Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/129

 he who had restored life to the dead would guard that life.

All looked unto Paltiel, for to his voice it was their wont to hearken, and from his smile the most timid took courage. He advised that the priests should minister in the temple even as when Cæsar commanded that his statue should be worshiped there. Then there was but one mind among the priesthood, and with one voice they had refused to obey the commands of their conqueror. Now also should the faithful be faithful still, and keep back nothing that Jehovah had spoken, but bear witness in his holy place. On the other disciples he gazed with love, while he warned them that a time of tribulation might be at hand, and besought them to be meek towards men, while they were faithful towards God.

“Remember,” he said, “those of our fathers whose spirit dwelt in Zion while they endured evil and were afflicted by the hands of the wicked. If they suffered for their sins, much more may we for the name we bear. If they bore testimony to the old law, much rather may we to that which is full of grace