In the tenth year of the reign of Seleucus, something happened in Judea that caused him to turn his attention to the treasures deposited in the Temple at Jerusalem. A violent quarrel broke out between Onias III., who was at that time the High Priest in Judea, and Simon, who had been appointed governor of Jerusalem. In order to injure Onias, Simon told the King that there were great riches in the Temple. Seleucus received this news with joy, for he was at this time hard pressed for money to pay his annual tribute to the Romans. He sent out his treasurer, Heliodorus, to plunder the Temple, and bring back these riches to Antioch. HELIODORUS IN THE TEMPLE. Heliodorus immediately set out for Jerusalem, without acquainting any one of his purpose. When he arrived there, he told Onias of the King’s orders, and demanded that he quietly surrender the treasure. The High Priest replied that there was quite a large treasure in the Temple, but that it was by no means as large as had been reported; that the greater part of it consisted of holy gifts consecrated to God; that a considerable amount was deposited by Hyrcanus, a man high in favor of the King; and that the remainder was deposited by widows and orphans for safekeeping. He added that he could not consent to deprive the rightful owners of their property, and thus profane his high office, which was holy and revered by all. The commands of the King were strict and Heliodorus remained firm in his purpose. Attended by a large number of armed men, he marched to the Temple; and when the priests tried to oppose his progress, he ordered that the outer gates be destroyed. A great mourning arose in the whole city, and from all sides were heard the cries of the people. But as soon as Heliodorus attempted to enter the Temple, a wonderful thing happened. Legend has it that a horse, mounted by a terrible rider, rushed toward him, and struck him with its fore-foot. Two beautiful youths, who attended the warrior, then beat Heliodorus with rods until he fainted. When Heliodorus was carried out of the Temple by the priests, the spark of life scarcely burned within him. When Onias, the High Priest, saw this, fearing lest the wrath of the King should be incurred, offered sacrifices and prayers to God, and thus restored Heliodorus to life. The treasurer returned to Antioch empty-handed, and told the King of his failure. ANTIOCHUS CROWNED KING OF SYRIA. In the course of the same year, Heliodorus, in hopes of succeeding to the throne, poisoned Seleucus, the King. When Antiochus, the King’s brother, who was returning from Rome, heard of this, he immediately secured the aid of another king, and easily crushed the usurper. Antiochus IV. now became King of Syria. BUYING THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD.