Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-04-06


TIE Ohio State Journal declines to publish
an article palliating the eriminality of Judas,
in reply to sermon which served up that
Apostle of unhappy memory for the ediica-
ton of the faithful. The Journal regards the
case as closed and don't want to open it, at
the cost of loading its columns with the con-
troversy.
The writer's theory is not new; it is that
Judas did not expect the crucifxion, but he
thought he saw lack of energy and bold
ness in Jesus, growing out of the extreme
amiability and tenderness of his character;
and believing, as all the disciples then did,
that His mission was to restore the Kingdom
of Israel on earth by miraculous power, and
that it was being delayed by Jesus's amiable
weakness, and diverted by his afectionate
social relations, he sought by bold stroke
10 precipitate the revolution, believing that
by the possession of miraculous power Jesus
was safe from all harm.
This is made somewhat plausible, by the
fact that as soon as Judas found that Jesus
was really to suffer, he went to the chief
priests, accused himself of fbetraying innocent
blood, threw down the thirty pieces of silver
in their presence, and when he found this of
no avail, in his remorse he went and hanged
himself At this very time Peter was deny
ing bis Lord with cursing and swearing, like
a fisherman. Yet Peter became the head of
the Church, while the memory of Judas is
accursed to this day; and the Ohio State
journal refuses to open the case for re-
vision.
1t is proper to state, however, that another
version makes Judas to have bought real
estate with his i'll gotten money, and not to
have manifested any penitence at all, but to
have died miserably, while enjoying his pur-
chase.
These accounts being both inspired, can
readily be reconciled; but they leave the ex-
act mental condition Of Judas at his death,
and the manner of his end, in uncertainty.
We msy infer from the Office of Judas
among the disciples, that he was a man of
force of character, business capacity, and one
who commanded the confidence of his
fellows, for in voluntary associations such
are the men usually chosen for the most re-
sponsible duties of treasurer. 1t is singu-
lar fact that although Judas betrayed Jesus,
he was the only disciple who boldly asserted
his innocence after he was condemned, all
the others having fed but Peter who denied
him with cursing and swearing.
But it seems to us that it would be a mis-.
fortune to society to have the sentence of
Judas reversed or mitigated. His example
is an edifying one. To make merchandise of
ones religion is not an uncommon thing in
this world. That is organic religion almost
always conforms to the material interest.
We may see that in this country, where on
one side of Mason & D1on's Line freedom
is Christianity, and on the other slavery is
Christianity,
Our brother Of the new religious journal
here would not scruple to charge those who
preach that slavery is the law of God, with
making merchandise of their religion. On
the other side of the line they would reverse
the charge.
To make ones religion conform TO inter
est, is very like selling it, To sell one sfaith,
is very like selling the author of it. st. Paul
says it cIucifes the Son of God afresh, and
puts him to an open shame. Yet all those
who have found gOdliness profitable in all
things, give themselves credit for the
Christian virtues in proportion as they en-.
joy the exhibitions of the enOrmity of the
offense of Judas in selling his Lord for
money and in the contemplation of his
guilt they became entirely oblivious of the
main chance which governs their own faith
Without Judas the range Of preaching
would be narrowed, for there may be grea
boldness Of speech in denOuneing Judas
while to attack modern Christian profits
called fanaticaI, and degrades the pulpit. o
the whole, Judas had better remaini and
the sentence which society has pronOune'