ure its depth with ropes. Finding, however, that they
could not fathom its bottom, they became thoughtful, listened anxiously
to the groans of the penitents, who were lamenting and striking their
breasts, and then left Calvary. Many among the spectators were really
converted, and the greatest part returned to Jerusalem perfectly
overcome with fear. Roman soldiers were placed at the gates, and in
other principal parts of the city, to prevent the possibility of an
insurrection. Cassius remained on Calvary with about fifty soldiers.
The friends of Jesus stood round the Cross, contemplated our Lord, and
wept; many among the holy women had returned to their homes, and all
were silent and overcome with grief.

CHAPTER XLVI.

The Earthquake.

Apparitions of the Dead in Jerusalem.

I saw the soul of Jesus, at the moment he expired, appear under the
form of a bright orb, and accompanied by angels, among whom I
distinguished the angel Gabriel penetrate the earth at the foot of the
Cross. I likewise saw these angels cast a number of evil spirits into
the great abyss, and I heard Jesus order several of the souls in Limbo
to re-enter the bodies in which they once dwelt, in order that the
sight might fill sinners with a salutary terror, and that these souls
might render a solemn testimony to his divinity.

The earthquake which produced the deep chasm at Calvary did much
damage in different parts of Palestine, but ifs effects were even more
fatal in Jerusalem. Its inhabitants were just beginning to be a little
reassured by the return of light, when their terror was reawakened with
double force by the shocks of the earthquake, and the terrible noise
and confusion caused by the downfall of houses and walls on all sides,
which panic was still farther increased by the sudden appearance of
dead persons, confronting the trembling miscreants who were flying to
hide themselves, and addressing them in the most severe and reproachful
language.

The High Priests had recommenced the sacrifice of the Paschal lamb
(which had been stopped by the unexpected darkness), and they were
triumphing at the return of light, when suddenly the ground beneath
them trembled, the neighbouring buildings fell down, and the veil of
the Temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom. Excess of terror
at first rendered those on the outside speechless, but after a time
they burst forth into cries and lamentations. The confusion in the
interior of the