 | XIX. Julian, or Scenes in Judea |  |
19. XIX.
Marvel not, my mother, that I thus consent
to remain in Tiberias and in the service of
Herod, while, as you well know, I incline so
strongly towards Jesus. My accounts of Jesus
have made not a deeper impression on your
mind than I should have looked for; and I
am not surprised that in your last epistle you
advise that I should for a time withdraw from
Herod and Onias, and seek out the new Prophet,
and follow him for a season at least, that by my
own observation and hearing I may make up
my judgment concerning his real character and
purposes. This assuredly I shall do, if no clear
and decisive judgment is made and proclaimed
by the people, or by those who have already
made the observations which I am hoping to
do. In the mean time I am becoming thoroughly
acquainted with the affairs and plans of Herod,
to which, after all, perhaps, it is most probable
I shall join myself. Besides this also, so constantly
do we receive intelligence of the movements
of Jesus, and of the progress he makes,
he performs, that it sometimes seems to me that
my means of a right judgment are as many
and as trustworthy here, as if I were among
the multitudes who throng his steps. Many of
his sayings are becoming common, and are
treasured up in the memory, or by others written
down, that they may be the better preserved,
corrected, and enlarged by additions
from future sources of information. The zeal
in his behalf has been and is now almost universal;
scarce any save the chief men among
the sect of the Pharisees, and among the scribes
and priests of Jerusalem, doubting that whatever
may be his present appearance, conduct,
and even language, he will in no long time
break forth in all the glory of our expected
Prince. Yet there are those, who hitherto have
firmly believed, yet now are perplexed or doubtful
— their perplexities and doubts springing, as
far as I can at present discover, from the language
which Jesus uses respecting the Law, his
disregard of the Sabbath, and the slight he
casts upon those who are at the head both of
religious and civil affairs, and to whom, were
he really Messiah, he would, they think, certainly
attach himself.
After many days devoted to the affairs of
I had long desired, to visit the villages scattered
along this western shore of the lake,
and especially Capernaum at its head, where
Jesus has dwelt much of the time since his
baptism, and where he has performed many of
his miracles; and Bethsaida, about midway between
Tiberias and Capernaum, whence, as I
learn, Jesus hath drawn many of his followers.
Alone, on foot, with my staff in my hand,
did I perform this journey, keeping for the most
part on the very shores of the lake, turning
aside into the villages only for purposes of shelter
and rest by night.
Nowhere, as I believe, my mother, could the
traveller enjoy more of what is both beautiful
and grand in the works of God, than on the
shores of this little inland sea. As I left Tiberias
with my face to the north, I beheld the
lake in its whole length, embedded, as it were,
among lofty mountains, some approaching close
to the very edge of the water, and terminating
in abrupt precipices, others sloping gradually
down with a plain between their roots and the
lake, where roofs and towering pinnacles glittering
in the sun from out the midst of groves,
betrayed the sites of fortress, village, and city.
Rising high over all the nearer hills, and reigning
as kings over dependent princes, shone the
too bright for the eye to look upon without
pain. Genesareth lay among these hills, calm
and unruffled, save by the occasional stirring of
a summer breeze, as it slowly swept over it, or
by the passing across of the fishermen's boats,
as they went forth to cast their nets, or were
returning laden with their rich spoils. Although
the heat of the sun was great, yet by seeking
the shelter of occasional groves, or the ledges
of rock overhanging the very brink of the water,
I kept on my way without interruption or
discomfort, — on the other hand enjoying in
the highest degree the air, the prospect, the
water, and, above all, the freedom of motion of
which this kind of travelling may boast over all
others. Often, and with no other reason than
because it then pleased me to do so, I lingered
at the root of some heavy-leafed tree, where it
flung its dark shadows over my path and on the
edge of the water, or I lay along upon some
smooth rock, and looking down into the clear
depths of the lake, observed the sportings of
the fish below, or watched the insects skimming
waywardly the sleeping surface, — no
slow-paced mule, hard-going camel, or fleet
Arabian would I have accepted, to be deprived
of such pleasures. Time, I indeed wasted, or
lost; but wisdom, as I think, I gained, and was
satisfied with the exchange.
I soon reached Magdala, then passed Bethsaida,
just visible on the west, standing far from
the shores of the lake, and before the sun had
reached his highest point, drew nigh to Capernaum
at its extreme northern limit. When I
was yet about two Roman miles from the town,
still keeping to the very shores of the lake,
but desiring, on account of the heat of the day
and weariness, to reach it soon, that I might
obtain rest, and the refreshment I greatly needed,
I observed a boat, guided by two fishermen,
making toward the shelter of some projecting
rocks near which I was walking. While I
stood watching their motions, they reached the
shore, and leaping from their boat drew it up
upon the sand. Not doubting that from them I
could obtain information concerning Capernaum,
and a knowledge of the shortest path thereto,
I approached them and made such inquiries as
I wished. They replied with civility, informing
me of the inn at which I should stop, and
pointing out the shortest road. “But,” said
the elder of the two, “why friend shouldst
thou not rest here with us, while the sun beats
down so hot, and partake with us of our noonday
meal — thou shalt be very welcome.” I
replied, that nothing could be more agreeable,
as I was both fatigued with the way and weak
through want of food. “Seat thyself then,”
of the overhanging cliff, and thou shalt
soon feast upon better fish than ever were
drawn from the Great Sea, or any other.”
So saying, he and his companion employed
themselves in first covering over with fresh
leaves the fish they had caught, and then in
lighting a fire of wood gathered from among
the loose rocks, and preparing the frugal repast.
The fish were soon broiling over the coals and
the fragrant smoke spreading around a foretaste
of the more solid enjoyment to follow. The
cooked food, with but brief delay, was then
spread upon a smooth rock which seemed as if
it had long served for the same purpose, a loaf
was added from the boat, and a cruse of water
drawn from a spring in the dark recesses of the
cave or grotto, at the mouth of which we sat; —
“Now,” said the elder fisherman, “the dinner
is ready, approach and eat; but first let us
give thanks.” So in few but reverent words,
and with uplifted face he acknowledged the
providence of the Ruler of the world, and the
God of Israel.
“I perceive,” said he as we ate, “that you
come by the way of Bethsaida and the southern
part of the Lake.”
I said, “even from Tiberias.”
“I thought so much” said the other; “for
of the Jew, yet it shows as if you might have
sprung of some of the mixed races, whom
Herod compelled within the walls of Tiberias
to people his new city. But if you come from Tiberias,
doubtless you can tell us news of what
Herod is now doing. Many reports are abroad,
but we can only guess.”
“I left him,” I said, “within the city, quietly
dwelling within the walls of his palace.”
“Ah,” said the other, “it is not by knowing
where Herod now is, or about what he seems
to be employed, that one can come at the truth.
He is a man of many faces. What we hear is,
yet no one knows anything with certainty, nor
can trace the first springing of the rumor, that
he is laying, in secret, plans for seizing the sovereignty
of Judea — that many take him for the
Christ who is to come, and hope through him
to see the deliverance of the country.
I said that I knew well that such things were
whispered, but that at Tiberias no open signs
were apparent of such movements, nor did the
people there, though so near the Tetrarch, have
any more certain knowledge of what had been
spoken about, than he himself. Still more,
Pilate and the Roman powers seemed to suspect
nothing. How would the people of these
parts, I asked, affect him, should such rumors
prove to be well founded.
“He might find a few followers here, he answered,
“but not many, so long as John and
Jesus are abroad among us. This youth, my
partner, would join him, but so would not I.”
The young man, in reply to my question how
he had come to a knowledge of Herod's purposes,
said that it had been through his messengers
whom he employed and who were
scattered over Judea. “As I judge,” said he,
“by means of such messengers he will spread
a knowledge of his plans throughout the whole
land, and will so work against both John and
Jesus, that they will ere long be driven from
the land.”
“There 's a young hopeful for you,” said
the elder Fisherman; “so caught away is he
with these notions, that it is with much ado I
secure now and then a day's service at the
nets or the line.”
Said the younger, “we must bear with one
another; the times are rent with opinions,
families divided among themselves, and the
wisest perplexed.”
“God forbid it should be otherwise, Nathaniel,”
said the elder, “yet much I fear me that
ere long trouble will spring up in Israel, and
the implements of the husbandman and the
fisherman be beaten into swords and spears.”
I asked him why he thought so; I could see
no immediate signs of war.
“Who doubts,” said he, “what is rumored
of Herod? Nought indeed can be affirmed
with confidence; even Pilate, as thou hast said,
seems not apprehensive; but though little is
seen, none, who know the Tetrarch as well as
his subjects in Galilee, would take that as a
proof that there is nothing to be seen. His
presence and power are everywhere, and everywhere
discernible by those who, as I do, mingle
with many people of all classes and opinions.
Of late truly his activity has been less.”
I was surprised to find that so much was
known, or so shrewdly guessed, of the plans
and movements of Herod. But desirous to
learn what I could from this man, who, notwithstanding
his occupation, seemed to be one
of those, destined by nature to be the instructors
and guides of others, I asked him why he supposed
the activity of Herod to be less now?
“Without doubt,” he replied, “because of
the multitudes who throng after Jesus of Nazareth.
Whatever are or have been the purposes
of Herod, they must perforce now be laid aside,
seeing that other sounds and louder have filled
the ears of the people. Ah, Sir, there were
little chance for Herod, would Jesus only declare
himself. The people urge him to do so;
but no such urgency has prevailed. While we
cannot doubt that he is a prophet of God, seeing
not to be mistaken, that he is the Christ.”
“Why,” I asked, “are you so sure that he is
a prophet of God? Is there no room for deception?”
“It may suit the purpose of some,” he answered,
“to call him deceiver, and to give his
works to Beelzebub; but no one, who has himself
seen and heard, can in his heart doubt
whence proceed his wisdom and his power.”
“And have you,” I asked, “seen and heard
him?”
“Oh, Sir, often. Since his appearance after
the baptism in the Jordan, he hath dwelt in our
village; and who is there in Capernaum that
knoweth him not, and hath not seen and heard
him? He journeys often indeed into the parts
round about, and has lately been at the Feast
in Jerusalem, and is now absent teaching in the
towns near Samaria, but when these journeys
are over, then he dwells in our town, and gladly
do we hail his return.”
“And doth he mingle freely with the people,
so that they are permitted to know him.”
“Freely, most freely, doth he mingle with
all who, with honest purposes, seek to hear him;
none are so poor, or so humble, but he is ready
to do them good, by giving them the instruction
they need, or by healing their diseases. From
chosen his chief friends, those who are always
with him. Our neighbors in the village, and our
neighbors equally on the lake, Simon and his
brother Andrew, fishermen as we are, not richer
than we, nor higher in the world, has he drawn to
himself; and those who once join him, it is certain
will never leave him, with such veneration
and love doth he inspire them. I had followed
him myself, Sir, but for my family, whom I
could not leave. Never am I so happy as when
I listen to his words, in the synagogue on the
Sabbath, or there wherever it may be, in the
street or here on the shore of the lake, that he
speaks to the people who hang upon his steps.
Ah! how different his words from the rulers
and scribes! Never did man speak as he doth; it
seems, indeed, as if we heard the voice of God
rather than man! There seems a power of truth
in him beyond and greater than that of our Scriptures.
When he hath read from the Prophets
or from the Law, and then closing the volume
hath spoken himself, our hearts have burned
within us, and we have said to ourselves, who
can he be who is greater than Moses and the
Prophets?”
“Who, indeed!” I said, rather to myself
than to the fisherman. But he heard me and
asked eagerly,
“Do you then believe in him?”
“And what,” I asked, “do you mean by believing
in him?”
“Surely,” he answered, “believe him to be
the Messiah, the prophet foretold as to appear in
these latter days, and redeem Israel from bondage.
How else should I mean?”
I said, I knew not enough yet to warrant
me in believing that, and asked him if he himself
believed.
He answered and said, “I do believe; yet
I know that in doing so, I believe rather because
I will believe, than because I find a
proof that satisfies me. Jesus hath not himself
said that he is the Christ, so at least say
some, and if we believe him to be so, we believe
in more than he himself affirms of himself.
Yet cannot I help but believe. Not
doubting him to be a prophet of God, I cannot
doubt he will be more than that.”
“Yet how can you be so sure,” I asked
again, “that he is a prophet of God and no deceiver?
There have been many deceivers, who
have misled the people. Is it because of his
miracles? But may not evil spirits show such
power through a man? or is not magic equal to
such things?”
I believe him to be of God,” answered the
fisherman, “partly because of his miracles, and
is very true, that miracles may be wrought by
evil spirits, and some, perhaps, but not such as
those of Jesus, by magic. Wherefore, when I
resorted to Jesus, being at first drawn to him, I
confess, by the noise made by his wonderful
works, I gave not my faith until I had heard
his doctrine, and found it to be such as
was altogether worthy of God; and then observed
his character and manner of life, and
found that they also were altogether god-like.
Of this agreement and fitness I think we are
capable to judge; for is it reasonable to suppose
that God hath given man power to know
what food is nutritious to the body, and wholesome,
and hath not given power also to know
what truth is nutritious to the soul, wholesome
and divine, worthy of God to send and man to
receive? So, when I found that Jesus was so
holy in himself, and so divine in the excellence
of his doctrines, then I felt sure that his works
could be done by no other spirit or power than
a divine spirit and power, and I believed that
he was a Prophet. But what I have now
said in many words, was perhaps with me
as it is, I doubt not, with most, the work of, as
it were, a moment. For so do the countenance,
the manner, and the first words of Jesus
fall upon and convince the soul, that a persuasion,
as sight and hearing, and the miracle, which
we then witness, we are sure is from God. We
then receive him as a teacher come from God,
and his words and doctrine, whatsoever they
may be, as the words and doctrine of God.”
“Your faith, then,” I said, “rests on the
works of Jesus.”
“Surely it doth,” he answered;” his virtues
and his doctrine, how excellent soever, could do
no more than show that he was worthy to have
come from God; not that he had come
from him; for we know not how far the wisdom
of a mere man may reach, nor how high
his virtues may climb; but we do know that a
man cannot do the works of Jesus, except God
be with him, or else the spirit of Beelzebub;
and a good man worketh not by the help of an
evil spirit.”
“Yet,” said I, “there are not a few now, as
I hear, who say that the works of Jesus are
done by an evil spirit, and not by the spirit of
God.”
“Among us in Capernaum there are but few
such,” replied the fisherman, “and they are of
the leaders among the Pharisees, who themselves,
when Jesus first appeared, were the first
to believe, and to cry out Christ! Christ is
come! and throng about him with their knee
not one who holdeth him not to be of God.”
“But why did the Pharisees and scribes
forsake him then,” I asked, “except they
were persuaded he was a deceiver, and that
they had reasons of weight to offer against him?
Who in the villages of Judea are of a better
power to judge in such things than they?”
“Many things,” he replied, “in the doctrines
and manners of Jesus helped to offend
them, and turn them against him. He would
not flatter them, or bend to them, because of
their office; but chose rather to consort with
the good, however humble they might be, and
even with gentiles and sinners of every kind,
so they came to him sincerely desiring to listen
to him. Moreover he loosened, instead of
drawing closer and tighter the bonds of outward
worship and rite, teaching that God judges by
the state of the heart, and not by the number of
a man's washings and sacrifices; and when he
wished to show the people the difference between
a painted outside and a pure heart,
he would draw a picture of a Pharisee relying
on the exactness of his observances, and
of a publican, or a gentile, doing good actions,
and then trusting to the mercy of God,
and would justify the latter rather than the
former. Openly too has he rebuked these
be chargeable with, their covetousness and unjust
exactions. All which, and much more that it
would weary you, Sir, to hear, enraged them,
and the very man they were a little while ago
exalting as the Son of God and King of Israel,
they now upbraid as a child of the devil, and a
minister of Satan — though Jesus stands among
us the same as at first. So that the people
value not their judgment at the weight of a
fish's scale, but see plainly enough that it is all
a piece of malice, and revenge.”
“It seems,” said I, “to be indeed as you
say.”
“Be assured,” said the other, “that it is so.”
“You may safely believe,” added the younger,
“what Simeon has said; all in Capernaum
would confirm it. I follow not Jesus
as the Christ, — nor do I think he will ever
prove to be that person. He hath no fitness for
such a trust, as I judge; but who shall doubt,
who hath but once seen him, that he is a Son
of God, and a Prophet of Jehovah? He, who
should deny the works of Jesus, would deny the
voice of God, though God spake in his very
ear. Let Herod save Israel from Rome and
deliver her, and then shall both John and Jesus,
as Elijah and Elisha teach and rebuke, and be
to the people through their instructions as a
savor of life to the dying.”
“Herod! forsooth;” cried the elder with some
indignation. “Who shall be found in Israel to
put their trust in him? I marvel at thee more
and more Simeon, that thou shouldst cleave to
him — that thou shouldst hold to a man of violence
and crime. Verily might Israel despair
were her reliance on any of that wicked name.
Would that Jesus without delay would declare
himself, and this Herodian faction would vanish
as the mists of the lake at the breaking
forth of the sun. And did he but know what
their designs are and how busily and secretly
they pursue them, sure I am, it would move
him to yield to those who urge him so to do.”
“He knows well of the Herodians,” said
his companion, “and has warned the people
against them and their leader; so learned I but
yesterday, from one who was just from the
Feast. But, if I may prophecy, Jesus will
himself be sooner forsaken, than Herod. I see
not who bind themselves to Jesus but the
poorer sort. Crowds of these are at his steps,
and doubtless they truly honor him, but what
staff are they, to lean upon in a great enterprise
such as that of the Messiah.”
“I trow,” replied the elder, “they will help
Jesus as much and as securely on the way to
greatness, as Herod's vices will him. What a
besotted people are these of Judah and Jerusalem,
in the hands of a bad man; and who worse
than Antipas? Cunning and cruel! and who
at this very time is about to make himself
doubly an adulterer.”
I confess, my mother, I felt the blood to tingle
in my veins, and mount to my cheeks at
the honest anger of this humble man, while I,
looking only at ends, had too much blinded
myself to the steps I was taking to reach them.
As the fisherman ended, and his partner was
about to reply as it seemed to me with some
passion, there came one running toward us,
along the shore in haste as if to communicate
somewhat of moment.
“The lad who runs,” said the fisherman,
“has the likeness of my son Judah; yet why
should he make such speed in the hot sun. It
may be that Jesus hath returned to Capernaum.”
In the mean time the lad came up to us, as
we still sat at our meal.
“And what is the news?” asked the father.
“The son of Phasael!” said the youth as
he could find his breath.
“Is he dead?” cried Nathaniel, “he lay this
morning at the point of death.”
“Not so,” said the other, “but alive and
well.”
“Hath Jesus returned then?”
“No, yet hath he healed him, himself being
at Cana.”
“Friend,” said the fisherman, “go with us,
let us behold this wonder.”
Binding on my parcel, and seizing my staff
I hastened along with them. As we approached
and entered the village we saw, by the commotion
and the running to and fro, that a strange
thing had happened, in which the whole people
were alike concerned. All were forsaking their
employments and hurrying in one direction to
have the testimony of their own eyes, to the
wonderful thing that had been reported. When
we arrived at the dwelling of Phasael — an officer
of Herod's government — we could by no
means approach it by reason of the throng, for
it seemed that the whole town had run together
into one place. But though we could not obtain
near access to the house, yet could we
easily behold the young man who had been
cured, and who now come forth upon the housetop
and showed himself to the people; and we
could hear the declaration of his parents, that
at the same hour that Jesus had spoken the
word in Cana, the young man's fever had left
him. We were filled with awe, my mother, as
you may believe, at the recital and the observation
of such things. I felt as if then and
extraordinary manifestations of his presence.
In low tones the people expressed their wonder
one to another, and then in silence withdrew
again from the place to their homes. The fishermen
urging upon me, as the day was now
drawn to its close, to tarry with them in their
humble abode, I hesitated not, but accepting,
with many thanks, their hospitality, accompanied
them to their dwelling.
When the evening had come on, many of
the neighbors gathered together with us, and
the hours were passed in much further conversation
and dispute concerning John, Herod,
and Jesus.
At the early dawn I was awakened by the
host, and after partaking with him and his wife
and children the morning repast, set forward on
my way, returning not as I had come, but, at
the instance of the fisherman, by the way of
villages lying removed from the lake, among
which were Cana and Nazareth. “For thy
pleasure merely,” said he, “I could wish thee
to keep ever on the shores of Genesareth,
where thine eye can dwell upon finer things
than can be found elsewhere in Judea, and
where thou canst both behold the drawing in
of the fishermen's nets, with the passage of
their boats along the lake, and also feast upon
waters. Whose life shall compare with a fisherman's
on the lake of Galilee? But because
I would have thee see Jesus and hear him, for
thine own sake and Judea's, I commend to thee
this other road; and it will be strange if either
at Nazareth or Cana, thou do not find him, or
else at some point on the highway. Take with
thee, friend, the counsel of one who has seen
many years, and forsake the society, and the
cause of Herod. He cannot aid the cause of
God in one way, who hinders it in another.”
I replied to the fisherman, that I would not
forget his counsel though I could not promise
to follow it, and bidding him farewell, addressed
myself to the pleasures of the road.
These I found to be well worth the seeking.
The morning air was cool and invigorating, and
the earth in all directions burdened with a
vegetation uninjured by droughts, which in this
climate often destroy the hopes of the husbandman,
and promising the richest returns to
the granary. Indeed the earlier grains are
already ripe, and the fields yielding before the
sickle of the reaper. Frequent villages and
scattered dwellings separated by groves, or by
an occasional barren track of rock and sand,
afforded every variety of object which the
mind could desire; and much additional information
whom I overtook on the way, and walked and
conversed with, or from those by whom I was
entertained in the villages. The highways
were filled with persons who, after resorting to
Jesus for many days that he had remained in
Cana and the towns round about, were, now
that he had departed for another region, returning
to their homes.
From conversations with many of these,
I learned that Jesus, having left Cana, had gone
toward the sea-coast; but that while in this
neighborhood he had performed many miracles
by which the people had been astonished,
and had been brought to believe in
him, notwithstanding so many things make
against him. They were persuaded he would
yet show himself to be the Christ. They
were simple country people, with whom I for
the most part talked, and they could give no
better or other reason for the faith they were
disposed to rest in him, than that they thought
him a good man, who would not deceive those
who came to him, and it would be a great deception
if he raised in them a belief, that he
was the Christ and suffered it to take root in
them, when he was not that great Prophet.
They had heard many things indeed from him,
which they could not understand, and many
it indeed not easy to see how he should be the
Christ who was to come into the world, seeing
they were in opposition to the Law, and placed
the Romans and all others as high in the favor
of God as the Jew; moreover, he seemed not
in any respect to justify such acts, as those by
which the kingdom of God and of Israel must
be established, if it ever be established. Yet,
whenever he had spoken of righteousness, and
what pertains to a man's life and his soul, they
had comprehended him, and acknowledged a
wisdom surpassing that of man and belonging
only to one who, like Aaron, was the mouthpiece
of God; so that they still believed. Among other
questions which I put to them, I asked, if he
had warned the people against Herod. They said
that he had not failed to do so; he seemed to
know well what every body guesses, that Herod
is working in secret throughout Israel, although
it be so that no one can point to any open act
of his, and that Herod himself seems to be employed
in quite other affairs, with getting him a
new wife, and preparing to make war with the
king of Arabia. Jesus spoke as if these were not
his real designs; but there were quite others
which he was aiming to carry on — to favor
which he was covertly using every means to gain
the hearts of the people. When I further asked
be, they hesitated not, but believed that he was
aiming at the throne of Israel. And they could
not doubt that Jesus entertained the same opinion,
and that it was to put the nation on its
guard against him that he had spoken.
These, and other things which I learned on
the way of such as I fell in with, greatly increased
my desire to see Jesus, and my sorrow
that he had turned from Cana toward the sea-coast,
instead of the East and the Jordan, as I
had hoped he would do. I, however, kept on
my way in the direction I had first marked out,
as I could not prolong my absence without
failing in my promises to Herod.
As the day declined I drew near to Nazareth,
which, lying to the south of high hills, was not
visible from the quarter in which I approached
it, until winding about among many valleys and
narrow passes, and last crossing a precipitous
ridge, I at length suddenly came upon it, situated
nearly at the foot of a hill, or rather where
its last slope falls by sharp pitches into the
plain, but having a mountainous region shutting
it in on every side, and lofty abrupt precipices
rising directly in its rear. The scene presented
to the eye objects well calculated to delight and
impress the mind of one who should dwell
among them, no part of it being tame and flat,
of the hills, where no vegetation could fix a
root by reason of the soil, rocky and worn
away by descending torrents, or else beautiful
on account of the diligent cultivation of the
husbandman, or the groves of every variety of
tree and shrub, which covered the plain, and
flourished as it seemed with redoubled luxuriance,
as a return for the riches of which the
annual rains had robbed the surrounding
heights and spread around their roots.
The sun was not far above the hills on the
western side of this happy valley, shedding his
last rays on tower, and village, and bleak hill
top, as I entered, weary with the hot and dusty
way, the outskirts of the town. The houses of
the rural population grew more frequent, as I
drew near, each with its cultivated ground
near it, a part always covered with the fig,
the olive, and the date. At the doors or seated
beneath the surrounding trees, were the inhabitants
engaged in the various arts of domestic
life, or else, their labor for the day being done,
reposing in the shade or sporting with children,
who here as everywhere seemed freely
given of nature as man's best solace, and most
effectual teachers. One of these humble dwellings
especially drew my attention from the
greater pleasantness of its situation, though otherwise
neighborhood. An olive orchard covered it on
one side, fig trees stood thickly around, and almost
was the form of the cottage concealed by
vines which had grown over it, burying it in a
profusion of leaf and flower. But what chiefly
fastened my gaze and made me here pause that
I might put the inquiries necessary to my further
progress, was the form and countenance of
one who seemed the mother of the family, and
who sat at the distaff in the entrance of the
dwelling — younger members of the household
and children sitting or playing around.
For the face was one, which, as it was turned
upon me on my approach, at once inspired confidence
as well as raised admiration. It was
not a matter of choice whether I should accost
her, since before I had made any determination
concerning what I should do, I found myself
drawn away from the path I had been pursuing,
and standing before her. Then, it was
only with hesitating utterance, that I asked
concerning the village, the distance thereto,
and made such other inquiries as were needful.
She had risen as I spoke moving from where
she had sat, as if to make way for my entrance
within the house. Hardly waiting for me to
finish my inquiries, she said, —
“You are already weary with the dust and
the heart of the town, enter then and here rest,
and be refreshed; when thou hast washed and
eaten then thou shalt go on or tarry as thou
wilt.”
With many thanks I accepted these hospitable
offers. My sandals were soon removed,
the vessels for washing made ready, loose and
flowing garments adapted to this hot region
woven of the lightest threads, yet of a plain
and homely material, were brought, and in no
long time I was again vigorous, it seemed to
me, as at early dawn.
As the table was now spread by youthful
hands and covered with the food, easily prepared,
of these regions, the mother said, “Our
fathers, Sir, when they dwelt in tents, never
shut the door against the stranger; the hot cake
and the seethed kid ever smoked upon their
board. It is little for us to do to imitate them
who dwell in fixed habitations.”
“Yet it were not reason,” I answered, “that
from their descendants of this age should be
exacted the hospitality which distinguished
them, seeing that in their time the people were
few in number, and a stranger or foreign trafficker
was rarely seen, and when seen he was
indeed very heartily welcome, inasmuch as he
brought news of foreign parts, of which knowledge
was received as given.”
“So saying, Sir, you take away from our
fathers the virtue of their action.”
“Not so,” I answered. “It was not the less
virtuous that it was sometimes and by accident
rewarded, else the care of a mother, who sees
the fruit of her toil in the virtues of her child,
would lose its merit. Many are our acts which
carry their reward along with them, and we
must forbear the acts or consent to do them
with the knowledge that a reward will follow.
But surely this is different from the case of the
Pharisee, who prays that he may be seen, or
gives alms when he would withhold them but
for some prospect of praise or advantage.”
“You speak the truth,” replied the woman;
“were it not so our hope of Heaven would turn
all our goodness into sin, or make it nothing
worth. But to hope for heaven we cannot help
if we would. — I marvel why my husband and
sons come not; it is the hour of supper. But
their tarrying shall bring no delay to thee;
draw near and eat.”
But while she yet spoke her husband entered,
accompanied by his sons, as if returning from
the labors of the day, and when they had first
washed, placed themselves also at the board, the
daughters serving. I was bid heartily welcome
as I had been before by the mother and her
daughters, and I had passed but a little while
conversing of such things as offered, ere I felt
from the simple kindness that marked all their
words and demeanor, that I was among such
as both feared God and loved their neighbor.
As soon as it was learned that I had come from
the lake and through Cana, the mother asked
if I had seen Jesus in Cana, or in either of the
villages on the road.
I answered that I had not, although it was in
the hope to find him, that I had departed from
Genesareth in my return to Tiberias.
“Are you then,” she asked again with earnestness,
“one of his followers, and do you believe
in him?”
I said that I was by no means a follower or
believer, although on the way I had fallen
in with many such.
“I had hoped,” she replied, “that you believed,
for it seems as if your judgment would
be honest.” But after a moment's pause she
added, “you have said that you are from Jordan
and the neighborhood of Beth-Harem, what
think they in those regions.”
I said that there, as all along on the borders
of the lake, the greater part of the people believed
in him; or stood waiting and ready to
and plain should be given them, that he is indeed
the Person for whom they look. But I could
not deny that for the reason that such signs had
been delayed, many were losing their trust in
him, giving in to the opinions of the leaders
among the Pharisees, who were not only opposed
to him, but exceeding bitter.
“I do not see,” replied the mother, “why
they should be bitter against him or seek his
harm; he himself surely does no one harm, but
is gentle toward all, save toward those whom he
well knows to be hypocrites, and is full of benevolent
deeds. I never will doubt that God
is with him.”
“It certainly,” I here said, “will make
against his success with the people, if it be true,
as has been lately rumored, that you of Nazareth
do not believe in him, and more than that,
that you have even attempted his destruction.”
“It ought not,” said the mother quickly, “it
ought not to make against him any more than
it ever should against a good man, that the
wicked rail. Such railing is to his honor. It
is on the part of the Nazarenes nought but
envy.”
“But,” I rejoined, “the people of distant
places say, if they of Nazareth, who have
known him from his youth up, reject him, how
can any believe?”
“And surely,” said one of the sons, “they
say it with reason.”
“I cannot think so, Judas,” rejoined his
mother. “The people of Nazareth hold it ill,
that one of themselves, no better and no richer
they say than themselves, should set himself
up as a teacher. They will not listen to such
an one. Who were they who set upon him in
the synagogue, and would willingly, in their
rage, have cast him from off the precipice, but
persons whom we well know, and well know to
have been moved by no better spirit than I have
named? The rumor was a true one, which
you heard, Sir, but it would not sway your mind
against Jesus, did you know better the heart of
these men of Nazareth; surely, methinks, to
deserve their hatred is to be the more secure of
the favor of God.”
“But,” said I, “it is even reported, and I
myself heard it at Capernaum, that the family of
Jesus, his parents and brethren, believe not in
him, but are as the other inhabitants of the place,
which I confess filled me with astonishment, and
caused me to think otherwise than I had been
inclined to do of those who in other parts of
the country turn away from him.”
“Do you not know then,” said the father
of the family, that we are the parents of Jesus,
and these his brethren and sisters?”
“Truly I knew it not,” I replied, “but I am
rejoiced that a happy chance has thrown me
among those whom it was my chief purpose in
journeying through Nazareth to seek out. I
bless God, who has guided me to your roof,
for, I doubt not, it is highly favored of him.
I am not, as I have declared already, a believer
in your son, unless he may be called a believer
who, though he has not seen, nevertheless
believes in his honesty and truth, that he is
all that thus far he has claimed to be. Every
thing that I have heard from the very first has
gone to persuade me that God is with him, and
that it is with his spirit and power that he is inspired.”
“And deeper down in your heart would your
faith be,” said the mother of Jesus, “if you
yourself knew him of whom we speak.”
“Nevertheless,” said I, “I perceive from
what you have already said, that the rumor of
which I have spoken is true, that not only do
the inhabitants of Nazareth reject Jesus, but
that some of his own family reject, or, at least,
doubt concerning him. This I confess amazes
me.”
“We would all,” said the young man who
had spoken before, “willingly believe if we
could. Yet do not imagine that the feelings of
the people of Nazareth, which my mother has
ours. It is with them envy and indignation,
that a mere mechanic, and the son of one,
should profess a wisdom beyond that of the
scribes, and assert claims so high, and an authority
above that of the Pharisees, the Rulers, and
the Council. He has been so long their townsman
and fellow laborer, that they cannot at
once receive him as a teacher and a ruler.”
“I can understand the feeling,” I said.
“Jesus himself,” continued Judas, “gave it
the right interpretation, when, as he left the
synagogne, he said, A prophet is honored everywhere
else rather than in his own town and
among his own family and friends.”
“That,” said I, “I doubt not, is according to
our nature.”
“But,” replied the brother, “believe me
when I affirm that it is not this sentiment alone
nor chiefly, that governs his parents or brethren.”
I said quickly, “I was sure he spoke the
truth. “In your very faces,” I added, “I behold
the signs, which make such feelings impossible
to you.”
“The Lord reward you,” said the mother.
“Yes,” resumed the brother, “the Lord bless
you for your good opinion. We have by many
been reviled, but we can think no otherwise
not be blamed for opinions which are forced
upon us against our will and our old affections.”
“Why then,” I said, “if it be not to ask
too much, do you hesitate to give a full faith to
Jesus? I would fain know whether the same
things weigh with you as with others, in other
parts of Judea.”
“We have not doubted hitherto,” resumed the
brother, “that Jesus is inspired of God. We do
not, as others, wickedly give the wonders he
performs to spirits of the dead, or to Beelzebub, of
whom and whose power we believe nothing, nor
in truth do many of those who make such assertions.
The whole manner of his life, as
well as the strange events at his birth, convince
us that he is highly favored of God, and by him
reserved to some mighty work.”
“What is reported then of his birth, and we
have all heard, may be received as true?” I
said, turning as I spoke towards the mother of
Jesus.
Her countenance, radiant with faith and love,
beaming with all the marks of conscious truth,
gave silent answer to what I had asked. Never
had I beheld in mortal woman what for
more than mortal beauty and a certain divine
charm, seemed so like a blessed angel of God.
