Page:Jesus of Nazareth the story of His life simply told (1917).djvu/367

 *deemed; a perfect example set us in each stage of His blessed Life; every prophecy concerning Him accomplished; His Church founded, by which His followers in every age were to be taught what He had done for them, and how they must save their souls. He had spared Himself in nothing; He had sacrificed for our sakes, all He could give up—home, friends, reputation—He had loved us to the end—all was finished.

And again, crying with a loud Voice, He said:

"Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit."

The eyes closed; the head fell forward on the breast; the body sank low on the nails—He was dead.

And the veil of the Temple that hid the Holy of Holies from the sight of men was rent from top to bottom. And the earth quaked, and the rocks were rent, and the graves were opened, and many of the bodies of the saints that had slept arose, and, coming out of the tombs after His Resurrection, came into the holy City and appeared to many. And the centurion and they that were with him watching Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things that were done, were sore afraid, saying:

"Indeed this was the Son of God."

And all the multitude of them that were come together to that sight and saw the things that were done returned striking their breasts.

In vain did the priests try to quiet the people, Jerusalem was beside itself with terror; the rocking earth, the opening graves, the midnight darkness at midday—all this spoke plainly for Him whose lifeless body hung upon the cross.

There was no question of Feast or holiday. What