Volume 2

Jesus in Bethania 169
by the principal gate, but through a postern in the wall
nearby, which overhanging moss almost concealed. Traversing
a passage somewhat inclined, they reached a
brazen door which opened into another that ran under the
gateway of the fortress, and thence led into a large underground
vault. It was lighted from above and was clean,
though destitute of every species of comfort.
From the place of baptism, Herod went to his castle of
Herodium, which had been built by Herod the Elder, and
where once, for mere sport, he had caused some persons
to be drowned in a pond. Here, filled with dejection,
Herod hid himself away and would see nobody, although
many had already presented themselves to express to him
their disapproval of John's arrest. A prey to inquietude,
he shut himself up in his own apartments.
After sonle time John's disciples, provided they came in
small numbers, were allowed to approach the prison, converse
with him, and pass things to him through the grating.
But if many came together, they were turned away by
guards. John ordered the disciples to go on baptizing at
Ainon, until Jesus came to establish Himself there for the
same purpose. The prison was large and well-lighted, but
its only resting place was a stone bench. John was very
serious. His countenance always wore an expression of
thoughtfulness and sadness. He looked like one that loved
and heralded the Lanlb of God, but who knew the bitter
death in store for Hinl.
10. JESUS IN BETHANIA. INNS ESTABLISHED
FOR THE ACCOMMODATION OF JESUS
AND THE DISCIPLES ON THEIR JOURNEYS.
THE PEARL LOST AND FOUND
With Lazarus and the five disciples belonging to
Jerusalem, Jesus traversed the road from Capharnaum to
Bethania through the region of Bethulia. But to Bethulia