CHAPTER IX.
THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS.
In this terrestrial paradise, which the great revolutions of history had till then scarcely touched, there lived a population in perfect harmony with the country itself, active, honest, joyous, and tender-hearted.

The Lake of Tiberias is one of the best supplied with fish of any in the world.[1] Very productive fisheries were established, especially at Bethsaida, and at Capernaum, and had produced a certain degree of wealth.

These families of fishermen formed a gentle and peaceable society, extending by numerous ties of relationship through the whole district of the lake which we have described.

Their comparatively easy life left entire freedom to their imagination.

The ideas about the kingdom of God found in these small companies of worthy people more credence than anywhere else.