The silence of all, as their eyes, like mine,
After a brief pause, Judas continued; “What
it is that of late has perplexed us and caused us
against our nature and our desires to doubt, has
been the strangeness of the doctrines which Jesus
has preached, and the strangeness of his conduct.
In good truth he is no longer a Jew — he is rather
anything else — and can we hold him longer
with an unwavering persuasion to be a prophet
of God to his people, who sets aside the law
God himself gave to that people, to be an everlasting
covenant between him and them?”
“Yet have I been told,” I said, “that he
attendeth both upon the services of the synagogue
and at the feasts in Jerusalem; that he
of late went up to the Passover and the Pentecost.”
“You say true,” replied Judas, “it is so as
you have heard. But nevertheless that is true
also which I have affirmed. He preaches indeed
in the synagogue, but what preaches he?
The Law? The Prophets? Their excellence and
everlasting dominion? — the claims of Israel to
the favor of God before all other? Not so. But
in the face of all this, his own authority he sets
up against that of Moses — the Prophets shall
pass away or be changed — the Kingdom of
God shall be thrown open to Gentile as well as
would come and overthrow the word and the
work of him who sent him? What can we
say, what can we do? It was hearing such
things, as well as envy, that filled the men of
Nazareth with rage and drove them mad against
him.”
“What make you then,” I asked, “of the
Miracles of Jesus? They surely show him to
be sent of God.”
“This also perplexes us,” resumed the brother.
“He does the works of God, while he assails
to overthrow it, the truth of God. How, we
ask, can these things be? As we judge, our allegiance
to Moses and to God forbid us to believe.”
“Not quite so,” interrupted the father, with
a voice of mild rebuke; “Judas is carried away
by his zeal. We refuse not to believe; we
only say that we now waver and are perplexed.
We cannot reconcile the one with the other,
the miracles that he doth, and the doctrine that
he preaches, yet we trust to be able to do so.”
“But,” said I, “do not the miracles that he
does, supposing his power to be that of God,
and not of a devil,” —
“Oh, we doubt not that his power is of
God,” they all cried, interrupting me; so holy
and just a person, whom all love and honor who
hold no communion with, a wicked spirit.”
“Then,” I continued, “do not his miracles,
which he works by God's power, show that his
docrine must be approved of God? Would not
such power be withdrawn if it were made to
substantiate aught at variance with his will —
howsoever it may differ from truths previously
delivered?”
“Surely,” said the mother, “the young man
reasons aright. How shall he preach contrary
to the truth of God, who hath power to do the
works of God? It may be that by the mouth
of Jesus he would declare some new truth, not
such as shall be in violation of the Law of
Moses, but in addition to it; and truly, as I
think, there is much that passes among us as
the law given of God, which were perhaps better
termed the false conclusions of vain and
mistaken men.”
“Ah, my mother,” said Judas, “thou art carried
away by thy love to say things contrary to
the truth; here now wouldst thou cause the
Law, even the Law of God, to veil itself before
the wisdom of thy son Jesus! I should fear to
do that. Mayhap thou dost still hold him to be
even the Christ?”
“Nay, nay, Judas,” exclaimed his sisters,
“say not so.”
“Forbid him not,” said the mother, “I do
believe him to be the Christ. Yet ask me not
for a reason for this faith; for alas! I cannot
give it. Nay more than that, Judas, many
things that he hath said and done I comprehend
not; I can by no means resolve. Yet
cannot I help but believe. The truest faith,
is methinks, of the heart; but it is as much
without reason, as a mother's love of her child.”
“And it may be, my mother,” replied Judas,
“that your faith shall in the end, without its
reasons, prove truer than ours, with so many
which we judge so strong. And if it would
bring a greater happiness to the mother, to behold
her son on Messiah's throne, may her happiness
be made complete, if it be the will of
God. But doubtless to such as judge on the
grounds which the prophets furnish, no one
thing appears so difficult to believe as that.
For save the power to do wonderful works, a
power which has been bestowed upon many,
there seems no correspondence whatsoever between
him and the Christ. What do we, what
do the people of Israel look for in the Christ?
Verily it is one and the same thing in every
mind, a Redeemer, and a deliverer from our
bondage; who shall then reign our King and
Prophet over a kingdom without limits as without
end. This is what the prophets have
wait for with impatience. Is Jesus such an
one? Are there in him signs that mark the
Conqueror and King? Is there in him aught
that savors of Judas Maccabeus? or even of
Judas of Galilee? Nay, can one so much as
think of Jesus doing the deeds that must be
done when Israel shall arise and enter into her
glory? Has he not indeed, when teaching the
people, declared things which, if they be rightly
understood, make it but a sin and an offence to
seek dominion and to aspire after honor and
seats of pride and power. He commends the
humble, the meek, the peaceful, and such as
are content to submit and serve, taking heed
only to their souls, to keep them holy in the
sight of God, rebuking the contentious and
ambitious, the lovers of place and authority.
How shall such an one be the Christ of Israel?
Such precepts consist not with the character
and deeds of the Son of David. They agree
well with the character of Jesus, and no other
precepts should I ever look to hear from his
lips, and so should we all say” —
“Yes, surely we should say it,” fell from
all.
“But,” continued Judas, “they agree not, as
I have said, with the office and work of the
Son of David.”
As Judas ended, the others were silent — the
mother of Jesus buried as it seemed in many
thoughts of which no others might be sharers.
Presently as the supper was ended we went
out and sat beneath the vines, that hung over
the dwelling and stretched also from tree to tree;
the warm air and the bright heavens, thickset
with the stars of evening, inviting us where
such pleasures could be enjoyed in addition to
those of friendly discourse. Here then, when
we were seated, the father and his sons with
me, I sought to renew the conversation that
had been broken off, being desirous to learn
what I could from those who must possess in
many things a more exact knowledge than
could be found elsewhere, and who appeared
not less disposed to impart what they knew or
thought, than I was to listen to their words.
But as I had already gathered so much from
them concerning themselves and their relations
to Jesus, I began our conversation by informing
them of my own life and opinions, not withholding
from them my conviction of what I
believed was Herod's part in the present affairs
of Judea, though by no means communicating
other things respecting him and myself, which
I was bound not to reveal. What I had said
concerning Herod was already well known to
them, as being generally known or suspected
however, with such distinctness as to give occasion
of alarm to Pilate. With Tiberius
Herod remains in highest favor, as a fast friend
to Rome as he has ever been to Roman customs.
To his hostility to John and Jesus, he
takes care to give the color of friendship and
zeal for Rome, and the security of his possessions.
So that of designs inimical on his own
part they think not.
When I had ended, Judas said, “Herod is
the bitterest foe of Jesus; not openly so, but
secretly through those whom he employs to
beset his steps, and inflame against him the
Pharisees and the people. While he supposed
Jesus to make no pretensions and lay no claim
to the office and title of Messiah, he did little
against him; but since it is affirmed that
Jesus has declared, not only as at first, that the
kingdom is it hand, but that it has come, and
that he is the expected Prince, and that by his
disciples it is believed that he is so, Herod
has become more active, and as we just learn is
resolved upon his destruction. There are those
in Nazareth and in Jerusalem who, together with
a Priest in Beth-Harem, are in league with each
other to seek occasions when the passions of
the people may be roused against him, and a tumult
easy, they suppose, to effect their purpose.”
In what Judas said I was astonished at two
things, that Herod was actively employing his
agents in opposition to Jesus, and that Jesus
was now known to have declared himself the
Messiah. As to the first, Herod at Tiberias
had said that he did not hold it needful to do
aught against Jesus, seeing that the anger of
the Pharisees, whom he rebuked with such severity,
would do for him all he should desire
to be done. He must therefore have deceived
me, or else have suddenly changed his purposes.
I was also surprised to learn that Jesus
had with such explicitness avowed himself
the Messiah, that it had come to be known as
a truth to be relied upon. For hitherto, although
the people were clear in their belief that he
would prove to be that person, and would so
declare himself; yet from him they had been
able to obtain only obscure and doubtful hints.
The fact that he had now confessed himself
the Christ, it seemed to me, would decide his
fate one way or another in a short time.
“That has now happened,” I said to Judas,
“which but a little while ago at supper I was
about to suppose the occurrence of, and ask your
opinion concerning it. Jesus acknowledges
is there any change in his doctrine, or his appearance?”
“There is not;” said Judas.
“And what then,” I asked, “will be the
effect of such declaration?”
“It is not difficult,” replied the other, “to
foresee. It will cause him to be rejected and
denied by all Israel as one man! How by
possibility can it be otherwise? Hitherto while
himself has made no such declaration, but it
has only been made for him, the reason urged
against him has been, that he agrees not in his
character and purposes with the Prophets. But
all have deemed, who have persisted to have
faith in him, that soon as he should assume the
Name, then would he burst forth in the splendor
becoming the Son of David, and the King
of Israel. The miracles he has done, and the
excellence of his character and his teaching,
have retained the multitude in their faith or
hope, that he would not disappoint them in the
end. And sure they were, that when the great
and blessed day should arrive, that he should
proclaim his approaching honors, the divine
powers he is entrusted with would be put forth
in surrounding himself and his followers with
all the pomp and glory of a Kingdom, whose
founder and Father is God.”
“Yet,” said I, “no such things have happened.”
“They have not. He continues as he was.
He still wanders about the land as if without
home or friends, meanly apparelled, wearied
with the way, and exhausted through want of
food and drink, and as night approaches sleeping
ofttimes beneath the open sky, or throwing
himself upon the charities of those who are
poor as he; consorting, moreover, by night and
by day with those whom the Chiefs of the land
look upon as little better than the offscouring
of the earth, though indeed their chief fault is,
that like us, and like Jesus, they are poor and
of no repute, or like us and all, save jesus himself,
sinners.”
“And you would say,” I exclaimed, “shall
Israel receive such an one as her King?”
“That is what I would say,” he answered.
“It can never be. Notwithstanding he may
still perform his wonders, and notwithstanding
he may remain as he has ever been, spotless in
innocence as the lamb or the dove, and yet
wise as the serpent, astonishing us and the
multitudes by a wisdom such as we find not
even in the Prophets — notwithstanding this
and much more than this, will the people reject
him. And so ought they to do.”
“And you?” I said.
“Alas,” interposed the father, “what can we
do? We would fain believe, but how can we
do so, if we would remain Jews? In his goodness
we believe, for never was there a holier
on earth; in his wisdom we believe, for verily
the wisdom of the Most High seems to be his;
in his powers we believe, as powers which God
has bestowed; in his mission from God we
believe, for no one could do what he doth and
teach as he doth, except God were with him.
And more we would believe, if we could, but
we see not how it can be. While he claimed but
to be a prophet, we could admit his claims.
But now that he claims to be the Christ and
King of Israel, we admit them not, and how
were it possible to do so? We are now perplexed
and divided.”
“Our mother,” said Judas, “has not yet
learned what I have now said, that Jesus is
known to have claimed for himself the Kingdom.
Great will be her grief and amazement,
for with unfailing faith has she waited for the
time when he should declare himself, and in
the same hour shine forth in the glory that
would then become him, and seal him the
Anointed.”
“Her faith,” I said, “will not yield I am
sure. Her love is so strong it will teach her to
confide rather in him, than in her own capacity,
God.”
“That is true,” said Judas. “And it will
be the same affection with reverence of his
character and virtues that will cause the common
people to adhere to his cause, after in every
reasonable view all hope is extinct. His gentleness
towards all, his compassion for the suffering,
together with his power to relieve those
whom he pities, his love even for the sinner,
for whom he ever seems to feel more than for
the most righteous, seeking to turn him from
his errors; the wisdom of his discourse, which
he adapts by parables and feigned events to the
simplest understanding; above all, the plain,
intelligible doctrines he propounds so contrary
to the dark sayings of the scribes, — all these
things bind the people to him, so that in spite
of long delay and many adverse signs, in spite
of much they may not be able to explain, or
reconcile in his sayings and his appearance with
his claims, they will cleave to him and throng
his steps. They love, and they will believe.
Whatsoever may chance, there will be some
who will never forsake him. Others will think
and compare more, and will at least wait — before
they give their faith, and before they resist
and oppose. As for the Rulers and the leaders
among the Pharisees, they will now have all
They will not be content, like many, to sit
still and suffer time to unfold what it may —
which is our part — they will seek to visit upon
him the penalties of what they will call his
presumption and blasphemy.”
“I can easily understand that it will be as
you have said with the people, for I am sure it
would be so with myself could I follow him
as they are doing. Love would take place of
reason, and I should have no longer power to
discern between truth and error, so that it must
doubtless be safer for the cause of truth that I,
and others indeed, remain aloof where the eye
shall keep its uncorrupted sight, undazzled by
an object too glorious for it to behold, save
from a distant point. Yet has it long been my
warm desire to seek Jesus and follow him, if
not as a disciple, as one who would learn of
any teacher the truth concerning God and virtue,
life and death; and it is of these, as I hear,
that he chiefly discourses.”
“It is as you have been told,” replied Judas;
“to hear his teaching it would not be supposed
that thoughts of dominion and a kingdom had
ever entered his mind. Of such things, things
which the multitudes who throng him never
forget or lose from their thoughts, he seems not
so much as to dream. Can he then be the
never appear to think or speak, but such things
as are most opposite doth he take most pains to
commend, but which can have but little attraction
to the kind of people, who most follow
him, and who are hoping, (against hope,) that
one day, sooner or later, they shall reap a reward
for their fidelity, in the new kingdom. Sure I
am, he will have no such reward to bestow,
even upon those, whom he has chosen as
his nearest friends, and to whom he commits
all his thoughts — much less upon others.”
“What then,” I asked, “think you it is in
his purpose to bring to pass, if he aim not at
any of the ends we believe to be those of
the Christ?”
“Truly I cannot tell,” answered Judas.
“He speaks indeed of establishing a kingdom,
but he seems not to mean any such kingdom as
we see at present in the world, but if any, one
of truth and holiness, where all should obey
the Law, and he should reign over them in some
new manner. No one, however, pretends to
understand some of the things he sets forth,
however simple others may be. That is admitted
even by his disciples. That he hath, as I
have said, declared that he is the Messiah, in
plain and clear terms, I do not believe, but only
that it has been gathered from phrases, which
be affirmed of the objects which Jesus
has before him, is that he aims to increase the
happiness of the people by teaching them the
fear of God, by showing them by the manner
in which he himself lives, how they ought to
live, by using the wonderful power which God
has entrusted to him for their benefit, and by
exposing the hypocrisies of the Pharisees, and
their perversions of the Law, their false maxims
and formal and heartless worship.”
“These are objects,” I said, “well worth
living for, and, if need be, dying for, and though
Jesus should not be the Christ, yet must he be
esteemed one of the chief of the prophets of
God.”
“And a pity it is,” added a younger brother,
“that Jesus will not be content with this nor
aim at more. Then doubtless would he carry
with him the hearts of the greater and better
part of the people, and make many useful
changes in the doctrine and ceremonies of our
worship, which we all know have been greatly
corrupted by the traditions descended from former
times. He would no doubt still enrage
the Pharisees and the Jerusalem priests, but the
rest would uphold him.”
“I know not that,” replied Judas. “The
people are well satisfied with the Law as it is,
It may not be in all things as it was in the
time of Moses — somewhat may have been added,
and somewhat may have been altered; but
it is what we have all grown up under and
prospered by, and why should it be changed?”
“We have truly grown up under it,” said the
other; “but we seem not so plainly to have
prospered, unless slavery and sin may be called
prosperity. Who knows not the wickedness of
the priests and rulers, and their abuses of the
poor by their perversions of the Law, whereby
they enrich themselves and grind the widow
and the orphan to the dust. Truly did I rejoice
when Jesus cleared the temple at the
Passover of another set of rogues, whose life it
is to sit and suck the blood of the poor. God
prosper him while he strikes at such; and while
he does no more, and lays claim to no more, God
will prosper him. That he is the Christ I do
not believe, nor, as I judge, ever shall.”
“All doctrine and all law,” replied Judas,
“will be ever abused and perverted more or
less; in the case of some ignorantly, and of some
with wicked intent, but from such evil we
should not be rescued by overthrowing the Law
itself. I would that Jesus should neither overthrow
the Law, nor, as he doth, diminish its
authority, but rather content himself with
and teaching them the fear of God.”
Saith the father, — “My children, let us not
question the ways of one whom surely without
shame we may hold as wiser than ourselves,
since we doubt not that God in very deed
speaks through him. We may wholly approve,
moreover, of the conduct of which we see the
whole and comprehend it, while, when but a
little is seen, we may judge it evil. With Jesus
it is, as with the providence of God. We confide
in Jehovah that all shall be well, though
now and here in our human darkness and ignorance
we can penetrate his ways hardly more
than the blind. Let us put our trust also in
Jesus, nor judge until we are able to see whither
all is tending, and what its purpose and issue
are. The Pharisees are enraged that he teaches
in some things contrary to their interpretations
of the Law, but others think that the new sayings
of Jesus are in a nearer accordance with
the true sense of Moses and the Prophets.
Some, as here in Nazareth, are offended and
ready to destroy him in that he, who is
but the son of a carpenter, should pretend
to teach as a prophet — among whom we
also have been numbered — nor will they for
this reason believe in the reality of works which
their own eyes behold, but deny that they are
Where so many differ, how shall we at once
discern the truth? Let us be patient and
wait.”
