Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/71

 “That his doctrine will be gainsaid and himself persecuted, I fully believe,” replied Sadoc; “for when hath Israel received gladly a prophet from on high? But Jehovah shall surely establish his truth by this his greatest messenger.”

“Truly, we are a rebellious people,” said Paltiel. "When I think how Moses was troubled in spirit all the days of his life, how Elijah hungered in the desert, how Isaiah was tortured in body, and Jeremiah mourned in his heart, I weep and take up the words of lamentation, because Jerusalem hath grievously sinned. I cannot but fear lest the wrath of Jehovah should visit us to avenge his holy one.”

“Yet herein is his tender mercy shewn,” said Phares, “that he hath sent unto us one so great.”

“But what saith he if we receive him not? ‘Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord God of Hosts.’ If he be against us, who shall save us?”

“But the people may yet believe and be saved,” said Sadoc, “No man yet layeth hands on him, though the Pharisees seek to destroy him. He is mightier than other