The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1909-04-09
ng to receive offerings from the

YEA, he said that very thing"
The leader looked about upon the
faces Of those before him, silently,
but with a darkening expression which
indicated the violence Of the hatred
within.
Where did this fellow, Malachi,
come from?" asked one, breaking the
long silence.
"Tis said he comes from the tribe
of Zebulun, and appeared first several
years ago while yet Nehemiah was
here. And after Nehemiah had gone
and the priesthood had again gained q
measure of its liberties, which had
been so strictly curtailed under his
rule, this Malachi presumed to set
himself up rs a prophet and to go
about pointing out what he called the
great evils of the day and denouncing
them in the name of Il God. But /
thought he had departed, for after we
had denounced him and threatened
him nothing more was heard of him."
We'll, he is very active, now, sure
ly, and with some Of the people at
least it is plain to see that he is held
as a prophet"
The leader of the priests gritted his
teeth and muttered almost incoherent-
ly. so angry was he:
What right hath he to speak with
out authority from the priests? He is
only preaching heresy, but is under
mining the very life of the nation.
What will become of us if the people
Of our nation come to believe that we
are to be set aside and the dogs Of
heather about us are to become su.
preme? Nay, it is impossible. Our God
is the God of the Jew but not of the
Gentle, except he become a Jew. Is
not that right according to the law of
Moses?"
Thou hast stated it exactly" re-
sponded the others.
Then how a we permit this Eel.
low to continue to speak not only
against the truth which Moses hath
spoken. but also against the present
continuance of our nation? Are not
the daily offerings made? Is not the
temple worship maintained? Is not
the incense burned? Then what know
eth this fellow more than we, or what
complaint hath he to make concerning
these things?"
LET us bring him before us and
question him concerning these
things" ventured one Of the number.
AS o have said, it will not do to
suffer this fellow to continue to
preach such doctrine"
"Who will bring him?" questioned
the leader, obviously. perhaps he
will not come without violence, and
who knows but that the people may
turn against us and stand in his de.
Tense"
Let us go then, in a body" an
the first suggestion.
Agreed" they all exclaimed in uni.
Bring the scroll containing the law
of Moses, and we will refute this here
sy to his face, and before all the peo-
ple," exclaimed the leader. 1--WE will
show him that the God of Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob is not the God of the
Gentiles. except they become Jews"
And so this imposing body of men,
in their priestly robes, marched forth,
and going to the market place found
the object of their ire still speaking
to the people.
AS the priests passed along the
street their coming caused no little
commotion. People turned and looked
and then, in curiosity, followed, so
that when the priests had reached the /
place where Malachi was addressing
the people, the crowd there was great
ly augmented.
But if Malachi noted the presence
of the priests he gave no heed, but
continued to address the people.
YEA" he shouted, from the rising
Of the sun even unto the going down
of the same the name of the Lord shall
be great among the Gentiles, and in
every place incense shall be offered
unto my name, for my name shall be
great among the heather"
away with such a fellow" shouted
the leader Of the priests, pressing for
ward through the crowd. Can the
God of Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob
his people? Does not Moses, in
the law which God gave him, say that
the seed of Abraham are Gods chosen
Away with this fellow who
would teach that God had turned from
MS people"
Malachi turned at the sound Of the
and watched intently as the
priest pressed up to his side. He noted
he intense look upon the faces of the
people as they listened to the words
If the priest. Then with one swift
glance upward, as though in mute ap-
peal for the help which he needed In
hat trying hour, he turned full upon
he priest as he came before him, and
his finger at him, he shouted:
And now, o We priests, this COM
is for you. If We will not
near, and if We will not lay it to heart,
give glory unto my name, saith the
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