Temple was not, however, as great as would naturally
have been expected, because the strictest order and decorum were always
enforced there, particularly with regard to the regulation to be
followed by those who entered to make their sacrifice, and those who
left after having offered it. The crowd was great, but the ceremonies
were so solemnly carried out by the priests, that they totally
engrossed the minds of the assistants. First came the immolation of the
lamb, then the sprinkling of its blood, accompanied by the chanting of
canticles and the sounding of trumpets. The priests were endeavouring
to continue the sacrifices, when suddenly an unexpected and most
appalling pause ensued; terror and astonishment were depicted on each
countenance; all was thrown into confusion; not a sound was heard; the
sacrifices ceased; there was a general rush to the gates of the Temple;
everyone endeavoured to fly as quickly as possible. And well might they
fly, well might they fear and tremble; for in the midst of the
multitude there suddenly appeared persons who had been dead and buried
for many years! These persons looked at them sternly, and reproved them
most severely for the crime they had committed that day, in bringing
about the death of 'the just man,' and calling down his blood upon their
heads. Even in the midst of this confusion, some attempts were,
however, made by the priests to preserve order; they prevented those
who were in the inner part of the Temple from rushing forward, pushing
their way through the crowds who were in advance of them, and
descending the steps which led out of the Temple: they even continued
the sacrifices in some parts, and endeavoured to calm the fears of the
people.

The appearance of the Temple at this moment can only be described by
comparing it to an ant-hill on which persons have thrown stones, or
which has been disturbed by a sick being driven into its centre. The
ants in those parts on which the stones have fallen, or which the stick
had disturbed, are filled with confusion and terror; they run to and
fro and do nothing; while the ants in those parts which have not been
disturbed continue to labour quietly, and even begin to repair the
damaged parts.

The High Priest Caiphas and his retinue did not lose their presence
of mind, and by the outward tranquillity which their diabolical
hardness of heart enabled them to preserve, they calmed the confusion
in a great degree, and then did their u