Chapter 7—In the Garden
The Redeemer, in company with his disciples, slowly made his
way to the garden of Gethsemane. The passover moon, broad and full,
shone from a cloudless sky. The city of pilgrim’s tents was hushed
into silence.
Jesus had been earnestly conversing with and instructing his dis-
ciples; but as he neared Gethsemane he became strangely silent. His
disciples were perplexed, and anxiously regarded his countenance,
hoping there to read an explanation of the change that had come over
their Master. They had frequently seen him depressed, but never be-
fore so utterly sad and silent. As he proceeded, this strange sadness
increased; yet they dared not question him as to the cause. His form
swayed as if he was about to fall, His disciples looked anxiously for
his usual place of retirement, that their Master might rest.
Upon entering the garden he said to his companions, “Sit ye here,
while I go and pray yonder.” Selecting Peter, James, and John to
accompany him, he proceeded farther into the recesses of the garden.
He had been accustomed to brace his spirit for trial and duty by fervent
prayer in this retreat, and had frequently spent the entire night thus.
On these occasions his disciples, after a little season of watching and
prayer, would sleep undisturbed at a little distance from their Master
until he awoke them in the morning to go forth and labor anew. So.
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this act of Jesus called forth no remark from his companions.
Every step that the Saviour now took was with labored effort. He
groaned aloud as though suffering under the pressure of a terrible
burden; yet he refrained from startling his three chosen disciples by
a full explanation of the agony which he was to suffer. Twice his
companions prevented him from falling to the ground. Jesus felt that
he must be still more alone, and he said to the favored three, “My soul
is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; tarry ye here, and watch with
me.” His disciples had never before heard him utter such mournful
tones. His frame was convulsed with anguish, and his pale countenance
expressed a sorrow past all description.
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