see one
of those occasions in which Jesus Himself was tempted, though without sin.
The people of Galilee repeated the offer which Satan had made on the Mount
of Temptation ; and from Satan it came this time also, though made through
them. Historj' furnishes memorable examples of how hard such an offer is to
refuse ; and that there was a real conflict in our Saviour's mind is proved by
His departing alone into a mountain to pray. But first, while He sent away
the people, the disciples, who, we may be quite sure, were ready to take the
same part, were directed, not without great reluctance, to cross Gennesaret to
Bethsaida.

In the loneh- watches of the night that followed, Jesus wap on the moun-
tain, praying for guidance from the Heavenly Father as to how He should best
act for the establishing of God's kingdom on earth. From the eminence of
His position He looked out upon the sea and watched the tossing bark in
which were his disciples, until toward midnight. A storm had now come up
which grew rapidly portentous of evil, until the disciples were in danger of
being wrecked ; to still their fears, and bring to their minds the assurance of
His constant care and protection, Jesus went out to them walking on the angry

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fm^at^'f^-

moun-
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nee of
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ger of
nee of

angry

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

457

waves. Amid the lightning flashes the disciples discerntc' the form of a man
approaching, and seeing that He trod the sea as though walking upon firm
ground, they believed it was a spirit and their fears were intensified by what
they conceived to be a premonition of destruction. But to their cries of
despondency Jesus answered with reassuring vords, " Be of good cheer ; it is I.
Be not afraid." Reluctant to credit their own eyes, Peter desired a proof that
it was indeed Jesus, and he therefore cried out : " Lord, if it be Thou, bid me
come uiito Thee on the water." To which request Jesus responded by stretch-
ing out his hands and saying : " Come." " And when Peter was come down
out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw
the wind boisterous, he was afraid ; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying,
Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught
him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt ?
And when they were come into the ship the wind ceased; then the}' that were in
the ship came and worshipped Him, saying. Of a truth Thou art the Son of God."
"And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
And when the men of that place had knowledge of Him, they sent out into
all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
and besought Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment ; and
as many as touched were made perfectly whole."

THE TRUE BREAD OF LIFE.

When the multitude which Jesus had dismissed had sought lor Him a
long while, they took shipping and came to Capernaum, where they were
rejoiced to find Him again teaching and healing the sick. Their first words
manifested the surprise which they felt at seeing Him on the other side of the
lake, not understanding by what means He had come across, though possibly
■conceiving that His transportation had been effected by some miracle. To
their inquiry, "Master, when (or how) caniest thou hither?" Jesus replied by
rebuking them for their selfish interest which prompted them to se.ek Him.
Said He, " Verily, ye seek Me, not because ye love Me, but because ye did
eat of the loaves and were filled. Labor not for the meat (food) which
perisheth, but for that meat that endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son
•of Man shall give unto you."

The people did not imderstand the true meaning of His words, but
influenced alone by their carnal natures, they construed His declaration to
mean that He could give them bread which would fortify their bodies against
•death, hence they besought Him with great eagerness to give them this
wondrous life-renewing food. But to this request Jesus replied by saying, " I
am the bread of life ; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger, and he that
believeth on me shall never thirst. . . . And this is the will of Him that
sent ^le, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have
everlasting life ; and I will raise him up at the last day."

1
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45«

THE BEAUTIFUI. STORY.

! :!!-■■ lit.

HI : '

I., I

Upon hearing Him declare Himself to be " the bread of life," the Jews
were very angry and asked one another, " Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph,
whose fathei and mother we know?" To these murmurings Jesus answered
by repeating His declaration, and by reminding them that though their fore-
fathers were fed in the wilderness b}' manna sent them from heaven, yet this
food did not prolong the period of their natural lives ; but that " the living
bread " which he now offered them Avas the spirit of perfect righteousness
made manifest in Himself. " I am the living bread come down from heaven :
if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever, and the bread that I will give
is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." To their obtuse
understanding the words of Jesus were an enigma, but they chose to construe
His sayings literally, and argued nmong t!'cmselves, saying, " How can this
man give us His tlesh to eat ? " But to make their surprise even greater
Jesus answered them: "Veril}^ I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the
Son of Man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My
flesh and drinketh ]\Iy blood hath eternal life ; I will raise him up at the last
day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that
eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in ]\Ie and I in him."

Not only were the people confounded b}'^ His declarations, but even the
disciples were puzzled, and unable to discover the true meaning of His words,
asking among themselves. " This is a hard saying ; who can hear (understand)
it ?" Though clothed in the character of a symbol, the true meaning of His
words is so apparent that we are astonished at the simpleness of His hearers,
though, singular enough, the question then raised as to the verity of the use
of Christ's real blood and flesh has caused infinite tears and suffering. In one
period of church domination it was esteemed a capital offense to deny that, in
celebrating the Eucharist, the wine offered was not the real blood of Jesus,
and that the unleavened bread administered was not His real flesh. Men
have been burned at the stake for declaring that this wine and bread was but
the symbol of Christ's blood and flesh, and represented His spiritual essence.

When Jesus saw that His disciples were averse to an acceptance of the
spiritual doctrine, so manifest midcr the symbol which he gave them, He
rebuked their shallowness of heart and mind and plainly declared to them that
there were some among them harboring an xinbelief. This was quickly proved
by several of the disciples deserting Him, until only twelve remained faithful.
But among this remnant Jesus knew there was still one whom He could not
reljr on for faithfulness, and in speaking to the twelve He Avarns them that
"one of them had a devil," evidentl}- alluding, by prophetic foresight, to the
treason of Judas Iscariot.

JKSU.S rRKDlCTvS HIS DEATH AND RKSURRECTION.

Among the followers of Jesus during these ministrations we have repeated
mention of "the Jews," a term which, in the records of His controversial

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liaKrfu:if;S<kilk

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

459

teachings, generall}' denotes the leaders of the two great parties, and more
especially the Pharisees and scribes, for the Saddncees seem as yet to have
regarded the new teacher witii scornful indifference. Many of these came from
Jerusalem and Judea expressly to watch Him ; and their hatred must have
been iuHamed afresh b}' such teachings as that just related. The words of St
John imply that a neA' conspii^acj' against Jesus was formed by the rulers at
this Passover, for whidi ren'jon He remained in GaHlee six nioutha longer,
till the Feast of Tabernacles. Disappointed by His absence, n-ore of the
scribes and Pharisees went to meet Him on His own ground ; and their fault-
finding gave him the opportunity of denouncing their own traditions, by
which they annulled the spirit of the law, while adding to its burdensome
obligations.

Upon departing from the eastern side of Lake Tiberias, Jesus went up the
Jordan, followed by His disciples, until He reached the source of that stream
at Ccesarea Philippi. On the waj', however. He stopped for awhile at Beth-
saida, and signalized His short staj'^ there b}' miraculously restoring the sight
and speech of a blind mute. It was at Coesarea Philippi that Peter first hailed
him as Christ, the Son of God, and where Jesus first spoke to His disciples
of laying the foundation for His Church in the hciMls arid affections of His
true followers. "From this time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciplcf-
how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders am.
chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day."
When Peter had heard Jesus utter this gloomy prediction, his heart sank \\ ith
fear, and he sought to prevail on the Lord to forego His determination of going
up to Jerusalem, whei-e His life would be in such great danger. But Jesus,
recognizing in Peter's appeal a new temptation, said, " Get thee behind Me,
Satan," following this command with an explanation that in doing the will
of God He must not consult the weakness of the flesh, as men do who regard
onl}^ their own comforts, but nn;st be willing to suffer for righteousness' sake,
saying, "' If any man will come after Mc, let him deny himself, and take up
his cross and follow Me. Fo whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and
whosoever will lose his life for jNI}' sake shall find it. For what is a man
profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul."

Six days after this conversation, Jesn': called three of His favorite disciples,
John, Peter and James, and led them to the top of a high mountain, possibly
Mount Tabor, but certainly near Ctesarea Philippi, where He gave them t(
behold a vision of His heavenly glory. Upon reaching the lofty peak, in the
oppressive stillness of nature, which perpetually reigned there, Christ bowed
Himself in prayer. What that prayer was we are left to imagine, but this is
not difficult, for already He was under the ban of a mortal prejudice and
almost beneath the shadow of the cross. Already He knew that His betrayal
was near at hand, and we may therefore well suppose that His prayer was —
not for strength or courage to bear His sufferings, or fi)r deliverance from a

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( I

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46o

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

terrible death — for Divine compassion upon His enemies, and for the remission
of the sins of those whose hearts had rejected Him. And as He thus prayed
His face and clothing suddenly became illuminated, as if He were clad in bur-
nished armor, upi)u
which the sun re-
flected a dazzling
;5plendor. As He
thus stood, radiant
with glory, there
appeared, to the as-
tonished gaze of
His disciples, the
spirit- forms of Moses
and Elias, and they
talked with Jesus,
while from out a
bright cloud that
hovered over their
heads came a sweet
voice saying, "This
is M}' beloved Son ;
hear ye Him." Car-
ried away with ex-
citement and right-
cotis fervor at be-
holding so glorious
a vision, Peter said
to Jesus, " It is good
for us to be here ;
and let us make
three tal)ernacles(as
it lu'd long been the
custom anu)ng the
Israelites to desig-
nate holy ground by
the buildiug of a
memorial of some
kind thereon), one
for Thee, one for
Moses, and one for

Elias." But as Peter wis thus speakiug the beautiful vision disappeared, and
Jesus told His disciples to return to the multitude below that was waiting their
coming, but He char; 'd them particularly to tell uo cue of what they had

TllK TR.VNSFICrRATION — I'ROM THK C.UIJAT KAPHAI I, I'AINTINC,

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Jesus,
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make
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g the
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le for
and
their
had

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

461

beheld on the mountain top " till the Son of Man were risen from the dead."
This request they could not understand, for they did not yet know that He
would be resurrected on the third day after His death, nor did thej-, probably,
fullj' believe that He would be offered up after the manner of His own pre-
diction.

As Jesus and His three disciples came down from the mountain thc}'
observed a large multitude of people, who were deriding and scorning the nine
disciples that had been left behind. But the people left off their abuse as
they beheld Jesus approaching, and saluted Him respcctfull3\ Perceiving that
there was some disturbance, Jesus asked the scribes the cause, whereupon,
before the}' could nuike answer, a man spoke, saying : " Master, I have brought
unto Thee my son, which luith a dumb spirit ; he foameth, and gnasheth with
his teeth, and pineth away : and I spake to Thy disciples that they should cast
him out ; and they could not."

Jesus had before sent out His disciples to preach to all people, and had
given to them the power to cast out devils and heal all kiiuls of sickness in
His name, but here, almost at the outset of their labors, nine of these disciples
had failed utterly in an attempt to manifest the power bestowed, and, as a
consequence, had been made subjects for ridicule by haughty scribes and jeal-
ous Pharisees. Jesus was iu)t indifferent to the abuse that was directed against
His disciples, but He felt that it was in a large measure deserved, for He
knew that their failure was due entirely to the faithlessness of the pe<.'ple and
the lack of conviction in the disciples themselves. Since this result was a
reflection upon His own nature and power, we cannot wonder that He was
chagi'iucd. For this reason He answered the father of the lunatic by a general
remark to the whole multitude, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be
with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto Me." When the
afflicted son was brought into the Divine presence, he fell to wallowing on the
ground, foaming at the mouth, aiul i>resenting a shocking, but pitiful spectacle.
When Jesus asked how long the young num had been ihus afflicted the father
answered that he had been so since a young child; that in his paroxysms he
had often thrown himself into the fire, and into water as avcII, in his efforts
to destroy himself. Jesus was much affected by the sight of the poor lunatic,
and no less by the father who besought Him so earnestly for comjiassion o)i
the sufferer. To inspire him iirst with hope Jesus said, "If thou canst believe,
all things are possible to him that bclieveth." Though not so fully assuring,
the fond father grasped at this small promise and in the emotions of mingleil
fear, hope and desire, he cried out amidst a flood of tears, " Lord, I believe ;
lielp Thou mine unbelief." The crowd came now running and pressing about
Jesus, before whom He spoke to the lunatic aiul drove out the distemper of
brain which vexed him. Immediately the sufferer fell again upon the ground
and there lay as one dead, until many believed that his life was truly destroj'ed,
for he neither moved nor gave any signs of life whatever. But when he had

:> ')

•\ ',

462

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

u m

1 i ii:

thus lain for a time Jesus took the young man by the hand and lifting him
vp with gracious words, returned him to his overjoyed father, sound in mind.
After this miracle Jesus departed with His disciples, and passed through
Galilee bj' night, lest He might be taken by His enemies. During this journey
He again told His disciples that He would soon be delivered into the hands
of men who would kill Him, but that after lying dead for three days He
would rise again. His disciples, however, did not understand the meaning of
His words, but were afraid to ask Him for an explanation.

CHRIST TEACHES FORGIVENESS AND GIVES THE PARABLE OP THE GENEROUS KING.

As they journeyed together toward Peroea, another portion of Judea, north
of Galilee, and from thence to Jerusalem, to attend the Feast of Tabernacles,
the disciples questioned Jesus on many things important for them to know as
preachers of the gospel. Among other questions which they asked was : " Who
is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven ?" To make His answer more plain
to their poor understanding, Jesus called a little child, and placing it in their
midst, told them that little children were greatest in His Father's kingdom, for
in the infant there is no sin ; therefore, said He, unless ye be converted and
become as blameless as little children, you cannot enter the Kingdom of
Heaven. " Take heed, therefore, that 3'e despise not one of these little ones ;
tor I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of
My Father." The care of the Father for His children Jesus thus illustrated
by citing a parable of the lost sheep : " If a man have an hundred sheep, and
one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth
into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray ? And if so be that
he find it, verily, I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the
ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so, it is not the will of your
Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish,"

Jesus sought to teach his disciples humility by comparing them with little
children whose hearts have not yet become corrupted by evils and temptations
common to the worldly-uiinded ; but he did not neglect the opportunity to give
them practical instruction in their duties toward their fellow-men, and what
should be their conduct when assailed by wrongs, calumnies and oppressions. He
exhorted them to bear with meekness all the faults of others, and not to attempt
by violence the correction of any sin, since it is better to bear a wrong than
to tal'.e in our own hands the punishment of the wrong-doer. This advice
prompted Peter to ask: "Lord, how oft shall my brother (fellow-man) sin
against me, and I forgive him? Seven times?" "Yes," said Jesus, *' r.ot only
seven times, but seventy times seven." In other words, that we should place
no limit upon our pardon.

To illustrate more clearly the practical benefits of charity for the faults of
others, Jesus gave to His disciples the following parable : A certain king, on
taking account of the debts ii at were due him, found that one of his subjects

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

463

little
»tations
to give

what
He
ttenipt
g than
advice
n) sin
t only

place

ilts of
ng, on

had been owing him, for a long time, a large snni of money which he seemed
to have made no effort to pay. Enraged at the dishonesty of the man, the
king commanded that the delinqnent, together with all his family, be imme-
diately sold, and the proceeds applied to the payment of the debt. When the
debtor was thus brought to a condition of threatened slavery, he fell down upon
his knees before the kmo; and, with tears and entreaties, besought his sovereign
to have patience a 1>.tle while longer, and to spare his famil}-, for their sake,
the horrors of enslavement, promising to pay the debt in a short while, if his
freedom were not taken away. So strong and heart-moving were the poor man's
pleadings that the king's compassion was excited, and he not only gave the
debtor his libei"ty, but cancelled the debt also. Soon after, the forgiven debtor
went out and met a fellow-man who owed him a sum of nione}* not above two
dollars. Seizing the authority which ever}' creditor then had, this man who
had so recently been the recipient of the king's bounty and compassion, laid
violent hands upon the throat of his debtor and sought to force immediate
pa3'ment of the two dollars. The man fell upon his knees and begged for
compassion with entreaties quite as nuoving as the first had tittered to the
king, but with different effect, for the hard-hearted wretch stifled the pleadings
if his victim and carried him away to prison, there to languish until the debt
\-as paid. The harsh conduct of the unforgiving creditor was presently known
) the king, who at once sent for liim and said, " O thou wicked man ; I for-
f^ave the debt which j-ou owed me, because 3'ou begged so earnestly for yourself
and family, and I had a belief that in j-our heart there were some honor and
charity ; but almost at once upon your release you condemn one of your fellow-
men to the hardest punishment because he could not pa}' you the smallest
debt." So saying, the king delivered the num over to the tormentors until he
should pay ail the large debt which had been cancelled.

" So likewise," said Jesus, " shall My Heavenly Father do also unto you,
if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."

HK.\LIXG THK TKyi LEPKR.S.

As Jesus and His disciples continued on their jovrney toward Jerusalem,
they came in the evening time to a Samaritan village and sought shelter for
the night, but the Samaritans, knowing them to be Jews, denied them enter-
tainment, on which account the disciples became very angry. James and John
were particularly vehement in their denunciation of the Samaritans, their auger
being increased by the natural hatred which existed between the Jews and
Samaritans, and they asked permission of Jesu^' to call down fire from heaven
to destroy those who had denied them shelter. But Jesus rebuked them soundly
for their vengeful dispositions, and gave them to understand that his mission
on earth was not to destroy men, but to save them. So they turned away
from the place where they had been refused entertainment, and went on toward
another village. As they were thus proceeding on their way they met ten men

• '

II 'i

464

THE BEi UTIFUL STORY.

'IH

if'i

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Si ■

who were all afflicted with leprosy. This disease was so loathsome that those
who contracted it were not permitted to associate with the health}^, and were
compelled to remain isolated from all other persons, not excepting even their
kindred. Therefore, before Jesns had approached very near to them, the}^ drew
off aiid cried ont : "Jesns, Master, have mercy on ns," evidently recognizing

Him either intnitively, or
from having beheld Him at
some of the towns in Sama-
ria dnring his visits to and
miracles in that conntry.
To the crj' of the poor lepers
Jesns retnrned answer: " Go,
show yourselves to the
priests." This order was in
fulfilment of the command
given bj^ IMoscs, who or-
deres; that whenever a leper
was healed, he should go
and show himself to the
priest, that he might have
permission to associate
again among people who
were well.

As the ten lepers started
awa}'^ the}' discovered that
they had been suddenly
cured of their affliction;
only one of them, however,
retnrned to give thanks to
Jesus for the benefits He
had miraculousl}'^ conferred,
and this one was a Sama-
ritan. Inference, from the
text, leads to the belief that
the other nine were Jews, but they hastened away without so much as uttering
thanks for their restoration, and thus was Christ able to show to His disciples
that a good deed was not to be measured by popular prejudices, but that His
mission was to do good to all people, regardless of race, creed, or condition.

JESUS DISCOURSES IN' THE TEMPLE, AND RELATES THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD

SAMARITAN.

The feeling against Jesus, in all the region about Jerusalem, was so
intensely bitter that to escape His enemies, who were setting snares for His

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might have
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affliction ;
icm, however,
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His disciples
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';ii*"

V>»l!i.

■■•Si

*^'^^<t

■■-. '-.' «. . ■■ • ■ -1, ■

j,J^"l*->. '■*':-. i;.,..-- .^' .

• '■'.-- ' ' ■..•tlil' ■■■.'■ -J-'- *■■ V' ■ ' ' '

■^f^/ti^'^i

■.IV

,'*■

„„ ,;s». , ■■ "■ i'l:.

, !• ■' "'•■' " •mil til'

• iii,t If nil 'I ( .

/ifii/tft inr-nt \tf ( jtuuj fur '^unnii-." I.Ul\<\S1l J,i f-.'t

^j^s^jck;^

(t r I

u- m

46-1

TKH Bl^Xmi-rj, vSTORY.

1 m ,

5' . I

wIk^ wx-re nil nfil

C'l

• 1

I leprosy. Tjiis disease was ^•(.) loathsome tliat those

wh'j ciiiitractcri il \>i.-if i: -i. i ■ . luillofl to ;is>:oi'i:Lle w'il!i the I'falthv, and wcro

coin pel:'.
':i;Jred.
oil' and cr

;Ci:],i.

C ! <•

lu-i

11 all oIIht ]K-rsous, liui cxc(.'piin>; e\fii tlieir

icloie IcsH'- .»a^

'pio.i^l'.cd very Ilea'- to them, ^hcv d:

c w

nil,

U.a.lc

iKo.e

•■0\

US," evidenth- rccoiiuizu'.ii!

i:ii ciilier intintiveh-, or
tV'vu !iu\iii.<:,- beheld liiiu at
M/iiu of the towns in Sama-
ria durin,','" hit: visits to and
miracles in tluit ei'.ir.tiv.

' the. C! \- i>

■ tlie

poor ie|)er:

jesu.'i returned answer: 'Hio,
rdiow yonr.spivcy to the
p'-ie.sis.'' 'Phis Drder ua.^ m

'"ulHbn nt of 1
M

le i.'onnua.ni

I,', > veil (■'V
it.'red ihat v.

)ses, wlm or-
c ..ever a leper

wab iiealed, he sli "ild

j(i

<.l si

i"w hims(-il \n liie
priest. ;h;it he nnghl j.;i'.e

■ erniK^sio

t'<

;ssoe!ate

IV iiu

auKjUi.^' ix'ipie who

■ere wen.

)er

As Ihc te;i lei

■.\- the^/ aiseoM^leU
1

-led

til

iiev

a red

linci ;)f-'en suddeiilv

-.f tl
)[ 1

ifilietion

oiuy "HC o! liiem, however,
rettirneil to -ae thanks to
Je.<u^ lor th.e beneiils He
had ir.riaeiih.ush confei-ted,

an<

1 ll

lis one was a

ua-

.irwKie.', LKi: i{.

■ I.

rilan. Infercneo, f'.Mm tlie

text, leads to the lielicf that

re other idne ueie Jew-;, hut llie\ Iiastened away without so much a.-, uttering

1 thus was CliriNt able to show lo His disei]d.es

:uiks t". u their re<t

ei IV'MI.

! :k

that a g'.od d'^'.'d mm.s not. in be measured by popul'ir prejudiees, but that His
mission was to do good to all people, ;e>j,anUe,--s of race, ereed, or condition.

B':

fafr

f> r

jHsrs DiscorR.sics i:r Tiri'

;Pl.f' \y.\) V.l'.I ATI'S THF I'AK.MUJ'; or* JIIi: GOOD

s.•\^;.^^^r w.

ling against je'ns, in a

I n-

e ri

■gion about Jeriisalein, wa.s so

inte isclv l>itter that to e-.cape Mis eneiii'ws, wliu were .setting snares lor lli.s

iat those
and were
veil their
hey (Ivew
cogui/.ir.)4
tiveh', <)•
U1 Him .Lt
; in Sa^iui-

ilS to lUUit

; v:>''Tr.try.

KH)l- leiK'V^

iwer; " Cio,
cs to the
dcr was iu
■jouininiKl
;, ului '^v-
■vcr a lej-'er
s;h. ".hi ;^<i
elf to the.
night have
1 associ;i'.e
K.r>pie who

tea th;\t

aihh'ni-v

,'iriic;i<in ;

a, h<iwe\>-i".
luniks •-(>

l.-icnts Uc
oufc-ned,

lis a, Saviia-
iVoW the
aiei* that

|i-, ulterlnj;

ll^ disc;]ih-s

It. that His
luditiuu.

^7/

-/"''m

„J*"-^ ''^■^-

II!" <'.*>Oi>

was so
lov His

1 GETHSEMANE.

'■'■ " "-

IJ L 1 1 H 1'

III ^

1 ', ill f/ //iff f opfwfu'ff/ fui fftuff^l lihhi hinijiani ht'firfot • • tmd ir/if/i Iu- 1 u\r

tut Jrntti ftra^ffv

W fttn/ H'ffs cotttr inJiiSf/isf fp/t s, /u /'ofi/tr/ I hftii •'>ff f/tun/ /or •*urtrni\"'

ijilu'XSii- ^i n

.>^^--::.-! ..;:-ji.'itii*;--:.iit/&-. .41.41 .xv^a.

t^t ir'*((ft!.*r' . rt

ipPHpmiimpam^

JESUS PREACHING IN THE SYNAGOGUE

(465)

466

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

' !•

II i

feet, He left His disciples and travelled by a secret way for a short while, until
suddenly He appeared in the Temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. Here
were assembled so man}' of His friends that even the officers dared not lay
their hands upon Him. When the congregation had gathered, there were so
man}' anxious to hear Jesus that He consented to talk to them, and thereupon
delivered to them a wise discourse, though not in such words as were easily
understood by a majority of those present. He told them that His stay on
earth would soon be ended, and that it was nearl}' time for Him to return to
the Father that had sent Him. "After I am gone," said He, " you will look
for Ale, but will not find Me, and where I go you cannot come." To those
who believed on Him He gave the glorious promise of eternal life, but those
who believed not He declared should die in their sins.

The Pharisees contended with Him and denied that He had power to
bestow eternal life, for, said the}', "Did not Abraham and all the other righteous
prophets die, and do you consider yourself greater than they ? " But Jesus
explained to them that the life which He had power to bestow was not the life in
•the body, but in the soul, that spiritual life which endureth in heaven, and
which dwelleth evermore with God. The Jews, however, were not pleased with
his reply, and being angered at His pretensions would have stoned Him, had
He not passed out from them.

Again there was a certain lawyer, appointed probably by the Pharisees,
to ask questions, who came to Jesus and said, " Master, what must I do to
inherit eternal life ? " To which Jesus answered, " What is written in the
law ? " " Th'iu shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and thy
neighbor as thyself" Jesus said, " Thou hast answered right ; this do and
thou shalt live."

"But," asked the lawyer, "who is my neighbor?" Whereupon Jesus

answered him by relating the parable of the good Samaritan : A certain man

Avent down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped

liim of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way : and when he saw

him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when He was at

the place, came and looked on him and passed by on the other side. But a

certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw

him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds,

pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to

an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took

out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of

him : and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again I will repay

thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that

fell among thieves ? And he said. He that showed mercy on him. Then said

Jesus unto him. Go, and do tiiou likewise, for all men are our neighbors and

our duty is to help all mankind, since we are as one in the Lord.

esus
man
-ipped
dead,
saw
as at
But a
saw
uuds,
im to
took
re of
[repay
that
said
and

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

MARTHA AND MARY.

467

When Jesus left Jerusalem He went to Bethany, less than a da3''s journey
toward the east, where he was invited by a woman, named Martha, to her
house that she might receive His counsel. When the Lord came to the
house, Mary, a sister of Martha, received Him, and sitting down at His feet,
besought Him to teach her how she might do His will and become entitled to a
share in the joj-s promised the faithful. So engrossed was Mar}- in a
delightful conversation with Jesus that she forgot her duties in the household,
so that the preparation for supper was left wholly with her elder sister.
Somewhat vexed at this, Alartha came in and, rebuking Mary, said also to
Jesus, " Lord, dost Thou not care that ALary hath left me to do all the work
alone ? Bid her, therefore, that she come and help me." But Jesus answered
by counselling her not to trouble about the household work, when there were
other matters of more importance requiring her attention. The concern of her
soul was the better part chosen by Mary, and this care would bring her due
reward, for there is consolation in that which can never be taken away.

After this, and before leaving the neighborhood of Jerusalem, Jesus
chose seventy disciples in addition to tlie twelve first appointed, and sent
them out to preach the gospel, giving them the power to perform miracles
and to do all things in His name. Before going away, however, they asked
Him what manner of prayer they should offer to receive the Holy Spirit, to
which He answered, Thou shouldst pray after this manner :

" Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom
come, Th}' will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass
against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ; for
Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."

He admonished them against praying like the Pharisees, who sought the
most public places and lifted up their voices to sacli a pitch as to attract the
attention of all who might be near, for this was to gain the favor of man
rather than of God. Therefore He bade them to retire into some secret place
when they wished to pray, that their minds might be concentrated upon God,
whose favor alone it was becoming to desire.

THE WOMAX TAKEN IN SIN, AND THE BLIND MAN HEALED.

From the text, although there is no pretension to sequence in the records
of His works, it would appear that Jesus returned to Jerusalem from Bethany,
and that he again discoursed in the Temple. His teachings continued to
attract and favorably influence the masses, which served to increase the jeal-
ousy of the Pharisees and scribes, who perceived their own power waning and
passing to Christ. Afraid to wreak the vengeance upon Him which they
harbored in their hearts, on account of the number of His friends in the

!»' '<)

f'H

••

f ' -t

■I

)

I-

111

;i i

468

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

assemblage, they tried to catch Him in technical violations of the Mosaic law
and thns hold Him np to the people as a blasphemer, and nn worthy of the
influence which He exerted. Thus, while He was teaching in the Temple
one morning, His enemies brought to Him for judgment a woman who had
been caught in the act forbidden by the seventh commandment. Making their
accusation against her, they reminded Him that the law of ]\Ioses required
that such an oftense be punished l)y stoning the offender, and they asked Him
to pronounce judgment. The suave in which they hoped to catch Him lay in
the fact that, though a violation of the commandment was punishable under
the Mosaic law with death i)y stoning, yet the law had always reuuiiued a.
dead letter, with a very tew exceptions during the wanderings in the wilder-
ness. Hence, had Christ insisted on an enforcement of the law now. He must
have incurred public odium for rendering so harsh a judgment, while to deciile
otherwise would subject Him to censure as one who disregarded, or held in
contempt, the Mosaic law, which would lay him under the ban of blasphemy.

