XV. A Frightened King


The inquiry of the wise men startled Jerusalem and frightened Herod. The
proud metropolis had not yet heard the news. The immortal honor of
having given birth to the Christ had been denied to her haughty brow and
had become humble Bethlehem's imperishable crown. The very name of king
gave Herod a terrible shock. He was a usurper steeped in crime and was
ever trembling on his throne. No hunted, white-faced, Russian Czar ever
feared nihilist's bomb more than he feared rebellion's revolt and
assassin's knife. Rebel after rebel he had crushed into spattered brains
and blood, and here was rumor of another Rival born under the shadow of
his throne. Herod was troubled and his terror sent a strange wave and
shudder of fear through the city. So the same gospel that made angels
sing and wise men worship and started good news out over the world,
created consternation and trouble up in Herod's palace and in his city.
Christ came to give peace and joy, but his gospel is a sword to some.
The good man's presence is always the bad man's condemnation and stirs
hatred in his heart. Every good influence that falls upon us, according
as we use it, brings either more joy or trouble, and the gospel itself
is either a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death.




XVI. An Impotent Destroyer