 | XX. Julian, or Scenes in Judea |  |
20. XX.
I cannot easily tell you, my mother, with
what pleasure I found myself again beneath the
roofs of Beth-Harem; again seated where I was
wont to sit and write to thee — overlooking the
vineyards of Onias, the Jordan, and the distant
hills; or else walking on the banks of the
river, with Judith, my old companion; or sitting
on the housetop at the evening hour, between
her and Onias, conversing of the times and the
prospects, opening or closing before us. I find
that my true home is now, and must henceforth
be in Judea. I can never again dwell in Rome.
And I doubt not, my mother, that when the
aspect of affairs here shall become more settled,
and it shall be determined concerning Jesus
and Herod, whether either of them or neither
shall reign in Israel, you will stand ready, as indeed
your promises have assured me you will,
to leave Rome behind, and pass the decline of
life here in the land of our Fathers — and we
will hope under the reign of some native prince,
if not beneath the rule of Messiah himself.
But of this I will speak hereafter; I am now
to tell you of whatever takes place here in
Beth-Harem concerning our household, or in
Judea concerning Jesus.
I find Judith occupied only by one thought,
that of Jesus, and the probable events of the
Passover. Though she will not admit that she
doubts whether Jesus will confirm her hopes
by assuming his proper rank at the feast, yet is
it evident, that her fears, or apprehensions, outweigh
and outrun her hopes, for her countenance
is ever anxious; and when her thought,
or her conversation dwells more especially on
these themes, its expression is melancholy and
sad. I asked her of the progress he had made
since the last letters I had received, and whether
more or fewer miracles than before had been
performed.
“Julian,” she answered, “had God himself
walked among us in bodily shape, and powers
of healing had flowed out from the glance of
his eye, or the air in which he moved, or the
touch of his garments, the effects that had followed
would not have been more astonishing
than the new wonders that have been wrought
by Jesus, either in respect to their number, or
their greatness. Wherever he hath moved have
miracles been witnessed, such as have filled all
with amazement, and from all have drawn the
Christ?”'
“And you also have followed him,” I said.
“Not constantly,” she replied, “as have
some; as now do Mary of Magdala and Joanna,
the wife of Chuza” —
“She is then a disciple at last,” I exclaimed.
“No one more devoted and sincere,” replied
Judith. “It was long before the late feast, that
withdrawing from the service of Herod, with
whom — then at length, the open enemy and
persecutor of Jesus, plotting even against his
life — she would no longer remain, she obeyed
the desires of her heart, and joined the number
of those who followed Jesus, hearing him
whenever she could, and whenever he tarried
long in any one city, resorting thither, her husband
with her, but not as yet, like her, a
believer. For myself,” continued Judith, “I
went not far from Beth-Harem; but when Jesus
drew nigh, in the lower parts of Galilee, and
especially while he sojourned here on the Jordan,
and in the nearer regions of the Peræa,
thou wilt not doubt that I was then with him,
Ruth being ever my companion.”
“And after seeing and hearing for thyself,
Judith, how stands thy faith?”
“In the very strength of God!” she replied.
“And with no accompanying doubt?”
“With none,” she answered. “Whether,”
she added, after a pause, “it be reasonable so
to believe and trust, I know not; but so it is,
after what I have beheld of the powers of
Jesus, and have heard of his doctrine, I believe
in him perforce, even as I believe in God. The
works of God, the Heavens with their hosts
declare him their maker and supporter; and so
also the works of Jesus declare him to be of
God, clothed with so much of a divine power
as is needful to do such things. And when
such an one proclaims himself, whether plainly
or obscurely to be the Christ, shall not his
declaration be received? I know not how to
refuse it. Would it not be to say that God can
speak falsely?”
“It would, indeed,” I answered. “Yet
many of his most constant followers take offence
at his speech, and forsake him, or are in
doubt.”
“I see not what they would have;” Judith
replied. “He indeed now speaks of his death
as about to happen — many think at the approaching
feast, but then he declares at the
same time, that death shall not injure him, for
he can resist its power. And who can doubt
that when he has raised others from the dead,
and lately Lazarus of Bethany who had been
long buried, he can protect himself from the
him, or by virtues previously infused into his
body, return to life after life had been taken
away. Why he should permit himself to be
slain, I indeed cannot tell; unless it be by restoring
life again to himself, still further to
increase the confidence of others in his power,
and that he may then, having so returned restore
at length the kingdom to Israel.”
“Ah, Judith, I perceive that thy faith stands
indeed in a divine strength; at least in a
strength that is furnished not from any of the
resources of human reason. I must confess,
that for myself, though to the present moment
I had believed with thee, the death of Jesus
would convince me at length of my delusion.
And I may safely promise therefore, that, if
being destroyed by the Priests or the Romans,
he should overcome the power of death, and
as thou thinkest, return to life, and then enter
into his kingdom, I will myself believe in him,
take him as the Christ, and wear the yoke of
his allegiance.”
“I shall not doubt then,” said Judith, “to see
thee both a disciple and a subject.”
It was with no little eagerness that, soon after
my arrival, I sought the home of Ruth and her
father — he now in possession again of his limbs
ancient friends in Beth-Harem he has become
a husbandman on the banks of the Jordan.
There I found him, and now the mistress of a
well stored and comfortable dwelling, Ruth
also, the happiest and the brightest spirit of
these regions. They were truly glad to behold
again one, who by a kind fortune, both as
regards them, and himself, had first helped to
lift them up out of their low estate. But every
feeling toward me was lost in one of gratitude
and love for Jesus, to whom they owe so much
more. It is their delight to speak of him, and
they would gladly have followed him had he
encouraged them to do so. They now look
forward with great expectations to the time,
which they doubt not will come, when he shall
stand revealed before the people. Their joy
would be double, could they behold him seated
where they think it his right to sit, and raised
above any apprehension from those who are
thirsting for his life. The approaching passover
is expected by them with impatience, as they
intend to go up to Jerusalem and trust then to
see Jesus again, and are fully persuaded that at
that time he will declare himself and appear
what he really is. The rumors of his death,
both as predicted by himself, or threatened by
the Pharisees and Rulers, they will not credit.
destroy him by accusing him before Pilate, they
say that it is but the same report that has been
renewed from time to time, during the whole
year that Jesus has taught; and as for any prediction
of such an event by himself, they judge
it too little probable to deserve any credit. It is
to them unlikely in proportion to their persuasion
that Jesus is Christ, and in that they are
immovably fixed. More grateful, hoping, and
believing followers Jesus has not in all the compass
of Judea than Levi and Ruth.
The Ruler Shammai has been with us to-day.
Upon inquiring for Zadok, he replied that he
was already gone up to Jerusalem.
“Why so early?” Judith inquired.
“Can you ask daughter?” said Shammai.
“I need not have asked, certainly,” replied
Judith sighing; “the same cruel zeal, that has
carried him so many times over Judea and Galilee,
doubtless has now carried him to Jerusalem.