But between these two dangers Jesus was able to steer with consummate
adroitness, without infringing the law or subjecting Himself to criticism for
harshness. Stooping down, He wrote with his huger upon the ground, in the
Temple court, the law of Moses applicable t(> the case before Him, after which
He rose up and said, " He that is without sin among you, let him cast the
first stone." This same law which condemned the guilty to death, required the
witnesses of the act to cast the first stones, but in the present case the accusers
had themselves so frequently violated the same law that they felt the quiet
rebuke which Christ had given them and slunk away. When they had all
gone away abashed with confusion, Jesus turned to the woman and asked where
were her accusers, and seeing no man near to respond. He said, " Since there
are none to condemn thee neither do I condemn thee ; go and sin no more."

As Jesus was returning on a vSabbath from the Temple to His lodgings at
the Alouut of Olives, which was on the outskirts of Jerusalem, he met a blind
beggar sitting at a gate in His way. The disciples who accompanied Him seem
to have fir.-.t discovered the afflicted nnn, for they, seeking instruction from the
example, asked Christ to whom should the sin which rendered the man blind
be laid, whether to his parents or to himself, to which Jesus replied liy deny-
ing that the condition of the sightless one was due either to his own folly or
to the evil conduct of his parents, but revealed to them that it was an instance
jf God's manner of dealing with those who love Him, in that the blind man
Had been set in the way that he might bear witness to the power and mercy
of God made -.nanifest in the Son ; whereupon Jesus took up some clay from
the ground, and mixing it with His spittle, made a poultice with which he
bound up the blind man's eyes, and then told him to wash in the Pool of
Siloam. The man went away at once to the pool, and when he had washed
the clay from his eyelids his heart leaped for joy at finding he had recovered
his sight.

1... i

U''y)

' II

t ;

470

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

The miracle wrojiglit on the beggar becair.o quickly noised throughout
Jerusalem, so that hundreds came to see the man and to ask by what means
his sight had been restored. To all these questions he replied b}^ a simple
recital of the facts, and by giving all the credit to Jesus, though he did not at
the time appear to know who Jesus was.

The Pharisees and scribes were quick, as usual, to find something in the
gracious act to condemn. Hence they at first said, " This man is not of God
because He keepeth not the Sabbath day." But there were others who reasoned
on the matter, and who asked, in admiration and surprise, " How can a man
that is a sinner do such miracles ?" Thus there was a division of opinion
among the people, which soon grew into a serious dispute. Some of the more
vindictive and jealous of the Pharisees refused to believe that any miracle had
been performed. They accordingl}- called the beggar's parents and questioned
them, to which inquiries they received assurances tliat he was indeed their son,
and that he had, been born blind, but the}', afraid of the clamor that had been
raised over the miracle, disclaimed any knowledge of how he had recovered his
sight, saying. He is of age; go and ask him." To the blind man himself
the Jews next spoke, telling him that to God alone he should give praise, for
Jesus was a sinner and a blasphemer. But he, more courageous than his.
parents, answered, " Whether He be sinner or no, I know not ; one thing I
know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." And when the Jews anno^-ed
him with their repetitions as to how he regained his sight, the beggar in turn
began to argue that Jesus, by the miracle He had performed, had given proof of
His power to do those tilings which can only be performed by a special gift
from God. Said he, '' Since the world 1)egan was it heard that any man opened
the ej-es of one that was born blind? If this man were not of God, He could
do nothing."

This testimony to the works and goodness of Jesus so incensed the Jews
that they laid hands on the blind man and cast him out of the city, and refused
him permission to enter their synagogues. Up to this time, though convinced
that Jesus was a wonderful man, who must needs have derived this power
from God, he did not know, nor did he even suspect, that Jesus was the
promised Messiah. But a few days after his rejection by the Jews, he
met Jesus, who, accosting him, asked, " Dost thou believe on the Son of
God?" To which the beggar replied, " \Vh?) is He, Lord, that I might believe
on Him." Then Jesus revealed Himself to him as the one who had
restored his sight, and also as the promised Saviour. And the beggar believed
on and worshipped Him.

PARAIU.K OF THK GOOD SHEPHERD.

Many of the Jews were now more kindly disposed toward Jesus, but still
they had their doubts, increased by their jealous)^ and especially by the per-
sistent abuse heaped upon Him by the Pharisees and scribes. As He was

^m i«^^«k--

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

471

walking on Solomon s porch, \\liich was the palace in Jerusalem built by that
great and wise king, some of the half-believing Jews put directly to Him the
question, " If thou art the Son of God, whom the prophets said should come
into the world, tell us so plainl}'." Jesus replied that He had already told
them so, but they would not believe, and He therefore ga\-e to them the parable
of the Good Shepherd. " \'erily I say unto 3'ou, he that entereth not by the
door into the sheepfold, but climbeth no some other way, the same is a
thief and a robber. But he that entereth u. b}' the door is the shepherd of the
sheep. To him the porter openeth ; and the sheep hear his voice : and he
calleth his own sheep b}- name, and Icadeth them out, and when he putteth
forth his own sheep, he goeth before them and the sheep follow him : for thej''
know his voice, and a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him :
for they know not the voice of strangers." The Jews, failing to understand
the meaning of this parable, Jesus explained to them that He was the door of
the sheepfold ; that whosoever came through Him should become one of the
heavenh' fold ; that He was also the Good Shepherd who would give His life
for His sheep, for He knew all His sheep and would bring them safe within
the fold at the last day. " Therefore," said He, " doth My Heavenly Fathei
love Me, because I lay down My life, that I may take it again. No man
taketh it from Me, but I la}' it down of Myself: I have power to lay it down
and to take it again. This commandment have I received of M)- Father."
This prediction of His death the Jews only partly understood, but His defense
of the claims which He set up as to His being equal with God increased their
anger to such an extent that they would have seized Him with violent hands,
forgetful of the works He had done and the ]n-omises made in the parable of
the Good Shepherd to protect His flock. But before they could execute their
dire intent, Jesus suddenly disappeared from their midst and went away to a
place beyond the Jordan where John had baptized.

R.-VISINT, OK r,A/,.\Krs.

While preaching at the baptizing ])lace of John — possibly wlicre the
Saviour had Himself been baptized — Mary and Martha sent Jesus wt)rd that
their brother, Lazarus, was lying very ill at Brthany, and begged Him to come
and minister to him. But though Jesus regarded the two sisters and Lazarus
as His very dear friends. He did not respond at once to the call for His ser-
vices, having a wise purpose in view to promj^t Him to delay. He therefore
continued preaching in the same place two days longer, at the end of which
time He said to His disciples : " Let us go into Judea agoin." The disciples,
however, remonstrated against His going again into that country, reminding
Him that it was only a short time before the Jews there sought to stone Him,
and to return now must expose Him to great danger. But Jesus calmed tlieir
fears by assuring them that to Him was given the knowledge of uhat should
come to pass, and again by telling them that Lazarus was now sleeping (dead),

i i

i^ii i

472

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

and that He must go arc! raise him out of his sleep (restore him to life), by
which He should again give proof to them that He was indeed the Resurrec-
tion and the Life.

Thomas, called Didymus, did not receive with satisfaction the assurances
given him by Jesus, but his devotion was such that he determined to go with
his Lord and, if need be, die with Him at the hands of the hate-inspired Jews.
While on their way to Bethau}', which was less than two miles to the east
of Jerusalem, they learned that Lazarus was already dead, as Jesus had fore-
told, and had been laid away in a sepulclire for four days. The neighbors had
oifered such comfort to Mar}^ and Martha as they were able to give, but in the
bitterness of their afflictions the two sisters refused all consolation, feeling in

their hearts that their beloved
brother might have recovered had
Jesus responded promptly to their
call. As He approached near,
Martha was first to discover Him,
and running out of the house she
greeted Jesus, crying: "Lord, if
Thou hadst been here my brother
had not died. But I know that
even now, whatever Thou wilt
ask of God, He will give it
Thee." Jesus received her kindly
and sought to console her with
the promise, "Thy brother shall
rise again." Then Martha
thought that Jesus referred to
the resurrectio'i on Judgment
day. Mary had not yet shown
herself, being oppressed so by
grief that she remained closeted,
but when Jesus asked for her she
came upon a summons from her sister, and kneeling at the feet of Jesus said, as
had Martha, "Lord, if Thou hadst been here my brother had not died." The
scene was so moving that all those near fell to weeping, mingling their sorrowing
sympath}- with the profound grief and trustfulness of the t\vo sisters. With eyes
suffused witli tears Jesus asked where the body of Lazarus had been laid, where-
upon they answered him, "Come and see." At this Jesus fell to weeping, thus
pouring out His great soul in loving sympathy, which the Jews perceiving, said,
"See how He loved him!" And again the}' asked, "Could not this man, who
opened the eyes of the blind, have saved Lazarus from dying?" Jesus, followed
by the two sisters, His disciples, and many friends of the deceased, went for-
ward until He came to the sepulchre, which, according to the custom of the

'l.ORn, IF THOU HADST HKKN' HERE MY BROTHER HAD
NOT UIKD."

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

473

times, was an excavation in the side of a hill before which a stone was rolled
to hide the bod}'- from view. Among the more wealthy it was cnstomary to fit
a stone before the sepnlchre and to cement it in snch a manner as to exclnde
the air, after which a private seal was placed on the stone. In the bnrial of
Lazarus it appears from the text that a grave had been excavated, over which
a slab vas placed which might be easily removed, for the family was too pooi
to give the body a better sepulchre. As the party reached the grave, there-
fore, Jesus ordered the covering to be removed ; but Martha, whose faith was
not so unbounded as she had declared, said: "Lord, Lazarus has been dead
now four days, by which time his bod}' must be decayed and offensive." Jesus
rebuked her by saying in reply, "Did I not tell thee that if thou wouldst
believe in Me, thou shouldst see how great God's power is ?" So the stone
M'as removed and Lazarus was exposed, wrapped in his burial garments, with
a linen napkin bound about his head, as was the custom of burial among the
Jews. Jesus now called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" whereupon he
that was dead imniediatel}' uprose, with the winding cerements still about him,
and stood before .the Resurrector with the flush of life full upon him ; the
grave clothes were speedily removed from his feet and hands, and Lazarus
stood forth to thank God and receive the joyful manifestations of his sisters.

The Jews who were witnesses of this wondrous miracle were moved to a
confession of Christ, and went away telling it to all whom the}' met. When
the Pharisees heard what had been done the)' were more jealous than before,
gathering together and asking one another what should be done to counteract
the influence Jesus Avas exerting among the people. "If we let Him alone,"
said they, " all the people will believe on Him and make Him their king.
This will arouse the Romans to anger, and Cresar will send an army into
our countr}' to reduce us to subjection." Thus they conspired among them-
selves to destroy Jesus, and sent emissaries out to make charges against Him.

Caiaphas, the high-priest, who was leader of the rulers, before a council
that had been summoned, argued the political expediency of putting Christ to
death as a substitute for the whole people, for, he contended, it were manifestly
better that Jesus should be executed than that through His influence the
people be committed to acts which would invite the wrath of Rome. This
proposition came as a prophecy, evidentl}' prompted to utterance by God Him-
self for His own good reason, though Caiaphas knew not the full measure of
his words.

JESUS KSCAPKS TO THE WILDERNKSS OF EPHRAIM.

On account of the plots formed against His life Jesus retired out of Beth-
any to the wilderness of Ephraim, whither He was accompanied by His disci-
ples. After remaining in Ephraim a short while He travelled through Peroea,
preaching in the villages which lay in His route, and afterwards turning
toward Jerusalem, where He should be offered up for the sins of all people.
We are not told through what cities His route now lay, but it is evident that

l!!>)

! r

474

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

He chose a populous district, where He would Ijc sure of large audiences, and
where also the people were inclined to give ear to His teachings.

As He was preaching in one of the synagogues on a Sabbath, He per-
ceived an old woman in the audience who was afflicted with what had been
pronounced an incurable disease, for a period of eighteen years. Walking was
extremely painful to her ; yet, so anxious was she to see Jesus, that the bur-
den of her affliction and the pangs which shot through her feeble body with
every nu)vement of her limbs, did not restrain her from going to the S3'na-
gogue, though she had entertained no hope of being cured b}' the Great Ph}--
sician. Seeing that she was concerned chiefly about her sonl, Jesus called out
to her, saying, "Woman, thou art made well of thy sickness." He afterward
laid His hands upon her, and immediate!}' she was restored to perfect health
and began praising God.

The ruler of the synagogue, however, was ver}' angry at Jesus for having
performed this good miracle on the Sabbath da}', for, like all others of his class,
he was a stickler for the Mosaic law in its literal construction, giving no
regard to the spirit and intent of the law-giver. Jesus administered to him
a stinging rebuke, to which the ruler could nuike no repl}- : "Thou hypocrite,
doth not each one of you, on the Sabbath, take his ox or his ass from the
stable and lead him out to water him ? And if it is right to do what is need-
ful for the ox or the ass, is it not right that this woman, who has been suf-
fering for eighteen 3'ears, should be made well on the Sabbath day ?"

PARABLE OF THE GREAT SUPPER.

And Jesus now spoke man}- parables to the people, for He saw that they
could comprehend His teachings more readilj' by giving them practical illus-
trations and bringing the moral of each directly home to their understanding.
Thus, on one occasion, while He was visiting at the house of a chief Pharisee,
who was almost persuaded and yet not quite willing to give over his worldly
wa}' of living, Jesus related the parable of a man who had provided a great
supper: When the table had been made read}' for a large numl)er of invited
guests, the host sent his servants out to bid those who had been invited to
come to the feast, but one after antiihcr made excuses, assigning as many
reasons as there were guests iuvited, wh}' it was inconvenient for them to
accept. The man wa;-: very angry when he found that none of those whoui
he had asked to dine with him would come to his feast, but that the victuals
provided might not spoil, he ordered his servants to go out quickly again into
the streets and to invite ever}' person they might meet, particularly the poor,
lame, and blind. When the servants had thus lirought in a great number of
imfortunates, the man found that there was still room for many more at the
table, and he accordingly ordered his servants to go out again and invite as
many more as his tables would acconnnodate. but he enjoined them not to
bring any one of those whom he had first invited, for he declared that now

hit

ces, and

He per-
ad been
ciug v.-as
the bur-
)d}' Avith
lie syna-
;at Pliy-
illed out
fterward
:t health

r having
lis class,
Iviiig no

to him
ypocrite,
Toni the

is need-
been suf-

lat they
al illus-
andiiig.
luirisee,
worldl}'
a great
invited
itcd to
many
hem to
whom
i-ictuals
lin into
e poor,
liber of
at the
Kite as
not to
lat now

'WOMAN, THOU ART M.VDIJ WliLl, OK THY SICKNIiSS."

1475)

^fi^ '

ill

it)

h taJi^ V iH^'I*.^ J.

476

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

5 •

they should not taste of any of the meats and good things that he had pre-
pared. By this parable Jesus impressed His hearers with the means God had
provided for salvation. The man who had made the feast was God himself,
whose servants were the ministers of the gospel. These had first invited the
Jews, but as they would not come, the invitation had been extended to all
people who would receive His teachings, regardless of their poverty and
infirmities.

PARABLE OF THK PRODIGAL .SOX.

There was a certain man who had two sons ; the younger of whom, having
grown to manhood's estate, came to his father and asked for his share of the
inheritance, that he might go out into the world and henceforth pursue his
own wa}'. Accordingly, the father made a division of his propert}' and gave
the younger son his share. The young man, having a large sum, and reckon-
ing nothing of how it had been accumulated, so that he knew not its value,
went to a far country and there, instead of wisely investing his inheritance,
entered upon a course of riotous living whereby his substance was soon squan-
dered, and he was left friendless and in poverty. His misfortune was greatly
increased by reason of a famine which now prevailed in the land to which he
had travelled, so that he was in danger of starving. To appease his growing
hunger the young man engaged hinself as a swineherd, and while attending
his charge he sought to stay his c....ing with the swill and grain upon which
the hogs fed.

In his reduced condition the prodigal began to think of the v-'onduct which
had brought him to this sorry plight, and, though appreciating his faults, he
thought of the care and comfort which the servants of his father had, and of
the bread they had to spare, with plenty abounding on every side of them.
So he resolved to return to his father, acknowledge his faults and his unworthi-
ness to be called the son of so good a man, and to beg that he might be
permitted to engage as one of his hired servants. Carrying this resolution into
effect the young man left the land of famine, and after a long time of journey-
ing, and innumerable hardships, he came at last within sight of the old home-
stead. Ragged, dirt}', emaciated by hunger, begrimed with dust of the road,
unshorn, and misery written in every feature, j-et the returning prodigal was
not without recognition ; for even when he was yet a great way off his father
recognized him; not in the soiled clothes, unkempt hair, and beggarly garme'ts,
but in that fatherhood which knows its own by voice ; yea, by intuition. And
perceiving that it was his son, the forgiving father ran out to meet him, and
when he drew near he fell upon the boy's neck and with kisses, and tears of
compassion, welcomed him back with a jo}' which the heart may feel but
tongue cannot express.

Overcome with shame for his unworthincss, the erring son freelj' confessed
his sin, and begged that he might be received only as a servant, which humble
place he did not even deserve. But the rejoiced father made no other reply

had pre-
God had
I himself,
ivited the
led to all
'erty and

m, having
ire of the
ursue his

and gave
id reckon-

its value,
iheritance,
lon sqnan-
is greatly

which he
s growing

attending
pon which

act which
anlts, he
and of
of them,
nnworthi-
might be
ition into
journey-
Id home-
the road,
ligal was
is father
arme'ts.
n. And
lim, and
tears of
feel but

ponfessed

humble

|er reply

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

477

than to order the servants to bring quickly the best robe with which to adorn
him, in place of the tattered raiment that disfigured his precious body ; to put
a ring upon his hand and shoes upon his feet; "and bring hither," said he,
"the fatted calf, and kill it: and let us eat and be merry; for this ni}- son was
lost and is found again." So then a general rejoicing began among the servants
and famil}', and there was music and dancing and laughter, until the noise

UKPARTURU 01» THIC PRODIGAI, SON.

reached the elder brother, who was out in the field. Wondering what was the
cause of this great jubilee he came hastily toward the house, and meeting a
servant eagerly inquired of him what it all meant. To this the servant
answered, with some show of pleasurable excitement, "Thj^ brother has come!
and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe
and sound !" Stung with jealousy, because of the marked favors bestowed

1... i

;.| I

478

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

I I

ii t

upon his brother, while he himself had not even oeen invited to the welcoming,
the elder one refused to go in, whereat his father came out and entreated him
to give over his jealousy and extend a brotherly hand of greeting to him who
had been lost. But he answered, "Father, for all these many years of my life
have I served thee faithfull}' ; neither have I at any time wilfully disobeyed

RETURN OK THE PRODIGAl, SON.

any of j-our commands ; and yet you never gave me so much as a little kid
with which I might make a feast for my friends ; but so soon as my brother
returns, after squandering his inheritance in every form of wanton riot, you
receive him with such display of affection as you never bestowed on me, and
have killed for him the fatted calf, that should have been reserved for a more
deserving feast."

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

479

Though all the elder son had said was true, the good and loving fathei
was all the more pained, and with beseeching speech he prevailed with his
jealous son, saying: "Thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad ; for this thy brother
was dead, and is alive again ; and was lost, and is found."

B}' this parable Jesus illustrated the compassion of God, and the jo}-? of
His Heavenly Father when any that are lost in sin shall renounce the evil of
their ways and return to Him, the source of all love ; for the good He has
always with Him, hence that greater joy must be manifest when the evil are
reclaimed.

PARAIU.K OF THK RICH MAX AXD LAZARU.S.

The Pharisees, though outwardly affecting great respect for the Mosaic
law, praying loudly in public places to excite popular belief in their great
piety, were at heart base, treacherous, selfish, and above all, given to every
manner of luxur}'- which wealth could provide. To picture these faults in
unmistakable colors, that would expose them to themselves as well as to His
followers, Jesus related another parable, as follows : There was once a very
rich man, who, having no care for further acquisition, or heed for those less
blessed than himself, spent his time dressing with fastidious care in the finest
of linens, to be admired of men, and in dining with such sumptuousness
as to excite the envy of his neighbors. And there was a certain beggar,
named Lazarus, who, covered with sores and other afflictions which rendered
him helpless, was laid by his little more favored friends at the rich man's
gate that, perchance, he might subsist off the crumbs thrown to him b}- the
servants from the great feasts. While lying thus exposed, and dependent
upon a doubtful charity, the poor man was visited by dogs, that came to lick
his sores, and which were alone lowly enough to be his companions. But soon
the despised unfortunate died, and the touch of grief never once swept across
the strings of the human heart, but in heaven there was a tear of pity wept,
and there was the minstrels}^ of rejoicing, too, at a soul released from its
sorrowing tenement: and so angels came. to carry away the soul of Lazarus,
where It might repose in the bosom of an unspeakable delight, wrapped in the
myster3% but goodness, of God.

And soon the rich v.ian also died ; and there were wailings over the
costly cerements which hid his poor body of senseless claj' ; dirges of music
flooded the room wherein he lay, and floated out among the naves and lofty
arches of the great palace, to an assemblage that had come to pay its last
homage to the rich man. And now the crowd divided to permit a passage
for the pall-bearers as the}' filed solemnly by, carrying the body to its final
bourne, an imposing sepulchre carved out of the rock, where neither thieves
nor pr3'ing eyes could penetrate. But while all this pomp and circumstance of
wailing, homage and burial was being enacted, the soul of Dives was already
in another world paying the penalty of a wasted life. From out the sleep of

iC:'-'

4So

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

death the rich man was awakened by the torments prepared for the wicked,
and as he raised his eyes in agon}', lo! afar off he saw tl'.c spirit of La/arns
in the arms of Abraham, revelling in the joj'S of righteonsness ; and Dives

LAZARUS BEFORE THE RICH MAN'S UOOR.

cried ont, " Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he
may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue ; for I am tor-
mented in this flame." But to this appeal Abraham could only answer, "Son,

Ithat he
im tor-

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31

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

481

remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, while Lazarus, in
all the misery of his poverty and afflictions, was suffered to remain at thy
gate without attention either from thee or thy servants. Now, he is in para-
dise, and thou art in the torment of the selfish and worldly-minded. But even
were Lazarus disposed to respond to thy cry, there is a wide gulf between
thee and him, which no soul may pass, either to go or come."

Upon hearing this. Dives besought Abraham that he might send one from
the dead to warn his five remaining brothers against the sins which had
brought him to this place of torment ; but the prophet answered that so
engrossed were they in the evils which wealth provokes, and so wedded to the
course of a luxurious and selfish life, that even if one were sent from the
dead to tell of their folly and danger, 3'et would the}' not repent.

THE PHARISi'.E AXD PUI5LICAN.

Jesus re-enforced His illustrations of Pharisaic hypocrisy b}' relating
another parable, no less appropriate at the time, and quite as applicable to the
present age : Two men went up into the Temple to repeat their prayers ac-
cording to their customs, one of wiiom was a Pharisee and the other a publi-
can. The former, arrayed in rich raiment, which was a mark of his vanity,
stood in an open place, and thus poured out his selfish cant and boasting :
"O God, I thank Thee Thou hast not made me as other men are, extortioners,
unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican, who conies also at this time to
offer up his petitions. I am more devout than other men, and fulfil tlic law,
because I fast twice each week and give the tenth of what I possess to the
support of the Temple service ; therefore am I deserving of all Th}' favors."
The publican, however, entertained no selfish motives, nor did he seek to
justify his actions before God, but realizing how much he owed to his Alaker,
and the unworthiness of every man before God, humbled himself and cried
out, in his desire to be made better, "God, be merciful to me a sinner." " I
tell you," said Jesus, "this publican was justified rather than the Pliarisec; for
every one that exalteth himself shall be abased ; and he that humbleth him-
self shall be exalted."

THE RICH YOUXG ISIAN.

Scarcely had Jesus ceased speaking to them these parables illustrating the
vanity of riches, when there came running to Him a young man, who, kneel-
ing at the Lord's feet, asked, " Good ^iaster, what shall I do to inherit eternal
life?" To which Jesus answered, " Why callest thou Me good? There is none
good but One, that is God." Thongh He knew that the young man was
insincere in his professions to hnmble himself or to forsake the Inxuries and
follies which his inherited wealth had accnstomed him to, Jesus yet conde-
scended to answer him, rather fin- the example which He might make to
those about Him. Thus said He: "Thou knowest the comnuuulments ; ha.st
thou ob.served all these?" "Yea," replied the young man, "I have obeyed all
31

III

:i, «■■

I r j]

482

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

; I

m ' :!,

of these from my youth." Jesus now looked upon him with compassion, for
He knew that the harder sacrifice had not been made, and heuce the observ-
ance which the young man confessed was in letter rather than the spirit of
self-denial and worshipful heart. Jesus therefore said to him : " One thing
thou lackest yet : go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hc^-.t, and give to the

r'l

the
His
disci]:

AND TIIK YOUNG MAN XUKNKU AWAY SORKuWl'ULLY.'

poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven ; and come, take up thy cross and
follow Mc." But the young man was grieved to hear these hard conditions,
for Uv: was very rich, and turned away, for ho would not accept tliem.

Thus was an example in real life offered, whereby Jesus was able to show
to his disciples the persistency with which a man will cling to his worldly

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

4.S3

possessions, even tliougli it be at the sacrifice of liis soul. Therefore those
which are first in this world, honoi-ed of v.ien for their accuniukitious and the
vain-glorious display which they make to excite praise, shall be last in the
Kingdom of Heaven.

While Jesus was thus teaching, many of the people who accepted him as
the promised Messiah brought their little ones and begged that He might lay
His hands on their heads and bless them. As the crowd pres5»ed for-.vard the
disciples rebuked those who had brought their children, and bade them go away
and ceate interrupting the Teacher, whose mission was among men. But Jesus
was angered by the rudeness of His disciples, and cried out to them and the
waiting mothers as well : " Let the little children come unto me, and forbid
them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." And He took up the prattling
babes in His loving arms, and laid His dear hands upon the heads of others and
blessed them.

PARABLE OF THE LABORERS.

And He Spake another parable saying : The Kingdom of Heaven may be
compared to a householder who went out earH' in the morning to hire laborers
to work in his field. The first men whom he met agreed to work for him for
the wages of one penny per day. These he engaged, and then went into the
market place and hired others, but without stipulating what he should pay
them. Each hour of the day, from the first to the eleventh, the man A\ent
through the streets and engaged men to work in his fields, saying to each,
" Whatsoever is right I will pay you." When the day was done he ordered
his steward to call all the laborers and pay them their hire, beginning with
the last engaged. Therefore those that were engaged at the eleventh hour
were paid first, and each man received a penn5\ Seeing how liberal the man
had been to those who had not worked above one hour, those who ^vorked
twelve hours expected to receive a sum proportionate to the time of their ser-
vice, but upon receiving their pay they found that the)'', too, had received only
the penny for which they had agreed to work. Thereupon they bitterly com-
plained of their employer's injustice, saying, "These whom you first paid have
wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal to us, which have borne
the burden and heat of the entire day." But the man reminded the complain-
ants that he had fulfilled his promise, and that they had no right to charge
him with injustice when he had paid them the sum which they freel}' engaged
to work for. " Is it not lawful," said he, " to do what I will with mine own ?"
This parable was recited to illustrate the chai-acter of God's mercy ; that
the promise of eternal life was held out to all men, and that there were
no measures of glory whereljy men should be rewarded in proportion to the
length of their service in God's vineyard ; but that all who were absolved from
• guilt, through the acceptance of the Holy Spirit, even if the change from sin
to righteousness were made within the last hour, yet the reward was as great
as the mercy of God could make it.

■i;i:

wrs*

CHAPTER XXXI.

ZACCHEUS ACKNOWLEDGES CHRIST.

