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diff --git a/39052-h/39052-h.htm b/39052-h/39052-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bfc8e86 --- /dev/null +++ b/39052-h/39052-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7826 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ecce Homo! by Holbach, Paul Henri Thiry + </title> + <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> +body { font-size:1em;text-align:justify;margin-left:10%;margin-right:10%; } +h1 span { display:block;text-align:center;margin-top:.5%;margin-bottom:.5%; } +h2 span { display:block;text-align:center;margin-top:2.5%;margin-bottom:.5%; } + +h1 br, h2 br { display:none } + +p { text-indent:1em;margin-top:.75%;margin-bottom:.75%; } + +a:focus, a:active { outline:yellow solid thin;background-color:yellow; } +a:focus img, a:active img { outline:yellow solid thin; }.center { text-align:center; } +.box { margin-left:2%;margin-right:2%;margin-top:5%;margin-bottom:5%;text-align:left; } +.center { text-align:center;text-indent:0em; } +.indh5 { padding-left:5em;padding-right:5em;text-indent:-5em; } +.larger { font-size:larger } +.lowercase { text-transform: lowercase; } +.motto { margin-left: 10%;margin-right: 10%;margin-top:5%;margin-bottom:2%;text-align:center;text-indent:0em;font-size:92%; } +.noindent { text-indent:0em; } +.pagenum { font-size:x-small;color:silver;background-color:inherit;position:absolute;left:2%;text-align:left;text-indent:0em; + font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none; } +.right { text-align:right;font-size:smaller;margin-top:0em;margin-bottom:2%;margin-left:5%;margin-right:15%; } +.smcap { font-variant:small-caps; } +.smaller { font-size:smaller; } +.tnbox { padding-left:1%;padding-right:1%;margin-top:.5%;margin-bottom:5%;border:thin dotted;font-size:smaller; } +.toc { margin-top:1.5%;margin-bottom:7.5%;text-align:left; } +.x-small { font-size: x-small; } + + </style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's Ecce Homo!, by Paul Henry Thiry Baron d' Holbach + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license + + +Title: Ecce Homo! + A Critical Inquiry into the History of Jesus of Nazareth: + Being a Rational Analysis of the Gospels + +Author: Paul Henry Thiry Baron d' Holbach + +Release Date: March 4, 2012 [EBook #39052] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ECCE HOMO! *** + + + + +Produced by the Freethought Archives (www.ftarchives.net) +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + <div class="tnbox"> + <p class="indh"> + Transcriber's note: archaic spellings such as "desart" for "desert" have + been retained, as have inconsistent spellings such as + "Galilee"/"Gallilee", etc. + </p> + </div> + <h1> + <span class="larger">ECCE HOMO!</span> <span class="x-small">OR,</span><br /> + <span>A CRITICAL INQUIRY</span><br /> <span class="x-small">INTO</span><br /> + <span class="x-small">THE HISTORY </span><br /> <span class="x-small">OF + </span><br /> <span class="smaller">JESUS OF NAZARETH:</span><br /> <span + class="x-small">BEING A RATIONAL ANALYSIS </span><br /> <span + class="x-small">OF</span><br /> <span class="smaller"> THE GOSPELS</span><br /> + <span class="x-small">by</span><br /> <span>BARON d'HOLBACH</span><br /> + <span class="smaller">(Paul Henri Thiry Holbach)</span> + </h1> + <p class="motto"> + The Cross was the banner, under which madmen assembled to glut the earth + with blood.—<i>Vide Chap.</i> 18. + </p> + <p class="center"> + <img src="images/image1.jpg" width="60" height="57" + alt="[Publisher's logo]" /> + </p> + <p class="center"> + GORDON PRESS + </p> + <p class="center smaller"> + NEW YORK + </p> + <p class="center x-small"> + 1977 + </p> + <div class="box"> + <p class="indh5"> + GORDON PRESS-Publishers + </p> + <p class="indh5"> + P.O. Box 459 + </p> + <p class="indh5"> + Bowling Green Station + </p> + <p class="indh5"> + New York, N.Y. 10004 + </p> + </div> + <div class="box"> + <p class="indh5 larger"> + Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data + </p> + <p class="indh5"> + [Holbach, Paul Henri Thiry, baron d'] 1723-1789. + </p> + <p> + Ecce homo! + </p> + <p> + Translation of Histoire critique de Jésus Christ. + </p> + <p> + Reprint of the 1st American ed., rev. and corr., of<br /> 1827, printed + for the proprietors of the Philosophical<br /> library, New York, which + was issued as no. 1 of the<br /> Philosophical library. + </p> + <p> + 1. Jesus Christ—Biography—Early works to 1800. + </p> + <p class="indh5"> + I. Title. II. Series: The Philosophical library; + </p> + <p class="indh5"> + no. 1. + </p> + <p class="indh5"> + BT30O.H74 1976 232.9'01 73-8281 + </p> + <p class="indh5"> + ISBN 0-87968-077-6 + </p> + </div> + <div class="box"> + <p class="indh5"> + Printed in the United States of America + </p> + </div> + <h2> + <span>CONTENTS</span> + </h2> + <div class="toc"> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Introduction." href="#INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION</a>. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter I." href="#CHAP_I">CHAPTER I.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + ACCOUNT OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE AND THEIR PROPHETS.—INQUIRY INTO THE + PROPHECIES RELATING TO JESUS. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter II." href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + THE BIRTH OF JESUS. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter III." href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + ADORATION OF THE MAGI AND SHEPHERDS—MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS;—AND + OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES, WHICH FOLLOWED THE BIRTH OF JESUS. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter IV." href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + BAPTISM OF JESUS—HIS ABODE IN THE DESERT—COMMENCEMENT OF HIS + PREACHING AND MIRACLES—MARRIAGE AT CANA. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter V." href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + JOURNEY OF JESUS TO JERUSALEM.—THE SELLERS DRIVEN OUT OF THE + TEMPLE.—CONFERENCE WITH NICODEMUS. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter VI." href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + ADVENTURE OF JESUS WITH THE FEMALE SAMARITAN—HIS JOURNEY AND + MIRACLES IN THE COUNTRY OF THE GERASENES. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter VII." href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + JESUS CURES TWO PERSONS POSSESSED WITH DEVILS—MIRACLE OF THE SWINE—WONDERS + PERFORMED BY JESUS TILL THE END OF THE FIRST YEAR OF HIS MISSION. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter VIII." href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + OF WHAT JESUS DID AT JERUSALEM DURING THE SECOND PASSOVER IN HIS + MISSION. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter IX." href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + JESUS WORKS NEW MIRACLES—ELECTION OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter X." href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + SERMON ON THE MOUNT—SUMMARY OF THE MORALITY OF JESUS—OBSERVATIONS + ON THAT MORALITY. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter XI." href="#CHAP_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + ACTIONS AND PARABLES OF JESUS—ENTERPRIZE OF HIS RELATIONS AGAINST + HIM—JOURNEY TO NAZARETH, AND THE SUCCESS JESUS HAD THERE. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter XII." href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + MISSION OF THE APOSTLES.—THE INSTRUCTIONS JESUS GAVE THEM.—MIRACLES + WROUGHT UNTIL THE END OF THE SECOND YEAR OF HIS OWN MISSION. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter XIII." href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + JESUS REPASSES INTO GALLILEE ABOUT THE TIME OF THE THIRD PASSOVER IN HIS + MISSION—WHAT HE DID UNTIL THE TIME HE LEFT IT. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter XIV." href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + JESUS SHEWS HIMSELF AT JERUSALEM.—HE IS FORCED TO LEAVE IT.—RESURRECTION + OF LAZARUS.—TRIUMPHANT ENTRY OF JESUS.—HIS RETREAT TO THE + GARDEN OF OLIVES.—THE LORD'S SUPPER.—HE IS ARRESTED. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter XV." href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION OF JESUS.—HIS PUNISHMENT AND DEATH. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter XVI." href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + RESURRECTION OF JESUS—HIS CONDUCT UNTIL HIS ASCENSION—EXAMINATION + OF THE PROOFS OF THE RESURRECTION. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter XVII." href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + GENERAL REFLECTIONS ON THE LIFE OF JESUS.—PREACHING OF THE + APOSTLES.—CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL. ESTABLISHMENT OF CHRISTIANITY.— + PERSECUTIONS IT SUFFERS.—CAUSES OF ITS PROGRESS. + </p> + <p class="noindent larger"> + <a title="Go to Chapter XVIII." href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + ACCOUNT OF CHRISTIANITY FROM CONSTANTINE TO THE PRESENT TIME. + </p> + </div> + <h2> + <span><a id="INTRODUCTION"></a>INTRODUCTION.</span> + </h2> + <p> + A<span class="smcap lowercase">LTHOUGH</span> the writings of the New + Testament are in the hands of every one, nothing is more uncommon than to + find the professors of Christianity acquainted with the history or the + founder of their religion; and even among those who have perused that + history, it is still more rare to find any who have ventured seriously to + examine it. It must, indeed, be acknowledged, that the ignorance of the + one, and the want of reflection in the other, on a subject which they, + nevertheless, regard as of infinite importance, may arise from the dislike + naturally occasioned by the perusal of the New Testament. In that work + there is a confusion, an obscurity and a barbarity of stile, well adapted + to confound the ignorant, and to disgust enlightened minds. Scarcely is + there a history, ancient or modern, which does not possess more method and + clearness than that of Jesus; neither do we perceive that the Holy Spirit, + its reputed author, has surpassed, or even equalled many profane + historians, whose writings are not so important to mankind. The clergy + confess, that the apostles were illiterate men, and of rough manners; and + it does not appear that the Spirit which inspired them, troubled itself + with correcting their defects. On the contrary, it seems to have adopted + them; to have accommodated itself to the weak understandings of its + instruments; and to have inspired them with works in which we do not find + the judgment, order, or precision, that prevail in many human + compositions. Hence, the gospels exhibit a <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>confused assemblage of prodigies, + anachronisms, and contradictions, in which criticism loses itself, and + which would make any other book be rejected with contempt. + </p> + <p> + It is by <i>mysteries</i> the mind is prepared to respect religion and its + teachers. We are therefore warranted to suspect, that an obscurity was + designedly given to these writings. In matters of religion it is prudent + never to speak very distinctly. Truths simple and easily understood, do + not strike the imagination in so lively a manner as ambiguous oracles, and + impenetrable mysteries. Jesus, although come on purpose to enlighten the + world, was to be a <i>stumbling block</i> to many nations. The small + number of the elect, the difficulty of salvation, and the danger of + exercising reason, are repeatedly announced in the gospels. Every thing + seems indeed to demonstrate, that God sent his Son to the nations, on + purpose to ensnare them, and that they should not comprehend any part of + the religion which he meant to promulgate. In this the Eternal appears to + have intended to throw mortals into darkness, perplexity, a diffidence of + themselves, and a continual embarrassment, obliging them to have recourse + to those infallible luminaries, their priests, and to remain forever under + the tutelage of the church. Her ministers, we know, claim the exclusive + privilege of understanding and explaining the scriptures; and no mortal + can expect to obtain future felicity if he does not pay due submission to + their decisions. + </p> + <p> + Thus, it belongs not to the laity to examine religion. On mere inspection + of the gospels, every person must be convinced that the book is divine; + that every word contained in it is inspired by the Holy Spirit; and that + the explanations given by the church of that celestial work, in like + manner emanate from the Most High. In the first ages of Christianity, + those who embraced the religion of Jesus were only the dregs of the + people; consequently very simple, unacquainted with letters, and disposed + to believe all the wonders any one chose to announce. Jesus, in his + sermons, <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>addressed + himself to the vulgar only; he would have intercourse with none but + persons of that description; he constantly refused to work miracles in + presence of the most clear-sighted of the nation; he declaimed unceasingly + against the learned, the doctors, and the rich; against all in whom he + could not find the pliability necessary for adopting his maxims. We see + him continually extolling poorness of spirit, simplicity, and faith. + </p> + <p> + His disciples, and after them the ministers of the church, have faithfully + followed his footsteps; they have always represented faith, or blind + submission, as the first of virtues; as the disposition most agreeable to + God, and most necessary to salvation. This principle serves for a basis to + the Christian religion, and, above all, to the usurpations of the clergy. + The preachers, therefore, who succeeded the apostles, employed the + greatest care in secreting the gospels from the inspection of all who were + not initiated in the mysteries of religion. They exhibited these books to + those only whose faith they had tried, and whom they found already + disposed to regard them as divine. This mysterious spirit has been + transmitted down to our days. In several countries, the laity are + interdicted from perusing the scriptures, especially in the Romish + communion, whose clergy are best acquainted with governing mankind. The + council of Trent has decreed, that "it belongs to the church alone to + decide on the true meaning of the scriptures, and give their + interpretation." + </p> + <p> + It is true, the <i>reading</i> of the sacred books is permitted, and even + recommended to protestants, who are also enjoined to <i>examine</i> their + religion. But faith must always precede that reading, and follow that + examination; so that before reading, a protestant is bound to believe the + gospel to be divine: and the examination of it is permitted only, while he + finds there what the ministers of his sect have resolved that he shall + find. Beyond this, he is regarded as an ungodly man, and often punished + for the weakness of his intellect. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>The salvation of + Christians thus depends neither on the reading nor on the understanding of + the sacred books, but on the belief that these books are divine. If, + unfortunately, the reading or examination of any one, does not coincide + with the decisions, interpretations, and commentaries of the church, he is + in danger of being ruined, and of incurring eternal damnation. To <i>read</i> + the gospel, he must commence with being disposed blindly to believe all + which that book contains; to <i>examine</i> the gospel, he must be + previously resolved to find nothing there but the holy and the adorable; + in fine, to <i>understand</i> the gospel, he must entertain a fixed + persuasion, that the priests can never be themselves deceived, or wish to + deceive others in the manner they explain it. "Believe, (say they,) + believe on our words that this book is the work of God himself; if you + dare to doubt it, you shall be damned. Are you unable to comprehend any + thing which God reveals to you there? Believe evermore: God has revealed + himself that he may not be understood.—"The glory of God is to + conceal his word;"—(Prov. xxv. 2.) or rather, by speaking, in a + mysterious manner, does not God intimate that he wishes every one to refer + it to us, to whom he has confided his important secrets? A truth, of which + you must not doubt, seeing that we persecute in this world, and damn in + the other, whoever dares to question the testimony which we bear to + ourselves." + </p> + <p> + However erroneous this reasoning may appear to those accustomed to think, + it is sufficient for the greater part of believers. Where, therefore, they + do not read the gospel, or where they do read it, they do not examine it; + where they do examine it, it is with prejudiced eyes, and with a + determination to find there only what can be conformable to these + prejudices, and to the interests of their guides.—In consistency + with his fears and prepossessions, a Christian conceives himself lost, + should he find in the sacred books reason to doubt the veracity of his + priests. + </p> + <p> + With such dispositions, it is no way surprising to see men <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>persisting in their + ignorance, and making a merit of rejecting the lights which reason offers + them. It is thus, that error is perpetuated, and that nations, in concert + with those who deceive them, confer on interested cheats an unbounded + confidence in what they regard as of the greatest importance to their own + felicity. But the darkness which for so many ages has enveloped the human + mind, begins to dissipate. In spite of the tyrannic cares of their jealous + guides, mankind seem desirous to burst from the pupilage, wherein so many + causes combine to retain them. The ignorance in which the priesthood + fostered the credulous, has vanished from among many nations; the + despotism of priests is enfeebled in several flourishing states; science + has rendered the mind more liberal; and mankind begin to blush at the + ignominious fetters, under which the clergy have so long made both kings + and people groan. The human mind is struggling in every country to break + in pieces its chains. + </p> + <p> + Having premised this, we proceed to examine, without any prejudice, the + life of Jesus. We shall deduce our facts from the gospels only—memorials + reverenced and acknowledged by the doctors of the Christian religion. To + illustrate these facts, we shall employ the aid of criticism. We shall + exhibit, in the plainest manner, the conduct, maxims, and policy of an + obscure legislator, who, after his death, acquired a celebrity to which he + had no pretensions while alive. We shall contemplate in its cradle a + religion which, at first, intended for the vilest populace of a nation, + the most abject, the most credulous, and the most stupid on earth, became, + by little and little, mistress of the Romans, the firebrand of nations, + the absolute sovereign of European monarchs; arbiter of the destiny of + kingdoms; the cause of their friendship, and of their hate; the cement + which serves to strengthen their alliance or their discord; and the leaven + always ready to put minds in fermentation. In fine, we shall behold an + artizan, a melancholy enthusiast and unskilful juggler, abandoning his + profession of a carpenter to preach <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8">[Pg + 8]</a></span>to men of his own cast; miscarrying in all his projects; + himself punished as a public incendiary; dying on a cross; and yet after + his death becoming the legislator and the god of many nations, and an + object of adoration to beings who pretend to common sense! + </p> + <p> + If the Holy Spirit had anticipated the transcendant fortune which the + religion of Jesus was one day to attain; if he had foreseen that this + religion would be received by kings, civilized nations, scholars, and + persons in the higher circles of life; if he had suspected that it would + be examined, analyzed, discussed and criticised by logicians; there is + reason to believe that he would have left us memoirs less shapeless, facts + more circumstantial, proofs more authentic, and materials better digested + than those we possess on the life and doctrine of its founder. He would + have chosen writers better qualified than those he has inspired, to + transmit to nations the speeches and actions of the saviour of the world; + he would have made him act and speak on the most trifling point, in a + manner more worthy of a god; he would have put in his mouth a language + more noble, more perspicuous, and more persuasive; and he would have + employed means more certain to convince rebellious reason, and abash + incredulity. + </p> + <p> + Nothing of all this has occurred: the gospel is merely an eastern romance, + disgusting to men of common sense, and obviously addressed to the + ignorant, the stupid, and the vulgar; the only persons whom it can + mislead. Criticism finds there no connection of facts, no agreement of + circumstances, no illustration of principles, and no uniformity of + relation. Four men, unpolished and unlettered, pass for the faithful + authors of memoirs containing the life of Jesus; and it is on their + testimony that Christians believe themselves bound to receive the religion + they profess; and adopt, without examination, the most contradictory + facts, the most incredible actions, the most amazing prodigies, the most + unconnected system, the most unintelligible doctrines, and the most + revolting mysteries! + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>Victor of Tunis + informs us, that, in the sixth century, the Emperor Anastasius "caused the + gospels to be corrected, as works composed by <i>fools</i>." The Elements + of Euclid are intelligible to all who endeavor to understand them; they + excite no dispute among geometricians. Is it so with the Bible? and do its + <i>revealed</i> truths occasion no disputes among divines? By what + fatality have writings revealed by God himself still need of commentaries? + and why do they demand additional lights from on high, before they can be + believed or understood? Is it not astonishing, that what was intended as a + <i>guide</i> to mankind, should be wholly above their comprehension? Is it + not cruel, that what is of most importance to them, should be least known? + All is mystery, darkness, uncertainty, and matter of dispute, in a + religion intended by the Most High to enlighten the human race. In fact, + God is every where represented in the bible as a <i>seducer</i>. He + permitted Eve to be <i>seduced</i> by a serpent. He hardened the heart of + Pharaoh; and the prophet Jeremiah distinctly accuses him of being a + deceiver. + </p> + <p> + Supposing, however, that the gospels were in reality written by apostles + or disciples of apostles, should it not follow from this alone, that their + testimony ought to be suspected? Could not men who are described as + illiterate, and destitute of talents, be themselves deceived? Could not + enthusiasts and credulous fanatics imagine, that they had seen many things + which never existed, and thus become the dupes of deception? Whoever has + perused the ancient historians, particularly Herodotus, Plutarch, Livy, + and Josephus, must admit the force of this reasoning. These writers, with + a pious credulity similar to that of Christians, relate prodigies pregnant + with absurdities, which they themselves pretended to have witnessed, or + were witnessed by others. Among the wonders that appeared at Rome, some + time before the triumvirate, many statues of the Gods sweat blood and + water; and there was an Ox which spoke. Under the empire of Caligula, the + statue of Jupiter Olympus burst forth into <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> such loud fits of laughter, that those who + were taking it down to carry to Rome, abandoned their work and fled in + terror. A crow prognosticated misfortune to Domitian, and an Owl paid the + same compliment to Herod. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, could not impostors, strongly attached to a sect by which they + subsisted, and which, therefore, they had an interest to support, attest + miracles, and publish statements with the falsehood of which they were + well acquainted? and could not the first christians, by a <i>pious fraud</i>, + afterwards add or retrench things essential to the works ascribed to the + apostles? We know that Origen, so early as the third century, complained + loudly of the corruption of manuscripts. "What shall we say (exclaims he) + of the errors of transcribers, and of the impious temerity with which they + have corrupted the text? What shall we say of the licence of those, who + promiscuously interpolate or erase at their pleasure?" These questions + form warrantable prejudices against the persons to whom the gospels have + been ascribed, and against the purity of their text. + </p> + <p> + It is also extremely difficult to ascertain whether those books belong to + the authors whose names they bear. In the first ages of Christianity there + was a great number of gospels, different from one another, and composed + for the use of different churches and different sects of Christians. The + truth of this has been confessed by ecclesiastical historians of the + greatest credit. (Tillemont, tom. ii. 47, etc. Epiphan. Homil. 84. + Dodwell's Disser. on Irenaeus, p. 66. Freret's Examin. Critique. Codex + Apocryphus, &c.) There is, therefore, reason to suspect, that the + persons who composed the acknowledged gospels might, with the view of + giving them more weight, have attributed them to apostles, or disciples, + who actually had no share in them. That idea, once adopted by ignorant and + credulous christians, might be transmitted from age to age, and pass at + last for certainty, in times when it was no longer possible to ascertain + the authors or the facts related. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> Among some fifty + gospels, with which Christianity in its commencement was inundated, the + church, assembled in council at Nice, chose four of them, and rejected the + rest as apocryphal, although the latter had nothing more ridiculous in + them than those which were admitted. Thus, at the end of three centuries, + (<i>i.e.</i> in the three hundred and twenty-fifth year of the Christian + era,) some bishops decided, that these four gospels were the only ones + which ought to be adopted, or which had been inspired by the Holy Spirit. + A miracle enabled them to discover this important truth, so difficult to + be discerned at a time even then not very remote from that of the + apostles. They placed, it is said, promiscuously, books apocryphal and + authentic under an altar:—the Fathers of the Council betook + themselves to prayer, in order to induce the Lord to permit the false or + doubtful books to remain <i>under</i> the altar, whilst those which were + truly inspired should place themselves above it—a circumstance which + did not fail to occur. It is then on this miracle that the faith of + Christians depends! It is to it that they owe the assurance of possessing + the true gospels, or faithful memoirs of the life of Jesus! It is from + these only they are, permitted to deduce the principles of their belief, + and the rule of conduct which they ought to observe in order to obtain + eternal salvation! + </p> + <p> + Thus, the authenticity of the books which are the basis of the Christian + religion, is founded solely on the authority of a council composed of + priests and bishops. But these bishops and priests, judges and parties in + an affair wherein they were obviously interested, could they not be + themselves deceived? Independently of the pretended miracle which enabled + them to distinguish the true gospels from the false, had they any sign by + which they could clearly distinguish the writings they ought to receive + from those which they ought to reject? Some will tell us, that the church + assembled in a general council is <i>infallible</i>; that then the Holy + Spirit inspires it, and that its decisions ought to be regarded <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>as those of God himself. + If we demand, where is the proof of this infallibility? it will be + answered, that the gospel assures it, and that Jesus has promised to + assist and enlighten his church until the consummation of ages. Here the + incredulous reply, that the church, or its ministers, create rights to + themselves; for it is their own authority which establishes the + authenticity of books whereby that authority is established. This is + obviously a circle of errors. In short, an assembly of bishops and priests + has decided, that the books which attribute to themselves an infallible + authority, have been divinely inspired! + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding this decision, there still remain some difficulties on the + authenticity of the gospels. In the <i>first</i> place, it may be asked + whether the decision of the Council of Nice, composed of three hundred and + eighteen bishops, ought to be regarded as that of the universal church? + Were all who formed that assembly entirely of the same opinion? Were, + there no disputes among these men inspired by the Holy Spirit? Was their + decision unanimously accepted? Had not the authority of Constantine a + chief share in the adoption of the decrees of that celebrated council? In + this case, was it not the imperial power, rather than the spiritual + authority, which decided the authenticity of the gospels? + </p> + <p> + In the <i>second</i> place, many theologists agree, that the universal + church, although infallible in doctrine, may err in <i>facts</i>. Now it + is evident, that in the case alluded to, the doctrine depends on fact. + Indeed, before deciding whether the doctrines contained in the gospels + were divine, it was necessary to know, whether the gospels themselves were + written by the inspired authors to whom they are ascribed. This is + obviously a <i>fact</i>. It was further necessary to know, whether the + gospels had never been altered, mutilated, augmented, interpolated, or + falsified, by the different hands through which they had passed in the + course of three centuries. This is likewise a <i>fact</i>. Can the fathers + of the church guarantee the probity of all the depositaries of those <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>writings, and the + exactness of all the transcribers? Can they decide definitively, that, + during so long a period, none could insert in these memoirs, marvelous + relations or dogmas, unknown to those who are their supposed authors? Does + not ecclesiastical history inform us, that, in the origin of Christianity, + there were schisms, disputes, heresies, and sects without number; and that + each of the disputants founded his opinion on the gospels? Even in the + time of the Council of Nice, do we not find that the whole church was + divided on the fundamental article of the Christian religion—the + divinity of Jesus? + </p> + <p> + Thus it is seen that the council of Nice was the true founder of + Christianity, which, till then, wandered at random; did not acknowledge + Jesus to be God; had no authentic gospels; was without a fixed law; and + had no code of doctrine whereon to rely. A number of bishops and priests, + very few in comparison of those who composed the whole Christian church, + and these bishops no way unanimous, decided on the points most essential + to the salvation of nations. They decided on the divinity of Jesus; on the + authenticity of the gospels; that, according to these, their own authority + ought to be deemed infallible. In a word, they decided on the sum total of + faith! Nevertheless their decisions might have remained without force, if + they had not been supported by the authority of Constantine. This prince + gave prevalence to the opinion of the fathers of the council, who knew how + to draw him, for a time, to their own side; and who, amidst this multitude + of gospels and writings, did not fail to declare those divine which they + judged most comformable to their own opinions, or to the ruling faction. + In religion as in other things, the reasoning of the <i>strongest</i> + party is always the best. + </p> + <p> + Behold, then, the authority of an emperor, who determines the chief points + of the Christian religion! This emperor, unsettled in his own faith, + decides that Jesus is consubtantial with the Father, and compels his + subjects to <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>receive, + as inspired, the four gospels we have in our hands.—It is in these + memoirs, adopted by a few bishops in the council of Nice; by them + attributed to apostles, or unexceptionable persons inspired by the Holy + Spirit; by them proposed to serve as an indispensable rule to Christians; + that we are to seek for the materials of our history. We shall state them + with fidelity; we shall compare and connect their discordant relations; we + shall see if the facts which they detail are worthy of God, and calculated + to procure to mankind the advantages which they expect. This inquiry will + enable us to judge rightly of the Christian religion; of the degree of + confidence we ought to place in it; of the esteem we ought to entertain + for its lessons and doctrines; and of the idea we should form of Jesus its + founder. + </p> + <p> + Though, in composing this history, we have laid it down as a rule to + employ the gospels only, we presume not to flatter ourselves that it will + please every body, or that the clergy will adopt our labors. The + connections we shall form; the interpretations we shall give; the + animadversions we shall present to our readers, will not always be + entirely agreeable to the views of our spiritual guides, the greater part + of whom are enemies to all inquiry. To such men we would state, that + criticism gives a lustre to truth; that to reject all examination is to + acknowledge the weakness of their cause; and that not to wish for + discussion is to avow it to be incapable of sustaining a trial. + </p> + <p> + If they tell us, that our ideas are repugnant to the decisions of + councils, of the fathers, and of the universal church; to this we shall + answer, that, according to their own books, <i>opposition</i> is not + always a crime; we shall plead the example of an apostle, to whom the + Christian religion is under the greatest obligations—what do we say!—to + whom alone, perhaps, it owes its existence. Now this apostle boasts of + having <i>withstood</i> the great St. Peter to his face, that visible head + of the church, appointed by Jesus himself to feed his flock; and whose + infallibility is at least as probable as that of his successors. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>If they charge us + with <i>innovation</i>, we shall plead the example of Jesus himself, who + was regarded as an <i>innovator</i> by the Jews, and who was a martyr for + the reform he intended to introduce. If the opinions be unacceptable, the + author, as he has no pretensions to divine inspiration, leaves to every + one the liberty of rejecting or receiving his interpretations, and method + of investigation. He does not threaten with eternal torments those who + resist his arguments; he has not credit enough to promise heaven to such + as yield to them; he pretends neither to constrain, nor to seduce those + who do not think as he does. He is desirous only to calm the mind; allay + animosity; and sooth the passions of those zealots, who are ever ready to + harass and destroy their fellow creatures on account of opinions which may + not appear equally convincing to all the world. He promises to point out + the ridiculous cruelty of those men of blood, who persecute for dogmas + which they themselves do not understand. He ventures to flatter himself, + that such as peruse this inquiry with coolness, will acknowledge, that it + is very possible to doubt of the inspiration of the gospels, and of the + divine mission of Jesus, without ceasing to be a rational and honest man. + </p> + <p> + Such as are exasperated against this work are entreated to remember, that + faith is a gift of heaven; that the want of it is not a vice; that if the + Jews, who were eye witnesses of the wonders of Jesus, did not believe + them, it is very pardonable to doubt them at the beginning of the + nineteenth century, especially on finding that the accounts of these + marvels, though said to have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, are not + uniform nor in harmony with each other. In fine, fiery devotees are + earnestly entreated to moderate their holy rage, and suffer the meekness, + so often recommended by their "divine Saviour" to occupy the place of that + bitter zeal, and persecuting spirit which creates so many enemies to the + Christian religion. Let them remember, that if it was to patience and + forbearance Jesus promised the possession of the earth, it is much to be + feared that pride, intolerance and <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16">[Pg + 16]</a></span> inhumanity, will render the ministers of the church + detestable, and make them lose that empire over minds, which to them is so + agreeable. If they wish to reign over rational men, they must display + reason, knowledge, and, above all, virtues more useful than those + wherewith the teachers of the gospel have so long infested society. Jesus + has said, "<i>Happy are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth</i>;" + unless indeed interpreters should pretend, that this only signifies the + necessity of persecuting, exterminating, and cutting the throats of those + whose affections they wish to gain. + </p> + <p> + If it were permitted to cite the maxims of a profane person by that of the + Son of God, we would quote here the apophthegm of the profound Machiavel, + that "empires are preserved by the same means whereby they are + established." It was by meekness, patience, and precaution, that the + disciples of Jesus are said to have at first established Christianity. + Their successors employed violence; but not until they found themselves + supported by devout tyrants. Since then, the gospel of peace has been the + signal of war; the pacific disciples of Jesus have become implacable + warriors; have treated each other as ferocious beasts; and the church has + been perpetually torn by dissentions, schisms, and factions. If the + primitive spirit of patience and meekness does not quickly return to the + aid of religion, it will soon become the object of the hatred of nations, + who begin to feel that morality is preferable to obscure dogmas, and that + peace is of greater value than the holy frenzy of the ministers of the + gospel. + </p> + <p> + We cannot, therefore, with too much earnestness exhort them, for their own + sakes, to moderation. Let them imitate their divine Master, who never + employed his Father's power to exterminate the Jews, of whom he had so + much to complain. He did not make the armies of heaven descend, in order + to establish his doctrine. He chose rather to surrender to the secular + power than give up the infidels, whom his prodigies and transcendent + reasoning could not convince. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>Though + he is represented as being the depositary of the power of the Most High; + though he was inspired by the Holy Spirit; though he had at his command + all the angels of paradise, we do not find that he performed any miracles + on the understandings of his auditory. He suffered them to remain in their + blindness, though he had come on purpose to enlighten them. We cannot + doubt, that a conduct, so wise, was intended to make the pastors of his + church (who are not possessed of more persuasive powers than their master) + sensible that it is not by violence they can reconcile the mind to + incredible things; and that it would be unjust to force others to + comprehend what, without favor from above; it would be impossible for + themselves to comprehend; or what, even with such favor, they but very + imperfectly understand. + </p> + <p> + But it is time to conclude an introduction, perhaps, already too long to a + work which, even without preamble, may be tiresome to the clergy, and + irritate the temper of the devout. The author does himself the justice to + believe, that he has written enough to be attacked by a host of writers, + obliged, by situation to repel his blows, and to defend, right or wrong, a + cause wherein they are so deeply interested. He calculates that, on his + death, his book will be calumniated, as well as his reputation, and his + arguments misrepresented, or mutilated. He expects to be treated as + impious—a blasphemer—an atheist, and to be loaded with all the + epithets which the pious are in use to lavish on those who disquiet them. + He will not, however, sleep the less tranquil for that; but as his sleep + may prevent him from replying, he thinks it his duty to inform his + antagonists before hand, that <i>injuries are not reasons</i>. He does + more—he bequeaths them charitable advice, to which the defenders of + religion do not usually pay sufficient attention. They are then apprised, + that if, in their learned refutations, they do not resolve completely <i>all</i> + the objections brought against them, they will have done nothing for their + cause. The defenders of a religion, in which it is <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>affirmed that every thing is divinely + inspired, are bound not to leave a single argument behind, and ought to be + convinced that <i>answering</i> to an argument is not always refuting it. + They should please also to keep in remembrance, that a single falsehood, a + single absurdity, a single contradiction, or a single blunder, fairly + pointed out in the gospels, is sufficient to render suspected, and even to + overturn the authority of a book which ought to be perfect in all its + parts, if it be true that it is the work of an infinitely perfect Being. + An incredulous person, being but a man, may reason wrong; but it is never + permitted to a God, or his instruments, either to contradict themselves, + or to talk nonsense. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAP_I"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER I.</span><br /> <span + class="smaller">ACCOUNT OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE AND THEIR PROPHETS.—INQUIRY + INTO THE PROPHECIES RELATING TO JESUS.