May Jehovah confound all his counsels, and
bring them to nought!”
“He will not rest,” said the Ruler, “until he
has accomplished his aim. He can scarcely
fail, what with his own craft, and the power of
those with whom he is in league.”
“And his aim,” I said, “is the accusation
and destruction of Jesus I suppose.”
“Yes,” said Shammai, “nothing less. John
being disposed of, the adherents of Herod look
upon Jesus as the only remaining obstacle in
their way.”
“But,” said I, “are not the people clearly
with Jesus? When, as before the Feast of Tabernacles
I mingled much with them, I found
them for the most part of his side; and as I
learn the numbers of his followers and friends
have greatly increased of late, many even
among the rich, and in high station, looking
upon him with favor, and secretly favoring him,
if not openly confessing him.”
“That is true,” said the Ruler; “the people
worship him, and show their homage by crowding
about him, hearing him preach, and looking on
upon his miracles. But they are a loose, tumultuous,
and changing body, without leaders and
without power, notwithstanding their numbers.
It will be easy for Zadok and a few like himself
to manage them; nay by a little skill to make
it appear that the people themselves require his
destruction. There is a body of men in Jerusalem,
Priests, Rulers, Pharisees, and Scribes, to
whom, when united for some common object,
the destruction of a friendless, solitary individual,
like Jesus, will be but as the crushing of an
insect.”
“Say not so, Shammai,” said Judith. “I will
and wicked as those white-washed Priests are,
men to be found who will dare to assail with
ill intent a man like Jesus, so evidently even in
their own eyes full of the very power of God.
They will fear lest their hands fall blasted at
the very touch of him, and the curse of the
Almighty cleave to, and pursue them.”
“Judith, Judith,” cried Onias, “thou knowest
not what thou sayest. If the Law is what
we have taken it to be, even the Law of God,
then doth Jesus well deserve to die! for what
precept is there he hath not perverted, or
what holy day he hath not violated? When,
seeing what his powers are, we looked to behold
him its friend and protector, what doth
he but bring it into contempt more and more,
breaking its commands himself and teaching
others so? Be not so carried away, my daughter,
by insane hopes as to despise the word of
God — which so many years has been the boast
and glory of his people, and raised them to a
place above all the nations of the earth, whom
God has been pleased to leave in their idolatry —
and in its room thrust the new doctrines of this
young man of yesterday; for which, if he
offer the proof of his miracles, they must be
the product of Devils, seeing that God cannot
overthrow his own work.”
Said Shammai, “not only will he be charged
with breaking the Law, and with blasphemy for
making himself the Son of God, but with
treasonable designs against the Roman Power,
in that he would set up a new kingdom here
in Judea.”
“That, which they who accuse him charge
him with, themselves would do,” cried Judith.
“So it must be said,” replied Shammai.
“Beware, my child, what thou sayest,” said
Onias. “As sure as it shall be that Jesus is at
the feast, so sure will it be that he will fall before
the united power of Herod and the Pharisees;
and who can say that with him his followers
may not also fall? If Pilate shall be made to
believe that Jesus has aimed at dominion, it
will be easy to turn his jealous mind against
others also. And who more than Zadok hath
knowledge of the faith of every soul in Israel?”
“I fear not Zadok, my father,” replied Judith,
“nor the attempts of any leagued with
him either in Jerusalem or elsewhere. What I
am sure of is this, that the people are with
Jesus from end to end of Israel, not doubting,
that now at the Passover, or soon, their hopes
will be fulfilled. A few in Jerusalem of Priests
and Herodians may raise tumults, and by sudden
violence, by injustice and deceit attempt the
life of Jesus and of his disciples, but never can
in his extremity one whom they have seen and
listened to so long as a Prophet of God.”
“My child,” said Shammai; “I fear thou
deceivest thyself. I too could wish that Jesus
might escape the snares that are on every side
set for him by the Sadducees, as well as by
Pharisees and Herodians; but as I judge, he cannot,
or will not. Were he now to listen to the advice
of many, even as I learn of some of his disciples
themselves, who warn him against going up
to Jerusalem — as they say only to die, and they
with him — he might doubtless retreat into Peræa,
or upper Galilee or Arabia where Aretas
who already hath had communication with him
would give him protection, or into Parthia
where Artabanus would serve him doubtless
the same good turn. But, Judith, if he presses
on to Jerusalem, think not that the people can
save him, if it be that the Rulers should assail
him; for just as they shall perceive the schemes
of his enemies succeeding against him, and that
he falls more and more into their hands, will
their faith in him grow faint and die away. His
weakness at such a moment will prove him
not to be he for whom they had taken him.
`How,' they will say, `could the wicked triumph
against the Lord's anointed! If he is
the Christ he will save himself! our help cannot
fall upon his enemies to their utter destruction,
then may we know he is not the Christ, and
that we have been deceived.' They will therefore
stand still, and await the issue.”
“The words of Shammai, Judith,” said Onias,
“cannot be gainsaid. That such will be the
conduct of the people, there can be no doubt in
any one who will mix with them and hear
their language. They will not, nor in truth,
could they rise in defence of one who hath ever
taught them the love of peace, to bear wrong
rather than resist it — in no case to return evil
for evil; and all Israel knows such to be the
maxims this strange man hath preached. They
will hope to see him blaze forth in the resistless
power of one whom they believe God to be
with, and so vindicate his claims to the throne
of Israel. But that will be his work, not
theirs.”
“Do you also think the same, Julian?” said
Judith turning to me.
“I can think no otherwise,” I answered.
Judith sat for a moment buried in thought,
when she lifted her head and said, “I believe
you are right; it must be so. If Jesus fall before
his enemies he is not our Deliverer; if he
triumph over them by the same power we have
seen him use against disease and death itself,
sign of his greatness, not to be mistaken, for
which we have asked and waited so long. But
no more do I doubt that such signs shall be
given, than that his birth was announced by
angels, that the voice of God was heard at his
baptism, that Lazarus and the Widow's Son
returned from death at his word, that the heavens
are above me and the earth beneath me. God
has been with him thus far — or else all is false,
every thing a dream — and he will not forsake
him now, or ever. He has defended him against
the Nazarenes, and against Herod, and against
the furious rabble who many a time have set upon
him to stone him; and when his need shall be
greatest, and those who hate him shall be gathered
together in one place, it will not be then
for the first time, that his own power, or the
power of God shall fail him. In some way, it
may be in a way we now think not of, God
will appear and show him to be his Son — Redeemer
and King. For myself, I shall go up
to Jerusalem to this feast, as one who goeth to
a marriage with songs and dancing.”
Said Shammai, “it may be so, who can tell?
Time will show.”
