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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
Wonder, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth! Behold the
oppressor and the oppressed! A vast multitude enclose the Saviour of
the world. Mockings and jeerings are mingled with the coarse oaths
of blasphemy. His lowly birth and humble life are commented upon
by unfeeling wretches. His claim to be the Son of God is ridiculed by
the chief priests and elders, and vulgar jests and insulting derision
are passed from lip to lip. Satan was having full control of the
minds of his servants. In order to do this effectually, he commences
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with the chief priests and elders, and imbues them with religious
frenzy. They are actuated by the same satanic spirit which moves
the most vile and hardened wretches. There is a corrupt harmony in
the feelings of all, from the hypocritical priests and elders down to
the most debased. Christ, the precious Son of God, was led forth,
and the cross was laid upon His shoulders. At every step was left
blood which flowed from His wounds. Thronged by an immense
crowd of bitter enemies and unfeeling spectators, He is led away to
the crucifixion. “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He
opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His
mouth.”
His sorrowing disciples follow Him at a distance, behind the
murderous throng. He is nailed to the cross, and hangs suspended
between the heavens and the earth. Their hearts are bursting with
anguish as their beloved Teacher is suffering as a criminal. Close to
the cross are the blind, bigoted, faithless priests and elders, taunting,
mocking, and jeering: “Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest
it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down
from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with
the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; Himself He cannot
save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the
cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver
Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God.”
Not one word did Jesus answer to all this. While the nails were
being driven through His hands, and the sweat drops of agony were
forced from His pores, from the pale, quivering lips of the innocent
Sufferer a prayer of pardoning love was breathed for His murderers:
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” All heaven
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was gazing with profound interest upon the scene. The glorious