Part 3 (1/2)

_Rebecca._ Even so may it be!

_Eudora._ And my G.o.ds hers!

_Rebecca._ But that is impossible.

_Eudora._ Why? Because, as she says, we have images for G.o.ds! But this is not so. Is Jupiter the thunderer confined to an image? or is Juno or any other deity? Have we not many images of all the G.o.ds in many places, and are they not in them all? Do not our armies go forth to war, and is not Jupiter with them and Mars also? These images are but _reminders_ of the G.o.ds, as my father's statue is of him.

_Rebecca._ 'Tis true these many images and temples may not hold your G.o.ds more than our synagogues hold Jehovah; but as great an error is yours. You wors.h.i.+p what has no existence; your G.o.ds are creatures of fancy. Your G.o.ds, too, are of various character, and not always agreed. This goodly world is not the patch-work of many and different G.o.ds, but of one designing mind,--one executing power; and that one, Jehovah.

_Eudora._ Your sister, in many hours of precious intercourse, has almost persuaded me to believe in but one G.o.d; but why, if there be but one, may not that one be our Jupiter, known as the father of G.o.ds and men, as well as your Jehovah?

_Jezebel_ (To Eudora). _Because he is not._ (To Rachel and Rebecca).

Why do you talk with that stupid Heathen? You might as well convince a Samaritan dog. I have waited here with a message from David since the fifth hour, and all to be contaminated with idolatrous breath.

_Rachel._ Why, Jezebel, do you not remember what the wise Solomon has said: ”He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city;” or Moses' commands concerning the stranger and hospitality?

_Jezebel._ Well, prate not to me, daughter of Eliab; for I need it not. Tell me if you have fulfilled the mission given you this day, and what answer I shall make.

_Rachel._ I have. Ye only need say, ”It is well.” _[Jezebel departs impatiently.]_ (_To Eudora._) Be not moved by our neighbor's unkind manners. Did she love Jehovah, she would not thus do.

_Eudora._ And is Jehovah careful about _these_ things?

_Rachel._ Yes: every act is noticed by him; every heart is his desire; and herein he differs from all imaginary G.o.ds. Jupiter sits apart, and simply _rules_ the nations. Jehovah loves the children he has created, and is careful about their least concerns. He desires their love in return. Your G.o.ds demand conduct and sacrifices injurious and degrading. Jehovah's every word is for his people's prosperity.

_Eudora._ And you are like your G.o.d. Your patient doing of right in the past comes to me; and this, with your kindness to the unfeeling and abusive Jezebel, has convinced me more, if possible, than your arguments. Surely I see that it was such a G.o.d that I desired to wors.h.i.+p in Jupiter. If this be found alone in your G.o.d, then does my heart move me to say, Jehovah, He is G.o.d, and there is none else. Oh!

may I not be mistaken!

_Rachel._ Trust in Jehovah, and thou shalt not err.

_Rebecca._ Rejoice in Jehovah, and thou shalt be glad for ever.

_Ruth (calling)._ Rachel!

_Rachel._ I come. (_To Eudora._) Let us hasten; for we have long tarried, and many wait to welcome you. _(Singing heard._) Hark! they are singing one of the songs of David: let us go join them.

At the close of the dialogue, the cx.x.xvi. Psalm was chanted; and then another gentleman described the erroneous notions which the Jews had of the expected Messiah. His remarks were succeeded by

DIALOGUE.--PART II.

ANNA, MARTHA, SALOME, MARY, _of Jerusalem._ MIRIAM, LEAH, _of Bethlehem._

_Mary (coming with Salome to Martha)._ Martha, I have been seeking, and am glad that I have found you; but why do you weep?

_Martha._ We may do nothing else now, and the meeting with others seems to be the signal for fresh floods of tears.

_Salome._ I may not ask the cause of your grief; for my own soul replies it is the common grief,--our nation's bondage.