N His joiinie}' toward Jerusalem to attend the Feast of
the Passover, Jesus passed through Jericho, followed by
a vast concourse of people, some being attracted by
curiosit}', whilst others were become worshippers and
became His followers because of their steadfast ^aith.
There was a certain rich man in Jericho, named
Zaccheus, who held the office of chief tax-gatherer, a
place of appointment under the Roman government.
This man, having heard much concerning Jesus, became
ve.'y auxious to see Him, but on account of his extremel}- short
stature he could not catch even a glimpse of the Divine Master,
over the heads of the taller people who made up the crowd. To
gratify his curiosit}', therefore, Zaccheus ran before the moving
mass of the people, and climbed up into the branches of a syca-
more tree which he knew stood in the path over whicli Jesus
must pass. When the Saviour approached near, He looked up
p / 1 \ I and perceiving Zaccheus, knowing also the reason of his lofty
*^-^ y V position, addressed him in a kindh' manner, saying, "Zaccheus,

C^ \j make liastc and come d<Avu, for I must abide at thy house to-

day." The spirit of faith was immediately made manifest in Zaccheus, who,
answering the summons, said, "Belu<ld, Lord, the half of my goods I give to
the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I
restore him fourfold." This spcecli was an acknowledgment of the Messiah-
ship, for Zaccheus well knew what implacable hatred the Jews felt for the tax-
gatherers, and knowing Jesus to be a Jew he sought to make amends for any
of his misdeeds and oppressions as a publican, that he might have the favor
of Him who had alreadj- ])een hailed as "King of the Jews." The people,
however, complained that Jesus was putting Himself upon an equality with
a chief of sinners, for they could not conceive how one so odious to them, as
a tax-gatherer, could be uu)\ed by any good intentions. But Jesus saw the
earnestness and faith of Zaccheus, and assured him of His favor by saying,
"This day is salvation come to this (thy) house" (or the house of Abraham).

TRirMi'irAi, I'.x'rRV into ji-risai.i'.m.

As he was going out of Jericlio lie jiassed a blind beggar bj' the wayside,
who, hearing that Jesus was i)assing, cried out, "Jesus, Thou Sou of David,

(+s.() .

;ast of
ved by
:ed by
rs and
t ^aith.
named
lerei", a
rnnient.
became
y short
Master,
vd. To
moving
a syca-
h Jesus
|oked up
lis lofty
accheus,
ouse to-
wlio,
give to
atitm, I
aessiali-
llie tax-
for any
le favor
ptMjple,
ty with
hem, as
saw the
saying,
rahamt.

Ivayside,
David,

IS,

ill i

h'iiiiiii' i

I?
fl:

JKSUS UNTEKING JURUSAI.KM AMID llOSANNAS.

(485)

■' t i

iill

iiiH

if 1 I

11! i

I <

4S6

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

have mercy on me." The disciples, as well as main' others, hesought him to
be still, but the blind man onl}^ called out the louder, until Jesus requested
that he be brought to Him. When the unfortunate was in the Divine presence
and questioned as to his desires, he begged that he might receive his sight,
whereupon Jesus said to him, ''Go thy way ; thy faith hath made thee whole."
And immediately he received his sight and followed after Jesus.

As the great concourse of people came near to Bethany, Jesus rested at
the Mount of Olives, and sent two of His disciples into the village of Beth-
pliage (town of figs), with instructions to bring to Him a colt (ass) which
they Avould find tied at the village gate, and upon which no one had yet rid-
den. The two accordingly set out for Bethphage, and when they reached the
gate they found, as the Lord had told them, a young ass, but as they were
unlopsing the animal, the ovner appeared and demanded to know why they
were taking the ass without so much as asking his leave to do so ; to which
they replied, "The Lord hath need of him." We are led to believe from the
fact that no opposition was made to the. disciples' action, that to the owner was
revealed the true purpose for which his animal was needed, auv^^ he no doubt
joined the crowd that was following Jesus up to Jerusalem. When the ass
was brought, some of the disciples placed their garments upon its back and
mounted Jesus thereon, while others spread their clothes in the path for Him
to ride over. Thus the journey was resumed, and as the crowd moved forward
fiom the IMount of Olives they set up such rejoicings as were never before
heard in that sacred place. Hosannas were sung and shouts of praisegiving
rent the air : " Blessed be the king that cometh in the name of the Lord ;
peace in heaven, and glory in the highest." Some of the Pharisees objected
to this adulation, even of one so worthy of praise, and asked Jesus to repress
the outbreak of noisy glorification ; but to these requests He returned the
reply: "I tell you, if these people should hold their' peace, the very stones
would cry . ut in praise."

As Jesus approached within view of Jerusalem, the sad future of that
splendid city arose before him, and with prophetic vision He saw it lying in
ruins, its destruction to be wrought as a punishment of the people for having
rejected the day of grace. Just as this affliction might be, Jesus was none the
less sorrowful, and He wept while contemplating the woe which was foretold
to Him should come to those who were His perstcutoi"s.

Entering into Jerusalem and the Temple, He still met with the same
reception, the people crying, "This is Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee!"
and coming to Him in the Temple to be healed. What most incensed the
chief priests and scribes was to hear the cJiildirn crjang in the Temple,
"Hosanna to the Son of David;" and, as before, they asked Him to silence
them; but He only reminded them of David's words, "Out of the mouth of
babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise." In the evening He returned
to Bethany,

come,

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

PARABLE OF THE VINEYARD.

4S7

Day after day the multitude which came together to hear Jesus continued
to increase, until both the Temple and court were filled to overflowing. In
addressing the scribes and Pharisees He usually confined Himself to an expound-
ing of the law, but to the great majority He discoursed in parables which
brought His teachings into bold relief to their simple comprehension, and
thereby gave them practical demonstrations of the truths He proclaimed. Thus
He recited the parable of the vineyard :

There was a certain land owner who planted a vineyard iipon his lands,
and fenced it against depredations from roaming herds. He also built a wine
press and suitable buildings for housing the workmer. and caring for the
vintage. Having thus prepared the soil and planted it, he let the lands to
certain husbandmen, and leaving servants to collect the rents, he made a
journey into a far country.

When the fruits were ripe the land owner's servants went to the hus-
bandmen to demand the money which was due, but instead of the tenants
making payments as they had agreed, they seized the rent collectors, one of
whom they beat, another they stoned, and murdered another. Other collectors
were sent to collect the rent, but they were likewise brutally treated and
received nothing. At length the land owner's son went in person to request
payment of the money that was due, but when the wicked husbandmen saw
him coming, and knew his errand, they said to one another, "This is the heir;
come, let us kill him, and seize on his inheritance. And they caught and slew
him, and threw his body out of the vineyard."

Having related this parable, Jesus asked His hearers what the landlord
should do when he returned and learned how the husbandmen had treated his
servants ? And He explained to them that the landlord was God, and the
husbandmen were those who had done evil to His servants in the world's
vineyard; while the son whom they murdered, was Himself, for it was the
intention of the wickei to kill Him because He was the heir, sent about His
Father's business.

PARABLE OF THE \VEDDING FEAST.

And He gave them anoLlier parable, wherein He likened the Kingdom of
Heaven to a certain king who desired to celebrate the wedding of his son.
This king prepared a great number of invitations which he sent out by his
servants, that his friends might come and make merry with him in his hour
of gladness. But none of the persons invited responded, whereupon he sent his
servants for them, bidding them to say to those whose company he requested,
" Behold, I have prepared my dinner : my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and
all things are ready : come unto the marriage." But they refused the invita-
tion and went about their business affairs, indifferent to the king's wishes and
commands. This treatment so offended the king that he sent his army to

4SS

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

'I,;

ir ;^'

punisli those who had insulted his servants and disobeyed his orders. Having
done this he bade his servants go oiic again upon the highwaj's and to summon
to the feast all the pe- n\c the}' could find, whether good or bad, for the baked
meats must be eaten.

By this general invitation a verj- large number of guests were brought in
who made merry with the king. Ar. , '.ig those who had thus come to the feast,
however, was one who had not prepared himself with a wedding garment, and
being discovered by the king he was commanded to tell why he had not
observed the requirements of every guest at a royal marriage feast. The unfor-
tunate man, not being able to furnish an excuse for his negligence, hung his
head in shame, whereupon the king commanded his servants to seize and bind
him, and to throw him out, for he was unworthy to be of the company invited.

In this parable God was represented as the king who had prepared the
wedding feast, and the son was Jesus Himself, whom the Father desired to
honor. Those first invited were the Jews that rejected Him, and those after-
ward brought in from the highways were the people of other nations who would
receive His teachings and fulfil the law of righteousness. The man who
neglected to provide himself with a wedding garment represented the hypocrite,
who, while outwardly appearing like a true believer, was at heart without faith,
and therefore unworthy of Christian fellowship.

THE POOR widow's MITE.

While Jesus was preaching in the Temple, He perceived how the people
made their contributions for the purchase of sacrifices, and for defraying the
expenses of the Temple services. Large chests were provided, in the top of
which an aperture \vas made to receive coins ; into these the people, both rich
and poor deposited such sums as they were pleased to contribute. Some of
the verj' Tealthy made a display of their riches by depositing large sums in
the presence of persons who, they were sure, would publish their great charity.
Among the contributors Jesus observed a poor widow approach the box and,
with trembling hand, deposit two mites — equivalent to one cent of our money
— which was all that she had. Jesus now called to His disciples, and taught
them a lesson in true charity, no less valuable to us because it is old. Said
He : " Verily, I say iinto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than
all they who had made their contributions to the sacred treasury ; for, while
others gave of their abundance, she cast in all that she had, even to the last
means of her living."

destruction of the temple foretold.

Every evening, after the teachings of the day were finished, Jesus went
either to Bethany or the Mount of Olives to pass the night. On returning
to Jerusalem one morning, Jesus addressed His disciples on the glory and
magnificence of the Temple, which, builded by the hands of man, must, like

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

4S9

all other human creations, perish in the mutations of time. He, therefore,
told them that the da}- was coming when tliis beautiful house of worship
would be demolished and of the ruins there would not be left so much as
one stone upon another, but all its materials would be scattered wide apart.
This prophecy alarmed the disciples, and when Jesus again returned to the
Mount of Olives they began to question Him when these things should come
to pass, for they believed He referred to the time when the world itself should
be destroyed. Without correcting this impression, though His forecast of the
Temple's destruction referred to the capture and sack of Jerusalem in the wars
which should be waged, He improved the occasion to prepare them for some
of the momentous events which must occur, by which not only the Temple,
but themselves also, would fall by the violent hands of the Lord's enemies.
Said He : " Take heed that no man deceive you ; for many shall come in My
name, saying : I am Christ ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of
wars and rumors of wars ; see that ye be not troubled ; for all these things
must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against
nation, and kingdom against kingdom ; and there shall be famines, and pesti-
lences, and earthquakes in divers places. All these are the beginning of
sorrows. Then shall they deliver j'ou up to be afflicted, and shall kill you ;
and 3'e shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake. And then shall
many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because
iniquity shall abo- nd, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure
unto the end, the samo shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall
be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations ; and then shall
the end come."

PAR.\BLE OF THE TEN VIRGIN.^.

To impress them more forcibly with the meaning of this prophecy, and
the need of every man to prepare himself in the days that are allotted him
for the call to judgment, Jesus gave them a parable in which He compared
the Kingdom of Heaven to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to
meet a bridegroom. In those daj's it was customary, after a marriage had
been celebrated at the bride's house, for the bridegroom to bring his new
spouse to his own home, in the early hours of the night, conducted by a
procession of his friends. As the procession approached, another came out to
meet and congratulate the wedded pair, bearing in their hands lamps, or
torches, as the symbols of the light of friendship to guide them in the path
of life. In the parable that Jesus gave, he represented five of the virgins as
wise, and five that were foolish. The former filled their lamps with oil before
starting out to meet the bridegroom, besides cairying a quantity of oil with
them to fill their lamps anew when thej' should be exhausted; but the latter
were so neglectful that thej'' took no other supply than that which was already
in their lamps. At midnight, while waiting the expected procession, a mes-

\ii

^■f

1 1

1,1

490

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

seiiger came, crying, "Behold, the bridegroom conieth ; go ye out to meet
him," Then the ten virgins rose up and trimmed their lamps, and prepared
to receive the twain, but the five foolish virgins found that their lamps had
now no more oil in them, and they therefore begged of their five wise com-
panions a supply that they might light their lamps and thus meet the bride-
groom and participate in the feast of congratulation. But the five who were
wise answered: "Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye
rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves."- And the five that were foolish
hastened awa}- to procure oil to fill their lamps, but while they were gone
the bridegroom came, and the five wise virgins, with those that had accom-
panied them went into his house and shut the door against any others
that might want to enter. vVHeu the five that were foolish returned, with
their lighted lamps, they found entrance to the feast denied them, and though
they cried, " Lord, Lord, open to us," j-et the bridegroom hearkened not to
their pleadings, and declared he knew them not.

PARARLE OF THE TALEXTS.

And Jesus spoke another parable to illustrate the duty which every one
owed God, according to the abilities and advantages which he may possess : A
certain rich man, having occasion to visit a far countr}', called his servants
together and charged them what they should do until his return. To one he
gave five talents, to another two, and to a third onl}' one talent, charging
them to make profitable use of the sums committed to their r and to
employ the money wisel}' until his return, for he would demand lem an

accounting.

When the master was gone, he who had received the five talents cast
industriously about for means to invest the sum which had been intrusted to
his judgment, and soon found such profitable investment for his five talents
that he gained for his master five other talents. The second servant was no
less successful, for he used the two talents given him so wisely that he, too,
doubled his fortune. But the third servant, being jealous of the preference
shown for his two fellows, was indifferent to the interests of his master, and
instead of seeking an investment of the single talent intrusted to him, went
and buried it, and spent his time in idleness until his master's return. When
the rich man returned he called his three servants and demanded of them a
report of how they had employed their time and the money intrusted to them
during his absence. Whereupon the first servant said : " Master, thou gavcst
me five talents, which I used so wisely that I have gained as many more ;
and here are the ten talents which I therefore bring to thee." And the second
servant answered in like manner, and brought to his master four talents, having
gained as much more as had been intrusted to him. But the third servant,
with shame and regret, could only say : " ]\Iastcr, thou art a hard man, and
fearing thy anger should I lose what had been given nie to use, I buried it in

THK BEAUTIFUL STORY.

491

the _c^rouucl, and there kept it safely till thou shouldst return. Therefore I now
brinjj^ it to thee."

The rich man now rewarded each accordin.y^ to his deserts. To the first
two he said, "Well done, thou good and faithful servants; since you have been
faithful to nie in this, I will promote you to the care of greater things, and
you shall sit with me on my right hand." To the slothful servant he said :
" Since thou hast been unmindful of ni}' interests, and wasted th}* time in
idleness, thy punishment shall
be in losing that which was
alreadv' thy own, for 3'ou de-
serve nothing, not even the
care and protection of a mas-
ter." So saying lie gave the
single talent to the two ser-
vants who had been faithful;
and ordered the slothful and
jealous one out of his pres-
ence and into utter darkness,
where there is wailing and
gnashing of teeth.

Jesus now described to
His disciples and those gath-
ered about Him the day of
judgment, when God will
demand of His servants an
account of how they have
used the opportunities which
are given to each. " On that
day the Son of Man shall
come in His glory, and all
the holy angels with Him.
Then shall He sit upon the
throne of His glor}' : and
before Him shall be gathered
all nations : and He shall sepa-
rate them one from another,
as a shepherd dividcth his sheep from the goats : and He shall set the sheep
on His right hand, but the goats on His left. . . . Then shall He answer
them, saying, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the
least of these, ye did it not to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting
punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."

"nUHor.n, masti;r, i have doubi.kd what thou gavhst mi;."

492

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

1:1 :|

^!'/'

DESIGNS AGAINST THK I.ORO'S LIFE.

Tlie teacliings, no less than tlie niiniclcs, of Christ, so largely increased
His popnlarity among the common class of people, that He was openly pro-
claimed the true ^lessiali, and pnblicly worshipped as snch. But as He grew
in popularit}' among the general public, so did the enmit}- with which He was
received by the scribes and Pharisees correspondingly increase, and they left
nothing undone to arouse prejudices against Him, and co bring charges that
would put Him on a defense for his life. They were in fear of the populace,
however, and had, therefore, to cover their wicked designs, so that they held
secret meetings, at which plans for His apprehension were debated. The Feast
of the Passover was not j^et concluded, and knowing that in the evening Jesus
retired to Bethanj', the scribes met at the house of Caiaphas, the high-priest,

to discuss the advisability of seizinj?
^■Al^^>= -- - ; . /. Hr ~ Him, either on the way, or while He

was reposing at His friend's house
in Bethany.

While they were considering this
plan, Judas Iscariot, the disciple whom
Jesus had already declared would be-
tray Him, came to them and offered,
for a reward of thirty pieces of silver —
which was the sum fixed by the law,
for the life of a slave — to betray Him
into their hands.

On the evening before this compact
was made, Jesus was in Bethany at
the house of Simon, where also 'vere being entertained several of His disciples.
Simon neglected the hospitalities of washing his guests' feet, but a poor woman,
possibly a member of the household, observing the omission of this customary
mark of respect, brought an alabaster box filled with the most costly ointment,
and while the company sat at supper, she poured some of the precious unguent
upon His head ; whereat Judas objected to such an extravagant waste of an
ointment that was so expensive, urging, with the hypocris)' which Christ well
understood, that " this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to
the poor.'' To this Jesus replied, " Why trouble ye the woman ? for she hath
wrought a good work on Me. For ye have the poor always with you ; but Me
ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on My body,
tshe did it for My burial. Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall
be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath
done, be told for a memorial of her." Tuns did He forecast the speedy termi-
nation of His mission, and give a rebuke to him who was to be His betrayer.
But Judas was augered, and the vengeful and jealous disposition of the man,

I'OOK WOMAN WIPING JKSUS I'KHT.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

493

no less than his conscienceless cupidity, tempted him to become the betrayer at
the first opportunity, and with this double purpose in view he therefore sought
out the enemies of Jesus and proffered his traitorous enterprise.

THK LAST SUPPER.

The day now came for celebrating the Feast of the Passover, which was
the conrlading service of the celebration which had occupied several daj'S.
This latter celebration was performed by each man of the observants taking a
lamb to the Temple, where it was killed by priests, as a sacrifice, before the
altar. The fat was burned upuu the altar, but the bod}- of the lamb was
carried home and after roasting was eaten by the family at night.
Jesus and His disciples had arranged to keep the feast together, aud
when the time arrived some of the apostles asked of Him where they
would meet to observe the feast. To this He answered, " Go into Jeru-
salem to a certain man, and say unto him, ' The master saitli. My time
is at hand, I will keep the Passover at thy house with My disciples.' "
The disciples did as thej- were bidden and made ready the lauib, and when
supper was thus prepared they sat down to eat, with Jesus occupyiug the seat
of honor. After first asking a blessiug for the food that had been set before
them. He broke from a loaf twelve pieces of bread, one of which He gave to
each disciple saying, "Take and eat; this is uiy body." And he poured out
as many cups of wine, and as He passed the driuk to His company He said,
"Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood, which is shed for the sius of the
world." They wondered at the meaning of this ccrcuiony, for they did not
understand that this was givcii as a syuibol of His sacrifice, which was now
near at hand. And He told them that this was the last Passover He would
celebrate with theui until He should Himself becouie a sin-offering for all people.
But still the disciples did not comprehend His sorrowful words, though they
each believed He was now ready to set up an earthly kingdom, and the time
was therefore at hand for Him to declare His rulership. Thi's believing, they
fell to disputing as to wlio should be most favored with appointments in this
new kingdom. Seeing their selfish ambition and perceiving that none of the
disciples understood His words, Jesus said, "Among those of this world the
rulers are greatest, but it is not .so in that kingdom which 1 come to declare,
since he who would be chief must begin by being most humble, as if he were
the servant of all."

Having thus spoken, Jesus arose from the seat of honor, and, casting
aside His garments, took up a towel, which He bound about His waist. Thus
attired in the costume of a servant, He poured some water into a basin and
began to wash His disciples' feet, and to wipe them like a true serving-man.
Some of the disciples offered no olijection, but when Jesus came to vSimou Peter
that apostle said: "Lord, wilt Thou wash my feet? who am unworlliy to do
Thee the honor of such a service!" To whicli Jesus replied; "What I do

U: » ;

494

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

thou knowest not now; but thou shalt kuow hereiifter." But Peter would uot
yet couscut to bciug uiade the object of his Lord's humility, aud declared that
he would not suffer it to be so. At which, Jesus partly rose up, and fixing
His _t;reat eyes of nieltinj;' love aud pity upon Peter, spoke witli that sorrow-
iut;- speech which echoes \-et in every human heart, "If 1 wash thee not, then
thou hast no love for Me, nor sign of My brotherhood." Then Peter sub-
mitted to be thus honored, and as an evidence of his devotion, he begged that
his hands and head might also receive the sign of Jesus' love.

When He had thus waslied the feet of all His disciples, Jesus resumed

" I.OKI), WII.T TIIOU WASH MY FKI'.T?"

the clothes, which he had laid aside, and seating Himself, again addressed
them. He told them that the washing was a sign of purification, yet there
was one among them whom he declared had not been cleansed of his sins.
Said He: "Ye call Me Master and Lord, which is proper, but if the Lord
shall humble Hi.nself to wash your feet, why should ye not also wash the
feet of one another? For I have given you an example that ye should do as
I have done to you." Continuing again, Jesus said: "Though 1 have given
you the sign of jnirification, yet there is one among you that is not cleansed,
for he it is who shall betray Me." At this accusation the disciples were much
surprised, aud each in turn, anxious to prove his fidelity, iiujuired eagerly:

THE RKAUTIFUL STORY.

495

''Lord, is it I?" When Judas likewise asked if it were lie that should prove
the traitor, Jl'sus replied softly, that the others iui;;ht not hear His answer:
"Thou hast said it." Peter was much grieved by this prediction and besought
John, who was leaning on Jesus' breast at the time, to ask his precious Mas-

"Kisic IP AMI i.i;t fs iiii I'.oiNi;; iiiiiioi.i), iiic wiU) wii.i, 1)i;tkav .mic is cominc."

tor who it was that would do so infamous a thing. To this incpiiry Jesus
replied: "It is he to whom I shall give a ])iece of bread when I have sop])ed
it in a dish." vSoon after the sop was gi\eu to Judas, and after eating the
bread, he went out directly to the si'vibes and chief priests to accomplish the
betrayal according to the contuui which he had made with them.

liSi

ill'M

496

THE BEAUTIFUIv STORY.

When Jiidas had gone from the presence of the disciples, Jesns talked
with them for a while on the sad events which were now so near at hand,
and He said : " Now is the Son of ^lan glorified, and God is glorified in Him.
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me : and as
I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come ; so now I say to you.
A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have
loved you. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples."

Not understanding what Jesus meant b}'^ His declaration, that in a little
while he would leave them, Peter asked: "Whither goest Thou?" And Jesus
answered again, "Whither I go thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt
follow Me afterward." With the spirit of devotion to his Lord, Peter passion-
ately asked: "Why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for
Th}' sake." To rebuke this display of attachment, which He knew was but
the zeal of the hour, Jesus said: "Wilt thou indeed lay down th\' life for My
sake ? Thy passion is scarcely stronger than the mist of the morning, for
before the sun riseth again thou shalt have denied Me three times." But
Peter protested that Jesus kne\\^ not the endurance of his love,- declaring that
though death should be the penalty of his devotion, yet would not he deny
his Lord.

Having instructed His disciples, Jcsus and the}' sang a song of praise
together, the benediction was then offered, and the holy party left the scene
of the last Paschal feast and retired to the Mount of Olives.

THK IW.S.SIOX IN THK GARDEN.

The Lord and His disciples went down from the place where they liad
celebrated the Passover, across the brook Kedron, and entered the (xarden of
Gethsemanc (signifying the o// press), where, in the darkness of the deep
foliage, the\- stopped and conversed a short while. Jesus now took James, John
and Peter, the three who had seen him transfigured, apart from the others,
and retired to another part of the garden. These three He set to watch for
the coming of Judas and the soldiers, while He went a stone's-throw away
and there, in the solitude, He poured out His great soul in prayer. Over-
whelmed with terror at the burden which had been laid upon Him to bear.
He gave voice to the agony of His human nature. Falling upon His face, as
a sign of His humility, He cried in sorrowing accents, " O my Father, if it
be possible, let this cup pass from Me ; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou
wilt." In this cry for God's compassion we see the perfect blending of humanity
with His divinity, in which we behold Him humble and obedient even unto
/death, as the representative of sinful man. So, in the triumph of resignation
to whatever fate the Father might will He should meet, for the remission
of sin, we behold the ])ro()rs of His divine nature. Ivven the foreknowledge
of His death by crucifixion, at once the most painful atul iguominiDUs of
executions, did not appal Him, when the (ii\ine nature was a])pealed to,

THE BEAUTIFUL vSTORY.

497

though he shrank from the ordeal which His huiiian attributes must pass
through.

When he had prayed long, and felt the strengthening grace of God, Jesus
rose up and went to His three beloved disciples, whom he found wrapped in
sleep. Awakening them he said, "Why sleep 3-e ? Arise and pray, lest ye be
tempted to do wrong." vSo saj-ing, he retired again and resumed flis sujiplica-
tion ; but when He had returned a second, and even a third lime, fie found

i.akiii;n i)1' (■.i;iiisi;.mamc and thic passion tki;i;.

the three disciples whom He set to watch sleeping, l)eiug weary with care and
the night far spent.

When Jesus aroused Peter, James and John for the third time, He said,
" Rise up, and lei irs be going ; behold, he who will betray Me is coming near.

.- "

JKSrS TAKI'.X cAi'Tivr-:.
At the same moment, torches were seen among the trees, and a mul-
titude appeared, consisting of officers of the Temple, and others, hastily armed
with swords and staves, sent by the chief jjriests under the guidance of the
traitor Judas ; for he well knew the garden, where he had spent niHuy an hour
with Jesus. The Lord gave Himself into their hands in such a manner as
to prove how entirely tlic surrender was His own act. Twice they recoiled
32

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had,

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THK KISS OK MKTRAYAI,.

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

499

from His presence and fell to tlie ground before Judas took courage to give
the signal to seize Him, b}'^ the traitor's kiss. At the sight of the officers
binding his Master, Peter drew his sword, one of the only two, that the disciples
had, and struck off the right ear of one of the high-priest's servants. Christ
rebuked his uucnrely zeal, in obtruding such puny help upon Him who
could have commanded the heavenly hosts, and provoking violence from the
captors, at the same time healing the servant's ear. Then, turning to the
officers. He remonstrated against their show of force as if He was a thief,
when they might have taken Him any day as He was teachiug in the Temple.
To both parties He explained that this hour of triumph was granted to them
and to the powers of darkness, in order that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.

The disciples were afraid to share or even watch His fate, as He had fore-
told. " They all forsook Him and fled." The concern of Peter to make good
his boast, and the love of John, induced them alone of all the rest to follow
at a safe distance.

The Divine prisoner was led first to the house of Annas, the father-in-law
of the high-priest, Caiaphas ; perhaps to avoid committing the rulers publicly,
till it was decided whether tliey would risk a public trial. But there seer.is
now to have been no wish to draw back; and Annas sent Him bou-.d to
Caiaphas, who had already openly advised His death.

Peter and John continued to follow the procession until they came to the
high-priest's house, into which John ventured to enter and to also request of a
female servant at the door, admittance for Peter also, which was granted.
Directl}'^ upon the latter's entrance the servant discovered that he was one of
Jesus' disciples, and being charged with the same, Peter rudely denied it.
Alarmed and conscience-stricken, he retired to the porch, just in time to hear
the first warning note — the cock's crow. Soon after, another maid pointed him
out to the by-standers, saying: "He also was with Jesus of Nazareth;" and
Peter's fears only led him to a more resolute denial. About an hour later, the
evidence against him was completed by a kinsman of Alalchus, the servant
whose ear he had cut off. This man declaicd that he had seen him in the
garden. Peter's continued denials only furuished fresh proofs tc the by-standers
by means of hi; Galilean dialect; and thus convicted, he added oaths and
curses to tlK pn testation, " I know not the man." At that moment the cock
crew again ; Jesu ; turned and looked on Peter from the room where He was
waiting in bonds ; " and Peter went out and wept bitterly."

With all the zeal, earnestness and affected devotion which Peter had mani-
fested, when the hour of real trial came he was like a majority of men, more
regardful for his own safety than for the One he professed to love above his
own life. But in this denial he received a wholesome lesson that prepared him
f )r harder sacrifices, and which led him thirty years later to follow Jesus in
the path of martyrdom with a stoicism and fidelity that may well absolve hiui
from the odium vast on the weakness )f his denial of Chris*-.

r:\

"■v.

(ioo)

PKXKR UiiNYINU TUB, UORU.

CHAPTER XXXII.

THE TRIAL OF JKSUS.