“It were well,” I said, “if all could be persuaded
to obey the advice you have given.
But now that Jesus has suffered it to be
known that he holds himself not only as an
inspired teacher, but the Messiah of our nation,
no human counsel and no mortal arm can stay
the rage that will fill many souls. If the men
of Nazareth were inflamed to so high a pitch
of rage, that he whom they knew to be but
as one of themselves should teach them, how
much rather will multitudes of the leaders of
the people, hungering and thirsting for the
honey and manna, the wine and milk of the
new Kingdom of God, be filled with envy and
rage when they hear that Jesus declares himself
the head of that Kingdom, and yet is to bestow
upon them nought but the blessings of righteousness,
peace, and hope in God — no other
honors, no other riches.”
The hour of repose having insensibly drawn
on as we said these things, we then separated
and were soon drowned in sleep.
When the morning was come, and I had
worshipped with this household and eaten, and
had taken leave of Joseph and his sons, who
sought Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the garden,
where she sat alone.
“Young man,” said she, “may the Lord
bless thee and go with thee. Thou dost almost
believe in Jesus, seek him if thou canst, sit
with him, and open thine ears with a mind
willing to be convinced and thou shalt wholly
believe. Yet I blame not my sons, that they
withhold their faith as thou hast seen; too near
are they to see aright; but, as I believe, their
hearts are true, and they will not willingly do
their brother a wrong.”
“That,” said I, “is the chief thing; it is
much less surely that they should think with
thee, than that they should act right. They
are bound to do justly; but they must think as
they can.”
“So it is,” rejoined the mother; “I only
could desire that they followed him; then, as I
think, would they trust him more, and would
be with him to aid in times of danger, and the
older to counsel him. For though it be that
the wisdom of God dwells in him, yet doth
he needlessly, as I judge, run into dangers, and
stir up against him the angry passions of the
Rulers and Scribes. Moreover through the
zeal which consumes him, and the importunity
of the multitudes who throng him with their
send away till he hath satisfied them, have we
deemed him as one beside himself, and have
sought to draw him away, lest he should die;
but he heeds us not. If thou shouldst follow
him, and join his disciples — thou wilt not —
thou wilt not forsake him if thou shouldst see
danger or evil to threaten?”
“Assuredly,” I answered, “I will stand ready
at all times to help and defend, for I believe
him holy and a messenger of God, even
as do his brethren; but I do not see how it
were possible I should be a follower of him, as
I am already bound to Herod.”
Mary started as I said those words and exclaimed,
“Ah, art thou then of Herod? It is said that
that wicked man pursues even the life of Jesus
— as of John also. What has he done of injury
to thy master? Alas! it is not in his
heart to harm the least, or the worst thing in
nature. What can set thee against him?”
“Fear nothing from me,” I answered, “nor
yet from Herod, if any power of mine may avail
to turn aside the evil he may intend. Though I
believe not in Jesus as the Christ of God, I believe
he is of God and full of goodness, as thou
and thy sons have said, and never shall he
suffer harm if arm of mine can hinder.”
Said the mother, “I doubt thee not, I doubt
thee not. Ah! why do I seem to doubt the
providence and the arm of God, why cleave
to human aid? Had I any of the faith of our
Father Abraham I should not be thus afraid, and
leaning on broken reeds. Why should I fear?
Why does my mother's heart tremble when I
know that God reigneth? Will not he, who
gave me my son, and hath appointed him to
this high destiny appear for and protect him by
his own stretched out arm? Shall he leave
half finished the work he hath begun? Shall
it be in the power of man to defeat the hopes
of Israel? Shall Herod even, or Pilate lay their
hand upon the Lord's anointed to do him harm
— or the Priests and the Scribes in their envy?
Shall not he, to whom the Lord hath thus revealed
himself, though the whole land rose up
against him, and Babylon herself were moved to
distroy him, laugh them to scorn and over their
ruin enter into his glory? I doubt it not. God,
who has poured out of his Spirit in so full
measure upon my son Jesus, will not leave nor
forsake him, but will exalt him to the throne of
his fathers, and all Israel shall confess him
King.”
As the mother of Jesus said these words, all
her confidence and faith appeared to return; she
once more forgot the mother's fond anxiety,
faith that God who had so mysteriously endowed
him, would watch over him and preserve
him for the ends to which he had destined
him. How shall I describe the divine
countenance of this fortunate mother, as she
cast herself in so absolute a spirit of faith on
the providence of God? I cannot. When I
once more see thee, my mother, I can tell more
than my pen can say.
With the affection of a mother for a child,
she then gave me her blessing, “Go thy way,
young man, and the blessing of Jehovah be
upon thee. If it please the Lord to turn thy
heart towards his Son Jesus, come hither again,
and this roof shall again receive thee, and when
all is accomplished for which we hope and wait,
thou shalt not lose thy reward.”
I then turned away, but with reluctance, and
bent my steps towards the village. Having
become interested in Jesus the more, the nearer
I had approached him, I desired, now that I had
by so fortunate a chance beheld his parents, his
family, and his home, to see also the synagogue
where he had always worshipped, where he had
also preached, and from the brow of the rocky
precipice nigh unto which it stands, his fellow
citizens had not long ago attempted, in their
passion, to cast him down headlong; from
by employing for his deliverance the powers of
God he had so often used, never for the injury,
always for the protection or deliverance of
others.
Passing along through the midst of Nazareth
I easily found, by following the directions I had
received, the synagogue I was in search of.
The doors were yet open, those who had been
present at the morning prayers not having long
departed. When I had entered and surveyed
it, I inquired of a servant of the house for the
place, near by, where the multitude had led
Jesus with the purpose to destroy him. “That
will I gladly show thee, he answered; yet would
it have been with more pleasure if I could have
shown thee how and where they accomplished
their purpose. The rocks are hard by, behind
the building. Follow me.” As he went before
me, but slowly by reason of his halting upon a
withered limb, I asked why they had sought
his life?
“Thou art then a stranger in Israel?” he said.
“I had taken thee for an inhabitant of these
parts. Why they had sought his life? Father
Abraham! That is a question for a Jew to ask.
But mayhap you never heard this new prophet
as he calls himself?”
I said, “No, I have never heard him, but I
desire to do so, greatly.”
“Better not,” he answered, “better not; no
good would come of it. He leads many away
of those who do not know him as we do.”
I said I had never heard evil of him, though
I had heard so much of everything else.
“At that,” he said, “I marvel greatly.
What is there in Israel he attacketh not? What
should stand had our young Nazarene his way?
What to him forsooth are Moses and the
Prophets? What to him is it that the Law
was given of God, and since the foundation of
the world has been the glory of Israel? His
own word is better! Aye, Sir, he sets aside
Moses and Abraham, and the Prophets, as I do
the beggarly rabble who would thrust themselves
into the best seats of the synagogue. I,
truly, have authority in what I do. We of
Nazareth would fain know what his is? It is
not the men of Nazareth, who have sat and listened
to the voice of the righteous Zechariah
ever since the last Jubilee — the last I mean
before that, that hath just passed — who will
soon take their teaching from a carpenter and
the son of a carpenter. We are not fallen to
that, though the people of Israel do esteem us
as of the kennel. Would all deal with the
young zealot as was done by us, his mouth
now be thought that Nazareth is coming up in
the world. No other place hath stood so firmly
for the Law.”
“Yet,” said I “you cannot deny the wonderful
works which he does. What make you
of them?”
“I am not obliged,” he replied, “to make
anything of them. There are many ways of
doing such things. Which is his way is not our
matter. It is for us enough that a poor, low-born
mechanic here in our town saith, or gives
us to believe, that he thinks, he is the Christ!
the Son of David, and King of Israel! Takes
he us for those utterly devoid of understanding?
Never saw I the men of Nazareth to burn so
with zeal for God, as that day when in these
walls, which, so many years, as I have said,
have sounded to the voice of the Holy Zechariah,
this young limb of Joseph sought to get
the ear of the people, that he might declare
himself and his foul blasphemies. No sooner
found they what was his drift, than a holy and
righteous anger caused them to rise as one man
to purge Israel of such pollution. Furiously
did the people rage, and drive him from the
house on before them to this very spot — here
is the place you seek, Sir, — that they might
end him and his impieties at once. But he
hands of those who stood near could not reach
or touch him with all their striving, and so by
his arts he escaped, and has not since sought
the streets and synagogues of Nazareth — nor,
as I think, ever will.”
“Methinks,” said I, “such an escape from a
multitude, bent upon his destruction, should
convince you that God was helping him.”
“We deny not,” he answered, “his wisdom
nor his works, and vain were it, truly, to deny
what all ears heard, and all eyes saw; but
whence he hath his power and his wisdom, as
I have told thee already, each may believe as
he listeth. For me, I believe God inspireth
none such as those who go about to destroy
what he hath before established by Moses, and
set themselves up therefore as Gods against God.
Shall Jehovah build, and then himself tear
down what he hath built? He will carry his
teachings and his works, if Israel will not listen,
to the Gentile, will he? Let him. Is that
the way he shall prove himself the Christ?
If there hath been a Christ promised by the
Prophets, and if they have given him any
office, it hath been that of one who shall
exalt Israel more and more, and bring all men
to bow before the Law, not one who shall degrade
her in the eyes of men, and bestow equal
more needed we to show, to one who hath
eyes, whence he came? Did his own kindred
believe in him more than we? Truly did they
not. Old Joseph is a just and a devout man,
and hath brought up his offspring as one who
loveth the Sabbath, and the road to Zion; and
I warrant you, he took not so patiently the
forward conceits of his son Jesus. Verily, when
he first heard that Jesus had begun to teach,
he set forth to withstand him, as one whom he
judged not in his right mind. Who is my son,
thought the good man, that he should set up
for teacher and prophet? Nor any more regard
did the rest of the household have for him, so
that it was not long ere he was glad to take up
his lodging elsewhere. Capernaum entertaineth
him now; but, as I hear, they think not much
more of his doings there and over the Lake at
Chorazin and at Bethsaida, than here. To tell
what I think the truth of his kindred here in
Nazareth, they would have borne longer with
him, but that notwithstanding he possessed
such powers of doing wonderful things — as at
Cana to change water into wine, and doubtless
to change any one thing into another, —
yet nothing would he do of that sort for the
advantage of his own family, but while he was
profitable to others, left them to their labor and
scarcely be were our brother Messiah and King
of Israel. Wherefore they give little heed to
him any more, and deny him wholly.”
“Not wholly,” said I, “for it is within the
hour that I have conversed with them.”
“Then it is of late,” said the other, “that
they think otherwise. And I remember me, I
have heard they are again, at least some of
them, a little softened towards him, seeing that
he has been so set upon by others, and by
Herod, who, it is affirmed confidently, will soon
deal with him.”
Having satisfied myself with observing the
place to which my guide had conducted me,
and heard enough to make me believe that the
Nazarenes deserved their ill repute in Judea, I
left him, and returning again through the village,
took my way towards Tiberias.
As I walked along and thought of all I had
heard and seen, I could not but feel pity toward
this Teacher of Nazareth, whom all seem to
allow to be not only of a life and manner entirely
pure and innocent, but filled with acts of
charity and love toward others; yet all seem
inclined at the same time, some for one reason
and some for another, to injure, or at least to
refuse to him their regard and confidence.
They behold his works, and confess them to
his words. His instructions, too, are held to be
laden with a divine wisdom, to be worthy of
any of the Prophets of God who have gone
before, yet do they fall upon hearts so little
ready for them, or stuffed with notions so
contrary to them, that they are dropped by
the way-side and perish — save as here and
there they reach, though afar off, souls like
those of Judith, Ruth, and Joanna, when they
sink in and are held as the heart's truest treasure.
But when, with all my pity, I ask how it
could be otherwise? I find myself obliged to
say, I know not; I cannot see. Were it not
that Jesus gives himself out, though not plainly,
but obscurely and covertly as it were, for
Messiah, sure I am, his virtues would secure
the homage of all save the baser spirits among
the priesthood. But while he claims so much,
and yet lives as he does the life of a wanderer,
in poverty and want, with publicans and fishermen
for his only circle of friends and advisers,
it cannot be otherwise than that so manifest a
discordance between what he appears, and yet
claims to be, should turn all against him. As I
have before said, I have trusted that I might
behold in him the marks, and all the marks, we
look for in him whom we expect — and find
him to be more than a prophet; but with what
Messiah can consist with either the maxims he
declares, or the life he leads. But time will
show.
Prolonging, by much devious wandering, my
way, I did not until nightfall reach the outskirts
of Tiberias. The sun was just sinking behind
the western hills as I entered the gates of the
palace.
I found refreshment of every kind, for the
soul and the wearied body, at the hospitable
board of Joanna. She rejoiced greatly that I
had seen those who were so well acquainted
with the life and teachings of Jesus, though
she grieved also that I had not found Jesus
himself. This young woman is wholly possessed
and swayed by the idea of this prophet.
Of a devout mind, she has found only in Jesus
such food for her soul as she desires. She
knows not how better than others to explain
his conduct; she only trusts that with patience
and forbearance on the part of the people all expectations
will be satisfied. Willingly would
she follow him as one of his disciples, and
doubts not she should find all she looks for,
notwithstanding that some, as she has learned,
of those who were nearest to him, have abandoned
him. “How would Chuza,” I asked,
“agree to such a choice on your part?”
“Chuza,” she answered, “much as he honors
the Law and the synagogue, honors such
virtue as this that is seen in Jesus more, and
though for himself he has no hope of Jesus, or
faith in him as Israel's Christ yet he doubts not
his worthiness, and would never deny me my
own belief whatever it may be.”
She looks with impatience towards the Feast
of Tabernacles, when she shall go up to Jerusalem,
and once more listen to his teaching. In the
mean time she has collected from every quarter
largely of his sayings, on which she feeds by
night and day. She entreats me also to read,
and, that I may do so, promises to place them
in my hands.
When, on the following day, I was summoned
to an interview with Herod it was determined
that with no more delay than should
be needful, first to see Beth-Harem again, I
should set out for Rome. So that after visiting
the house of Onias, I shall soon be on my way
toward the capital of the world; a place which
but so little while ago I left with pain not to be
described, and which now, but for thee, my
mother, I should never willingly behold again.
This letter will hardly be read, ere I myself
shall sit at your side.
In agreement with the prediction which
closes the foregoing epistle, it was not many
days before I parted from Herod in Tiberias and
set forth for Beth-Harem, nor did I tarry long
there, ere I again set forth and crossing over to
Cæsarea, took ship for the Tiber.
While in Beth-Harem I learned that Onias
continued absent in the southern part of the
country, not only performing trusts committed
to him by Herod, but also making use of every
means thrown in his way, or which he could
devise, to increase his knowledge of Jesus, and
become acquainted with his true character and
designs. For this purpose he had visited Jerusalem,
and at the Passover had sought Jesus,
and followed him north as far as Samaria, hearing
him and witnessing his works, when he
again returned to Idumea, but with the resolve
at the approaching feasts of the Pentecost and
Tabernacles, again to seek the capital and
watch his course.
Of Zadok, Judith informed me, that he had
grown each day more fierce in his opposition
toward all who were inclined to put their faith
in either John or Jesus, that he had joined himself
with other leading Pharisees in other parts
of Peræa and Judea, whose object was to make
or find occasion to accuse them of such offences
against the Law and the Roman power as
stir up the people to some act of violence. He
had also used language, which showed that they
who were bold enough, contrary to the counsels
of such as himself, to believe in Jesus,
should be cast out of the synagogue, and suffer
besides whatever evils might be inflicted upon
them by the believing and the devout. He
had become, since I had left Beth-Harem, exceeding
mad; and in the towns round about, in
Jericho and in Jerusalem had bound himself by
solemn oaths to others of the same sect and the
same temper, to purge the land, as they say, of
blasphemers. It would not be easy, Judith
thought, for Jesus to elude the watchfulness of
these men, and the devices they would put in
practice, to impute to him such acts, or such
opinions, as would rouse against him the passions
of the people, and excite also the suspicions
of the Roman government.
I visited the abode of the leper where I
found all the comfort possible to those who had
been overtaken by such misfortunes. Ruth
had sought diligently for all the intelligence she
could procure of Jesus, and the opinions he had
promulgated, of his character, life, and works,
and from all that she could learn had become
persuaded that he was in truth the Prophet who
should come into the world. But especially
and by the knowledge derived from the
sayings of Jesus, of which from various quarters
the daughter of Onias, like Joanna, had
collected a large store. These served to convince
her, as she said, that Jesus was too holy
and pure to make any pretensions that were not
founded in truth; it was impossible, that he
who could advocate the cause of God and the
most exalted virtue in such a manner, borne
out by such a life, could be false in any part
of his conduct. If, therefore, he had declared
himself to be the Messiah, she believed him;
and however much at variance his appearance,
and much of his language might be with what
was looked for in that Prince, she could not
doubt that in the event he would vindicate all
that he had uttered or done, and stand justified
before the Jewish people. “How can such
works as his,” she exclaimed, “be done but by
the power of the Most High? Who would not
tremble to give them to an evil spirit? And how
can one, whom the Spirit of God is with, by
wonders so astonishing, speak otherwise than as
the same spirit of God shall direct? Shall Jesus,
by the touch of his hand, do the works of God,
and at the same time by the words of his mouth
utter lies which are of the Devil? It cannot
be. As Jesus is reported to have said, “the
the same spring sends not forth salt water
and fresh, the waters of Genesareth and
those of the Dead Sea.” I believe, then, that
because Jesus has declared that he is the Messiah
of God, or even, because he permits the
people to believe that he is, therefore he is
that person, nor shall any Zadok have power
to pluck this faith out of my heart.”
