The Persecution of the Gentiles

In those days lawless men came forth from Israel and misled many. They said, let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles round about us. This proposal pleased them, and some of the people eagerly went to the king. He authorized them to observe the ordinances of the Gentiles so they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to Gentile custom. Then he plundered the city, burned it with fire, and tore down its houses and its surrounding walls. Because of them, the residents of Jerusalem fled,. She became strange to her offspring, and her children forsook her. Her sanctuary became desolate as a desert. The beauty of women faded. Every bridegroom