AVING brought Jesus to tlie priest's palace, the chief priests,
elders and all of the council cast about for witnesses to con-
vict Him. After man}- vain endeavors to hire false testimony,
they found two men who were willing to testify, and being
brought into the presence of Jesus, gave tliis evidence:
" This fellow (Jesus) said : ' I am able to destroy the Temple
of God, and to build it in three days.' " At this Caiaphas
arose and asked Jesus what answer He had to make to this
accusation of blasphemy, but Jesus refused to make any
reply, as He had no reason to do, since He knew the will
of those leagued against Him for His life, and also because the
testimony thus giveu was uot in the nature of an accusation for
blasphemy.

Not being able to elicit an answer to his first inquiry, Caiaphai
questioned Him again, saying: "I adjure Thee by the living God,
that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God."
To this Jesus responded : " Thou hast said so : nevertheless I say
unto you, hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the
right hand of power, and comin,t,' in the clouds of heaven." Not
understanding the meaning of His words, and having alreadv pre-
judged Him, the high-priest rent his clothes, as a sign of distress,
and appealed to the council to .condemn his as a blasphemer, found
guilty by His own declaration before them. S; id He, '' \\'hat further need
have we of witnesses? behold now you have heard His blasphemy. What
judgment will you give?" And the\' with one voice answered, " He is guiltv;
let Him be punished with death." This verdict having been rendered, the
officers in the court spat in His face, stiuck Him many vicious l)lows, and
mocked Him by asking who it was that had offered Him these indignities.

Jesus having been condemned, the next step, according to the Mosaic law
would have been to v.tRe Him oitside the city and there publicly stone Him
to death, but the Jews, being nnd( .■ Roman power, had no authority to execute
the sentence of deat"^ upon any one, witliout first having the sentence confirmed
by the Roman procurator. Jesus was therefore led befi)re this officer, Pontius
Pilate, at the seat of justice called the pnctorium. It was early in the morning
when Jesus was brought to this officer, who came out to ask them what charge
had been brought against the prisoner. They replied lluit he was a malefactor,

(501)

Hi!
1.1 .

(sot)

"AND I'BTIJR WKNT OUT AND WUl'T UITTKkl.Y.'

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

503

but refused to deal with Him as such upon their own responsibility, which
forced Pilate to question Jesus so as to make up the charge hiuiself and bring
Him under the Roman law. Thereat Pilate asked Jesus, "Art Thou King of
the Jews?" To which reply was made, "My kingdom is not of this world,
but of that which bears witness to tlic truth." To the inquiries addressed
Him Jesus made such satisfactory replies that Pilate was compelled to declare
to the Jews that he could find no fault in Him. At this the scribes and
elders became very vociferous in charging Jesus with having stirred up the
people from Galilee to Jerusalem, with the intention of setting Himself up as
a king.

On this new charge of sedition Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, gover-
nor of Galilee, but who was at the time in Jerusalem, having come up to par-
ticipate in celebrating the Passover. Herod rejoiced at obtaining the interview
which he had long sought in vain, and put many questions to Jesus, in the
hope of His working some miracle. Provoked, however, at receiving no answer,
and seeing the veheuu-nce of Christ's accusers, Herod with his soldiers made
a mockery of His regal claims, and sent Him back to Pilate arrayed in the
imperial purple. The occasion was seized for a reconciliation between the
king and the procurator, who had long been at variance, and the words of
David were fulfilled, " The kings of the earth set theuiselves, and the rulers
took coxmsel together, against the Lord and against His anointed."

Finding himself compelled to decide the case, Pilate tried an appeal to the
generous feelings of the people. It was a customar}- act of grace, in honor of
the Passover, for the Roman governor to release some prisoner whom the
people chose. Knowing that the charge against Jesus sprang from the envy
of the priests, and that the people had shown such enthusiasm for Christ, he
proposed to release Him whom they had so Ifttelj' hailed as their king. But the
plan was defeated by a cunning manoeuvre of the priests. There was another
prisoner, named Barabbas, a murderer and robber, and the leader of one of
those insurrections against the Roman government which were frequent during
the later days of Judah. The feelings of the people were easily inflamed in
behalf of this patriot brigand, while they probably saw b}- this time that Jesus
was not about to fulfil their hopes of a miraculous restoration of David's
kingdom. Pilate awaited their decision with an anxiety the more intense
because while sitting on the tribunal he received a warning message from his
wife, who had just awakened fmm a harassing dream about the "Just Man."
He repeated the question, "Which of the two shall I release to you?" And
they replied, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Again he tried to bring them to
reason, and to revive their interest in Christ, by asking, " What will ye then
that I shall do to Him zvhow ye call tlic Kiiii^ of tlir yca-.s/" The answer
was rcA^y/' Crucify Him.'''' Still Pilate made a third appeal — "Why, what evil
hath He done ?" And, again declaring that he found no fiinlt in Him, he pro-
posed the strange compromise, to scourge Him and let Him go ! But the loud

k
)|ii

504

THE BKAUTIFUL STORY.

cries of ''Crucify Iliin!" jircvailcd over rc-a.-ion and conscience; and Pilate
released Barabbas, anil ^-icldcd up Jesus to tlicir will.

But first a ceremony was enacted between the .ijovernor and the Jews, vain on
his part, but of awful si,i,niifieanee on theirs! Pilate washed his hands before the
people, protesting, '"I am iuuoL-ent of the blood of this just person; see \e h,
it;" and the}- accepted the tremendous responsibility: "His blood be on us aud
on our children." Jesus was now handed over to the Roman soldiers, whose
brutality was inflamed v/ith contempt for the present king of the desi)i.sed
Jews. To the torture of tlie scourging, which preceded crucifixion, was added
the mockery of the crown of thorns, the purple robe, and the reed for a scL'i)tre,

while the soldiers mingled their parody of the
forms of homage witli blows and spitting in his
face.

The scene seems to have suggested to Pila'.e
one more effort to save Jesus, in which, if uhs'ic-
cessful, he would at least indulge his levitv by
an insult to the Jews. As a proof that he l)e-
lieved Him innocent, he brought Him out and
showed Him invested with the insignia of royaltv !
But the insult excited rage and not compassion,
and the cry was again, "Crucify Him!" "Take
ye Him, and crucify Him ; for I find no fault in
Him," rejoined Pilate, knowing that they dared
not take him at his word ; while they cried that

r. — > i.^1 T He deserved death according to their law, be-

-- ---.,>r^-^"^'^"^>^-^-^ f "" ■; cause He made Himself the vSon of God.

Pilate's reluctance had for some time shown a
mixture of superstitious fear, which these words
rn.ATK wASMKs HIS uANus ^..^i^^.j ^^^ ^|j^ l,i^rhest pitch. Leading Jesus back

into the hall he asked Him, "Whence art /hon ?" but he received no answer.
"When he urged the questiini by speaking of his power to crucify or to release
Plim, Jesus told him that he could have no ])ower at all over Him unless it were
given him from above, and with Divine authority He therefore declared the
guilt of His bey-ayers the greater. With all this clamor for Jesus' life Pilate was
resolved to release Him, and would have done so had not the cr}- gone up:
" If thou let this man go, thou art not Coesar';:? friend." The dread of being thus
denounced to Tiberius, for acquitting one charged with sedition and an inten-
tion of usurping the throne, was more than the selfish ambition of Pilate could
endure; so, bringing the judgment seat from the })rtetorium to a ])ublic place
on the pavement, he mounted i'. and gave sentence against the Precious One
Avhom he had before declared innocent. But with the judgment he mingled an
irsult to the Jews by saving, "Behold your king!"

When the sentence of Pilate had been pronounced the Jews cried out :

».

111

III

ipii^rf^

5o6

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

"Away with Him! Crucify Him!" "What!" said Pilate, "shall I crucify your
king?" But the uu)b sliouted back, "We have no king but Ctesar!"

Jesus was now stripped to the waist, His hands bound to a pillar, so that
he wns forced into a stoopiug posture, and then beaten with heavy cords until
great black welts rose on the tender skin, while blood flowed from numv cruel
cuts. He was next led into a room of the governor's palace and divested of His
clothing, in the place of whicli they put on Him the purple robes of rovalty, .is
a mockery, and plaited a wreath of thorns, which they forced on His head as a
crown. Into His hand, for a sceptre, they put a reed, and having thus clothed
Him with a mock show of kinglj' power, they offered Him all manner of indig-
nities. While some cried, "Hail, King of the Jews!" others spat on Him. an. I
the more cruel shijiped Him witli their hands and struck H.m with the reed
jerked from His grasp.

Seeing them thuf, amuse themselves with an innocent victim, filate hoped
that the Jews would be satisfied to let Jesus go, uiul therefore appealed in
them again, saying, "Behold the Man! I jjring Him out to you once more
to declare that I find no fault with Him." But to this plea for com])assi()n
and justice the chief priests only denuinded more loudly than before that lie
be crucified, in compK.iUce with which Pilate gave Jesus over to them.

THE RKMOUSI-: AND Sl'ICinH OF Jl'DAS.

When Judas saw that Jesus w.ns condemned, and that the ch'ef priests
were leading Him -'way to be crucified, the bitterest remorse seized him. The
nuoney which he had received as the price of his treachery became as coals of
fire burning his hands, and as the sight of some nameless, dreadful thing to
haunt his conscience. Xo doubt he had believed that the Divine jiower which
Jesus possessed would protect Him in the l.ist hour, and thus while bringiiii^;
no harm upon an innocent person he would b-: able still to enjoy the proceeds
of his infauunis compact. A'ith trembling steps and sickened heart he iheie-
fore hurried to the chief priests with whom he had bargained aiul tendered
them back the hateful i)ieces of silver, at the same time urging the innocence
of Jesus. But it was too late. They refu.sed the nu)nev aiul reminded him
that the responsibility was not theirs, but all his own. Crazed with selt-
condemnation. he dashed the coin upon the ])a\ement of the Temple and tied
from the presence .>f mankind to a high bluff near Jerusalem, where, hastil\
adjusting a rope about his miserable neck, he attached the end to a tree and
leaped off into S])ace, The traitor there ha.'geil for a time, until his body fell
upon the rocks l)elow and was dashed to pieces. ?>I'Vie awful than this sell-
inflicted punishment was the sentence jironounced upon him by the Lord, while
Peler expunjL^es his name from the list of the apostles "that he might go to
hi;> own place."

With a scrn])ulousucss which is a most striking example of religious
formalisiii glossing over moral deformity, the chief priests decided that the

I i

•niKY MOCKI.II IIIM, SAVIN!,, IIV I., KINC. u|. Till, JI.WS!"

IS"?)

5oS

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

V ''!

thirty pieces of silver, as the price of blood, must not he put back into the
treasury; so they purchased with the money a potter's field outside the ciiv
limits, to be used as a burial place for strangers, whereby was fulfilled llie
prophecy of Zachariah. It is most probal)lc, and appears to be so implied by
the text, that the field so purchased was the place where Judas hanged iiiniself,
siuce it rkiceived the uume Alcedama, whicii, iu the Hebrew, signifies ///c jh Id
of blood.

THR CUrCIFIXTOX.

The crucifixion of Jesus having been decided upon, and the day appointed
for the execution arrived, He was clothed with His own raiment and led out
by soldiers from the place of confinement and compelled to take up the cross
upon which He was to suffer. Ai'ter carr^-ing it a short distance His streuglh
failed and He fell beneath the burden. At this juncture there appeared a
Cyrenian, named Simon, coming into Jerusalem from the country, and hiui the
.soldiers ordered to bear the cross to the place wheie it was to lie set up. The
procession, which numbered several thousands, contained many wouieu wIid
raised their voices in lamentation, and to these Jesus turned .md bade tlnin
to cease their weeping for Him, l)Ut rather to lament for the woes tliat were
to follow.

That the execution of Jesus might be attended l\v all the ignominy possible,
there were bn)Ught out at the same tiuie two thieve^ also for crueifixiou. iliat
He might die as a common malefactor between them. And thus driven hv
soldiers, l)eside two notorious reprobates, our Lord ai)proaehed the spot e'losvu
for His death. This place, so sacred to the hearts of all who love (iod, is not
definitely known, though it must ha\e been near to one of the gates of the
city. The spot was called In- the Hebrew name, Oolgotha { pf'irr of (t shi/h^
and by the f )ur I^\angelists, Calvaria, or Calvary ; though tradition seems to
fix it ui)on a hill, there is no i)roper reason for supposing this to be t'"ue ; on
the contrary, considering the hiy of the land about Jerusalem, it is most [)rohahle
that the place of execution was u))on a level stretch of ground.

When the crowd reached the place ap])oinled, the condemned were stripped
and fastened to as many crosses, whieli were of the form fauiiliar to us uuder
the name of the Roman cross, though not nearly so high us conuiionly
represented.

The feet of the sufferer were only a foot or two abo\i the ground — a fait
of some weight, as showing that Jesus suffered in the midst (tf his jierstctitovs,
and n:)t looking down from abt>.-e their h-' i Is. The bod\' was either nailed or
bound by cords to the cross, or iu both ways. ( )ur Lord was nailed, both li\'
tlie liands and feel, as the prophets had foretold, a I'ut'.iod more eN(|iiisitely
painful at first, though tending to shorten the torture. When the ero-;s was
already standing, the sufferer was raiscl up and affixed to it; but otherwise,
as in our .Sa\iour's ease. \\v was fasteucd to it ;is it lay ui>on tlu' ground, and
the shock when it was drojjpetl into the hole or ;ockel, must ha\e i)eeu lerriMe.

5'o

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

To deaden the sense of these tortures, a soporific was nsually administered-
but our Lord refused the mixture of wine and myrrh, lest it produce intoxica-
tion. He still observed the meek silence which Isaiah had foretold, till all tlie
horrid details were accomplished, and He hung upon the cross between the two
malefactors, on His right and on His left ; being thus emphatically " nuinl)i.ixcl
with the transgressors." It was then that He uttered the first of the seven
saj-ings, which have ever been revered as His dying words, a prayer for His
murderers — " Fallie}\ forgive ihrm, for llicy knoio not zu/iat (hey <l)y

It was customary in executions of this kind to write the name of the cul-
prit upon a scroll and attach it to the cross above the head. In this case
Pilate took another opportunity of mortifj'ing the Jews, for to the nauie of Jesus
he added the words, " King of the Jews," in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, for
which reason we have four different translations of the words by as many
apostles, Matthew, Mark, Lxike and John. The priests sought to induce Pilate
to change the title to, "//r said, I am King of the Jews," but he retorted
angrily, " What I have written I have written."

For three hours Jesus hung on the cross exposed to the taunts and insults
of the rabble and rulers, while many asked Him to save Himself, or to fulfil
His prophecj' to restore the temple of His body in three days. Even one of
the thieves hanging upon a cross at His side joined in the cry against Him,
but the other reproved the revilings of his comrade, and while confessing the
justice of his own punishment, bore witness to the innocence of Jesus, and
cried out, " Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." To
this prayer Christ returned the gracious answer, " To-day shalt thou be w ilh
Me in Paradise."

Death on the cross was slow, sometimes not wiihin three days, so wliile
Jesus was hanging and bearing His mortal pains, soldiers remained to watch.
They took the garments which had been stripi)ed from Him and divided
them among themselves, except His coat, for which the}- cast lots in ful-
filment of the prophecy.

Though toward noon the crowd which surrounded the snflfering Savimu- had
greatly diminished, there still remained the three sorrowing Marys balhing His
feet with their tears. To His mother He iu)w spoke words of encouragcnieiu,
and assured her that she would find another .son in John, His beloved disciple,
who would henceforth provide a home for her.

It was now n;)on, but such a noon as had never been seen in Jndea. The
position of the Paschal full moon precluded the possibility of a solar eclipse;
and j'et a supernatural darkness rested upon all the laud, from the sixth hour
to the ninth hour, as if to veil the last agonies of the Redeemer from the eyes
of men. But far deeper than that darkness was the gloom that weighed u|)()U
the Saviour's soul, as He bore the whole burden of the Divine wrath for the
sins of all men. To that awful mystery our only guide is in the words, with
which at the ninth hour He broke the solemn silence, " My God ! My (iod !

1) I

THE BEAUTIFUJ. STORY.

why hast Thou forsaken Me?" word^ already used prophetically by David in
the great Psalm which describes the Messiah's sufferings — words which never
since have been, nor ever will be
again, wrung from any human
Ijcing, except through sinful de-
spondency or final impenitent
despair; for He endured His
Father's desertion that we might
never have to bear it. Their
sense was lost on the by-standers,
who, remembering the connec-
tion of the promised Elijah
with Christ, caught at the sound
"Eli" {jlfy God) as a call for
the prophet. At this moment
the sufferer's mortal frame en-
dured its last agony of intense
thirst, and, to fulfil one more
prophec}', He exclaimed, " I
thirst." One of the by-standers
filled a sponge from a vessel
standing near, with the mixture
of acid wine and water which
was the common drink of the
Roman soldier.*?, and lifting it on
a stalk of hyr ip, put it to His
mouth, while ■ 'e rest said, " Let
lis see if Eli 'i will come to
help Him." '' 'lough offered in
derision, it was doubtless refresh-
ing to His sinking frame.

And now all that num could
inflict had been endured ; all
that the Son of God could do
and bear for man had been
done and suffered. The end of
His agony and the completion
of His redeeming work are both
announced by the loud cry, " It
IS Kinishkd; " the soul which
had animated His mortal body J°"'^' ^""^ "^'*^'

is yielded back to God with those words of perfect resignation: "Father, into Thy
hands I commend My spirit;" and bowing His Head upon His breast He expired.

reauis

e,
POR.

513

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

The dentil of Jesus was followed by the most awful porteuts, which tliiwv
the uiultituciv. I Jerusaleiu iuto a couditiou of abject terror, aud led many of

CHRIST FAU.ING BKNKATII Till? CROSS.

His eueuiies to declare that a uiost holy one had lieeu sacrificed. The ])ncsts
of the Temple, as they eutered the Holy of Holies at the very hour of His
dying, saw the veil of the Temple rent in twain, while a mighty earth-

the cross, w'

THK BEAUTIFUL STORY.

quake shook loose the rocks on the bluffs about Jerusalem, and sent tlieiu
tluiudering down the hillside to the city walls; <,n-aves were also burst open,
and many of those who died believing on Him were permitted to visit the
earthagain and show

themselves walking
through the city.
The soldiers who
were on watch,
al)aslied with fear,
said one to another,
" Surely this man
was the Son of God."

The following
day was the Mosaic
Sabbath.and chanced
also to be the second
day of the Feast of
Unleavened Bread,
when the first fruits
of harvest were offer-
ed in the Temple.
For this reason the
Jews were unwill-
ing to let the liodies
of Jesus and tlie
two thieves hang on
the cross, which
would have been to
them a desecration
of the daj'. Accord-
int^ly, they asked
Pihite to send soldiers
and kill the three
sufferers before the
iiONt day should be-
.uin. Pihite then sent
some of his men to
complete the execu-
tion by breaking the
limbs of the victims.

It was toward the ninth liour, or three o'clock, when the soldiers came to
p rform their disagreeable office. They fouiul the two thieves still alive and
suTering horribly, and dispatched them bv the torture of breaking their legs,
33

TAKINC. DOWN Tin-: I'RIX'IOL'S llonV

ren

ilreanis
'es

ide,

r PoK.

514

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Kit

but when they approached Jesus they were astonished to find Him already
dead. It was, therefore, considered unnecessary to bruise the limbs, but to
make sure of His death one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spcur
and from the wound thus made flowed blood and water (serum). In tliis
was a fulfilment of the prophecies, "A bone of Him shall not be broken,"
and " They shall look upon Him whom they pierced."

In the evening a rich man of Arimathtea, named Joseph, a member of the
Sanhedrim, who had now come to believe on Jesus, went to Pilate and begged
that he might receive the body for burial. The request being granted, Xicu-
demus, who had favored Jesus from the time the first complaints were made
against Him to the Jewish council, brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to
embalm the corpse, after the manner of preparing the bodies of the Jewish
kings for sepulture.

The near approach of the Sabbath left little time for the funeral ceremo-
nies, so Joseph took down the body of Jesus, and wrapping it hastily in fine
linens, and bestrewing it with odoriferous spices, they laid it in a sepulchre
which Joseph had recently had hewn out of a rock in a garden near by ; then
to secure it over the Sabbath day, a large stone was rolled against the opening,
after which Joseph, Nicodemus, Mary ^lagdalene, and Mary the sister of
Christ's mother, all of whom had engaged in thus preparing the body for
final burial, departed for their several homes until the Sabbath was ended.
The mother of Jesus was so overcome with grief that she was led home by
John directly after the Lord's death, and was not with the others at this tem-
porary interment.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

^SW-

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST.

EVER was the measure of sorrow so full as on the
succeeding Sabbath day (Easter eve) of the i6th of
Nisan, corresponding with April 7th of our reckoning,
which was spent by the disciples and other of Jesus'
friends in overwhelming grief; a grief not only
prompted by the loss of a beloved brother, teacher and
friend, but by the greater oppression which sprung
from the knowledge that He who had been crucified had
died for all, that in His death and sacrifice the world
might be redeemed to life everlasting. In their pro-
found sorrow they were partially sustained by the hope that He
would rise on the third day, as foretold; but with all their faith
they did not implicitly believe in the fulfilment of a bodily resur-
rection. The chief priests and Pharisees, impressed bj' the wonder-
ful events and portents that had accompanied His death, seemed
now to have more confidence in the fulfilment of* the prophecy
of a resurrection than the disciples, and in their alarm they sought
permission of Pilate to set a watch of soldiers about the sepulchre
and even placed a seal upon the stone that covered the tomb, under
a pretense that if not so guarded the body might be stolen away,
and the disciples then claim that Jesus had risen from the dead.
In the middle watch of the Sabbath night, suddenly there
appeared to the soldiers on guard at the tomb a dazzling light, out of which
came an angel that broke the seal of the sepulchre, and then rolling away the
stone, sat upon it. So great was the soldiers' alarm at this wonderful appari-
tion that they fell down in a faint, but soon recovering themselves, they ran
away from their post of duty to Jerusalem and reported what had befallen them.
The morning of the third day, after the Jewish Sabbath — the Saturday of
our reckoning — had scarcely dawned, when the two Marys and certain other
women, among whom was one named Joanna (or Salome, as some writers call
her), started toward the tomb, taking spices and linens with which to embalm
the body, contriving in their minds, as they walked thither, how they should
remove the stone. It was before sunrise when they reached the sepulchre, the
light of day having just begun to break in the eastern portals, and to throw
athwart the high heavens pencils of golden beams. As tli^ey came near, their

(515)

[CB.

kN PO«.

5i6

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

surprise was very j^reat to discover that the large stone had been rnlled
by wiiicli they believed that some one had come in the nit^lit and tak

a-^ulo,

i.-ii ;i\\ :i\-

the

precious body of their I^ord. But to make sure, they stooped and iJi^i cd

into tlic half-
d a r k c n v d

toin

) UllLll.

K'.'iold

tllL-V

saw an aii-d
sittiii.i,^ al the
far end (,f the
grave c!nt]n.(l
inaloii'^whitc
gar 111 c lit. —

Affr

iglitcd at

le vision,

ev would

a \

1" U 11

a\va\ , nad not
t li e aii<^el
spoken a>sur-
ing w ir (1 s,
ii say i 11,1; . " Ynu
seek j V s 11 s
wliowasi. luci-

CIS

not

licrc, l)Ut IS
risen. Sec the
place wlu : c
they laid Him.
(Jo, therefore,
and tell His
disciples that
Jesus is risen
from the dead;
I le will ,i;i> l)c-
fori' villi into

cc,

.Si:.\I.INC. THli: SKI'CI.CIIRI

(lalil

til ere
shall
Him."

and

Voll

s e e

With mingled fear and joy the women hastened away to carry the .ulad
ews to the disciples, but as they went they met Jesus Himself, who addiessed

lem, sayinj

Rejoice ye, for it is I." Their hai)pines.s was inexpre

s^ilile,

(517)

5iS

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

save in the manner in which they greeted Him, for with tears of joy tlicv
fell at His feet and worshipped Him, ponring ont their sonls in thaukfuhiLss.
After this tender greeting, Jesns bade them, as had the angel, to go seek llie
disciples to tell them what had happened. Accordingly they carried the jovfiil
tidings to John and Peter, both of whom, however, received tlie news with
incrednlity, bnt they, nevertheless, ran to the sepnlchre to satisfy tlicinsclves.
John was first to reach the tomb, which he fonnd open bnt hesitated to enter,
possessed of some indefinable fear. Peter, more ardent and excitable tliaii his
companion, in:mcdiately entered the sepnlchre, where he fonnd the linen clothes
with which the body had been wrapped, and also the napkin that was used to
bind abont the head of his Lord. John now also entered the tomb, and seeing
the things that had been left there, at once believed all that had been told Ijy
the Marys, bnt Peter onl}' wondered, for he had not fnlly nnderstood the pro-
phecies which Jesns had given of his resnrrection on the third day.

The news of Christ having risen, spread rapidly thronghont all Jerusalem.
The soldiers had made the first report, bnt this was partiall}- suppressed liy the
chief priests, who gave them a sum of money to declare publicly that while
they were asleep some friends of Jesns had entered the sepnlchre and
stolen the body. This report was circnlated, but while it satisfied many
of the Jews, and especially the enemies of Jesns, it did not check tlic rapidly
spreading news that He had indeed risen, and appeared to the women who
had gone to the tomb early in the morning.

The mother of Jesus was next to visit the sepulchre, and as she stood
weeping at the entrance and looked in, she perceived two angels standing, one
at the foot and the other at the head, where the body of Jesus had lain. They
asked her why she was weeping, to which she replied : " Because they have
taken my Lord away, and I know not where they have laid Him." But as
she was turning away in her despair she saw Jesns standing before her. Per-
haps half-l)linded by tears, or not observing particularly, she did not recognize
Him, believing that the person was a keeper of the garden, and therefore
addressed Him as such. The one word "JA^rr," which Jesus now uttered,
served to fully recall Himself to her, and the recognition being now complete,
she rushed forward to embrace Him. He did not suffer her, however, to wor-
ship Him as she had desired to do, saying: "Touch Me not, for I am not
yet ascended to My Father," but He sent her to foretell to His disciples that He
would soon ascend to heaven.

With all this concurrent testimony, all the apostles, save John, still
doubted the reports of Jesns having risen, but their disbelief was soon to be

fully removed.

JESrS APPK.\RS TO Hi.s nisciri.ivS.

On the evening of the same day that He was risen two of His disciples
were journeying to Emmaus, conversing, as they went, of the crucifixion and
reported resurrection of Jesns, and condoling with one another in their great

TIIK BEAUTIFUL STURY.

519

sorrow. While they were thus talkiiij^ Jesus overtook them, travcllius; ou the
same road, and asked what was the subject of their conversation, and why
they appeared so sad. To tliis int|uiry Cleoj)as, one of the two, answered,
"Art Thou a stranj^er in Jerusalem, that Thou hast not heard of the thint^^s
which have happened there in the past few days?" "What thinj^^s ?" inquired
Jesus. " Why," replied they, " the thin-^^s eoncerniujr Jesus of Xazaretli. who
was a prophet, and did great miracles before all the people; how the chief
priests and rulers have taken and crucified Him." Continuing, they said,
"We have hoped that He was the One who would set the children of Israel
free from the Romans ; and, besides all this, to-day is the third day since He
was put to death, and it is told us that He is risen."

Jesus now fell to talking with the two disciples, who failed 'to recognize
Him becau.se, it is said. He was so greatly changed in His a])pearauce. He
told them that the things of which they had spoken were only strange because
they had not understood what had been written by the prophets ; " For," said
He, " have not these spoken how Christ should be put to death and rise again
on the third day?" Finding that the two disciples were not learned in the
history of the Jews, and of the prophecies that had been uttered. He recited to
them all the things that were foretold, and how the same had been fulfilled.
Thus they conversed until it was verj' late in the evening, and they had
gained their destination, and having found Jesus an interesting companion,
they invited Him to spend the night with them. At supper time the three
went together to eat, probably at an inn, where Jesus took up a loaf of bread,
and after giving thanks, broke and gave to them. By this act, and the bless-
ing which He invoked, they discovered that their mysterious companion was
none other than Jesus Himself, but simultaneously with this revelation He
snddenly vanished from their sight, leaving them in a condition that was min-
gled with surprise, wonder, joy and confusion.

Though the two apostles were fairly overcome with astonishment, and knew
not what so strange an occurrence signified, their faith in the reports as to
Christ's resurrection was increased and to inform themselves they rose up
from the supper-table and hastened back to Jerusalem to a house where the
other apostles were gathered together. To these they related what had oc-
cnrred, but their story was received with many expressions of disbelief.
While they were speaking of these strange things suddenly Jesus appeared in
their midst, who, seeing that they were much frightened, believing Him to be a
spirit, addressed them, saying, " Peace be unto you. Why are you troubled?
and whj' do doubts arise in your hearts ? behold My hands and My feet, that
it is I Myself: handle Me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as
you see Me have," Unable to reply, because of their astonishment, they sat
mute, wondering and yet joyful, until He asked them for something to eat,
whereat they offered Him a piece of broiled fish and some comb-honey, which
He ate before them. Having thus refreshed Plimself, Jesus began to teach as

:! Il

il.!?