In reply to this I said that I could not for
myself, believe until I saw. When Jesus openly
in the eyes of the nation assumed the name
and the place, which, as the king of the Jews,
belonged to him, I would acknowledge him and
forsake every other; but in no other event. I
required the evidence of my eye and ear; the
correspondence of Jesus to the prophecies.
Everything in the manner of life, the character,
and maxims of Jesus was against the probability
that he was the Christ, and in its favor
only his declaration, if in truth he had ever
made such declaration, for it could not be shown
beyond a doubt that he had — that he was so,
and his power of working miracles. I must have
more than this. When he will listen to the
importunities of those who throng him, of some
of the wisest and most powerful in the land,
and stand openly and publicly forth, then it
will be time enough for one who would be
knee and follow him.
Ruth I found, however, too firm a believer
to be shaken by anything I could say, either
in earnest, or simply by way of dispute.
Not Judith herself is of a firmer faith. She
is fully bent upon going up to the Feast of Tabnacles,
when it shall come, and taking with her
her father, that if she can obtain the favor of
Jesus, he may possibly be healed. Of this her
heart is now fullest. Long ere this would she
have sought his presence, but that Levi has
refused steadfastly, saying, that a life like his
was not worth the prolonging, seeing that for
so many years he had been shut out from the
knowledge and affections of all who once knew
him. His Ruth had now found those who loved
and would care for her, though he were away,
it was all he wanted; and fain would he be
now away and at rest. He would not, even as
Job had said before him, `live alway.' But to
such things, Ruth made replies that have
touched his heart too tenderly to be withstood,
and she has obtained his consent to go up to the
Feast, unless Jesus should first perchance come
into the Peræa. They were to go up in company
with Judith.
When I had thus remained not many days
in Beth-Harem, I departed for Rome. At Cæsarea,
out the Greek Zeno, to whom I owed so much.
He was rejoiced to see me, and with great satisfaction
went over the events of the few but disastrous
days I had passed in that capital. He at
once drew me with him, with quick consent on
my part, to the ancient site of the synagogue, and
the house of the widow of Sameas. The tower
for the collossus of Tiberius I found to have
rapidly sprung up and nearly at its intended
height. The ruins of the house of the widow
of the wine merchant still blackened the ground,
and bore testimony to the violence that had
been committed. It needed not much aid from
the fancy to believe, as I wandered among
them, as the shadows of evening were falling,
that the forms of Anna and Philip were to be
seen among the tossing branches of the trees,
or flitting among the fallen columns and crumbling
walls, their voices mingling with the sighings
of the wind as it swept over them. It was
not easy to depart from a spot still so beautiful
in itself, and where so many objects served to
remind me of those whom I in so short a time
had come to love so well, and from whom I
had been so violently separated. As I turned
away, sad with such recollections, I inquired
of Zeno if it was known where now the widow
of Sameas was dwelling. “In the capitol,”
at first fled. Deeming it more for her safety
that the place of her retreat should be known
to none save a few of those to whom she had
entrusted her private affairs, she had strictly
concealed it until within a brief space, when it
had come to be well understood in Cæsarea,
that her home was in Cæsarea Philippi. But
at the same time it was affirmed that she was
about to remove to Rome, where, if rumor deceive
not,” added Zeno, “thou wilt doubtless
find her on thy arrival. Procla would gladly
have recalled her to her ancient home, and have
caused her dwelling to be rebuilt, but with all
her address, she could not in this overcome the
obstinacy of Pilate; who professed to entertain
apprehensions of new difficulties, if any
more lenity were shown toward those who had
in any degree been parties to that revolt, but in
truth he was governed by his avarice, which
could not spare the gains which by the sale of
so valuable an estate would flow into his purse.”
These things being so, having seen Zeno,
and visited the spots so dear to memory, I set
sail with a fair wind for Italy, and without any
adverse events reached its shores in safety.
My mother I found as I had left her, and
with her, now her companion and inseparable
friend, the mother of Philip and Anna.
events of those few fatal days, which deprived
a mother of her only children and robbed
me of one, whose image ever floats before me
and can never be supplanted by another.
When the first cares of arriving after so long
an absence were over, and I had once more
traversed the streets of Rome with every stone
of which, owing to the activity of my youth,
I had familiar acquaintance, and by such pilgrimages
had revived a thousand recollections,
partly agreeable and partly painful, I turned to
the affairs which had brought me so far, and
sought the presence of Sejanus. Yet before I
conversed with him, and had only gathered the
knowledge concerning him to be had for the
asking, at the corner of any of the streets of
Rome, I discovered that all the reliance upon
him on the part of Herod was that of a person
upon a phantom or shadow. For I found, that
though the form of Sejanus was to be seen
about the streets, in the Forum, in the Senate-house,
and in his own sumptuous palace, having
the same outward shape as ever, yet it
now appeared and departed without, as it were,
being noted whether it came or went, the people
and the nobles offering no longer that worship
which had once been paid as to a God. I
found, in a word, that the sun of Sejanus was
had gone out from Capreæ, and this man, who
so little while ago, held all Rome and the world
in the hollow of his hand, was, though still
glittering in all the wonted trappings of his high
place, of no more weight in the minds of men
than a poor painted player-king with his tinsel
robes and paper crown. Letters, dark and mysterious,
have come from the Emperor to the
Senate, which while they still salute Sejanus
with the titles that have ever been lavished
upon him, leave it not to be misunderstood by
any who are not as blind as the favorite himself,
that suspicions have been wakened in the
breast of Tiberius, that native home of distrust
and jealousy, which never can be removed but
by the destruction of the miserable man against
whom they have been raised. The steps of
him, who so lately stood almost within the
circle of the throne itself, are now dogged by
spies and informers who report every word and
look, and movement to the gloomy tyrant who
will not long be without a pretext for his accusation.
When the blow would fall, it was not
easy to conjecture, as a plausible or popular
ground must be found for extreme proceedings.
In the mean time, as I have said, so far as could
be judged by the apparent honor and power of
the minister, he held the same rank as ever in
the estates of Rome.
When I sought him, and by credentials with
which I had been furnished, made known the
authority under which I approached him, and
the objects I had in view as the messenger of
Herod, it did not surprise me that I was
received, and the projects and proposals of
Herod considered with the same care and interest
as if he were still in the plenitude of his
power, and kings and kingdoms hung upon his
word. So insensible was he to his true position,
or so insensible did he choose to appear, that
I was almost ready to believe the rumors in
the city were false, and that a terrible retribution
awaited the inhabitants for the slights
they had of late shown this second-hand tyrant.
A little reflection, however, convinced me
that my first impressions were right, and that
my interview with Sejanus was a mere empty
form — a scene in a comedy, or shall I rather
say a comic scene in a tragedy. It could
be followed by no act on his part. His promises
were, indeed, many and reiterated of lending
to Herod all the support of which he had
formerly spoken, but they were like the promises
of a man who — as the possessed person in the
Old Prisons of Beth-Harem — though clothed
in rags, yet imagines himself in possession of
the riches of Solomon.
No sooner had I terminated this interview,
regard to Sejanus from those who well knew
both the Emperor and the parasite, than I wrote
to Herod, laying before him, borne out by incontestable
evidence, the account of the actual
state of political affairs, and the failing power of
the once great minister. I assured him that
the depending upon aught from Sejanus, either
in the way of money or forces, was vain;
that so far from possessing any influence in
Rome, so as to attempt any such movement
now, as might, perhaps, with much probability
of success, have been attempted a year before,
he was at present little more than a private
individual, whom all looked upon as fallen
under the displeasure and suspicions of Tiberius,
and destined to speedy ruin; that whatever
it was in his purpose to do in Judea must be
done with his own strength, unless, relinquishing
his plans concerning Herodias, he could
bind himself in league with the kings of Arabia
and Parthia; that, however, although nothing
was to be looked for in Rome from political
union, yet much was to be expected from the
men of wealth among the Jewish population,
which was large in numbers, and, as he knew,
distinguished for the riches they had amassed.
To these, if it were his pleasure, I would devote
myself, and engage them to lend of their
of Israel; and it was not to be doubted, so
constantly were their eyes directed that way,
and their hopes to one day returning and dwelling
in their native land beneath the power of their
own King, in the new age that should unfold,
that they would be impatient to bestow in proportion
to their substance, to secure that great and
glorious end. These with other things I communicated
to the Tetrarch not many days after
I had been in Rome.
The letter which I thus despatched proved
to be the termination of my intercourse with
Herod, for upon receiving it and thereby
learning beyond any further doubt that hopes
of alliance with Rome against herself could
no longer be indulged, and that in consequence
any immediate action was rendered
impossible, he turned toward that other project
which he had never honestly abandoned,
the marriage with Herodias and the divorce of
the daughter of Aretas. He, indeed, wrote to
me after receiving the letter I had sent, and in
it he hoped that I would continue to be engaged
in his affairs in the manner I had proposed, and
if I could not derive any longer advantage from
Sejanus, to do what I could with the Jewish
inhabitants. But it was not long after this that
in a letter from Judith and Onias I learned that
with the wife of Herod Philip. When this was
made known to me, I at the same moment
abandoned his cause, not being able to persuade
myself that prosperity could attend the measures
of one who should openly put from him
the fear of God; nor being ready to take any
part in the injury of two men so holy as John
and Jesus, for the advantage of one so wicked
as Herod. The necessity thus laid upon me of
suddenly withdrawing form an enterprise to
which I had now so long bound myself, of
whose success, wisely conducted, I could not
doubt, with the success of which I deemed the
glory of Israel to be so closely interwoven,
gave me no little pain, and I could not for a
time but hope and almost believe that Herod
would return to himself, and, repenting of his
evil designs, resume on his own strength the
undertaking he had so foolishly postponed to
the gratification of his passions. But what I
soon learned from Judith put an end to all such
expectations. She thus wrote.
“Now, Julian, let me trust that you will
finally and without reserve abandon the affairs
of Herod, when I shall inform you further of the
course he has pursued. Never have I been able,
notwithstanding all the efforts of Onias and all
the reasonings and persuasions of his nephew
than that which I have often expressed. I believe
that you will now join yourself in judgment
to me, and think of him even as I do;
yet of my father, I lament to say it, have I no
hope that he will ever be separated from one to
whom he seems bound by a spell cast over him
by evil spirits, rather than by reasons which his
own mind has weighed and can calmly justify.
“It is not easy to say why it was so, but
certain it is, that your presence was a restraint
upon the Tetrarch. It may have been because
he stood in some dread of your plain speaking,
or, which is more likely, because he hoped
to derive advantages through your means
he could secure in no other way so well. No
sooner were you gone, than as if he had been relieved
of some load, or had escaped from some
painful obligation, he gave himself at once to
the passion which many asserted he had mastered,
and not only resorted immediately to Jerusalem,
but entertained Herodias in the most
open manner in his own palace in Tiberias.
This was followed by consequences easily foreseen
— the sudden departure of the daughter
of Aretas for her father's court, and letters
breathing revenge and war from the insulted
king. These things coming, as could not be
publicly the wickedness of the Tetrarch, and
denounced him to the people as a despiser and
transgressor of the Law, and one who through
the violence and wickedness of his passions was
about to bring all the evils of war upon his
country. But alas! he spoke into the ears of
the deaf, and to hearts too corrupted by the
like iniquities to be touched by the admonitions
of that stern but righteous man. They heard
him, but heeded him not. Enough were found
of the same stamp with the King, who in his
condemnation by the prophet had heard also
their own, to carry to his ears a report of all he
had said, which inflaming the King to a high
pitch of rage he sent out his soldiers, seized
John, and hurried him off to the dungeons of
Machærus, where he has since been strictly
confined, and out of which it is not difficult to
see he will never come. Herod, indeed, hath
some fear and even reverence of him, — for
with all his vice, he stands in dread not only of
invisible spirits of evil, but of spirits of good
also, of everything that is mysterious and obscure,
— and, therefore, he might release him
when his end was once gained, and for the
reason also that he may apprehend commotions
among those of the people who hold John to
be a prophet; but if such should be the inclinations
heart, there will be none such in the
bosom of her to whom he will now ally himself,
who hath long treasured up her anger against
the bold peasant who has dared to thrust himself
in between Princes and the accomplishment
of whatever designs they may please to entertain,
and hath been one cause at least of so
long a postponement of an event, which she
even more than Herod has sought to compass.
We doubt not with the next arrival of news
from Jerusalem to hear of their adulterous marriage.
“Of Jesus we learn that few miracles have
of late been wrought, but that he employs himself
in preaching in the synagogues, the truths
which he conceives to be most essential, and
in which the differences are to be discerned
between what he holds to be best, and the
ancient Law of Moses. But so far as I have
learned he seems to be rather a restorer of the
Law to its true significance, and a rebuker of
prevailing corruptions and abuses of it, than
one who would overthrow and destroy it, of
which purpose some fail not to accuse him.”
I often at this time received letters from Judith
informing me of the progress of Jesus and
of the oppositions he encountered, and of herself
seeking him in Galilee and becoming a constant
at this time — the period just going before
the Feast of Tabernacles — I gathered that, with
the common people, she received him with an
undoubting faith as the Messiah. “The Pharisees,”
she says, “are exceeding bitter against
him, and by the power they hold in their hands
they deter many from following him, and confessing
themselves disciples. But the lower
sort, who have nothing to lose, neither place
nor estimation, laugh at these tyrants, and
crowd about him gladly and fearlessly. I consort
with these; sit and hear with them, and
believe with them. They doubt not, and how
should I doubt, that Jesus will prove all we
wish and all we want; since it is impossible
for those who will see and hear him to associate
deceit with him, or any purpose or design other
than those which he plainly avows. Now he
declares that he hath come from God, that the
prophets have foreshown him as he who is to
come, that the Kingdom of God is shortly to
make its appearance and be established, and
that he is the Christ who shall reign over the
new Kingdom. Can it be otherwise than so,
since he has declared it? I think not. And
oh, how peaceful and hallowed a people would
they be over whom Jesus shall reign as King!
How different he from the other kings of the
the good, with what new terrors will he strike
the wicked! In his teaching he ever invests
with the highest praise the virtues of sincerity,
contentment, gentleness, chastity, and kindness
toward all. Shall not his own government
proceed upon the maxims which he has thus
publicly proclaimed as those which are to be
considered superior over all others? How certainly
then, if these things shall be so, will
wars and contentions cease, and violent and ambitious
men no longer be among those who shall
rule in Israel, and the soft delights of peace, and
justice and mutual deeds of love, and the sincere
worship of God, and the observance of the
Law unperverted by the traditions of the elders,
honored and exalted in the eyes of all,
cover the earth and make it as a delightful
garden before the Lord! Why, why does Jesus
thus delay to assume the place that is his, and
lay the foundations of the Kingdom whose approach
he has so plainly announced? The
power with which God has entrusted him must
be amply sufficient to make his way plain before
him, and obtain an easy conquest over
whatever opposition his enemies, the Pharisees
and the Council, might array against him. It is
this delay that disheartens many, causes others
to doubt, some to despair, and not a few to
reason why he should any longer refuse to
do what so many urge upon him. We have
seen miracles enough, we have left our homes
to follow him, and we now are impatient for
the consummation, and think we have a right
to demand it. But others say, if such an one
as Jesus is to reign in Israel, then as he is to
govern by rules and maxims so different from
those of other Princes, it must be necessary to
lay deep among the people a right preparation.
They must be brought to expect and to desire
not such a state of things as has existed under
Herod and other former kings, but such as he
has constantly predicted as to constitute that
which is to be now founded, and this can be
done only by often and to the whole people of
Judea, in one place as well as in another, from
the west to the east, and from the north to the
south, declaring the principles on which it is to
be conducted, and obtaining the willing assent
of all hearts. I do not say, Julian, that there
are not misgivings among even such as these,
and that they are not often startled and alarmed,
and made to doubt by words which Jesus
uses, by slights put upon the chief men of the
nation, by his free departures from the common
practices of the most devout, and dark intimations
that he himself is destined rather to suffer
these moments and causes of apprehension or
doubt, are as nothing in comparison with the
deep foundations of our hope. For myself,
could I be well content — which Onias ever
ascribes to my Samaritan descent — were Jesus
to be no other than a teacher and reformer,
— a preacher of righteousness, and a restorer
of the Law. Yet am I at the same
time ready to acknowledge that I look with
greater expectations of good to Israel — of
greater good than could otherwise accrue —
which Jesus could effect were he not only
prophet but king also. How would he then
stand above all others a just model for all the
princes of the earth! a God among men, of
whom the true worship should be copying and
displaying his virtues, receiving and practising
the righteous principles of his government!
And in saying this, confound me not with
those who throng the steps of Jesus but with
expectations of some advantage so soon as he
shall proclaim himself, and who think not of him
or his future kingdom as differing from other
thrones and other monarchs from whom flow
honors, powers, and riches, save that from Jesus
these shall flow in fuller streams, and overspread
the whole land of Judah and Israel. If I believe
him King, it is a King, the foundations of
inscription, `Holiness unto the Lord'; whose
office it shall be as the Lord's Anointed, not
more to subdue the enemies of Israel, than to
exalt the Law in the eyes of men, and cause it
to be obeyed of every soul, and presently to
gather all nations of the earth under its sway.”
