The most
hardened hearts were subdued and changed. The judge who, in order to
gratify the multitude, passed sentence against Him, publicly attested
His innocence. The Roman centurion who presided at the execution,
"glorified God," and acknowledged the Sufferer to be more than man.
"After he saw the things which had passed, he said, Certainly this
was a righteous person: truly this was the Son of God." The Jewish
malefactor who was crucified with Him addrest Him as a king, and
implored His favor. Even the crowd of insensible spectators, who had
come forth as to a common spectacle, and who began with clamors and
insults, "returned home smiting their breasts." Look back on the
heroes, the philosophers, the legislators of old. View them, in their
last moments. Recall every circumstance which distinguished their
departure from the world. Where can you find such an assemblage of
high virtues, and of great events, as concurred at the death of
Christ? Where so many testimonials given to the dignity of the dying
person by earth and by heaven?
II. This was the hour in which Christ atoned for the sins of mankind,
and accomplished our eternal redemption.
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