Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/146

 spears, which was now distinctly seen on the horizon, and his face was flushed as he cried,

“If our faith did not forbid to shed the blood of these oppressors, mine arm should be strong to defend my people.”

“It would be in vain, my son,” replied an elder; “the glory of our nation departeth. A better victory is for thee.”

The smoke of the offering now curled above the courts of the temple. An aged priest, who had joined himself to the Christians and left the city sorrowing, could not now restrain himself. He turned to his children to bid them farewell, purposing to abide in the temple till it should be overthrown. He would suffer none to return with him, because the Lord Jesus had given them warning to flee from the wrath to come; but for himself he said,

“My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of Jehovah, where I have served all the days of my manhood. Though the incense should ascend no more, though the sparrow should build in the holy place, and the swallow feed her young on the altar, I will