Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1909-07-22

over DIS parchment. instead OF ute
former goings and comings among hi'
people he shut himself Ia to Bio
task, and they. noting his absence.
began 10 question among themselves
as 10 what II could mean. Some said
he was writing out a plea TO the kins
Of Babylon in behalf NJ his people,
while others said. ma, he Is giving
himself 10 visions and dreams and no
good will tome Of II to him or his
people"
Still others. who were among the
faithful. contended hat he vas un.
doubtedly engaged in the work OF
the Lord and would in good time
give them the benefit Of any message
which the Lord might have for them.
And this suggestion on the part OF
the few caused their hearts to be-
come troubled. for said they;
We do need tn remember that We
are In sore straits because Of our
sins and the sins Of our fathers, and
we must no longer be stubborn of
heart. but must be penitent before
God and be ready to hear his mes.
sage"
So the, talked thus among them
selves and their hearts became tender.
and they repented OF the evil which
they had done. and again their hearts
began to turn In longing towards teru.
salem.
Then one day the message went
forth among the Jews who dwelt At
Babylon asking that they assemble
themselves by the river side, fuT
Baruch had somewhat to say unto
them, So II was that on the follow.
ing day when they were all gathered
together that Baruch came with his
great scroll in his hand. And the
people all crowded around 10 hear.
and Baruch did read the words OF the
scroll which he had written therein.
And az he unfolded the sad history OF
israels waywardness and sin through
out the long years. and how In mercy
and love God had dealt With them and
had at last permitted the mighty king
OF Babylon 10 come in and utterly
and scatter the nation. the
people fell upon their faces and wept.
Then they lifted up their voices and
cried.
% Lord Almighty. God Of israel. tho
soul In anguish. the troubled spirit
unto thee. Hear. o Lord. and
mercy. for thou art mercifui.
Have pity on us. because We have
before thee. For thou en-
forever and W 70 perish utterly.
not the iniquities OF our
but think upon thy power
and thy name. and praise thee In our
captivity. For Ne have called to mind
all the laiquity OF our forefathers.
sinned before thee. nehoId. We
are yet this dag In our captivity.
thou hast scattered US. for a
reproach and a curse. and tn be sub
jet 10 tribute. according TO all tho
iniqui,ies OF Dur fathers. which de-
from the lord our God"
And as they prayed thus. Bsruch's
heart was made glad. and he said 10
Now will they listen 70 ny
pleadings fur the desolats jerusalem
and will send succur back to those
who are In sore stress amidst the
And when the voices Of the people
had ceased Baruch spoke to them OF
jerusalem and her departed glory and
VI their brethren the poor and de
whom the king OF Babylon had
amidst the ruins Of the beautiful
city.
Here, we have plenty. Tack there
Is great want. Let US send IN
Yea, we will, We wilt" shouted
the people and they at once made
a collection OF money according to
every mans power. and they made
up an Offering and zen II unto Jeru-
unto Joachim the high priest.
and they sent word. saying:
BEHOLD. We have sent you money
to buy YOU burnt offerings. and sin
offerings and incense. and prepare We
mama and offer upon the altar OF the
u God. And ye shall read this
book. which Baruch is sending unto
you, and We shall say. To the Lord
our God b~elongeth righteousness. but
us the confusion of faces. And
now. o Lord our God. we have sinned.
have done ungodly. We have dealt
lnrighteously in all thine ordinances.
let ths wrath turn from us; for We arc
but a few left among the heather.
thou has scattered us. Hear
our prayers. o Lord