Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/95

 The disciples departed from Jericho by night, privately. Philip went with them on their way, till the dawn broke over the hills of Judah. When they had blessed him, trusting to meet at Jerusalem at the Passover, he returned homewards alone. He looked towards the holy city, and remembered what was being done in the temple; how the breath of the morning was fanning the flame on the altar, and how the sacrifice was preparing whose smoke would soon ascend into the clear heaven. This day he was to set his face thither-ward; and it seemed to him that the morning arose in blessedness. The springing grain was bright with dew. The early forest trees put forth their shoots, and Jordan gleamed in the crimson light of the east.—Philip sorrowed to leave this place, even though his desire was great to see Jerusalem.

The company to which he joined himself was small. Some among them went to seek the Prophet, but a few despised the superstition of their companions. As they entered towns and villages, the inquiry ever was whether they believed in Jesus of Nazareth. In every town and village were some who