Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1908-10-22

would be back In Jerusalem, Tor they
need me there"
II was true as jeremiah had said.
His enemies had delivered him into
the hands OF the ~conquerlng army. for
when the invading hosts had swarmed
through the city and the captains were
engaged in picking those who should
be taken as captives back to Jerusa-
lem he had been pointed out as one
whom they could not safely leave be-
hind In the city. and so letters had
been placed upon his limbs, and he
had been marched out with the rest.
and after a long. weary tramp, they
were nearing Ramah. the place where
they were to rest for the night.
Nebuzaradan. the captain in com
mand Of the company. was riding in
his chariot. well satisfied with the
result OF the expedition and planning
for the days ahead when he should
triumphantly enter the city Of Baby
Ion with the splendid treasure and
the long line Of captives.
Who is there in yon column" he
asked Of his servant as he waved his
hand In the direction of the captive
Jews. They tell me they are the
choicest OF the men OF Judah. princes
OF the royal family"
Quite true" responded his servant,
with an obeisance. and he began to
name over those whom he knew to be
among the number OF the captives.
And learned to-day that jeremiah is
also there he added.
jeremiah Jeremiah?' repeated
Nebuzar-adan. thoughtfully. The name
sounds familiar. Is he Of the princes
royal?'
NO" replied the servant. with evil
dent surprise. Surely thou dost re
member the prophet OF Jerusalem
who hath spoken so favorably to his
people concerning our King Nebuchad-
nezzar?"
Indeed. I do remember now" was
the eager response. II knew OF his
prophecies and his message, but | had
for the ome forgotten his name.
And you tell me that he is among the
~captives?"
He is"
How came he there? Knowest not
the army of Babylon them which are
the friends Of Nebuchadnezzar?'
But at first it was not known.
Some OF Jeremiah's enemies caused
him TO be apprehended among the
first. declaring that 1t were dangerous
TO leave him behind in the city"
And they took him and put him in
fetters?" asked Ne~buzar-adan. impa-
tiently.
Such is my understanding. | nave
not looked upon the man. but I am
told that he wears chains like the
rest"
by the gods OF the Chaldeans and
the God whom Jeremiah serves. we
shall not proceed further until his
letters have been removed and
quickly giving the necessary orders,
the long line was halted. and the
great captain waited until they should
bring Jeremiah TO him.
Come up and ride with me In my
chariot he exclaimed. as he reached
forth and grasped the hand of the
prophet as he was led forward. Il
have heard OF thee. The Lord thy
God hath through thee pronounced
this evil upon Jerusalem. Now the
Lord hath brought it TO pass. and done
according as he hath said. Surely,
your God must be a great God to thus
make known his ways to his servant.
Tell me more of him
That | shall be glad to do" was
the ready response. and he began at
once TO tell Of the God of Israel and
how he had raised up of the seed OF
Abraham a great nation and that be
cause of sin and the forgetting OF God
God had brought punishment upon
them. Yea. the king OF Babylon has
been raised up to execute the judg-
ments OF our God" concluded Jere-
miah, confidently.
And it is because We have sinned
against the Lord and have not obeyed
his voice that this thing hath come
upon thee?' wonderingly questioned
the Chaldean captain.
jeremiah nodded his head, sadly.
Well. thou at least shouldest no
be in bondage exclaimed Nebuzar.
adam. Thou art the anointed of thy
God and hast been faithful TO thy peo-
pie and hath shown kindness towards
the king of Babylon in that thou didst
counsel thy people to submit to the
yoke of my king. Therefore | have
this day loosed thee from the chains
which were upon thee. II it seem good
unto thee TO come with me to Baby
Ion, come, And | will look well unto
thee. But if it seem Ill unto thee to
come with me into Babylon, then for.
bear. Whittier it seemeth good and
convenient unto thee TO go, thither
60"
A great joy filled the heart OF Jere.
miah and he bowed low before Nebu-
Zar-adan.
Il will go back" he said, simply.
They will need me-"
And Nebuzar-adan gave Jeremiah
v~ietuals and a reward and let him go.
saying. heartily, as he did so:
Go back unto Gedaliah. the son OF
Ahikam. whom the king of Babylon
hath made governor over the cities OF
Judah. and dwell with him among the
people"