human
I should like to see such a thing once, said the disciple Thaddeus to his comrades as they went along.
gpt
I mean such a punishment.
human
You'll easily find an opportunity in Jerusalem, replied Andrew; and added with light mockery,
gpt
How is the impaling done?
human
That's easily described, Matthew informed them.
gpt
Think of an upright post planted in the earth and a cross-beam near the top. The poor sinner is bound naked to it, his arms stretched out. When he has hung there in the people's eyes for a while, they break his legs with a club. For very serious crimes they sometimes fasten the limbs to the post with iron nails.
human
May it never be my lot to look on at such a thing.
gpt
Do not imagine that such talk is a jest, said another.
human
Every one implores God that such a doom may never befall any of his relations or friends. We are all poor sinners. When our Master establishes His Kingdom this horrible mode of death will be abolished. Don't you think so?
gpt
Then all modes of death will be abolished, said Simon Peter.
human
Are you asleep when He speaks of eternal life?
gpt
But He says Himself that they will slay Him.
human
That they wish to slay Him He means. Just wait till He once shows them His power!