store peace to Israel,
that must be done which ought to have been done long ago--we must
arrest him and throw him into prison. That is the only way to put an
end to his evil influence."

The suggestion was hailed with enthusiasm, and springing to their feet
they cried: "Yea, that must be done!"

Then a third priest stood up and said: "Once he is in prison, the
credulous people will no longer be attracted by the fascination of his
manner or the charm of his discourse. When they have no more miracles
to gape at; he will soon be forgotten."

And a fourth priest exulted as he added: "In the darkness of his
dungeon let him make his light shine and proclaim his Messiahship to
the walls of the jail."

Then it was the turn of the Pharisees. The first said: "He has been
allowed long enough to lead the people astray and to denounce as
hypocrisy the strict virtue of the Holy Order of the Pharisees. Let
him suffer in fetters for his contempt."

A second Pharisee added complacently: "The enthusiasm of his hangers-on
will soon cool down when he who has promised them freedom is himself in
chains."

By this time it was evident all the council was of one mind. Then
Annas, the venerable high priest, arose and addressed the Sanhedrin
with much emotion: "Now, venerable priests, a ray of confidence and joy
penetrates to my breast when I see your unanimous resolution. Alas! an
unspeakable grief has weighed down my soul at the sight of the onward
progress of the false teachings of this Galilean. It seemed as if I
had lived to old age but in order to have the misfortune of seeing the
downfall of our holy law. But now I will not despair. The God of our
fathers still lives, and he is with us. If you have the courage to act
boldly, and to stand firmly and faithfully together, there is safety at
hand. Take courage, steadfastly pursue the aim in view, and be the
deliverer of Israel, and undying fame will be your reward."

With one accord all answered and said: "We are of one mind," while the
priests added, shouting eagerly, "Israel must be saved!"

Then Caiaphas began: "All honor to your unanimous resolution, worthy
brethren, but now let me have the benefit of your wise counsels how we
can most safely bring this deceiver into our power."

"It might be dangerous," remarked the first Pharisee, "to seize him now
at the time of the feast. In the streets or in the temple he is
everywhere surrounded by a mob of infatuated followers