indefinable feeling of awe--a feeling never before experienced, and for
which no one could account, even to himself; all the inmates of hell
shook with terror, and vented their rage by endeavouring to stimulate
the enemies of Jesus to still greater fury and brutality; the souls in
Limbo were filled with joy and hope, for the sound was to them a
harbinger of happiness, the prelude to the appearance of their
Deliverer. Thus was the blessed cross of our Lord planted for the first
time on the earth; and well might it be compared to the tree of life in
Paradise, for the wounds of Jesus were as sacred fountains, from which
flowed four rivers destined both to purify the world from the curse of
sin, and to give it fertility, so as to produce fruit unto salvation.

The eminence on which the cross was planted was about two feet
higher than the surrounding parts; the feet of Jesus were sufficiently
near the ground for his friends to be able to reach to kiss them, and
his face was turned to the north-west.




CHAPTER XL.

Crucifixion of the Thieves.



During the time of the crucifixion of Jesus, the two thieves were
left lying on the ground at some distance off; their arms were fastened
to the crosses on which they were to be executed, and a few soldiers
stood near on guard. The accusation which had been proved against them