The First Fall of Jesus.
The street of which we have just spoken, after turning a little to
the left, became rather steep, as also wider, a subterranean aqueduct
proceeding from Mount Sion passed under it, and in its vicinity was a
hollow which was often filled with water and mud after rain, and a
large stone was placed in its centre to enable persons to pass over
more easily. When Jesus reached this spot, his strength was perfectly
exhausted; he was quite unable to move; and as the archers dragged and
pushed him without showing the slightest compassion, he fell quite down
against this stone, and the cross fell by his side. The cruel
executioners were obliged to stop, they abused and struck him
unmercifully, but the whole procession came to a standstill, which
caused a degree of confusion. Vainly did he hold out his hand for
someone to assist him to rise: 'Ah!' he exclaimed, 'all will soon be over;' and
he prayed for his enemies. Lift him up,' said the Pharisees, 'otherwise he
will die in our hands.' There were many women and children following the
procession; the former wept, and the latter were frightened. Jesus,
however, received support from above, and raised his head; but these
cruel men, far from endeavouring to alleviate his sufferings, put the
crown of thorns again on his head before they pulled him out of the
mud, and no sooner was he once more on his feet than they replaced the
cross on his back. The crown of thorns which encircled his head
increased his pain inexpressibly, and obliged him to bend on one side
to give room for the cross, which lay heavily on his shoulders.