thers all said the same. They walked onward and stopped,
by turns, for the sadness of our Divine Lord continued to increase. The
Apostles tried to comfort him by human arguments, assuring him that
what he foresaw would not come to pass. They tired themselves in these
vain efforts, began to doubt, and were assailed by temptation.

They crossed the brook Cedron, not by the bridge where, a few hours
later, Jesus was taken prisoner, but by another, for they had left the
direct road. Gethsemani, whither they were going, was about a mile and
a half distant from the supper-hall, for it was three quarters of a
mile from the supper-hall to the Valley of Josaphat, and about as far
from thence to Gethsemani. The place called Gethsemani (where latterly
Jesus had several times passed the night with his disciples) was a
large garden, surrounded by a hedge, and containing only some fruit
trees and flowers, while outside there stood a few deserted unclosed
buildings.

The Apostles and several others persons had keys of this garden,
which was used sometimes as a pleasure ground, and sometimes as a place
of retirement for prayer. Some arbours made of leaves and branches had
been raised there, and eight of the Apostles remained in them, and were
later joined by others of the disciples. The Garden of Olives was
separated by a road from that of Gethsemani, and was open, surrounded
only by an earthern wall, and smaller than the Garden of Gethsemani.
There were caverns, terraces, and many olive-trees to be seen in this
garden, and it was easy to find there a suitable spot for prayer and
meditation. It was to the wildest part that Jesus went to pray.

It was about nine o'clock when Jesus reached Gethsemani with his
disciples. The moon had risen, and already gave light in the sky,
although the earth was still dark. Jesus was most sorrowful, and told
his Apostles that danger was at hand. The disciples felt uneasy, and he
told eight of those who were following him, to remain in the Garden of
Gethsemani whilst he went on to pray. He took with him Peter, James,
and John, and going on a little further, entered into the Garden of
Olives. No words can describe the sorrow which then oppressed his soul,
for the time of trial was near. John asked him how it was that he, who
had hitherto always consoled them, would now be so dejected? 'My soul is
sorrowful even unto death,' was his reply. And he beheld sufferings and
temptations surrounding him on all s