</span> + </h2> + <p> + H<span class="smcap lowercase">OWEVER</span> slightly we cast our eyes + over the history of the Jews, as contained in their sacred books, we are + forced to acknowledge, that these people were at all times the blindest, + the most stupid, the most credulous, the most superstitious, and the + silliest that ever appeared on earth. Moses, by dint of miracles, or + delusions, succeeded in subjugating the Israelites. After having liberated + them from the iron rod of the Egyptians, he put them under his own. This + celebrated legislator had evidently the intention to subject the Hebrews + for ever to his purposes, and, after himself, to render them the slaves of + his family and tribe. It is obvious, that the mosaical economy had no + other object than to deliver up the people of Israel to the tyranny and + extortions of priests and Levites. These the law, which was promulgated in + name of the Eternal, authorised to devour the rest of the nation, and to + crush them under an insupportable yoke. The chosen people of God were + destined solely to be the prey of the priesthood; to satiate their avarice + and ambition; and to become the instrument and victim of their passions. + </p> + <p> + Hence, by the law, and by the policy of the priests, the people of God + were kept in a profound ignorance, in an abject superstition, in an + unsocial and savage aversion for the <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20">[Pg + 20]</a></span>rest of mankind; in an inveterate hatred of other forms of + worship, and in a barbarous and sanguinary intolerance towards every + foreign religion. All the neighbors of the Hebrews, were, therefore, their + enemies. If the holy nation was the object of the love of the most high, + it was an object of contempt and horror to all who had occasion to know it—a + fact admitted by their own historian, Josephus. For this it was indebted + to its religious institutions, to the labors of its priests, to its + diviners, and its prophets, who continually profitted by its credulity, in + displaying wonders and kindling its delirium. + </p> + <p> + Under the guidance of Moses, and of generals or judges who governed them + afterwards, the Jewish people distinguished themselves only by massacres, + unjust wars, cruelties, usurpations, and infamies, which were enjoined + them in the name of the Eternal. Weary of the government of their priests, + which drew on them misfortunes and bloody defeats, the descendants of + Abraham demanded kings; but, under these, the state was perpetually torn + with disputes between the priesthood and the government. Superstition + aimed at ruling over policy. Prophets and priests pretended to reign over + kings, of whom such as were not sufficiently submissive to the + interpreters of heaven, were renounced by the Lord, and, from that moment, + unacknowledged and opposed by their own subjects. Fanatics and impostors, + absolute masters of the understandings of the nation, were continually + ready to rouse it, and excite in its bosom the most terrible revolutions. + It was the intrigues of the prophets that deprived Saul of his crown, and + bestowed it on David, <i>the man according to God's own heart</i>—that + is to say, devoted to the will of the priests. It was the prophets, who, + to punish the defection of Solomon in the person of his son, occasioned + the separation of the kingdoms of Judea and Israel. It was the prophets + who kept these two kingdoms continually at variance; weakened them by + means of each other, desolated them by religious and fatal wars, conducted + them to <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> complete + ruin, a total dispersion of their inhabitants, and a long captivity among + the Assyrians. + </p> + <p> + So many calamities did not open the eyes of the Jews, who continued + obstinate in refusing to acknowledge the true source of their misfortunes. + Restored to their homes by the bounty of Cyrus, they were again governed + by priests and prophets, whose maxims rendered them turbulent, and drew on + them the hatred of sovereigns who subdued them. The Greek princes treated + with the greatest severity a people whom the oracles and promises of their + prophets rendered always rebellious, and ungovernable. The Jews, in fine, + became the prey of the Romans, whose yoke they bore with fear, against + whom impostors often incited them to revolt, and who, at last, tired of + their frequent rebellions, entirely destroyed them as a nation. + </p> + <p> + Such, in a few words, is the history of the Jewish people. It presents the + most memorable examples of the evils which fanaticism and superstition + produce; for it is evident that the continual revolutions, bloody wars, + and total destruction of that nation, had no other cause than its + unwearied credulity, its submission to priests, its enthusiasm, and its + furious zeal, excited by the inspired. On reading the Old Testament, we + are forced to confess, that the people of God (thanks to the roguery of + their spiritual guides) were, beyond contradiction, the most unfortunate + people that ever existed. Yet the most solemn promises of Jehovah seemed + to assure to that people a flourishing and puissant empire. God had made + an eternal alliance with Abraham and his posterity; but the Jews, far from + reaping the fruits of this alliance, and far from enjoying the prosperity + they had been led to expect, lived continually in the midst of calamities, + and were, more than all other nations, the sport of frightful revolutions. + So many disasters, however, were incapable of rendering them more + considerate; the experience of so many ages did not hinder them from + relying on oracles so often contradicted; and the more unfortunate they + found themselves, the more rooted <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22">[Pg + 22]</a></span> were they in their credulity. The destruction of their + nation could not bring them to doubt of the excellence of their law, of + the wisdom of their institutions, or of the veracity of their prophets, + who successively relieved each other, either in menacing them in the name + of the Lord, or in re-animating their frivolous hopes. + </p> + <p> + Strongly convinced that they were the sacred and chosen people of the Most + High, alone worthy of his favors, the Jews, in spite of all their + miseries, were continually persuaded that their God could not have + abandoned them.—They, therefore, constantly looked for an end to + their afflictions, and promised themselves a deliverance, which obscure + oracles had led them to expect. Building on these fanatical notions, they + were at all times disposed to listen with avidity to every man who + announced himself as inspired by heaven; they eagerly ran after every + singular personage who could feed their expectations; they followed + whoever had the secret of astonishing them by impostures, which their + stupidity made them consider supernatural works, and unquestionable signs + of divine power. Disposed to see the marvellous in the most trifling + events, every adroit impostor was on the watch to deceive them, and was + certain of making more or less adherents, especially among the populace, + who are every where destitute of experience and knowledge. + </p> + <p> + It was in the midst of a people of this disposition that the personage + appeared whose history we write. He very soon found followers in the most + despicable of the rabble. Seconded by these, he preached, as usual, <i>reformation</i> + to his fellow citizens, he wrought wonders; he styled himself the envoy of + the Divinity. He particularly founded his mission on vague, obscure, and + ambiguous predictions, contained in the sacred books of the Jews, which he + applied to himself. He announced himself as the messiah or messenger, the + deliverer of Israel, who for so many ages was the object of the nation's + hope. His disciples, his apostles, and afterwards <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>their successors, found means to apply to + their master the ancient prophecies, wherein he seemed the least + perceptibly designed. The Christians, docile and full of faith, have had + the good fortune to see the founder of their religion predicted in the + clearest manner throughout the whole Old Testament. By dint of allegories, + figures, interpretations, and commentaries, their doctors have brought + them to see, in this shapeless compilation, all that they had an interest + in pointing out to them. When passages taken literally did not countenance + deceit agreeably to their views, they contrived for them a two-fold sense: + they pretended that it was not necessary to understand them literally, but + to give them a mystical, allegorical, and spiritual meaning. To explain + these pretended predictions, they continually substituted one name for + another; they rejected the literal meaning, in order to adopt a figurative + one; they changed the most natural signification of words they applied the + same passages to events quite opposite; they retrenched the names of some + personages plainly designed, in order to introduce that of Jesus; and, in + all this, they did not blush to make the most crying abuse of the + principles of language. + </p> + <p> + The third chapter of Genesis furnishes a striking example of the manner in + which the doctors of the Christian religion have allegorized passages of + scripture, in order to apply then to Jesus. In this chapter, God says to + the serpent, convicted of having seduced the woman, <i>the seed of the + woman shall bruise thy head</i>. This prophesy appears with so much the + more difficulty to apply to Jesus, that these words follow—<i>and + thou shalt bruise his heel</i>. We do not comprehend, why the <i>seed of + the woman</i> must be understood of Jesus. If he was the Son of God, or + God himself, he could not be produced from the <i>seed of the woman</i>. + If he was man, he is not pointed out in a particular manner by these + words, for all men, without exception, are produced from the <i>seed of + women</i>. According to our interpreters, the serpent is sin, and the seed + of the woman that bruises it is Jesus incarnate in the womb <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>of Mary. Since the + coming of Jesus, however, sin, typified by the serpent, has at all times + existed; from which we are led to conclude, that Jesus has not destroyed + it, and that the prediction is neither literally nor allegorically + accomplished. + </p> + <p> + In the twenty-second chapter of Genesis, God promises to Abraham, that in + his seed <i>all the nations of the earth shall be blessed</i>. What we + style prosperity, the Hebrews termed blessings. If Abraham and his race + enjoyed prosperity, it was only for a short period; the Hebrews became + afterwards the slaves of the Egyptians, and were, as has been seen, the + most unfortunate people on earth. Christians have also given a mystic + sense to this prophecy:—they substitute the name of Jesus for that + of Abraham, and it is in him that all the nations shall be blessed. The + advantages they shall enjoy will be persecutions, calamities, and + misfortunes of every kind; and his disciples, like himself, shall undergo + the most painful punishments. Hence we see, that, following our + interpreters, the word <i>blessing</i> has changed its meaning; it no + longer implies prosperity; it signifies what, in ordinary language, is + termed curses, disasters, afflictions, troubles, divisions, and religious + wars—calamities with which the Christian nations have been + continually <i>blessed</i> since the establishment of the church. + </p> + <p> + Christians believe that they see Jesus announced in the 49th chapter of + Genesis. The patriarch Jacob there promises sovereign power to Judah. "The + sceptre (says he) shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between + his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto him shall the gathering of the + people be." It is thus that several interpreters translate the tenth verse + of the 49th chapter of Genesis. Others have translated it thus, "the + authority shall forever be in Judah, when the Messiah shall have come." + Others read, "the authority shall be in Judah, till the messenger receive + in Shiloh the sovereign power." Others again render the passage in this + manner, "the people of Judah shall be in affliction, <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> till the messenger of the Lord comes to + put an end to it;" and according to others, "till the city of Shiloh be + destroyed." + </p> + <p> + This diversity in the translation of the same passage ought, + unquestionably, to render the prophecy very suspicious. First, we see that + it is impossible to determine the signification of the word <i>Shiloh</i>, + or to ascertain, whether it be the name of a man or a city? Secondly, it + is proved by the sacred books, received equally by Jew and Christians, + that the sovereign power is gone from Judah; was wholly annihilated during + the Babylonish captivity, and has not been re-established since. If it is + pretended, that Jesus came to restore the power of Judah, we assert, on + the contrary, that, in the time of Jesus, Judah was without authority, for + Judah had submitted to the Romans. But our doctors have again recourse to + allegory:—according to them, the power of Judah was the spiritual + power of Jesus over Christians, designated by Judah. + </p> + <p> + They, in like manner, see Jesus foretold by Balaam, who, by the bye, was a + false prophet. He thus expresses himself: (Numbers xxiv. 16,)—"He + hath said, who heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the Most + High, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but + having his eyes open: I shall see him but not now; I shall behold him but + not nigh; there shall come a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise + out of Israel," &c. In this unintelligible jargon, they pretend to + shew Christians a clear prediction of the founder of their religion. It is + he who is the star, because his luminous doctrine enlightens all minds. <i>This + sceptre, which shall rise out of Israel</i>, is the cross of Jesus, by the + aid of which he has triumphed over the Devil, who, in spite of this + victory, ceases not to reign on earth, and to render useless the triumph + of the Son of God. + </p> + <p> + But of all the prophecies contained in the Old Testament, there is not one + to which the Christian doctors have attached more importance than that + found in Isaiah, chap. vii. 14 <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26">[Pg + 26]</a></span>A young woman <i>shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall + call his name Immanuel</i>. To find out Jesus in this prediction, it is, + first of all, necessary to be convinced, that this woman is <i>Mary</i>; + next, it is necessary to ascertain that <i>Immanuel</i> is the same with + Jesus. It will always be objected against this pretended prophecy, that it + is sufficient to read the chapter of Isaiah whence the passage is taken, + to be satisfied that the prophet had in view Ahaz king of Judah. This + prince is there represented as in consternation, on account of the arrival + of Rezin and Pekah, kings of Syria and Israel, who, with their united + armies, threatened his dominions. Isaiah encouraged him, by representing + that he still had forces sufficient, and promised him the assistance of + the Lord, whom every prophet made to be of his own party. To guarantee his + promises, Isaiah told his sovereign, that he had only to ask of him a + sign. The dispirited prince replied, that he did not wish to tempt the + Lord. The prophet, however, wishing to convince him, announced a sign—"A + young woman shall conceive, and bring forth a son, who shall be called + Immanuel." Now the following chapter informs us who this young woman was: + she was the wife of Isaiah himself.—"I took unto me (says he) + faithful witnesses; and I went unto the <i>prophetess</i>, and she + conceived and bare a son." The simple inspection of this text, evidently + shows that it is in no respect applicable to Jesus. If what is recorded in + 2d Chron. c. v. be true, the prophecy was not even accomplished, but the + reverse of its fulfilment took place. Instead of Ahaz defeating his + enemies, as Isaiah promised he would, his whole army was routed, 120,000 + killed, and 200,000 carried into captivity by the kings of Syria and + Israel. It is evident, then, that this famous sign of "a young woman shall + conceive," &c. served only in the first instance to <i>deceive</i> the + king of Judah, and has since been employed to <i>mislead</i> those who, + like that king, relied on the professions of priests and prophets. + </p> + <p> + Proceeding forward in the perusal of Isaiah (chap. ix. 6,) we <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>find the following + passage:—"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the + government shall be upon his shoulder." If the child foretold by Isaiah + was born in his time, it can no longer be said, that the prophet meant to + speak of Jesus, who was born several centuries after him; for the birth of + that person being so distant, could not be a sign of deliverance to Ahaz, + as his enemies pressed so closely upon him. To this it is answered, that + the prophets spoke of future events as if they were past or present; but + this answer requires to be established by proof. It is likewise said, that + the birth of Isaiah's son was only a type of that of Jesus; for to him, it + is affirmed, is applicable "the government on the shoulder," in which our + doctors perceive distinctly pointed out the cross that Jesus carried on + his shoulders when going to Calvary. Our interpreters have thus the + happiness of seeing the sign of dominion, or empire, in what appears to + eyes less enlightened, the sign of punishment, weakness, and slavery. + </p> + <p> + It is proper also to inquire why it is said, in the Christian system, that + it is not necessary a prophecy have relation, in all its parts, to the + subject or fact to which it is applied. The sacred writers do not mean to + cite a whole prophecy, but only a passage, a detached phrase, or often a + single word, apposite to the subject they treat of, without troubling + themselves whether what precedes, or what follows their quotation has + connexion or not with what they are speaking of. In the example under + discussion, Matthew, wishing to quote Isaiah and apply a prophecy to + Jesus, takes of this prophecy these detached words only, <i>A young woman + shall conceive</i>, &c.—he stood in need of no more of it. + According to that Evangelist, Mary had conceived:—Isaiah had said, + that a girl, or woman, should conceive. Matthew therefore concluded, that + the conception of Jesus was foretold by Isaiah. This vague connection is + sufficient for all Christians, who, like Matthew, believe they see their + founder pointed out in prophecy. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> Following this + strange method, they have referred to Isaiah to prove that Jesus was the + messiah promised to the Jews. In the 53d chapter, this prophet describes + in a very pathetic manner the misfortunes and sufferings of his brother + Jeremiah. The clergy have long labored to apply that prophecy to Jesus: + they have distinctly seen him pointed out in the "man of sorrows;" so that + it is regarded rather as a faithful and circumstantial narrative of the + passion of Jesus, than as a prediction. But, agreeably to sound criticism, + this history relates only to Jeremiah. Not to deprive themselves, however, + of the resources so useful a passage might furnish, they have decided, + that, in the case of prophecies, the indirect relation should have place. + By this means, in admitting that the narrative of Isaiah had Jeremiah for + its object, they maintained that Jeremiah was a figure or type of Jesus. + It is not that their lives were strictly consentaneous; but, in the + Christian religion, conformity followed by affinities, is not absolutely + requisite to the justice of the comparison. + </p> + <p> + This manner of reasoning, peculiar to the Christian religion, has been + very convenient for it. Paul especially, like most of the first preachers + of Christianity, and after them the fathers and doctors of the church, + employed this curious method of proving their system. According to them, + all under the ancient law was the image of the new; and the most + celebrated personages in the Old Testament, typified Jesus and his church. + Abel, assassinated by his brother, was a prophetic figure of Jesus put to + death by the Jews. The sacrifice of Isaac, which was not accomplished, was + the image of that accomplished on the cross. The relations or predictions + which had for their object Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, + David, Solomon, Jeremiah, Zorobabel, or other ancient personages, were + applied to Jesus. His death was represented by the blood of he-goats and + of bulls. By aid of these allegories, the books of the Jews served only to + announce the <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>events + in the life of Jesus, and the history of the establishment of his + religion. In this manner it is easy to find in the scriptures whatever we + desire. + </p> + <p> + It would be useless to investigate the famous prophecy of the seventy + weeks of Daniel, in which the Christian doctors believe they see the + coming of Jesus clearly announced. It is true, that if Daniel, or his + editors, had specified the nature of these <i>weeks</i>, they would have + prevented much trouble to interpreters: this prediction might then have + been a great resource to Christianity. The ablest critics, however, + declare that they are greatly embarrassed when attempting to fix the + commencement and the end of these weeks. On this they are never unanimous, + nor can they agree on a precise date, which hitherto is wanting to the + great event of the coming of the messiah. We know the Jews made use of + weeks of days, weeks of weeks, and weeks of years. It is by a conjecture, + merely hazarded, they advance in the bible of Louvain, that the weeks + mentioned in Daniel are weeks of years. Yet that supposition throws light + on nothing, for the chronological table, which the doctors of Louvain have + published, gives only three hundred and forty-three years intervening + between the time when they make the weeks to commence and the death of + Jesus. Many have believed that this prediction was subsequently added to + the text of Daniel, in favor of Jonathan Maccabeus. We may judge of the + little credit that can be given to this prophecy, from the prodigious + number of commentaries that have been made on it. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_II"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER II.</span><br /> <span + class="smaller">THE BIRTH OF JESUS.</span> + </h2> + <p> + A<span class="smcap lowercase">LL</span> the prophecies contained in the + sacred books of the Jews, coincide in making them hope for the return of + the favor of the Almighty. God had promised them a deliverer, a messenger, + a messiah, who should restore the power of Israel. That deliverer was to + be of the seed of David, the prince <i>according to God's own heart</i>; + so submissive to the priests, and so zealous for religion. It was to + recompense the devotion and docility of this holy usurper, that the + prophets and the priests, loaded with kindness, promised him in the name + of heaven, that his family should reign forever. If that famous prediction + was belied during the Babylonish captivity, and at subsequent periods, the + Jews, at this time no less credulous than their ancestors, persuaded + themselves that it was impossible for their prophets and diviners to + deceive them. They imagined that their oracles sooner or later would be + accomplished, and that they should see a descendant of David restore the + honor of their nation. + </p> + <p> + It was in conformity to these predictions and popular notions, that the + writers of the Gospels gave Jesus a genealogy; by which they pretended to + prove that he was descended in a direct line from David, and consequently, + had a right to arrogate the character of messiah. Nevertheless, criticism + has exhausted itself on this genealogy. Such as are not possessed of + faith, have been surprised to find, that the Holy Spirit has dictated it + differently to the two evangelists who have detailed it: for, as has been + frequently remarked, the genealogy given by Matthew is not the same with + that of <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>Luke: a + disparity which has thrown Christian interpreters into embarrassments, + from which all their subtilty has hitherto been unable to rescue them. + They tell us, that one of these genealogies is that of Joseph; but, + supposing Joseph to be of the race of David, a Christian cannot believe + that he was the real father of Jesus, because his religion enjoins him to + believe steadfastly, that he is the Son of God. Supposing the two + genealogies to be Mary's, in that case the Holy Spirit has blundered in + one of them. Even Matthew's account is contradictory of itself. He says + (c. i. v. 17) "To all the generations from Abraham to David are <i>fourteen</i> + generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are <i>fourteen</i> + generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are <i>fourteen</i> + generations." On enumerating the names given in the last division of time, + we find only <i>twelve</i> generations, even including Joseph. In whatever + way we consider them, one of the genealogies will always appear faulty and + incomplete, and the extraction of Jesus very weakly established. + </p> + <p> + Let us now examine the occurrences which preceded and accompanied the + birth of Jesus. Only one evangelist has particularly narrated them; all + the others have superficially passed over circumstances as marvellous as + they are important. Matthew, content with his genealogy, speaks but in few + words of the preternatural manner wherein Jesus was formed in the womb of + his mother. The speech of an angel, seen in a dream, suffices to convince + Joseph of the virtue of his wife, and he adopts her child without + hesitation. Mark makes no mention of this memorable incident. John, who, + by the assistance of his mystic and Platonic theology, could embellish the + story, or rather confound it, has not said one word on the subject. We + are, therefore, constrained to satisfy ourselves with the materials Luke + has transmitted us. + </p> + <p> + According to this evangelist, Elizabeth, kinswoman of Mary, and wife of a + priest named Zachariah, was in the sixth month of her pregnancy, "when the + angel Gabriel was sent <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>from + God unto a city called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name + was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And the + angel came in unto her, and said, Hail thou that art highly favored, the + Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she + was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation + this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary; for thou hast + found favor with God. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and + bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. Then said Mary to the + angel, How shall this be, for I know not a man? And the angel answered and + said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the + Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore, also that holy thing which shall + be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. And Mary said, Behold the + handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. Thereafter + (adds the text) the angel departed from her." + </p> + <p> + Now what is there in all this that is any way marvellous? Nothing indeed + is more simple than this narrative. If the least reflection is employed on + it, the wonderful will vanish; and we shall find the greatest care has + been taken to spare the modesty of the young persons who might read the + story. An angel entered the house of Mary, <i>whose husband was absent</i>. + He salutes her; that is, pays her a compliment, which may be translated as + follows:—"Good day, my dear Mary! you are indeed adorable—What + attractions! what graces! of all women, you are the most lovely in my + eyes. Your charms are pledges to you of my sincerity. Crown then my + passion. Fear not the consequences of your complaisance; your husband is a + simpleton; by visions and dreams we can make him believe whatever we + desire. The good man will regard your pregnancy as the effect of a miracle + of the Most High; he will adopt your child with joy, and all will go on in + the best manner possible." Mary, charmed with these words, and little + accustomed to receive <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>the + like compliments from her husband, replied, "Well!—I yield—I + rely on your word and address; do with me as you please." + </p> + <p> + Nothing is more easy than to separate the relation of Luke from the + marvellous. The event of Mary's pregnancy follows in the order of nature; + and if we substitute a young man in the place of the angel, the passage of + the evangelist will have nothing incredible in it. In fact, many have + thought that the angel Gabriel was no other than a gallant, who, profiting + by the absence of Joseph, found the secret to declare and gratify his + passion. + </p> + <p> + We shall not stop to form conjectures on the true name and station of + Mary's lover. The Jews, whose testimony on this subject may appear + suspicious, assert, as we shall afterwards relate, that this favorite + lover was a soldier:—the military have always claims on the hearts + of the ladies. They add, that from his commerce with the wife of Joseph, + the messiah of the Christians sprung; that the discontented husband left + his faithless wife, in order to retire to Babylon, and that Jesus with his + mother went to Egypt, where he learned the trade of a conjurer, and + afterwards returned to practise in Judea. + </p> + <p> + The <i>proto-gospel</i>, ascribed to James, relates some curious and + ridiculous circumstances, altogether omitted in the four canonical + evangelists; yet they have nothing revolting to persons who possess faith. + This gospel informs us of the ill humor of Joseph on seeing his wife + pregnant, and the reproaches he loaded her with on account of her + lewdness, unworthy of a virgin reared under the eyes of priests. Mary + excuses herself with tears; she protests her innocence, and "swears in the + name of the living God, that she is ignorant whence the child has come to + her." It appears, that in her distress she had forgot the adventure of + Gabriel:—that angel came the night following to encourage poor + Joseph, then on the point of having an affair with the priests, who + accused him of having begot this child to the prejudice of Mary's <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> vow of virginity. On + this the priests made the two spouses drink <i>of the waters of jealousy</i>; + that is, of a potion, which, by a miracle, did them no injury; the high + priest, therefore, declared them innocent. It is related in the same + gospel, that after Mary had been delivered, <i>Salome</i>, refusing to + credit the midwife who assured her that the delivered was still a virgin, + laid her hand on Mary in order to satisfy herself of the fact. Immediately + this rash hand felt itself on fire; but she was cured on taking the little + Jesus in her arms. + </p> + <p> + Whether these histories, or Rabbinical narratives be true or false, it is + certain that the narrative of Luke, if not divested of the marvellous, + will always present difficulties to the minds of the incredulous. They + will ask, how God, being a pure spirit, could <i>overshadow a woman</i>, + and excite in her the movements necessary to the production of a child? + They will ask, how the divine nature could unite with the nature of a + woman? They will maintain, that the narrative is unworthy of the power and + majesty of the Supreme Being, who did not stand in need of employing + ridiculous and indecent instruments to operate the salvation of mankind. + It will be thought, that the Almighty should have employed other means for + conveying Jesus into the womb of his mother; he might have made him appear + on the earth without being incarnate in the belly of a woman; but there + must be wonders in romances, especially if they are religious. It was in + all ages supposed that great men were born in an extraordinary manner. + Among the Heathen, Minerva sprung out of the brain of Jupiter; Bacchus was + preserved in the thigh of the same god. Among the Chinese, the god Fo was + generated by a virgin rendered prolific by a ray of the sun. With + Christians, Jesus is born of a virgin, impregnated by the operation of the + Holy Spirit, and she remains a virgin after that operation! Incapable of + elevating themselves to God, men have made him descend to their own + nature. Such is the origin of all incarnations, the belief of which is + spread throughout the world. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Theologists have agitated the question, whether in the conception of + Jesus, the Virgin Mary <i>emiserit semen</i>? According to <i>Tillemont</i>, + the Gnostics, who lived in the time of the apostles, denied that the Word + was incarnate in the womb of the woman, and averred that it had taken a + body only <i>in appearance</i>—a circumstance which must destroy the + miracle of the resurrection. Basilides also maintains that Jesus was not + incarnate. Lactantius, in order to establish that the spirit of God could + impregnate a virgin, cites the example of the Thracian Mares, and other + females, rendered prolific by the wind. Nothing is more indecent and + ridiculous than the theological questions to which the birth of Jesus has + given rise. Some doctors, to preserve Mary's virginity, have maintained, + that Jesus did not come into the world, like other men, <i>aperta vulva</i>, + but rather <i>per vulvam clausam</i>. The celebrated John Scotus regarded + that opinion as very dangerous, as it would follow, that "Jesus could not + be born of the virgin, but merely had come out of her." A monk of Citeaux, + called Ptolemy de Luques, affirmed that Jesus was engendered near the + virgin's heart, from three drops of her blood. The great St. Thomas + Aquinas has examined, whether Jesus could not have been an <i>hermaphrodite</i>? + and whether he could not have been of the <i>feminine gender</i>? Others + have agitated the question, "Whether Jesus could have been incarnate in a + cow?" We may therefore see, how one absurdity may engender others, in the + prolific minds of theologists. + </p> + <p> + All the wonders which precede the birth of Jesus, are terminated by a very + natural occurrence. At the end of nine months his mother is delivered like + other women; and after so many incredible and supernatural events, the Son + of God comes into the world like all others people's children. This + conformity in birth, will ever occasion the surmise of a conformity in the + physical causes which produced the son of Mary. Indeed, the supernatural + only can produce the supernatural; from material agents result physical + effects; and <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>they + maintain in the schools, that there must always be a parity of nature + between cause and effect. + </p> + <p> + Though, according to Christians, Jesus was at the same time man and god, + some will say, it was necessary that the divine germ brought from heaven + to be deposited in the womb of Mary, should contain at the same time + divinity and humanity to become Son of God. To use the language of + theologists, the <i>hypostatic union</i> of the two natures must have + taken place before his birth, and immixed in the womb of his mother. In + that case, we cannot conceive how it could happen, that the divine nature + should continue torpid during the whole of Mary's pregnancy, in so much + that she herself was ignorant of the time of her in-lying. The proof of + this we find in Luke, chap. ii.—"In those days (says he) there went + out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And + as all went to be taxed, every one out of his own city, Joseph also went + out of Nazareth and came to Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary, who was + great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were + accomplished that she should be delivered, and she brought forth her first + born son, and wrapt him in swadling clothes and laid him in a manger, + because there was no room for them in the inn." + </p> + <p> + This narrative proves that Mary was taken unprovided, and that the Holy + Spirit, who had done so many things for her, had neglected to warn her of + an event so likely to interest him, and so important to all mankind. The + humanity of Jesus, being subject to every casuality in our nature, might + have perished in this journey, undertaken at a time very critical to his + mother. Nor do we understand how the mother could remain in complete + ignorance of the proximity of her time, or how the Eternal could so + abandon the precious child he had deposited in her womb. + </p> + <p> + Some other circumstances of the relation of Luke presents new + difficulties. He speaks of a <i>taxing</i> (enumeration) by order of + Caesar Augustus:—a fact of which no mention <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>is made by any historian, Jewish or + profane. We are also astonished to find the son of God born in poverty, + having no other asylum than a stable, and no other cradle than a manger; + and at the tenderest age, in a rigorous season, exposed to miseries + without number. + </p> + <p> + It is true, our theologists have found a way to answer all these + difficulties. They maintain, that a just God wishing to appease himself, + destined his innocent son to afflictions, in order to have a motive for + pardoning the guilty human race, which had become hateful to him through + Adam's transgression, in which, however, his decendants had no share. By + an act of justice, whereof the mind of man can form no idea, a God whose + essence renders him incapable of committing sin, is loaded with the + iniquities of man, and must expiate them in order to disarm the + indignation of a father he has not offended! Such are the inconceivable + principles which serve for the basis of the Christian theology. + </p> + <p> + Our doctors add—It was the will of God that the birth of his son + should be accompanied with the same accidents as that of other men, to + console the latter for the misfortunes attendent on their existence. Man, + say they, is guilty before he is born, because all children are bound to + pay the debts of their fathers: thus man suffers justly as a sinner + himself, and as charged with the sin of his first father.—Granting + this, what more consolatory than seeing a God, innocence and holiness + itself, suffering in a stable all the evils attached to indigence! That + consolation would have been wanting, if God had ordained that his son + should be born in splendor, and with an abundance of the comforts of life. + If the innocent Jesus had not suffered, mankind, incapable of + extinguishing a debt contracted by Adam, would have been forever excluded + from paradise. The painful journey Mary was obliged to undertake in such + critical circumstances, had been foreseen by Eternal wisdom, which had + resolved that Jesus should be born at Bethlehem <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> and not at Nazareth. It was necessary—having + been foretold, it behoved to be accomplished. + </p> + <p> + However solid these answers may appear to the faithful, they are not + capable of convincing the incredulous, who exclaim against the injustice + of making an innocent God suffer, and loading him with the iniquities of + the earth. Neither can they conceive by what principle of equity the + Supreme Being could make the human race responsible for a fault committed + by their first parents, without their knowledge and participation. + Finally, they contend that it would have been wiser to have prevented man + from committing sin, than to permit him to sin, and make his own son die + to expiate man's iniquity. + </p> + <p> + With respect to the journey to Bethlehem, we cannot discover the necessity + of it. The place where the saviour of the world was to be born, seems a + circumstance perfectly indifferent to the salvation of mankind. + </p> + <p> + As for the prophecy announcing the glory of Bethlehem, in having given + existence to the "Leader of Israel"—it does not appear to agree with + Jesus, who was born in a stable, and who was rejected by the people whose + leader he was to be. It is only a pious straining that can make this + prediction apply to Jesus. We are assured, that it had been foretold Jesus + was to be born in poverty; while, on the other hand the messiah of the + Jews is generally announced by the prophets as a prince, a hero, and a + conqueror.—It is necessary to know then which of these prophecies we + ought to adopt. Our doctors tell us "the predictions announcing that Jesus + would be born and live in indigence and meanness, ought to be taken <i>literally</i>, + and those which announce his power and glory ought to be taken <i>allegorically</i>." + But this solution will not satisfy the incredulous; they will affirm, that + by this manner of explanation, we may always find in the sacred writings + whatever we may think we stand in need of. They will conclude that the + scripture is to Christians, what the clouds are to the man who imagines he + perceives in them whatever figures he pleases. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_III"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER III.</span><br /> + <span class="smaller">ADORATION OF THE MAGI AND SHEPHERDS—MASSACRE + OF THE INNOCENTS;—AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES, WHICH FOLLOWED THE BIRTH + OF JESUS.</span> + </h2> + <p> + O<span class="smcap lowercase">F</span> the four historians of Jesus + adopted by the church, two are wholly silent on the facts we are to relate + in this chapter; and Matthew and Luke, who have recorded them, are not at + all unanimous in particulars. So discordant are their relations, that the + ablest commentators do not know how to reconcile them. These differences, + it is true, are less perceptible when the evangelists are read the one + after the other, or without reflection; but they become particularly + striking when we take the trouble of comparing them. This is, undoubtedly, + the reason why we have hitherto had no concordance of the gospels which + received the general approbation of the church. Even those which have been + printed have not been universally adopted, though it must be acknowledged + that they contain nothing contrary to faith. It is, perhaps, from + judicious policy that the heads of the church have not approved of any + system on this point. They have, probably, felt the impossibility of + reconciling narratives so discordant as those of the four Evangelists; for + the Holy Spirit, doubtless with a view to exercise the faith of the + saints, has inspired them very differently. Besides, an able concordance + of the gospels would prove a dangerous work:—it would bring together + facts related by authors, who, far from supporting, would reciprocally + weaken each other—a circumstance which could not fail to stagger at + least the faith of the compiler. + </p> + <p> + Matthew, who, according to common opinion, (though a very erroneous one,) + wrote the first history of Jesus, asserts, <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>that as soon as he was born, and still in + the stable at Bethlehem, Magi came from the East to Jerusalem, and + inquired where the king of the Jews was, whose star they had observed in + their own country. Herod, who then reigned in Judea, being informed of the + motive of their journey, consulted the people of the law; and having + learned that the Christ was to be born at Bethlehem, he permitted the Magi + to go there, recommending to them to inform themselves of this child, that + he himself might do him homage. (Matt. ii. 1.) + </p> + <p> + It appears, from the narrative of Matthew, that as soon as the Magi left + Herod, they took the road to Bethlehem, a place not far from Jerusalem. It + is surprising that this prince, alarmed at the arrival of the Magi, who + had thus announced the birth of a king of the Jews, did not use more + precaution to allay his own uneasiness, and that of the capital, which the + gospel represents as in a state of consternation at this grand event. It + would have been very easy for him to have satisfied himself of the fact + without being under the necessity of relying on strangers, who did not + execute his commission. The Magi did not return; Joseph had time to save + himself and his little family by flight; and Herod remained tranquil in + spite of his suspicions and fears. It was not till after a considerable + interval that he got into a passion on finding himself deceived; and then, + to preserve his crown in safety, he ordered a general massacre of the + children of Bethlehem and the neighboring villages! But why suppose such + conduct in this sovereign? He had assembled the doctors of the law and + principal men of the nation; their advice had confirmed the rumor spread + by the wise men; they said it was at Bethlehem that Christ was to be born, + and yet Herod did nothing for his own tranquility! Either Herod had faith + in the prophecies of the Jews, or he had not. In the first case, and + instead of relying on strangers, he ought himself to have gone with all + his court to Bethlehem, and paid homage to the Saviour of the nation. In + the second case, it is absurd to make Herod order a <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>general massacre of infants, on account of + a suspicion founded on a prophecy which he did not believe. + </p> + <p> + This prince's indignation is said not to have been roused till after the + lapse of several days, and after he perceived that the Magi derided him, + and took another road. Why did he not learn by the same means the flight + of Jesus, of Joseph, and of his mother? Their retreat must certainly have + been observed in a place so small as Bethlehem. It will perhaps be said, + that God on this occasion, permitted Herod to be blinded; but God should + not have permitted the inhabitants of Bethlehem and its environs to be so + obstinate in preserving a secret that was to cost the lives of all their + children. Possessed of the power of working miracles, could not God have + saved his son by more gentle means than the useless massacre of a great + number of innocents?