“His words are ever in favour of peace and brotherly love; and I know of something of which you have not heard. He refuses not to discourse and to eat with Samaritans.”
Sadoc and Michal looked at one another with surprise and sorrow.
“It is but a few days,” continued Paltiel, “since he told a woman of Sychar that neither at Jerusalem nor on Gerizim should men hereafter worship the Father. Whether his meaning can be understood, judge for yourselves. For my part, I suppose that he may reconcile the Samaritans unto us, and bring us together within a greater temple than hath yet been builded.”
“It cannot be!” exclaimed Michal. “The Samaritans! Our foes, who opposed the building of our holy temple!”
“Who corrupted the law!” added Sadoc. “The vengeance of Jehovah shall swallow them up.”
"Nay, Sadoc, beware,” said Paltiel. “Remember that the wrath of man cannot avenge the Lord. Hold thy peace against this people.”
“Thou hast given thy judgment, Paltiel.
