Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1845-01-31
THE JEWISH RULER.

There was man of the Pharasees, named Nlco-
Jemus, ruler of the Jews-the same came to Jesus
by nfght-& John, {. III.
Darkness encircled the land called holy
night, with her train of shadows, Inantled,
mountain, hill, and valley, and deep sea. and
placid lake, and gurgling Iivulet. There
were no stars visible-.the sweet sparkling
things were hidden behind dense clouds that
had been clustering in the heavens since the
decline Of day, aud the fair pale moon ventur.
ed not TO glance from beneath her vapory man.
tie, lest she should behold some devastation on
earth, for rude and terrible storm was por.
tending. All nature appeared conscious Of
the approaching battle Of the elements, and
hushed their murmurirgs. Men, women,
children, birds, beasts, and insects remained
quiet and expectant. Soon the artillery of
heaven disturbed the calm, g. flash after flash
Of lurid flames illuminated the vas, concave
and revaled the sea benea,h-the cities, towns
and villages, the hill sides and pleasant wales
Of blessed Palestine. Proudest among its
proud places stood jerusalem her costly pal
aces, her stately towers, her splendid domes,
spires and temples Frightening under each
successive CLEAN, shot forth the electric heav-
ems. The reverberating thunder and the long
streams of brilliant lightning were accompa-
MED by thick and fast. falling rain, as though
an ocean above gave vent TO its superfuous
waves.
In an apartment cf rich and sumptuous
dwelling in that eastern cline, sat one of its
!oveliest daughters, ministering tenderly to a
tall and stately man, who tossed on couch
in all the restlesness Of troubled spirit, and
anon gazing upon the conflict without. The
chamber was supplied with every luxury, and
lighted by lamps emitting a sweet and pleas
ont odor, while upon the forms Of the occu-
pants ehone jewels of rare beauty and value,
and robings from the most famed looms Of the
age.
The storm continued all hour and then The
dark drapery fell from the blue vault. and the
beautiful stars were disclosed to view, one by
one, like glimmering gems, and the moon,
gentle and smiling, scattered her rays until
the expansive sky was flooded with mellow
light, softening and identifying every object.
The breath Of countless flowers-such flowers
al bloom but in eastern lands-foated up and
filled the atmosphere with delicious fragrance,
while everything seemed 10 whisper
There's light to follow darkness Ger
There's joy for those who doubt and fear
There's calm when threatening storms are DONE
There's peace for al! beneath the SUM-
"Look up, my lord; the elements have
stayed their conten,ion-look up, pray, and
gladden. the heart of thy handmaden," muir
INJURED the lutte like tones Of Sarah, the wife
of Nicodemus. 1.-THE gloomy clouds obscure
the celestial orb no longer-all is brightness. -
The ruler pressed his hand upon the heart
that throbbed wildly beneath his costly robe
ofpurple and fine linen, and signing, replied,
"There is no brightness in my soul. Sarah,
there is naught but darkness and gloom al
ways. Ia halls of State, synagogue or temple,
at home by thy side, my adored, or abroad,
tranquility elndes me, and doubt of future
kingdom. thoughts of another life disturb NV
BOSOM"
Hast thou heard Of the Nazarine." ouee.
toned his beautiful lis,ner, while to her face
there sprang an expression Of awe and rever.
ence. Hast thou hsarkened to the great tea
cher whose fame has extended all over our
lovely land, the ambassador of God whose
voice has been heard on Oivet's Mount, in the
garden. by the stream SO dear to my heart, and
elsewhere = And there was that in the light
OF the speakers beaming countenaece that told
Cnns!ian woman's undying faith in Him
who hath gathered around him so many of her
fair sisters. ''
He is an impos,er, Sarah; he has deceiv.
ed thee and o,hers-ouR Messiah is W.. ~
come." spoke the ruler.
"Dost thou forget the miracles he has ne,.
formed There was no deception in the ava.
xen1ng OF the noble brother Of the fair sisters
OF ne'hany from the Slumbees Of the grave
~ me sesusc'tation d the only son of The wild.
ow o. MAN, and the sweet, childish dauohte,
frames.' " pun wasted
An: Sarah, can he heal the mind, "a,
ms ooas'ed one dispel the doubts and fs.r.
INA; have gathered in sad confusion abor, 0r %
scnine bosom ;" and the ruler hid his nohi NY
s"mae amid the rich cushions Of ' ,he
ing !epose 10 vain. ' 'ee" seek
.ss Ssss.a esssd hs; soft hand on her