The Jewish advance. (Chicago, Ill.) 1878-1881, 1879-07-04

! OF BETHAR.
BY REV. DAVE STERN.
THE CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM.

nj.
TIIE. CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM.
1t was more than sixty years since
yhc ruined city of Jerusalem had heard
the blast of war During that time she
had not seen flaming sword nor a pol
ished javein; in her avenues the silence
of death rcigned, and in her streets the
quiet of the grave prevailed. When all
at once she was overran by warriors with
the impctuosity of mighty waters, her
deserted streets were filled with a num-
erous and powerful y;it was the army
of mighty Rome, composed of cavalry
and infantry The infantry carried
double edged swords in their hands, their
loins were girdcd with belts containing
arrows and deadly missiles, on their
heads they wore copper helmets, their
feet were protected by copper shield,
and on their shoulder they carried laye-
lins.
The cavalry rode on magnificent horses
imported from Arabia and Egypt. With
pride and anger they trod the earth,
their rejoicing was mighty and loud,
mountains trembled at their voices, and
the sight of them was sufficient to make
the bravest fear. This terrible army
was sent by the governor of Syria after
he had been defeated by the Jews upon
the field of battle, to capture the city OF
Jerusalem and to guard its walls and
gates, so that the Jews might not gain
possession of it and rebuild their temple.
The Romans rebuilt the fortress on
Mount zion, raised high towers upon
the walls of Jerusalem, fortified it
strongly, locked its gates and prepared
for battle.
Night spread its wings over Judah's
mountains, and the silvery lustre Of the
moon passing triumphantly through the
clouds illumined the atmosphere; no
voice or sound could be heard in the
streets, nor could any light be seen in
the houses. The silence prevailing in
the city was only disturbed from time to
time by the voice of the guards; the
phosphorescent yapor ascending from
the Salt Sea occasionally clouded the
moonlight on that beautiful night
In a moment this silence was broken,
the sound of martial music could be
heard around the walls of Jerusalem,
there could be seen mighty army with
many and powerful horses, all Of them
we'll armed and equipped The guards
who stood watch on the towers blew
their comets and shouted: The Jews
The Jews p The Romans awoke quickly,
armed themselves and mounted the
walls whence they saw Shimeon Bar
Cochba with many thousands of Jews
moving upon the city. The Jews had
come from the desert of Theman, from
the west of Arabia. from Gaul, from
Africa and from all the other lands
where they had been banished, in order
to fight under Shimeon's flag. Stand
still!' commanded Bar Cochba and in
one moment the immense army stood as
firm as a wall, none moved hand or
winked an eye, and profound silence
reigned everywhere, even the Romans
on the top of the walls were still for the
moment. Suddenly the lion on which
Shimeon rode sprang up with fright
ful yell, all the horses neighed, and the
noise was terrible; but as soon as Shin
con hit the lions jaw with his fist he be
came silent and quiet was restored, The
eyes of the Romans were turned upon
Shimeon Bar Cochba, who proudly rode
on terrible lion decked with gold and
precious stones and shining brilliantly
in the moonlight. The Jewish army
listened sttentively to his exhortation
when he said: MY brethren and my