aving a special mission, added greatly to his power of
utility. He listened to their representations as to their want of
authority, and to the rivalries and jealousies which already
existed among those who had enrolled themselves. When they had
finished, he said:

"I have been thinking the matter well over. I am convinced that it
is absolutely necessary that none of the commands shall exceed the
numbers I have fixed upon--namely, four hundred men, divided into
eight companies, each with a captain--but at the same time, I do
not see any reasons why all our corps should not be nominally under
one leader. If, then, you think it will strengthen your position, I
am ready to accept the general leadership, and to appoint you each
as commanders of your troops. Then you will hold my commissions;
and I will support you, in your commands, with any authority I may
have.

"At the same time you will understand that you will, in reality,
act altogether independently of me; save and except when, it seems
to me, that we can unite in any enterprise. If we enter Jerusalem,
we will then hold together for mutual protection from the factions;
but even there you will each command independently for, did I
assume a general command, it would excite the jealousy of the
leaders of the factions, and we should be forced to take part in
the civil strife which is devastating the city."

A cordial consent to this proposition was given by the other
leaders, who said that the knowledge that they were John's officers
would add immensely to their authority; and would also raise the
courage and devotion of their men, who would not believe that they
were being led to victory, unless they were acting under the orders
of John, himself.

"Remember," John said, "that if misfortune befalls us, I have never
laid claim to any divine commission. We are all agents of God, and
it may be that he has specially chosen me as one of his
instruments; but this I cannot say, beyond the fact that, so far, I
have been carried safely through great dangers, and have been
enabled to win successes over the Romans. But I do not set up as a
specially-appointed leader.

"I say this for two reasons: in the first place, that you should
not think that I am claiming authority and command on grounds which
may not be justified; and in the second place that, if I should
fall early in the fighting, others should not be disheartened, and
believe that the Lord has deserted them.

"I a