is
THE SrXPAY OWvGCVNIAX. PORTLAND. DECEMBER 23, 1900.
--- - ----
The First Christmas.
Observance of -A-nnrversary of GHrists
BirtK, at Home of trie MotKer of Marti.
It waa thefirst anniversary of Kim "who
so lately stood among men, speaking
man never spake, and teaching as-
Ian never taught the flrst anniversary
His birth, since all the trials, sufferings
id dangers of that eventful life had
sed the shameful indignities, the blt-
Erness and agony of death. Throughout
salem many homes were desolate.
Ir Saul of Tarsus, In the blindness of
Is zeal and hatred, had been filling the
sons with unresisting men and help-
ss "women, and none knew -whose turn
might be next. All the disciples, except
few of the most daring, had fled the
Ity, and had taken refuge in otner
nds.
Such -were the circumstances that sur-
lunded the chosen few who were now
awn togther. The place of their meet-
Ig was entered by a gate leading into
Le portico of a plain house, standing
lite by Itself In the confines of Mount
on. This gate was carefully opened by
youth who was stationed there for that
?ose, and, a number of persons having
admitted, was as gently closed again.
le guests passing into an open court.
id thence to an inner chamber. The
burt Itself was a wide and spacious one.
slstered on all sides and open only to
Le clear skies of Judea, that were now
lowing with myriads of twinkling stars.
Jthough the night air was sort ana
Itlmy. there were no couches or divans
mged around the walls 01 tne mcio-
Ilomc of Mary, Mark' Mother.
he house, built like many others In
tat Holy Land, was the home of Mary,
other of Mark, where the apostles lived,
ftcr the ascension of their Master, until
Lelr work called them to other places.
had already been the scene of at least
te remarkable event; for. not many
leeks before, at the Pentecostal feast.
kere had the cloven tongues of fire de
fended on the chosen disciples, prompt-
jg them to the utterance of prophecy.
id the inspiration of a life so divine.
ider the sign of the Holy Ghost, that
Ley could face the world undaun.ted. In
ie midst of perils, and. at length, with
eady mien and eyes of serene and loving
ith. grasp the crown of martyrdom.
These people had not met to celebrate
hat is now a memorable day. but they
id been drawn together naturally, to
eak precious words of comfort to her
Iho, 33 years before, had entered on the
vine maternity the mother or jesus;
ie blood of Stephen, first martyr to the
3w faith, was still moist and red on the
fry stones that slew him, and which,
bt unfathered and unwashed by the
Lin. lay. as they were cast against him,
lith their crimson stains, mute witnesses
fury and wrong of past suffering and
resent danger.
In the private apartment which tne
liests had entered was a dais, surrounded
a railing, close by the small wicker
r which closed Its entrance. On It
tood the venerable hostess and, at her
?ht hand, her son. the Apostle Mark.
ie gray hair of the mother was decently
ivered, but not concealed, by a kind of
irban. She wore no veil. for. in tne
eedom of her mature age and the prl-
icy or her own home, sne was per-
itted to dispense with that almost in-
parable adjunct of Oriental wardrohe.
Two Marys.
the whole expression of her face, at-
tude and movements, were combined a
actlcal good sense with that heroic en
"gy of purpose which marked her, at a
ance, as no ordinary character. One
ight have thought her countenance al-
ost revere. In its usually staid and
imetlmes rigid aspect: but she looked
li the central figure of a group. Just be-
ind. and tears sprang to her eyes, show-
jg that underneath all this strong array
wi.l ar.u great capacity or soul lay tne
irt of a true and tender woman.
Following her gaze, we behold another
ary th- mMhcr of Chrlt and who was.
deed, the most conspicuous figure In the
om. being stationed in the center or
lie platform, and just fronting the en-
ince. She was not reclining on the
Iw couch. In an attitude of repose, as
lere m?st of the others around her, but
Ending forward, and listening intently
the words of Peter, who had, apparent-
Just come in.
IThero was nothing in the form of Mary
aat reminded one of that youthful brlght-
bss which we have seen delineated in
varirjs Madonnas, but there was
:mcthing stronger, deeper, truer, be-
liuse every line that had been wrought.
id evcrv shadow that had fallon on tne
cterior lineaments had been developed
ito a higher beauty and a nobler charm.
long veil of black gauze shaded, witn-
lt concealing her luxuriant dark hair.
flecked with gray, and felt with a
avid contrast, over the yet fair cheek
hd the robe and tunic of spotless white.
Iho fo'.dcd hands were clasped and lifted;
outlines of tho delicate mouth were
impressed and the eyes, while they were
klsed and bent upon the speaker, had
expression as If heyL also turned In-
ard and were reflecting the Interior vis
ta of the soul.
St. Icer.
But all eyes were now bent on th
leaker, who was narrating some Jnci
snts not then generally known, connccf-
wlth the last hours of the devotea
Itephen. Let us picture him, as he stood
lere in that wonderful group:
He was rather tall, erect and command-
:g In appearance, although not over-
rge. His Jet-black hair and beard were
lort, thick and curled, giving to his fine
ead a bolder outline. The brows were
pfty and projecting, and from beneath
tiem flashed an eye tnat couia nave
en kindled by no other than the fiery
Jul of Peter As he went on speakins
the beloved martyr, his pale counte-
ance became flushed and his voice rose
tith excitement.
