The Tupelo journal., 1909-03-05

get started"
Yea, but we must be certain we
are starting right, If we would have
God with u.s." declared Ezra.
So they waited another night and
the next morning the messengers
came back with those upon whose
hearts God had moved.
We'll, now We are surely ready to
start" exclaimed the people, rs the
new arrivals from the tribe of Levi
took their place in the camp. 1--WE can
get off to-day"
Nay, but let us not be in too great
haste. Have we sought God in this
matter?" asked Ezra, and carrying out
the idea expressed in his words he
proclaimed a fast.
For" he explained to the people,
I'VE need to have God point out TIE
way"
"But we will have the kings sol
diers to guide us, will we not?" ex.
claimed the people.
Ezra did not reply for some min
utes. Here was going to be the real
struggle. Would the people look at
the matter as did he?
Il am ashamed to require Of the
king a band of soldiers" he said, with
quiet earnestness, "and horsemen to
help us against the enemy in the way.
l know he would be willing to send
such to help us, but l have already
spoken to the king, saying: The hand
of our God is upon all them for good
that seek him; but his power and his
wrath is against all them that for
sake him." And should l ask of the
king horsemen and soldiers he would
think that we did not trust our God"
The people were silent, but it was
evident to see by their subdued looks
that a growing sympathy vas taking
possession of their hearts and con-
quering the impatient spirit which vas
clamoring for an immediate advance.
So there at the River Ahava the
people and Ezra the scribe tasted and
prayed, and in a night vision as Ezra
prayed out underneath the stars there
came to him the assurance from God
that he would lead them If they would
but trust him fully and strive each
n to do his will.
But how shall inspire the people
with the same confidence" exclaimed
Ezra. half to himself and half in the
entreaty of prayer.
Twelve of the chief of the priests
shall bear with you the burden Of this
leadership" spoke a voice. Place with
each a portion of the sacred vessels
of the temple and of the gold and sill
yer, and all will be WELL"
The voice ceased and Ezra knew
that the way lay plain before him and
that God was waiting to lead the way
across the wild stretches of wilderness
and desert, where lurked the robber
bands.
I'VE have nothing to fear now, for
God is surely leading the way" he ex-
claimed to the people as they gathered
before him the next day, and he pre-
pared to carry out the instructions of
the Lord in dividing the treasure
among the priests and making each re-
sponsible for his portion.
So the journey vas begun, and their
stir in Babylon, and many were the
dire predictions as to what would hap
pen to the defenseless a as it
passed through the wilderness regions.
But Ezra maintained that God would
guide and care for them and thus
quoted the. fears of the more timid.
On the night Of the day on which
the aravan started on it's long jour-
ney a mysterious figure slipped out
of the city of Babylon and made his
way swiftly along the way which the
aravan had taken. He knew that be-
cause of the women and little ones
in the company he would be able to
overtake the caravan before the day
light came.
"It is a trick" he muttered to him
self as he sped on. They are not
travelling without guard. 1t is done to
trap our band. But we shall see."
Two days later he joined his COM
panions in their wilderness retreat
and made his report, for he had been
stationed in Babylon to spy on cara
vans leaving the city to learn their
strength and the value of the treasure
they carried.
''This is a company of Jews who are
on their way back to Jerusalem. They
carry much treasure for their temple
there, and they seem to be travelling
without any guard whatsoever, save as
they talk about a certain Jehovah who
is with them to deliver them"
'It is a trick" exclaimed the leader
of the band, ito trap u.s."
Just the very words l used" re-
piled the returned spy. mo caravan
would travel with the confidence, of
this company of Jews which was not
securely protected. But it is certainly
a mystery to know where their
strength lies"
We will take no chances"
claimed the leader, with decision. "Let
them pass"
And so it came to pass that Ezra
and the company with him, together
with the treasure they carried, reached
Jerusalem in safety.
In the Might of the Holy Spirit.
Our Lord sent his earliest disciples