Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/17

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THE HOPE OF THE HEBREW.
9

concerning the expectation of their people, and the predictions of their Scriptures respecting it. They revived in each other’s memory the words of grace and truth which they had heard in the synagogue from him who had expounded the law with an authority which none could resist. The remembrance at length awed them into silence, and they stood, leaning each against a palm, and gazing on the waters which were now gleaming in the full light of day. After a while, the breeze brought to their ears the voices of men, and as expectation was powerful within them, they, with one consent, pursued their way. They presently reached a little bay, where many boats were riding the waters. In those most distant from the beach, fishermen were busy at their toil; but those near the margin of the lake were deserted, and the men were collected in groups along the shore, Sadoc approached a man who stood musing apart, with his nets, which he had prepared, hanging over his arm.

“The fair morning calls thee to thy occupation, Lemuel,” said Sadoc. “Hasten, lest the heat of the day come on.”