Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-04-16


endorses all efforts which are being
made in the direction of the protec-
ton and perpetuation of our forest
resources and toward the develop
ment of Maine forest products and
manufacturing plants within the
State Of Maine, it being our belief
that in the protection and reproduce
ton of our forests will be found an
increasingly great asset in the indus.
trial development of the State
Announcement was made that the
speaker at the next meeting Of the
club will be Henry B. Pierson, State
forest entomologist, State forestry
department, whose subject will be
Forestry"
Address by Mayor Mclean
''There is undoubtedly popular
misconception of the facts regarding
and surrounding the crucifiction of
Jesus" asserted Mayor Mclean in
his address on THE Trial of Jesus"
MANY undoubtedly think that he
was the victim of pure mob violence.
While the mob undoubtedly may have
had more or less influence in the re-
suit, Jesus was crucified with the
outward sanction of the law. There
were at least two trials. The first
vas before the Jewish Sanhedrin and
as undoubtedly purely an eccleS-
stical trial, the issues being sedi-
on and blasphemy. The second was
he Roman trial before Pontius Pilot
on the charge of treason"
The speaker pointed out that the
Jewish Sanhedrin was very jealous of
its political power and was not a
true representation, having been con-
trolled for more than so years by
h oh To- nh
son-in-law of Annas and the majority
of the members of the cabal at that
time owed their appointment TO
Annas.
The Sanhedrin had converted the
temple into place of barter for its
own profit, but Jesus with sublime
courage had driven them out Of the
temple and had dashed them with
bitter invectives, more smarting
than the sting of the lash on their
cringing money changers.
In violation of the Hebrew law
forbidding any proceedings at night
in capital cases, the Scribes arrested
Jesus at night and brought him be-
fore Annas, where he was privately
examined by Caiaphas, this in vio-
lation of the Hebrew code which
prohibited private examination.
In spite of the testimony of false
witnesses procured by Caiaphas, it
must have become evident to the
prejudiced court, predetermined to
convict Jesus, that there was no evil
dence of sedition, and so they aban-
doned that charge and made the
charge. blasphemy.
Goaded by the silence OF Jesus,
Cai4phas commanded: Il adjure
bNy h. 1;,-t,. i
tell US whether thou be Christ, the
Son of God" Here is the one cues
ton that Jesus would not decline
to answer, ''for this purpose came
He into the world" and he answered
boldly and firmly, "Thou hast said"
Then the high priest rent his
clothes, saying he has spoken bias
phemy. What further need have we
OF witnesses" And they all answered
ana said, He is guilty of DEATH"
II was not, however, such a vote
as would warrant conviction, for,
under the Hebrew law, a man could
not be convicted on his own unsup-
ported confession or if all the judges
wers agreed, it being held on the
latter point that a unanimous YER
d1ct tended to show not a fair trial
but a conspiracy.
What wonderful defense could
nave been offered for Jesus under
the issue of Messiahship. He had
fulfilled their prophecies. But they
ala not have to rely alone upon the
prophecies for there was evidence
close at hand that Jesus was indeed
the Messiah. He had performed
miracles and many wondrous works.
the priests in bringing Jesus before
Iiiate did not, however, bring forward
the charge of plasphemy. They began
to accuse him, saying, I'VE find this
fellow perverting the nation. forbid
ding to give tribute unto Caesar. say
Ing that He Himself is Christ, King"
Thus the high priests. who had been
praying for a Messiah to overthrow
Rome, framed a charge which they
knew would Immediately excite sus-
picion. Plate asked, Art thou the
king of the Jews?" Jesus answered.
My kingdom is not of this world"
PLATE returned his verdict Of acquit-
tai. II find no fault whatever" ]
Following an appeal to prejudice Pr
late. Jesus was sent by plate to
Herod,. tetrach of Galilee, but Herod
simply returned. Jesus to PLATE cloth
ed in royal purple to indicate that he
had no jurisdiction to try one having
designs on the kingship Of Judea-
The high priests then made a final
appeal to Pilates cowardice and
threatened to complain to Tiberius.
PLATE then, in face of his acouittal de-
livered Jesus to be crucified, attempt
ing tn ahsoiISe HIM eif I,xy NO sb;po l,ir