The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-06-19
MISCELLANEOUS
From the Louisville Journal.
PONTIUS PLATE AT VIENNE.
Translated and aJridged from "Le Courier des
E,t.,o TE,.;,

Vienne in Dauphiny, a province ofFrnnce, the
ancient capital OF Transal pine Gau under the
Romans, is situated on the river Rhone. There,
on the left bank of that beautiful stream, is seen
tomb of an ancient architecture, which, according
TO tradition is the tomb Of Pontius Pilate-Pilate,
under whose government Jesus Christ suffered.
Passus est sub Pontio Plato. 1t was in Vienne,
also, that the Wandering Jew revealed himself
in l777-a most remarkable occurrence, the
spot that contained the ashes of the Judge OF the
Righteous, was to he trodden upon by descend
ant of his accuser.
The following chronicle was extracted from
an old Latin manuscript found in monastery
near Vienne.
1t was under the reign OF Calisula when G.
Marcus was pr@tor at Vienne, that an old man,
bent with age, yet of a tall stature, was seen TO
descend from his litter and enter house of mod
est appearace near the temple of Mars. Over the
door of this house was written, in red letters,
the name of f. Albnus. He was an old acquain-
lance of Pilates After mutual santatons, Al
binus observed IT, him that many years had elaps-
ed since their separation. eyes" replied Plate,
smany vears-years of misfortune and affection
Accused be the day OH which succeeded Vale
RUS Gratus in the government OF 'udea! MY
name ia ominous: it has been fatal to WhomsO-
ever has borne it. One OF my ancestors imprint
ed nm indebe mark of nfamy on the fair front
of imperial Rome, when the Romans passed
under the Canadincp FLrcltlD IN the Samnite war.
Another persisted by The hands OF the Parthians
in the war against Arminius. And I-,niserable
mel
"You miserable?" asked Albnus; " what have
Won done to entail misery on you? True, the in
Justice Of Caligula has exiled you to Vienne, but
for wha, crime? 1 have examined your affair at
the T'dlbulou i,,n You are denounced by Vitel-
lus. Project of Syria, your enemy, for having
chas.ened the rebellious Hebrews, who had slain
the most noble of the Samuritans, and who after
wards withdrew themselves on, Mount Garisum.
You are also accused of acting thus ont of hatred
against the Jews"
"No!' replied PLATE. emo! by all the gods,
Albinus, it is not the injustice of Cesar that at
frts me-"
"What then is the cause of your afflicsons?"
continued Albnus. "Long have known YOU
sensible, just, humane. see l;-you are the
victim of Vi,eus."
"Say not so, Albinus-Say no, that am the
victim of Vitellus-No am the victim of
higher power! The Romans regard me as an
object of Caesars disgrace the Jews, as the Sc
we're Proconsul; the Christians, as the execution
err Of their God"
"Of their God, did you say, Pilate?-impous
wretches-Adore God born i'll manager, ana
put to death the cross"
"Beware, A lbinus beware" continued Plate
"If the Christ had been born under the purple,
he would not have been adored. Listen. 10
your friendship will submit the events of my
life; you will afterwards Judge whether am
worthy of your hospitality.
"On my arrival at Jerusalem, took possess
ion of the Pretorum and ordered splendid
feast to be prepared, to which invited the Te-
trerch of Judea, with the high priest and his Of
fcers. AT the appointed hour, no guest appear
ed This was an insult offered to my dignity.
A few days aherward, the Tesrarch deigned TO
pay me visit. His department was grave and
deceitful. He pretended that his religion for
babe him and his attendants to Sit at the table OF
A. IT. IlNrtin
1 thought it expedent to accept of his excuses,
but from that moment was convinced that the
conquered had declared themselves the enemies
Of the conQuerOrs.
At that time, Jerusalem, was of all conquered
cites, the most difficultto govern. So turbulent
were the people, that | lived in momentary dread
of an Instruction. To repress it, had but
single Centurion, and handful of soldiers. l
requested reinforcement from the Project OF Sy-
ria who informed elhat he had scarcely troops
sufficient to defend his own province. insatate
thirst of e,npire;-to extend our conquests be-
yond the means of defending them!
Among the various rumors which came 10 my
ears, there was one that attracted my attention.
young man, it said, had appeared i'll Gal
lice, preaching with noble JUNCTION, new law
in the name of the God who had sent him. AT
first l was apprehensive that his design was to
stir up the people against the Romans; but soon
were my fears dispelled. Jesus of Nazareth
the Jews.
One day, passing by the place of Sioe, where
there was great concourse Of people, observ-
ed in the midst of the group young man lean
ing against tree, who was calmly addressing
the mutiNde. / was told that i, was Jesus
This could easily have suspected, SO great was
the difference between him and those who were
listening to him. He appeared to be about thir-
y years of age His golden coored hair
and beard gave to his appearance celestial as
pect Never have | seen a sweeter q more
serene countenance What n contrast between
him and his hearers, with their black boards and
tawny compilations! Unwilling to interrupt him
by my presence, continued my walk, but sig
nihed to my Secretary to join the group and lis
ten.
My Secretary's name was Manus. He was
the grandson of the chief of the conspirors, who
encapped in Etrusa, waiting for Catalina, Man.