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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
the declining sun. The temple attracted all eyes. In stately grandeur it
towered above all else, seeming to point toward Heaven as if directing
the people upward to the only true and living God. This temple in
its splendid majesty had long been the pride and glory of the Jewish
nation. The Romans also prided themselves in it as an unequaled
monument of magnificence. Their king had united with the Jews in
embellishing it, and together they had spared no pains nor expense to
furnish it with the most costly and beautiful decorations both without
and within.
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A portion of the wall of the building had withstood the siege of
armies, and, in its perfect masonry, appeared like one solid stone dug
entire from the quarry. While the westering sun was tinting and gilding
the heavens, its resplendent glory lit up the pure white marble of the
temple and sparkled on its gold-capped pillars. From the crest of the
hill where Jesus and his followers stood, it had the appearance of a
massive structure of snow studded with flashing jewels. At the entrance
to the temple was a vine composed of gold and silver, with green leaves
and massive clusters of grapes, all executed at an enormous expense by
the most skillful artists. This design represented Israel in the character
of a prosperous vine. The gold, silver, and living green were all
combined with such rare taste and exquisite workmanship, that, as it
twined gracefully about the white and glistening pillars, clinging with
shining tendrils to their golden ornaments, it was a wonderful thing of
beauty, catching the splendor of the setting sun, and shining as if with
a glory borrowed from Heaven.
Jesus gazes upon the enchanting scene before him, and the vast
multitude hush their shouts, spell-bound by this sudden vision of
beauty. All eyes turn instinctively upon the Saviour, expecting to
see in his countenance the admiration which they themselves feel.
But instead of this they behold a cloud of sorrow gathering upon his
countenance. They are surprised and disappointed to see the eyes of
the Saviour fill with tears, and his body rock to and fro like a tree
before the tempest, while a wail of anguish bursts from his quivering
lips as if from the depths of a broken heart. What a sight was this
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for angels to behold! Their loved Commander in an agony of tears!
What a sight was this for that glad throng who had accompanied him
with shouts of triumph and waving of palm-branches to that summit
overlooking the glorious city where they fondly hoped he would reign!