Volume 2

162 Life of Jesus Christ
other guests in a side building. He appointed the disciples
to meet Him after the next Sabbath at a house, high and
solitary, in the neighborhood of Bethoron.
I saw Him conversing with Mary alone. She was weeping
at the thought of His exposing Himself to danger by
going to Jerusalem. He comforted her, telling her that she
must not be anxious, that He would accomplish His mission,
and that the sorrowful days had not yet come. He
encouraged her to persevere in prayer, and exhorted the
others to refrain from all comments and judgments upon
John's imprisonment and the action of the Pharisees
against Himself, for such proceedings on their part would
only increase the danger, that the Pharisees' nlanner of
acting was permitted by Divine Providence, though
thereby they were working out their own destruction.
Some mention was made of Magdalen also. Jesus again
told them to pray for her and think of her kindly, for she
would soon be converted and become so good as to be an
example for many.
Early next morning, Jesus went to Bethania with
Lazarus and about five of the disciples belonging to
Jerusalem. It was the beginning of the Feast of the New
Moon, and I saw floating from the synagogues of Capharnaum
and other places, long streamers of knotted drapery
and festoons of fruit on the principal houses.
9. JOHN THE BAPTIST ARRESTED BY HEROD
AND IMPRISONED AT MACHAERUS
Herod had once before caused the Baptist to be arrested
at the place of baptism and brought to hinl where
he kept him in custody some weeks in the hope of intimidating
him and leading him to a change of sentiment.
But through fear of the immense crowds that were hurrying
to hear John, he had released him. John then retired
to the place where he had formerly baptized near Ainon