Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/100

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92
THE WILDERNESS GLADDENED.

“Thither I went to offer my gift of purification, and when I greeted the city from the Mount of Olives, my spirit was once more glad. But within, all was desolate—yea, amidst crowds. I was alone where all other men were as brethren, and the worship itself seemed changed, because none worshiped with me. Therefore I came hither, and here I shall be in peace, for I am even as others. If I am alone, at least I see no man lying in the bosom of another.—With thee all is well, for a light is in thine eye, and gladness in thy step. May Jehovah prosper thee, and maintain peace within thy dwelling!”

“But the new law, my brother!” said Philip. “Dost thou not follow it?”

“I believe in the prophet Jesus, and I purpose to obey his teachings.”

“In this place?”

“Wherefore not? Doth he forbid to toil, to deny ourselves, to do good, to minister to the sick, to meditate, to commune with Jehovah all the day long?”

“Nay, but his disciples go forth into the world to teach his doctrine.”