The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1910-11-24

en- or executed? When. therefore. We
view the situation from this standpoint
we lose any spirit Of antagonism which
might have been ours; 1t turns to sym
pathy-that d religious nation should
allow itself to get into the hands Of
politicians to such an extent.
Brought Before Caiaphas
It was very courageous on the part
Of St. Peter that. after having smit-
ten off the ear Of the High Priests
servant Though the wound was healed
by jesus. be followed his Master into
the Court of that high-priest to see
what would be done. The arraign-
ment was at night. although 1t was
contrary to Jewish Law to try pris-
oner at night for any serious offense.
But there was an excuse. This was a
special case: haste was necessary. be-
cause whatever would be done must
be done quickly; the very next day the
unbelievinS officials perceived that
Jesus had great influence with the
common people. They believed him
to be a brilliant but harmless fraud.
He had committed no crime. but he
was a disturber Of the peace. and they
felt fully justified in taking his life.
The Feast Of Passover was at hand
and would last week and it would
be contrary to their Law that any eX-
ecutiop should take place during that
week. Besides. they feared the amount
Of influence which Jesus might eSer-
else during the week. when there
would be from one to two millions OF
people in und around Jerusalem from
all over Palestine. They had already
determined that their action must be
short. sharp and decisive. This was
decided before the arrest was made.
They were ready and waiting at that
midnight hour TO carry out their muir
dcrous designs, for the good Of their
nation, as they thought
The examination was merely pre-
liminary one to get together such evil
dence As at the morning Tribunal
could be rushed through rapidly at
prearranged session.
Hs Was Charged With Blaspheny
They had difficulty ln finding a
charge. For what had Jesus ever done
except acts Of kindness and the utter
Ing of words of wisdom and correction
and hope! Blasphemy was a serious
charge under the Jewish code. They
would charge him with that as being
the easiest to prove. BE had said.
when near the Temple. Destroy this
Temple. and will rear 1t up In three
days" "But he spake Of the temple
Of bis Body" Some Of those who
heard him understood him to speak Of
the literal temple. This they charged
was blasphemy. because 1t took years
to build the temple. and for Jesus
to rebuild It in three days would
mean a claim on his part Of Divine
power. But the charge did not seem
sufnciently strong. even for those who
0aQ DEctOeQlCateQ ulS uIukoShs AASJ
wanted something to give a color OF
Justice. at least. to their findings. SO
the chief-priest thought to get Jesus to
commit himself In their presence and
said. adjure thee by the Living God
to tell Us whether thou be the Christ.
the Son Of God Jesus replied that
this was true and that they would yet
see him In heavenly glory and power
at the right hand Of Divine favor.
This, the High Priest declared. was
sufficient proof Of blasphemy. BE
hold. now ye have heard his blasphe-
my. What reply yer And the coun-
ell answered that he was worthy OF
death. The rabble in the Court. hear
ing the commodon. felt at liberty to
abuse this prisoner. as they had done
others. They showed their contempt
Of him by splitting upon him. They
derided him by shifting him and say.
ing, Prophesy. tell who smote thes,
"He was reviled, yet re7iled not