“All is so strange concerning him,” I said,
“that it cannot be denied to be possible. That
God hath been his strength hitherto, I find it
him to do wonderful things, and hath
saved him out of threatening dangers. Who
shall say there is no good ground of hope, that
if darker dangers should encompass him in
Jerusalem, a power of God shall be put forth
for his deliverance greater than ever — nay
there is force in what Judith says, that it were
strange indeed should it not be so. But, whatever
power may be put forth, and whatever deliverance
be wrought out, who can believe that
such an one as Jesus shall be shown to be
Messiah? It is not surely the possession of power
alone that shall make Jesus, or any other, to be
the Christ, but a certain kind and fitness of
character, which Jesus hath not, and which
seems not possible to belong to him.”
“The young man says what is doubtless
true and just,” said Onias, “and so the event
will show. Why do so many in Israel reject
and deny Jesus as the Christ, but because they
see not in him the lineaments of the Christ?
Why are Chorazin and Bethsaida, and now
Capernaum, unbelieving, yea and Nazareth also,
but because in Jesus, notwithstanding the wonders
of his hand, howsoever wrought, they see
not the son of David! Many — and who shall
wholly deny them reason? — give his works to
the Prince of Devils! To them do I now
them could not, as Jesus doth, deceive the people
or violate the law. But they of the Jews
are to be counted by multitudes, who, though
they see God in the miracles of Jesus, do not
behold the Christ in him; nor will they look
upon it as a possible thing that he should ever
be found in him. — Israel will not be at peace
until Jesus shall be as John! And what would
happen most happily for the people would be,
that, at the feast, Jesus should by the Council
be accused, and suffer at the hands of Pilate
the just punishment of his deeds.”
Judith said no more, but Ruth coming in at
that moment, she arose and with her withdrew,
grieved for the words of her father, into the garden.
“Were all in Judea,” said Onias, “like Judith,
the triumph of Jesus were a sure and an easy one.
Her whole speech by day, and her dreams by
night are of him; and it is what she has heard
of his teaching, even more than what she has
seen of his works, that has so won her heart.
Not a disciple that follows his steps has a faith
like hers. And the faith of few has been so
assailed as hers hath been, what with Zadok
and Onias. Would it were placed on somewhat
more worthy. He who hath thus thrown Israel
into confusion, trampled on the law, insulted
little deserves it. Verily, but for him, the true
Messiah were long ere this sitting on the throne
of Israel.”
There no longer seems any doubt that the
destruction of Jesus is resolved upon by the
council, and that most of the chief men and
rulers look on with approval, or openly aid
them in the measures they pursue. The works
of Jesus of late, which have been so wonderful
and astonishing, have filled them with new
rage, and wholly blinded them to the truth,
that, though Jesus is not, or will not be the
Christ, he may still be a prophet and messenger
of God. As he disappoints them in one
thing, they have hardened themselves against
all his claims, ascribe his power to Satan, and
are bent only on his ruin. He who has exposed
them before the people, and laid bare their
hollowness and hypocrisies, though he may do
the works of Angels they will not forgive, but
will have their revenge. And the great thing
which he hath so lately done at Bethany, the
fame of which has filled the land and brought
many to believe in him, has seemed but to
inflame their rage to a higher pitch of madness.
That they, rather than Jesus, may possibly be
blasphemers and rebels against the authority of
of Jesus and his followers will surely
serve but to endear them the more to the people
on whom they have conferred so many benefits.
Were it not for the industry with which the
Scribes and Rulers sow the seeds of doubt and
distrust in the minds of the multitude, all would,
methinks, believe in Jesus, through veneration of
his virtues — through simple love of him as a
gentle and beneficent friend. Each one with
whom you may converse has something to tell
of what he has done to himself or some kinsman
or neighbor — of some instruction he has
imparted, or some miracle of mercy he has
wrought. They say that both for his goodness
and his powers they doubt not that he partakes
of the spirit of God, even as the prophets of
old — and these things also so far make for him
that he is the Christ; — they would rather,
therefore, that he were left alone untouched,
unimpeded by the rulers, to finish his ministry,
whatever it may be, and perhaps other signs,
in process of days or weeks, and such as we
look for, will be given. A general persuasion
has gone abroad, that at the present Passover
such signs will at length be given, and all their
hopes be fulfilled, in consequence of which
multitudes far greater than usual are going up
to the feast. But while the populace are thus
timid, and distrustful — they will do no more
than stand by at rest, ready to receive Jesus if
he shall commit himself to them, but not ready,
nor able, as their temper now is, to do aught to
deliver him from the hands of the Priests, if they
should finally determine to assail him. According
to the saying of Shammai, they will leave him to
his own strength, trusting to behold, in the manner
in which he shall use it, tokens of his
authority, and signs of his great office.
The day had now arrived, when we were to
set forth on our way to Jerusalem. We were
bound to the dwelling of Heber, a kinsman of
the mother of Judith, standing without the city
just where the mount of Olives falls into the
plain, and opposite the fount of Siloam. But
seeing that at this feast the houses of those
who inhabit the city, or its near neighborhood,
are hardly able to hold the numbers of such as
pour in from all parts of the land, we took with
us by the providence of Onias, loaded upon a
camel, the materials of a tent, which, if the
necessity arose, would serve as a protection
against the heat of the day season, and by night
furnish a cooler retreat and more agreeable than
the closer apartments of a dwelling.
The heavens smiled upon us with a gentle air
from the house of Onias. Two days must be
devoted to the journey, as Judith and Ruth
seated upon slow-paced mules made a part of
our company, and our motion would therefore
be slow; and for their more especial companion,
and seated on the same wretched kind of beast,
Shammai; — Ziba, with others of the servants of
Onias, conducting the camels heavy-loaded with
our tent and other effects. Onias, Levi, and
myself, mounted upon fleeter animals, were able
to make more rapid progress, so that often, while
the Ruler and his two maidens crept lazily
along, we turned aside into any path that appeared
more inviting, or visited spots not far
from our course, noted in the history of our
people.
The roads were already beginning to fill
with those who like ourselves were seeking
Jerusalem — some from the regions of upper
Galilee, from Decapolis and the parts still farther
east, and some even from Damascus and the
banks of the Euphrates, who, that they may at
the same time perform a religious duty, and
visit kinsmen or friends from whom they have
separated for the advantages of a foreign residence,
turn annually towards the great capital at
this season of the year. With these distant
travellers we often entered into conversation,
the condition of our people in all parts of the
world. The great inquiry on their part was of
Jesus, and whether he would probably be at
the feast, and what would happen if he should
be there. Having only heard reports of him
until now, their only desire seemed to be to
see him, and their only apprehension lest he
should not be present. Family and friends and
the observance of the festival were forgotten in
the thoughts, the hopes, and the fears that
possessed them concerning this wonderful man.
They seemed for the most part in a state of
great uncertainty, not knowing what to think
of him, nor hardly what to wish for or expect.