"Beware of loud speaking." whispered
low, sweet voice, and at the words a
rma!e figure that had been reclining oi
lie left hand of Mary, the Mother 01
isus. rcsc and sprang forward; and, lt
quick earnestness of her expression
p'-d mencment, as well as the exquisite
auty tzr which she was distinguished.
fe can rcc?gn:zo only the Magdalen. But
jw the usually pale cheek was flushed.
ie ecs were tearfui, and the fair hancs
fere clashed together until the nails 01
lien were Imprinted In the other. She
id been listening to a story of terrible
;ony, and all her passionate depth of
e'lrg was aroused.
J "Beware, good Peter!" she whlsperea
lin. 'Saul, of Tarsus. Is abroad. What
lou'd hinder him from coming hither?"'
l"Be cf good comfort, Mary." returnee
?ter, regarding her tender form with a
snt'.o and raving eye; "for truly as the
alee of cur Master ever spake. It has
fceken Jut now, as It were breathing
I to rev sduI these words: Be of gooa
leer, Peter, for comfort is at hand I "
Joliu, the Beloved.
("Remcmberest thoa what He said, while
fe wr.s yet In the form, present with us?"
i!d J;Ln " 'Where two or three arc
ithcrcd together In ray name, there will J
he in tne xmast ei you." Have we not
fcl fe't Ills presence, and has He not ben
anlfest to thee, O my mother, to whom
te gave ne almost with ills last breath.
be vrAo thee a sonT
He t k the hand of the Madonna. a
h speke, asd, b&wlns his bead a sio- J
----- t -
ment there, his long, fair hair flowing on
either side, concealed the tears that foil
upon It.
"There Is no time, either by night or'
day, when He is not manifest to me."
replied Mary; "and scarcely a moment
since," she added, after a short pause,
"these words were whispered In my ear:
" 'Behold, a new evangel Is sent forth,
and a messenger of joyful tidings is close
at hand.' "
"Amen!" responded John, and the low
response passed from lip to lip. in tones
as deep as the faith that made It vital.
"But It we follow In His footsteps, the
spirit of our Lord and the strength 01
our Lord shall abide with us. whether we
live or die." observed James, the Evan
gelist, who was reclining near to Mary
Magdalen, his dark eyes, long, black hair,
large, heavy frame and strong expression
of face furnishing a striking contrast to
the appearance of his brother, and Justi
fying the title which his Master had
given him "The Son of Thunder!"
The Brothers.
John was tall and graceful, and his
whole form was exquisitely molded. Hls
long, fair hair fell over his shoulders In
luxuriant waves, while, in the finely
wrought features was a beauty almost too
delicate for manhood, were it not for
their intensity of power a result of the
wonderful union of wisdom and love, for
which his character was so much distin
guished. '"Yc'E," he responded, almost sorrowful
ly. In answer to his brother's words, as
If he hnd Just had a vision of the next
martyr. "Tea. "my brother, thou, I doubt
not, wilt abide true In thy faith, even to
the last. And let us all remember the
precious words of our Master and strive
to follow in His divine footsteps. Is not
selfishness that seizes what Is best and
greatest, only for Itself, the Dogon of tho
world, and worse than any carved Image
that men, In their blindness, have ever
set up to worship? And is not the whole
spirit of His life and works one greav
sermon against this monster vice?
" Do as you would be done by,' sato
He. Again He said: 'Be Just; love one
another
"What prophet before, since the world
began, has ever taught so simple a faith,
so divine a doctrine that all men are
brethren and God Is their common father
not fierce and revengeful, but slow to
anger and full of mercy and loving kind
ness? Then let us love one another, even
as He has loved us, that the world may
truly know that we are not of them."
He paused, and a deep silence followed
this beautiful exhortation, for all pres
ent were emulous to enter more deeply
into the spirit of their divine Master.
Mary Mnicrtlnlene Spenkcth.
"What shall be the ond of all these
things?" was sighed, rather than spoken,
so low and sorrowful were the tone, ana
the Magdalen, drawing closer to her side,
laid her head on the Madonna's knee,
clasping her arms around her. "Surely
we are ready to suffer." she continued,
"but although the mind Is willing, the
heart Is sometimes weak and the nerves
will shrink even from thoughts so terri
ble. Ah! tell me not of courage, for who
has seen what has lately been forced upon
us can yet bear to remember it the flerct
tortures of the cross and the cruel
stones?"
A deep shudder passed over the speak
er, and her fair form seemed to collapse
with horror, as she enumerated, mentally,
the unspeakable agonies of which she had
been an eye-witness.
"Wo could not forsake Him," she pur
sued, as If communing with herself, "but
do we not, every hour, suffer a living
death, in the memory of His?"
"Rejoice that thou wert found worthy,
even for this, and doubt nothing, my
daughter, for all will be well."
At these words a woman who was rather
past the middle period of life came for
ward, from a group at ono side of the
room, and, laying a hand on tho head
of the Magdalen, she continued:
"Fear nothing. Mary; doubt nothing.
Behold my son. yonder boy of Naln! Was
he not carried on his bier and thea
lifted up from it, living? Lo! Is he not
a witness of the power that can save,
eyen to the last and through the last?
Cannot he who brought forth life out of
death give strength of soul to the weak
In body?"
"Aye, speak Lazarus!" she resumed,
after a short paus: "for thou, too,
shouldst bear audible witness of His
power."
The one addressed, who had listened to
tho widow with deep emotion, now re
sponded: Lazarus Bearcili Testimony.
"His power is love, and love Is omnipo
tent." There was silence a few minutes, and
then Lazarus spoke again: "I could say
much concerning this power of which
thou hast made mention, O thou blessed
widow of Nain! but for sympathy with
this dear sister, whose eyes are not yet
healed of their weeping for His loss."
He clasped the hand of his slter Mary,
whose bead rested on. his shoulder, and
onco more all relapsed into that expres
sive silence, where the voice of the Spirit
seemed audible, for was not the Master
present and communing with their spirits
in. truth and In power?
"Yonder boy has somewhat to say that
should give us much good cheer," again
spoke the widow, as Mary Magdalen mado
room for her between herself and the
Madonna, and she pointed to her son.
"The youth is not used to speaking, and
his heart is full," she added, making a
gesture of entreaty for him to rise.
Then, by request of James and Peter,
tho youth came forward. Advancing to
tho floor in front of the piatrorm. he
stood, with his left side Inclined lo the
railng. "his left hand being thrown over
It. and lovingly clasping that of John, as
if his dlflldenco might thence draw cour
age to bear his testimony.
"I had been sent forth by my mother."
he began, turning, with a modest air, to
the face of John, "and on coming to
Tiberias, on the border of Gennesaneth,
not finding Him I sought, I crossed over
to the spa of Betbsalda. There I met
the young man. who was from Sldon, nav.
ing been to Damascus for the purchase
of linen. But. instead of answering tne
business questions that were put to him,
he said, suddenly. 'Art not thou, too. a
follower of Him they call Jesus of ivaz
arethr And I answered, not knowing
but he was a servant and spy of Saul.
who, I knew, had gone out into that
country. 'Behold my life! Should It ever
cease from following after Its giver -and
restorer?
Snnl' Vision.
"Then he said. 'Listen, for the end oi
wonders Is not yet! Behold, when Sam
was on the way and coming near to
Damascus, a bright light, as it were, from
heaven, enveloped him. 'round about. He
fell on the ground, la threat astonish
ment and fear, and the Lord spake to
him and raised him from the eartn. am,
lo. when his eyes were opened, he could
see po man, for the light had stricken
hlmpHnd. But. with a strong hand, he
was ved forth from his sins, and he is
now fi Damascus, preaching Christ Jesus
in air the synagogues, with great power,
such as man never yet heard; and the
Jews are confounded. "
"This may be some new trick of Ms lo
lead the brethren Into his power." ob
served .Peter, "for how can he; whose
hands are yet rod with the blood of in
nocents, be so soon made clean?"
"Blessed would this Intelligence be, tr
It were true," remarked John. -But out
be not go, forth with power and authority
from CalaphAs and lire chief Jews, that 11
he found any disciples, whether mea or
women, he might. bring them bound to
Jerusalem? How can we trust one so
crimson with guilt as this man?"
"Behold! are wq not all sinners?" And,
with these words, a speaker of great
benignity and eloquent expression, came '
forward. It was James, the younger, .
whom the Jews so reverenced for his in- !
Arrir n 1a fv A,f- Irfea tha 1
tv,ij 14,41. wjgj vi-t-EiA isu&b w .
hem of his garment. .
et us be Just, even to our enemies." , jng to blame others yes, even to torture
he continued. "Aslda from his late acts, ; thine handmaid, because he cannot cn
the life of Saul, ot Tarsus, exhibits a dure his own tortures."
character without blemish. Let us be- . "Hast thou borne thy testimony for Him
neve, then, that he is honest in nis mis-
Kin.c, ior utic nut iueji uuxuiu liim -j. nave sain an J. couia, oui now x .j KInBis strategem.
deluded even to the shedding of Inno- . nave ceased to speak, and only enrago I-
cent blood? And who among us Is blood- ; hlm wheJ. x try l0 persuade. But, O, Being one day hunting, he caught se
gulltless, seeing that the Just One was ijary, if thou couldst know what I suf- eral animals, taking also a portion of
made a sacrifice for the sins of all?"
Mary to Jnuics. j
"Thou art surely right, my son," said
tho Madonna. "I feel that this Is really '
a part of the good tidings we should !
hear, and that have been distinctly fore- J
shadowed on the minds ot several of us '
here tonight. Behold! even now the bear- .
er of Joyful news cometh near, and when
we hear It, we shall believe that this Is .
also true. There Is even now at hand a
time of safety to believers, and the J
church shall have peace."
Even while she spoke there was tne
sound of approaching footseps. This was
followed by a low tap at the gate, wnen
Rhoda, a young damsel In the protection
of Mary, "went forth and opened It. Di
rectly a person entered, the ripeness ot
whose years had Just begun to be touched
with the venerable character of age, ana
behind him followed two women. UTit
first wa6 saluted as Joseph, ot Anlmathea,
One of the women was greeted as the J
faithful Joanna, wife of Chusa, Herod's
chief steward. The other was closely
veiled, and, seeking shelter from observa
tion, drew her companion into an ob
scure corner, yet not before a certain
nobility of air had been noticed in her
appearance and demeanor, which indi
cated the refined habits of a person ot
distinction.
