After the prophets of ancient times had long gazed through the mists of
futurity, at the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow, a
company of them were gathered together on the summit of Calvary. They
saw a host of enemies ascending the hill, arrayed for battle, and most
terrific in their aspect. In the middle of the line was the law of God,
fiery and exceeding broad, and working wrath. On the right wing, was
Beelzebub with his troops of infernals; and on the left Caiaphas with his
Jewish priests, and Pilate with his Roman soldiers. The rear was brought
up by Death, the last enemy. When the holy seers had espied this army,
and perceived that it was drawing nigh, they started back, and prepared
for flight. As they looked round, they saw the Son of God advancing with
intrepid step, having his face fixed on the hostile band. “Seest thou
the danger that is before thee,” said one of the men of God. “I will
tread them in mine anger,” he replied, “and trample them in my fury.”
“Who art thou?” said the prophet; He answered: “I that speak in
righteousness, mighty to save.” “Wilt thou venture to the battle alone?”
asked the seer. The Son of God replied: “I looked, and there was none to
help; and I wondered there was none to uphold; therefore mine own arm
shall bring salvation unto me; and my fury it shall uphold me.” “At what
point wilt thou commence thy attack?” inquired the anxious prophet. “I
will first meet the Law,” he replied, “and pass under its curse: for lo!
I come to do thy will, O God. When I shall have succeeded at the centre
of the line, the colors will turn in my favor.” So saying he moved
forward. Instantly the thunderings of Sinai were heard, and the whole
band of prophets quaked with terror. But he advanced, undaunted, amidst
the gleaming lightnings. For a moment he was concealed from view; and
the banner of wrath waved above in triumph. Suddenly the scene was
changed. A stream of blood poured forth from his wounded side, and put
out all the fires of Sinai. The flag of peace was now seen unfurled, and
consternation filled the ranks of his foes. He then crushed, with his
bruised heel, the old serpent’s head; and put all the infernal powers to
flight. With his iron rod he dashed to pieces the enemies on the left
wing, like a potter’s vessel. Death still remained, who thought himself
invincible, having hitherto triumphed over all. He came forward,
brandishing his sting, which he had whetted on Sinai’s tables of stone.
He darted it at the Conqueror, but it turned down, and hung like the
flexible lash of a whip. Dismayed, he retreated to the grave, his
palace, into which the Conqueror pursued. In a dark corner of his den,
he sat on his throne of moldering skulls, and called upon the worms, his
hitherto faithful allies, to aid him in the conflict; but they
replied—“His flesh shall see no corruption!” The scepter fell from his
hand. The Conqueror seized him, bound him, and condemned him to the lake
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account