Many indeed were violent enough, and desired
only that so great a disturber of the public
peace, and who was likely to bring down upon
the whole people the wrath of Rome, thereby
destroying the traffic of every sort now prosperously
going on, might be summarily dealt
with, and that too, ere the mischief grew to
any more serious head. Others thought that
any teaching and any teacher was to be welcomed
even, that could redeem the Law of Moses
from the practices and the perversions of the
reigning sects, who had made it, one set of
them little better than a religion without God,
or spirit, or a future; and another, a cover, by
wicked vice and lust. We might be grateful,
they thought, toward any one who should bring
back a true worship, no matter for the way he
took to reach his end. But there were none
from the remoter parts who deemed Jesus to be
the Messiah, or thought that he, any more than
John, was fitted for that great office. I enjoyed
in the highest degree these passing glimpses of
men of all forms of Jewish faith, and obtained
much knowledge of the character of communities
of our people, of which before I had heard
little, and knew hardly of their existence.
Shammai, as I have said, was the more especial
guardian of Ruth and Judith; but it many
times happened that, tempting him forward into
the company of Onias and Levi, and engaging
him in some dispute, I then fell back and took
upon myself the more agreeable duties of his
office. So full of pleasures of the highest kind,
my mother, were these two days, that were I
to describe them the hours must be treated as
days and the moments as hours.
Upon leaving the house of Onias, we crossed
the Jordan at the Ox Ford, and keeping upon
the west bank of the river took the road to Jericho.
Avoiding the city, we struck directly for
the barren wastes and rocky defiles which conduct
the traveller to Jerusalem.
You will readily believe it was with no common
emotion that I found myself drawing near
for the first time to so celebrated a place. The
sentiments, which possessed me when I first
beheld from the ocean the outlines of Lebanon,
and first set my foot upon the soil of Cæsarea,
were again present. As I ascended the eastern
side of the Mount of Olives, passing through
Bethany, and knew that upon reaching its summit
or coming to its descent the long expected
prospect would break upon me, I could with difficulty
restrain my pace to that of Judith's mule,
whose step seemed slower than ever before.
But the hill was in due time surmounted, and
soon as we had crossed a part of its summit, and
passed from out the groves which clothe its
western brow, the city, as it were in a moment
of time, stood before us in its whole extent, no
object whatsoever intervening to cut off the
least portion of the prospect. Mount Moriah
crowned with its Temple rising from the vast
supporting walls that form a part of the hill on
which it stands, Mount Sion with its shining
palaces, Acra and Bezetha, the heavy walls of the
city girding it about, with their gate-ways and
frequent towers — all lay before me a vision of
greatness and beauty not surpassed by any other
I had ever beheld. The vast assemblage of
temple, palace, and dwelling, with the swarming
and active life, struck the mind the more
impressively too from standing, as it all did,
in the midst of surrounding hills, whose bare
and rugged tops and sides gave no token of
aught but sterility and death. The eye beheld
nothing upon them but flocks of sheep among
the grey rocks, hardly to be distinguished from
the rocks themselves, and so only adding one
more to the other features of desolation. Another
scene was, however, presented by fertile valleys
at their feet thickly inhabited, their olive
orchards, and their vineyards creeping a little
way up the barren hillsides. At the roots of the
hill we were upon, and all along upon the banks
of he Kedron, the white, pointed tents of strangers
and travellers were visible, who had, like
ourselves, come thus early to witness the events
that should ensue, while the roads leading to
the gates of the city, and crossing the plain in
all directions, were filled with crowds of those
who on horse and on foot or in vehicles of every
various kind were arriving or departing. Clouds
of dust, converted by the rays of the setting
sun to a gaudy purple hue, rose and hovered
over the whole scene, through which glittered
the shining points of polished harness, or the
steel trappings of troops of Roman horses as they
shot swiftly along. We stopped and gazed ere
awhile the beauty and magnificence that were
spread out below. To Judith and to others it
was an old and familiar sight; but they looked
forth upon it, and paused while they looked, not
less willingly than I. But Onias soon warned
us of the waning day, and that all the remaining
time might be needed to make our preparations
for the night. We therefore at a quick
rate descended the mount, and moved toward
the dwelling of Heber, where we were welcomed
with patriarchal hospitality by the venerable
Israelite.
That having occurred against which Onias
had made good provision, our tents were soon
set up on the grounds of Heber, where they
overlooked both the city and the road descending
from the Mount of Olives.
The day succeeding this being the Sabbath, I
resorted early to the city in company with
Onias. I was filled with admiration as I drew
nearer to the walls, and saw their immense
height and thickness, and the strength of the
gates with the defences of their vast towers, and
considered that, owing to these things and to its
natural position, it was a place absolutely impregnable.
On this side, indeed, the city derives
great advantage from the height of the ground
walls. But were there the walls alone, it seemed
to me an impossible thing that they should
either be surmounted by an enemy, or demolished
by engines. Onias with a proud step,
as he beheld my wonder, led me on to the gates,
and through them into the city, pointing out as
he went the buildings that were most remarkable,
and the persons also whom we met, who
were distinguished for their office or their power
over the people. At length hastening along
the streets, now thronged with those who were
pouring also in the same direction, we reached the
great object of my desire, that which from my
infancy I had ever wished to behold, the Temple.
Truly did Herod show his magnificence
in this vast and beautiful structure. If in other
cities, as I have seen, he did great things and
well worthy of admiration, here he did greater
still; so that, as I judge, all that together he
had built in Cæsarea would not compare with
what, for grandeur, perfect workmanship, proportion,
and variety of beauty, he accomplished
in Jerusalem in this single building. The marble
of which it is built is beautiful and polished to
the smoothness of crystal, yet are the separate
pieces so large that it is surprising they should
have been laid in their places safely and without
injury at such heights. The innumerable
and the Women, and supporting the porticos
which encompass the building, create unfeigned
astonishment in the beholder.
All parts of it on the morning of this Sabbath
I found swarming with the numbers of those
who had come up, some to worship, some, like
myself, strangers from remote parts to wonder
and gaze, and some to converse and learn the
news of those who had recently arrived. The
name of Jesus was heard from every one, as he
passed talking with another, or as he addressed
yourself. All were asking some question concerning
him of those who, they supposed, might
know better than themselves, or else answering
those who had made inquiries, or else
loudly and fiercely disputing concerning his
character, authority, and works, and the designs
of the Council. In the outer courts,
where the meaner sort of people assemble,
no measures were kept among those who disputed,
but words often came to blows, and
peace was restored only by the interference
of officers of the Temple.
The question put by all to all was, “will he
come up to the feast? who can tell?” As I
stood upon the upper steps of those leading to
the Treasury, I was accosted by one, who said,
“Sir, can you tell me if Jesus will be at the
trusted much to the general persuasion that he
would come. Though none can say that he
will from any certain knowledge, yet all feel
assured that he will, and there are none to say
nay. Such general convictions commonly turn
out well founded.
“What you say,” he replied, “is true. Seeing
you, however, but now in company with
Onias of Beth-Harem, I looked for more certain
intelligence at your hands, as Jesus has of late
been in those regions.”
“He has moved so fast,” I replied, “from
place to place, as if hasting to complete some
work that he had to do in season, that it is
likely none can tell where he has been, or
where he now is, save those disciples who, as I
hear, never leave him.”
