They crossed the brook Cedron, not by the bridge where, a few hours later, Jesus was taken prisoner, but by another, for they had left the direct road.  Gethsemani, whither they were going, was about a mile and a half distant from the supper-hall, for it was three quarters of a mile from the supper-hall to the Valley of Josaphat, and about as far from thence to Gethsemani.  The place called Gethsemani (where latterly Jesus had several times passed the night with his disciples) was a large garden, surrounded by a hedge, and containing only some fruit trees and flowers, while outside there stood a few deserted unclosed buildings.

The Apostles and several others persons had keys of this garden, which was used sometimes as a pleasure ground, and sometimes as a place of retirement for prayer.  Some arbours made of leaves and branches had been raised there, and eight of the Apostles remained in them, and were later joined by others of the disciples.  The Garden of Olives was separated by a road from that of Gethsemani, and was open, surrounded only by an earthern wall, and smaller than the Garden of Gethsemani.  There were caverns, terraces, and many olive-trees to be seen in this garden, and it was easy to find there a suitable spot for prayer and meditation.  It was to the wildest part that Jesus went to pray.

It was about nine o’clock when Jesus reached Gethsemani with his disciples.  The moon had risen, and already gave light in the sky, although the earth was still dark.  Jesus was most sorrowful, and told his Apostles that danger was at hand.  The disciples felt uneasy, and he told eight of those who were following him, to remain in the Garden of Gethsemani whilst he went on to pray.  He took with him Peter, James, and John, and going on a little further, entered into the Garden of Olives.  No words can describe the sorrow which then oppressed his soul, for the time of trial was near.  John asked him how it was that he, who had hitherto always consoled them, would now be so dejected?  ’My soul is sorrowful even unto death,’ was his reply.  And he beheld sufferings and temptations surrounding him on all sides, and drawing nearer and nearer, under the forms of frightful figures borne on clouds.  Then it was that he said to the three Apostles:  ’Stay you here and watch with me.  Pray, lest ye enter into temptation.’  Jesus went a few steps to the left, down a hill, and concealed himself beneath a rock, in a grotto about six feet deep, while the Apostles remained in a species of hollow above.  The earth sank gradually the further you entered this grotto, and the plants which were hanging from the rock screened its interior like a curtain from persons outside.

When Jesus left his disciples, I saw a number of frightful figures surrounding him in an ever-narrowing circle.