Thus wrote Judith in one out of very
many epistles which, while I dwelt in Rome,
I constantly received — all of them together
presenting a very exact account of the doings
of Jesus and the conduct and opinions of the
people during that period. I would willingly
have returned and passed this interval in Judea,
but affairs of my mother, together with her
unwillingness so soon to part with me again,
kept me in Rome. But though in Rome, the
state of Judea, and the works and teaching of
Jesus, were with me the things of chiefest interest,
and with the most of our people also, to
whom I communicated freely of all the information
I received. Not less than myself, many
in a greater degree, were they roused and inflamed
with the hopes excited by the miracles
of Jesus, not doubting that he was the promised
king, and would soon establish his reign.
Not a few made every preparation which at a
distance could be made — converting their estates
into gold and precious stones — to remove
of Jesus should scatter every remaining
doubt. They were indeed filled with wonder
at the same things which caused so much
doubt and dismay to the most devoted and devout
Jews at home. They could not interpret
his humble origin and mean and lowly condition,
nor many of the doctrines which were
imputed to him, but neither on the other hand
could they interpret his astonishing powers except
he were the Son of God. And thus a
vague hope, notwithstanding many adverse
signs, kept its place in their minds, and with
every arrival of news from Jerusalem or Beth-Harem,
they would look to have it confirmed
by some new and more decisive event.
As for the Romans of the better sort, if they
heard at all of the affairs of Judea, and the
strange events given birth to there, it was only
as of some story of magical illusion, or demon
power, or some superstition of a people ever
prone to wonder, and whose early history, as
their own, abounded with many relations of a
similar kind, and so they gave little heed to
any of the accounts which from time to time
reached their ears. Some indeed, who were
more careful to distinguish things that differ,
and not to take all that is like for the same, of
whom there are ever but a few, thought that in
far above ordinary mortals, and which ranked
him justly among divine beings; they doubted
not he was a God, descended for great purposes
among men. Such opinions it was well known
that the Emperor himself entertained; and to
decide in matters of this sort, as, indeed, any
question that called for the exercise of a shrewd
and discerning judgment, no man in Rome was
more competent than Tiberius. He possessed
wonderful powers also of confounding a plain
matter; but that was because he loved, and
had some reason why he wished, to perplex the
reader or hearer. He eagerly sought for all intelligence
concerning the Prophet as it arrived,
and did much by his inquiries and his conversation
to spread abroad among the higher classes
a knowledge of what was going on in our remote
and despised country.
Although I heard so fully of affairs in Judea,
through Judith, yet it was not until after the
Feast of Tabernacles that so much as a word
came to me from Onias. When that festival
was over, and Onias, Judith, and Ruth had
again returned from the city to their homes, I
at length received a letter from him, of which
I here preserve the greater part.
“Long ago,” says Onias, “did I purpose to
gathered concerning the affairs of the King in
this part of Israel, but my devotion to them
hath been such as to leave little power for
other things; but beside this a greater hindrance
still hath grown — how wilt thou marvel!
— out of my following after Jesus, whose
steps I have closely pursued with but brief intervals
of absence since I first left Beth-Harem
for Idumea. Yet though thy first thought,
Julian, may be one of surprise and wonder, thy
second will be one of approval. For ought not
they who would in so great a matter arrive at a
judgment which their own minds shall afterward
justify, and which shall be in accordance
with the truth of things, to seek the knowledge
necessary for its foundation at the springs where
it is to be found most abundant and most
pure? Wherefore I determined, that whereas I
had up to the day when I left Beth-Harem, received
all my knowledge of Jesus through the
reports of others, and the rumors which were
spreading over the country of whose origin and
authority none could give any account, I would
no longer in such a matter trust to what might
be error or falsehood, but myself resort to Jesus
or his disciples and become a patient learner of
the truth.
“Thou knowest how at Beth-Harem I had
in his zeal for the Law and our chosen Head
he was prompt on all occasions to revile the
very name of Jesus and his followers, never
doubting them to be deceivers, children of the
Devil, and that so they would be proved in the
end. I was not willing that one, who as it was
reported to us, was so full of a divine spirit,
whose life was so innocent, whose annunciation
had been attended by such signs, whose
own works were so astonishing, should be
judged as it were in darkness, by such as had
never for themselves sought the light, which
for the seeking was easily to be had. For myself,
moreover, I now confess it, it seemed to
me that if all was true that was brought to our
ears, there was a likelihood, almost bordering
upon certainty, that this Galilean Prophet was
in truth the expected Prince, veiling, for purposes
which had not been explained, but were
well capable to be explained, his greatness, and
concealing himself under the humble guise and
condition of a servant. Hardly was Judith
herself more moved toward Jesus, than I. It
was accordingly with great expectations that
such favorable judgments would be established,
and that as a consequence thereof I should
abandon the cause of Herod, as thou hast now
rashly done, that when I had reached Idumea,
at the Passover, for it was rumored that
Jesus would be there.
“I went. Jesus came, as it was predicted he
would do, I saw and heard him, I followed
him from Jerusalem into the country round
about in Judea, then into Samaria and Galilee,
thence to Jerusalem again at the Pentecost and
Tabernacles, and am now returned even as I
came forth from Beth-Harem, more than ever a
Jew and a Herodian! The man of Nazareth
has made no disciple of the Vine-dresser of Jordan
— who, as ever, is a follower of Moses and
the Prophets, and through them a believer in
the Redemption of Israel, and the new Kingdom
of God. This faith and this hope shall
no man take from me.
“But was it at once, Julian, that I sifted out
truth from error? and was it an easy task?
Was the way smooth, with no yawning pits of
danger and death, where the foot slipped in
darkness? It was quite otherwise. I have escaped,
yet as those who have passed through
the fire, as those who have been snatched as
Daniel from the jaws of the lion. There was
that in Jesus that drew me towards him, as it
were with cords of iron and bands of steel, and
there bound me; and like the foolish multitude
I had well nigh been held fast in the disloyal
forcibly took possession of their hearts, were
making their entrance into mine also, whether
I would or not. And now when I look about
me and perceive that through the good providence
of God I am rescued while the multitudes
of the people are yet in bonds I wonder,
while I rejoice. For, as I have said, there is
that in Jesus, which attracts and binds as by
some magic force. Yea, such power, mysterious
and not to be withstood, is seen to flow out
even from the very countenance and form! I
first beheld him as he sat teaching in the Beautiful
Gate of the Temple, and sure I am my
eyes never fell upon a human form of such
majesty yet also of such graciousness. What
was great and manly prevailed by a large excess
over what was only fair in both the shape and
the features of the countenance, yet upon these
the eye rested with delight for their exceeding
comeliness, but much more for the expressions of
love toward all, which shot forth in every look
and every motion. He seemed ever as if anxious
to know the wants, and read the language
which spoke in the faces of the humblest of
the people who surrounded him, and who without
encouragement would be slow to approach
one so endowed with freedom. Accordingly
when he was speaking to them, and as much
crowds and his form bent towards them, rarely
at any time sinking back into himself, or seeming
as if there were any interest to engage him
separate from theirs. But at such times as this
happened, then a shade of sadness settled over
his face, showing that oppressive thoughts were
passing through his mind, which there were
none to whom he could make them known, in
order by counsel or sympathy to divide the
burden. In truth he was not seen ever to communicate
with another not even his chosen
companions, as we are wont to do with those
to whom we commit the whole of ourselves as to
another self, in the knowledge that we shall be
received aright, and that whatsoever is in us we
may with freedom impart. This indeed was
not surprising; for although they who approached
him, even for the first time, immediately
perceived that benignity and a fraternal
spirit predominated in his character, and were
beaming forth from his face, yet who, when
they considered what mysterious alliances
bound him to God and invisible spirits, could
ever sit or converse with him as with another;
could ever feel toward him but as a messenger
and servant of Jehovah, in whom dwelt his
spirit and his power! Who could consort with
him as an equal and a companion? Wherefore,
thronged by the multitudes, or pursuing his
way from the city to the seclusions of the Mount
of Olives or of Bethany, at a feast or in the
house of mourning, does he seem ever and
equally alone, as if not among the people at
large had he found those with whom he could
contract a friendship, which had been denied by
the members of his own household.
“There being, in addition to all I have said,
the appearances of truth and honesty in Jesus,
an openness too which convinced the observer,
that nothing was kept back from the people
which he had power to communicate, or which
it concerned them to know, and a readiness to
hear both the inquiries and the objections which
any who approached had to propose, with a
gentleness, and a compassionate regard for all
that gave assurance of a kind reception, even
to women and children, if they could so far
overcome the natural feelings of awe as to draw
nigh to him, I have to acknowledge, Julian,
that when I had once seen him and heard his
discourse, I was as one bound to him; every
feeling of the heart without any will of my
own was freely his, and for a time I felt as if
I too should number myself among his followers.
I could not leave him. Wherever he
was, there was I also. I sought him in the
in the streets as soon as he was seen, day and
night I followed him through the cities and
villages round about Jerusalem, often without
shelter or food, that I might lose none of the
doctrine he taught, or fail to behold the wonders
wrought by his hand. I was drawn along
by a power I could not resist, the all attractive
power of wisdom and goodness. Not a Jew in
the land, not one of Jesus's own disciples
was a more constant and devoted follower
than I.
“But what now? you ask. Have I given to
Jesus my allegiance? Do I find in him the
King of Israel? the Saviour for whom we wait?
Not more, Julian, than in John! Yet for his
virtues I would that Jesus were he, that he
gave other signs than those he now gives that
God hath sent him to fill that high office. But
how vain the wish! For though in Jesus be
seen many of the qualities and graces which
would fit him for that trust, yet of others he
possesseth not one. The love of those with
whom he had to do certainly he would gain,
and by that bond would he hold them in his
service — which is simply the service of holiness.
But utterly devoid as he is of those
higher qualities which would fit him for Israel's
King and Deliverer, never would he
people. They will follow him and hear him,
as I have done, for the graciousness of his words
and the strange attractions of his presence.
They will witness his works and stand astonished
at a power, so far beyond that of mortal
man. But when he requires their faith
in him as Christ, they will withhold it as
I have done — they will draw back and, notwithstanding
their love and their admiration,
will abandon him, some doubting whether
he be in his right mind, some holding him
a deceiver, others a minister of Beelzebub,
others perplexed at least, and not knowing
how or what to think.
“As it is with the character of Jesus and the
outward appearance, so is it with the doctrine
he preaches; at first, and in many things it
captivates and charms, but afterwards those
things are observed which not only agree not
with, but oppose the very existence of that
Kingdom for which we look and pray; so that
I have even conceived that he aimeth secretly to
make hostile the heart of the people toward it.
They of Rome are our enemies, yet he teacheth
us to love them! They have enslaved and injured
us, he would have us for this evil to do
them benefits! Israel can be exalted only as she
shall triumph over this modern Babylon. Jesus
the sword for conquest, or dominion, or revenge,
shall by the justice of God be doomed to perish
by the sword! Israel can rise to her ancient glory
only as she shall covet glory, and honor, and a
kingdom, and as her children shall in these things
aspire to be what their fathers were, but Jesus
teaches that they who follow him must seek after
none of these things, but choose rather to serve
others and be in obedience. If we, Julian, have
read the Prophets aright, the Messiah, and they
who shall join themselves to him, will reap the
natural rewards of those who deliver their
country from oppression and invest her with
power and dominion; but Jesus declares that
they who follow him must look only to deny
themselves any such expectations, and to prepare
themselves rather for sufferings and adversities,
than for the enjoyments and honors we
are accustomed to regard as our fitting recompense.
And, moreover, while the zealous Jew,
the descendant of Abraham, the disciple of
Moses, hath been trusting that under the Christ
he would be more than ever established, and
the Gentile held as utterly accursed and alien
before the Lord, Jesus hath more than hinted, he
hath in his teachings plainly declared that henceforth
all shall be alike before God! — whom he
even speaks of and addresseth, not as the God of
crown Israel with peculiar honors than any other
people that will keep the laws of righteousness!
“What think you of these things, Julian,
which I have heard many times and oft from
the lips of Jesus, and which in various form
make up the burden of his teaching? Are
they the truths we look for from the Restorer
of Israel? Do they become the Deliverer —
him of whom the Prophets have spoken as
King of Israel in her restoration, even as God
himself was her King of old? Thou thinkest
even as I, and wonderest not that I turn from
him — yea, and as thou wilt behold, against him.
For excellent as are other truths that he delivers,
and irreproachable as is his life, yet is it
not plain to one who looks around, that it is the
necessary effect of his teaching to indispose the
people toward the true Messiah, to plant in their
minds notions and errors not compatible with his
coming and exaltation? Greatly more than John,
does Jesus throw obstacles in the way, not only
of Herod, but of any other, if Herod be not he,
whom God may send to accomplish our salvation.
Wherefore, it grows to an obligation,
whose force I feel more and more as I hear more
of Jesus and witness more of his power over
the people, to oppose him, and if it may be
henceforth do I give myself; and if it should be
said, behold the righteous zeal with which Onias
resisteth Jesus! — it may then be replied at the
same time, that if he stirs himself with zeal for
the cause of God it is not in ignorance that he
doth it, for than he no one more constantly followed
after the steps of Jesus, and listened to him
more patiently. But, who was he, to suffer his
private affection for this wonderful man, to stand
between him and what he owed to the Law,
to Israel and to the God of Israel?
By other things also, have I been at first
troubled and confounded, but at last strengthened
in this resistance I purpose of Jesus. When
soon after you, Julian, had set forth for Tiberias,
and I for Idumea, I sought, and listened
to the teaching of Jesus, I found that which I
expected, a prophet of God clothed with powers,
such as I believe were never before, save unto Moses,
granted to a mortal man. The people about
me took him for the Son of God, and King of Israel
— no less. And truly when I either listened
to his wisdom or witnessed his wonderful works,
I too thought him for those reasons, at least well
worthy to be He whom God was at this time
to send into the world. But then other things
caused doubt. Why, if he was the Christ, did
he not openly and with a loud voice so declare
the Christ indeed, who would receive him so
gladly as the Jews of every sect? Even Herod
would have laid aside his hostility, would he
have but assumed the state that should mark
the Christ. Was it the Romans he should fear?
What were they to one whose arm was the
arm of God? They truly would have had a
controversy with one who claimed of them the
sovereignty of Israel. But could not he, at
whose word the son of the widow of Nain came
forth from the grave, summon forces before
which those of any earthly power must fail?
Were Jesus the Christ, why when we have
urged him to do so hath he steadfastly refused
to give a sign, which we could not doubt,
that he was so — a sign in the Heavens, or in
enterprises he should set on foot, or in those
demonstrations of kingly rank and power to
which not one would refuse his faith? These
he hath not given, but mocked our urgency with
the figure of Jonah, who having been three
days in the whale, so he in like manner should
be three days in the centre of the earth — a
riddle which none can read. Jesus, moreover,
hath violated the requirements of the Law, setting
it at naught, which he who came to restore
and magnify the Law could never do. The
Sabbath is to him as another day for the freedom
in favor of that which he may wish to do, saying,
that its observance should bend to many of
the necessities of man — which truly many a
Hebrew is already without instruction, prone
enough to do — but from the Messiah we should
look to see its observance, as of all the Law,
carried to a higher pitch, and men taught how
they may keep it even with the zeal of Ben
Ezra of Cæsarea, or Zadok of Beth-Harem,
yet without hollowness or hypocrisy. Why doth
he cast contempt upon the Pharisees, the council,
the chief men, the elders of Israel? — among
whom if there be some wicked there are many
righteous, and on whom, he who came our Redeemer,
would lean, whose aid he would seek,
but by whose power, should they be provoked,
must he miserably perish. Whence is it that
Jesus, if Messiah, often when the Jewish opposers
and disbelievers revile and reproach
him, is heard to declare, that if it be that
they turn from him, another people, from the
East and the West, the North and the South,
shall come in and possess the inheritance of the
children of Abraham? that Gentiles and idolaters,
accursed and hated of Jehovah, against
whom in olden time his own arm was lifted,
shall now, in the age about to unfold, for which
we have waited so long, receive the blessing
Jacob shall be counted as the heathen? Why,
as he now doth, claiming for himself the kingdom,
goes he thus abroad, as a wanderer without
home, or power, or friends? Why for his
chief advisers and companions does he choose
fishermen or publicans, or women, that are of
society, outcasts? Why speaks he of sufferings,
that are inevitable, to overtake him — nay,
for such things has he said — why speaks he
of death, as if it were for him an inevitable lot,
from which there can be no escape? Are these
the marks of Messiah? The Messiah lives
forever! his kingdom is everlasting! so say the
Prophets. What shall we think of him, what
must we believe, who, confronting the Prophets
and setting them at naught, saith that he is
the Christ, who was to come, yet shall be no
king, and shall die by the hands of violence?
Verily while such shall be his language it is
not difficult to foresee that such will be the end
at which he shall arrive; for already are there
those among the Pharisees, and of the Priests
at Jerusalem who seek his life, and will have it,
if human cunning and force can prevail against
one endowed with such powers as those of
Jesus. They will not longer bear that, what
they esteem as blasphemous perversions of the
Prophets, shall be uttered in the hearing of the
the Jewish people, brought down to the level
where he would place it.