“Some others know a little,” cried a voice
at my side, “as well as those of whom you
speak. Two days ago he was in the Peræa,
beyond Jordan — to be in the outskirts of Jericho
on the Sabbath, where I doubt not he now is.
And what is more, he will be in Jerusalem at
the feast.” So saying he turned away, and
passing from place to place, repeated his news
to as many as would hear. “This is news
indeed,” said he who had first spoken. “It
will crowd the city more and more. What
think you will happen?”
I said that I was a stranger in Jerusalem, and
would rather learn of him.
“I am in no man's secrets,” he answered,
“and can tell you only what is confidently
reported, and my own opinion.”
“And what will happen as you think, or as
is commonly believed?”
“What I think then is this, that Jesus will
publicly, as it is well known he has done privately,
declare himself, and the people will rise
in his favor. It is all abroad among them
already, that he hath of late, not obscurely as
heretofore, but plainly announced himself the
Christ, which has greatly stirred them; and that,
together with their own belief founded on his
miracles, will draw them all around him.”
“But,” I asked, “has he not, at the same
time that he has declared himself Christ, prophesied
his death by the Council?”
“That is said,” he answered, “but is not
believed. Besides, they say if he has uttered
such a word, it can mean only that he shall die
as Jesus the Nazarene, and then begin his reign
and true life as the Christ. But so bent are
they on having their way that, whether he will
or not, they will hail him and have him King.”
“If he be not really such,” I said, “it will
bring down upon him a great danger, and possibly
his ruin. They would be more cautious
would not desire to do him an injury.”
“Certainly not; but the difficulty would be
to put a new opinion into them. It cannot be
done; what they want they will have and do.
But while such is their purpose, the Council are
bent upon his death, and will compass it, if by
force or fraud it can be done.”
“They will find it, I think, a thing impossible
to do, in the present temper of the populace.”
“I am also clear,” he replied, “that it would
breed tumults not easy to be allayed. Yet they
may accomplish that by craft, and secretly,
which they could not do openly and in the eye
of day. To give their accusations color, as if
they sprung not so much from themselves as
from some of the followers of Jesus who would
fain do the State a service, it is rumored that
one of them is found who will inform against
him, and accuse him before the Council.”
“That may be said,” I answered, “but cannot
be true; for no one thing is affirmed so
constantly as this, the veneration and affection
with which Jesus is regarded by those who are
about him; so that one might as soon expect
that Jesus should accuse himself as that one of
his disciples should.”
“Trust not that,” rejoined my companion;
be found in Jerusalem. With that the Council
shall buy, mark now the issue, the bosom friend
of this Nazarene, and the judgment of Pilate!”
“I had thought better,” I said, “of my countrymen,
if not of Pilate.”
“It was because of your ignorance,” he rejoined;
and wishing me peace, turned away.
What I had heard from this man, who seemed
to know more, and with more certainty, than
he was willing to acknowledge, gave me pain.
I forgot for a time where I was, and continued
to pace the marble floors of the Porticos, thinking
only of the probable doom of this good
man. I would willingly have moved in the
cause of his deliverance, but I could see no quarter
whence it could come. All the men in power,
the Rulers of the Synagogues, the High Priests
Annas and Caiaphas, the principal persons
both among the Pharisees and Sadducees, were
alike banded together against him, — and for
him, only the fickle, helpless, unmanageable
people, well disposed, hoping everything, but
only half believing their own opinion concerning
him. I could only say, God surely has
been with him thus far; he must have some
great purpose in thus sending him forth, and
will not allow that it shall be defeated; safely
and confidently then may we leave him in his
penetrate.
Turning away, I passed from the Temple into
the streets, and entering a Synagogue, passed
there the hour of worship. They who preached
failed not to turn away the minds of the people,
by every form of statement and argument, from
Jesus and his doctrines. The great considerations,
here in Jerusalem seemed to be, “that he
was a disturber of the peace of the city and the
nation, interrupted their business, caused uproar
and confusion, gave umbrage to the Romans,
brought the law and its ministers into contempt,
and substituted dangerous novelities in the place
of ancient truth; — his miracles were shown to
be the work of Devils, and the citizens were
exhorted to oppose him, and all who clave to
him.” Most assented to such things, but some
expressed their dissatisfaction aloud, and attempted
to reply by showing the opinions of
those who believed in Jesus, but the voices of
too many were lifted up against them, and the
service ended in noise and confusion.
Well wearied at length of the city, I sought
our tent at the foot of the mount, where in the
more quiet presence of Ruth, Judith, their parents,
and the venerable Heber, I enjoyed a
higher pleasure than before. It would have
been higher still, but that so bitter is this benevolent
will not permit his name to be mentioned in his
presence; or, if he converses of him at all, it is
with a force of passion that changes him for the
time to a madman. We therefore abstained
from all such topics until the evening, and the
moon had risen, when we wandered forth to
the Fountain of Siloam, where, seated among
its rocks and shades, we discoursed of the only
things that now engaged us, of Jesus, and of
his doctrine, as it is alleged to be, and indulged
freely our conjectures of the events of
the approaching feast.
As we sat there, and as we afterwards walked
returning to the house of Heber, the sound of
music came to us from neighboring houses in all
directions, in whose apartments, or in the grounds
about them, there were companies of persons
who sang hymns or songs, or danced to the
playing of various instruments.
On the following day it became well known
among the people, that Jesus had arrived at
Bethany, and that he would with certainty be
in Jerusalem at the feast. A great stir was
evident among all, of every sect and rank, produced
by this intelligence. Great numbers, immediately
abandoning whatever might be the
affairs in hand, left the city at once, and made
way, coming or going. Learning from some
who returned, that Jesus was indeed there at
the house of Lazarus, whom he had raised from
the dead, but that on the morrow he would
come to the city, I went not, though I restrained
myself with difficulty, but waited
till he should himself arrive. In the meanwhile
I saw and conversed with many of the
inhabitants of the city. I found them sure of
one thing, that Jesus was now coming into the
city as the Son of David, that he would proclaim
himself, and assume his proper place;
they would go forth in great numbers to meet
him, and receive him as it became them to do.
They said that the Council were already alarmed
at teh signs every where so apparent, of devotion
to Jesus, and knew not what measures
to adopt to check the raging of the fever. It
was evident, that they were now apprehensive,
lest Jesus would prove, what he had often been
affirmed to be, and they should lose their power.
I could urge nothing against their assertions,
or their expectations, neither did I wish to do
so. It all seemed now likely enough to happen
as they were so confidently predicting. Who
at least can do otherwise than yield before the
strong persuasions of an immense multitude?
Whatever sentiment universally seizes and pervades
realized. Such consent, among so many, affects
the mind, whether it will or not, with the
force of truth.
Another day has come and gone — Jesus has
entered the city — I have seen him.
