The log cabin Democrat., 1909-10-09

sether. and said
 Behold. Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore let us go to Bacchides and urge him to return thither, for except we have his help Jonathan and his men will destroy us"
 So it came to pass that Bacchides returned with a strong army, but Jon athan discomfited him so that he was glad to make peace with him, but be- fore departing from the land he slew in revenge many of the ungodly men who had urged him to come thither Thus the sword ceased from Israel | for that time and Jonathan dwelt at Michmas, and began to govern the | people. But he sought not the title of king neither did he think to wear | the purple of rulers.
 Now it came to pass that when Jon athan had established himself at Jeru- | salem, that Demetrius sought to make | alliance with him thinking to find op- | portunity to kill him. It was at this time also that King Alexander, against whom Demetrius had sent a great army, also dispatched a deputation to Jonathan saying:
 We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and meet to be our friend. Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of thy nation, and to be called the kings friend, that thou mayst take ,f f,;n del bf fp if
 Now Jonathan and the people were well pleased when they heard these words, because Alexander was the first that had entreated true peace with them, and they made a pact with him and were confederated with him always.
 So matters stood at the time when King Alexander having slain Demet- rius in battle and scattered his army had gone to Ptolemais to meet the king of Egypt
 That was a great event for it was there that Alexander was to marry Cleopatra, the daughter of Ptolemee, and the rulers and great men from all the nations around had been invited to be present at the royal celebration.
 In the land of Judea it was quickly noised abroad that an invitation had come to Jonathan to attend the nup- tials, and his followers rejoiced that King Alexander had so remembered and honored their leader.
 But certain wicked fellows who were enemies of Jonathan and sought for occasion to discredit him and weaken his power, entered into plot, saying:
 Let us go also to Ptolemais. We will take gifts to King Alexander, and because he will be in festive mood it will be easy to gain his ear, when we shall be able to bring things to his notice which will turn his heart against Jonathan, so that he will no longer be his friend.'
 In accordance with this plan they departed secretly for Ptolemais pre- pared to poison the mind of Alexander against Jonathan. Now Jonathan had not yet come to the city, a fact which seemed to favor the plans of these evil men, for having presented their gifts they succeeded in gaining the promise of Alexander that he would hear certain petition which they brought on the morrow.
 Full of elation they departed, saying among themselves:
 If Jonathan but delays his coming but another day we shall win our cause and instead of welcome there will be disgrace before the king
 Expectantly therefore they came to spokesman stepped forth to declare their matter, saying:
 Be it known unto the king that there are certain matters in our nation which should come to the attention of the king, for he whom the king thinks is his ally and friend is dealing in de- ceit and would do him hurt"
 "Of whom speakest tbou?" demand ed the king, Before l hear further let me know whom it is against whom thou art bringing charges"
 Jonathan" replied the man, with evident reluctance.
 Jonathan will be here," exclaimed the king.
 Nay. he hath not come and will not, for he is plotting against thee"
 Not another word" thundered Alex ander, rising angrily from his seat, end would have spoken further, but at that moment shout rose from the outer court and Jonathan and his fol- lowers were ushered into the presence of the king.
 Here is the man whom the king would honor,' he exclaimed, impetu- ously. Come hither,"
 Jonathan wonderingly ascended the throne steps. for he had not known that his enemies had come to accuse him.
 The purple robe be thy portion, for thou art surely a prince worthy to wear it." exclaimed the king, throw. ing a garment over the shoulders ot Jonathan Then turning to the princes standing about the throne. he said: