Page 213 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

212 THIRD BOOK OF
workmen were depos!ted, and instantly melted them down. A stream of liquid re owed around the place, bursting rth at intervals, and burning and scorching the wretched Jews, on whom it exclusively exercised its ry. This terrible phenomenon was repeatedly renewed during the day. At night crosses· were seen imprinted on the garments of the Jews, which no e ort could possibly wash out, and a bright' shining cross appeared in the heavens, which extend­ ed om Calvary even to Mount Olivet. The obsti­ nate Jews returned frequently to the work, but were each time miraculously rced to retire ; so that many among them, and a still greater number of the idol­ aters, openly con ssed the divinity of Jesus Christ,
and begged the sacrament of baptism.
4. This extraordinary manifestation of divine pow-
- er is mentioned by all ecclesiastical historians, and even by several pagans. St. Gregory Nazianzen, St. Ambrose, and St. John Chrysostom speak of it as a ct of recent occurrence, of which their auditors were themselves eye-witnesses. St. Chrysostom in
particular adds, that the undations dug by the Jews were yet to be seen, and served as indisputable evi­ dence of what impiety had attempted, but could not accomplish.
LESSON II.
SILK.
SILK, n., the material as spun in threads by the worm, or a manu c­ ture of that material. Dan. silk, om sericurn, L., sericon, G., om the Seres (the people of Cathay), who took their name om ser, the worm, abounding in their woods, which produces the silk.
Paonuc'TION, n., the thing made, produced, or brought rth. F. pro­ duction, from (L.) producere-pro, and ducere, to lead or bring.
BERCASTEL.