Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/151

 yet sayeth he unto us, 'My children, love one another.' Soon shall his tongue be silent, if, as he believes, he shall depart when the visitation of wrath is accomplished, when the temple shall be overthrown, according to the sure words of Christ."

"The time is at hand," said one who had drawn nigh to the company unperceived. It was Adonijah, the aged priest, who had gone back from them to serve to the last the altar of Jehovah.

"The temple is surely overthrown, since thou art here, my father!" said his sons as they bent before him.

"The temple yet standeth, but the fire of the altar is extinguished, Therefore I come, because I know that the office of the priesthood is ended. I have seen the sacred vessels melted in the fire, as the ore that cometh impure out of the ground; and therefore I seek a place of prayer where none can commit sacrilege."

The company opened a way to the palmgrove where they worshiped; and thither the old man retired with his children alone.

When he came forth, he told how the