—On the other hand, Herod was not absolute + master in Judea. The Romans would not have permitted him to exercise such + cruelties; and the Jewish nation, persuaded of the birth of the Christ, + would not have been accessary to them. A king of England, more absolute + than a petty sovereign of Judea, dependent on the Romans, would not be + obeyed, were he to order his guards to go and cut the throats of all the + children in a neighboring village, because three strangers, in passing + through London, had said to him, that among the infants born in that + village there was one, who, according to the rules of astrology, was + destined to be one day king of Great Britain. At the time when astrology + was in vogue, they would have contented themselves with causing search to + be made for the suspected infant; they would have kept it in solitary + confinement, or perhaps put it to death; but without comprehending other + innocent children in its proscription. + </p> + <p> + We might oppose to the relation of Matthew the silence of the other + evangelists, and especially that of the historian Josephus, who, having + reasons to hate Herod, would not have failed to relate a fact so likely to + render him odious as the massacre of the innocents. Philo is likewise + silent <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> on the + subject; and no reason can be assigned why these two celebrated historians + should have agreed in concealing a circumstance so horrible. We cannot + suppose it has proceeded from hatred to the Christian religion; for that + detached fact would prove neither for or against it. We are, therefore, + warranted to conclude that this massacre is a fable; and that Matthew + seems to have invented it merely to have the opportunity of applying as + ancient prophecy, which was his predominant taste. But in this instance he + has deceived himself. The prophecy which he applied to the massacre of the + innocents, is taken from Jeremiah, (xxxi. v. 15 and 16.) All the Jews + understood it as relating to the Babylonish captivity. It is as follows: + "Thus saith the Lord; a voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter + weeping: Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted because + they were not." The following verse is so plain, that it is inconceivable + why Matthew ventured to apply it to the pretended massacre at Bethlehem: + "Thus saith the Lord, refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from + tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord, and thy children + shall come again from the land of the enemy." Their return from the + captivity is here clearly pointed out, when the Israelites should again + plant vines after obtaining possession of their own country. + </p> + <p> + It is also to accomplish a prophecy, that Matthew makes Jesus travel into + Egypt. This journey, or rather Jesus' return, had, according to him, been + predicted by Hosea in these words: "Out of Egypt have I called my son." + But it is evident, that this passage is to be considered only as relating + to the deliverance of the Israelites from bondage, through the ministry of + Moses. Besides, the journey and abode of Jesus in Egypt, do not agree with + some circumstances which happened in his infancy, as related by Luke, who + informs us, that at the end of eight days Jesus was circumcised. The time + of Mary's purification being accomplished according to the law of Moses, + Joseph and his <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>mother + carried Jesus to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord agreeably to the + law, which ordained the consecrating the first born (first fruits), and + offering a sacrifice for them. On this occasion, Luke tells us that Simeon + took the infant in his arms, and declared in the presence of those + assisting at the ceremony, that the child was the Saviour of Israel. An + old prophetess, called Anna, bore the same testimony, and spoke of him to + all who looked for the redemption of the Jews. But why were speeches, thus + publicly made in the temple of Jerusalem, in which city Herod resided, + unknown to a prince so suspicious? They were much better calculated to + excite his uneasiness, and awaken his jealousy than the arrival of + astrologers from the East. + </p> + <p> + Did Joseph and Mary, who came to Jerusalem for the presentation of Jesus, + and purification of his mother, return to Bethlehem? and went they thence + into Egypt in place of going to Nazareth? Luke says, that when they had + performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into + Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. But in what time did the parents of + Jesus accomplish all that the law ordained? Was it before going into + Egypt, or after their return from that country, where, according to + Matthew, they had taken refuge to shelter themselves from the cruelty of + Herod? Did the purification of the virgin, and the presentation of her son + in the temple, take place before or after the death of that wicked prince? + According to Leviticus, the purification of a mother who had brought a son + into the world, was to be made at the end of thirty days. Hence we see how + very difficult it is to reconcile the flight into Egypt, and the massacre + of the innocents, which Matthew relates, with the narrative of Luke, who + says, that, "after having performed the ordinances of the law, Joseph and + Mary returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth;" and then adds, + "they went to Jerusalem every year to celebrate the passover." If we could + adopt the relation of the two evangelists, at what time are we to place + the coming of the Magi from the East in order to adore <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> Jesus; the anger of + Herod; the flight into Egypt; and the massacre of the innocents? Either + the relation of Luke is defective, or Matthew wished to deceive his + readers with improbable tales. In whatever way we consider the matter, the + Holy Spirit, who inspired these apostles, will be found to have committed + a mistake. + </p> + <p> + There is another fact on which our two evangelists do not better agree. + Matthew, as we have seen, makes the Magi come, guided by a star, to + Bethlehem, from the extremity of the East, to adore the child Jesus, and + offer him presents. Luke, less taken with the marvellous, makes this child + adored by simple shepherds, who watched their flocks during night, and to + whom an angel announced the great event of the birth of the Saviour of + Israel. The latter evangelist speaks neither of the appearance of the + star, of the coming of the Magi, nor of the cruelty of Herod—circumstances, + however, which ought to have been recorded by Luke, who informs us that he + was so exactly informed of every thing concerning Jesus. + </p> + <p> + The parents of Jesus, either after their return from Egypt, or after his + presentation in the temple, went to reside at Nazareth. Matthew, as usual, + perceives in this the accomplishment of the prediction, <i>he shall be + called a Nazarene</i>; but unfortunately for his purpose, this prophecy is + not to be found in the Bible, nor can it be imagined by whom it was + uttered. It is however certain, that <i>Nazarene</i> among the Jews + signified a <i>vagabond</i>, a person excluded from the rest of the world; + that Nazareth was a pitiful town, inhabited by beings so wretched that + their poverty had become proverbial; and that beggars, vagrants, and + people whom nobody would own, were called <i>Nazarenes</i>. + </p> + <p> + The first Christians were so styled. We find them also called <i>Ebionites</i>, + derived from a Hebrew word which signifies a <i>mendicant</i>, a <i>wretch</i>, + and a <i>pauper</i>. St. Francis and St. Dominic, who, in the 13th + century, proposed to revive primitive Christianity, founded orders of + mendicant monks, <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> + destined to live solely on alms, to be true <i>Nazarenes</i>, and to levy + contributions on the community, which these vagabonds have never ceased to + oppress. Salmeron, in order to encourage these mendicant monks, has + maintained that Jesus himself was a beggar. The name Nazarene was given to + the apostles and Jews, who were first converted. The other Jews regarded + them as heretics and excommunicated persons; and, according to Jerome, + anathematised them in all their synagogues under the name of Nazarenes. + The Jews even at present give the name of Nazarenes (Nozerim) to the + Christians whom the Arabs and Persians call Nazari. The first converts of + Jesus and his apostles, were only some reformed Jews: they preserved + circumcision and other usages appointed by the law of Moses. In this they + followed the example of Jesus, who being circumcised, and a Jew during his + whole life, had often taught, that it was necessary to respect and observe + the law. It is, therefore, surprising to see them afterwards treated as + heretics. But we shall (in chap. 17) see the true cause of this change. It + was owing to Paul, whose party prevailed over Peter's, the other + apostles', and the Nazarenes or Judaising Christians. Paul corrected and + reformed the system of Jesus, who had preached only a Judaism reformed. + The apostle of the Gentiles succeeded in making his master, and his old + comrades, be rewarded as heretics, or bad Christians. Thus it is that + theologists take the liberty of rectifying the religion of the Saviour + they adore! + </p> + <p> + We have seen, in the course of this chapter, how little harmony exists + between the two evangelists respecting the circumstances attending the + birth of Jesus. Let us now examine what could have been the views of these + two writers in relating these facts so differently. It is impossible that + Jesus, as Luke relates, could constantly reside at Nazareth till he was + twelve years of age if it be true that he was carried soon after his birth + into Egypt, where Matthew makes him remain until the death of Herod. Even + in the time that <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>Jesus + lived, he was upbraided with his stay in Egypt. His enemies asserted that + he there learned magic, to which they attributed the wonders, or cunning + tricks, they saw him perform. Luke is silent as to the journey to Egypt, + which made his hero suspected. He fixes him, therefore, at Nazareth, and + makes him go every year with his parents to Jerusalem. But the precaution + of that evangelist seems to have been useless. Matthew, who wrote before + him, had established the journey and abode of Jesus in Egypt. Origen, in + his dispute with Celsus, does not deny it. Hence we see, that the + Christian doctors did not doubt that Jesus had been in that country, + notwithstanding the silence of Luke. Let us endeavor then to develope the + motives of these two writers. + </p> + <p> + The Jews were agreed in the expectation of a messiah; but as the different + orders of the state had their prophets, they also possessed different + signs by which they were to know the deliverer. The great, the rich, and + well informed persons, did not surely expect that the deliverer of Israel + would be born in a stable, and spring from the dregs of the people. They, + undoubtedly, anticipated their deliverance by a prince, a warrior, a man + of power, able to make himself respected by the nations inimical to Judea, + and to break in pieces their chains. The poor, on the contrary, who, as + well as the great and the rich, have their portion of self-love, thought + they might flatter themselves that the messiah would be born in their + class. Their nation and their neighbors presented many examples of great + men sprung from the bosom of poverty; and the oracles with which this + nation was fed, were of such a nature that every family believed itself + entitled to aspire to the honor of giving birth to a messiah; though the + most general opinion was, that he was to come of the race of David. + Shepherds, and people of the lowest order might readily believe that a + woman, delivered in a stable at Bethlehem, had brought Jesus into the + world. It may likewise be presumed that Mary, with a view to render + herself interesting, said to <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> + those who visited her that she was descended from the blood of kings; a + pretension well adapted to excite the commiseration and wonderment of the + people. This secret, and the confused remembrance of some prophecies about + Bethlehem, the native country of David, were sufficient to operate on the + imaginations of these silly people, little scrupulous about proofs of what + was told them. + </p> + <p> + Matthew, who reckoned on the credulity of his readers, had his head full + of prophecies and popular notions. To fill up a blank of thirty years in + his history of Jesus, he contrived to make him travel into Egypt, without + foreseeing the objections that might be made on account of the neglect of + the holy family to fulfil the ordinances of the law; such as the + circumcision of the child, his presentation in the temple, the + purification of his mother, and the celebration of the passover; + ceremonies which only could be performed at Jerusalem. Perhaps it is to + justify the journey to Egypt, and those negligences, that Matthew + introduces the prophecy of Hosea relative to the return from that place. + It seems also to countenance the duration of Jesus's abode there that he + relates the wrath of Herod, and the fable of the massacre of the + innocents, which he makes that prince order, though his crimes had, in + other respects, rendered him sufficiently odious to the Jews as well as to + strangers. Mankind in general are disposed to believe every thing of a man + who has become famous by his wickedness. + </p> + <p> + Luke, to elude the reproaches which might be thrown on Jesus on account of + his residence and journey in Egypt, has not mentioned it at all; but his + silence does not destroy its reality. It was necessary to free Jesus from + the suspicion of magic, but he has not cleared him of accusations brought + against his birth, which are quite as weighty. + </p> + <p> + Celsus, a celebrated physician, who lived in the second century of + Christianity, and who had carefully collected all which had been published + against Jesus, asserts that he was <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48">[Pg + 48]</a></span> the fruit of an illicit intercourse. Origen, in his works + against Celsus, has preserved this accusation, but he has not transmitted + the proofs on which it was founded. The incredulous, however, have + endeavoured to supply them, and found the opinion of Celsus on what + follows: + </p> + <p> + <i>First.</i> From the testimony of Matthew himself, it is most certain + that Joseph was very much dissatisfied with the pregnancy of his wife, in + which he had no part. He formed the design of quitting her secretly; a + resolution from which he was diverted by an angel, or dream, or perhaps + reflection, which always passes among Jews for the effect of an + inspiration from on high. It appears, however, that this design of Joseph + had transpired, and was afterwards turned into a matter of reproach + against Jesus. But Luke, more prudent than Matthew, has not ventured to + mention either the ill humor of Joseph, or the good-natured conduct he + followed. Neither do we find, though he formed this resolution as to Mary, + that this easy man again appeared on the stage from the time Jesus entered + on it. We are no where informed of his death, and it is obvious that he + never afterwards beheld his putative son with an eye of kindness.—When, + at thirty years of age, Jesus and his mother went to the wedding at Cana, + there is no mention of Joseph. If we admit with Luke, the history of + Jesus's dispute with the doctors in the temple of Jerusalem, we shall find + a new proof of the indifference which subsisted between the pretended + father and supposed son: they met at the end of three days, and deigned + not to interchange a word. Epiphanius (lib. i. 10.) assures us that Joseph + was very old at the time of his marriage with the virgin, and adds that he + was a widower and father of six children by his first wife.—According + to the <i>proto-gospel</i>, the good man had much difficulty in prevailing + on himself to espouse Mary, whose age intimidated him; but the + high-priest, finding that Joseph was the man most conformable to his own + views, succeeded in removing his scruples. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly.</i> If to these presumptions are joined testimonies more + positive, and a high antiquity, which confirm the suspicions entertained + concerning the birth of Jesus, we shall obtain proofs that must convince + every unprejudiced person. The Emperor Julian, as well as Celsus, who both + had carefully examined all the writings existing in their time for and + against the Christian religion and its author, represent the mother of + Jesus in a very unfavorable light. + </p> + <p> + In the works of the Jews, he is treated as an illegitimate child; and, + almost in our days, Helvidius, a learned Protestant critic, as well as + several others, have maintained, not only that Jesus was the fruit of a + criminal intercourse, but also that Mary, repudiated by Joseph, had other + children by different husbands. Besides, this supposed virgin did not want + a reason for forsaking Joseph, and flying into Egypt with her son. A + prevailing tradition among the Jews states, that she made this journey to + shelter herself from the pursuits of her spouse, who, in spite of the + nocturnal visions which had been employed to pacify him, might have + delivered her up to the rigor of the laws. We know that the Hebrews did + not understand jesting on this subject. + </p> + <p> + We also find in the <i>Talmud</i>, the name of Panther, surnamed <i>Bar-Panther</i>, + whom they reckon in the number of the husbands of the Virgin. From this it + would appear, that Mary, repudiated by Joseph, or after her flight, + espoused Panther, an Egyptian soldier, her favorite lover, and the real + father of Jesus. John Damascene thought to repair the injury which this + anecdote might do to Mary's reputation, by saying that the name of <i>Bar-Panther</i> + was hereditary in the family of Mary, and consequently in that of Joseph. + But, <i>1st</i>, either Mary was not the kinswoman of Joseph, or she was + not the cousin of Elizabeth, who was married to a priest, and therefore of + the tribe of Levi.—2dly, we no where find in the Bible the name of + <i>Panther</i> among the descendants of David. If this had been an + hereditary surname in that family, it would be found somewhere, unless we + suppose that <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>John + Damascene learned it by a particular revelation. 3dly, The name of <i>Panther</i> + is by no means Hebrew. + </p> + <p> + It will perhaps be said, that these rumours, so injurious to Jesus and his + mother, are calumnies invented by the enemies of the Christian religion. + But why decide if the pleas of both parties are not investigated? The + imputations are very ancient; they have been advanced against Christianity + ever since its origin, and they have never been satisfactorily refuted. In + the time of Jesus, we find that his cotemporaries regarded his wonders as + the effects of magic, the delusions of the devil, the consequences of the + power of Belzebub.—The relations of Jesus were also of that opinion, + and regarded him as an imposter—a circumstance stated in the gospel + itself, where we shall afterwards find that they wanted to arrest him. On + the other hand, Jesus never speaks of his infancy, nor of the time that + had preceded his preaching:—he did not wish to recur to + circumstances dishonorable to his mother, towards whom, indeed, we shall + very soon find him failing in filial respect. + </p> + <p> + The evangelists, in like manner, pass very slightly over the first years + of their hero's life. Matthew makes him return from Egypt on the death of + Herod, without mentioning in what year that happened. He thus leaves his + commentators in doubt whether Jesus was then two or ten years old. We find + that the term of ten years is, through complaisance, invented on account + of the dispute between him and the doctors of Jerusalem, which Luke places + in his twelfth year. This excepted, Jesus disappeared from the scene not + to shew himself again till thirty years of age. + </p> + <p> + It is difficult to discover what he did until that age. If we credit Luke, + he remained at Nazareth. Yet it is clear that he was somewhere else, for + the purpose of learning the part which he was afterwards to play. It has + been supposed, not without reason, that Jesus passed a considerable part + of his life among the contemplative <i>Essenians</i>, or <i>Therapeutes</i>, + who were a kind of enthusiastic Jewish monks, living <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>in the vicinity of Alexandria, in Egypt, + where it appears he drew up his severe and monastic doctrine. If he had + always resided at Nazareth, the inhabitants of that small town would have + known him perfectly. Very far from this;—they were surprised at + seeing him when thirty years of age. They only conjectured that they knew + him; and asked each other, "Is not this the son of Joseph?"—a + question very ridiculous in the mouths of persons who must have been in + the constant habit of seeing Jesus in the narrow compass of their town. + This does not prevent Justin from telling us, that he became a carpenter + in the workshop of his pretended father, and that he wrought at buildings + or instruments of husbandry. But such a profession could not long agree + with a man in whom we find an ambitious and restless mind. The <i>Gospel</i> + of the <i>Infancy</i> informs us, that Jesus, when young, amused himself + with forming small birds of clay, which he afterwards animated, and then + they flew into the air. The same book says, that he knew more than his + schoolmaster, whom he killed for having struck him, because Jesus refused + to read the letters of the alphabet. We find also, that Jesus assisted + Joseph in his labors, and by a miracle lengthened the pieces of wood, when + cut too short or too narrow. All these extravagancies are not more + difficult to believe than many other wonders related in the acknowledged + gospels. + </p> + <p> + We shall here quit Luke in order to follow Matthew, who places the baptism + of John after the return from Egypt, and makes Jesus forthwith commence + his mission. It is at this epoch, perhaps, that we ought to begin the life + of Jesus.—Yet, to let nothing be lost to the reader of the + evangelical memoirs, we thought it our duty not to pass over in silence + the circumstances which have been noticed, as these preliminaries are + calculated to throw much light on the person and actions of Jesus. + Besides, the interval between his birth and preaching has not been the + part of his history least exposed to the darts of criticism. Matthew, as + we have seen, to account for his master's absence during the thirty <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>years, makes him go into + Egypt, and return in an unlimited time. Luke, who digested his memoirs + after Matthew, perceiving that the abode in Egypt cast a suspicion of + magic on the miracles of Jesus, makes him remain in Galilee, going and + coming every year to Jerusalem; and making him appear, at the age of + twelve, in the capital, in the midst of the doctors, and debating with + them. But Mark and John, profiting by the criticism which these different + arrangements had experienced, make the messiah drop as it were from the + clouds, and put him instantly to labor at the great work of man's + salvation. + </p> + <p> + It is thus that, on combining and comparing the several relations, we are + enabled to discover the true system of the Gospels, in which, without + adopting any alterations, we shall find materials for composing the life + of Jesus by merely reducing the marvellous to its proper value. + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_IV"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER IV.</span><br /> <span + class="smaller">BAPTISM OF JESUS—HIS ABODE IN THE DESERT—COMMENCEMENT + OF HIS PREACHING AND MIRACLES—MARRIAGE AT CANA.</span> + </h2> + <p> + F<span class="smcap lowercase">ROM</span> the time the Romans subdued + Judea, the superstitious inhabitants of that country, impatient to see the + arrival of the messiah so often promised to their fathers, seemed inclined + to quicken the slowness of the Eternal by the ardor of their desires. This + disposition of mind gave birth to impostures, revolts, and disturbances; + the authors of which the Roman power punished in such a manner as to + discourage their adherents, or quickly to disperse them. Down to the era + we are about to speak of, (which the gospel of Luke fixes <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>at the fifteenth year of + the reign of Tiberius,) none of those who had attempted to pass for the + messiah had been able to succeed. To have acted that part well required + forces more considerable than those which all Judea could oppose to the + conquerors of the world. It was, therefore, necessary to have recourse to + craft, and to employ delusions and trick instead of force. For this + purpose, it was of importance to be fully acquainted with the disposition + of the Jewish nation; to affect a great respect for its laws and usages, + for which it entertained the most profound veneration; to profit + ingeniously by the predictions with which the were imbued; to move the + passions, and warm the imaginations of that fanatical and credulous + people. But all this behoved to be silently effected; it was necessary for + him who attempted it, to avoid rendering himself suspected by the Romans; + it was necessary to be on his guard against the priests, doctors, and + persons of education, capable of penetrating and thwarting his designs. It + was essential to commence with gaining adherents and co-operators, and + thereafter a party among the people, to support him against the grandees + of the nation. Policy required that he should shew himself rarely in the + capital, to preach in the country, and render odious to the populace, + priests who devoured the nation, nobles who oppressed it, and rich people + of whom it ought to be naturally jealous. Not to alarm too much, prudence + demanded that he should speak in ambiguous language and in parables. + Neither could he dispense with working miracles, which, much more than all + the harangues in the world, were calculated to seduce ignorant devotees, + disposed to see the finger of God in every act the true cause of which + they were unable to comprehend. + </p> + <p> + Such was the conduct of the personage whose life we examine. Whether we + suppose that he had been in Egypt for the purpose of acquiring the talents + necessary to his views, or that he had always resided at Nazareth, Jesus + was not ignorant of the dispositions of his countrymen. As he knew <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>how much predictions + were requisite to work on the minds of the Jews, he made choice of a + prophet and a forerunner in the person of his cousin John Baptist. The + latter, evidently in concert with Jesus, preached repentance, baptized on + the banks of Jordan, and announced the coming of a personage greater than + himself. He said to those who gave ear to him, "I indeed baptize you with + water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, the + latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose: he shall baptize you with + the Holy Ghost and with fire." Jesus accordingly repaired to John on + purpose to arrange matters with him, and to receive baptism from his + hands. According to the report of Matthew, John, at first, evinced some + difficulty; affirming, that, so far from being worthy to baptize Jesus, it + was from him that he himself ought to receive baptism. At last, however, + he yielded to the orders of Jesus, and administered to him the sacrament + of which the innocent son of God could not stand in need. + </p> + <p> + In this interview, the two kinsmen evidently settled their plans, and took + the necessary measures for insuring success. They both had ambition, and + shared the mission between them. John yielded the first character to + Jesus, whom he judged better qualified to play it with success, and + contented himself with being his precursor, preaching in the desert, + beating up for followers, and preparing the ways for him—all in + consequence of a prophecy of Isaiah, who had said, "Prepare ye the way of + the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God"—an + obscure and vague prediction, in which, however, Christians believe they + see clearly designated the messiah and his holy precursor. + </p> + <p> + The arrangements being once settled by our two missionaries, John took + care to tell those who came to hear him, that, to pacify Heaven, it was + time to repent; that the arrival of the messiah was not far off; and that + he had seen him. The sermons of John having made considerable noise, the + priests of Jerusalem, vigilant as to what might interest religion, and + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>wishing to be + informed of his views, dispatched emissaries after him. These men asked if + he was the Christ, or Elias, or a prophet. John answered, that he was + neither of these. But when he was questioned by what authority he baptized + and preached, he declared, that he was the forerunner of the messiah. This + proceeding of the priests only tended to give greater weight to John's + assertions, and naturally excited the curiosity of the people assembled to + hear him. The next day they went in a crowd to the place where the + preacher baptized, when, profiting skilfully by the circumstance, and + perceiving Jesus approaching, he exclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God, which + taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, after me + cometh a man who is preferred before me." + </p> + <p> + The author of the gospel ascribed to John, perceiving that it was + important to remove the suspicion of collusion between Jesus and his + forerunner, makes the Baptist declare twice, that he knew him not before + baptizing him: but that it had been revealed to him by the Deity, that the + person on whom he should see the Holy Spirit descending during his + baptism, was the son of God. Whence we see that, according to this + evangelist, John did not know Jesus, who was, however, his kinsman, + according to Luke. + </p> + <p> + John was much esteemed by the people, whom an austere and extraordinary + life is always certain of seducing.—They did not suspect that a + missionary so detached from the things of this world, could ever deceive + them. They believed on his word, that the Holy Spirit, under the form of a + dove, had descended on Jesus, and that he was the Christ or messiah + promised by the prophets. On another occasion we shall also find John + affecting not to know his cousin Jesus: he deputed some of his disciples + to learn <i>who he was</i>? Jesus replied, that they had only to relate to + John the miracles he performed, and by that sign their <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>master would recognize + him. We shall afterwards speak of this embassy. + </p> + <p> + Jesus had associated with him a confident, then called Simon, and + afterwards Cephas or Peter, who had been the disciple of John. Scarcely + had Simon taken his arrangements with the messiah, when he drew over his + brother Andrew to the new sect. These two brothers were fishermen. We + readily presume that Jesus would not choose his followers among the + grandees of the country. + </p> + <p> + The progress of John Baptist, and the attachment of the people to him, + alarmed the priests; they complained loudly, and John was arrested by + order of the tetrarch Herod, who, according to Matthew, caused him to be + beheaded to please Herodias his sister-in-law. Yet we do not find the + historians of this prince reproaching him with the punishment of the + forerunner. After John's death, his disciples attached themselves to + Jesus, whose coming John had announced, and who, in his turn, had rendered + in behalf of John the most public testimonies in presence of the people: + for Jesus had openly declared, that John was "greater than a prophet, and + greater than an angel, and that he was not born of woman who was greater + than him." Nevertheless, the messiah, dreading to be involved in the + affair of his forerunner, left his two disciples at Jerusalem, and + withdrew into the desert, where he continued forty days. It has been + remarked, that during the imprisonment of John, Jesus did not think of + delivering him; he performed no miracle in his behalf; after his death he + spoke but little of him, and forebore pronouncing his eulogy. He was no + longer in need of him, and, perhaps, he wished by this conduct to teach + those who serve the views of the ambitious in a subordinate capacity, that + they ought not to reckon too much on gratitude. + </p> + <p> + It would have been a bad exordium to assign fear as the motive of the + messiah's retreat. We are told that he was <i>carried up by the Spirit</i>, + which transported him to the desert. It was necessary that Jesus should + surpass his forerunner. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>The + latter had led a very austere life, his only nourishment being locust and + wild honey; but the gospel affirms, that Jesus ate <i>nothing at all</i> + during his retreat, and that on the last day, having <i>felt himself + hungry</i>, angels came and ministered to him. The fasting of Jesus for + forty days, is considered by his followers as a proof of his divinity. But + this abstinence falls far short of that practised by a Talapoin at Siam, + who, according to La Loubere, "lived satisfactorily without food for <i>one + hundred and seven days</i>!" + </p> + <p> + To evince the importance of his mission, the prejudice which it was to + occasion to the empire of the devil, and the infinite advantages which + were to result from it to his followers, Jesus, on his return from the + desert, pretended that Satan had tempted him; made the most flattering + offers to engage him to desist from his enterprise; and proffered him the + monarchy of the universe, if he would renounce his project of redeeming + the human race. The refusal he gave to these propositions, evinced a + supernatural desire to labor for the salvation of the world. Such as heard + these details must have been filled with astonishment, penetrated with + gratitude, and burning with zeal for the preacher. Of consequence, the + number of his adherents increased. + </p> + <p> + John the Evangelist, or the person who has written, under his name, whose + object appears to have been to establish the divinity of Jesus, has not + mentioned his carrying away, abode in the desert, and temptation. These + transactions must have been considered by him prejudicial to the doctrine + he wished to introduce. Matthew, Mark, and Luke, relate the carrying away, + and the temptations in a different manner, but calculated to show the + power of Satan over the messiah. He transported him, no doubt in spite of + himself, to the pinnacle of the temple; and by a miracle, made Jesus + contemplate, from the summit of a mountain, all the kingdoms of the + universe, without even excepting those whose inhabitants were <i>antipodes</i> + of Judea. According to the gospels, the devil worked marvels, which far + surpassed those of Jesus. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + The absence of Jesus made him lose for a time, his two disciples Peter and + Andrew. The necessity of providing for their subsistence, constrained them + to resume their former trade. As their master durst not then reside in + Jerusalem, he retired towards the banks of the sea of Galilee, where they + joined him. "Follow me, (said he to them,) leave your nets; of catchers of + fish I will make you fishers of men." He, probably, made them understand, + that the arrangements he had made during his retirement, furnished him + with the means of subsisting, without toil, by the credulity of the + vulgar. The two brothers immediately followed him. + </p> + <p> + Whether Jesus had been expelled from Nazareth by his fellow citizens, or + quitted it of his own accord, he fixed his residence at Capernaum, a + maritime city, on the confines of the tribes of Zabulon and Naphtali. His + mother, a widow, or separated from her husband, followed him: she could be + useful to Jesus and the little troop of adherents who lived with him. + </p> + <p> + It was at this time that our hero, seconded by his disciples, opened his + mission. His sermon, like that of the Baptist, consisted in saying, <i>Repent, + for the kingdom of heaven is at hand</i>. John, we have seen, commenced + preaching in the fifteenth year of Tiberius. It was in the same year that + his interview with Jesus took place, when he was baptized by John. Towards + the end of this year John disappeared: after which Jesus was in the + desert, whence he returned to reside with his mother in the city of + Capernaum. There he remained a short time only on account of the approach + of the festival of the passover, to celebrate which he repaired to + Jerusalem. We may, therefore, fix the commencement of his preaching in the + sixteenth year of Tiberius. He celebrated the passover three times before + his death; and the common opinion is, that his preaching lasted three + years, or until the nineteenth year of Tiberius. + </p> + <p> + The rumours excited by the baptism and preaching of <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>John, and the testimonies he bore in behalf + of Jesus, having died away on the imprisonment and death of the + forerunner, and flight of the messiah, the latter resumed courage, and + thought that, with the assistance of his disciples, he ought to make a new + attempt. Too well known at Nazareth, and slighted by his relations, who, + on all occasions, seemed to think but little of him, he quitted that + ungrateful city to establish himself, as we have remarked, at Capernaum, + in the sixteenth year of Tiberius. It was there that he commenced + preaching his new system to some poor fishermen, and other low people. He + soon found, however, that his mission was too circumscribed in that place: + but to acquire some eclat, he judged it necessary to perform a miracle; + that is, in the language of the Jews, some trick capable of exciting the + wonder of the vulgar. An opportunity occurred for this: some inhabitants + of Cana, a small village Of Galilee Superior, at the distance of about + fifteen leagues from Capernaum, invited Jesus and his mother to a wedding. + The married persons were poor, though John, who alone relates this story, + gives them a steward; yet he tells us that their wine failed at the moment + the guests were half intoxicated, or gay. On this Mary, who knew the power + or the dexterity of her son, said to him: <i>They have no wine.</i> Jesus + answered her very roughly, and in a manner which evidently denoted a man + warmed with wine: <i>Woman, what have I to do with thee?</i> It may, + however, be supposed, that Jesus had not totally lost the use of his + reason, as he still possessed presence of mind to transmute water into + wine, so that the miraculous wine was found better than the natural wine + they had drank at the beginning. + </p> + <p> + This first miracle of Jesus was performed in presence of a great number of + persons, already half intoxicated; but the text does not inform us, + whether they were equally astonished the day following, when the fumes of + the wine were dissipated. Perhaps this miracle was witnessed by the + steward only, with whom Jesus had secret intelligence. The <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>incredulous, less easily + persuaded than the poor inebriated villagers, do not observe in this + transmutation of water into wine, a motive for being convinced of the + divine power of Jesus. They remark, that in the operation, he employed + water in order to make his wine; a circumstance which may give room to + suspect, that he made only a composition, of which be, like many others, + might have the secret. There was in fact, no more power necessary to + create wine, and fill the pitchers without putting water into them, than + to make an actual transmutation or water into wine. At least, by acting in + this manner, he would have removed the suspicion of having made only a + mixture. + </p> + <p> + In whatever manner the miracle was performed, it appears to have made some + impression on those who saw it, or who heard it related. It is certain + Jesus profited by it to extend his mission even to the capital of Judea; + only giving time for his miracle to spread, in order to produce its + effect. In expectation of this, he withdrew with his mother, brothers, and + disciples, to Capernaum, where he remained till the festival of the + passover (the time of which was near) should collect at Jerusalem a + multitude of people, before whom he flattered himself with being able to + operate a great number of marvels. + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_V"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER V.</span><br /> <span + class="smaller">JOURNEY OF JESUS TO JERUSALEM.—THE SELLERS DRIVEN + OUT OF THE TEMPLE.—CONFERENCE WITH NICODEMUS.</span> + </h2> + <p> + T<span class="smcap lowercase">HE</span> noise of the miracle at Cana + having reached Jerusalem, by means of those who repaired to that city from + Galilee, Jesus went there, accompanied by some of his disciples; but of + the number of the latter we are ignorant. It <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>was, as has been mentioned, the time of the + passover, and consequently, a moment when almost the whole nation were + assembled in the capital. Such an occasion was favorable for working + miracles. John accordingly affirms that Jesus performed a great number, + without, however, detailing any of them. Several of the witnesses of + Jesus' power believed in him, according to our historian; but he did not + place much confidence in them. The reason given for this by John, is, + "Because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man; + for he knew what was in man." In short, he knew every thing except the + means of giving to those who saw his miracles the dispositions he desired. + </p> + <p> + But, how reconcile faith in these new converts, in the wonders performed + by Jesus, with the bad dispositions they were known to possess? If he knew + the state of mind of these witnesses of his miracles, why perform them + with certain loss? In this there is a want of just inference in the + writer, which must not, however, be imputed to Jesus. It is perhaps better + not to refer to John in this matter, than to believe that his sagacious + master would perform miracles without design, or for the sole pleasure of + working them. + </p> + <p> + In the same journey to Jerusalem, Jesus performed an exploit which is as + great as a miracle, and evinces a powerful arm. According to an ancient + usage, merchants had established themselves, especially during the solemn + festivals, under the porticos which environed the temple. They furnished + victims and offerings to the devout, which they were to present to the + Lord, in order to accomplish the ordinances of the law; and, for the + accommodation of the Jews who repaired thither from different countries, + and for their own interest, the priests had permitted the money changers + to fix their stalls in this place. Jesus, who on every occasion shewed + himself but little favorable to the clergy, was shocked at this usage, + which, far from being criminal, tended to facilitate the accomplishment of + the Mosaical law. He made a scourge of ropes, and, displaying a <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>vigorous arm on those + merchants, drove them into the streets, frightened their cattle, and + overturned the counters, without their being able to oppose his + enterprise. It may be conjectured, that the people had no reason to be + displeased with the disturbance, but profited by the money and effects + which Jesus overturned in the paroxysm of his zeal. No doubt his disciples + did not forget themselves: their master could by this exploit make + provision for them, especially if they had been in the secret, and enable + them to defray all expenses during their residence in the capital. + Besides, they saw in this event the accomplishment of a prophecy of the + Psalmist, who foretold, that the Messiah would be "eaten up with the zeal + of the house of the Lord"—a prophecy that was clearly verified by + the uproar which Jesus had occasioned. It would appear that the brokers + had not comprehended the mystic sense of this prediction; at least they + did not expect to see it verified at their expense. In their first + surprise, they neglected to oppose the unexpected attacks of a man who + must have appeared to them a maniac; but, on recovering from their + astonishment, they complained to the magistrates of the loss they had + sustained. The magistrates, afraid, perhaps, of weakening their authority + by punishing a man of whom the people had become the accomplice, or a + fanatic whose zeal might be approved by the devotees, did not wish to use + rigor for this time; they contented themselves with sending to Jesus to + know from himself by what authority he acted—"What sign (said they) + shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?" On which Jesus + answered, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." But + the Jews were not tempted to make the trial;—they took him for a + fool, and returned, shrugging their shoulders. If they had taken Jesus at + his word, they would have experienced great embarrassment; for the gospel + informs us, that it was not of the temple of Jerusalem he spoke, but of + his own body. He meant his resurrection, says John, which was to happen + three days after his death. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>The + Jews had not discernment to divine this enigma, and the disciples did not + penetrate its true meaning till a long time after, when they pretended + their master had risen from the dead. We cannot forbear admiring that + Providence, which, wishing to instruct, enlighten, and convert the Jewish + people by the mouth of Jesus, employed only figures, allegories, and + enigmatical symbols, totally inexplicable by persons the most ingenious + and most experienced. + </p> + <p> + Though Jesus had the power of raising himself from the dead, he did not + wish to employ it when in the hands of the Jews, who were ready to arrest + and punish him as a disturber of the public repose. He thought it more + prudent to decamp without noise, and shelter himself from the pursuit of + those whom his brilliant exhibitions might have displeased. He intended to + withdraw from Jerusalem during night, when a devout Pharisee, wishing to + be instructed, came to see him. He was called Nicodemus, and held the + place of senator—a rank which does not always exempt from credulity. + "Rabbi, (said he to Jesus,) we know that thou art a teacher sent from God; + for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." + </p> + <p> + This opportunity was favorable for Jesus to declare himself: by a single + word he could have decided on his divinity, and acknowledged, before this + senator so kindly disposed, that he was God. Yet he evaded a direct + answer; contenting himself with saying to Nicodemus, that nobody can share + in the kingdom of God unless he be born again. The astonished proselyte + exclaimed, that it was impossible for a man already old to be born again, + or enter anew into his mother's womb. On which Jesus replied: "I say unto + thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter + into the kingdom of God." It appears, that Nicodemus was no better + satisfied than before. Jesus, to make himself more perspicuous, added, + "that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the + spirit is spirit. Marvel not, that I said unto thee, ye must be born again—The + wind <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>bloweth where + it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence + it cometh, nor whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the + spirit." + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the precision and plainness of these instructions, + (resembling the reasoning of our theologians,) Nicodemus, whose + understanding was doubtless shut up, did not comprehend any part of them. + "How (asks he) can these things be?" Here Jesus, pushed to extremity, grew + warm:—"Art thou (says he) a master of Israel, and knowest not these + things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, we speak that we do know, and + testify that we have seen, and ye receive not our witness. If I have told + you earthly things and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you + of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came + down from heaven, even the son of man which is in heaven." (John iii. + 1-13.) + </p> + <p> + We thought it our duty to relate this curious dialogue, as a specimen of + the logic of Jesus; the more so as it seems to have served as a model for + the fashion of reasoning observed by Christian doctors, who are in the use + of explaining obscure things by things still more obscure and + unintelligible. They terminate all disputes by referring the decision to + their own testimony; that is, to the authority or the church or clergy, + entrusted by God himself with regulating what the faithful ought to + believe. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the conversation of Jesus with Nicodemus is equally + perspicuous, and in the same style:—The former alone speaks, and + appears by the dint of his reasons to have silenced the docile senator, + who, it seems, retired fully convinced. Thus it is, that <i>faith</i> + disposes the elect to yield to the lessons, dogmas, and mysteries of + religion even when it is impossible to attach any meaning to the words + they hear pronounced. + </p> + <p> + There is no further mention of Nicodemus—We know not whether he + resigned his office of Senator to enrol himself among the disciples of + Jesus. Perhaps he was contented <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65">[Pg + 65]</a></span>with secretly furnishing necessaries to his adherents, in + gratitude for the luminous instructions he had received. He evidently knew + how to profit by them, for John makes him return after the death of Jesus, + bringing a hundred pounds of aloes and myrrh, for the purpose of embalming + his body, and then interring it, with the assistance of Joseph of + Arimathea. This proves that he had come from his conversation with Jesus a + more able theologist than he had begun it. On this occasion, Jesus must + have granted him saving grace, without which it would have been impossible + to comprehend any of his sublime dogmas. + </p> + <p> + According to theology, men have occasion for <i>supernatural grace</i> to + do good. This doctrine is injurious to sound morality. Men always wait for + the call from above to do good, and those who direct them, never employ + the <i>calls from below</i>; that is the natural motives to excite them to + virtue. But the clergy cannot give a correct definition of virtue. They + say it is an effect of grace that disposes men to do that which is + agreeable to the Divinity. But what is grace? How does it act on man? What + is it that is agreeable to God? Wherefore doth not God give to all men the + grace to do that which is agreeable in his eyes? We are unceasingly told + to do good, <i>because God requires</i> it; but no one has been able to + teach us what that good is which is acceptable to the Almighty, and by the + performance of which we shall obtain his approbation. + </p> + <p> + It must be acknowledged, that the impossibility of comprehending the + doctrine of Jesus furnishes a good reason for denying that it can be + divine. It cannot be conceived why a God, sent to instruct men, should + never distinctly explain himself. No Pagan oracle employed terms more + ambiguous, than the divine missionary chosen by Providence to enlighten + nations. In this the Deity appears to have made it his study to create + obstacles to his projects, and to have laid a snare not only for the Jews, + but for all those who must read the gospel to obtain salvation; a conduct + equally unworthy <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>of + a good and just God, endowed with prescience and wisdom; yet by faith we + may succeed in reconciling every thing, and readily comprehend why God + should speak without wishing to be understood. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Jesus had quitted Nicodemus, he left Jerusalem, his abode in + which had become very dangerous, and wandered through the country of + Judea, where he enjoyed greater safety. The uproar he had occasioned in + the capital, where so great a multitude were assembled, had not failed to + make him known to many; but it was at a distance that he gained the + greatest number of partisans. John informs us, in chapter third, that + during this period he baptized; thereafter he tells us, in chapter fourth, + that he did <i>not</i> baptize, but that his disciples baptized for him. + </p> + <p> + One thing is certain, that, after this, he quitted Judea to go into + Galilee. It was, perhaps, to be more private, or to prevent the schism, + which, according to the gospel, was ready to take place between the Jews + baptized by John, and those whom Jesus and his disciples had baptized. + Jesus conceived that prudence required him to remain at a distance, and to + leave the field open to a man who was useful to him, and who contented + himself with playing the second part under him. It very soon appeared that + Jesus made a greater number of proselytes than his cousin; a circumstance + which, in the end, might have created a misunderstanding between them. + Jesus therefore directed his march towards Samaria, whither we are to + follow him, and thence he passed into Galilee. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_VI"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER VI.</span><br /> <span + class="smaller">ADVENTURE OF JESUS WITH THE FEMALE SAMARITAN—HIS + JOURNEY AND MIRACLES IN THE COUNTRY OF THE GERASENES.</span> + </h2> + <p> + I<span class="smcap lowercase">T</span> may be observed that in this + examination of the history of Jesus, we follow the most generally received + arrangement of facts, without meaning to guarantee that they occurred + precisely in that order. Chronological mistakes are not of much importance + when they do not influence the nature of events. Besides, the evangelists, + without fixing any eras, content themselves with saying <i>at that time</i>, + which precludes our giving an exact chronology of the following + transactions. Precision would require a labor as immense as superfluous, + and tend only to shew that the history of Jesus, dictated by the Holy + Spirit, is more incorrect than that of celebrated Pagans of an antiquity + more remote. It would also prove that the inspired writers contradict + themselves every instant, by making their hero act at the same time in + different places, and often remote from each other. On the other hand, + this great labor would not inform us which of the evangelists we ought to + prefer, seeing all in the eyes of faith have truth on their side. Time and + place do not change the nature of facts; and it is from these facts we + must form our ideas of the legislator of the Christians. + </p> + <p> + Jesus having commenced his journey in the summer season, felt oppressed + with thirst near Sichar, in the country of Samaria, which gave rise to a + singular adventure. Near this city there was a well, known by the name of + Jacob's fountain. Fatigued with his journey, Jesus sat down on the brink + of the well, waiting the return of his disciples, who had gone to the city + for provisions. It was about noon, when a female came to draw water. Jesus + asked her to let him <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> + drink out of the vessel she held; but the Samaritan, who knew from his + countenance that he was a Jew, was astonished at his request, as there was + no intercourse between the orthodox Jews and the Samaritans. According to + the custom of partisans of different sects, they detested each other most + cordially. The messiah, who was not so fastidious as the ordinary Jews, + undertook the conversion of the female heretic, for whose sex we find in + him a strong attachment through the whole course of his history. "If thou + knewest," said he to her, "the gift of God, and who it is that saith to + thee, give me to drink, thou wouldst have asked of him, and he would have + given thee living water." The Samaritan woman, who did not observe Jesus + to have any vessel in his hand, asked whence he could draw the living + water of which he spoke? On this the messiah, assuming a mysterious tone, + answered, "Whoso drinketh of this well shall thirst again, but whosoever + drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst; It shall + be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." The female, + who was a dame of easy virtue, asked some of that marvellous water; and + Jesus, from this discourse having discovered the profession of the woman, + ingeniously got off by telling her to go and seek her husband; + calculating, perhaps, on being able to steal away when she was gone. But + the lady related to him her life; gave some details of her conduct; and + thereby enabled him to conjecture enough of it to speak as a conjuror. + Accordingly, he told her that she had had five husbands; that she had none + at that time, and that the man with whom she lived was only a gallant. The + Samaritan woman took Jesus for a sorcerer or a prophet; he did not deny + it; and as he was not then afraid of being stoned or punished, he made + bold for the first time to confess that he was the messiah. + </p> + <p> + They were at this part of their dialogue, when the return of Jesus' + disciples put an end to it. The latter, whether they knew the profession + of the loquacious dame, or were more intolerant than their master, were + surprised at the <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>tete-a-tete; + yet none of them ventured to criticise the conduct of Jesus; while the + Samaritan woman seeing his retinue believed in reality that he was a + prophet or the messiah. Leaving her pitcher, she went directly to Sichar, + "Come and see," said she to the inhabitants, "a man who told me all things + that ever I did; is not this the Christ?"—The astonished inhabitants + went and met Jesus; and charmed with hearing him preach, without + comprehending one word of his discourse, they invited him to come and + reside with them. He yielded to their request for two days only: the + provisions purchased were put up in reserve, and the troop lived during + that time at the cost of these heretics, delighted no doubt with defraying + the expenses of the Saviour and his followers. + </p> + <p> + All the marvellous in this adventure turns on Jesus having divined that + the Samaritan lady had had five husbands, and lived at that time in + criminal intercourse with a favorite. Yet it is easy to perceive that + Jesus could learn this anecdote either in his conversation with the + prating dame, or by public rumor, or in some other very easy way. + </p> + <p> + But unbelievers find another reason for criticising this relation of John. + Laying aside the marvellous, they attack the <i>truth</i> of the + transaction. All history attests, that in the time of Jesus, Samaria was + peopled by colonies of different nations, which the Assyrians had + transported thither after the destruction of the kingdom of Israel. This + would seem to exclude the expectation of the messiah, in which, according + to John, the Samaritans lived. Pagans and Idolators could not have very + distinct notions of an event peculiar to Judea. If the Samaritans were the + descendants of Jacob, it was not necessary to put into the mouth of the + Samaritan woman these words, "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain, and + ye say, Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." It was also + absurd to make Jesus say, "ye shall no more worship the Father, either in + this mountain or at Jerusalem; ye worship ye know not what;" for the law + of Moses does <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>not + forbid the worshipping God in whatever place we may find ourselves. In the + time of Jesus, the laws or usages of the Jews required, that none should + offer sacrifice any where, except in the temple of the capital; but the + places of prayer depended on every man's own will and pleasure. It is, + besides, absurd to say, that the descendants of Jacob did not know the God + whom they adored to be Jehovah, the God of Moses and of the Jews; unless + it is pretended, that they did not know whom they worshipped. Since the + mission of Jesus, Christians have undoubtedly nothing to reproach them + with on this head. Moreover the words of Jesus seem to insinuate, that he + wished to abolish the worship of the Father. It is certain that Christians + share their homage between him and his Son, which, faith a part, + annihilates the dogma of the unity of God. Finally, Jesus did not + conjecture right in saying, that the Father would be no longer worshipped + at Jerusalem, or on the mountain; for this Father has not ceased one + instant to be worshipped there for these eighteen centuries, by Jews, by + Christians, and by Mahometans. + </p> + <p> + If it is maintained, that the Samaritan woman was a heathen, it is not + likely that she would have regarded Jesus as the messiah, whom she neither + knew nor expected. Add to this, that the Samaritans believed in Jesus on + the word of a courtezan; a credulity of which Jews and Christians only + could be susceptible. Jesus and his disciples were Jews, and in that + character excluded from Samaria. It is of no import, therefore, by whom + the country was inhabited. + </p> + <p> + Two days having elapsed, and the people of Sichar being, in all + appearance, sufficiently instructed, Jesus quitted their city, and with + his disciples took the road of Upper Galilee. In this journey, Jesus + considering the hostile disposition of his countrymen, thought proper not + to enter Nazareth, the place of his nativity. He applied to himself the + famous proverb, <i>a prophet has no honor in his own country</i>. It was + otherwise in the rest of the province:—as soon as the people <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>knew of his arrival, + they gave him welcome. Luke assures us that he was esteemed and honored by + every body. These good people had beheld the wonders which he had operated + in Jerusalem, during the festival of the passover. In gratitude for these + favorable dispositions, and for the faith he found among the Galileans, + Jesus did not content himself with instructing them, but confirmed his + mission, and testified his love by a crowd of prodigies. The number was, + doubtless, very great, as Matthew is constrained to say generally, that he + healed all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the people; + and that it was sufficient to obtain a cure, to present to him the sick, + whatever might be their disease. Lunatics, whose number was great in that + country; idiots, hypochondriacs, and persons possessed with devils, had + but to fly to him for relief, and their cure was certain. + </p> + <p> + This multitude of miracles, for so they style the cures operated by Jesus, + drew after him a crowd of idlers and vagabonds from Galilee, Jerusalem, + Decapolis, Judea, and the country beyond Jordan. It was in this journey he + obtained two famous disciples: they were brothers, sons of a fisherman of + the name of Zebedee, and called James and John. The first, though, + probably, he could not read, afterwards composed mystical works, which are + at this day revered by Christians. With respect to John, he was the + favorite of his master, and received from him marks of distinguished + attention. He afterwards became a sublime Platonist, and, through + gratitude, deified Jesus in the gospels and epistles published in his + name. + </p> + <p> + The reputation and resources of Jesus were so great in Galilee, that, to + increase the number of his followers, it was only necessary for him to + open his mouth and speak. The two disciples already mentioned, he called + with an intention to keep near his person. Wishing, however, to repose + after the fatigues of preaching and performing miracles, he resolved to + quit the cities and retire to the sea coast. He <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>conjectured, that to make himself + desirable, and not exhaust his credit, it was prudent not to suffer + himself to be seen too long or too near. The people, fond of hearing the + wonderful sermons of Jesus, followed him. Pressed by the crowd, he happily + perceived two vessels; and stepping into the one belonging to Simon Peter, + he harangued the eager multitude from it. Thus the boat of a fisherman + became a pulpit, whence the Deity uttered his oracles. + </p> + <p> + The Galileans were not rich, and, accordingly, the troop of Jesus' + adherents augmented. We find his four first apostles laboring in their + trade of fishermen during the abode of the messiah in the province. The + day on which he preached in the vessel had not been fortunate for them; + and the night preceding was not more favorable. Jesus, who knew more than + one profession, thought that it behoved him to do something for people who + shewed so much zeal. When, therefore, he had finished his harangue and the + crowd had retired, he bade Simon advance into the middle of the water and + cast his net; the latter excused himself, saying, that he had already + thrown several times without success. But Jesus insisted:—then said + Simon, <i>I will cast it on thy word</i>: on which, by an astonishing + miracle, the net broke on all sides. Simon and Andrew were unable to drag + it out, they called their comrades, and drew out of it fishes enough to + fill two ships. Our fishermen were so surprised, that Peter took his + master for a wizard, and prayed him to depart. But Jesus encouraged him, + and promised not to alarm them again, seeing that henceforth he, Peter, + should no longer occupy himself with catching fish, but men. + </p> + <p> + The messiah finding himself near Cana, judged it proper, as he had once + performed a miracle there, to enter that place. An officer of Capernaum, + whose son was sick of a fever, repaired to this village on purpose to try + the remedies of Jesus, of whose powers so many persons boasted. He + entreated the physician to come to his house and cure his son; but our + Esculapius, who did not chuse to operate <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>before eyes too clear-sighted, got rid of + this importunate person in such a way as not to incur any risk, in case he + should not succeed: Go, said he to the officer, <i>thy son liveth</i>. The + officer, while approaching his own habitation, learned that the fever, + which perhaps was intermittent, had left his son. No more was necessary to + cry up the miracle, and convert all the family. + </p> + <p> + After having traversed the sea coast, and made some stay at Cana, Jesus + repaired to Capernaum, where, as has been related, he fixed his residence. + The family of Simon Peter was established in that city; and it was no + doubt this reason, joined with the bad treatment he had received from the + inhabitants of Nazareth, that determined Jesus to make choice of this + residence. It appears he was abhorred in the city where he had been + educated; for as soon as he attempted to preach there, the people wanted + to throw him headlong. At Capernaum they listened to and admired him; he + harangued in the synagogue, explained the scripture, and showed that he + himself was foretold in it. In the midst of his sermon, one Sabbath day, + they brought him a person possessed, who perhaps in concert with him, + began to cry out with all his might; "Let us alone: what have we to do + with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know + thee who thou art, the holy one of God." The people waited in terror for + the issue of this adventure, when Jesus, certain of his ground, addressed + himself not to the man, but to the devil possessing him: "Hold thy peace," + said he, "and come out of him." Immediately the malign spirit overturned + the possessed, threw him into horrible convulsions, and disappeared + without any person seeing him. + </p> + <p> + Physicians, especially those acquainted with the eastern countries, do not + admit miracles of the nature of this one. They know that the diseases + considered <i>possessions</i>, were owing solely to disorders produced in + the brain by excessive heat. These maladies were frequent in Judea, where + superstition and ignorance impeded the progress of medicine and <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>all useful knowledge. + Out of that country we find but few possessed with devils. This + incredulity strips Jesus of a great number of his miracles; yet taking + away the <i>possessions</i>, there still remain enough. Most of the + possessed among us are hypochondriacs, maniacs, hysterical women, + melancholy persons, and those tormented with the vapors or spasms; or they + are impostors, who, to