■ I

fii

l^'fl

520

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

He luid bef(>re being crucified; reminding them again that as He had W^n
sent l)y the Father to i)rcacli to the world, so now did He Himself send His
disciples on a like errand. Having thus instructed them He disappeared, uiul
soon after another disciple, named Thomas, who was not present with ilie

" I'l'.ACh; 111'; INTO vou."

Others wlien Jesus uianifested Himself, now entered the room. He was greets (1
with joyful cries froui his eomijanions, " We have seen the Tyord, we have
seen the Lord." These assurances, added to the reports which he had already
received from tho.se who declared Jesus had risen, yet failed to convince the

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

521

doubting Thomas, who said, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of
the nails, and pnt ni\- linger into the wonnds, and thrnst ni}- hand into His
side, where the spear i)ierced Him, I will not believe He is risen."

lught days after His appearance to all the disciples Jcsns again mani-
fested Himself at another gathering of the apostles, at which Thomas was
present. As He came into their midst Jesns spoke to Tliomas, saying,
"Reach hither thy hand and thrnst it into My side, and be no longer faith-
less, bnt believe that I have risen again." Hearing that \<)ice, as well as
seeing His beloved form, was now enongh to convince Thomas, who re-
sponded, in the fervor of his adoration, " My Lord and mj' (iod." Jcsns now
taught his disciples again in their dnties as
holy messengers sent by God to teach the way
to heaven.

Some time after this, but how long the
apostles fail to tell us, Jesus again showed Him-
self in Galilee at the Sea of Tiberias. There
were, at this manifestation, seven of the dis-
ciples together, who were engaged in fisliing,
anil had been casting their nets during the
whole night before without success. In the
morning, as they returned homeward in their
boats, the}' discovered a man standing on the
shore who called to them, saying, "Children,
have \'e an}' meat?" But they were compelled
to answer " No," since the}' had been unable
to lake so much as a single fish in their hard
lahors over night. Christ bade them cast thei:-
nets on the right side of the Ix.at, assuring
dieui that by so d(jing they would be rewarded
by a goodly haul. And they did so and caught
such a large number of fish that they were not
able to draw the nets. This wonderful result
caused John to exclaim, "It is the Lord 1 " Upon hearing this, and perceiving
that it must be so, Peter, who was nakeil, hastily jmt on his iisher's coat, and
casting himself into the sea swam lo the shore to greet Jesus. The other dis-
ciples remained in the boat, and sloul\' dragged tlu' great net filled with hshes
to the land, reaching which they found a fire kindled and lish laid thereon
ci.;ikiu]L;;, while bread was provided for all to eat. Peter helped to secure the
iish, which were one hundred and iifly-three in nund)er, and of such large size
that the disci])les wondered the net was not broken.

Forty days after His crucifixion, the last meeting of the T^ord and His
disciples occurred on a mountain in Galilee, an e\ent that He had sjxtken of
prophetically before the crucifixion. As He had begun llis public tciiching '"n

iiiwvi) 1)1' ji;ses.

T.ikcii fmm a luiiiilkcri-hk'f iii ilie po-scs-ioii r.( tlie
Prime of W'.ilp-.. (Jupicd by iicriiiiaiioii fur "Tub

UliAUTIIlL ^-luKV."

Saa

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Galilee, so was it appointed that in Galilee He should end it. Tlicrcfore -aW
the disciples were called together upon a high hill near Bethsaida, and to tluni
Jesus now delivered His last discourse. He reminded them that (i(jd had
given Him all power in hoth heaven and earth, hut that His jH)\ver was tor
good and not to do evil ; this power, in measure, He now delegated w, tlie dis-
ciples, and bade them go and preach the gospel to all nations, and to hapti/;.-
ihem in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and to do all tliiii ■>
heretofore commanded. While He addressed His discijiles nuuiy others came
to the place, being, no doubt, attracted by rumors which thev had he^ard of
Jesus having risen, ;tnd ;;articularl3' b}- the spectacle of twehe men assciiii)k'd
upon tlie mountain. To these, who numbered five hundred, it was given to
know that Jesus had indeed returned in the flesh, and they therefore Ixcaiue
witnesses to the truth of His resurrection.

TIIK ASCKN.SION' OF JHSUS.

After delivering to His disciples a solemn discouisc on their duties as
ministers of the gospel. He led them dov/n the moun'.ain and to Betlianv,
which was on the opposite side of the Mount of Olives i -om the city of biii-
salem, and there having given them His parting blessing, n bright cloud ink :-
posed between them and Him, like the chariot and horses of fire that separak.l
Elijah from F^lisha ; and upborne by this car of golden cloud. He was carried
away to heaven.

]\Ieanwhile the disciples scarcely recollected that this was but what lie had
Himself foretold: " What and if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend up where
He was before?" The}' stood gazing up after :'iim as if He had been Inst
forever, till they were awakened from their stupor b}' the appearance of two
angels standing by them, and declaring that this same Jesus, who was taken
from them into heaven, should so come in like manner as tliey had seen Iliiii
';o into heaven — words which can only refer to the final advent of our l.onl,
and which teach us that He shall be seen descending from the riven sky as
plainly, and as unexpectedly, as He passed into it from their eyes. Willi
this agrees His own warning of "the sign of the Son of Man, coming in the
clouds of heaven, with power and great glory," and the words of the !inal
Scripture proyh.ocy, " Ilehold He conieth with clouds, and every eye shall see Him."

We cannot more fitly ccniclude this nainitive of our ySaviour's life on earili,
in which we have aimed to bring into one view the records of the four h'.xaii-
gelists with as much brevity as |)ossible, than by calling attention to the two
points insisted ori by vSt. John; — F''irst, that we have only a small part ol niu-
Lord's sayings and doings in the ])rescnce of His disciples, for the world itsill
could hardly have contained the record of the whole; but, finally, thai all we
do possess has been wr"'.ten with this sole object, "that we might hrlirir lliai
Jesus is the Christ, t'.ie Son of (lod, and that, believing, we might have \\W
through His name."

Tim ASCI.NSIDN.

(SS,^^

"Aud it came to putts, while lie blusaed thutu, he was parlud fruui tliciii, utul canii'i: . p into lieiivcii."

—St. LiKi; xxiv. 51.

»'

CHAPTER XXXIV.

liii

ACTS OF THE APOSTLKS.

^'^ FTER the ascension of Jesns the eleven apostles returned to
^ Jerusalem, and, fulfilling His command, awaited there a
manifestation of the H0I3' Spirit. This period of waitiue
they spent in an upper room each evening, praying and
giving thanks to God for the gift of His precious Sou and
during the day they gathered in the Temple to preach the
resurrection and ascension of their Lord. The nifciiiii^s
)f the apostles were increased b}^ one hundred and nine disciples
who came to join in the praise-giving, so that the nunihcr of
worshippers was one hundred and twenty, who received the designa-
tion of hirtlncii. At one of these assemblages, Peter delivered an
address, wherein he reminded his brethren that Jesus had stricken
the name of Judas from the list of His chosen apostles, and desired
that another be elected in his place. Therefore, said he, " Of those
who have been faithful unto Jesus since His baptism it is proper that we .select
one to fill the place of Judas, and who will go with us to preach the gnsjiel as
our Lord commanded." This suggestion being received wi^li approval, the dis-
ciples selected two men worthy of the appointment, whose names were Joseph,
also called Barsabas, and Matthias, and after praying the Lord to direct them
in their choice, the}' cast lots to determine which of the two should be the
successor of Judas. The result was favorable to Matthias, who was lieuecforlh
counted as one of the twelve apostles beloved of Ciod.

Ten days after the ascension was the Feast of Penteco.st, which was the
annual celebration of the harvest gathering, and as all faithful Jews observed lliis
day, the disciples met together at one place to offer tip their thanks. While
thus engaged suddenly they heard a sound like the '•ushing of a great wind
from heaven, which filled the house with lambent flames shaped like forked
tongues and rested upon the head of each disciple. This was the manifestation
of the H0I3' Spirit, as had been promised, and iuimediately each disciple began
to speak in a foreign tongue, which was the sign given that they were now
prepared to preach to all nations.

Now there was present at this wonderful meeting many Jews and others
who had come from far countries where different languages were spoken, so
when they heard the disciples jircachiug in these several tongues they inquired
in their ast.)nishment, "Do not all these men live in Cialilee ? How, then, are
they ablr to speak the languages of those countries from who'Tr we come?"

rmL\

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

525

SoDie of those from Jerusalem, however, unable to understand what was spoken,
made sport of the disciples and declared that they were drunkards, come to pro-
fane the services. Peter rebuked them for this unjust accusation, and, address-
\nor himself to Israel, said, " Ve men of Juacu., and all ye that dwell in Jcru-
sak'ii' be this known unto you, and hcarlcen to my words : These are not
drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this
is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel : Jesus of Xa/.areth, a num
approved of God among you by miracles and wonders, which God did by Him
in the midst of you, as ye yourselves all know ; Him have ye taken and by
wicked hands have crucified. But God hath raised Him up and hath given
Him power over death. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly,
tluit God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and
Christ."

When the audience heard this declaration thej^ became much distressed,
and, grieving for what had been done, said to Peter and the other apostles,
"Men and brethren, what shall we do?" The repl}- came thundering back,
loud but compassionate, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the
name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children ; and
to all that are afar off."

Many gladly received this promise and were baptized, and in the evening
there were added to the original Church of one hundred and twenty souls,
tluL'e thousand redeemed Jews, and the number rapidly grew under the
powerful preacliing of Peter and the wondrous signs which God showed the
people.

THK VIRST MIR.\CI.K OK JOH\ AND PMTKR.

On one of the days of this spiritual outpouring among the people John
and Peter were going together to the Temple to continue their exhortations,
when reaching what is called the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, they saw a
poor man who had been lame from his birth, lying there asking for alms.
His appeal for help excited the compassion of the two apostles, who told him
to look upon them, probably to scrutinize his countenance and discover if he
were worthy of their assistance. Having thus satisfied themselves, Peter said,
"Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give thee: In the name
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk," and taking the beggar by the
hand he assisted him to rise, whereat the man immediately received strength,
and felt so thoroughly restored that he began leaping and praising Cod, and
followed the worshippers into the Temple. The people who saw this U/iracle
performed were much excited and nuuiy at once confessed their sins, accepting
it as an evidence of the Divine commission of the apostles, and of the truths
they taught. The success of the apostles was therefore so great that the old
spirit of jealousy was again excited in the priests and .Saddncees, who resorted
to extreme measures to prevent the further teaching that Jesus was the Christ,

h il

526

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

postles were sei/cd

the folio wiiijr day,

culled a periiiciuus

and through Him was the resurrection of the dead. Tin
by soldiers and cast into prison, where they remained uni
when they were brought to trial for preaching what was
doctrine.

thp: trial ok thk apostlks.

On the next daj' there was a meeting of the council, or Sanhedrim, Ijcfore
which Peter and John were summoned to answer the complaints made against
them. To the inquiry first addressed them, concerning the healing of the lame
man, " By what power and in whose name have ye done this ?" Peter replied
that " it was in the name of Jesus whom ye crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, even b}- Him doth this man stand here before you whole." " This,''
said he, " is the stone (Jesus) which was set at naught by your builders
(chief priests), which is become the head of the corner. Neither is tlicre
salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved."

This fearless answer confused Annas and Caiaphas, the high-priests, which
was increased by the healed mail being brought before them, and the further
proof of the true mission of Peter, knowing him to have been an ignorant
man but now given to speak with the eloquence and wisdom of the most
learned. With all this evidence, however, they would no doubt have condeinncd
the apostles, save for the fact that there were now five thousand converts to
the new teaching mIio stood ready to defend their faith and the lives of
the preachers as well.

The council was adjourned without taking further action, to give oppor-
tunity for the members to discuss, among themselves, a plan for rejiressing
the apostles. In debating the matter they admitted the miracle performed by
John and Peter, and acknowledged that it was imprudent to attempt to deny
it in the face of their own convictions and the thousands of witnesses wlio had
testified to its performance. T'.ie only course left them therefore was to attempt
intimidation. Accordingly, they called Peter and John again before thcni, and
threatened to visit upon them an c^•reme punishment if they persisted in
preaching to the people. Peter boldly answered, " Whelher it be right in the
sight of God to hearken unto you mo'e than unto God, judge ye. I'or wo
cannot but speak the things which .*. have seen and heard."' The council
would gladly have made good tlicir threats but for tlie ominous attitude of
five thousand persons that had been converted by the apostles, so, after renew-
ing their warning, the council wiseh' let them go.

THE DRKADFUL PUNISH Ml'.NT ()!• ANANIAS AND SAri'lIIRA.

The apostles, having been liberated, went immediately to their many
friends and assembled them together to give thanks for their escape and lor
the numerous con\ersions that had blessed their work. While they were thus
engaged in prayer the building in which they were gathered suddenly began

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

527

to shake, whereat Peter and John knew that Jesus was with them and that
He had thus manifested His presence and will to aid them in all things.

After this the disciples preached even more boldly than before, and their
labors grew constantly more fruitful. Of their many converts, a great num-
ber who owned houses or lands, sold their possessions and brought the money
so obtained to the apostles for distribution among the poor. Among those who
sought the grace of Jesus through this means was a man named Ana-
iiias, and his wife Sapphira, who sold their lands, but by agreement between
themselves they brought only a portion of the money to the apostles, aver-
ring, however, that they freely
gave all that had been re-
ceived. Ananias came first to
Peter with the portion he had
intended to give, and made
his avowal that for the whole
of his possessions this was all
the money he had received.
But Peter, having miraculous
ore-knowledge of what was
done, said to him : "Ananias,
was not the land thine own
before it was sold, so that
thou didst not have to sell
it ? And was not the money
thine own after it was sold, to
keep it if thou didst want it ?
Why hast thou let Satan
Holy Ghost?" And when Peter
had llius rebuked him for falsifying to God with the belief
that .uicli falsehood would procure for him the position of
a true disciple, Ananias fell down dead, punished v.ilh the
Divine wrath. His body was speedily taken uj) l)y some
young men present, who, after attiring it in grave-clothes,
carri'xl it away for burial. A few hours after this tragic event Sai)phira, not
knowing what had happened, came to the place where the disciples were.
And Peter asked her, saying, " Tell me, was the monc}- thj- husband brought
us, all that you received for the land ?" She answered, " Yes." And Peter
said to her, " Why have you agreed togetlier to try and deceive the vSpirit
of the Lord? Behold, the men are at the door who have just buried thy
liushaud, and they shall also carry thee out, ' Then she too fell dov/n at
Peter's feet and died instantly. And the young men who bad just buried
Ananias returned in time to carry out her body also and lay it beside her
Imshand.

HIRA

538

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

This suninmry vengeance taken by God inspired great fear anion-- tlid-^ei
who had been insincere, and prevented those given to worldly conceits iVoiul
entering the Chnrch, bnt its effects were salntary in the end, since it kept dutl
those of inipnre motives, and increased the faith of others, so that the workl
of conversion continned. Daily the apostles assembled on the portico of Solo-
mon's Temple, and not only preached to the people bnt performed many
miracles. Mmtitndes came into Jerusalem to hear Peter, who healed the sickl
that were brought to him, and many of those afflicted were restored to licallhl
by being carried upon their beds close enough to the apostle for his sliiidowj
to fall upon them.

PPrrKR AXD JOHN AGAIX THROWN INTO PRISON BUT RELEASED RY AN AXCIJ..

The jealous}- and indignation of the Sadducees at seeing the gospclj
spreading so rapidiy, became so intense that at length they defied popularl

sentiment, and rudely seizing tin
two most prominent apostles, {(tluil
and Peter, first thrust them iiiuj
prison, where they were speedily i
joined by tluu no more fortiniaiv
brethren. On the same niglil, how-
ever, an angel opened the doors ofj
the prison and set all the ajioslk'!
free, and in the morning the\- wir*
again on the portico preaching auc
healing as before.

When the Sanhedrim met on the
following day they received a report
of the miraculous deliverance, whiclvl
they themselves confirmed by an
examination of the prison bars and the guards. Fearing to do them open vio-
lence the council had the apostles brought again before them and put tliej
same question as before, "Why speak ye of Jesus contrary to our commands ?''[
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, " We ought to obey!
God rather than men. That Jesus whom you slew on the cross, God li;is|
raised up again, as a Saviour, to give the Jews new and penitent hearts, audi
forgive them their sins. And we, His apostles, are sent to tell you of these!
things."

When tile higii-priest aiiil tlie iiiiets llearcl U'lirtl; \\\^ (i\^m\h^ said, tlieyj
were filled with madness against them, and talked with one anoth.'- alH)utj
putting them to ilnilh. Then slood up one of the rulers, a learned inaiij
named llilllinliel, the |iieieptor of Paul, who was much thought of by all tliej
Jews, and he commanded that the apostles Hliould be sent out of the councilj
for a little while. When they had gone, Gamaliel said, " Ye rulers of Israel,

UlCATH OF SAl'l'HlRA.

THE BEAUTIFUL wSTORY.

529

x careful what ye do to these men. For a good wliilc ago, a man named
Itheudas rose np, pretending that lie was some great persun, and al)()ut lour

;:idre(l men followed him and obeyed what he told them. But before long
j;e was slain, and all who had obeyed him separated from one another,
hiterward another man, named Juchis, of C'.alilee, persuaded many persons to
ImIIow him, but he alsi perished, and those who had gone willi him were
lettered. And now, I say to you, Let these men alone and \o them no
Jiarm; for if what they teaeh be untrue it will soon eouie to nothing; but if
'•}a1 Ikis sent them to s]>eak no one may resist his ser\ants."

AN ANf.ia, RKMCASINC, TlIK A POSTUCS.

The wisdom of Gamaliel prevailed with the council, to overcome the deci-
Isira that had alread}' been m.sde to put the apostles to death, but he cnild
ln't prevent wholly their punishment, for the}^ were severely scourged, as was
prmitted by the law, and again forbidden to preach in the name of Jesus.

SRVKN DKACOXS CIIOSKN TO DISTRIISUTE .M.ISIS.

Instead of the stripes which they received repressing their ardor, the apos-
Jfc gloried in having suffered for Jesus' sake, and seem to have redoubled
Itieir exertions, for the service which they now held both in the streets and
|Iemple was coutiuuous. Nor was their labor less rewarded, for so many now
34

530

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

became converted that it became necessary to effect some kind of orj^ani/at
for the Church government. This step became more urgent by reason of cc
plaints which the poor made to Peter that they were not receiving a ijioj
share of the common fund. At a council, therefore, lickl by the uposiksj
was decided to elect seven deacons, chosen from among those held in liidi
favor by reason of their upright character, whose duties were to dislribiuo
c )utributions among the worthy and to superintend the " service of table
which would relieve the apostles and thus allow them to devote their cuj
time to prayer and the ministry. The seven that were so chosen were .Sici)h
Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Nicolas and Parmenas. Stephen, llic u^
zealous of the number, not only attended to the poor but gave mucli of
time to preaching and performing miracles, the gift of which was given
when he became a deacon.

So energetic, bold and successful did Stephen become as a teacher in
lie places, that not onl}' the Sadducees, but the Pharisees also, became violet
jealous of him. Charges of blasphemy were preferred, upon whicli 1r-
apprehended and brought to answer before the Sanhedrim. After hearin^^
false witnesses speak and perceiving the intent of the council, Stephen spJ
in his own behalf, not with cringing words or petitions for mercy, but vi
the sc ne fearlessness that had characterized his preaching. He repeated
his judges the story of Moses, of Abraham, of Jacob and of Joseph, how tl
had suffered at the bauds of wicked men for opinion's sake, but that in
end the}' had triumphed, while their enemies were made to eat of the br
of sore affliction. Stephen concluded his speech after this manner, "
wickedness of your fathers have ye inhferited; as they did, so do ye nj
Which of the prophets did they not persecute ? And even now yoursel
have slain Jesus, the Messiah, that Just One Himself."

STPU'HEN' IS STOMKD TO DEATH AM) HKCOMKS THE FIRST MARTVR.

When the men in the council heard these words, they were filled \^
rage against Stephen, and gnashed on him with their teeth like wild bea
But he, looking up toward heaven, saw a glorious light there, and Jesus sta
ing at the right hand of God. And he said, " I see the heavens opened,
Jesus standing at the right hand of God." Then they cried out with U
voices against him, and stopped their ears that they might not hear his wor
and they brought him out of the city and stoned him. While they
stoning him, he kneeled down on the ground and prayed, saying, "Lord,
give them for this sin."

Punishment by stoning was instituted by Moses and was comparati\
common among the Jews for several hundred years after Christ. The
required that the witnesses against the offender should cast the first stone,
in the case of Stephen there were several witnesses, who, to allow more ^
dom for their arms took off their outer garments, or togas, and gave thei

THE BEAUTIFUL ST(3RY.

531

|i young man to hold while they should bruise out the life of this holy disci-
le of Jesus. This young man, who took charge of the divested trurnients,
jris Saul, the so:: of a rich man, an intense hater of tlie Christians, bui of
Irwui he afterward became an ecj tally earnest supporter, as we shall presently
This man, who was an officer of the Pharisees, most probably, seems to
liive been stimulated to a greater passion by the sight of blood, and he entered

;y a persecution of the Christians with such fierce zeal, scourging tliem in

•e synagogues, and committing men and women to prison, that the disciples
litre compelled to flee to other countries for' refuge, but wherever they went

iey continued preaching the gospel.

Philip went into Samaria, where he performed many miraLJes, and accom-
kiihed so many wonderful cures among the sick ai- \ lame that great numbers
jabraced the religion which he taught, and were baptized. Peter and John,
]:£ariug of his good success in Samaria, soon followed, ami the three labored

■jere with such good results that thousands were added to the Church. It was
Ire that they met an impostor named Simon, who, by methods of his own,
Lot understood at the time, performed many wonderful thiugs which the people
pjarded as a manifestation of Divine power. This man \v>, - also converted
liythe preaching and miracles of Peter, and became thoroughly repentant for
lie wickedness he had practised.

CONVERSION OF THP: KUNUCH.

After remaining some time thus in Samaria, by command of the Lord,
jJiilip quitted the country and went to Gaza, a city to the west of Jerusalem.
JTaile on his way he was overtaken by an Ethiopian eunuch, who was return-

from Jerusalem, where he had been to worship at the Temple. This man
Ins an officer under Candace, (Jueen of Ethiopa, who was in the line of suc-
piou from the Queen of Sheba. As he came near, Philip perceived that the
•:iiuch was reading aloud from the Scripture, which made him bold to inquire,
[Dost thou understand what thou readest ?" To which the eanuch replied,
j'How can I, except some man shall explain to me ?" And he then invited
lliilip to sit with him in the chariot, which was thankfully accepted. Philip
p began teaching him and explaining the way of salvation through Christ,
pich so affected the eunuch that when they came to a stream of water he
md the apostle to baptize him. Philip acceded to this request, and led the
piich into the water, where he baptized him in the name of Jesus. Imme-
pely after Philip was caught up by the Holy Spa-it and disappeared, but
lie eunuch continued on his way filled with joy, and giving praise for this
pnifestatiou of God's love for him. Philip's next appearance was at a city
plied Azotus, where he preached for a time with wonderful success, and con-
ped his triumphal career through all the western cities until he came to
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TflE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

tup: wonderful conversion of SAUL.

News of the success which attended the apostles in all parts of the Hoh/
Land reached Jerusalem everj'^ day, and particularly of the numerous conver-
sions then beini;' made at Damascus. This so aroused the ire of Saul that he
sought and received of the high-priests at Jerusalem permission, through con-

"l.ORD, WHAT \VII,T THOU HAVK ME 'iO UO?"

curreuce of the priests at Damascus, to seize any disciples which he might find
there and to bring them to Jerusalem for punishment.

Armed with the necessury authorit}', Saul set out at the head of a guard
of soldiers for Damascus, with his heart steeled against mercy. But as he
approached near the city suddenly an intense light flashed out from heaven
full upon the persecutor, which so dazzled him that he fell to the ground in
great fear, and as he lay there he heard a voice crying to him from out the

f the Holy
ms conver-
lul that he
rough con-

^SSi

might find

3f a guard
But fis he
3ni heaven
ground in
ui out the

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

533

streaming rays, " Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" And Saul knew that
the voice came not from one of this eartli, so he answered, " Who art thou,
Lord?" How much more frightened must he have been on hearing the reply,
" I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest." Humble now, and perhaps realizing
on the sudden how great had been his iniquity, and how much he deserved
punishment, in a trembling voice Saul cried, '' Lord, what wilt Thou have me
to do?" "Arise," was the command, "and go into the citv, and it will be told
thee what to do." Then Saul arose, but his sight was so blinded and his body
so weak from fear, that lie could not walk, so that his soldiers had to carry
him into Damascus, and for three days he could not see, neither did he eat nor
drink.

AXAxiAs si'XT TO restorp: Saul's sight.

At the time of Saul's visit to Damascus there lived in the city a man
named Ananias, who had been converted to Christianity some time before, and
was an energetic disciple. To this man the Lord spoke, coinmar.ding him to
go at once into a street called Straight, and there ask at the house of one
Judas, for a person named Saul : " He is now praying to Ale, and has seen
thee in a vision, coming to him, and putting thy hand on him, that he may
receive his sight." Ananias was not only surprised at thus hearing the voice
of God, but especially to receive such a command, and he even expostulated,
saying, "I ha\e heard many speak of this man, and of the great evil he has
done to Thy people in Jerusalem ; and he has come here with letters from the
chief priests, giving him power to bind in fetters all who believe on Thee."
But the Lord said, " Go, as I have told thee, for I have chosen him to preach
My gospel to the Gentiles, and to kings, and to the children of Israel. And
I will show him what great sufferings he must bear for My sake."

Then Ananias obeyed and went into the house of Judas, and putting his
hands on Saul, said, " Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to thee as
thou wast coming to Damascus, has sent me to put ni}' hands on thee, that
thou mayest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost." And
immediately Saul's eyes were opened and he could see ; and he rose up anil
was baptized.

THI'; JI'WS SI'lUs. TO KILL PAri..

After being thus converted, and seeing the hand of God in all that had
been done for him, Saul, who is henceforth called Paul, began at once preach-
ing in the sjMiagogues with all the fervor and faith that had characterized
Peter and John. The people were, of course, amazed at this sudden change,
and were at first disposed to believe he had adopted this appearance of con-
version in order the better to discover who were professing Christians. The
power of his speech, however, won niau}^ to join the disciples, while his
accusations against those who had denied and crucified CMirist so angered the
Jews at Damascus that they sought his life. Their threats and passions
increased until a watch was set upon him, and they would no doubt have

! i

534

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

seized and stoned hini had not some of liis friends secreted liini in a house,
and at night let him down in a basket over the wall so that he might escape
from the city.

Paul went from Damascus to Jerusalem and sought the disciples who still
remained there, but they were afraid to fellowship with him until Barnabas,
one of their number, told them of the strange circumstances of Paul's conversion,
and how the hostile Jews were conspiring against his life, Paul was soon
compelled to flee from Jerusalem, and he went to his native cit}' of Tarsus,
in Asia Minor, where he continued to preach for some time.

Peter and John likewise went from town to town, preaching and healing
the sick and founding churches, until there were at this time, A. D. 50, nearly
one hundred established congregations. One of these Peter founded at Lydda,
where he miraculously healed a man named Eneas, who had been bed-ridden
from pals}' for eight j'ears. This miracle led him to the performance of one
greater, and by which the Church was increased along the Mediterranean coast.

THE REvSURRECTION OF DORCAS.

Near Lydda was the seaport of Joppa, which is a considerable city at this
day. Residing there at the time was a woman named Dorcas, who was widely
known for her great charities, and for all those accomplishments which en-
noble woman. It chanced that she fell sick, and after a short illness died.
Her death was bewailed by all the inhabitants of Joppa, many of whom came
to pay honors to the bod}'. It Avas dressed with much care, and embalmed
with sweet sjiices and camphor, and clothed with rich winning sheets, and laid
in an upper chamber preparatory to burial. Some of the disciples of the cit}',
learning that Peter was then preaching in a neighboring town, and perform-
ing many miracles, sent two messengers bearing a request for him to come
quickly to Joppa. To this Peter promptly responded, and was taken at once
to the chamber where the beloved body lay. Here he found many widows and
others whom she had helped in their troubles, and these began to offer their
eulogies on the numerous godly merits she had possessed. But Peter, with
some impatience, bade them leave the room, and then kneeling down he
prayed, after which he arose and calling to the dead body said, " Dorcas,
arise ! " At the sound of his voice the woman sat up and appeared as one
who had just awakened from a refreshing sleep. Peter now called to those
without the room, and when they entered Dorcas received them, restored to
life, and health as well. The fame of this miracle spread rapidly, and caused
many to join the Church in Joppa, besides resulting in the greatest good
throughout all the cities of western Palestine.