As Joseph advanced Into the middle of
the room he paused, and, stretching forth
his hands, pronounced the accustomed
benediction of the aged on similar occa
sions: "Peace be to this house, and Joy
ana hipsKlnt? to the hearts of the faith- i
ful!' J
"Hast thou, then, heard the tidings .
that Saul, of Tarsus, Is really converted '
and preaching the gospel?" asked John, ,
addressing Joseph, as he and Mark
brought forward a couch and spread
cushions for him to rest.
"Verily," returned Joseph, as he sat
down, "and, strange as it may appear, I
believe. But I am the bearer of other tid
ings: Good TldlnR.i.
"Behold! Ye also know that Philip has
been preaching the gospel In the villages i evl1 , Behold! a young man of the
- -, . . ,7 . ,. ,. i j house of Herod, who, in his secret mind,
of Samaria, as he has but lately shown ) ,g ffell dlsp03Cd to 'folow the Mastcrf
when he tarried among you In Jerusalem. was sent forth by chUzan this very day.
Returning from a Journey but a few J on a private embassy bej'ond the walls
hours since, I came to rest, in the heat 0f the city even to Engedl the City of
of the day, beneath the nalms of Jerl- I Palms. Having rested in the shadow of
cho, when, behold! a traveler approached, J its vineyards and procured from Queen
and as he came nearer I saw that It was , Herodlas some cypress -vines, with which
Philip. Surprised to And him coming ( the place abounds, he proceeded home
fro m that direction, when we believed ward. Coming to the fountain, Rogel, he
that he had again gone forth to Samaria, I drank of Its waters and sat down to rest.
I was In haste to know the reason, and
of this he soon assured me.
"As he was proceeding on the road to j
Samaria, an angel of the Lord appeared
In the way before him, bidding him turn
to tho south, on tho road to Gaza. Being
obedient to the heavenly voice, he
straightway turned his course, proceed
ing In the direction that had been point
ed out. Thereafter, he soon fell Into com
pany with a chariot, driven by a single
horseman. And Philip, listening, behold!
he was reading the prophet Eslas, and
he sought that Philip should come up to J
him In the chariot and explain what he
read, and Philip did so. And as Philip
was explaining the text, he preached Je
sus; and, straightway, the charioteer be-i
lleved, and, finding water, he was bap
tized. He proved to be a person of great
consequence and power, a servant of Can
dace, Queen of Ethiopia, Delng held In
great favor and having charge of all her
treasure. Doubtless his mistress will soon
EASY PUZZLE
HERE YOU FIXD OT ONLY SATA CLAIS, BUT HIS DEER AND SLEIGH,
TURKEY, A BAD LITTLE BOY WHO WAS SKIPPED MY SAINT SICK, A
LITTLE SISTER AND SOME OF TI1E TOYS THEY RECEIVED.
come to know the truth, and thus the
gospel will oe spread far abroad."
An expression of joy followed this an
nouncement, not because a convert was
a rare thing in those days, but for -the
reason last mentioned by Joseph, that by
such means the gospel should be more
widely diffused and carried into seemingly
remote regions.
'JTie Strnnccr.
During the pause following this, Joanna
came forward to speak with the Ma
donna and the circle immediately around
her, and when courtesies had been ex
changed, the Magdalen went and took her
place beside the veiled stranger; of whom
she, alone, bad any knowledge, except,
perhaps, Josepn, under whose escort she
had seemed to come.
A friendly greeting In low tones passed
between them, when the stranger said:
"Be careful, Mary, and betray me not. I ,
shall suffer more, perhaps.
than tnou
canst believe. If this visit
should be
known; for, O, he is suffering secretly, J
1 , LI. 1 . l.l ftin jrt. i
hjju WlieXl XilS Ue&rL .IK JSOlC Wli.il me v-uu- i
sclousness of wrong, he Is sometimes will
truly?" whispered Mary.
for In the thought of that wrong, com-
mlttcd by the husband of my youth
the husband 01 my love- Mary, Mary! kind should be done up In a distinct par
I pity me: for I sometimes feel as If all , eel.
i the guilt had been concentrated and fallen j The annals were carried In a sack to
. on him, and that I had become the mur- I tho amphitheater, and there. In the pres
j derer by still loving him. j ence of Augustus and the chief men of
"For Pilate is kind and true to me." j his empire, he ordered a distribution of
. she whispered. In yet lower tones. "He j tho parcels, and on everyone belnc
j has shown me nothing but love up to ( opened he released the animals, when
this fatal time, and how can I do other- each one ran to his native earth and em
I wise than love him still?" braced it. as all he could find of home.
"Tak comfort, Claudia," whispered
Mary, "for surely our Lord, Himself, who
teaches us to love even our enemies,
would not rebuke thee for loving him
who Is thine own husband!"
