i. 4.

The Cedron was never more than a mountain brook, and it is now dry.
Its stony bed alone shows where it used to flow through the valley that
separated Mount Zion from the Mount of Olives. The main road which led
from the city gate, over the Mount of Olives to Bethany and Jericho,
crossed it by an ancient bridge, from which, on this especial night, a
fair scene must have presented itself.

Above, the Passover moon was shining in full-orbed splendor turning
night into day. Beneath, the little stream was brawling down the
valley, catching the moonlight on its wavelets. On the one slope dark,
thick woods, above which rose the ancient walls and gates of the city,
on the other, the swelling slopes of Olivet. Presently the Lord
emerged out of the shadow, engaged in earnest converse with the
apostles; crossed the bridge, but, instead of pursuing the path as it
wound upward toward Bethany and Bethphage, they all turned into a large
enclosure, well-known as the garden of the oil-press, and which we know
best as Gethsemane. Somewhere, no doubt, within its enclosure stood
the rock-hewn trough in which the rich juicy olives were trodden by
naked feet. "When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His
disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into which He
entered, and His disciples."

The sequel was so fully narrated by the other evangelists that there
was no need for the writer of this narrative to tell of the awful
anguish, the broken cries, the bloody sweat, the running to and fro of
the disciples, the sleep of the chosen three, the strengthening angel.
He confines himself almost entirely to the circumstances of the Lord's
arrest.

Two hours only had passed since Judas left the supper-table; but that
had given him all the time needed for the completion of his plan.
Hastening to the authorities, he had told them that the favorable
moment had arrived for his Master's arrest; that he knew the lonely
spot to which He was wont to resort for meditation and prayer; and that
he had need of an armed band to overpower all possible resistance on
the part of Himself or His followers. This they were able to supply
from the guards and custodians of the Temple. They were going against
One who was deserted and defenceless; yet the soldiers were armed with
sticks and staves. They were about to arrest One who would make no
attempt at flight or concealment, and the moon was full; yet, lest He
should make Hi