CONVERSION AND BAPTISM OK CORNELIUS — PETER'S VISION.

During the time of Peter's stay in Joppa a singular thing occurred to
Cornelius, a Roman centurion who loved God, by which he was brought to

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

.^JO

n a house,
gilt escape

3 who still
Barnabas,

conversion,
was soon

of Tarsus,

id healing
50, nearly
at Lydda,
bed-ridden
ice of one
leaii coast.

ty at this
'as widely
vhicli en-
les.s died.
10m came
embalmed
, and laid
the city,
perform-
to come
1 at once
dows and
'ifer their
!ter, with
down he
" Dorcas,
I as one
to those
stored to
d caused
:est good

urred to
)ught to

Peter for baptism. This man was noted for his generosity to the poor, on
which account he had great favor with the Lord and his people as well. It
is related that about the ninth hour of the day Cornelius beheld a vision of
an angel approaching him, which he addressed, "What is it. Lord?" The
angel replied, "God has heard thy prayers, and seen the alms which thou
hast given. Xow^ send men to Joppa for a man named Peter, who is staying
at the house of Simon, a tanner, which is by the seaside ; when he has come
he will tell thee what thou oughtest to do." Thus saying the angel vanished.
Cornelius at once called two servants and one of his soldiers, in whom he had
the most confidence, and, first relating what had befallen him, he sent t'lem
quickly to Joppa, which was only one day's journey distant.

On the following day Peter went up on the house-top to pray, as wa.-. his
custom. All the house-tops in that country are flat, and are used for prome-
nading in the warm summer evenings, as well also for devotions, on account
of the privacy which they afford. On this occasion, while Peter was praying,
he suddenly felt a great hunger, and at the same time he beheld a wondrous
vision: the sky above appeared to open and a great sheet held at the four
corners was let down before him filled with numerous wild beasts, birds and
insects. And as he was looking a voice came out of the clouds, saying, "Rise,
Peter, kill and eat." Now, held within the sheet were many animals which
the edict of Moses had pronounced unclean, and seeing this, Peter remon-
strated, saying, "Not so. Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is com-
mon or unclean." But the voice spoke thrice, "What God hath cleansed, that
call not thou common." The meaning of this vision was not revealed at once
to Peter, though he soon afterward knew that it was given as a sign that the
gospel was not to be withheld from other nations, notwithstanding that the
Jews looked upon all other people with a feeling of loathing.

While Peter was striving to interpret the significance of the vision the
servants of Cornelius appeared before the gate and inquired for him. At the
same moment God spoke to him, saying, "Three men are looking for thee;
arise and follow them, for I have sent them." And Peter wen', down to the
men, and said to them, " Behold, I am he whom ye seek ; for what reason
have you come?" They answered, "Cornelius, the centurion, who is a just
man and one that fears God, and is well thought of by all the Jews, was told
by a holy angel to send for thee to come to his house, that he might hear
the words which thou wouldst speak." Then Peter called the men into
Simon's house, and kept them that night; on the morrow he went with them,
and some of the disciples who lived at Joppa went also.

The next day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them, and
had invited his relations and near friends to be with him when Peter should
And as Peter entered into liis house, Cornelius fell down and wor-

come.

shipped him. But Peter spoke to him, saying, "Stand up; for I am only a
man like thyself." Then Peter went in with him and found there many per-

III, J

536

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

sous gathered together, who, like Cornelius himself, were uot Jews, but Gen-
tiles. And Peter said to them, "You know that the Jews say it is wrong for
them to make friends with the men of other nations, because the Jews think
themselves better, and call others common and unclean. But God has taught
me, in a vision, not to call the men of other nations common or unclean.
Therefore I came to you as soon as 3'ou sent for me, and now I ask for what
reason you wanted me to come?"

Cornelius answered, " Four days ago I was fasting and praying in my
house, and, behold, an angel stood before me in bright clothing, and said,
Cornelius, God has heard thy prayers, and seen thy kind acts to the poor.
Send therefore to Joppa for a man named Peter. He is staying in the house
of Simon, a tanner, by the seaside. When he comes, he will tell how thou
and all thy family can be saved. Immediatel}' then I sent for thee, and thou
hast been kind to come. Now we are all here together to hear what God
hath commanded thee to sa}-."

Peter accepted the invitation of Cornelius and preached to him and his
friends of their duties to God, and recited the story of Jesus' good works and
His cruel death with such effect that the entire house was converted aud bap-
tized, and he remained with them several days glorifying God.

PETER IS CAST INTO PRISON, BUT AX ANGEL DELIVERS HIM.

The wonders performed, aud particularly the rapid conversion of the peo-
ple to Christianity by Peter, stirred up the anger of the Hellenists anew after
it had slumbered for about five years. Herod, the tetrarch, but who was called
king, ruling as the representative of Rome, became specially vindicti\e and
began a vigorous persecution of the Christians. James, one of the apostles,
was first seized aud publicly beheaded, amid the plaudits of the brutal populace.
Peter was shortly afterward arrested, but the Feast of the Passover being at
hand his execution was deferred until the celebration should be concluded.
He was thrown into prison and, as a measure of particular precaution against
his escape, he was chained to his guards by means of iron bands around his
wrists and ankles, connected with chains fastened to similar bands about the
limbs of his keepers. But these could not avail against the will of God. On
the night preceding the day fixed for his death, Peter was awakened by the
gentle touch of an angel, as he lay sleeping between the guards, and he heard
a voice, " Rise up quickl}'." He opened his eyes to see a brilliant light filling
the naturally dark cell, and beheld before him a radiait angel, who now said,
" Dress th3'belf, and put on thy sandals and follow mc." Peter saw also that
the men sent to guard him were in a profound sleep — but the chains ! This
perplexity was only for a moment, for as he sought to rise, the bands which
lield his limbs broke asunder, the great iron gate which barred the way to
liberty swung back noiselessly of its own accord, and following the angel Peter
walked out and down through the quiet streets until they came to the vicinity

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

537

of a friend's house, named Mary. Here the Divine liberator left liim, and

Petei

;r went to lind shelter where he knew were his friends. Mary was the
mother of Mark, and to her house came many Christians every day to worship
together. But it was with great' secrecy, for the emissaries of Herod were
Everywhere seeking to glut their vengeful hatred with Christian blood.

Peter knocked at the door of :\Iary, when Rlioda, a young woman who
chanced to be at the house at the time, went to answer the summons. She
did not quickly open the door, but suspecting that it might be one of Herod's
spies, she crept cautiously and gave a challenge, " Who is it?" Peter responded
in such a manner that Rlioda knew immediately that it was he, and sc over-
joyed was she to know that he was near again, that she forgot to open the
door, but in her gladness now ran back to ]\Iary and the company to tell them
that Peter was without. Tliey thought she must be mad. and so told he;-, for
was not Peter in prison, and was he not to furnish the bloody spectacle of a
victim to Jewish hatred before the populace on the uu)rrow ? But Peter kept
knocking until they came and admitted him, and heard from his own lips the
story of his miraculous deliverance.

When morning dawned the guards awakened to find to their horror that
Peter had disappeared, but how they could not divine. The iron bands were
intact, and the great gate was bolted through which no one could have passed,
Herod soon heard of the disciple's escape and sent immediately for the keepers.
These he questioned concerning the nuinner of Peter's escape, but obtaining
no satisfactory replies he ordered that they be forthwith put to death. But
Herod himself did not long survive, for the Lord afflicted him with a loath-
some disease from which he soon died after great suffering.

PAUL IS CALLED TO ANTIOCH.

When most of the disciples fled from Jerusalem, after the stoning of Ste-
phen, about A. D. 35, some of them went to Antioch, a city of S3^na, where
they preached to the Gentiles and made a great number of conversions.
Learning of their success there Barnabas also went to Antioch after Paul's
departure for Tarsus, as it was not safe for either to remain longer in Jerusa-
lem. After remaining in Antioch some months, Barnabas sought Paul and
brought him there also, as it was a most fruitful field for Christianizing labor.
Here they preached daily for a year, in which time several thousand persons
united with the Church, and here also was the name Christian^ as a follower
of Christ, first given. At the end of a year, a prophet named Agabus
declared that a famine would prevail throughout the land in the succeeding
season, to prepare against which Paul and Barnabas raised .''Aich funds as they
were able to collect from their friends, and took the money to Jerusalem for
distribution among the needy Christians in that city, but they were absent
only a short time, having made their return to Antioch as soon as possible on
account of the bitter feeling which still existed against them iu Jerusalem.

538

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

A FALSE PROPHET IS STRUCK BUND.

After preaching another year in Antioch, Paul went to Salamis, on the
island of Cyprus, taking with him Barnabas, a native of the island, and
another disciple named Mark, but they were ill received by the C3'prians at
Salamis, so, after a short stay and little preaching, thej' removed to Paphos,
a town on the same island. Directly after their arrival at Paphos, the deputy
of the cit}-, Sergius Paulus, sent for them to instruct him in the wa}- of sal-
vation. But there was a Jew named Elymas who had great influence with the
deputy, and as he was a rabid hater of the Christians he for a time undid all
the good work of Paul. This so incensed the apostle that he sought Elymas.
and accosted him, saying, " O thou, who art full of mischief, then child of the
devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right
M-a3's of the Lord ? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and
thou slialt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." Immediately the light
Avent out from his eyes and he had to seek some one to lead him. On account
of this miracle Paulus was convinced, and he became an earnest Christian,
whose influence brought many others to accept the gospel.

I-

PAUL AND BARNABAS ARE DRIVEN FROM ANTIOCH.

Paul and Barnabas left Paphos after a season and went to a town called
Perga, on the river Ccntrus, in Asia Minor. Here they were received with
such hostilit}' that Mark, of faint heart, left his companions and returned to
Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas made their stay also short in Perga, and went
to Antioch in Pisidia, or Asia Minor, which, like the Antioch of Syria, was
founded by Nicator, the son of Antioch us. Here Paul preached in the Jewish
sj-nagogues and first announced to the Jews the gospel of salvation to the
Gentiles. He recited, in eloquent language, the histoiy of the prophets, and
reminded his hearers, as Stephen had done, of the wickedness and perverse-
ness of the Jewish people. He then explained to them the gospel of Jesus
and besought them to embrace it, though at the same time he intimated his
prophetic knowledge that they would reject it.

THE PEOPLE SACRIFICED TO PAUL, BUT AFTERWARD STONED HIM.

Paul and Barnabas had to flee from Antioch, but God directed their foot-
steps aright and they went to Iconium, which is on the western limit of
Lycaonia, in Asia Minor. Here they renewed their ministry, and by preach-
ing in the sjniagogues they gained many converts of both Jews and Gentiles.
But their enemies were on the alert, and soon drove them from Iconium, from
whence they came to a city, not far distant, called Lystra. While Paul was
preaching here a man lame from birth was brought and set down beside the
apostle. Paul, perceiving that the afflicted one had faith, in the presence of
the large concourse of people before him, cried out in a loud voice : " Stand

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

539

upright on thy feet ! " Immediately the lame man went leaping for jo}-, and
giving praise for his restoration. When the people saw this wondrons mira-
cle, they declared that the apostles were gods, sent down from heaven in the
likeness of men, and they called Panl Mnriin\ and Barnabas they believed to
be Jupiter^ which were the names of their two gods. Their belief was so great
that the priests bronght oxen and sacred vessels, and an altar from the idols'
temple, and prepared to sacrifice to them. Bnt when Panl and Barnabas saw
what was abont to be done they qnickh- forbade snch a sacrilege, assnring the
people that they were only men like themselves, bnt sent to persnade thcni
from worshipping idols, and to tnrn their worship to the trne God. So fickle
were these people, that those who had been most earnest in their offerings
now became inflamed against them, declaring they were impostors and wicked
men worthy of a blasphemer's death. The feeling against Panl and Barnabas
continned to increase nntil the Jews made an attack npon them. Barnabas
escaped injnry, bnt Panl was stricken down and stoned nntil his persecntors
believed him dead. They accordingly dragged his body ontside of the city
and left it for carrion birds to feast on. Some of Panl's friends, however,
went to bring the body back and give it burial, but as they were standing
about preparing a litter, Paul suddenly rose up and returned with them to
the city, restored by God, bnt he did not tarry long, for the crj' was against
him. Therefore leaving Lystra, Paul again found Barnabas, and the two con-
tinued travelling together through all the cities of western Asia Minor, and
though bitterly persecuted ever3'where, their zeal was in no wise diminished.

)f
id

I :

CHAPTER XXXV.

PAUI, AND BARNABAS DISPUTE.

HE second missionary jonrney of St. Paul began
within a very short time after the decision of the
elders respecting the Mosaic law. He first re-
turned to Antioch, presumably for certain instruc-
tions, and from thence he journej^ed through Cili-
cia, Lj'caonia, Phr^-gia, Galatia, Mysia and the
Troad. From this latter place he went to Europe, jNIacedonia, Athens and
Corinth. Barnabas, however, did not accompany him, for on account of a dis-
pute between the two over the desire of Barnabas to take Mark with him,
they separate", Barnabas setting sail for Cyprus with Mark, while Paul pur-
sued his way in the company of Silas. Notwithstanding the evil that was
done him by the people of Lystra, Paul stopped there again on his second
journev, but it is not related that he offered to preach. We are merely told
that he found a young man in the city named Timothy, who was known as
a devout and God-fearing person, and at his request Paul took him as a com-
panion.

Paul's next stopping-place was at Troas, near the sea-coast, where at night
he beheld a vision of an angel standing before him, who said, "Come over to
Macedonia and help tts." This call, which he knew was from God, he at
once responded to, and taking a ship he sailed for Philippi, taking Silas with
him, but of Timothy no mention is made. Upon arriving at Philippi the two
apostles went on the Sabbath to a place beside the river, just on the outskirts
of the town, where the Jews were accustomed to meet for prayer, from which
we are led to infer that there was no synagogue in the place. As they sat
here a woman named Lydia, who sold purple cloths, came to attend them, and
with her Paul conversed concerning the ministry of Christ and of the gospel.
She listened with rapt attention and was soon converted, being baptized, with
all her family. After this Paul and Silas, at her request, made her house
their home while in Philippi.

PAUIv AND SILAS ARE SCOURGED BY THE PEOPLE.

The apostles preached daily to the people, but were greatly annoyed by
a young woman avIio had the reputation of forecasting events, by which she
earned much money for those to whom she was in service. It is to be in-

(540)

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

541

ferred that the \ .inian was an idiot, or afflicted with a niikl luiiac)', which in
early times was often regarded as a mark or evidence of colhision with famil-
iar spirits. She followed Paul and Silas about, crN'ing out, " These men are the
servants of God, who show us how we may be saved." To avoid this anno}'-
ance, perhaps as much as for the good deed itself, Paul at length turned and
said to the evil spirit that possessed her, "I command thee, in the name
of Jesus Christ, to come out of her." At these words the young woman was
relieved and came into possession of her right mind, so that she was no longer
profitable to her masters.

Being deprived of an income which the ravings of a poor imbecile brought
them, the masters of the girl became so incensed at Paul and Silas that they
seized them and made a charge to the rulers that they were teaching the peo-
ple a false doctrine.
On this accusation
the ruler commanded
that the apostles be
scourged and then
thrown into prison,
that it might be de-
cided afterward what
further punishment
would be inflicted.

The stripes
which they received
were very severe and
left them quite ex-
hausted, but not-
withstanding their
pitiable condition
they were not only
put into a dark and

loathsome prison, but their feet and ankles were bound in the stocks so that
they were unable to move. Faith and hope, however, sustained them in this
trying hour. In the night t'ley fell to praying and to singing praises to God
in the hearing of the other prisoners. In the middle watch, while thus engaged,
suddenly there was a great earthquake which shook the prison so violently
that the doors flew open and the stocks burst from Paul and Silas's limbs.
The keeper being aroused from his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open,
thought his prisoners must have gained their freedom, and knowing well the
penalty which would be visited upon him for permitting his charge to escape,
he seized a sword and was on the point of killing himself, when Paul cried
out to him, " Do thj'self no harm, for we are all here."

The jailor now knew that some wonderful manifestation had been made,

DO THYSKr.F NO HARM.

542

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

and procuring a light he came trembling into the cell where Paul and Silas
were. Kneeling down before them he cried in passionate terms, " Sirs, what
shall I do to be saved?" and Paul answered, "Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and thou shalt be saved." The jailor listened to Prul's discourse about
Jesus and becauie converted while standing in the dungeon, and carried the
news of salvation to his family, who also were baptized. After this he brought
li)od, and washed the wounds of the apostles and otherwise manifested his
sympathy and joj'.

In the morning the rulers sent officers to the prison with an order for the
liberation of Paul and Silas, but they refused to accept their freedom. Paul's
father was a freeman, although a Jew, though it is not known whether he had
been so born or had purchased his libert}', as was often done. He was, there-
fore, not amenable to the Jewish laws, but was subject onl}' to the Romans.
Paul was, of course, a freeman, and it was against the law to scourge a Roman.
Thus those who had so severely and unjustly punished Paul were in danger
of having to puffer even death for their acts. Learning these facts, those who
had procured his punishment came and begged him to go out of the city, and
uot prefer charges against them, which Paul at length consented to do.

THE PEOPLE AGAIN THREATEN PAUL.

Paul and Silas went from Philippi to another city in ^Macedonia called
Thessalonica, where they preached for three da3'S in the synagogues. Several
[ews and Gentiles were converted, but a great number of the people were
angered at the boldness with which they accused those who rejected the Gospel.
This angry feeling increased until many of the Jews assembled and went in
a bod}' to tlie house where the apostles were staying, intending to mob them.
The man whose hospitality Paul and Silas were receiving was named Jason,
and so good a friend was he to the apostles that he hid them and gave him-
self up to the mob to do with him as they might choose. He was carried
before the rulers charged with harboring men who had disobej-ed the decrees
of Cassar, and who had declared that Jesus, and not Caesar, was king. In the
mean time Paul and Silas escaped out of the city by night and went to Berea.
Jason was made to promise that he would no longer permit the apostles to
remain in his house, after which he was let go, but he knew that the time
thus gained would be sufficient to permit of the escape of those he had
learned to love.

PAUL TEACHES IN ATHENS THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Paul remained in Berea only a short while, when another sedition was
stirred up against him, and being advised by his friends to leave, he went
thence to Athens, in Greece. Here he found a people apparently advanced in
civilization, but who, amid all their culture and splendor, were grovelling and
praying to idols. On every side were images set up, some of wood and others

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

543

made of precious metals ; and there were also luaiiy splendid temples and altars
for the worship of a linndrcd different idols. Before one of these altars Paul
observed an inscription which read, " To the Unknown God."

The following traditions have gathered round Paul's reference to this altar:

It is said that Dionysius, the Areopagitc, was at Alexandria at the time
of Christ's crucifixion. In that cit} he witnessed the supernatural darkness
\vhich covered the earth at the expiring of the Sou of God, and knowing it
was not caused by an eclipse, Dionysius concluded that it was the act of some
god whose name he was not acquainted with ; and on his return Lo Athens he
erected the altar in question to the God who had suddenly wrapped the world
in darkness.

According to another tradition, when the Athenians had lost a certain battle
there appeared a spectre in the cit}-, who informed them that he had inflicted the
calamities iipon them because, though they worshipped other gods, and cele-
brated games in their honor, there was no worship paid to him. The apparition
vanished without leaving its name. The Athenians, desirous of doing honor to
all gods, erected this altar, and on it placed the celebrated iirscription.

Still another story affirms that the Athenians, on one occasion, being seized
with a burning distemper which would not allow them to endure anything on
their bodies, addressed themselves in vain to all the gods whom the}- had been
accustomed to revere ; but as they received no relief from their known deities
they erected an altar " To the Unknown God," apprehending that some strange
divinit}' had smitten them. When thoy recovered, of course, they attributed
their cure to the deity whom they had at last done their best to propitiate.

Whatever may have given rise to the raising of an altar to the Unknown
God, Paul declaimed against the sacrilege which it embodied, and preached
Christ and through Him the way to salvation. The wise men of Athens for a
time thought him to be some harmless enthusiast, but at length discovered
with what strength of reasoning and great power of speech he explained his
doctrine, so they invited him to preach to them on Mars' Hill, where the chief
court of Athens met. In response to this invi*^^ation Paul met the wise philoso-
phers of Greece, and others who had a curiosity to hear him, and spoke to them
of their duties to the true God. Said he, " Him whom you worship as the
Unknown God do I declare unto you, for that God is not made of stone, of
brass, of gold, or of other substance, but it is He of the spirit, who made
lieaven and earth, and all that is therein, and to whom you owe everything,
not only what you have and enjoy as the accumulation of 3'our industr}^ but
vour lives as well." And Paul also spoke to them of Jesus, of His teachings,
sufferings, death and resurrection. But when he spoke of Christ rising from
the dead many mocked him, though not a few accepted his teachings and
became converted, among whom was Dionysius, a member of the chief court.

-s
■'s

a 8

£ 4

(544)

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

545

ij -3

PAUL IS APrRKHKNDKD AGAIN AT CORINTH.

Paul next journeyed to the city of Corinth, where he was received by a
Jew named Aquila, and his wife Priscilla, who were tent-makers. In his youth
Paul had followed this trade, for though his father was rich, and he had no
need to work, it was customary for all Jews to require their children to Icaru
some trade. For some time, therefore, Paul worked with Aquila and his wife,
and while they made tents they had opportunity to converse on holy things.
Priscilla was soon converted under Paul's preaching, and became an earnest
disciple for disseminating the gospel among ]ier acquaintances. Aquila was

a!
H

ANCIRNT CORINTH,

also converted, and the two thereafter received from Paul the name of " his
helpers in Christ Jesus.''

The suffering which Paul had passed through in his mission as a disciple,
which he no doubt often related, was perhaps what first won the s^ynipalhy of
.Aquila and Priscilla, for they had only a short time before been themselves
driven from Rome by the cruel edict of Chuulius, which expelled all Jews.

Paul remained in Corinth for eighteen months, working at his trade and
preacliiug each Sabbath, at the end of which time the Jew.s t'gain jnvferred
charges against him, on which he was arrested and brought before a magistrate
named Gallio, upon a complaint that he was preaching a false doclrine.
Instead, however, of ordering him to be punished, the nuigistrate dismissed
him, with some reproof to his aecu.sers for apprehending a man merely on
account of his religious opinions. But this did not end the trouble, for the
35

546

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Gentiles, offended at Paul's enemies, seized the chief ruler of the synagofyue
and administered to him a severe beating with thongs even before Gallio which
leads us to believe that his sympathies were with Paul if not with his Icachings.

AN EVIL SPIRIT PUNISHES IMPOSTOR JEWS.

Leaving Corinth at length, Paul went to Ephesus, accompanied by Aquila
and Priscilla, and there with their aid he founded another church. He spent
three years in tliis place, during which time he performed many miracles and
converted hundreds of people. It is related that so great were his virtues that

handkerchiefs, aprons, and such
things as he might handle,
when laid upon the sick or
those possessed of evil spirits,
made them immediately well.
Mau}^ wicked pretenders took
advantage of the reputation
which Paul had among the
Ephesians for working miracles,
and claimed the power also of
casting out devils in Jesus'
name. On one occasion seven
brothers, who were Jews, at-
tempted to relieve a sufferer by
exorcising the evil spirit in the
name of Jesus, but the spirit
answered them, saying, "I
know Jesus, and Paul I know
also ; but who are you ?" Thus
speaking, the man of an evil
spirit leaped upon them and beat and wounded them until they were glad to
flee into a house to escape further punishment. This incident was followed by
many pretenders to magic i-enounciug their profession, and bringing the books
which they owned that taught such evil practices to a public place, where they
were burned. The value of the books of magic that were thus destroyed was
fifty thousand pieces of silver.

A MOB C.OES CRYING THROUGH EPHESUS.

But though there was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Ephesus,
it did not so continue, for as the conversions multiplied anger and jealous)'
were excited by those who opposed the gospel, which led finally to Paul being
driven from he city. The circumstance, however, was a most singular one,
as we shall oe : Among the numerous gods and goddesses worshipped by the
Ephesians was one called Diana, to whom a magnificent temple was built of

AQUir.A AND PRISCir.I.A T.ISTKNING TO THE TEACHING OF PAUU

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

547

cedar, cypress, marble, and gold. So great and splendid was tliis building
that the Ephesians spent one hundred and twenty years in its construction,
and for nianj' centuries it was regarded as being the most wonderful, as well
as beautiful, thing in the world. The image of Diana, which the temple shel-
tered, was made of gold, and more splendid even than the temple itself So
devoted were the people to this goddess that a large number of workers in
brass and silver spent their entire time in making miniatures of the temple,
which were hawked about in the streets by peddlers. Paul inveighed against
this practice, and rebuked the people for their idolatry in such earnest words
that a great jealousy was stirred up against him.

Demetrius, one of those who manufactured images for sale, was the first
to set up a cry for Paul's punishment. He was able to make his influence
effective by appealing to his workmen, reminding them that if Paul continued
to convert the people their occupation would be gone ; and he also reminded
the citizens generally that if the woi'ship of Diana were abandoned their beau-
tiful temple, which now excited the admiration of the world, would fall inttr
decay, and their pride would be destroj'ed.

So inflamed with passion did the Ephesians become under this harangue
that with fairly one voice they shouted, " Great is Diana of the Ephesians !"
and began at once to search for the disciples. Gains and Aristarchus, who had
been Paul's companions, were first to fall into the hands of the populace, but
no further harm was done than to carry them to the theatre where Paul was
announced to address the people. IMany of Paul's friends urged him not to go
to the theatre, on account of the threatening cries of the citizens, who had
now become a mob. This advice he finally consented to obey, by which wise
action there is no doubt that a sickening spectacle of blood and ruin was
prevented.

One of the chief officers of the city appeared in the theatre and called upon
Demetrius to prefer his charges against the Christians, at the same time
assuaging the excitement of the crowd by saying: "Ye men of Ephesus, what
man is there among you who does not know that the people of our city are
all worshippers of the great goddess Diana and of her image that fell down
from heaven ? Now, as no one denies this, you should be careful to do nothing
in anger. You have brought here the men, called Christians, who have not
robbed your temple, or spoken evil of your goddess. Therefore, if Demetrius,
and the workmen who are with him, have any complaint to make against
them, let him go before the court and prove what evil they have done. For
we are iu danger of being blamed by our rulers for this day's disturbance,
because we can give no reason why it should have been made." By this
speech the officer calmed the passion of the mob, and persuaded them to go
to their homes and trouble the Christians no more.

548

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

A YOUNG MAN KILLED BY AN ACCIDENT IS RESTORED TO LIFE.

After the people had dispersed, Paul' called to him the disciples, and bid-
ding them farewell, left them, and went again into the land of Macedonia. When
he had preached in the different cities of that country, he came again to Troas
in Asia. And on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together
to eat of the bread and drink of the wine, as Jesus had commanded, Paul
preached to them, for he was going to leave Troas the next day. There
were many lights in the upper chamber where they met together, and Paul
continued speaking till the middle of the night.

And there sat in a window, listening to him, a young man named Euty-
chus, Avho, as Paul was long preaching, slept, and while asleep fell froin
the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down to him and
putting his arms around him, said to those who stood b}^, " Do not be troubled •
h^ has come to life again." And the young man's friends when they saw-
that he was alive, took him up and were comforted. When Paul had returned
to the upper chamber and eaten with the disciples, and talked with them a
long while, even till it was morning, he left them to go from Troas.

And he and the brethren who were with hi.m sailed to the city of Miletus,
which was not far from Ephesus. And because he did not wish to go to
Ephesus at that time, he sent for the elders of the church there, to come and
meet him. When they had come, he spoke to them, saying, " You know, from
the first day that I came among you, and for the three years that I staNcd
with you, how I lived at all times ; serving the Lord humbly, 3'et having many
sorrows and trials because of the Jews, who were always seeking to do me
some harm. And you know that when I preached to j-ou, I did not keep
back an3'thing that it was best for you to hear, even though it WTre something
that might offend you ; but I taught you in the synagogues and in 3'our own
houses, telling both the Jews and the Gentiles that they should repent of their
sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

"And now I am going up to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall happen
to me there, except that in everj' cit}', the Holy Spirit tells me, bonds and
afflictions are waiting for me. Yet none of these things make me afraid,
neither do I care even though I be put to death, so that I may die with joy,
and finish the work which the Lord Jesus has given me, an His minister, to
do. And now I know that all of you who have heard me preach the gospel
so often, shall see my face no more. Therefore, before I g^o, I want 30U to
confess that if any of you be lost at the judgment day, the fault will not be
mine ; for I have not neglected to tell you how you may be saved, as God
sent me to tell you."

