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[97]
Now none of the populace durst not only make a reply, but durst not
so much as get upon the wall, for it was all taken up by the robbers, who
were also the guard at the gates, in order to prevent any of the rest from
going out, in order to propose terms of submission, and from receiving
any of the horsemen into the city. But John returned Titus this answer:
That for himself he was content to hearken to his proposals, and that he
would either persuade or force those that refused them. Yet he said that
Titus ought to have such regard to the Jewish law, as to grant them leave
to celebrate that day, which was the seventh day of the week, on which
it was unlawful not only to remove their arms, but even to treat of peace
also; and that even the Romans were not ignorant how the period of the
seventh day was among them a cessation from all labors; and that he who
should compel them to transgress the law about that day would be equally
guilty with those that were compelled to transgress it: and that this delay
could be of no disadvantage to him; for why should any body think of doing
any thing in the night, unless it was to fly away? which he might prevent
by placing his camp round about them; and that they should think it a great
point gained, if they might not be obliged to transgress the laws of their
country; and that it would be a right thing for him, who designed to grant
them peace, without their expectation of such a favor, to preserve the
laws of those they saved inviolable. Thus did this man put a trick upon
Titus, not so much out of regard to the seventh day as to his own preservation,
for he was afraid lest he should be quite deserted if the city should be
taken, and had his hopes of life in that night, and in his flight therein.
Now this was the work of God, who therefore preserved this John, that he
might bring on the destruction of Jerusalem; as also it was his work that
Titus was prevailed with by this pretense for a delay, and that he pitched
his camp further off the city at Cydessa. This Cydessa was a strong Mediterranean
village of the Tyrians, which always hated and made war against the Jews;
it had also a great number of inhabitants, and was well fortified, which
made it a proper place for such as were enemies to the Jewish nation.
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