The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-06-10
MISCELLAN EOUS.
From the Columbian Magazine.l
THE JEWISH LER.
BY MISS c. LOUISE M. Drawn

From the Columbian Magazine.l
THE JEWISH RULER.
BY MISS &. LOUISE M. BRAwxER.
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Ncodemus,
a ruler of the Jews-the that came to Jesus by
nighy--H. john, g. ill.,, u 4 IL 81. sIs.a4slt 81
Darkness encircled the land called Holy
night, with her train of shadows, mantled noun
tain, and hill and valley, and deep sea- and placid
lake, and gurgling rvulet. There were no stars
visible; the veet sparkling things were hidden
behind dense clouds that had been clustering in
the heavens snce the decline of day, and the fair,
pale moon ventured not to glance from beneath
her vapory mantle, lest she should behold some
devastation earth, for rude and terrible storm
was portending. All nature appeared conscious
of the approaching battle Of the elements, and
hushed their murmurings. Men, women, and
children, birds, beasts, and insects, remained
quiet and expectant. Soon the artillery of Hea-
ven disturbed the calm, and flash after flash of
lurid fame illumined the vast concave, and re-.
vealed the sea beneath--the cities, towns, and
villages, the hill sides and pleasant Wales of
blessed Palestine. Proudest among its proud
places stood Jerusalem; her costly palaces, her
stately towers, her splendid domes and spires and
temples, Frightening under each successive CLEAN
shot from the electric heavens The reyerber-
ating thunder and long streams OF brilliant light
ming were accompanied by thick and fast falling
randrops, as though the ocean above gave vent
to it's supertluous waves. f3
In fan apartment of rich and sumptuous
dwelling Of that eastern cme sat one Of its love-
Hest daughters, now ininistering tenderly to tall
and stately man, who tossed on couch in all the
restlessness of troubled spirit, and anon gazing
upon the conflict without The chamber was
supplied with every luxury, and lighted by lamps
emitting sweet and pleasant odor, while upon
the forms of it's occupants shone jewels of rare
beauty and value, and robings from the most
famed looms of the age. 5s,.,
The storm continued an hour, and then the dark
drapery fell from the blue vault, and the beautiful
stars were disclosed to view one by one, like gilt
| terng gems, and the moon, gentle and smiling,
scattered her rays until the expansive sky was
flooded with mellow light, softening and beantify-
ing every object. The breath of countless flow
ers-such flowers as bloom but in eastern lands
floated up and filled the atmosphere with delicious
fragrance, while everything seemed to whisper
There's light to follow darkness e'er--
There's joy for those who doubt and fear
There's calm when threat'ning storms are done--
There's peace for ali beneath the SUM-
"Look up. my lord, the elements have stayed
their contention-look up, pray, and gladden. the
heart of thy hanGmaiden," murmured the Lutte
like tones of Serah, the wife Of Nicodemus.
The gloomy clouds obscure the celestial orbs
no longer---all is brightness sa
throbbed wildly beneath his costly robe Of purple
and fine linen, and, signing, replied
There is no brightness in my soul, Serah |;
there is naught but darkness and gloom always.
In halls of state, in synagogue or temple, at home
by thy side, my adored, or abroad, tranquility
eludes me, and doubts of future kingdom,
thoughts Of another life disturb my bosom"
Hast thou heard the Nazarene!" questioned
his beautiful listener, while to her fair face there
sprang an EXPRESSION of awe and reverence.
Hast thou hearkened to the great teacher whose
fame has extended all over our lovely land. the
ambassador of God, whose voice has been heard
on Olvet's mount, in the garden, by the stream
so dear to my heart, and elsewhere 7" And there
was that in the light of the speakers beaming
countenance that told Christian wonlan's indy
ing faith in Him who had gathered around him SO
many of her fair sisters.
He is an impostor, Serah he has deceived
thee and others--oUK Messiah is yet to come,"
spoke the ruler. -t
"Dost forget the miracles he has performed B.
There was no deception in the awakening of the
noble brother of the fair sisters of Bethany from
the slumbers Of the grave--in the resuscitation
Of the only son OF the widow Of Main, and the
sweet childish daughter Of Jairus, nor in the heal
ing OF poor, wasted frames"
aAh Serah, can he heal the mind Can this
boasted one dspel the doubts and fears that have
gathered in sad confusion about my aching bo-
som Z" and the ruler hid his noble couhtenance
amid the rich cushions of the sumptuous couch
on which he had been seeking repose in vain.
His companion placed her soft hand on his
head, and bending down. whispered in his ear.
He rose from his pillow and flung his arm round
her fair person, drew her to his side, and said
"Weary THY presence, my loved one! Weary
of aught SO good and true Sooner the golden
sun forget his rsings ana declinings, the moon to
gladden. the earth with her smile, The stars to
sparkle on heavens robe, the blossoms we love
to fling their fragrance on the breeze; sooner all
things forget their appointed destinies, than re.
member not thy affection, thy truth, thy gentle
devotion" nsy st
The Jewish wife bent modestly beneath tho
glance Of her lord, cherished next to her God,
and murmured- s tas.
Thanks, thanks-and now, hearken to thy
servant. Whose power babe the clouds dispense
and unmantled the glory Of the night-gems' stay
ed the rain and the swift footed lightning Kept US
here unscathed bv the fiercelv contending eIe-