After Paul had said these things, he kneeled down and prayed with tlicni.
And they all wep' greatly, and put their arms around his neck and kissed
him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they should sec

THE BEAUTIFUIv STORY.

549

his face no more. And they went with him to the ship in which he sailed
away from Miletus. And he came to the city of Tyre, for there the ship was
to unload her burden. Finding some disciples there he stayed with them
seven days. As he was about to leave them, they, with their wives and
children, came with him to the shore ; and they all kueeled down together and
pniyed. And when they had bidden each other farewell, Paul and the breth-
ren who journeyed with him went into the ship, and the disciples returned to
their homes. And Paul came to the city of Caesarea, and went into the house
of Philip, one of the seven deacons on whom the apostles had laid their hands ;
it was that Philip who preached the gospel to the eunuch, as he rode in his
chariot going back from Jerusalem to Ethiopia.

While Paul was in Philip's house, a prophet named Agabus came there,
who took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and his feet, at the same
time telling him it had been given him to know that he, Paul, would be like-
wise bound by the Jews at Jerusalem. When the disciples heard this prophecy
they fell on his neck with tears and besought him to forego his intention,
but he steadfastly refused, saying, " I am ready, as the Lord may will, not
only to be bound but also to die at the hands of the enemies of Jesus."

PAUL ARRESTED IN THE TEMPLE.

When Paul parted from his friends at Csesarea he went straightway to
Jerusalem, where he was joyfully received by his brethren. On the day suc-
ceeding his arrival he met the elders of the church at a disciple's house and
gave them an account of his labors, and of how Gentile nations had received
the gospel. On the second day Paul went into the Temple to preach, but
scarcely had he opened his mouth when some Jews from Asia laid violent
hands upon him, accusing him of blasphemy and annulling the laws of Moses,
and of bringing Gentiles into the Temple. A great uproar was immedialcly
raised and the whole city thrown into confusion. A crowd gathered about
Paul when he was brought into the streets, many of whom began pelting him
with stones and sticks, but his life was saved by a squad of soldiers who
rushed in and took him away from the blood-thirsty villains who souglit his
life. Paul was at once bound with chains and taken toward the castle, but so
vindictive were the Jews that they seemed resolved to kill him, and would
have done so had not the soldiers surrounded him and thus exposed their own
bodies to the murderous missiles that were hurled at him. When once safe
within the castle faul asked permission of the captain to speak, to which the
officer replied, "Art thou not that Egyptian wh^ did lead men out into the
wilderness?" Shortly before the arrest of Paul a man from Egypt had made
his appearance in Jerusalem, declaring that he was a prophet anointed bj' God
to foretell what should befall the peoi)le. Many persons were deceived by hiuj,
and were led away from their homes after surrendering to him all their property.
It was this impostor which the officer supposed Paul to be. When, therefore,

550

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Paul convinced him that he was ? free-born Jew of Tarsus, the officer gave
him permission to speak to the ci-owcl below as he had requested. When the
people at length consented to hear him and had become quiet, Paul spoke in
Hebrew somewhat after this manner :

"I am, of a truth, a Jew born in Tarsus, but brought up in Jerusalem
under the instruction of Gamaliel, who taught me in all the laws of .Moses.
In ni}' early years I was as diligent in compelling a rigid observance of
those laws as you ; nay, I even persecuted and desired the death of all
Christians, and many, both men and women, did I throw into prison.
Nor was my labor of persecution confined to Jerusalem, but 1 asked for
letters of anthoritj' to go to Damascus and to seize and imprison all the
Christians that I might find there. But as I was on my way there a wonder-
ful thing was done for me, b}' which I was made to know the sinfulness of
ni}' waj-s. While I was journeying near the walls of Damascus, suddenly a
blazing light fell upon me so that I was stricken to the ground, and as I lay
there helpless and confused a voice spoke, sajang, ' Saul, Saul, whj- persecutcst
thou Me ?' And when I asked who it was that spoke, the reply came, ' I am
Jesus, whom thou persecutest.' And when I asked what I should do it was
told me to go into Damascus, where it would be given me to know."

Paul also explained to his hearers all that had happened him thereafter,
and how Jesus had told liim to go unto all nations of the Gentiles and preach
the gospel to them that would receive it.

THE PKOI'LE AGAIN TRY TO vSTOXE PAUL.

The Jews listened patiently to Paul's discourse until he told that he had
carried his ministry to the Gentiles, at which they became boisterous again
and shouted, "Kill him, kill him; such a man is unworthy to live." The
soldiers, however, prevented them from doing liim violence, but a number of
those most vengeful declared that they would neither eat nor drink until
the}' had killed him. On account of these threats the chief captain of the
soldiers determined not to bring Paul before the council on the following day,
but to take him directl}' to the Roman governor at Cassarea, which was sixty
miles from Jerusalem. The guard detailed to convey the prisoner to Ca:sarea
carried with them a letter written by the chief captain and addressed to the
governor, whose name was Felix, informing him of the cii-cumstance of Paul's
arrest and uttering the opinion that the prisoner had done nothing worthy of
punishment.

When Paul was brought before Felix he was questioned as to the place
of his birth and the manner by which he became a free man, after which he
was thrown into prison to await the arrival of his accusers, who had sent a
letter saying they would appear in a few days.

At the expiration of five days Ananias, the high-priest, and other mem-
bers of the council came to Cffisarea, accompanied by a lawyer named for-

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

551

tullus, who was engaged to prosecute Paul. The case was brought before the
governor without delay and TertuUus opened the prosecution with a speech of
coudemnation, in which he charged Paul with having stirred W) sedition, but
was worthy of punishment chiefly because he had preached to both Jew and j
Gentile a new religion and had taught that Jesus, who was crucified, was the
Sou of God. When he had finished talking a number of Jews were intro-
duced as witnesses to prove the accusations made, after which Paul was per-
mitted to speak. ■ He manifested no fear or excitement, but in an uuimpassioued

PAUI, A GL'KST IN Tllli IIOUSH OV FKI.IX, KXPOINDINC, Till': DdCTRINIC OK CHRIST.

"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled." — Acts xxiv. 25.

and dignified manner gave an account of his ministry, of the good he had
sought to do, of how he had wronged no man, and how while believing in the
Jewish laws and religion, yet had he M-ith an approving conscience taught tliat
Jesus was the Christ to the Gentile as well as Jew.

When Paul had left off speaking he was remanded to prison and kept in
durance for two years, though he was allowed considerable liberty, and was
even brought several times to Felix's house as a guest. Felix was succeeded
as governor by Festus, to whom the Jews appealed anew that Paul might be
returned to Jerusalem for trial. But P\>stus refused the request and replied

552

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

that his prisoner should be condemned, if at all, at Caesarea, so that the Jews
were compelled to appear there again to renew their accusations.

When his case was again brought to trial Paul was asked whether he
would consent to go to Jerusalem or would appeal to Caesar, which was an
intimation to him that if found guilty the punishment awarded him might be
death. It was a law at the time that ain^ Roman charged with a capital crime
had the right of an appeal to Caesar, and as Paul was a free man he had this
privilege, which, understanding the feeling against liim at Jerusalem lie
availed himself of. Before sending him awa}- to Rome, however, it happened
that Agrippa — another governor, procurator, or king, wliose exact office is uot
known — came to visit Festus, and having heard of Paul and his wisdom
requested that he be brought before him. Excuse was accordingly made for
the pretense of a new trial, and Paul was again brought befoi-e the tribunal
loaded with chains.

Paul's speech before the two rulers, Festus and Agrippa, was the most
memorable he ever uttered, and thrilled the ver}^ souls of the governors,
almost persuading them to embrace Christianity. They would have gladiv
released him now, but for the fact that he had appealed to Caesar, which took
the case out of Festus's hands, though he had found occasion to call him
before the tribunal after this appeal had beeu made.

THK SHII'WRKCK OF ST. PAUL.

It was only a short while after being called before Agrippa when Paul
was given in charge of a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan cohort,
who had also several other prisoners, to convey to Rome. There was evidently
a considerable compau}- of criminals, of which Paul was reckoned by the Jews
as the greatest, and these were all thrown promiscuously together in the hold
of the vessel, and the vo3'age to Rome was begun. This was about sixty
years after Christ, and probably in the month of September, toward the sea-
son when storms are most frequent. The voyage was slow on account of the
vessel having to nuike so numy landings along the coast, and far into Octoljer
less than two-thirds of the trip had been completed. While making a run
between Cape Matala and Port Phoenix, along the coast of Crete, a t^yphoon
came suddenly down on tlie vessel from out the northeast, and raged with
such violence that it was impossible to do more than let her scud before the
wind. Tlie ship tlius drove furiously on to the coast of an island named
CUiuda. Here the waves wrenched her so that she began taking water very
rapidly, and the onlv hope of escape seemed now to lie in the single small boat
that was towed behind the vessel. The cargo was tlirown overboard, and every
thing done to lighten the ship, Init, while she was kept afloat a consider-
able time, the tem])cst did not abate, and day after day hope of rescue appeared
to grow less. In this desperate condition Paul spoke to the captain, bidding

THE bp:autiful story.

553

him not fear, for it had been given liini to know, by an angel messenger, that
while the vessel wonld be lost, all on board wonld yet be saved.

On the fonrteenth night of the storm, Panl bid the sailors to refresh
themselves with food, for in their excitement and fear they had eaten nothing
for several days. They, accordingly, ate the food that Panl had blessed, and
dicn prepared to leave the vessel, which was now driven upon the ground,
when, being held fast, it was soon broken in pieces. The soldiers now advised

ST. PAUL IS SHIinVRKCKKD,

tlie centurion in charge to kill all the prisoners, in order that none might
escape ; but his desire to save Paul prevented him from issuing such a cruel
order, but instead he comuianded every one that could swim to cast himself
into the sea, and that those who could not should provide themselves with
something to upbear them and make to shore, which they did, and all were
saved. The crew and passengers of the vessel numbered two hundred and
seventy-six persons, who distributed them^^elves about the island and sought
shelter and food wherever they could find il. The chief man on the island was
luimed Publius, who, seeing the disaster, came down to the shore and gave
such assistance as he was able. He also invited Paul to his house, and enter-

H '

554

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

tained him three daj^s. It chanced that the father of Publiu- fell ill of a
dangerous fever some time before, and was near unto death when Paul came
into the house. One of the first things that Paul did, therefore, after entering
the house, was to lay his hands on the sufferer, by which gracious act he was
immediately restored. Paul afterward healed many of the people that were on»
the island of all manner of sickness, and converted hundreds to Christianity.

THE RIOT IN ROME AND TAUL's DKATH.

For three months Paul and his companions remained on the island before
opportunit}- was offered for them to continue their journey. After due time
Paul reached Rome, where he was received by many Christians who had heard
of his coming, and through whose influence he was permitted to occupy a house
to himself under nominal guard, but his chains M-ere not removed. Paul made
an appeal to the Jews of Rome, reciting the wrongs that he had suffered from
his countrj-men at Jerusalem, and so affected his hearers that he was asked to
preach the doctrine for which he had been so harshly condemned.

From this date history tells us almost nothing about Paul, and what little
has been written has as often been contradicted. Some Avriters declare that he
preached in Rome for a period of two years and made many converts, during
which time he lived in a house to himself It appears that he was set free.
and went again to Jerusalem, after which he returned to Rome and was in
the city at the time of its partial destruction b}- fii'es and massacre of Christians.

Profane history tells us that in the j-ear A. D. 64, the cit\' of Rome was
visited by a conflagration greater than any that had ever before raged in the
world. For six days the cit}' was a sea of flame, consiiming palace and hovel
alike, until six of the fourteen wards of the place, nearh' one-half of the city,
were entirelj^ destroyed. The people were panic-stricken and rushed hither
and thither in maddening crowds, helpless with fear, and desperate with torture.
From desperation the people at length grew suspicious that the city had been
fired by the orders of Xero who, during the conflagration, repaired to the tur-
ret of his villa and pul)lich- enacted a drama of his own composing, entitled
" The Sack of Troy." He had fired Rome to lend realism to the dreadful
tragedy of his theatrical ambition.

From a suspicion the opinion of the wild masses quickly grew into con-
viction and then came an ominous muttering of vengeance, that even appalled
the Emperor who could fiddle while his subjects saw their possessions melting
to gratify his thirst for the terrible. He saw the cloud of wrath gathering
and to avert the threatening result, he suddenly began, with truly theatrical
transition, to descend from his imperious position to that of a zealous sympa-
thizer with the sufferers. He went about among his people scattering mone}'
to those in need and apparentl}' bewailing the calamity that his own orders
had precipitated. But with all his show of Sympathy suspicion was not wholly
averted, and he perceived, by the portentous complaints that reached his ears,

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY."

555

that the populace demanded some sacrifice upon which to glut their ungovern-
able rage. To save his own degraded life he therefore caused a report to be
circulated that the city had been fired by the Jews, and that hated new sect
who called themselves Christians. Here were the victims for Roman rage and
jealousy, for the Christians had made themselves despised because of their

I.I0N3 DESTROYING THU CHRISTIANS.

piety and rigid precepts, so opposed to the licentiousness and Paganism of the
wicked, crime-loving populace. It mattered not now who was the real criminal,
since a commission to riot among the Jews and Christians had been virtually
given by the bloody-minded Emperor. Hundreds of these innocent people
were at once seized and carried away to the amphitheatre to furnish a specta-

556

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY.

cle for barbaric eyes. Pillars were set around the race-course to which men,
women and children were chained, their lower limbs covered with flax dipped
in pitch and then set on fire. While these human torches were flaming, other
victims were brought out into the enclosure and hungry Xumidian lions turned
loose among them. The screams of the burning and the cries of terror and
torture from those being torn by the feasting lions, while flashing lights from
the numerous pillars, through clouds of boiling smoke and heavy odors of pitch
and burning flesh, constituted a spectacle so horrible that we recoil with a sense
of oppression and heart sickness at the very mention of such deeds of fiendish
depravity and man's inhumanity. In this dreadful riot and holocaust Paul is
said to have perished, but whether he was burned, decapitated, fed to the lions
or crucified, is not recorded. Peter, however, who must have returned to Rome
with Paul, on his second visit, fell a victim to the Roman fury, and is said to
have been crucified head downwards, as were many others during that awful
riot of merciless massacre. The close of Paul's life was thus more terribly
dramatic than his labors had been eventful, but it was typical of such Christian
faith and fortitude as makes the whole world at once pity and applaud : pity,
that so noble a life should be so ill requited ; and applaud, that he could so
fearlessly face the mob, flames and executioner, and go to his doom crowned
with the glory that awaits those faithful unto death.

VISION'S OF ST. JOHN.

The last book in the Bible, called Revelation, is the greatest enigma in
the Holy Scriptures, and bears distinctly the sign of Divine mystery. The
writer was St. John, but probably not the "beloved disciple" of Jesus, though
certainly an apostle. Under the reign of Nero, John was exiled to the lonely
island of Patmos for preaching the doctrine of the resurrection. He was treated
with the same barbarity practised to-day by the Russian government on her
Siberian exiles. But though John was made to delve in the mines, he found
opportunity to write a "description of many visions glorious to behold, which
he saw through the inspiration given him by Jesus. These visions compre-
hended all that is in heaven, on earth and in the abode of perpetual darkness.
He saw an angelic host surrounding the great throne, and the perfect triumph
of Christ in the hosannas of eternal praise that were sung by redeemed saints.
A vision of the judgment day was also given him to see, when the dead rose
out of their graves and assembled before God to be judged according to their
deeds. An angel appeared to him also, and taking him to the pinnacle of a
mountain showed him a vision of the New Jerusalem, around which was a great
wall with strong towers, and pierced by twelve gates, at each of which an angel
stood guard. This city was built of pure gold, the walls were of precious stones,
and the gates were of pearl. Over this beautiful city the mantle of night was
never spread, but the light from God bathed its holy streets forever. This was
the city of heavenly delight, the home for which every godly heart is longing,
the empire of peace and love.

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GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

HENRY WARD BEECHER.

The followiti!: exquisite examples of eloquent word painting are extracted from Dr. Joseph Parker's euloj^y on
fieiiry Ward ficixher, delivered in the Brooklyn Academy of Music, October 4, iSSj :

I 0-DAY we bring an offering of flowers, gathered from gardens far and near,
and tended by men to whom flowers are sytubols and poems. To-day we do
more than all this, for we fir.st magnify God in His servant, and account all
eulogy worthless that is not first religious. Msre eulogy is a waxen flower,
that melts in the hand that proudly grasps it ; but true eulogy is a living
flower, rooted alike in earth and sun.

I cannot but think it was well that Henry Ward Reecher was a child
of midsummer, coming among men when the days were longest and the whole
ground was carpeted with flowers. His name might have been Jlidsummer.
Out of that season be never passed. It was always June 24 with this child
of light. The snow that lay upon him was the snow of blossoms. He came
to earth in summer ; be went to heaven in spring. Whenever he came among
men he brought June sunshine and music, and made even desponding and surly men feel that a fuller and
warmer summer, "the Kingdom of Heaven " itself, was " at hand." Kven so, Father, for so it seemed good in
Thy sight, and in our sight it is beautiful.

God himself made Henry Ward Beecher a humorist, gave him a taste for comedy, and enriched him with the
grace of playfulness. He prayed the better that he laughed so well. His tears were the tenderer because his
humor was so spontaneous and abundant. He never laughed at truth, at virtue, at piety, at poverty, at helpless-
ness. He laughed at the fools who undertook to roll back the ocean, to grasp the infinite, and to be themselves
the God whose existence they denied.

To know God, to love God, to accept Christ, to serve Christ, to magnify Christ, to grow in grace, in know-
ledge, and in truth, to be pure, wise, gentle, sympathetic, were the glowing dogmas which gave this immortal
ministry its strength and glory. Yet there were minor lines in the Beecher sermon which a complete criticism
must recognize. The sermon was often alive with the eager spirit of the day, and came sometimes near to being
a Sunday editoiial upon the supreme question of the moment. Then it accepted the felicitous assistance of
humor, and grieved those who know not the uses to which irony and satire and banter may be put even on .Sun-
day. The humor was often in the tone, often in the luminous smile, often in the eloquent eye. It was like the
ministry of dew in nature — it added something to the rarest beauty and multiplied the suuflash that fell on it
like a blessing.

Mr. Beecher's theological speculation was telescopic. He never returned to us to report that the universe is
much smaller than he supposed it to be, and that God is infinitely further away than the wings of dream and
hope can carry the inquiring soul. He always came back to announce that we know only in part, and shoiild
therefore prophesy only in part. He said in effect that in the universe of Truth horizon beyond horizon stretches
in unimaginable range and splendor, constellation above constellation burns in solemn glory, and system within
system rolls in silent light, compared with whose magnificence all that we know of day and summer is but a
mitigation of darkness. How he himself shone like an intellectual planet as he told of the largeness of life and
growth and destiny, and typified, in fullest hospitality of sympathy, the love which educatts the universe toward
completeness and liberty.

Every man who knew Mr. Beecher fixes his attention upon some incident, or sermon, or prayer, or speech,
which best represents the genius or heart of the man. We make our idols, and join ourselves to them with affec-

(557)

iii

558

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

tionate tenacity. Had I an artist at command I could order pictures that gold would never buy. I could say to
the artist:

Paint Mr. Beecher coming into the ante-room of the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, in 1863 ; solemn, digni-
fied, like a prophet conscious of his "burden" — eloquent in pathetic silence.

Paint him as I have seen him at Peekskill — Bascobel the blest — seated at the family altar on Sunday morn-
ing ; reading, singing, praying, then giving a father's kiss to every guest — man, woman and child.

Paint him when driving, Jehu-like, a span of thunder and lightning, with a fury that would have been fruit-
ful of accidents, but that the horses knew him and loved his generous mastery.

Paint him in conversation, with all the April variety of his face, constant only in its truthfulness. Catch
above all things the smile : tlie smile which began so far away — so dawn-like — and broadened into a summer
morning. O painter, let me charge thee to seize that spirit smile.

Paint him, if thou canst paint comedy, in many a rollicking mood, every look a farce, every tone an irony,
every attitude a caricature, laughing till the crimson tide flushed his shapely head v/ith ominous fulness ; yet in
all the hilarity not one word of bitternesc, not one sting of spite.

But failing all these, 1 would have thee gather thy strength for one supreme effort ; nay, a miracle. Invoke
all the ancestors of art and bid them help thee. Paint the church in which he worked ; let it be more a shadow
than a geometric form ; the Sunday benediction has been pronounced ; the sun has long retired ; the white-haired
pastor lingers that he may have an extra benediction through the medium of music ; his eyes are full of tears;
two little children unconsciously approach him and stand quite near ; he turns, he sees them, he lays a hand on
<ach young head, then he kisses the wayfarers, and with his hands upon them or around them, the three walk
away together one of them never to return.

DEATH THE TEACHER OF IMMORTALITY.

Never to return ! Say of such ; "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun
light on them, nor any heat ; for the Lamb which is mi the midst of the throne shall feed them, and lead them to
living fountains of water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." " The redeemed of the Lord shall
return and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads ; they shall obtain joy
and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." Our sainted dead are alive evermore ! Death is swallowed
up in victory— the grave is conquered — and heaven comes to our thought with friendlier familiarity. This is
more than sentiment ; it is iuspiratior.. It is strength that can carry tli:' oad of life ; it is enthusiasm that makes
sonow itself a sacrament. The sainted dead come to us in many a holy vision—

"Not to dwarf us by their stature,
But to show
To what bigness we may grow."

" I heard a great voice from heaven, saying. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." We know that such
a voice can be heard from heaven only, for such music slumbe'--- tiot in the harps of earth. We need resurrection
to complete birth. The resurrection is an instinct as well as a doctrine. Birth without resurrection is most pal-
pable cruelty. Then siiould we say — This God bega'i to build, and was not able to finish : We need not argue
immortality— it is enough to feel it. Death itself is the best teacher of immoitality. It makes immortality
possible ; it makes immortality necessary. When it comes upon a man like Henry Ward Beecher, we cannot
believe that it has ended the shining of such genius, the ministry of such love, the hopefulness of such aspira-
tion. To-day he is nearer us than ever he was before.

" He has outsoared the shadow of our night;
ICiivy and calumny and hate and pain.
And that unrest which men miscall delight,
Can touch him not and torture not again."

Yet he is here — a watcher, not a critic ; here to bless, jiot to rebuke ; here to use all the old words of love
with larger meanings ; here to give assurance that death is not the doorkeeper of heaven. I will not say that
Henry Ward Beecher is absent. Do I not see him ? Do I not know those lamp-like eyes shining with joy above
all words ? Can I be mistaken as to that voice whose subdued thunder has so often enchained and repaid my
attention ? Can there be any doubt as to that calm and steadfast look ? I will speak to him. No impatien"; nues-
tion will I ask. I will say: Lov-id one, husband, father, pastor, friend — Henry — we will soon — quite soon — almost
immediately join thee, and so shall be

For ever with the Lord.

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

559

HEAVEN OUR HOME.

T cannot be that earth is man's only abiding place. It cannot be that our life is a

bubble, cast up by the ocean of eternity, to float another motnei)* upon its surface,

and then sink into nothingness and darkness forever. Else why is it that the high

and glorious aspirations which leap like angels from the temples of our hearts, are

forever wandering abroad, unsatisfied? Why is it that the rainbow and the cloud

come over us with a beauty that is not of earth, and then pass off and leave us to

muse on their faded loveliness ? Why is it that the stars which hold their festival

around the midnight throne are set above the grasp of our limited faculties, and are

forever mocking us with their unapproachable glory ? finally, why is it that bright

forms of human beauty are presented to view, then taken from us, leaving the

thousand streams of the affections to flow back in an Alpine torrent upon our hearts ?

We are born for a higher destiny than of earth. There is a realm where the rainbow never fades ; where

the stars will be spread out before us like the islands that slumber on the ocean ; and where the beautiful beings

that here pass before us like visions will stay in our presence forever! GECRGK D. Prentice.

A CHRISTIAN MAN'S LIFE.

A Christian man's life is laid in the loom of time to a pattern which he dees not see, but God does ; and
his heart is a shuttle. On one side of the loom is sorrow, and on the other is joy ; and the shuttle, struck alter-
nately by each, flies back and forth, carrying the thread, which is white or black, as the pattern needs ; and, in
the end, when God shall lift up the finished gannent, and all its changing hues shall gliince out, it will then appear
that the deep and dark colors were as needful to beauty as the bright and high colors.

HUMILITY.

The only true independence is in humility ; for the humble man exacts nothing, and cannot be mortified—
expects nothing, and cannot be dis.ippointed. Humility is also a healing virtue ; it will cicatrize a thousand
wounds, whi :h pride would keep forever open. Hut humility is not the virtue of t; fool ; since it is not consequent
upon any comparison between ourselves and others, but between what we are and what we ought to lie — which
no man ever was. Washington Ai.i.ston.

A BLESSED BANKRUPTCY.

I HEARD a man who had failed in business, and whose furniture was sold at auction, say that when the
cradle, and the crib, and the piano went, tears woulii come, and he had to leave the house to be a
man. " low, there are thousands of men who have lost their jjianos, l)ut who have found Ixjlter music
in the sound of their children's voices and footsteps going cheerfully down with them to poverty than
any harmony of chonled instruments. Oh, how blessed is bankruptcy when it saves a man's
children ! I see many men v.ho are bringing up their children as I should bring up mine, if, when they were ten
years o'd, I should lay lliem on the dissecting table, and cut the sinews of their arms mid legs, so that they could
neither walk nor use their hands, but only sit still and be fed. Thus rich men put the knife of indolence and
hixury to their children's enetgies, and they grow up fatted, lazy calves, fitted for nothing, at twenty-five, but to
drink deep and squander wide ; and the father must be a slave all his life in order to make beasts of his children.
How blessed, then, is the stroke of disaster, which .sets the children free, and gives them over to the hard, but
kind bosom of poverty, who says to them "Work," and working makes them men I

we must
and the

As EVERY instinct, or scnje, has an end or design, and every emotion in tnan has its object and direction,
ist conclud'; that the desire of communing with God is but a test of his being destined for a future existence,
le .onging after immortality the promise of it.

56o

GOLDEN GExMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

/ V —

si<*-.

OMEye, come ye, to the green, green wood ;
Loudly the blackbird is singing.
The squirrel is feasting on blossom and bud, ■
And the curling fern is springing :
Here ye may sleep
In the moss so deep,
While the noon is so warm and so weary,
And sweetly awake.
As the sun through the brake
Bids the fauvette and white-throat sing cheery.

The quicken is tufted with blossom of snow,

And is throwing its perfume around it ;
The wryneck replies to the cuckoo's halloo
For joy that again she has found it ;
The jay's red breast
Peeps over her nest,
In the midst of the crab-blossoms blushing;
And the call of the pheasant
Is frequent and pleasant,
■When all other calls are hushing.

William Howitt.

SUMMER WOODS.

011"^ ceaseless hum of men, the dusty streets^
Crowded with muUitudinous life ; the din
Of toil and traffic, and the woe and sin.
The dweller in the populous city meets :
These have I loft to seek the cool retreats
Of the untrodden forest, where in bowers
Builded by nature's hand, inlaid with flowers,
And roofed with ivy, on the mossy seats
Reclining, I can while away the hours
lu sweetest converse with old books, or give
My thoughts to God ; or fancies fugitive
Indulge, while over nie their radiant showers
Of rarest blossoms the old trees shake down.
And thanks to Him my meditations crown.

BuRi.Bioa.

I 1

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

561

CATCHING SHADOW.^.

HKN the (lay and dark are l)leii(k'(l,
And the weary tasks are ended,
Sits the little mother Iminniin^r,
Waitinj; sound of his dear eoniing,
Who, the lord of Love's <loinain,
Vet to her yields all a^ain.

Then the winsome, wee one, nestling
In her hosotn, spies the \vrestlin>{,
Daiiein^; sliadovvs rise and f.iU,
riiantoin like ujioii the wall.
As the flickering; fireliuhl flashes
From amon),' the flames ami ashes.

I<ond he lanj^hs, in haliy jjiee,

At their elfin revelry ;

At the liltini;, lithe, elastic,

Airy, fairy forms fantastic.

Now receding;, now ailvancinj;,

Coy as love from young eyes glancing,

.^0

Not eclijise and unfliraije dim,
These are sentient things to him ;
Wherefore wistful welcome lending,
Tiny hands are soon exteudiu.L;,
Snatching, catching, (jnick und eager.
At the shapes that nun lieleaguer.