"But. Mary," resumed the other. In her
eagerness to speak, letting her veil drop
aside, showing that her fair cheek and
noble feature? had been paled and fur
rowed with tears. "Mary," she contin-
ued, hastily gathering up the folds and !
again hiding herself, "did not the Lord
forgive and pray for His murderers, even
on the cross? And dost not thou think
that His prayer had virtue in it?"
"Why should It not?" responded Man,
soothingly.
Clandla'n Anguish.
"Ah!" returned the other, "I have tried
to think so! I have spent the lone
watches of the night in prayer that this '
wonderful petition might be answered and
his guilt washed away. Oh. there are
doubtless many who look on ray fine robes
and stately chambers with envy, but I
could go yonder and fall in the dust to
dasD the knees of that bereaved mother
whose bereavement my own heart's love
has In part, occasioned. It would be a
greater blessing to this aching heart than
the wealth of the whole wide world could
purchase."
Her slight form shook with emotion.
but Mary drew her further aside and soon
cnnnPorlM In rsctnrlnr no,. In OTtornnl .
quiet. Just then their attention was called
to Joanna, who had something to relate.
Laying aside her mantle, she began thus:
"Yes, let your hearts be strong In faith.
for good can never be entirely overthrown
at the same time watching several young
men who were trying their strength by
lifting and throwing the stone, Zoheleth.
"Directly one of these, observing him.
drew him aside, and, knowing him to be
privately a believer In the new gospel,
told him that he had but just then met
a pilgrim who had lately returned from
Edessa, bearing letters for Herod, by the
hand of Abagarus, King of that city, and
who, moreover, had gathered Joyful news
during his sojourn there.
"Then the young man hastened for
ward; for this pilgrim was he whom he
had sought, his abode being Engedl. And
he overtook him but a little within the
walls, for the messenger was bowed with
age and wea-y with his long journey.
And when he had delivered his letter Into
the hands of the King, our young man
brought him to the house of Chuzah.
And this Is his story:
" 'Abagarus, who, the good brethren
will remember, not many months ago.
FOR SHARP EYES OF LITTLE FOLKS.
wrote to the Master for relief, is healed
of his Infirmity by the power of Jesus,
in the person of Thaddeus, and he be
lieves, and all his house.' "
"This is. indeed. Joyful intelligence, my
daughter," sa'd Joseph, laying a hand on
the head of Joanna, as if in the act of
blessing her. At that moment a knocking
was heard at the gate, and Thomas, be
ing admitted confirmed the story.
"The harvest truly Is plenteous, as our
dear Lord hath often said," remarked
John; "then let as. O. my brethren, sow
In faith and God will send forth reapers."
"It is truly so," responded Peter, and
then he continued: "Abagarus Is a truth
ful as well as a shrewd man, and he will,
I doubt -not, do much good. There is a
story told of him while he was a prisoner
at Rome, which is really worth remem-
boring, even now and here. It may be
known to some cf you that this King
of Edessa. having assisted In obtaining
the defeat of Crassus, was afterwards
obliged to submit to Augustus, oy wnom
be was carried to Rome, in order to keep
him true to his forced allegiance. He was
1 9 J . .t tttt. r Vlni Ontff
mat uluhicu UL 43 blue v -4..o. .
obliged to accept that of Toparch. or Gov
j ernor. Instead thereof. He grew weary,
I at length, of this state of Inactivity, and
I comparative bondage, and Anally be
I thought himself of a. strategem, hoping
thereby to regain his liberty, and so in
earth from the hole that each Inhabited,
giving orders to his attendants that every
The Emperor read the riddle, taking the
lesson so to heart that he restored the
captive King his titles and sent him back
to Edessa."
The relation of this little anecdote had
a very pleasing effect, relaxing the minds
of those present, whose thoughts had
been strained with too severe a tension.
Then Mark, and also his mother, spokn
to their guests, bidding them go Into thti
outer chamber and refresh themselves.
They arose at the word. and. passing out.
they found tables spread with wholesome
and simple viands. But ere they sat
down, new guests arrived: at the same
time Joanna, with her companion, passed
quietly out.
The first who entered was a sage, whose
once fine and stately form was bending
beneath the weight of many years. No
one knew him. for he took an obscure
piice, unobserved at the moment, be-
cause the common attention was directed
to the Disciple, Barnabas, who entered
close behind.
Repeating the common form of saluta
tion "Peace be to this house, and bless-
Ings abide with the faithful!" Barnabas
came forward, and, having saluted the
friends individually, he addressed him
self especially to Peter. James and John,
who were gathered in a group around
him. He told them, with much emphasis.
the story of Saul's conversion, and urged
that he should be joined with- them In
"' "e s";
lne nUnlStTJ
When the Apostles and
other brethren hesitated, expressing
doubts as to the reality of the Imputed
change, he lifted up his voice and do
clared, earnestly:
Bnrnnbna Exhorts.
"Know this, whether ye receive Him,
or whether ye reject, the Lord hath sent
Him forth, and ye cannot hinder him,
for who can overthrow what the Lord
wllleth? He has already been found
worthy to suffer persecution, for the
Jews, even now, are thirsting for his
life. Look at his works and see If they
are not In the power and spirit of tha
Lord! Try xf there Is any shadow In
them for the concealment of evil! The
Lord hath baptized Him in a. flood of
light from heaven, and who can set aside
his baptism?"
