ing been for several years submitted to private examination, it has received the assent of many competent judges in each of those branches of knowledge, without encountering any material objection. In pursuing this inquiry, a regular and inductive method will be observed. Since there cannot be conclusive reasoning on any subject without a connected view of all the facts relating to it which may be supplied by direct observation, a continuous narrative of the sufferings and death of Christ, collected from the separate accounts of the four evangelists, will first be proposed. In order to concentrate attention on the most essential points of this narrative, a short summary of its principal circumstances will next be presented, and employed as a chart to direct the course of the subsequent investigation, and as a criterion to determine the value of the several opinions adduced. These opinions will then be reviewed; and, after acknowledging such portions of truth as they may be found to contain, will be severally shown to be either insufficient or untenable. The explanation which remains after every other alternative has been excluded will finally be demonstrated; and the rest of the treatise will be occupied in pointing out some of the useful purposes to which it may be applied. That the subject is deserving of profound attention will not be disputed. All the works of the Deity are entitled to the most respectful regard; but some of them are so obscure and mysterious as to be in a great measure beyond the reach of investigation. Others, like the phenomena of Nature, appear magnificent even to the naked eye, but still more so when minutely and scientifically examined. Just so it is with the death of Christ on the To render it available for practical purposes, the most ordinary contemplation is sufficient; but, under close and critical inspection, it becomes far more intelligible and affecting. With the inspired narratives and doctrines cross. concerning this solemn event the students of Scripture may well be content; but, by penetrating a little beneath the surface, he finds himself in contact with awful realities, more impressive than the most authentic reports, and which may be as distinctly recognized at all times as at the moment of their original occurrence. The entire system of evangelical religion hence acquires new evidence and attraction, tending to produce a deeper conviction of its truth, and a more cordial compliance with its invitations. Should the following attempt to develop this evidence contribute in any degree to promote such effects, the wishes of the author will be amply fulfilled. 2 PART I. INVESTIGATION OF THE IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF THE CHAPTER I. EVANGELICAL NARRATIVE OF THE DEATH OF CHRIST. HAVING been divinely anointed as the prophet, priest, and king of his people, Christ successively assumed, during his life on earth, each of those sacred characters; his prophetical office having commenced at his baptism, his priesthood at the last supper, and his kingdom at his resurrection. When his public ministry in Jerusalem was concluded, he entered on his priestly functions by celebrating the passover with his apostles; whom, under the influence of the most generous affection, he continued till the last moment to instruct and console. After predicting the events which were immediately to befall him, and commending himself, his disciples, and his cause in solemn prayer to the Father, he closed the hallowed engagement, and spontaneously proceeded to the scene. where his sufferings were to begin. The apostle John, by whom alone this prayer is recorded, thus connects it with the sequel : When Jesus had spoken these words he went forth -- with his disciples, and having sung a hymn they repaired, as usual, to the Mount of Olives. He then said to them, "All of you will this night be offended by me, for it is written, I will smite the shepherd; and the sheep of the flock will be scattered;-but after I am risen [from the dead], I will go before you to Galilee."-Peter answered. him," Though all [others] should be offended by thee, I will never be offended."-Jesus said to him,—“I tell thee truly that to-day, [even] this very night, before the cock crows the second time, thou wilt disown me thrice: " -but he spoke the more positively,-"Though I should die with thee, I will never disown thee: "-So likewise said all the disciples. Then came Jesus with them to a place beyond the brook Kidron, called Gethsemane, where was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. And Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the spot, for Jesus and his disciples often assembled there. On arriving at this place he said to them,-"Sit here whilst I go and pray yonder, [and] pray that ye may not fall into temptation."-Then taking apart with him Peter, and the two sons of Zebediah, James and John, he was seized with consternation and distress: * and said to them,-"My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death: remain here, and watch with me.”—And he hastily withdrew from them about a stone's cast, and kneeling down, threw himself on his face, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him, saying-" Abba! [that is] Father! if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine be done."-Returning to The portions of the four Gospels here harmonized are,-Matt., chap. 26, v. 30-75; chap. 27;-Mark, chap. 14, v. 26-72; chap. 15;—Luke, chap. 22, v. 39-71; chap. 23;-and John, chaps. 18 and 19. * ἤρξατο ἐκθαμβεῖσθαι καὶ ἀδημονεῖν. Mark, chap. 14, ν. 33. † Καὶ αὐτός απεσπάσθη ἀπ' αὐτῶν ὡσεὶ λίθον βολήν, Luke, chap. 22, |