nd ask for it."

"Well," says Nicodemus, "if you can succeed in getting the body, I will
see to it that there are not wanting the garments and spices of death."

Without a moment's delay, for the sun is fast sinking toward the west,
Joseph hastens to Pilate, and asks that he may take away the body of
Jesus; and not unlikely he quickens Pilate's response by an offer of a
liberal bribe if he will but accede to his request. Pilate, who had
just given orders to the soldiers to hasten the death of the crucified,
marvelled that Jesus was really dead; nor was he reassured until he had
asked the centurion; and when he knew it of him, he gave to Joseph the
necessary leave, with which he hastened back to the cross.

The sun would be very low on the horizon, flinging its last beams upon
the scene, as he reached Calvary. The crowds would for the most part
have dispersed. The soldiers might be engaged in taking down the
bodies of the thieves. The body of Jesus was however still on the
cross; and not far off would be the little band of attached friends of
whom we have already spoken, and who would be the sole remnants of the
vast crowds who had now ebbed away to their homes. What wonder, what
joy, as they see Joseph reverently and lovingly begin to take Him down;
with evident authority from the Governor, with manifest preparations
for His careful burial; they had never before known him to be
interested in their Master. And who is this that waits beneath the
cross with the clean linen shroud, and the wealth of spices? Ah! that
is Nicodemus; but who would have thought that he would help to perform
these last offices!

Oh to be a painter, and depict that scene! The discolored corpse
stained with blood, muscles flaccid, eyes closed, head helpless;
Joseph, and Nicodemus, and John, and other strong men busy. The women
weeping as if their hearts must break, but ready at any moment to give
the needed aid. Between them they carry the body into Joseph's garden,
and to the mouth of his new sepulchre. There on some grassy bank they
rest it for a moment, that it may be tenderly washed and wrapped in the
white linen cloth on which powdered myrrh and aloes had been thickly
strewn. A white cloth would then be wrapped about the head and face,
after long farewell looks, and reverent kisses. Then lifted once
again, the precious burden was born into the sepulchre, and laid in a
rocky niche. There was no door; but a great stone, probably