Then there was a sound of many voices
expressing a desire to see and to wel
come Saul to the field of labor.
"Lo, He- standeth at the gate, waiting
to be Introduced Into your presence,"
answered Barnabas, who, passing out,
left the door open that led into the court.
Every eye was searching intently for
the newcomer, and when they saw
figure moving amid the darkness, with a
mysterious light falling round about, they
marveled with fear and trembling, think
ing they had seen an angeL As he came
forward, through fear or veneration,
some were fain to prostrate themselves
before him. But, raising them, as he .ad
vanced, he took the outstretched hands
of Peter and John, and, having saluted
such as were pressing Immediately about
him, he thus addressed them:
"Brethren and sisters In the bonds of
tho crucified Jesus, If I am found worthy
A CHRISTMAS TREE, A CHRISTMAS
GOOD LITTLE BOY AND HIS GOOD
to suffer or die In this good cause. It will
not be of mine own worthiness, but the
mercy of God." And. folding his arms
over his breast, as If overcome by the
intensity of his emotions, he remained
silent, standing in the midst.
Soul Is Welcomed.
His words and manner shamed every
doubt and silenced every fear, and they
who had suspected his fitness stood
abashed before Tilm. All, even the sim
plest, comprehended at once that there
could be no guile In the fair, open brow,
and the clear eyes that arched so nobly
upward, and looked so truthfully for
ward. Many came near to kiss the bor
ders of his garment, and to offer silent
prayers and p.our out benedictions forJjjeth.er la tao harmonious bonds o
this new brother. Then a Joyful shout
burst upon the silence, and hosannas rent
the air, for Saul, of Tarsus, stood among
them.
When the burst of enthusiasm had
somewhat subsided, the sage- who had
not before been noticed and -who was
entirely unknown by all present, came
forward. Casting aside his outer gar
ment, ha walked Into the center of the
throng, and, leaning on his staff with
one hand, laid the other steadily, not
withstanding his extreme age. on the
head of the new minister. And, In a
voice whose clear, musical tonea seemed
rather an attitude of immortal youth
than of decaying life, thus he epoke:
"Blessed art thou, Saul, last, but not
least among the disciples of the Holy
One. Verily that name shall be great In
the earth with a greatness that belong
eth to no other. It is a rising star that
shall guide lost ones over the desert.
It is an unfolding sun that shall give
light to darkness. It is a fountain of
life that shall break out on the shores
of death. Thou shalt be as the river of
the mountains, whose fountain-head is
the bosom of paradise, and whose voice
is a cry of joy. Swelled by the torrents".
It passes on with a strong and rapid
current, continually growing stronger
and deeper, until Its broad arms embrace
widely distant lands. Such Is the type of
thy course, for thou shalt carry this new
gospel of life unto remote uations."
Then, lifting and spreading forth his
hands, aa in the act of conferring a gen
eral benediction, he said:
The Sase'i Prophecy.
"Blessings be with you, and peace peace
that shall come forth like a star on the
clouded night blessings that shall spring
up like flowers In the midst of thorns!
Blessed are ye, men and women, brethren
and sisters. Many nere shall be found
worthy to suffer death. Fear not; for
your wounds shall be healed as with the
balsam of Gllend; ye shall labor day and
night, and when ye are ready to faint,
yo shall inhale strength as the breath
of frankincense, and life as the spirit
of the aloe! Ye shall be cast before sav
age beasts, but their eyes shall be opened
and their mouths shut, e shall take up
serpents and tread on noxious reptiles,
and they shall not harm you. Yo shall
walk forth In the midst of pestilence, and
health, flowing out from your presence,
shall purify the air. For you the wing of
the hurricane shall be bound and the
bow of the tempest shall be broken.
Your lives shall be fragrant as the breath
Of Eschol; your hopes unfailing as the
waters of Bethulla, and whether ye die of
stones, or on the cross, or by new tor
tures, or on your own beds in peace,
your release shall be triumphant as the
going up of, an eagle, and ye shall be
embalmed In the hearts of all generations
with memories immortal as the per
fume of rosea.
"Lo! when the outer eyes are dim with
age, the eyes of the spirit, looking for
ward, behold the darkness of the future,
clear as noonday. Thus do I perceive
the truth. Thus do I see It Is good that
Jesus should die on the cross, and that
many of His followers sbauld seal the
covenant with their blood. Behold, the
shadow of the cross stretcheth from sea
to sea, embracing new worlds In its man
tle of love!"
"And who art thou, wonderful seer?"
exclaimed the Madonna, coming forward
and looking earnestly in his face. "Sure
ly I know that voice, and yet I can scarce
believe."
He Interrupted by drawing her gently
to the light. Bending his aged eyes on
her face, he perused It earnestly. Then
he said:
Recognition.
"Yes, It is even so. Thou art not aa
one who walketh In the valley of vanity.
Thou wast younger then, Mary, when
the new-born babe was on thy knee, but
fairer to the spirit's eyes do I now be
hold thee. Rememberest thou the East
ern Magi, that blessed thee as the mother
of the Holy Oner
"And art thou he who was called Uriel,
because his soul was as an angel of
light?"
