The Tupelo journal., 1909-10-01

- AAt AbiS oA0
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 Jern-
salem, hat Demetrius sought to make
alliance with him thinking to find OPP
portunity to kill him. 1t was at this
time also that King Alexander, against
whom Demetrius had sent a great
army, also dispatched a deputation TO
Jonathan saying:
I'VE have heard Of thee, that thou
art a mar of great power, and meet
to be II 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
our part and keep friendship with u.s.
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 we're confederated with him
always.
So matters stood at the time when
King Alexander having slain Demet-
RUS in battle and scattered his army
had gone to Ptolemais to meet the king
of Egypt.
That was a great event Cor 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 hat 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 a 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.
among themselves:
IF Jonathan but delays his coming
but another day we shall win our
cause and instead of a welcome there
will be disgrace before the king"
Expectantly therefore they came to
Alexander the next day, and the
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 thou?" demand
ed the king. Before | 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" Numbered Alex-
ander, rising angrily from his seat,
and would have spoken further, but
at that moment a 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 assembled the
throne steps, for he had not known
that his enemies had ONE 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 of
Jonathan. Then turning to the princes
standing about the throne, he said:
go with this man into the midst
OF the city and proclaim to all that no
man shall complain against him, but
he shall be a duke, and ruler in au-
thority in his realm" So Jonathan
returned to Jerusalem in peace and
safety.
A Sublime Truth.