Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/89

 “It was between me and my God,” replied Philip; “and I would not grieve thy heart yet more than it was grieved already.”

Jotham looked down abashed, for he remembered that his complaint had been more bitter than Philip’s, though he had no wife from whom he was parted, and none for whom to fear but himself alone. Now, he could again rejoice and weep with those who rejoiced and wept; and he was therefore glad when the disciple promised to go unto Jericho, whither Philip was hastening.

These three were the last of the company; and at length Jotham also departed, turning aside towards Mamre.

The plain of Jericho, the garden of God, appeared to Philip as paradise to Adam when he first beheld, or as the land of promise to the wanderers of the wilderness. He had, for some months, seen no beauty in the forms of nature save the desolate grandeur of rocks and sandy plains. Now, the towers of Jericho arose from amidst fertile fields. Forests of palms and thickets of blossoming shrubs clothed the meadows, and Jordan rolled its full tide between banks which were clothed with