The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1910-11-24


Time-Friday morning Of the Cruoinx-
ION. continuing from between I ana
o'clock until e1ter sunrise.
Piaee-rhe palace Of the High Priest.
Judas had betrayed his Master with
kiss, and the great mingled company
of ru,srs. Romans, officers, and sol.
diers with lanterns and swords and
slaves, were beginning their home
ward march to the city.
Peter Immediately alone. single
handed, drew his sword and defied the
whole Roman and Jewish powers. He
In mis- impetuous. loving, courageous
way, began to show that he would live
up to his promise that he would die
Tor Jesus before he would desert him.
attacking the nearest one, who may
nave been officious In the taking of
Jesus, servant OF the high priest.
Malchus by name, Peter struck wildly
and missing his mark cut of merely
the ear OF his enemy. Jesus imme.
diately stopped him. For Il was un-
necessary. since Jesus could have AZ
any time twelve legions Of angel de-
renders. Peters defense was contrary
to the teachings and plans of Jesus.
IL was useless. for Peter could not
overthrow by the sword the Roman
power II was the worst thing be
could do for his Master: II would ruin
his cause and his defense, for II placed
him In the attitude of II rebel against
the Roman government, and PLATE
couiI not have pronounced him inno-
cent, for II would give color to the
charges OF the Pharisees that jesus
was IN enemy Of Caesar and a Ysbel
against the Roman government. Peter
might have been arrested for rebel
Hon. and perhaps the other disciples
with him, and their work OF founding
the Kingdom have been hindered.
Jesus remedies the evil by miracu-
lously healing the wound. This heal.
Ing showed that Jesus was no rebel
against the Roman power. II showed
the nature OF his kingdom, as the king.
dom OF peace and truth and love. II
showed his own character and how
he lived up to his own precepts II
showed his divine nature and power.
II is recorded only by the physi.
clan, Luke. (22:51) Thus" saws
Tholuck. the last act of those hands
before they were bound was work
OF mercy and OF peace In healing that
slight wound. the only one ever in,
fiicted for his sake"
The trial before the Sanhedrin was
illegal according 10 all the above tests.
II was held in the night. 1T was a
packed jury. star chamber OF self.
appointed assessors" The object of
the enemies of Jesus was to condemn
him and TO give him over to the
Roman authorities for crucifixion be-
fore his friends could rally and inter
pose In his behalf. Sought false wit
ness against Jesus, for II was impos-
sible TO condemn him by any true 40
cusations. To put him to death. This
they had determined for reasons OF
their own. What they wanted was
some plausible pretext that would en-.
able them to persuade the Roman au.
thorities to put Jesus to death.
Jesus held his peace. They would
not accept denial, and they would |
have perverted the meaning of any |
explanation he could make. He re-
fused to cast pearls before swine" or
TO give that which was holy to dogs"
There are many times when it is we'll
for Christians to initiate their Master
In this. Do not waste time and
strength In replying to those who are
determined to oppose Christianity un.
der all circumstances. Replying often
advertises the enemy; and arguments
take the attention from the main work
of the Gospel. the saving of the world
from sin. Attend to the business OF |
the church, save men from sin; cuL
ture them into noble character, help
the needy. visit the sick, preach the
Gospel. and the works of Christianity
VIII answer it's enemies. At the same
fime explanations of difficulties to
hose who wish to learn are always I'm
order.
Macaulay In his essay on Milton
Gays, "Aristo tells a story of a fairy,
who, by some mysterious law OF her
nature, was condemned to appear at
certain seasons in the form of foul
poisonous snake. Those who injured
her during the period OF her disguise
were forever excluded from participa,
tion In the blessings which she be-
stoved. But to those who, In spite OF
her loathsome aspect, pitied and pro-
tected her, she afterward revealed her
self In the beautiful and celestial form
which was natural TO her, accompa,
MED their steps, granted all their
wishes. filled their houses with wealth.
made them happy in love and victori.
Gus In war" so what is done to Christ
IN his disguised and lowly form Is a
test Of our character and OF our love,
and viii be rewarded and blessed by
Inn when he comes in his glory;
while those who reject him In his hu.
mility must come before his Judgment
seat when he sits on the right hand
OF the power of God.
A possible array OF witnesses II they
al wiahad IN laarn tho truth Vxyho.