"Men gave me such a name, and I am
the last survivor of all my brethren,"
responded the sage.
All present were filled with astonish
ment and profound awe, gazing on the
sage's stately figure, as he stood in their
midst, with his long hair, white as the
snowy locks of Lebanon, sweeping, in
silken waves, over his should era, and his
mysterious utterance, combining the char
acters of poet and prophet.
"And whence comest thou?" inquired
John.
"Even from my native country, the
land of Elam. I have come hither to
lie down at the foot of the cross and
find rest. Ere I depart hence to pass over
the dark gulf, I seek to drink more freely
andx deeply of that new wisdom, whose
germ I flrst saw enfolded In the Babe
of the Manger. No peace could I find
elsewhere, and when, by power of that
sympathy which had always drawn His
life to mine. I beheld Him stretched
upon the cruel tree. I took up my pilgrim
staff and left the land of Iran, though It
might be forever."
"And who was a guide to thine age
and a support to thy weakness?" asked
the Magdalen.
"Thlnkest thou, my daughter, that the
etar that flrst led me hither Is blotted
from the sky? The eye of faith "I3 not
led by external signs, and the soul of
faith envelops the weakness of the body
with the truest armor."
"But If thou didst believe In the teach
lngs of our Lord, why didst thou not
come before?" inquired Thomas.
Son of Ornuzd.
"I was born a son of Ormuzd," replied
the sage. "Names are nothing, and to
me he was and is the true God. I have
lived, not in external forms or names
of wisdom, but In the silent power of
the Spirit, that asked not of times or
places, but only of truth. I have drank
deeply of the ancient wisdom of Egypt;
the long-obscured learning of Ethiopia
was unfolded before mo, until it became
clear and simple as the letters of Cadmus,
and my life has been Illuminated with
the Zendavesta, or Book of Fire, that
burned with the wisdom of Zoroaster. I
have seen much that was good in all,
and much that was also ueeless or hurt
ful. The eyes of the seer looked back
to their beginning and forward to their
end. But when I came to that Babe
In .the Manger, I beheld, in the halo that
crowned his brow, a concentration of all
previous light, the excellency of all future
glory."
He paused a few moments, and then
added: "Now that I have borne my tes
timony, let me bless you and depart in
peace."
"Nay, good father," said the hostess,
"tarry with us through the night, and
always, if thou wilt."
"And thy life shall be guarded with
ours, until it sinks Into the beautiful re
pose that seemeth near at hand," said
tho Magdalen..
"Nay, my children; seek not to detain
my steps beyond the light of morning.
The old man's love Is strong; he would
reach the borders of Iran and pass away
from the home of his fathers."
Then Mary called the damsel, Rhoda,
and she brought water, and the Madonna
herself sat on the ground and washed
the feet of the sage, and Mary Magdalen
wiped the dust from his brow, and they
vied with each other in acts of kindness
and attention.
"Ye have made the heart of the old
man young again," said the venerable
seer, as he rose from the bath, and,
stretching forth his hands, again blessed
them.
The Sapper.
Then, when all were ready, they drew
around the board, and Mark took bread
and, breaking it, called on the name of
the Lord, and they sat down, to meat, as
they had done often while their departed
friend was yet In the flesh and stood in
their midst dally.
Having finished their repast, they sat
In silence, and a divine Joy pervaded eT
ery bosom, for they felt the presence of
that good spirit by whoso name and
power their hearts had been knit to
never-dying love. And when they spoka
again, one to another, their words were
like sweet melodies of fraternal kindness
and good cheer flowing from soul to
soul. Occasionally exhartatlons burst
forth, full of hope and determination ami
courage, waking the same emotions in
the listeners, as they pointed ever to
the bright example of Him who had bap
tized his sincerity m the immortal blood
of the cross.
So they kept the night: but with the.
gray dawn every man returned to his
place and every woman to her home.
And when the earliest beams of the rls- .
ing sun shono over the eastern summit
of Mount Zlon, the sage, "Uriel, stood on
the threshold, staff In hand. Again ha
blessed the house and all that were in
it, and went his way.
Once more he paused, to drink and
wash himself in the pool of Slloam, and
then, with a murmur of love to the Rlsea
Babe of Bethlehem, he set his faca
towards Iran, and the Arst posthumous
anniversary of the birth of the Lord was
flnished. EUGENE L. THORPE.
SUGGESTIONS TO LEGISLATURE
Remarks on Bills Which
Introduced.
May Be
KLAMATH. FALLS. Dec 19. To tho
Editor.) I offer a few suggestions on sub
jects now getting attention, Arst on the.
scalp bounty law. I have not much pa
tience with opposition to a measure
simply because its direct operation is not
precisely the same in every part of tha
state, but there is an argument against
the coyote bounty which I have not seen
stated. To be successful In the sheep
business men must have dogs and herd
ers and corrals, and must look well after
their flocks anyhow. All they need do
Is to make their night corrals a littlo
more secure, and there will be small need
of this- law. It costs the sheepmen mora
than it Is worth. Then all laws should
be for the greatest good to the largest
number of citizens. Comparatively few
are or will be engaged In the sheep
business In Oregon. Immensely greater
numbers are engaged in raising grain,
vegetables, etc Everyone who is in
formed on the subject knows that coyotes
are great destroyers of rabblta and ground
squirrels, which are rubious pests most
destructive to gardens and to grain and
other crops. Expensive fencing might
shut out the rabbits, but not the squir
rels. uli,
Second Theinsh and game laws. Only
a few plain restrictions are necessary.
