Pilate, the Roman governor, held his tribunal in the court of his palace on the first day of the week, after Jesus had been crucified. As be sat on the judgment-seat, his countenance was troubled, and he looked weary like one who had not slept. His guard surrounded him, and the multitude applauded his judgments; but his thoughts were not fixed on the things which he saw and spoke. While he conferred with some who sat near, whose counsel he needed, his wandering eye perceived that a messenger had entered the court, and was speaking with one of the soldiers. Pilate instantly beckoned to the man to approach, and bent to listen to the tidings he brought. On hearing them the governor started as if a sudden pang had shot through him, and rose to depart, declaring his will that the assembly should disperse. He retired to an apartment of his palace, where he examined him who had said that the body of Jesus had disappeared from the sepulchre. Orders were sent for the guard who had watched beside it to repair to the palace without delay; and till they could arrive, the governor paced to and fro in his hall, pondering the things which had
