Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1906-05-03

A
Jahziel had man.
S~R aged so cleverly
that the move
ments of himself and his brethren were
kept secret This he had done be-
cause he and the other Hebrew OH
cials feared that Moses might inter
fere with their plan Of pleading with
Pharaoh for relief. and they were de-
termined that he should know nothing
about II until after their return. But
IL chanced that Joshua. who since hts
return had been in very close touch
with Moses and Aaron, had occasion
to visit the district where Jahziel and
the men under him labored and OBJ
serving his absence he made inquiry
concerning him, and learned that he
had not been seen for two days.
Fearing that something had hap
pened to him he went to the mans
home. The confusion of the members
Of his family. and failure to get sat
isfactory answer to his questions,
aroused his suspicious, and this led
to further investigations, and at last
he discovered the true state of af-
fairs and at once carried word to
Moses.
The latter as may be imagined was
surprised and grieyed to hear of the
action OF his brethren. and held
long and earnest conference with
Aaron as to the course best to adopt.
He realized at once that his authority
and that OF his brother over the
Hebrew people was in jeopardy. and
that prompt measures were necessary.
But as to just what was best to do
they were in doubt II they resorted
to harsh measures they feared that il
might widen the breach between them
and the people which had seemed to
be growing since Pharaoh's latest
decree. II they were Ienient and tried
to mollify the people IL might be taken
as sign OF weakness on their part.
which would destroy their influence
and make it appear as though they
doubted the wisdom of the course
which they had pursued in demand
ing Of Pharaoh that he let them go
into the wilderness to worship.
we have but obeyed the voice OF
God in making this demand Of
Pharaoh" Moses said as he anaiyzed
the situation and cast about To dis
cover where the fault for the new
trouble lay.
True replied Aaron. and be-
fore we went. We had the assent Of
the people. for not only have they ac-
was about to deliver them. but they
have Witnessed the signs which God
gave to US for them and have formal
ly received US as the ones appointed
Of God to lead them"
But IL now so soon they are to for
get and ignore our authority and lead
ership. how can we hope to help
them"
Aaron shook his head doubtfuIly.
and then as plan occurred to him.
he said:
Let US call the people together and
demand Of them that they choose
new officers over them In place OF
these men who have gone to Pharaoh
without our advice or consent"
But what II the people would not
listen to US or obey our voice, Is it
not likely that in their sore distress
the people would blame US for their
trouble and rebel against our author
ity?"
Il fear that is true" Aaron admit
ted But what can We do? Must we
humble ourselves before Jahziel and
his followers and beseech of them
that they listen TO u.s. Must We try
to win them by cajolery. ana the
promise to share With them the au-
thority and rule over the peopleg''
Such methods would be unmanly
and undignified and wrong" Moses
replied. positively. Mo- he added.
I'VE will have to leave it with God.
IL He has called us to lead this peo-
pie He will vindicate us"
Shall we then do nothing.- Aaron
demanded. impatiently. Shall we
quietly sit by and see this rebellion
spread?"
No." Moses replied, as he arose and
began making hasty preparations for
journey. I'VE will go at once to the
palace. and there learn what has trans
pired. ami let our brethren see that
their conduct is known to us. Come.
let US be going he concluded as he
took his precioss rod in his hand and
adjusted the sandals 10 his feet And
soon the two men were on their way.
In the meantime the Hebrew officials
had taken their departure from the
palace and were well on their return
journey, and as they went they dis
cussed among themselves the situation,
and spoke many harsh and bitter
words against Moses and Aaron
-Didst thou note how Pharaoh de-
ciared that Moses request that we be
let go to do sacrifice TO the Lord was
the reason for his cruel order?' asked
Iahziel. who as leader OF the disaffec-
ton now took the Lead in the Discus
sicn- Did not l tell you that it was
his indiscrction which had brought
this trouble upon Us? Who supposed
when he talked about the Lord having
come to His people to deliver them
that he would play US into the hands
Of our oppressor in this way2"
"Yes. and did you hear what that
priest said as we let the palace gate?"
asked another Of the group He want
ed to know where the God of the He
brews was and snee ringly declared that
he must ne in the wilderness waiting