Early in the morning it became apparent,
that that would take place which had been
looked for. For so soon as the gates were open,
the people began to pour forth, and throng the
road leading by the house of Heber and over
the Mount of Olives to Bethany. As the day
advanced, the crowds increased of persons of all
sorts and conditions, the old as well as the
young, the rich and poor, women and little
children. It seemed as if the whole city had
come abroad to honor by its presence and welcome,
at least witness, the entrance of one who
was either to reign over it as King, or else, it
might be, fall a sacrifice to the rage of the present
rulers. If one might judge by the countenance,
but especially by the language which
continually fell upon the ear, they who had
thus come abroad had come in the spirit of
friendship, and with the intention to show that
if Jesus would meet them in their wishes, they
on the other hand would acknowledge and receive
him. As these crowds passed by our
gesticulations, as well as their voices, showing
what hopes and passions were ruling within, it
was in vain that I longer tried to resist the contagion,
but leaving Judith and Ruth at the tent
door, threw myself into the midst of the living
mass, and was borne along with it up
the Mount, and on toward Bethphage and Bethany.
When we had reached the brow of the
hill and were about passing it, the sound of
voices as of a great number caught our ears,
and looking forward we beheld where, as the
road suddenly turned, Jesus, surrounded by
another multitude, came on toward us. The
air was now filled with the exulting cries of the
approaching throng, which, caught up by us
and those who were behind, rolled on an increasing
shout even to the gates of the city,
announcing to those who covered the walls and
the towers, that Jesus was drawing nigh. Never
were a people, I believe, so carried away by
what cannot be termed other than a sacred zeal.
No language was too lofty and confident for
them to utter, no acts of homage too expressive
to render of their loyalty and devotion. The
way was all along strewn with the leaves and
branches of trees, which the eager populace
tore from the groves that bordered the road;
branches of the Palm were waved over their
wholly obstructed by the struggling crowds,
they who were immediately about him cast
their garments in the way as before a king.
Many, especially such as had at any time received
benefits of healing at his hands, or whose
friends had been restored by his power, cast
themselves down prostrate on the ground, as
the only sufficient sign they could offer of their
reverence and gratitude. I cannot well describe
my sensations as Jesus drew nigh, so that I
could with distinctness observe his countenance
and form, but they were such as I never before
experienced in the presence of a mortal; and it
could not well be otherwise, as I doubted not
that I looked upon one within whom were
lodged the very power and wisdom of Jehovah.
Awe and dread were therefore the
feelings that would have alone prevailed, were
it not that, however wonderfully I felt he
was united to God, I saw that the language
of his countenance was not that of an Angel,
nor of a God, but of a man bound, like myself,
by the closest ties to every one of the multitudes
who thronged him. Its expression was
mild and pitiful; but at the same time of one
who, if full of regard and compassion for each
and for all, also possessed the energies and the
will to do for those whom he loved whatsoever
Strength and power were lodged
in the lines and forms of the face, not any less
than benevolence, giving ample assurance that
there were inward forces of intellect and will,
equal to every work that might be given him
to do. His was therefore the aspect of a person
who — and this was what I had gathered also
from the observation of Onias — was to be
loved and yet feared also. He seemed buried
in thought for the most part as he rode along,
save that now and then he briefly responded to
the cries or the questions of those who pressed
about him. But he spake not many words, or
so that more than a very few could hear, until
we were come to the descent of the Mount of
Olives, and the city suddenly came into view in
all its glory — its walls, and towers, and housetops
covered with her thronging inhabitants.
He then paused; and beholding with both astonishment
and pity, as it seemed, the scene before
him, tears fell from his eyes; and though I
could not hear with distinctness all that he said,
he appeared to express apprehensions of great
evil and disaster as about to overtake Jerusalem
and Judea, of enemies who should assail and oppress
them, and lay them waste. All who heard
were struck with amazement, and one to another
uttered in secret tones their astonishment.
who encompassed him, and hailed him King
and Deliverer, and could find no words of joy in
which to give vent to the hopes that were
within, he rejoiced not, but was evidently sad.
The sight of the city with its populace all
awaiting him, and the sounds of their tumultuous
cries as they were borne to us from afar, and
the waving of their hands in token of welcome,
seemed to awaken no feeling of triumph in his
heart, but, instead, drew forth tears. I confess
that I was also astonished; and could only say,
the whole of this man is mysterious and impenetrable
— we know him not — we do not
comprehend what he is, nor what he has come
to do.
Thus we moved on — but hardly moving by
reason of the constantly increasing throngs of
people — to the sublime music of their acclamations,
which without ceasing filled the air.
As we came against the house of Heber, our
humble tents I beheld swept away and trampled
into the earth by the descending torrent,
which, swelling beyond the limits of the road,
spread far into the grounds on either side.
No other end seemed to be regarded by those
who composed these crowds, than, if possible, to
keep within sight of the object of their worship
or the hearing of his voice; and but that a Divine
numbers would have perished, trodden into the
earth by those who rushed madly on, forgetful,
in their struggles for precedence, of the feeble
and the young who filled their way.
The day was already well declined when we
reached the gates of the city, and when we had
arrived at the Temple it had drawn on towards
evening; when, therefore, after entering it Jesus
had again, as once before, purged it of those who
by their wicked practices violated its sanctity,
and the people had received assurance that he
would come again on the morrow, he returned to
Bethany, where at the house of Lazarus he had
taken up his abode.
Defiled with dust, and spent by the fatigue of
what I had done and borne and witnessed, I
returned gladly to the dwelling of Heber, where
I found the repose I needed. Our demolished
tents had already been set up again by the servants
of the household, and our scattered effects
gathered together in their places.
After the hour of supper was over, we sat long
at the tent door, speaking of the events of the day
that had ended. Onias was gloomy and thoughtful.
Although he would make no concessions
of former opinions, it was evident that he had
seen cause for hesitation, in the heartiness of the
reception which the capital, as if possessed of
event could be strange or unlikely after that.
Judith was full of confidence, and could with
difficulty lay so much restraint on the expressions
of it, as regard for her father taught her
to impose. She was certain that now every
hope would be speedily fulfilled. The people
by a common impulse were eager to receive
Jesus; and who could now doubt that he was
the Saviour whom God had provided? Nothing
was impossible to him, armed as he now was
with the power of God and the consent of the people.
Onias heard all she advanced with patience
more than usual, and only said that there was
still too much of what was dark and unintelligible
in the character of Jesus, and uncertain
in his purposes, for any undoubting reliance to
be placed either in him, or in those who thronged
him so — seeing that they could hardly pretend
to comprehend a person, who to the most learned
and penetrating was a mystery. “Still new cause
of astonishment,” continued Onias, “has he today
offered to those most inclined towards him, by
language which he used as he first came in sight
of the city, on the Mount of Olives. It is variously
reported, but most say that he lifted up a
prophecy against Jerusalem, that he declared her
destruction as approaching, that the very walls of
her defence should be overthrown and torn up
this? It surely seems not much like the language
of the great Restorer — the Repairer of
breaches! Had such things come to the ears of
that whole shouting multitude, it needs no gift
of a divine discernment to know that their
shouts would suddenly have fallen, and sounds
of a different kind, or silence, taken their place.
