The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1906-08-30


part of the lesson prescribed.-D.
w. CT
/ JeriChol-what stirring scenes
the name recalls Rahab and the
spies, all saved by rope OF signifi-
cant color; Joshua meeting the an
gel with drawn sword; Israel's
march about the city to rams
horn accompaniment; Achan s
troublesome wedge of gold and
Babylonish garment; Elisha heal
ing the spring Of waters; the
school of the prophets; not to speak
of the Oriental splendor of Herod
and his son Archelansl But for
ethical purposes, every other Incl
dent connected with this City of
of Palms must give place to Jesus
interview with Zaccheus.
1t was busy day in that COM
mercial city, the revenues of which
were esteemed a gift a Roman
triumvir might appropriately be-
stow upon an Egyptian queen as a
love-token. \ singing pilgrim
caravan from Galillee and Perea
was in passage for the Passover at
at Jerusalem. The presence in it
of the Wonder-worker who had so
lately raised Lazarus gave an un-
usual interest to what was other
wise familiar incident. As it
was, the whole populace poured
out, and hedged the street on
either hand.
The chief collector Of revenue
heard that Jesus was passing. He
sat there at the receipts of Gus
toms, with accounts spread out be-
fore him, there was a tumult of
conflicting emotions in his heart.
We may almost hear his soliloquy,
Jesus, who spoke the parable of
the Pharisee and publican, who
has eaten with publicans, who has
| ordained one to be His aDOstle.
Jesus, SO near, and for the last
time, too, for the Jews will surely
kill him on this visit to Jerusalem
! will see Jesus" On that res
olution souls destiny turns.
Daybook and ledger are closed,
Office locked, and Zaccheus sallies
forth.
a less resolute soul, one less fer
tile in resource, would have re-
treated before such hindrances.
An impenetrable human wall; no.
body inclined to show the odious
tax collector slightest courtesy;
rather to improve the opportunity
to elbow and jostle him. But
Zaccheus remembers the Egyptian
fg-tree far down and in the middle
Of the thoroughfore. He runs
and climbs into the low fork of the
tree. Doing 50, he violates the
Eastern noting Of decorum, and
makes himself more than ever the
target for gibe and epithet, But
what does that amount to, so only
he sees the Friend of Publicans?
One smile from Him will repay
all.
AS the confused sounds of the
approaching throng grow more dis
tinct, 50 does a holy purpose in
the heart of Zaccheus. 1t might
express itself in the words, IF
Jesus only calls me, I will forsake
all to follow Him" His master
passion, avarice, most subtle and
imperious of all, has received its
death blow.
Before he ever left the fork of
the tree, Zaccheus was far beyond
the young rich ruler. No need OF
Jesus testing him with the COM
mand, Go sell all, and give all ="
Can this man, whose life has been
one of social ostracism, believe his
ears? In defiance of popular feel
ing and established etiquette, does
Jesus invite Himself to his home?
Will the great Rabbi actually en-
ter house, the threshold of which
no self-respecting Hebrew has ever
crossed? Fears He no ceremonial
de6lement?
1t is no mistake. Jesus is look
| ing up with smile of RECOGNITION