The world Is governed too much. There
Is no use making laws that are not ex
pected to be heeded. Most of the game
laws are a premium on lawlessness.
Among pioneers, so great Is the sense of
the injustice and wrong of most of theso
restrictions about flsh and game, that
there la little obedience, and the breaking
of one law leads to the breaking of
others.
Most pioneer settlers are poor, and de
pend mainly on fish and game for their
meat. They could safely be trusted not
to waste and destroy their own present
and prospective supplies. They are a
law unto themselves and among them
selves against unseasonable killing of
game, etc., till driven to it. In order to get
any. by city sports and club men fond
of hunting and fishing, and rich enough
to come and camp near the frontier set
tlements and kill all the game they
can, seasonable or not. About two years
ago, such sportsmen visited the vicinity
of Pelican Bay. in Klamath County, and
were reported as killing, during the closed
season, about 1000 ducks, mostly mal
lards, nearly all cf which were just left
where they fell, so that wasted, dead
ducks floated down, lodged, and accumu
lated at one point In sufllclent numbers to
dam the brook, which was quite a
stream. No wonder the honest, hard
working settler fails to see the justice
In laws, to make him keep hands oft and
go hungry. In order that the clubmen can
turn out and have their sport.
Almost the whole string are so plainly
and solely for the benefit of mere gentle
men sportsmen, that the border men will
fret and chafe under them for awhile, and
then disregard them. The Oregonian It
self Is no doubt aware of that recent
court decision that when It Is lawful for
ducks, or other game to be marketed in
a state, and it is then lawful to kill them
In an adjoining state, they may bo
shipped from the one state to the other
and sold. Yet some of our folks want to
prohibit selling ducks, etc, even at home.
Such prohibition will not stick, and there
Is no use to try to make It.
Wrong and Impolitic Is any law about
game, which permits a man to kill It, and
yet undertakes to restrict his use of it,
further than to require that it be not
wasted.
And why prohlbt from wasting say
venison, while the same law forbids a,
man to sell a pound of his deer, but In
sists that he must be a sufllcient glutton
to cat It all himself, ar.d then swallow tho
hide? About the next thing will ba
"an act" providing that nobody shall
cook any game, except out doors by a
camp Are, on a hazel switch.
Third The Supreme Court. If the Su
preme Court Judge will stop making Ions
arguments and citations of authorities,
at least In plain and simple cases, they
can keep up with business, and, Inci
dentally, the state printing will cost less,
and lawyers and other can understand
the laws better.
It is astonishing that any one should do
so, but some months ago a man did ap
peal to the Oregon Supreme Court to en
.able him to take advantage of a new
law to avoid a financial liability he had
incurred under a certain older law which
had been repealed some months after tha
incurring of said liability. The court
took quite a number of pages of the "re
ports" to say this: "No ex post facto
law can operate In these United States,
and this liability having been incurred
under a law good at the time it was so
incurrd, appellant (A. B.) must pay it."
KLAMATH-
Elevate the Street Llslits.
PORTLAND, Dec. a. (To the Editor.)
Having lived In this city a number of
years, also in Los Angeles and San Diego,
Cal., I call the attention of the general
public to the difference in light of tho
latter cities to that of Portland. In Los
Angeles, also in San Diego, the electric
light poles (most of them) are twice the
height of those here, and four arc light3
are suspended therefrom. Instead of one,
and this gives a brilliant light over a
couple of blocks, on all four sides of tho
pole. (I mean south, west, north and
east In direction from the pole).
I never saw such dark streets down
there as I do here In this city. Espe
cially have they those lights on and near
Buch places as the Southern Pacific
freight and passenger depot, also tho
Santa Fe depot, and out-of-the-way limits
where hold-ups would most likely occur.
Anyone going up Front street anywhere
near the terminal grounds and the O. R.
& N. warehouse would see the benefit of
erecting such lights, not only In keeping
one from falling, or permitting men to
collide with one another in the dark, but
in making It hard for footpad3, as their
best place to operate Is in dark streets
and on dark corners, where they can hide
till their intended victim approaches. Give
our city such lights in out-of-the-way
places and you will need less of a police
force, have fewer hold-ups and be better
off In the long run. Hoping this will como
under the eyes of our city fathers, a3
well as those who believe In having well
lighted streets to travel on at night, I am
respectfully. HENRY LIEBE.
MOUNT" HOOD.
Father Earth, asleep on the ground,
Pulled on night cap and Its strings bound
Used a glacier instead ot a cap.
A snow bank In place of a hat.
Hood was e. traveler of worth;
Mount Hood is a hood, on the earth
A towering bonnet of snow,
A canopy of white aglow;
Its broad dimensions high In air.
Conspicuous, handsome and fair. ' - ,
Rev. T. "W. Haven, Ph. D.
&J.. York Springs, Pa.. Dec 5, 1000.
&