When led forth to suffer, the first voice
which we hear from Him is a generous lamentation over the fate of His
unfortunate tho guilty country; and to the last moment of His life we
behold Him in possession of the same gentle and benevolent spirit. No
upbraiding, no complaining expression escaped from His lips during the
long and painful approaches of a cruel death. He betrayed no symptom
of a weak or a vulgar, of a discomposed or impatient mind. With the
utmost attention of filial tenderness He committed His aged mother to
the care of His beloved disciple. With all the dignity of a sovereign
He conferred pardon on a fellow-sufferer. With a greatness of mind
beyond example, He spent His last moments in apologies and prayers for
those who were shedding His blood.
By wonders in heaven and wonders on earth, was this hour
distinguished. All nature seemed to feel it; and the dead and the
living bore witness of its importance. The veil of the temple was rent
in twain. The earth shook. There was darkness over all the land. The
graves were opened, and "many who slept arose, and went into the holy
city." Nor were these the only prodigies of this awful hour.
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