Heard you aught of that, Julian?”
I answered, that I had heard of it, and
what was yet more I had myself heard most
of the words he had spoken. They were as he
had reported them, and in the minds of all
who heard them had created such astonishment
as he might suppose. “But,” I added, “I doubt
not, it is all by this time forgotten, or remembered
only as one of those dark sayings, many
of which are reported even by the disciples of
Jesus, to fall from him in his discourses.”
“By some,” replied Onias, “the saying is not
forgotten, but was treasured up as what it behoved
the people to know, and hath since been
carefully spread abroad. Wherever it has gone,
I warrant you, it has done little to deepen the
place of the prophet in the hearts of those who
love the honor and safety of Jerusalem. That
he should be the Christ we look for, who prophesies
ruin and disaster to Israel, few will be
inclined to believe.”
“It will take more,” I said, “than a single
dark saying variously reported, and which may
be interpreted many ways, to shake him from
the seat he now holds. The people are with
him. He needs at this moment, as I judge, but
to speak the word, and Antonia, the gates, the
walls, and the Roman camp, nay, Jerusalem
itself, are all his — and ere the news could reach
Italy, Judea also, and Israel from Dan to Beersheba!”
Judith said nothing as I uttered these things,
but her countenance revealed, quite as well as
any words could have done, the emotions of
joy and hope, and of gratitude to me, that filled
her.
“Thou art more of Judith's mind than I had
believed,” said Onias scornfully; “this momentary
triumph of Jesus too much sways thee.”
I said, I had intended to add what would
have shown that, notwithstanding the astonishing
spectacle of to-day, I was still, in regard to
my opinion of Jesus, what I had been. Though
he at this moment, as I could not but think,
truly possessed all the power I had given to
him, I did not believe he would use it in the
way I had hinted, though I confessed I hardly
knew what to think or believe. It appeared to
me that his whole character and aim were distinct
from, or rather entirely opposed to, what
only.
The people of Jerusalem are, each day that
they have listened to Jesus in the temple, becoming
more and more devoted to him. Although
the Council are as resolved as ever upon
his destruction, and by their agents and spies,
contrive to throw obstacles in his way, and do
what they can to stir up the passions of the
multitude against him, they meet with little
success. The people gather around him, and
listen to his instructions; and going away, they
lose all the enmity they had entertained against
him in the softening influences of his word.
They doubt not that he is indeed a great
Prophet of God; and they still hope, and while
he lives, will hope, that he will declare himself
the Christ by the signs they look for. Their
honest devotion keeps in awe the Rulers and
Priests.
Fuller and more exact accounts, my mother,
than I have now given of the discourses of
Jesus during these few days, shall you ere long
receive from the records of Judith, who hears
no word — and she has heard all — that she
writes not down.
It was on the second day before the Sabbath
that, leaving the Temple, where I had been
listening to the discourses of Jesus I was accosted
by a familiar voice, and turning I beheld the
Greek Zeno. While listening to Jesus, I had
observed the presence of Zadok and Saturninus,
but I had not caught the countenance of the
friendly Greek. I greeted him, as you will
suppose, with pleasure. He said that he had
been two days in Jerusalem, having come up
with others, among whom were Philæus and
Lysias, with the purpose to see the wonderful
Man of Nazareth. I expressed my surprise that
he had never sought him before, seeing that his
desire of knowledge caused him usually to seek
it at every source. At every source, he quickly
rejoined, within the limits of Cæsarea. He
was strictly a citizen of that city, and rarely
strayed from its limits; and nothing less than a
desire to see a man, who seemed rather to be a
God descended upon earth than an ordinary
mortal, would have brought him so far, except
also the circumstance that some Jews, proselytes
from his people, accompanied him, through
whom he was in hopes to see and converse with
Jesus. I asked him if he had succeeded in obtaining
access to him. He said that he had;
and that it was while he and his companions
were still conversing with him, that the voice
had filled all who were present with astonishment
and dread, and startled the city itself.
He needed no other evidence, he said, for himself,
to be persuaded that Jesus was a messenger
from Heaven. That voice was of no mortal
tone — it was the voice of an angel, or of a
God, bearing testimony to Jesus. They who
hearing could resist it, would resist God himself,
though he appeared in his own form. “I am
no Jew,” said Zeno, “but I am a believer in the
Supreme God, and in the power of the senses
to discern one thing from another, and form a
just judgment; and as certain as I am that I,
Zeno of Cæsarea, was there in the Temple of
Jerusalem, and in the presence of Jesus, so certain
am I that the voice was the voice of a
God, and not of a man; and so I am sure
thought, in their hearts, all who were there.
My companions failed to compass the object for
which they desired an interview with Jesus, —
relating, as I understood, to the government in
Judea they believed him to be about to establish,
and the place or employment they might
obtain for themselves under it — but they received
convictions strong as my own, that he
whom their conversation proved, as they judged,
not to be the Messiah, was amply shown to be
a messenger of God. That he was not the
certain from the language which he used, when
he understood their aim, which astonished them
out of measure, for he told them that no such
favors as they were thinking of could ever flow
from him; but his empire was of a very different
kind; it could be founded only on his death —
as a seed sown in the ground could bear fruit
only by in a manner first dying, so the good
fruits which he as Christ came to bestow upon
men, would flow only from his death; he was
to be exalted by first suffering and dying,
and it must be so with all who came and attached
themselves to his cause; they would be
the ministers of great benefit to Israel and mankind,
but it would be not by reigning as princes
in Israel, but by doing and also suffering in the
same manner as he had done; and much more
to the same purpose which they seemed to comprehend
very little. Of one thing, however,
they left him fully assured, that he was not the
peculiar kind of person or Prophet whom they
and the nation expect — that he had no pretensions
to that character, but was at the same
time, beyond a doubt, a great and wonderful
person highly favored of God, and if he should
be permitted by the Priests to fulfil his mission
would confer great benefits on Israel. Their
fear was, however, from all they could learn,
and would succeed sooner or later in their aim.
Such was our interview, continued Zeno, with
Jesus. I am truly glad to have seen and heard
him; for no other is like him, either in the form,
the countenance, the voice, or the divine wisdom
that flows from him as he speaks. I felt
compassion for him, Julian, notwithstanding his
wonderful power; for he seemed as one who in
the beginning of life is oppressed with presentiments
of evil which it was impossible for him
to escape.”
When Zeno had thus spoken, and we were
still walking in the streets of the city, I desired
him to accompany me to the dwelling of Heber,
which he readily consented to do. There we
found all our friends; and with them Saturninus,
who escapes, even for a moment, with
difficulty from the duties which now press upon
him. Because Heber, who is of the Sadducees,
with his household celebrates the Passover
on this evening, they were not with us, as at
this hour of the day they have commonly been.
The preparations of Onias are making for the
evening of the morrow.
