Volume 2

348
Life of Jesus Christ
birds that were fastened here and there for that purpose,
and darting their spears at the different aninlals, the kids
and little asses, that were fenced in around the course.
On this festal race course was a horrible idol with broad,
open jaws like a beast, and hands hanging before it like a
human being. It was hallow, and under it blazed a fire.
The animals killed by the girls were placed in its jaws,
where they were consumed, their ashes falling into the
fire below. Those that had escaped the darts of the young
huntresses were set aside and regarded as sacred. The
priests laid upon them the sins of the people and set them
free. It was something like the Jewish scapegoat. Were it
not for the torture of the animals, so painful to behold,
and the horrible idol, the fleetness and skill of the young
girls would have been a very pleasing sight. The feast
lasted till evening and, when the moon rose, animals were
offered in sacrifice. When night closed, the whole temple
and Abigail's castle were ablaze with torches.
Jesus taught again after the repast. Many of the
heathens were converted and went to Ennon for Baptism.
That evening Jesus went up the mountain by torchlight
and had an interview with Abigail in the portico of her
castle. Near her were some of Philip's officers, who
watched her constantly. Her every action was on that account
one of constraint, and she gave the Lord to understand
her embarrassing position by the look she cast
upon those men. Jesus, however, knew her whole interior
and the bonds that held her captive. He had compassion
upon her. She asked whether she might hope for pardon
from God. One thing in particular constantly harassed
her, namely, her infidelity to her lawful husband and his
death. Jesus comforted her, saying that her sins would be
forgiven her, she should continue her good works, persevere
and pray. She was of the race of Jebusites. These
heathens were accustomed to allow their deformed
children to perish, and were very superstitious about the