“When, during the long period that I have
followed the steps of Jesus, I have sought him
and conversed with him of these things, and
have urged him to delay no longer, but if he be
the Christ, to declare himself openly, he has
said, that I have misconceived the nature of
that office; that he has come a teacher of divine
truth, not a Prince and King; that his office
is to redeem mankind from sin, not to reign
over them on the throne of Israel, and that he
has long and often declared himself, but that
the people will not understand or receive him.
I have replied, that when the Prophets have
spoken of the Christ, it hath been of him as
the King of Israel and Judah, and it was impossible
that the people, who have dwelt upon
those promises so long, should look for any other
person than such an one. He has answered, that
when the prophets speak of a kingdom they
have intended a kingdom not of force, but of
truth and righteousness, of peace and love;
and then he hath gone on and painted, as a
picture before the eye, the felicity of coming
ages when men should be wholly swayed by
the love of God, and ceasing to desire any other
conquest, should be satisfied with a victory over
the greatness and excellency of
what he hath thus said, and the blessings inconceivable,
that would be conferred upon
Israel by the prevalence and dominion of such
a faith, but have added, that as Jews we were
bound to be governed by our Scriptures and the
Law given by Moses, and that while they
stood and we revered them, and held by their
teaching, we could believe no otherwise than
as we had done. It was not one only, but the
whole people who, for so many ages, and now
more than ever because their oppressions were
great and the set time had come, in the
Christ looked for a King and Saviour; and
should so many wise and righteous men have
been left in so great an error? He answered,
that it was the temper of the people, their desire
of a certain thing, that had caused them so
long to misjudge the Prophets, and to believe
only a part of what they had said; but if they
would hearken as well to Isaiah as to Daniel
and Moses, they would learn and would believe
that the Christ was to be a sufferer rather than
one who was to enjoy prosperity, to be a servant
rather than a monarch. And then he expounded
that long Scripture, where the Prophet
speaks of one enduring many things, and at
last, as a lamb was led to the slaughter, suffering
by his stripes they might be healed, and said
that it was all spoken of the Messiah, who can
found his new kingdom of righteousness only
by first passing through suffering and death. I
answered, that what he had said was so contrary
to the present belief and hopes of the
nation, that they never would receive it; they
would set the united voice of a whole people
against his, which was but that of a single person,
and abide by it. To receive the doctrine
he had delivered was more impossible to the
Jew than even to deny and blaspheme Moses and
the Prophets. The Jew was now looking for his
redemption and the glorious coming of the
Deliverer, and he would sooner renounce his
name than forego the hopes which give to
that name its highest honor. He only answered
with sighing, that the heart of the people was
too much set upon such hopes ever to believe
in him, and it would only be when his death
had opened their eyes and softened their hearts,
that the truth would break upon them.
“These and many other things did we discourse
of, in all which, he showed himself to
me, as to the people, gentle and compassionate,
not looking that one should on the instant renounce
his present persuasions, but rather willing
to wait till truth should enter in its own
without force the errors or prejudices of the
mind. It is only toward the Pharisees, and
even the baser sort among them, to whom he
ever speaks in tones of angry reproof — men
who approach him only to pervert his speech
and stir up against him the passions of the
multitude.
“And, Julian, do you now doubt where
stands Onias? Yet am I filled with admiration
even as I was at first with the virtues and character
of Jesus. But sure am I, at the same
time, that he deceiveth himself, that he misconstrueth
the Prophets, and while he vainly thinketh
himself to be the Christ, is indeed perhaps
in the counsels of God, Elias, or the prophet,
who should go before — whether to announce
Herod, or some other, who can tell? As
the Christ of God — the promised Messiah, I
reject and deny him! and this notwithstanding
his birth, the voice at his baptism, and his miracles.
He agreeth not with the Prophets. He
is not that Great One. While he claims to be so,
he is as one blinded, and led by the blind. He
deceiveth his own soul; and the foolish people,
who have no power to discern their right hand
from their left, throng him and with their worship
and flattery help to increase the mischievous
delusion. They give their faith to him,
he will yet show himself their king, and he
believeth that, in some mysterious manner, he
shall yet be ruler and king over them. But did
they clearly comprehend what the kingdom is
which, as I judge, he meaneth when he speaks
of one, many fewer would there be to put their
hope in him. They, however, can understand
no such thing; but stand waiting each moment
for the time when he shall shine forth in the
glory of his new authority.
“Of Herod's affairs, I scarcely need write to
thee, since thou hast forsaken him. Yet will I
say, that never have they seemed so prosperous
as now. Allied now to one whose inward
power is hardly less than that of the Great
Herod, and every way equal to that of Antipas,
to one moreover who is of the same royal house,
the alien and the heathen being banished, as is
fit, from the land of the elect of God, what
prospect of success and glory opens not before
him? John, who alone dared to lift up his
voice against the king, reaps his reward in the
dungeons of Machærus, while his foolish followers
wander about as sheep who have lost
their shepherd, some of them having resorted to
Jesus, but the greater part still holding together
as a society by themselves, not less hostile
toward the rival of their master, Jesus, than
their master, Herod. But from them nothing
is to be apprehended. They are few and weak.
And concerning Jesus, though it is certain that
now the greater part of the people are with him,
and by his virtues and his powers he hath bound
them to himself through their reverence and
love of his character, and the expectation of
advantage from his miracles, and of every kind
of good so soon as he shall enter upon his glory,
yet is it equally certain that all the persons in
authority, the leaders of the Pharisees, the principal
Scribes, the Priests at Jerusalem, and the
council, are with utmost bitterness opposed to
him, and seek his destruction. Though the
smaller body they are the more powerful, and
will doubtless in the end prevail. Herod, moreover,
by his letters and his messengers continually
stireth them up and infuses a new hostility;
not that they need urging to a work into
which they throw themselves of their own
accord, and with all the force inspired by a
temper of revenge for injury and disappointed
hopes. Herod might well have pursued his
first plan, and intermeddled not, for without his
aid, no one thing, not already come to pass, can
be more certain than that the enraged Pharisees
will soon accomplish the destruction of Jesus.
Already have they directed the suspicions of
as one who plots revolt in the state — as one
who in secret speaks of a kingdom here in Judea,
which he has been commissioned to set up,
which is to swallow up all other kingdoms,
until it become universal. These things and
many more of the same kind have been reported
to Pilate and the powers in Rome, but without
any immediate effect, such as was desired; for
the Procurator, upon diligent inquiry through
those who have followed Jesus, has declared that
he finds no ground of accusation in what they
have reported, the language of Jesus having no
regard, so far as they could learn, to any Power
that is to be set up and established in Judea,
but to some mysterious institutions, of which no
clear idea could be formed, except that they
seemed to have respect rather to what concerns
the right conduct of life and the founding of a
kingdom of righteousness, than to enterprises
that would interfere with the Laws of the
Empire. Nevertheless, though little may be
now apprehended, the suspicions of Rome have
been excited toward him, and it will be wonderful
indeed, if they should not beget the
consequences which suspicions once engendered
rarely fail to do. Although, Julian, I have not as
yet, myself engaged in any action against Jesus
or his disciples, yet can I not lament, but must
many enemies that are gathering around him,
and so the way be left clear and unobstructed
for the exalting of the rightful king. The
Scribes and the Rulers, who on the first appearance
of Jesus were so prompt to believe, thinking
that He had come who should confirm them
in their honors and raise them higher, in their
vexation and rage that Jesus has courted them
not, but publicly assailed them and exposed
their errors and as it were expelled them from
the kingdom, whatever it may be which he
came to found, will without aid from any
quarter, accomplish his ruin.”
Such was the language of Onias, at this time.
Greatly did I desire once more to visit Judea,
but the same reasons prevailed to keep me in
Rome. Yet with such frequency did I receive
intelligence of the whole life and doings of Jesus
from Onias and Judith, that scarcely could I
have known more had I myself been a follower
of the Prophet. From these letters I would
willingly transfer large portions, but must forbear.
Especially would it please me to present here the
many letters of Judith, in which it would be seen
how deeply and how truly she penetrated, and
comprehended the character of Jesus — with
some remaining errors — indeed and the nature
to perform for his nation and the world, of
which so few, hardly even his nearest followers,
comprehended the least, but which time has
since revealed to all. But these also must be
passed by.
It was about the time of the Feast of Dedication,
that Judith wrote thus.
“When we thought that the wonders concerning
Jesus had come to an end, new ones
have unfolded to perplex and astonish us. We
now sit still, waiting to behold what shall be
the issue; for in vain, utterly in vain, were it
for the hand of man — though that of Herod,
or of a thousand Herods — to be raised, while
the visible hand of God reveals itself over the
whole length and breadth of Israel. In very
deed doth God now dwell on earth! When
John appeared we deemed that a prophet had
surely arisen. When Jesus was proclaimed by
a voice from Heaven, we could not doubt that
one greater than any who had gone before had
come. But what shall we say now, when of
those who have been the near followers of
Jesus, his chosen disciples, a multitude as it
were, possessing the same power as Jesus to
heal diseases, to drive out devils, to raise the
dead, have proceeded forth from him and penetrated
every region of the land, preaching the
and to show that they preach with the authority
of Jesus and God, working the most surprising
miracles wherever they go? The people are in
amazement. Save a few, all believe that now
the kingdom will shortly appear, and Jesus
reign in Israel. `What else,' they say, `can
mean so astonishing a preparation? Were the
heavens and their hosts to fall on the earth or to
pass away, the event were not more wonderful
than the things that have happened among us,
and to what other end can they point than the
founding of that kingdom to which, for these
thousand years, the whole people of Israel have
been constantly looking? We no longer doubt
that our eyes, even ours, shall now behold the
salvation of Israel, the redemption of Judah. We
indeed cannot tell why he, who shall so soon sit
upon the throne of David, who utters the wisdom
of God, and doth the works of God, still
appeareth as a servant. Neither can we tell
why he prophesieth suffering and pain and
even death as to overtake himself. This confounds
us; but while things so wonderful of
another kind, and which are evidently of
God, are taking place, we are content to wait in
respect to other matters, and trust that we shall
in due time be made to know clearly what now
perplexes us.' Thus judge and speak the great
men also and Rulers believe in Jesus, and but
for shame or fear would openly confess him.
I hear of those who, both in Jerusalem and
elsewhere, have gone to him secretly, with the
purpose to inquire into his designs and unite
themselves to his cause. Fain would the people
compel him to declare himself and make
no more tarrying, but assume the place they
are sure is his, and raise Israel to her proper
glory. And alas! why will he not do so? How
incomprehensible is the delay! All men stand
waiting, all are sure that he who can do the
works of Jesus, and who hath now bestowed
the same power upon so many, can be no other
than the Son of God, the king of Israel; yet
to-day is as yesterday, and he still refuseth
to hearken to our entreaties — he still wanders
through the land, scattering indeed the light of
his truth and his virtues everywhere, but is
otherwise as if he were the servant of servants,
soiled with the way, overcome by fatigue, often
insulted by those set on by the Priests, having
not where to abide in peace.
“But why have I delayed so long to tell you
that he hath of late been in the Peræa, and
on the banks of the Jordan, continuing a long
time in the villages round about; that among
other places he hath visited Beth-Harem; and
upon the sick and the possessed, the lame and
blind, he restored to sight and soundness the
father of our Ruth! In vain had Ruth persuaded
and urged that he should go up to Jerusalem;
his desire of life was too little to tempt
him so far, on so doubtful an errand. But
when it came to be certain that Jesus would
soon arrive in Beth-Harem, then he declared
that if that happened, he would seek his help.
He did so. And no sooner did the benevolent
Jesus behold him and his wretched state, Ruth
sitting at his side, and by her countenance saying
more than any words could utter, no sooner did
he hear his declaration, `Sir, I believe; I believe
that thou art from God,' than he touched
him, the word was spoken, and he was restored
whole and fair, as when he was a merchant of
Tyre. It were vain to describe the joy of Ruth
when she beheld her father, as she had not beheld
him since the days of her extreme youth.
Aloud they gave thanks to God and Jesus, when
they saw what was done, and declared their readiness
to follow him wheresoever he should go.
But he only desired them, To live unto God, and
the times would show them what they should
do.
“They returned with us to our dwelling, and
this great restoration was celebrated in the evening
presence of all our friends from Beth-Harem —
excepting Zadok alone, who, believing that
the powers of Jesus, or professing so to believe,
are of the Devil, held it impious in us to receive
aid from such a source, as it would be
also in him to rejoice with us in what had been
done. But beside him all were with us — and
for the last time, Saturninus, who, now soon by
the requisition of the Procurator, departs with
his soldiers for Jerusalem. He also, Julian,
hath become a believer in Jesus, so far as one
can believe in Jesus, who believes not first in
Moses and the Prophets. Though he understands
not much of our expectations of a Messiah,
and considers not Jesus at all in regard to
that office, he yet acknowledges in him a divine
power and authority, and doubts not that he has
come from God to be a teacher and reformer of
mankind. His wisdom he had highly esteemed
as he had perused it in the sayings, the parables,
and discourses I had from many sources, gathered
together, and deemed it well worthy to proceed
from a divine instructor, but it was not
until he had himself often witnessed the works
which he did, that he received him as a teacher
come from God. As such he now readily acknowledges
him. I wait impatiently for the
time when he shall receive Moses and the Law
God, but the Christ of Israel.
“It was on this same evening there was present
with us one, who having been long time a disciple
and companion of Jesus, had turned from
him at length, and ceased to have faith in him.
He was from Bethabara, and even from the very
first had been with him. Although it was to me
a thing not to be explained, how one who had
companied with Jesus so long should forsake
him, yet I was glad, seeing there was such an
one, to be able to converse with him, to discover
why he had deserted the society and
cause of one who had every day given farther
and higher proofs of his being the Son of God.
`Have you not,' I asked `found that in the
company of Jesus, for which you sought?'
“`By no means,' he answered.
“`But,' said I, `you found wisdom and truth,
gentleness and humanity in Jesus, and were
these no bonds to hold you.'
“`I cannot deny,' he answered, `that I found
all these; and whatever other virtues you may
name, they were all there.'
“`Did you then,' said Onias, `doubt the
works of Jesus? Saw you any reason to think
them not works of God?'
“`Surely not,' he replied, `whoever shall
consort with Jesus, as I have done, will have the
he could have no communion with evil spirits,
that he has that the light of the Sun, and the
rains of Heaven, and the flowers of the field
come not from them — from none save God.
Yet at the same time that he believes this, will
he believe with equal strength, that he is not
the Christ, as he declares himself to be, and as
they who have joined him at first believed him
to be.'
“`Yet,' said I, `the greater part of those who
first joined him still remain with him; and as for
the people at large, whereas but few at first were
persuaded that he was the Christ, now, since
these new wonders have come abroad and the
works of Jesus have been so many, all Israel,
save the Priests and Scribes, believe that he is
the Messiah who should come, and that so in
due time will he declare himself to the shame
of all gainsayers, doubters, and deniers.'
“He answered and said, `that they who
stand at a distance, and see and know only a
part, cannot judge in such a case so well as
those who are near and see more and with more
exactness. Whose faith was firmer than mine,
when, forsaking family and the affairs of life, I
became a follower of Jesus? I was fain to think
that in Jesus I beheld the long expected deliverer;
for in him I noted the signs of a
unto Moses; his words were with authority, his
life was holy, and his works surely, were those
of God. It needed not reasoning and argument
to produce conviction in my mind, I believed at
first, as I did at last with all the force of my
mind that he was a man from God. But was
it for that, — because he was a man from God
that we had joined ourselves unto him? was it
for the works he could do? not so; but as you
well know because we deemed him the chosen
of God, our Deliverer and King.'
“`And why,' asked I, `do you refuse to believe
him such? Is there any other in whom
Israel may place such hope?'
“`If there is not,' he replied, `then may
Israel well renounce all hope; for there is none
in him. Not only have we who forsook all and
followed him derived no advantage from our
fidelity, but no prospect opens of such advantage
in the future. Though we, who stood nearest
him, have pressed him to declare himself, and
lift up the standard that should show him Christ,
though on all sides men throng him and urge him
to delay no longer, but assume his throne, he
hearkens not to us — nor only that — he sternly
rebukes all such desires of honor, saying, that
all who follow him with such desires will fail
of their end — that instead of honor and worldly
and renounce even the common enjoyments
of life; that instead of exercising authority
over others, they must rather look for
persecution and oppression; that life will be
more likely to be lost in his service than gained.
Then, when his discourse is not of this sort,
subverting all the notions this people entertain
of the looked for Messiah, it is often dark and
perplexing, so that when we hear we understand
it not. To all which, of late, hath been added
a frequent prophecy of his own sufferings and
death, and of danger and suffering to all who
are joined with him, so that it became clear to
us, that whoever else he might be, he is not
the Christ of God, and that declaring himself
to be so, he knew not his own office, and so
having deceived himself, was ignorantly the
cause of deceiving others also. For his holiness
and his works willingly would I have remained
with him; but having followed him not for
these, but for other things quite different, to
which these indeed might be additions, but
the want of which they could not supply, it
only remained to renounce a cause which no
longer stood approved to our judgments. Many
with me went back and walked no more with
him.'
“`You receive not then,' I asked, `the
he is mad and hath a Devil?'
