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182
Early Writings
to their king that their prey had been violently taken from them, and
that He whom they so much hated had risen from the dead. Satan
and his hosts had exulted that their power over fallen man had caused
the Lord of life to be laid in the grave, but short was their hellish
triumph. For as Jesus walked forth from His prison house a majestic
conqueror, Satan knew that after a season he must die, and his
kingdom pass unto Him whose right it was. He lamented and raged
that notwithstanding all his efforts, Jesus had not been overcome,
but had opened a way of salvation for man, and whosoever would
might walk in it and be saved.
The evil angels and their commander met in council to consider
how they could still work against the government of God. Satan
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bade his servants go to the chief priests and elders. Said he, “We
succeeded in deceiving them, blinding their eyes and hardening their
hearts against Jesus. We made them believe that He was an impostor.
That Roman guard will carry the hateful news that Christ has risen.
We led the priests and elders on to hate Jesus and to murder Him.
Now hold it before them that if it becomes known that Jesus is risen,
they will be stoned by the people for putting to death an innocent
man.”
As the host of heavenly angels departed from the sepulcher and
the light and glory passed away, the Roman guard ventured to raise
their heads and look about them. They were filled with amazement
as they saw that the great stone had been rolled from the door of the
sepulcher and that the body of Jesus was gone. They hastened to
the city to make known to the priests and elders what they had seen.
As those murderers listened to the marvelous report, paleness sat
upon every face. Horror seized them at the thought of what they had
done. If the report was correct, they were lost. For a time they sat in
silence, looking upon one another’s faces, not knowing what to do or
what to say. To accept the report would be to condemn themselves.
They went aside to consult as to what should be done. They reasoned
that if the report brought by the guard should be circulated among
the people, those who put Christ to death would be slain as His
murderers. It was decided to hire the soldiers to keep the matter
secret. The priests and elders offered them a large sum of money,
saying, “Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole Him away
while we slept.” And when the guard inquired what would be done