Where Did Jesus Die? — Page 47
Chapter Four—Early Documentary Evidence 47 knew that an earthquake was coming, as had formerly occurred in the days of our forefathers. (p. 63) As the night approached the earth began a terrible shaking, and the Roman Centurion became so terrified that he prayed to his heathen gods. Most of the fright- ened people hastily departed from the place and returned to Jerusalem; and the centurion, who was a noble man of compassionate nature, permitted John to conduct the mother of Jesus close to the Cross. (p. 63–64) As he recommended his mother to the care of John, it was growing darker, although the full moon should have been shining in the heavens. From the Dead Sea was observed to rise a thick, reddish fog. The mountain ridges round about Jerusalem shook violently, and the head of Jesus sank down upon his breast. (p. 64) When he uttered his last groan of anguish and pain, and passed away, a hissing sound was heard in the air; and they of the Jews were seized by a great fear, for they believed that the evil spirits who dwell between heaven and earth were proceeding to punish the people. It was that strange and unusual sound in the air that precedes an earthquake… (p. 64–65) And as the Jews regarded all this as extremely super- natural, so the Roman Centurion believed now in the divinity and innocence of Christ, and comforted his mother… (p. 65) Dear Brethren, you have reproached us, in that we did not save our Friend from the Cross by secret means. But I need only to remind you that the sacred law of our order