“`Surely not,' he answered; `his words are
not those of one that hath a Devil, albeit they
were sometimes such as we understood not;
and for his miracles, though doubtless, such
works may be done by wicked spirits, we were
sure of nothing more, than that they were of
God. Would he only have granted what we
asked, a sign, namely, that he was the Messiah
whom we sought, never should we have forsaken
him; but while he still called himself
the Christ, he would give no such sign as we
required; so, how therefore could we believe?
He would have us to believe that the Christ
was one who should teach excellent things,
rebuke sin, reform the lives of men, and build up
a universal kingdom of truth and holiness; but
often as he thus discoursed, and prophesied of
the future, and that in completing his designs
both he himself and we his followers should
meet with opposition, suffering, and death perhaps,
we could not receive doctrines so contrary
to the prophets, and to what from our youth,
we had been taught and had believed. We
could only withdraw from one who seemed
misled by dreams — deceived or deceiving. We
were ready to take upon ourselves all the danger
that would have come from the Romans,
There seems now, nothing left to those who
hope for Israel, but that they should join themselves
to Herod.'
“`And have the greater part of those,' I
asked, `who with thyself attended upon his
steps, also abandoned him?'
“`No,' he replied, `they are still with him,
hoping and believing still. Which to me is
astonishing. For what hope can there be longer,
when so often as hath already happened,
his disciples, and the multitude together with
them, have been ready as it were by force to
make him king, and he hath still refused?
What can be done more for his exaltation than
has been done? The loss and the ruin be upon
his own head!”
“`There they will be,' said Onias; `the patience
of those, who, having regard to the virtues
and innocence of Jesus, have forborne to
do aught in opposition, while he hath this long
time claimed to be the Christ, yet hath not
shown himself as such, is well nigh spent, and
when it shall be wholly, the fierceness of the
rebuke of those whom he hath deceived, will
be in proportion to the hopes that have been
fed, only to be mocked. Other enterprises
that, as I believe, would have joined all
Israel together in one phalanx have been
we might learn what should be the issue of
this coming of the Nazarene; and now behold
the issue!'
“I saw that the passions of Onias, with
difficulty restrained of late, as they have been
worked upon more and more by Zadok, were
kindling, and said, `Perhaps this is not the issue;
Jesus himself, as we hear, still points to
the future, and of late there have been grander
demonstrations than ever before of the power
with which he hath been entrusted.'
“Onias only answered, `we have been kept
waiting long enough; we have seen miracles
enough. Let him now look to himself.'
“Onias, with the stranger then arose and
together disappeared among the deep shadows
of the house.
“The festivities were prolonged to a late
hour. You would have rejoiced to behold the
happiness of Ruth hanging about her father,
with all her joy breaking through her countenance,
or else testifying the unusual exhiliration
of her spirits in the swift mazes of the
dance. This sudden increase of happiness and
good fortune, seems to have no ill effect upon
her character, but, on the contrary, draws forth
and gives prominence to some parts of it which
before were too little seen.
“One thing only was mentioned, in our long
conversation with the disciple of Jesus, that
seemed contrary to the common opinion which
all entertain of his goodness. It concerns the
imprisonment of John the Baptist, who since
the month preceding the Feast of Tabernacles,
has now lain in the dungeons of Machærus.
We learned from this disciple, that though Jesus
had often been importuned by the disciples of
John, and by his own, to interpose and deliver
him, for it was feared, that Herod, set on by
Herodias, would destroy him, he would not
comply with any such request; and that
though John himself had sent messengers to
him asking, if he were really the promised
Messiah, thereby conveying the knowledge
that himself was in prison, and expressing his
astonishment, that if Jesus were that great
person, he would do nothing for his release,
yet neither would he take any notice of such
messages, but was willing to leave the Baptist
still in prison and at the mercy of the king.
This conduct of Jesus, we were told, had filled
all his followers with surprise; inasmuch, as
they, knowing the powers of Jesus, were persuaded
that if he had chosen to exert them, it
would have been but the work of a moment to
effect his deliverance. They could not understand
why one so virtuous as John, and who
fully in behalf of Jesus, should not in return
experience benefits at the hands of Jesus which
it would be so easy to confer. Why Jesus hath
been willing to act such a part I cannot explain
any more than they, yet doubtless this may be
said, that although he has not as yet interposed,
he has not refused to do so, and may at some future
time; but although he should never do so,
I could still believe, that one of so much goodness
as Jesus, of whose goodness all Israel has
had knowledge and experience, would have
reasons, we should judge, sufficient to give for
withholding his aid, could we only arrive at a
knowledge of them.
“It was also evident, from what this disciple
said, that the doubts which had been expressed
by John concerning Jesus, whether he were
indeed the Messiah, had greatly affected the
body of his followers, who were led by it themselves
into new and more serious doubts. If
John, whom all had been accustomed to regard
as a prophet, now questioned the claims of
Jesus, and was disposed to deny them, and to
hint that we must wait yet longer, for some
other to arise, much less, it was said, can we
believe without some misgivings. Yet, to set
against these doubts of John, there were miracles
more astonishing than ever — not only on
chosen disciples also. Such demonstrations
of power, and of his close connexion with
God, through whom he had conferred such
gifts upon his disciples, made it clear that
there was no greatness or office which he had
not as yet assumed, to which he might with
reason aspire, and reach. It seemed to rest with
himself whether he continued as he was, or
seized the throne of Judea, or in addition to
that, the sovereignty of Rome, and the empire
of the world itself! What could he not attempt
and accomplish, to whose command seem to be
obedient all the forces of nature? Never, Julian,
can I doubt whether this man, so endowed, is
he for whom we look. Of our Christ he has
all the marks, save only those of outward greatness
and authority; and how easily at any moment
may he arise and clothe himself with
these? And, in the mean time, while we wait
for this, we behold his perfect character and
life, we profit by his divine wisdom, we hear
the wonderful things he teaches of the future
life and glory of man, of God and the true
worship which he requires. All Israel rejoices
in his presence and in the benefits of his works.
And for me, though he added nothing to what
he has already done, though after having instructed
us by his truth and his example, after
service, restored the Law, and abolished the
Traditions, he should do nothing more, but end
his life with the name and praise only of a
Prophet in Israel, and a benefactor of those
with whom he lived, dying then as others die,
or else, mayhap, being translated, as were
Enoch and Elijah, not knowing the pains of
death, I should be well content, and bless God
that he had come, and that Israel had been
permitted to rejoice in his light. But I doubt
not, for one moment, that we shall see more
than this; that our eyes, even ours, shall behold
the salvation of our God; that this Jesus shall
not only save us from our sins, but redeem us
also out of the hand of our enemies.”
Thus did it appear plain, that Judith's faith
in Jesus faltered not, but that in the face of so
many things unfavorable and discouraging to
one, who, like her, could look before and behind,
she still believed that Jesus would fulfil all the
hopes he had raised. It was not surprising,
that the multitudes, who for the most part
looked no further than the miracles, which were
now performed in greater numbers and splendor
than ever, cleaved to him; and, looking rather
at what they desired than at what it was
reasonable for them to expect, trusted still
should redeem Israel. For them it was enough
that Jesus continued to give proofs so astonishing,
that God was with him; while such
power and favor were his, all seemed to be
within his reach, and they doubted not in one
way or another, sooner or later, they would
succeed in their endeavors to place him where
they desired him. They could not oppose to
his miracles, the true nature and tendencies of
his doctrine, and the spirit of his character and
life, which made it so plain to me, that whatever
else he might be, he never would show
himself to be the Christ for whom we look.
No two things, differing from each other never
so much, seemed to me so contrary the one to
the other, as Jesus and the Christ. To Judith,
however, these things did not present themselves
so strongly, but as her letter shows, she
persuaded herself, that in some manner, not by
any one to be foreseen or described, he would
continue to manifest himself the teacher and
prophet whom she could love, and by whose
labors and instructions the hearts of the people
were to be changed, and in due time, when the
preparation was complete, stand forth before
Israel and the world, as the Messiah also.
I now determined within myself, that so soon
would again return to Judea, and at Beth-Harem
await what should be the issue of the
wonderful events still taking place. It seemed
from many things in the letters which I continued
to receive, that by the people it was believed
that somewhat that should be deceive
in regard to Jesus, would happen at the time of
the Passover. It was indeed rumored, that Jesus
had himself made such a declaration to his disciples,
and that they also were looking forward
to that Feast, as to the hour that would crown
their hopes with their long delayed fulfilment.
Many things therefore conspired to determine
me to turn towards the East at that time. But
while I waited for the season to arrive, when it
would be proper to take my departure, I heard
from Onias concerning John, what I was by no
means surprised to hear, regarding it as hardly
any other issue than what was natural and to
be looked for. He thus wrote.
“Although we look to see you at the Passover,
yet do I not intermit the intelligence it is
our wont to impart; especially do I not delay
to inform you of what has taken place at Machærus
concerning John, and which hath ended
in his destruction by Herod.
“I well know that at one time you, as well as
myself, opposed the purposes of the Tetrarch
of John; in our judgment he was then in
many ways doing more for than against his
cause. I know not in what opinion your mind
now rests, though I can well suppose, that having
separated yourself from the affairs of Herod,
— again I trust to be joined to them, — you
stand ready to condemn whatever measures he
may have adopted to secure the ends at which
he still aims. For myself, I am free to declare,
that I think no longer as then, but that I now
deem it right that so powerful an enemy as
John of what we believe to be the cause of
Judea, should be cut off. If that at which
Herod aims be, as I truly think it to be, the
cause of God and Judea, then must those steps
be justified in the sight of God and the law,
which are needful in order to arrive at the end,
else we were like those, who, desiring to run a
race, have first bound or cut off their feet. No
advance could be made in the favor of the people
while John was abroad, and though doubtless
his continual confinement in Machærus
might in some sort have served the same purpose,
yet while he lived they who hoped in him
once would still hope, and chance might have
sent him once more his freedom, or Herod himself
might have relented and bestowed it upon
him. Wherefore it is better that he is dead,
others than by Herod himself, so that if the
people shall be disposed to a harsh judgment, it
must light upon other shoulders than his.
“For it fell out in this wise. In the same
Egyptian Hall where, when we were at Machærus,
Herod feasted his adherents, did he, so
soon as Herodias reached that place, give a banquet
in celebration of his birth-day, to all whom
he could bring there from every part of the
land. His chief officers of government, the
great captains of his armies, and all, who, by
their presence, would show that they were on
his side, failed not to be there. I also was
present. The splendors of the scene, when
thou wast there, seem, as I think of them, but
as shadows and darkness compared with those
which now blazed all over Machærus. But the
difference within the palace were well explained
by only saying, that now there were present, arrayed
in all the magnificence of the East, Herodias
and her daughter, whose beauty, of both
the mother and the child, changed into dimness
all the shining of lamp and jewelry, and far
more than they, dazzled the senses of whosoever
beheld them. There was now, when at the
banquet, no silence and gloom, as before, but the
joyful confusion of a thousand voices, of those
who seemed contending with each other, which
pair by shout and song and the frequent pledging
of the wine cup.
“Thus it continued until toward the middle
of the feast, and every known pleasure had been
enjoyed to the full, and little more could be
looked for but such as should be a repetition of
what had gone before, when behold! as if to
render the present banquet distinguished before
all others, there suddenly entered the hall, preceded
by a train of damsels, the daughter of
Herodias, who, first approaching the throne of
the astonished King, and craving his permission,
then ascended what had been previously prepared
for the display, and there performed with
a grace and power never seen in the dancing
girls of this or any other region, the most difficult
dances of Egypt, of Greece, and the farther
East, — what they are thou well knowest, —
filling all who beheld her with wonder and
most with delight, and who, as she paused now
and then and the music ceased, rent the air
with their shouts of applause. When this had
been prolonged until, as it seemed to me, the
dances of all nations had been performed, her
maidens often joining her, or relieving her, and
Herod seemed beside himself with joy, being
moreover well in his cups, as were also the
others who were seated with him, he called out
how else to declare his pleasure, cried out that
no reward could be so great as she deserved,
but promised her whatsoever she should ask of
him, though it were a half of his kingdom, —
confirming what he said by oaths. The young
girl upon that, with a modesty that won applause
from all, even as her dancing had done, said, that
having done nothing to deserve the least reward,
she could not ask what should diminish
the possessions of the King, either by the half
of its value or the smallest portion thereof; she
therefore requested only what was of no value
to Herod, the life, namely, of a violent and wicked
man, already forfeit to the State, the fierce
and constant enemy of her mother, and not less,
as all Israel knew, of Herod himself, and who
was now a prisoner in Machærus, — the life of
John the Baptist. No sooner was this heard
than loud cries of approbation arose from the
tables, mingled with laughter and expressions of
extreme astonishment also at the nature of the
demand, when from the promise and the oath of
the King, there was plainly no limit to what she
might not with reason have exacted, and the
King have been bound to bestow. Herod,
though plainly troubled, that she had asked
nothing which it would have agreed better with
his magnificence to give, and expressing some
was not yet at liberty to take back what he had
promised, so he at once gave the sign to his attendants,
who quickly went and returned bringing
with them the head of the prophet, as some
will continue to call him, which being delivered
to Salome and her train of maidens, they departed,
bearing it, with many noisy signs of satisfaction,
to Herodias, who by her examination
of it, was satisfied that it was indeed the head
of her enemy.
“Thus perished John, who in my present
judgment should have perished long before.
And thus may all others perish, who thrust
themselves in between Israel and the accomplishment
of her great designs! Doubtless, Julian,
Jesus will fall in like manner. Already
many times has his life been sought, and that
too by Herod, so that many places have become
dangerous to him, and he hath taken refuge
now in the dominions of Philip, and now in
the desert places beyond Jordan. But as he
changeth not his manner of speech, but still
cries out against the chief men of the nation,
still claims to be the Christ, while he prophesieth
against Israel and for the Gentile, the
same passions rage against him, and will rage
until they gain their end. It is not his power
to work miracles, nor the mad worship of the
such wonders in behalf of others, he,
when the occasion comes, shall perform somewhat
as surprising for himself, and transport
himself beyond the reach of his pursuers. But
thus much at least may be said for this strange
person, that, while he is lavish of his bounties
upon others, even the most wretched outcasts,
he provides nothing for himself, nor derives the
least advantage from a power that would seem
capable to furnish him not only with all the
necessaries but the luxuries of life. Neither
doth he seem to be guilty of any vice; for in
this diligent inquiry hath been made, and many
spies employed, that if such things were true,
evidence might be had thereof, and witnesses
found to accuse him. No earthly power, as I
judge, can help him, unless he depart from his
present customs, or put forth his arm of God,
and save himself.
“Fail us not, Julian, at the Passover, when
we shall surely look to see thee and converse of
many things concerning which, with all our diligence,
it is not possible to write. I shall still
hope to see thee again joined to the cause of
the only one who hath power to save us.”
This was the letter of Onias concerning
John. I was not surprised at his fate; I rather
life so long, when there existed so many causes
of anger, so many reasons why he must desire
his destruction. And I did not believe what
Onias seemed to set forth, as if believed by
him, that it was with any regret that the King
consented to the death of John, and gave the
orders for his execution. Had he not rather
rejoiced in an opportunity for his destruction,
which presented others before the world as the
immediate authors of his death, and so shielded
himself, he might easily have recalled an engagement
made in haste, in his cups moreover,
from which the world would readily, as he
must have known, have held him excused, especially
as the breaking of his word in one direction
would have been accompanied by an
act of magnificence toward Salome, that would
have been more than keeping it in another. In
words he would have broken it; while in its
spirit he would have more than kept it. This
was so plain to me, that no conviction could be
stronger than that Herod rejoiced in the happy
chance that rid him, so easily to himself, of an
old and dangerous foe.
Being now determined to revisit Judea, and
to be present at the Passover in Jerusalem, I
waited with impatience for the passing away of
of transmitting letters by reason of the violence
of the season were greatly diminished. I rarely
heard of what took place in Judea after the
letter of Onias just given, which came not long
after the Feast of Dedication. And if it was so
with me, how was it to those of my countrymen
in Rome, who were not bound by the living
ties which connected me with the holy
land, — and how was it with the proper Roman
population of this vast capital? What knew
they, what could they know of what was doing
in Galilee, on the Jordan, at Machærus, in Beth-Harem?
Not a sound reached their ear; and
though Jesus was there doing the greatest works
of his life, the rumor of them was scarcely
heard by these multitudes so remote, but what
is much more, so engaged by the affairs of a
vast Empire and a tumultuous capital.
Spring at length approached, the Tiber
opened his gates of ice, the imprisoned and
impatient coursers of the sea broke loose from
their bondage and set on their way toward all
the ports of the known earth, bearing with
them the luxuries of Roman art or her gold, to
bring back in return the vegetable products or
the rude manufacture of the half-civilized nations
of Asia and Africa. It was on board a
after a quick and fortunate voyage, found myself
once more entering the arms of her colossal
port. No sooner had I left the ship with my effects,
than I departed for Beth-Harem; and, that
I might renew former pleasures, travelled the
same winding road as before; again stopped to
be refreshed at the cottage among the hills
near Samaria, and again slept at the Inn of the
complaisant Jael.
Of all that it now remains for me to say
concerning the days passed in Judea, the record
will be found in fragments of letters written,
after my arrival at Beth-Harem, to Naomi in
Rome.
| XIX. Julian, or Scenes in Judea | |