Section 105
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 73 that were destitute, saw themselves perishing for want Thus did the violence of the factions prevail over all manner of justice." The same author again relates, that about the same time there sprung up a certain species of robbers at Jerusalem, " who," says he, " in broad day-light, and in the midst of the city, slew those whom they met ; but particularly at festivals, mixed with the multitude, and with short swords concealed under their garments, stabbed the more distinguished of the people. When these fell, the very murderers themselves took part in expressing their in dignation with the bystanders, and thus by the credit which they had with all, they were not detected. And first, he says, that the high priest Jonathan was slaughtered by them ; and after him, many were slain from day to day, so that the alarm itself was more oppressive, than the very evils with which they were as sailed ; whilst every one was in expectation of death, as in the midst of battle. CHAPTER XXL The Egyptian mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. NEXT in order, after other matters, he proceeds in his narra tion. " But the Jews were afflicted with an evil greater than these, by the Egyptian impostor. Having come into the country, and assuming the authority of a prophet, he collected about thirty thousand that were seduced by him. He then led them forth from the desert to the Mount of Olives, determining to enter Je rusalem by force, and after subduing the Roman garrison, to seize the government of the people, using his followers as body guards. But Felix anticipated his attack by going out to meet him with the Roman military, and all the people joined in the defence ; so that when the battle was fought, the Egyptian fled with a few, and the most of his followers were either destroyed or captured." This account is given by Josephus in the second book of his his tory ; and it is worth while to subjoin also to this account respect ing the Egyptian, also that which is mentioned in the Acts of the K