will be able to dwell there, which will be incomparably larger than it ever was even in the most flourishing epochs of antiquity."
This is Dr. Nathan's statement which explains the misunderstanding of the Times correspondent. Dr. Nathan's views on the colonization of Palestine and the neighboring lands do not differ materially from the Zionist views. The Zionists also doubt the possibility of extensive immigration into
Palestine, until certain conditions both political and industrial, obtain. Zionism, however, encourages individual efforts whether proletarian or capitalistic, for the development of the land, and for that purpose seeks to secure concessions and grants of security. Private initiative will help to bring about conditions as outlined by Dr. Nathan, and must be therefore regarded as politically valuable.
THE BOOK OF ESTHER
(Concluded)
ESTHER lost no time in warning the King; but, judging from Chinese customs, she must have had great difficulty in so doing. The Bible states that the two conspirators against his life were hanged, whilst the commentary renders it as “crucified” or “impaled.” The latter punishment would be in accordance with the Chinese code, as hanging is not a death penalty; and a regicide would be put to death by torture, too harrowing to describe, and his progenitors and posterity exterminated. The “writing” in the chronicles is a thoroughly Chinese practice, as indicated in the Liki, which states:—“The King’s actions were written down by the Recorder of the Left, and his utterance by the Recorder of the Right,” thus showing that the Persians followed Chinese customs. Historiographers are mentioned in the remote ages.
Passing to Chapter III, in which we are introduced to Haman, it need only be noted that, judging from Chinese history, there is nothing extraordinary in his sudden promotion and rapid downfall. The King's order that all should bow the knee before the new minister is quite Chinese, for, from at least 1200 B. C., the outward form of respect has consisted in bending the knee, or both knees, or ko-towing. Mordecai's refusal was on account of his being a Jew, as he probably regarded such a mark of respect as idolatrous. Every nation has its intolerant Haman, and Chinese history records many men equally revengeful. Their exalted position is similarly
insecure. Not a servant but knows that a frown on the royal master’s face may be the forerunner of dismissal; and the higher the office the more uncertain his footing and terrible his downfall. The Chinese cannot be regarded as an intolerant people, for-they have too much respect for “reason” which they prefer to force; yet some writers regard the Confucian saying, that “The study of strange doctrines is injurious indeed,” as indicating religious intolerance—a subject, however, we will not here discuss, but rather seek a parallel to Haman’s malevolence. This we find in Li- Sze, prime minister to the founder of the Tsin dynasty (B. c. 212), who urged his royal master to burn the Confucian books because they were regarded as teaching what was contrary to existing laws. This measure was approved, and not only were the books destroyed, but 400 scholars buried alive for not complying with the edict to destroy their literary treasures.
Haman cast lots on the day when the Jews were to be put to death. This custom of consulting Fate has been in vogue with the Chinese from the earliest ages; and we find it mentioned in the Shoo-King in Shun’s time (B. C. 2222), whilst divination is still practised throughout the Empire. The Book of Rites tells one, “When in doubt resort to divination (or casting lots) by means of the tortoise- shell or milfoil stalks, and abide by the result.” It may be questioned, if the educated Chinese, though still practising it, really be-