Part 23 (2/2)
Two chariots of magnificent appearance, drawn by beautiful steeds, were seen leaving the ground. They drew much attention from the crowd, as they leisurely drove through the winding streets of Jerusalem. At last the chariots halted in front of a mansion, which had the appearance of having of late undergone a thorough repair. From one of these chariots alighted several venerable men, their hair whitened with age. Their whole bearing gave the beholder to understand that they were persons of distinction.
From the other chariot alighted, first a man of middle age, next a woman somewhat younger, then an aged man and woman, the latter alighting with great elasticity of step. The countenance of this lady gave evidence that it had once been the throne of rare beauty.
”Why looketh my brother so thoughtful and sad on this day of general rejoicing in Judah?” asked the aged lady, directing her address to one of those who had alighted from the first chariot.
”I am not sad, sister,” replied the brother, ”but am thoughtful. And what thinkest thou my mind dwelt upon?”
”Surely, I cannot tell. Some past scenes in Chaldea, peradventure.”
”Nay, sister. But I was thinking that seventy and two years ago this very night, myself and my two brothers here, accompanied by our beloved Jeremiah, entered this house, and revealed the sad story of our captivity to our beloved Perreeza.”
”Ah, dear Hananiah! and a dark night of sorrow that proved to your almost brokenhearted sister.”
”But I trust that Jehovah hath overruled the whole in the end to the glory of his great name,” said Mishael.
”Surely he hath!” quickly answered Mathias. ”Forever blessed be the memory of that delightful night when these eyes, at the house of Barzello, rested on the bright charms of the 'Rose of Sharon.'”
”The rose no longer blooms, Mathias!” answered Perreeza. ”It's hues are faded; and, under the pelting storms of life, its petals have well-nigh withered.”
”The tint may fade, and the petals may wither, but sweeter than ever shall its fragrance continue to perfume the surrounding air,” answered the husband, his face glowing with pure affection. ”In that better country whither we are going, where flowers never fade, and where roses forever bloom, the 'Rose of Sharon' shall yet flourish in immortal beauty.”
Mathias, Perreeza and the latter's three brothers had been made almoners of an immense bequest provided in Joram's will for advancing the interests of Judah. It was stipulated that the fund should not be employed until the expiration of seventy years of captivity. Joram believed, with Daniel and the other distinguished Israelites, that the captivity would come to an end in the specified seventy years. The treasure was hidden where none but the almoners and their natural heirs could disturb it.
It was Esrom's purpose, as a final atonement, to bequeath one-half of his vast fortune for the development of religious and educational inst.i.tutions in Jerusalem and to aid the poorer cla.s.s of Hebrews to acquire homes. The decision of Cyrus the king to a.s.sist in rebuilding the Temple at Jerusalem enabled Mathias and his a.s.sociates to use the bequest in other channels. The fund at their disposal was large, and they were enabled to give a new impetus to the cause of education in Judah.
Hundreds of the former captives were likewise a.s.sisted in the purchase of land and cattle. Much had been accomplished in the past year for the upbuilding of Jerusalem and the advancement of the race. It was natural, therefore, that, at the close of the ceremonies attending the laying of the foundation of the new temple, Esrom's friends should let their minds dwell on his generosity. Conversation turned to this theme as the family entered their home.
”It was a gracious and n.o.ble thing for Joram to do,” exclaimed Hananiah.
”My uncle frequently told me,” said Perreeza, ”that it was his earnest desire to have his native city and his beloved land of Judah take a more advanced position in the affairs of the world. He believed that, with higher educational advantages, the Israelites would rapidly gain in statecraft. They are an industrious people, and many of them have shown such marked administrative ability as to convince observing men that the race will be potent in shaping the destiny of nations.
”Uncle Esrom became the wealthiest man in all Babylon because of his sagacity in barter and exchange. He was wise in regard to what the populace would buy most freely and where to obtain the merchandise to the best advantage.”
”His discretion rather than his wealth gave him influence at the king's court,” exclaimed Mishael. ”Joram was a credit to his people, and methinks he was remarkable for his talent as a diplomat. He had great influence in foreign countries, and his knowledge gained abroad was of the highest importance to Nebuchadnezzar throughout his reign. Our uncle never forgot his native land, and constantly exerted a powerful influence in behalf of the people of Judah. That work was secret and mysterious, however. Frequently we heard of unexpected concessions and favors to our people from the king, and in time found out that they were due to Joram's promptings.”
”My great hope at present is,” returned Perreeza, ”to be spared long enough to see substantial fruit spring from Uncle Esrom's bounty.”
”I second that hope,” said Hananiah. ”I wish to see all the returned captives well provided for. The children of all these families must have doubled advantages as a measure of rest.i.tution. We can accomplish much with the immense sum at our disposal.”
”We ought now, under such favorable circ.u.mstances,” said Mishael, ”to give Israel a new start in commerce and education. We have the benefit of Daniel's wisdom in this great undertaking; for, on several occasions before we left Babylon, he outlined plans by which Joram's wishes might be carried out in a practical manner. With the present government of Chaldea to protect our nation, the security of life and property is a.s.sured. We can push our projects as hard as we please, and feel confident that nothing but good is being accomplished.”
The melodious voice of young Rebekah was now heard in another apartment, warbling one of her sweetest songs.
”Jehovah bless the child!” cried the grandmother. ”How that voice of melody cheers my heart!”
”Mother!” quickly replied Monroah. ”Permit me to call her into this apartment, where she may sing and play thy favorite 'song of Judah.'”
”Thou art ever kind to thy mother, dear Monroah; do as thou desirest.”
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