The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-12-07

error OF the wicked-into violating the
rights OF others and thus fighting
against God.
Plate heard the accusations, realized
that there was no truth In them, and
then gave his decision: / find no fault
In Jesus, but, seeing that such com
motion has been created, consider II
necessary in the interests Of peace to
satisfy the unrighteous demands of
the clamoring multitude. l will there
fore have the prisoner whipped, al
though l acknowledge he is not de-
serving Of punishment. The whip
ping will be in his own interest, as
well as In the interests of the peace
OF the city, for by satisfying the clam
or of the multitude the life of Jesus
Will be spared. AS political decisions
go. this was a very fair decree. Magis-
trates recognize that absolute justice
Is not always possible in dealing with
imperfect conditions.
But the rulers would not be satisfied
with anything short of Jesus death.
The rabble was exhorted to shout
Cruelty him! Cruelty him! 1t seemed
impossible for Plate to appreciate
that such frenzy could be aroused
against so innocent person. So he
inquired, What evil hath he done?
But the answer was, Cruelty him!
Alas, how human passion can ignore
every principle of righteousness! To
add to Pilates perplexity, his wife
now sent him word, Have nothing to
do with this just person, for have
had a horrible dream which connects
itself with him.
As last resort PLATE caused Jesus
to be brought to a prominent place
where the multitude could all see him
and then he cried out to them, Behold
the Man, See the character of the
man you are willing to cruelty. Note
that he has most kingly features, such
as none Of your race possess-nor 9th.
ers. Would you cruelty the very best
sample Of your race? Consider: be
reasonable. Behold the Man! 1t Las
Tor years been custom with you that
the Government at this season release
q prisoner. So, then, consider that
Jesus has been condemned and that
your conception Of justice has been
satisfied and that now I release him to
you. But the multitude cried out so
much the more, Cruelty him! Release
unto us Barabbas "a robber and dan
gerous character).
Thou Art Not cassar's Friend
The Jewish leaders were shrewd
They knew that treason to Rome was
one OF the most serious offenses and
In the fact that Jesus had spoken of
himself as a king they had the lever
wherewith to compel his crucifixion.
They used 1t, assuring PLATE that II he
let the prisoner go they would report
him to the Emperor. PLATE knew that
he would have difficulty In explaining
such case and that the Roman Gov
ernment would agree with the decision
OF Caiaphas that one man should die
rather than have any commotion In
their dominion. Thus compelled, Pi-
late finally acceded and wrote the pa.
pers OF execution, but before doing SO
he took a pitcher Of water and In the
sight OF the people washed his hands,
saying. IL am guiltless OF the blood of
this just person"
The execution proceeded. The sol.
diers already had two thieves to cru
city and merely added another cross
and the procession started for Col.
gotha, a hillside near where the face
OF the rock much resembles a skull
Golgotha signifying the place OF
skull 1t is just to the north of the
city. outside the wall. New buildings
and wall recently erected hinder Wis
itors Mt the present time from getting
the skull effect as formerly. The crime
or each culprit was, by Law, inscribed
over his head. Above the Masters
head was his crime-"Jesus. King of
the Jews"
Satan and his deluded dupes evident
ly thought that they had finally dis.
posed OF Jesus. The priests and elders
mocked his declaration that he was
the Son Of God and demanded that.
III he were such, he should demonstrate
it by leaving the cross. They realized
not the truth. that It was necessary
for him TO die for mans sin. In order
that. by and by, he might have right
ful authority. In his glorious Kingdom.