5. The Three Hours' Darkness.--In the gospel of Matthew and Luke, we read that while Jesus hung upon the cross, "from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land to the ninth hour." Most of the ancient commentators believed that this darkness extended to the whole world. But their arguments are now seldom regarded as satisfactory, and their proofs even less so. Of the latter the strongest is the mention of an eclipse of the sun, which is referred to this time by Phlegon Trallianus, and, after him by Thallus. But even an eclipse of the sun could not be visible to the whole world; and neither of these writers names the places of the eclipse. Some think it was Rome; but it is impossible that an eclipse could have happened from the sixth to the ninth hour both at Rome and Jerusalem. * * * That the darkness could not have proceeded from an eclipse of the sun is further placed beyond all doubt by the fact that, it being then the time of the Passover, the moon was at the full. This darkness may, therefore, be ascribed to an extraordinary and preternatural obscuration of the solar light, which might precede and accompany the earthquake which took place on the same occasion. For it has been noticed that often before an earthquake such a mist arises from sulphurous vapors as to occasion a darkness almost nocturnal.--Biblical Literature--Kitto. 6. Fate of the Chief Actors in Christ's Crucifixion.--Before the dread sacrifice was consummated, Judas died in the horrors of a loathsome suicide. Caiaphas (the high priest and president of the Sanhedrim) was deposed the year following. Herod died in infamy and exile. Stripped of his procuratorship very shortly afterwards, on the very charges he had tried by a wicked concession to avoid. Pilate, wearied out with misfortunes, died in suicide and banishment, leaving behind him an execrated name. The house of Annas was destroyed a generation later by an infuriated mob, and his son was dragged through {59} the streets and scourged and beaten to his place of murder. Some of those who shared in and witnessed the scenes of that day--and thousands of their children--also shared in and witnessed the long horrors of that siege of Jerusalem, which stands unparalleled in history for its unutterable fearfulness.--Canon Farrar. REVIEW. 1. What class of people heard Jesus gladly? 2. What classes of people did Jesus reprove? Why? 3. What was it that embittered the minds of the chief priests and rulers against Jesus? 4. Enumerate the charges against Jesus. 5. In what manner did Jesus defend himself against the charge of blasphemy? (Note 2.) 6. Who betrayed Jesus? 7. What time was chosen by Judas to betray Jesus? 8. Give an account of the institution of the sacrament. 9. Tell the story of the betrayal. 10. State the circumstances of the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrim. 11. Why did the Jews take Jesus before Pilate? 12. Why did Pilate send him to Herod?