April 30

And, behold, there was a great Earthquake; for the Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.—Matthew 28:2.

THE morning of the first day of the week had now arrived. The Saviour had now been one entire day and two nights in the sepulchre—the predicted period of the event of his resurrection was come. On that event the whole superstructure of his kingdom was to rest for ever. The seal is still untouched. The Roman guard are pacing the gloomy paths of the silent garden, when, behold! a rumbling noise is heard, and the ground begins to move beneath their feet. Panic-struck, they fain would fly from this scene of consternation, when their attention is arrested by a splendid beauteous form,—the angel of the Lord, who is commissioned from heaven to minister at the resurrection of the Saviour. The stone is at once rolled from the door; and the celestial messenger makes that his temporary seat, which was intended to prevent the removal of Christ's body from the tomb. The brightness of the angel was such that his countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. No wonder that the guard were overwhelmed. No wonder they fell as dead men to the ground. So soon, however, as they recover, they repair to the chief priests and elders, and relate all the things that were done. How inefficient, however, are all external signs, however marvellous, in producing a right state of heart before God. The priests, as they had bought a Judas to betray Christ, now purchase, with large sums of money, the consciences of the guard; and a covenant of lies is immediately drawn and signed; and they all agree to tell the world the foolish and stupid story, that while the guard slept, his disciples stole him away.