Oft he clasi)s them, grasps lliem, yet
Tliey but fool him, they co(|Uet ;
N'ain his striving and endeavor.
They ehide and moik him I'vvr.
Thev delude am! still deceivr him,
Thev perplex aiul vex ami grieve hiiu.

Much lu' wouilers, ponders why
When they beckon \et they fly,
And the tear in his blue eye
.Sliiuesas tain from sunu\ sky.
Soon lie t\irus -tlie cruel seeming
I'ades awav, and he lies difiming.

li. II.WNAI-ORD.

562

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

"POOR WIFE, SHE IS DEAD

•9

OOR wife, she is dead, and I am alone;
'Tis the debt which aU mortals must

pay,

Yet of all the sorrow I've felt in my

life,
I never knew grief till to-day.

As the snn went down 'neath the hilltops
And the sli.idows stole in o'er my head,

So the li^ht of her life, and mine, went out
And left me alone with my dead.

Full two scores of years we walked side by side,

Each a stafl' to tiie other alway ;
I5ut the aii;j;el of death lias taken my help,
So vvuat can I do now but pray ? —

nless thou us, Lord, in the kingdom above.
Whence Thy grace so freely is given.

,So h)ng have we jouriiey'd together on earth,
Receive us together iu heaven.

J. W. BUKI,.

THE RAINY DAY.

HE day is cold, and dark, and dreary ;

It rains, and the wind is never weary ;

The vine still clings to the mouldering
wall.

But at ever^ gust the dead leaves fall.
And the day is dark and dreary.

My life i» cold, And dark, and dreary ;
It rains, and the wind is never weary ;

My thoughts still cling to the mouldering past,
lUit the hopes of youth fall thick in the l)Iast,
And the days are dark and dreary.

lie still, sad heart ! ami cease repining ;
Behind the clouds is tlie sun still shining •
Thv fate is the common fall! of all,
Into each life some rain must fall.
Some ilays must be dark and dreary,

HlCNKY \V. L()N«Fi:i,i,ow.

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

563

A YEAR IN HEAVEN.

angels, beloved, thou
portal shut

NB year among the

hast been.
One year has heaven's white

back the sound of sin
And yet uo voice, no whisper, comes floating

down from thee.
To tell us what glad wonder a year of heaven

may be.

Our hearts before it listen — the beautiful closed gate ;
The silence yearns around us ; we listen and we wait ;
It is the heavenly birthday ; on earth thy lilies bloom ;
In thine immortal garland canst find for these no room ?

Thou lovedst all things lovely when walking with us

here ;
Now from the heights of heaven seems earth no longer

dear?
We cannot paint thee moving in white-robed state afar.
Nor dream our flower of comfort a cool and distant star.

Heaven is but life made richer ; therein can be no loss ;
To meet our love and longing thou hast no gulf to cross ;
No adamant between us uprears its rocky screen ;
A veil before us only :— thou hast the light serene.

That veil 'twixt earth and heaven a breath might waft

aside :
We breathe one air, beloved ; we follow one dear Guide ;
Passed into open vision, out of our mist and rain,
Thou see'st how sorrow blossoms, how peace is won

from pain.

And half we feel the leaning from thy deep calm bliss.
To say of earth, " Beloved, how beautiful it is!
The hlies in this splendor— the green leaves in this dew;
Oh ! earth is also heaven, with God's light clothed
anew !"

Because we know thee near us, and nearer still to Him

Who fills the cup of being with glory to the brim,

We will not stain with grieving our fair, tho' fainter

light.
But chug to thee in spirit as if thou wert in sight.

And, as in waves of beauty the swift years come and go,
Upon celestial currents our deeper life shall flow,
Hearing from that sweet country where blighting never

came.
Love chime the hours immortal, in earth and heaven

the same.

Lucy Larcom.

DEATH THE GATEWAY TO JOY.

[Extracts from a Sermon]

ERSONS who are old have more friends in heaven than here. Just take the census. Take

some large sheet of paper and begin to record the names of those who have emigrated to

the other shore — the companions of your school days, your early business associates, the

friends of middle life, and those who more recently went away. Can it be that they have

been gone so long you do not care any more about tliem, and you do not want their society ?

Oh, no ! There have been days when you have felt that you could not endure it another

moment away from their blessed couipauiouship. They have gone. You say you would not like to

bring them back to this world of trouble, even if you had the power. It would not do to trust you.

God would not give you resurrection power. Before to-morrow morning you would he raltling at

the gates of the cemetery, crying to the departed ; " Come back to the cradle where you slept ! Come

back to the hall where you used to play ! Come back to the table where you used to sit !" and there

would be a great burglary in heaven. No, no ! God will not trust you with resurrection power, but

He compromises the matter and says; "You cannot bring them where you are, but you can go

where they are." They are more lovely now than ever. Were they beautiful here, they are more

beautiful there.

Columbus risked his life to find this continent, and shall we shudder to go out on a voyage of discovery
which shall reveal a vaster and more brilliant country? John Franklin risked his life to find a passage between
icebergs, and shall we dread to find a passage to eternal summer? Men in Switzerland travel up the heights of
llie Matterhorn with alpenstock, and guides, and rockets, and ropes, and, getting halfway up, stumble and fall
ilown in horrible massacre. They just want to say they had been on the tops of those high peaks. And shall we
fear to go out for the ascent of the eternal hills which start a thousand miles beyond where stop the highest peaks
of the Alps, and when in that ascent there is no peril ?

Friends, the exit from the world, or death if you please to call it, to the Christian is glorious explanation.
It is demonstration. It is illumination. It is sunburst. It is the opening of all the windows. It is shutting up
the catechism of doubt, and the unrolling of all the scrolls of positive and accurate information. Instead of

5^4

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

standing at the foot of the ladder and looking up, it is standing at the top of the ladder and looking down It is
the last mystery taken out of botany, and geology, and astronomy, and theology.

Oh, will it not be grand to have all questions answered? The perpetually recurring interrogation point
changed for the mark of exclamation. All riddles solved. Who will fear to go out on that discovery, and when
all the questions are to be decided which we have been discussing all our lives ? Who shall not clap his hands in
the anticipation of that blessed country, if it be no better than through holy curiosity ? When I meet iiij Lord
Jesus Christ, of what shall I first delight to hear Him speak ? Now I think what it is : I shall first want to hear
the tragedy of His last hours, and then Luke's account of the crucifixion will be nothing, while from the living
lips of Christ the story shall be told of the gloom that fell, and the devils that arose, and the fact that upon Ilis
endurance depended the rescue of a race, and there was darkness in the sky, and there was darkness in the soul
and the pain became more sharp, and the burdens became more heavy, until the mob began to swim away from
the dying vision Oi Christ, and the cursing of the mob came to His ear more faintly, and His hands were fastened
to the horizontal piece of the cross, and his feet were fastened to the perpendicular piece of the cross, and His
bead fell forward in a swoon as He uttered the last moan and cried : " It is finished."

All heaven will stop to listen until the story is done, and every harp will be put down, and every lip closed,
and all eyes fixed on the divine narrator until the story is done ; and then, at the tap of the baton, the etenial
orchestra will rouse up, finger on string of harp and lips to the mouth of trumpet, there shall roll forth the oratorio
of the Messiah : Wortliy is the Lamb that was slain to receive blessing, and riches, and honor, and glory, and
power, world without eud !

What He endured, oh, who can tell.
To save our souls from death and hell ?

REV. T. DeWitt Talmage.

SHUN THE BOWL.

Y thy dread of sin and sorrow,

By thy fear of shame and strife.
By each dark, despairing morrow.

Lengthening still a wretched life ;
By the chains that, worse than iron,

Burn the brain and sear the soul.
By the torments it environ,

Dearest children, shun the bowl I

By the hopes thou wouldst not wither,

B;- the love that round thee clings,
Never turn thy footsteps whither

Wild the maniac drunkard sings I
Enter not the poisoned vapor,

Where oaths and fumes together roll,
Kneel and pray by lonely taper,

Pray for strength and shun the bowl.

By bleared eye, and voice whose quaking

Fills the agony within,
By the palsied hand, which shaking,

Ever lifts the draught of sin.
By the torment still increasing,

Gnawing brain and harrowing soul,
Thirst unsated and unceasing,

Dearest children, shun the bowl !

By each holy kiss, thy mother

On thy ii'fant forehead pressed,
Love of father, sister, brother,

All that purifies thy breast ;
By the hope of heaven within thee.

Oh ! debase not mind and soul —
Let not sin's own chalice win tliee ;

Dearest children, shun the bowl.

Eliza II. Barker.

IN the best books, great men talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts, and pour their souls into
ours. God be thanked for books ! They are the voices of the distant iuul the de.id, and make us
heirs of the spiritual life of past ages. Books are the true levellers. Tiicy give to all who will
faithfully use thcin the society, the spiritual presence, of the best and greatest of our race. No uiultLr
how poor I am— no matter though the prosperous of my own lime will not enter my ol)scure dwelling
—if tl.J sacred writers will enter and take up their aljode under my roof, if ISIilton will cross my
threshold to sing to me of I'aradisc, and vShakesiicare lo open to me the worlds of imagination an<l the workings
ol the human heart, and Franklin to enrich me with his practical wisdom— I shall not pine for want of
intellectual companionship, and I may become a cultivated man, though excluded from what is called the best
society in the place where I live. Wm. Ei.LERY CirANMNG.

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

565

REST.

EAUTIFUL toiler, thy work all done,
Reautiful soul into glory gone,
Beautiful life with its crown now won,

God givetli thee rest.
Rest from all sorrows, and watching and

fears.
Rest from all possible sighing and tears.
Rest through God's endless, wonderful
years —
At home with the blest.

ncautiful spirit, free from all stain.
Ours the heartache, the sorrow and pain,
Thine is the glory and infinite gain —
Thy slumber is sweet.

teace on the brow and the eyelids so calm.
Peace in the heart, 'neath the white folded palm,
Peace dropping down like a wondrous balm
From the head to the feet.

" It was so sudden,'' our white lips said,

" How we shall miss her, the beautiful dead.

Who take the place of the precious one fled ?

H'lt God knoweth best.
We know He watches the sparrows that fall.
Hears the sad cry of the grieved hearts that call.
Friends, husband, children. He loveth them all—

We can trust for the rest. ' '

Mary T. Lathrop.

Ktkrnity will be one glorious morning, with the sun ever climbing higher and higher; one blessed
spring-time, and yet richer summer — every plant in full flower, but every flower the bud of a lovelier.

NaTurb is like an /Boliau harp, a musical instrument whose tones are the re-echo of higher string!
within us.

566

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

fif

'I KNOW I'M NOT SO FORTYFIED NOR FIITYFIED AS YOU!"

DECEMBER AND MAY.

"Crabbed age and youth canuot live together."

Shakespeare.

AID Nestor to his pretty wife, quite sor-
rowful one day,

" Why, dearest, will you shed in pearls
those lovely eyes away ?

You ou^htto be more fortyfied."
"Ah, brute, be (juiet, do.

I know I'm not so fortyfied, nor fiftyfi^d.

as you

"Oh, men are vile deceivers all, as I have ever heard.
You'd die for me you swore, and I — I took you at your

word,
I was a tradesman's widow then — a pretty change I've

made ;
To live and die the life of one a widower by trade ! "

" Come, come, my dear, these flighty airs declare, in

sober truth.
You want as much in age, indeed, as I can want in

youth ;
Besides, you said vou liked old men, though now at me

you huff."
" Why, yes," she said, " and so I do — but you're not old

enough ! "

" Come, come, my dear, let's make it up, and have a

quiet hive ;
I'll be the best of men — I mean I'll be the best alive.
Your grieving so will kill me, for it cuts me to the core."
"I thauk ye, sir, for telling me, for now I'll grieve the

more f" Thomas Hood.

We are what the past has made us. The results of the past are ourselves. The perishable emotions
and the momentary acts of bygone years, are the scaffolding on which we built up the being that we are.

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

567

TWO PICTURES.

. in
; in
me
old

e a

e."
the

N old farm-house with iiieadovvs wide
And sweet with clover on each side ;
A bright-eyed boy who looks from out
The door with woodbine wreathed

about,
And wishes this one thought all day.
" Oh, if I could but fly away

I'rom this dull s])ot, the world to see,
How happy, happy, happy,

How happy I should be !"

Amid the city's constant din,
A man who round the world had been,
Who, 'mid the tumult and the throng.
Is thinking, thinking all day long.
" Oh, could I only tread once more
The field-path to the farm house <loor.

The old green meadow could I see,
How happy, happy, happy.

How happy I should be !'

M.VRION DOUOI,ASS.

TherR is a serene and settled majesty in forest scenery that enters into the soul, and dilates and elevates it,
and fills it with noble inclinations. The ancient and hereditary groves, too, which everywhere abound, are most
of them full of story. They are haunted by the recollections of the great spirits of past ages who have sought
relaxation among tuem from the tunmlt of arms or the toils of state, or have wooed the muse beneath their shade.

568

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

569

RAIN ON THE ROOF.

'HEN the humid shadows hover

Over all the starry spheres,
And the melancholy darkness

Gently weeps in rainy tears,
What a bliss to press the pillow

Of a cottage chamber bed,
And to listen to the patter

Of the soft rain overhead !

Every tinkle on the shingles

Has an echo in the heart ;
And a thousand dreamy fancies

Into busy being start.
And a thousand recollections

Weave their air-threads into woof,
As I listen to the patter

Of the rain upon the roof.

Now in memory comes my mother

As she used long years agone
To regard the darling dreamers

Ere she left them till the dawn ;
Oh, I see her leaning o'er me.

As I list to this refrain
Which is played upon the shingles

By the patter of the rain.

Then my little seraph sister,

With her wings and wavy hair
And her star-eyed cherub brother

A serene angelic pair ! —
Glide around my wakeful pillow.

With their praise or mild reproof
As I listen to the murmur

Of the soft rain on the roof.

And another comes to thrill me

With her eyes' delicious blue ;
And I mind not, musing on her.

That her heart was all untrue ;
I remember but to love her.

With a passion kin to pain.
And my heart's quick pulses vibrate

To the patter of the rain.

And hath naught of tone or cadence

That can work with such a spell
In the soul's mysterious fountains.

Whence the tears of rapture well
As that melody of nature,

That subdued, subduing strain
Which is played upon the shingles

By the patter of the rain.

Coaxes Kinney.

THE DEAD HOUSE.

ERE once my step was quickened.
Here beckoned the open door,
And welcome thrilled from the threshold
To the foot it had known before.

A glow came forth to meet me

From the flame that laughed in the grate,
And shadows a dance on the ceiling,

Danced blither with mine for a mate.

"I claim you, old friend," yawned the arm-chair,
" This corner, you know, is your seat ;"

" Rest your slippers on me," beamed the fender,
"I brighten at touch of your feet ; "

"We know the practised finger,"
Said the books, "that seem like brain ;"

And the shy page rustled the secret
It had kept till I came again.

Sang the pillow, "My down once quickened

On nightingales' throats that flew
Through moonlit gardens of Hafiz

To gather quaint dreams for you."

Ah me, where the past sowed heart's-ease,
The present plucks rue for us men !

I come back : that scar unhealing
Was not in the churchyard then.

But, I think, the house is unaltered ;

I will go and beg to look
At the rooms that were once familiar

To my life as its bed to a brook.

Unaltered ! Alas for the sameness
That makes the change but more !

'Tis a dead man I see in the mirrors,
'Tis his tread that chills the floor !

To learn such a simple lesson,

Need I go to Paris and Rome,
That the many make the household.

But only one the home ?

'Twas just a womanly presence.

An influence unexpressed,
But a rose she had worn, on my grave-sod

Were more than long life with the rest !

'Twas a smile, 'twas a garment's rustle,
'Twas nothing that I can phrase.

But the whole dumb dwelling grew conscious,
And put on her looks and ways.

Were it mine, I would close the shutters,

Like lids when the life is fled.
And the funeral fire should wind it,

This corpse of a home that is dead.

For it died that autumn morning

When she, its soul, was borne
To lie all dark on the hillside

That looks over woodland and corn.

James Russei,i, Lowei.Ii.

570

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

MEMORY.

GIS beauteous night ; the stars look brightly
down
Upon the earth, decked in her robe of
snow.
No light gleams at the windows, save
my own,
Which gives its cheer to midnight and to me,
And now, with noiseless step, sweet memory comes
And leads me gently through her twilight realms.
What poet's tuneful lyre has ever sung.
Or delicatest pencil e'er portrayed
The enchanted, shadowy land where memory dwells?
It has its valleys, cheerless, lone, and drear,
Dark-shaded by the mournful cypress tree ;
And yet its sunlit mountain tops are bathed
In heaven's own blue. Upon its craggy cliSs,
Robed in the dreamy light of distant years.
Are clustered joys serene of other days.
Upon its gently sloping hillsides bend
The weeping willows o'er the sacred dust
Of dear departed ones ; yet in that land.
Where'er our footsteps fall upon the shore,
They that were sleeping rise from out the dust
Of death's long, silent years, and round us stand
As erst they did before the prison tomb
Received their clay within jts voiceless halls.
The heavens that bend above that land are hung
With clouds of various hues. Some dark and chill.

Surcharged with sorrow, cast theii sombre shade

Upon the sunny.joyous laud below.

Others are floating through the dreamy air,

White as the falling snow, their margins tinged

With gold and crimsoned hues ; their shadows fall

Upon the flowery meads and sunny slopes.

Soft as the shadow of an angel's wing.

When the rough battle of the day is done,

And evening's peace falls gently on the heart,

I bomid away, across the noisy years,

Unto the utmost verge of memory's land.

Where earth and sky in dreamy distance meet,

And memory dim with dark oblivion joitis ;

Where woke the first remembered sounds that fell

Upon the ear of childhood's early morn ;

And, wandering thence along the rolling years,

I see the shadow of my former self

Gliding from childhood up to man's estate.

The path of youth winds down through many a vale

And on the brink of many a dread abyss,

From out whose darkness comes no ray of light,

Save that a phantom dances o'er the gulf

And beckons toward the verge. Again the path

Ivcads o'er the summit where the sunbeams fall ;

And thus in light and shade, sunshine and gloom,

Sorrow and joy, this life-path leads along.

JAMF..S A. Garfiei<d.

A BOSOM empty of a heart of pain makes a lustreless life ; but a bosom in which a heart bleeds reveals hidden

virtues.

What a desolate place would be this world without a flower! It would be a face without a smile, — a
least without a welcome ! Are not flowers the stars of the earth ? and are not our stars the flowers of heaven ?

GOT^DEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

571

THE DEATH-BED.

E watched her breathing through the
night —
Her breathing soft an<l low —
As in her breast the wave of Hfe
Kept heaving to and fro.

So silently we seemed to speak,

So slowly moved about,
As we had lent herlialf our powers

To eke"her living out.

Our weary hopes belied our fears,

Our fears our hopes belied ;
We thought her dying when she slept,

And sleeping wlieu she died.

For when the morn came, dim and sad,

And chill with early showers,
Her quiet eyelids closed ; she had

Another morn than ours.

Thomas Hood.

dden

THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN.

HvS the member of an infant empire, as a. philanthropist by character, and, if I may be allowed the
expression, as a citizen of the great republic of Humanity at large, I cannot help turning my
attention sometimes to this subject, /io:o mankind ntiiy be connected, like one great family, in fra-
ternal ties. I indulge a fond, perhaps an enthusia.stic idea, that as the world is evidently much less
barbarous than it has been, its melioration must still be progressive ; that nations are becoming
more humanized in their policy ; that the subjects of ambitio" an<l causes for hostility are daily diminishing ; and,
in fine, that the period is not very remote when the benefits of a liberal and free commerce will pretty generally
succeed to the devastations and horrors of war. George Washington.

572

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

"THOU ART AROUND US IN OUR PUACUKUI, lIO.MIi

THE HOUR OF DEATH.

EAVRS have their time to full,
And flowers to wither at the north wind's
l)rt'alh,
And stars to set — but a)l,
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O
Death !

Day is for mortal care ;
Eve, for j(lad meetings round tlie joyous hearth ;

Night, for the dreams of sleep, the voice of prayer ;
But all for thue, thou mightiest of the earth.

The banquet hath its hour —
Its feverish hour — of niirlli mid song and wine ;

Tliere conu's a day for grief's o'erwhelming power,
A time for softer tears — but all are thine.

Yoiith and the opening rose
May look like things too glorious for decay,

And smile at thee — but thou art not of those
That wait the ripened bloom to seize their pre«-

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

57$

Leaves have their time to fall,
And flowers to wither at the uorth wind's breath,

And stars to set — but all,
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death 1

We know when moons shall wane.
When summer birds from far shall cross the sea.

When autumn's hue shall tinge the golden grain-
But who shall teach us when to look for thee ?

Is it when spring's first gale
Comes forth to whisper where the violets lie ?

Is it when roses in our path grow pale ?
They have one season— all are ours to die I

Thou art where billows foam ;
Thou art where music melts upon ihe air ;

Thou art around us in our peaceful home ;
And the world calls us forth — and thou art there.

Thou art where friend meets friend,
Beneath the shadow of the elm to rest ;

Thou art where foe meets foe, and trumpets rend
The skies, and swords beat down the princely crest.

Leaves have their time to fall.
And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath.

And stars to set — but all,
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death !

Felicia HKMANi

MUSIC IN CAMP.

wo armies -covered h'.ll and plain.
Where Rappahannock's waters
Ran deeply crimsoned with the stain
Of battle's recent slaughters.

The summer clouds lay pitched like tents

In meads of heavenly azure ;
And each dread gun of the elements

Slept in its high .embrasure.

The breeze so softly blew, it made

No forest leaf to quiver ;
And the smoke of the random cannonade

Rolled slowly from the river.

And now where circling hills looked down

With cannon grimly planted..
O'er listless camp and silent town

The golden sunlight slanted.

When on the fervid air there came
A strain, now rich, now tender;

The music seemed itself aflame
With day's departing splendor.

A Federal band, which eve and morn
Played measures brave and nimble.

Had just struck up with flute aud horn
And lively clash of cymbal.

Down flocked the soldiers to the banks ;

Till, margined by its pebbles.
One wooded shore w.is liluc with "Yanks.."

Aud one was gray with " Rebels."

Then all was still ; and then the band.
With nioveinetit light imd tricksy.

Made stream and forest, liill iiiul sirand.
Reverberate with " Dixie."

The conscious stream, with burnished glow,

Went )iroii(lly t.'cr its pebblos,
But thrilled lliruughoul Us dcL'pest How

With yelling of the Rebels.

Again a pause, and then again

The trumpet pealed sonorous.
And "Yankee Doodle " was the strain

To which the shore gave chorus.

The laughing ripple shoreward flew

To kiss the shining pebbles ;
Loud shrieked the swarming Boys in Blus

Defiance to the Rebels.

And yet once more the bugle sang

Above the stormy riot ;
No shout upon the evening rang —

There reigned a holy quiet.

The sad, slow stream, its noiseless flood
Poured o'er the glistenii i; pebbles ;

All silent now the Yankees stood.
All silent stood the Rebels.

No unresponsive soul had heard

That plaintive note's appealing.
So deeply " Home, Sweet Home " had stirred

The hidden founts of feeling.

Or blue, or gray, the soldier sees,

As by the wand of fairy,
The cottage 'neath the live oak trees.

The cabin by the prairie.

T'.'e cold or warm, his native skies

Hend in their beauty o'er hitn ;
Seen through the tear-mist in his eyes,

His loved ones stand before him.

As fades the iris after rain.

In April's learful wealiier.
The vision vanished as the strain

And dayliglit died together.

But memory, waked by music's art,

I';xpii.'sse<l in siinjile niimhers,
Subdued the steruisl Yankee's lieart,

Made light Die Relie'.'s sUiiiil)ers.

And fair the form of Music shines —

The briglit ceh^ntial creature —
Wlu) still 'mid Wars eudiMtlleil lines

Gives this one touch of Niilure.

John K. TiioMi'SuN

574

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

vvW&tei'mcttinjf-m&de. ^nd passion slent^sceufa jVom vfakinf :

A V/eine/ m l^i feutS l^at (a.i» Oui* beaiffs JoTgot Hjeiif aneian t acting j

^clVcn tij* SunioWij aii4 wg^ft s((ad«, OuV sjsiWlrs ss llje jsast^orsalomg-,

Cvi ftoifei pijaJoWil ti^e ViVer— C/e knenT ftat ieli?afe Koui» ^ goljeti^

lot/ 9eai^ ItimSelf oui** souls miglit St/ef. 3e\ig^t \Tas 0UKs,an(t 1nemoV^| o)5.cn

/L-ftlt n/e Should so float foi' ei/feV. 3ii|io|ap^slee|9 w4s Cast 'enPoWcn .

J^'fe'Wi.us sWeblr baslr y^ed a«A w'TlloW.
li;o>/e foHouf guiclc,anJ Jwaee oiif lsillo\A/,
r~. J^^hat joy to see llje poy mooit becolng

^\^ O'eVoli'ffaming llills ^waoJlands sUebin?,
Ij.- Cv*eir Ijei'fciitl^ful \?ii^il keeping;.

«'

»IJ

..ii^

iiiiniiiii

ill

wmmmm

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

575

ii '

SHALL WE MEET AGAIN?

EN seldom think of the shadow that faVis across their own path, hiding forever from their
eyes the traces of the loved ones, whose living smiles were the sunlight of their existence.
Death is the great antagonist of life, and the cold thought of the tomb is the skeleton of all
feasts. We do not want to go through the dark valley, although its passages may lead to
Paradise ; and, with Charles Lamb, we do not want to lie down in the muddy grave even
•with kings and princes for our bed-fellows. But the fiat of nature is inexorable. There is
no appeal of relief from the grc-t 1 AW which dooms us to the dust. We flourish and we
fade as the leaves of the forest, and ihe flower that blooms and withers in a day has not a
frailer hold upon life than the mightiest monarch that ever shook the earth with his foot-
steps. Generations of men appear and vanish as the grass, and the countless multitude that
throngs the world to-day will to-morrow disappear as the footsteps on the shore. In the beautiful
drama of Ion, the instinct of immortality, so eloquently uttered by the death-devoted Greek, finds
a deep response in every thoughtful soul. When about to yield his young existence as a sacrifice
to fate, his beloved Clemanthe asks if they shall not meet again, to which he replies: "I have
asked that dreadful question of the hills that look eternal — of the streams that flow forever — of the
r'^ars among whose fields of azure my raised spirit hath walked in glory. All were dumb. But
while I gaze upon thy face, I feel that there is something in the love that mantles through its
beauty that cannot wholly perish. We shall meet again, Clemanthe."

George D. Prenticb.

ANNABEL LEE.

T was many and many a year ago,

In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden lived whom you may know.

By the name of Annabel Lee ;
And this maiden she lived with no other
thought
Thau to love, and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,

In this kingdom by the sea ;
But we loved with p. love that was more than love,

I and my Annabel Lee —
With a love thst the wiugdd seraphs of heaven

Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that long ago,

III this kingdom by the sea,
A wiud blew out of cloud-land, chilling

My beautiful Annabel Lee ; ,

So tliat her highborn kinsmen came

And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre,

In this kingdom by the sea.

] The angels, not so happy in heaven.

Went envying her and me.
Yes, that was the reason (as all men know)

In this kingdom by the sea,
That the wind came out of the cloud by night,

Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love

Of those who were older than we ;

Of many far wiser than we ;
And neither the angels in heaven above,

Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from ilie soul

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee,
And the £;tars never rise but I feel the bright eyes

Of the b>=autiful .\nnabel Lee.
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling, my darling, my life, and my bride,

In her sepulchre there by the sea,

In her tomb by the sounding sea.

KUGAR Al,l,AN POS,

576

GOLDEN GEMS OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.

lesseo IS

one tRat fearetft IRz h®^ ;
tftat coafjCetR in fti/ coai
c7or fRou i^RafC eat tRe Pa6our of CRine
RaniU : Rappij <&RaFt tRou 6e,

i^RaPP 6e aib a
fruitful '^ine 6ij tRe ^ti^ei) of tRine
RoU(&e : CRij cRiPc^ren PijCe oPi>9e pPant/
roun3i afeoui" tl^ ta6Pe.
SeRoPcl, tRat tRu<& «i)RaPP tRe man
6e 6Pe)!)i>ei.
tRat fearetR tRe b©?^.
HRe bori (&RaPP 6PeM tRee
out of >^Ion,
an9. tRou i^RaPt i^ee tRe goo3, of

^erui)aPen^
aPP tRe c^aij«i» of tf^ Pife.
^/ea, tRou (i>RaPt itee tRij cRiPSpen'A cRiPSren,
an^ iseace upon

«g?^«'"-

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