The Tupelo journal., 1909-04-09

great evils of the day and uenounc1ng
them In the name of our 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
", and with some Of the people at
least it is plain to e 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 is IL 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 SUI
preme? Nay, it is impossible. Our God
is the God of the Jew but not of the
Gentle, except he become q Jew. Is
not that right according to the law OF
Moses?"
Thou hast stated it exactly" re-
SpOnded n OtncrS.
Then how can we permit this fell
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 thar 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 you 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
swered the priest, who had ventured
the HrSC ~SuSSeSIlOu.
Agreed" they all exclaimed In uni
son.
Bring the scroll containing the law
of Moses, and we wilIrefute this here
sy to his face, and before all the peo-
ple," exclaimed the leader. we will
show him that the God of Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob is MOI 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 10 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 heathen."
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
forget his people? Does not Moses, in
the law which God gave him. say that
the seed of Abraham are Gods chosen
people? Away with this fellow who
would teach that God had turned from
his people"
Malachi turned at the sound of the
voice and watched intently as the
priest pressed up to his side. He noted
the intense look upon the faces of the
people as they listened to the words
of the priest. Then with n swift
glance upward, as though in mute ap-
peal for the help which he needed in
that trying hour, he turned full upon
the priest as he came before him, and
pointing his finger at him. he shouted:
"And now, o We priests, this COM
mandment is for you. If We will not
hear, and if We will not lay it to heart,
to give glory unto my name, saith the
Lord of Hosts, / will even send a curse
upon you, and l will curse your bless
ings; yea, l have cursed them already,
because We do not lay it to heart"
Under the awful arraignment the
face of the priest became ashen. and
he trembled and quailed before the I'M
finching eyes of Malachi. What was
it that struck terror to his heart? Was
it the consciousness of the truth of
the words which were spoken? Was it
the fire of righteous indignation which
flashed from the u%nf1inching eyes of
Malachi? Whatever it was the priest,
completely cowed, turned, and. with his
followers, silently and sullenly wended
his way back to the temple.
"Ah, let the fellow alone they ex-
claimed to each other. I'VE have the
temple and the daily ministrations. He
is but a wanderer from Zebulun. What
care we what he says. We have the
law of Moses. We are Gods chosen
people"
Grace Made Manifest.
" "----n--.