When supper was ended we sat again at the
tent door, where we conversed together not long,
for a spirit of heaviness was upon us which we
us early to separate. But when Judith had
spoken of the triumph which Jesus had thus obtained
over the Council through the universal
homage of the people, and of the prospect which
thus was held out of his continuing to teach
the people even though he should never fill any
other office, Saturninus said that for his part
he could not but be under apprehensions for the
safety of Jesus even yet. He had observed
great activity among those whom he knew to be
emissaries of the Priests, and had noted that
Zadok especially, as he had met and spoken with
him, wore upon his countenance an expression
that signified a malignant satisfaction with some
purpose or plan, whatever it might be, that was
employing his thoughts. He had also received
from Pilate orders to be vigilant beyond the
usual measure, as if tumult was looked for. Yet
his suspicions might be unreasonable and have
grown out of his concern for the welfare of an
innocent and righteous man.
Onias thought it would by no means be wonderful,
if a new exasperation existed in the
minds of many who had heard him to day,
seeing what the prophecies were which he had
uttered.
“But,” said I, “if he prophesied destruction to
the Temple and to Jerusalem, he did not spare
death by violence.”
“Yet,” said Judith, “of his rising from the
dead also!”
“Yes,” said Onias, “he boasts that being
dead he will in three days come back again to
life. But how plain, if he possesses any such
power as could accomplish that, he would first
exert it to save himself from the pain of dying!
Who would die, had he power to deliver himself?
And at the last moment, to elude or escape
from the hands of the Council or Pilate, would
display his divine strength even as coming
again from the dead. All this shows real weakness,
and imposture.”
“Unless,” said Judith, “it should be true
that certain ends could be accomplished by his
death, and immediate resurrection which could
not be otherwise, which is conceivable though
we may not be able to say what they are. —
But of these things it surely is not needful to
dispute, for notwithstanding all you have said,
Saturninus, I cannot believe in danger to one
who stands so firmly in the present reverence,
and just expectations of the people. The
Council would never dare to injure him — for
they would fear the people. I will apprehend,
I can apprehend nothing. During the few more
days we remain here, shall I look to gather
and believe that Israel will rejoice in the light of
his truth and life.”
We agreed in dismissing our fears. We also
determined that on the morrow we would be
together in the temple at the time Jesus should
arrive from Bethany, which is ever about the
third hour.
Our friends then took their departure for the
city, while for ourselves we were soon wrapt
in sleep.
But while we slept in security and peace — injustice
and violence, treachery and revenge were
awake, and under cover of night doing their
deeds darker than night.
His enemies have triumphed, and Jesus hangs
crucified upon mount Calvary!
Thus it fell out. During the night, while
friends were away, the city asleep, none suspecting
the designs of the Council, Jesus was
seized, carried before the Council, tried and condemned,
the sentence confirmed by Pilate, and
then before the third hour of the day, and before
the knowledge of what had been done
could spread abroad, was hurried without the
walls and crucified. Grief and indignation are
Council, there were but few, who, though they
believed not in Jesus, did not reverence his
virtues and hope that he might show himself
more and greater than his miracles had yet
proved him. But though angry and disappointed,
they raise no tumult, seeing that although, as
they judged but yesterday, there was hope in Jesus,
and they knew not what he might not be, —
felt that he might be anything, everything
they wished, — the event has resolved all their
doubts, as it has finally and forever extinguished
all their hopes. They grieve that being innocent
he should suffer death to feed the hatred of the
Rulers, but they acquiesce without further complaint,
as they now know that their trust in him
was delusive — that he himself was deceived
concerning his own character and office, and that
they therefore had been placing their reliance
on one in whom there was no help.
Judith is overwhelmed with grief. — She can
hardly believe that he, who but yesterday was
borne into the city on the arms of a whole people,
should so soon have suffered a cruel and
shameful death, crowds of that very people
looking on, and uttering approving cries. I assured
her that they who witnessed the trial —
who even knew of it — were very few, and
they for the most part partisans brought together
indeed to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, and was
sent by him out of a feigned respect to Herod,
great numbers of the populace were gathered together;
but it was not wonderful, as they beheld
him wholly in the power of his enemies,
submitting to his fate as if he no longer possessed
any power of resistance or escape, that
they should abandon him, as one who by such
helplessness was shown not to be the person
they had taken him for; especially seeing that
his own disciples lost their faith in him,
and left him to his fate; and that one of them
bribed by the Council — that thereby the rage
of the people might be diverted in part at least
from themselves — accused him before them,
and betrayed to their officers the place of his
retreat on the Mount of Olives. All were now
alike persuaded — his own disciples not less
than others — that they had been strangely deceived.
No sooner had Judith learned this mournful
termination of her hopes, than she resolved immediately
to return to Beth-Harem, nor did
Onias, seeing her unhappiness, seek to detain
her; but committing her, accompanied by Ruth
who shared her sorrow, to my guidance, set
us forward with the requisite attendants on
our way, so that on this same morning we
homewards.
As we wound along among the valleys of
the Jordan —
Here, my kinsmen of Rome, do these letters
to Naomi abruptly terminate.
Of the early days passed in Judea they give
an exact and careful account; it was with this I
promised to supply you. Of the fortunes and the
fate of Onias when, upon the crucifixion of Jesus
and at the instigation of Herod — now relieved of
his most formidable foe and rival, whose death
he celebrated on the day of his crucifixion by
a banquet given to his friends — he resumed
the enterprises that had been interrupted since
the first appearing of John, of my own fortunes
took in the defence of the city when beleaguered
and finally destroyed by the Romans, and the
scenes I then witnessed, of my intercourse with
the early Christians, and the strange interpretation
they came to put upon the character, and
doctrine of Jesus, and their controversies with
the Jews who, like myself, continued to deny
him, I will also write, if concerning these
things you should show the same desire to be
informed.
It is not necessary that I should say aught
of the wonderful events that took place in Jerusalem,
surpassing all preceding wonders, on
that same day that we departed from it, since
the writings of the followers of Jesus, in which
they are truly recorded, have already become
common. All that I shall add is this, that those
wonders were witnessed by persons from all
parts of the world, and received the same ready
assent as the miracles of Jesus. Saturninus the
Centurion — and than he no man could have
looked on with a calmer mind — doubted not
that Jesus was a prophet of God, declared then
more especially to be so by the signs of anger
or of compassion which nature gave, when they
whom he came to serve and bless devoted him
to the death of the cross. His rising from the
dead also, in agreement with his prediction, a
or afterwards remembered, confirmed, not
only by the testimony of his own disciples who
saw him and conversed with him a long time
after he came to life, but also by the soldiers who
were set as a watch over the sepulchre, he considered
as establishing the same thing. Doubtless
they sufficiently proved him to be a messenger
and prophet of God, at the same time that
they failed to prove him the Messiah who had
been foretold, for whom Israel had waited so
long, and still waits.
| XX. Julian, or Scenes in Judea | |