Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-12-24


/ "Yes," said Zabulon, "because
he was born in Bethlehem at the
time appointed by the prophets and
the wise men have seen his star.n
He must be very beautiful, al
though he is so small. Don't you
think so, Zabulon ?"
cit is written that he shall be tho
most beautiful among the children
of men,"
81 shall go to see him." said Lii,
it'll.
When the night came, Lilith en-.
veloped herself in long black wells,
and the bracelets and circles OF gold
upon her arms and ankles, the col.
lars about her neck and the precious
stones with which she was covered,
shone through her wells as softly as
the stars in the sky. And thus Lii
ith resembled the night, whose name
she bore, for in Hebrew "Lilith"
signifies the night"
She left the palace secretly with
the negress Noun, ard as she walked
she mused: " l should not want the
Messiah to take the crown from my
father, because it would be very
hard for me not to live i'm a beauti-
ful palace any more, and not to have
any more soft rugs and pretty dresses
and perfumes and jewels. But still
l do not want them to kill this little
newborn child. So / shall tell my
father that ! have discovered its
hiding-place, and, as a recompense
for this service / shall entreat him
to spare the child and keep him in
his palace. Thus he cannot harm us
and if he is really the Messiah he
will let us share his power"
Lilith found Zebonda and her hus-
band, Methouel, in prayer. Both
seemed filled with great joy. Lilith
bethought her of ruse.
Hozael is very WELL" said she,
and ] shall bring him back to YOU
tomorrow. But since you know
where to find the Messiah lead me to
him. L am come to adore him.
Methouel was simple man, little
disposed to think ill of others, so he
replied, 81 will show you the way.
Princess Lilith."
When they reached the spot where
the infant lay, Lilith was greatly as
tonished, for she had expected to see
something extraordinary and mag
nificent without knowing exactly
what, and she only saw a hut built
against rock, and in this hut an ass,
an OK, man who appeared to be
workman, Il woman of the people,
beautiful, yes, but pale and delicate,
and poorly clad.
Ana In the manger, lying upon the
straw, was a little child, whom, at
first glance, she thought like any
other child. But when she drew
nearer she saw its eyes, and in those
eyes look not that of a babe, an
Infinite sweetness more than human,
and she became aware that the sta
BILE was only lighted by the light
which emanated from him.
She said to the young mother,
" What is your name?"
Miryem."
"And your little boy ?"
"Jesus."
he seems to be very good"
lie mOans sometimes, but he
never cries."
Will you let me kiss him ?n
Yes, madam" said Miryem.
Lilith stopped and kissed the child
upon the forehead, and Miryem was
little veXed that she did not kneel.
$50" said Lilith, "this little
child is the Messiah ?"
You have said it, madam
And he will be King of the
Jews ?"
at is for that that God has sent
him."
" But then he will make war and
Kill many men, and he will dethrone
King Herod or his successor?n
"NO," said Miryem, "for his
kingdom is not of this world. He
will have neither guards nor soldiers.
lie will have neither palaces nor
treasures. He will not infiict taxes
upon the people, and he will live
like the poorest fisherman on the
lake of Genesareth. He will be the
servant of the poor and humole.-
He will heal the sick and comfort
the afflicted. He will teach truth
and justice. 1t is over hearts, not
bodies, that he will reign. He will
suffer to teach us the price of suffer
ing. He will be the King OF Love,
for he will love all men. And he
will teach those who are tormented
with longing which this world can
not satisfy where their poor hearts
can find peace and joy. And no
doubt he will have a throne"
I" All, now you see - said Lilith,
still resisting.
But" resumed Miryem, 1.-the
throne will be a cross. He will die
upon q cross to eXpiate the sins of
men, so that God his Father, may
have pity upon them"
Lilith listened in astonishment.-
Slowly she turned her head toward
the manger. The babe was gazing
at her, and, vanquished by the ca
ress Of those deep eyes, she mur-
INJURED, " No one ever told me these
things BEFORE" and falling upon her
knees she adored him.
81 know" said Lilith, as she arose,
4" that King Herod will search for
the child to kill him. Take the ass
and fly. / will pay it's master.n
Following the narrow paths which
wound in and out among the round
hills, the little company soon reached
the plain. "Here," said the Prin-
cess. " must leave you. am the
Princess Lilith, daughter of King
Herod. Remember me-"
And as they disappeared i'm the
n HH 80 L.