gain money, to interest the simple and to display + the power of the priests, consent to receive the devil, that the clergy + may have the glory of expelling him. There is scarcely a possession + now-a-days which could resist a flogging. + </p> + <p> + Miracles are food for the imagination, but the body requires more + substantial aliments: the adventure which has been related had led to the + hour of dinner. On leaving the synagogue, Jesus was invited to the house + of Peter, where every thing appears to have been prepared for performing a + second miracle. The mother-in-law of Simon felt sick at the moment they + had need of her in managing the kitchen. Jesus, who possessed the talent + of readily curing the relatives of his disciples, took her by the hand, + and made her rise from her bed: she arose completely cured, cooked the + victuals, and was in a condition to serve the guests. + </p> + <p> + In the evening of the same day, they brought Jesus all the sick in + Capernaum, and all the possessed, whom, according to Matthew, he cured by + some words; but, according to Luke, by laying hands on them. Several + devils, on coming out of the possessed, had the impudence to betray the + secret of the physician, and openly declare, that he was "Christ the Son + of God." This indiscretion displeased Jesus, who wished, or feigned to + wish, to keep private. Luke tells us that "he rebuked them, and suffered + them not to speak, for they knew that he was Christ." + </p> + <p> + According to theologists, the Son of God, in all his conduct, had in view + only to lead the devil astray, and conceal from him the mystery of + redemption: Yet we see, that Jesus was never able to deceive his cunning + enemy. In the whole <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>gospel + system, the devil is more sly and powerful than both God the Father and + God the Son: he is always successful in thwarting their designs, and + succeeds in reducing God the Father to the dire necessity of making his + dear Son die in order to repair the evil which Satan had done to mankind. + Christianity is real manichaeism, wherein every advantage is on the side + of the bad principle, who, by the great number of his adherents renders + nugatory all the purposes of the Deity. If the devil knew that Jesus was + "the Christ," such knowledge must have been posterior to his retirement + into the desert, for he then spoke to him in a style which intimated that + he knew him not. It is superfluous to examine at what time the devil + acquired this knowledge; but it is manifest that he had it only by divine + permission. Now God, by granting to the devil the knowledge of his Son, + either wished, or did not wish, that he should speak of it. If he wished + it, Jesus did wrong in opposing it: if he did not wish it, how was the + devil able to act contrary to the divine will? Jesus carefully concealed + his quality, the knowledge of which could alone operate salvation. But, in + this case, the devil had the greatest interest to conceal it; yet in + opposition to this interest, and the will of the Almighty, the devil made + known the quality of Jesus. Besides, if Jesus did not wish that the devil + should discover him, why delay imposing silence on him until after he had + spoken? + </p> + <p> + The conduct of the Messiah in these particulars has made it to be + believed, that not daring to endanger himself by publicly assuming the + quality of Christ, or Son of God, he was not displeased with the devils + for divulging his secret, and sparing him the trouble of speaking. It was, + moreover, eliciting a very important confession out of the mouth of an + enemy. + </p> + <p> + Jesus was not ignorant, that to retain his influence over the minds of + men, it was necessary to prevent satiety. Accordingly, on the day + following that on which so many miracles had been wrought in Capernaum, he + departed before <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>day-break, + and withdrew into a desert. All legislators have loved retirement. It is + there they have had divine inspirations, and it is on emerging from these + mysterious asylums, they have performed miracles calculated to deceive the + vulgar. Solitary reflection is at times necessary to ascertain the state + of our affairs. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the disciples of Jesus, notwithstanding his flight, did not lose + sight of him; they repaired to him at the moment he wished to be alone, + and informed him that they had been every where in search of him. In fact, + there were still many sick and possessed in the country; yet this + consideration did not induce Jesus to return to Capernaum; on which + account many resorted to him in his retreat. To get rid of them, he again + traversed Galilee, where he cured the sick and cast out devils. This is + all the gospel mentions. It appears he tarried little on his road, while + he preached as he went along; for in a short time he had advanced a + considerable way on the shore of the sea of Galilee. As the multitude + augmented by idle and curious people from the villages, our preacher, + finding himself pressed by the crowd, gave orders to his disciples to + convey him to the other side, on the territory of the Gerasenes. + </p> + <p> + When he had landed, a doctor of the law offered to become his follower: + but Jesus readily conceived that a <i>doctor</i> would not suit him. He + would have cut a poor figure in a company composed of fishermen and + clowns, such as those of whom the messiah had formed his court. He gave + the doctor to understand, that he would repent of this step; that this + kind of life would not agree with him: "the son of man," said he to the + doctor, "hath no where to lay his head." + </p> + <p> + Jesus would not permit his disciples to ramble too far in the territory of + the Gerasenes; for amongst them were some of that country. One asked + permission to go and perform the last duties to his father;—another, + to embrace his family; but Jesus harshly refused their requests. The first + received <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>for + answer, "let the dead bury their dead." The other, "whoever having put his + hand to the plough, and looketh back, is not fit for the kingdom of + heaven." The incredulous think they perceive in these answers a proof of + the rough habits, and repulsive and despotic spirit of Jesus, who, for the + kingdom of heaven, obliged his disciples to neglect the most sacred duties + of morality. But Christians, docile to the lessons of their divine master, + which they dare not examine, have made perfection consist in a total + abandonment of those objects which nature has rendered dearest to man. + Christianity seems intended only to create discord, detach men from every + thing on earth, and break the ties which ought to unite them. There is, + according to Jesus, but one thing needful; namely, to be attached to him + exclusively: a maxim very useful in meriting heaven, but calculated to + destroy every society on the earth. + </p> + <p> + After our missionary had spent some time in the country of the Gerasenes, + one day towards the evening he passed over to the other side of the lake, + having previously dismissed the people, who had come that day on purpose + to hear him; but he did not preach. Fatigued, he fell asleep on the + passage, whilst a furious tempest overtook the ship. His affrighted + disciples, impressed with the idea of their master being more powerful + when awake than when asleep, acquainted him with the danger. This drew on + them reproaches for their want of faith, which, probably, gave time for + the tempest to subside. Then Jesus, in a tone of authority, commanded the + sea to be still, and immediately the order was obeyed. In spite of this + prodigy, the faith of the disciples was for a long time wavering. Jesus + after this returned to the country of the Gerasenes, without having either + preached or performed miracles on the other side. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_VII"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER VII.</span><br /> + <span class="smaller">JESUS CURES TWO PERSONS POSSESSED WITH DEVILS—MIRACLE + OF THE SWINE—WONDERS PERFORMED BY JESUS TILL THE END OF THE FIRST + YEAR OF HIS MISSION.</span> + </h2> + <p> + L<span class="smcap lowercase">ANDED</span> again in the country of the + Gerasenes, Jesus took a route by which no person had for some time passed. + Two demoniacs, inhabiting the tombs in the neighborhood, rendered this + passage dangerous. Scarcely had Jesus shown himself, when these madmen ran + to meet him. As he was a connoisseur in matters of possession, he no + sooner perceived them than he began to exorcise, to make the unclean + spirits come out of them. Notwithstanding his divine skill, he acquitted + himself very imperfectly on this occasion. It was not with <i>one</i> + devil, but with a legion of devils he had to deal. One of them, amused at + the mistake of the son of God who asked him his name, answered, <i>I am + called Legion</i>. On this Jesus changed his batteries, and was proceeding + to dislodge them, when the devils, obstinate in continuing in the country, + or very little desirous of returning to hell, proposed a capitulation. One + of the articles stipulated, that on leaving the body of the possessed, + they should enter into a herd of swine, which fed close by on the + declivity of a hill. Jesus readily agreed, for once, to grant something on + the prayer of the devils, and not to use his authority rigorously. Neither + he nor his disciples, as good Jews, ate pork: he supposed, therefore, that + swine, prohibited by the law, might well serve for a retreat to devils. He + consented to the treaty; the demons came out of their former residence to + enter into the swine, who, feeling Satan within them, were thrown into + commotion, or, perhaps, were terrified—a very natural thing; and + having precipitated themselves into the sea, were drowned to the number of + about two thousand. If <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>a + legion of devils is composed of the same number as a Roman legion, we must + believe that there were six thousand devils. This evidently makes three + devils for each hog, a sufficient number to induce them to commit suicide. + </p> + <p> + Some grave authors assure us, that Jesus never laughed, nor even smiled; + yet it is very difficult to believe, that the "son of God" could preserve + his gravity after performing such a trick. But it did not appear so + humorous to the herdsmen, who found this fine miracle so little pleasant + that they complained of it to their employers, and ran to the city; where + the affair was no sooner known than the proprietors of the swine, far from + being converted, bewailed a prodigy so ruinous to them, and maintained + that it was a matter of public concern. The Gerasenes went in a body to + oppose the entry of Jesus into their city, and, from inability to punish, + besought him to leave their territory as soon as possible. Such was the + effect which the miracle of sending devils into the swine produced. + </p> + <p> + This memorable transaction must be true, for it is attested by three + evangelists, who, however, vary in some circumstances. Matthew informs us, + that the possessed were <i>two</i> in number; Mark and Luke maintain that + there was only <i>one</i>; but so furious, according to Mark, that they + could not bind him <i>even with fetters</i>. Luke is certain that the + devil frequently carried him into the deserts; Mark affirms that he spent + his days and nights in the tombs, and on the neighboring mountains. On + this occasion Jesus was also proclaimed <i>Christ</i> by the devil. As he + was among his friends, or disciples, he did not enjoin silence to Satan. + The acknowledgement was useful when given in private, and could not hurt + him; but there were occasions on which it might do harm if made in public. + It was necessary, therefore, our puissant miracle-worker should be + circumspect, especially when he did not perceive himself sufficiently + supported. + </p> + <p> + Unbelievers discover important errors, and evident marks of falsehood in + the narrative, which also appears ridiculous, <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>1st, They are surprised to see devils, who, + according to Christians, are condemned to eternal torments in hell, + leaving it to take possession of the inhabitants of this earth. 2dly, They + are astonished at seeing the devils address prayers to the son of God. It + is an article of Christian faith, that to pray, grace is requisite; that + the damned cannot pray; and much more, that this grace must be denied to + the chief of the damned. 3dly, The incredulous are offended at a miracle + by which Jesus benefitted two persons possessed with devils, at the + expense of the proprietors of two thousand swine, to whom this miracle + cost at least eighteen thousand dollars;—a transaction not quite + agreeable to the rules of equity. 4thly, It cannot be conceived how Jews, + whom their law inspired with horror towards swine, could have herds of + these animals among them, and which they could not even touch without + being defiled; and, 5thly, It is indecorous to make the "son of God" enter + into a compromise with devils; ridiculous to make them enter into swine; + and unjust to make them enter into and destroy other people's property. + </p> + <p> + We are not informed what became of these devils after being precipitated + into the sea. It is not unreasonable to believe, that, in coming out of + the swine, they entered into the Jews, to procure the saviour the pleasure + of casting them out again; for the curing of people possessed was, of all + miracles, that in which he was most expert. + </p> + <p> + The possessed person cured by Jesus, penetrated with gratitude to his + physician, with whom he was perhaps previously acquainted, wanted to + follow Jesus, according to Mark; but it was foreseen that his testimony + might become suspicious if he put himself in the train of the messiah, + who, therefore, chose rather that he should repair to his family, and + announce the mercies he had received from the Lord. He was a native of + Decapolis, a country, as we have seen, very much disposed to credulity. + Accordingly, as soon as the man had there recounted this adventure, every + body was <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>transported + with admiration. We are, however, astonished at the difference between + these folks, so remarkable for a docile faith, and the Gerasenes:—the + inhabitants of Decapolis believe all without seeing any thing, whilst the + Gerasenes, eye witnesses of the prodigy, are not moved by it, and + uncivilly refuse Jesus admittance into their city. We commonly find in the + gospel, that to witness a miracle is a very strong reason for not + believing it. + </p> + <p> + The hardness of heart and unbelief of the Gerasenes, and particularly the + request they made to the messiah not to come among them, obliged him to + re-embark with his disciples and return to Galilee, where he was very + kindly received. It is not, however, related whether he preached and + performed miracles; even the time he continued there is not accurately + known.—The friends of Jesus, and the relations of his disciples and + mother, received, it appears, from time to time, intelligence of his + wonders, which they took care to circulate; and, on learning that they + wanted him, he returned to Capernaum. Scarcely was his arrival known, when + the people, always fond of sermons and miracles, resorted to him in + crowds. Neither his house nor the space before the door could contain the + multitude; he required the voice of a Stentor to make himself heard at the + extremities of the crowd; but the idlers, content with following him + without knowing why, were very little troubled about understanding his + orations. + </p> + <p> + The Pharisees, to whom Jesus' success began to give umbrage, resolved to + satisfy themselves, if there was any reality in what was reported of him. + Some doctors of Gallilee, who were not of the number of our missionary's + admirers, repaired to him. They heard him preach, and came from his + sermons more possessed against him: even his miracles could not convert + them, though, according to Luke, the power of the Lord was displayed in + their presence in the cure of the sick. But, as has been remarked, the + miracles of the messiah were calculated to convince those only who did not + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>see them. Thus it + is, that these miracles are believed at present by people who would not + credit those performed in their presence. + </p> + <p> + Four men who carried a paralytic on his bed, unable to penetrate through + the crowd, were advised to ascend with the burden to the roof of the + house, and, making an opening there, to let down the sick man in his bed, + and lay him at the physician's feet. The idea appeared ingenious and new + to the latter, and indicated first rate faith; accordingly, addressing the + sick man, he said, "My son, be of good courage, thy sins are forgiven + thee." This absolution or remission, was pronounced so as to be heard by + the emissary doctors, who were highly offended at it. Jesus, divining + their dispositions, addressed his discourse to them—"Why do you + suffer wicked thoughts to enter into your hearts? which is easier to say + to this paralytic, thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say to him, Arise, + take up thy bed and walk." This question, boldly proposed in the midst of + a fanatical people, the sport of prejudice, embarrassed the doctors, who + did not think proper to reply. Jesus, profiting by their embarrassment, + said to the paralytic, <i>Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thine house</i>. + This prodigy impressed their minds with terror: it especially made our + doctors, the spies, tremble, while the people exclaimed, "Never have we + seen before anything so wonderful." But if the doctors were afraid, they + were not converted; and notwithstanding the cure of the paralytic, they + had no faith in the absolution granted by Jesus. It may, therefore, be + supposed, that this miracle was attended with circumstances which rendered + it suspicious: perhaps the gospel will enable us to discover them. + </p> + <p> + When the same fact is differently related by different historians equal in + authority, we are constrained to doubt it; or, at least, are entitled to + deny that it happened in the manner supposed. This principle of criticism + must apply to the narratives of the gospel writers, as well as to those of + others. Now, Matthew merely tells us, that a paralytic was <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>presented to Jesus, who + cured him, without relating the wonderful circumstance of the roof being + perforated, and the other ornaments with which Mark and Luke embellished + their narratives. Thus, either we are in the right in suspending our + belief as to this fact, or we may believe that it has not occurred in the + manner related by the two last evangelists. Again, Mark and Luke, who say + that the sick man was elevated on his bed to the top of the house, having + previously informed us the crowd was so great that the bearers of the + diseased were unable to force their way, suppose, without expressing it in + words, another very great miracle. They make the carriers penetrate + through the crowd. Arrived, we know not how, at the foot of the wall, they + could not singly, and far less loaded with the sick man, climb up to the + roof of the house. Luke says they made an opening through it. In that case + the people must have perceived them, particularly, those in the inside of + the house. During the silent attention they gave to the discourse of + Jesus, they must have heard the noise made by the men in raising up a bed + to the roof, and afterwards uncovering, or making a hole in it, through + which to convey the sick man. This operation became more difficult if the + roof, instead of being covered with tiles, was flat. Now, all the houses + of the Jews and orientals were, and still are, constructed in this manner. + These difficulties furnish sufficient motives for doubting this grand + miracle. But it will become more probable, if we suppose that the sick man + was already in the house with Jesus; or that things being previously + arranged, they let down by a trap-door made on purpose, a paralytic most + certain of being cured on command of the messiah. This transaction might + appear marvellous to a populace disposed to see prodigies every where; but + it made less impression on the doctors, who had come purposely to + scrutinize the conduct of our adventurer. They conjectured, that it was + dangerous to contradict weak fanatics, though they did not credit the + miracle they had witnessed. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Some days thereafter Jesus preached along the sea coast, and passing near + the custom-house, perceived Matthew, one of the officers, who sat there. + His mien pleased the messiah, on whose invitation the subaltern financier + quitted his post, and followed him, after having given a great + entertainment to Jesus and his party. Matthew introduced his new master to + publicans, and toll collectors, his brethren in trade, and others of + similar repute. The Pharisees and doctors, who watched our missionary, + came to Matthew's house to be assured of the fact. Jesus, occupied with + gratifying his appetite, did not at first observe that he was watched. + Some words, however, spoken rather loudly, attracted his attention: it was + the doctors who reproached the disciples with eating and drinking with + persons of doubtful reputation. "How," probably said they to them, "how + dares your master, who constantly preaches up virtue, sobriety, and + repentance, show himself publicly in such bad company? How can he + associate with knaves, monopolizers, and men whom their extortions render + odious to the nation? Why does he have in his train women of bad lives, + such as Susan and Jane, who accompany him continually?" The disciples, + attacked in this manner, knew not how to reply; but Jesus, without being + disconcerted, answered with a proverb:—"It is not the whole," said + he, "but the sick who have need of a physician." After this he cited a + passage of scripture, which cannot now be found—"Learn," said he, + "the truth of this saying, <i>I love mercy better than sacrifice</i>." It + appears the doctors did not consider themselves defeated, and Jesus was so + transported with zeal as to say, that he "came not to call the righteous + but sinners to repentance." In that case, why did he reject the Pharisees + and doctors, whom he called <i>whitened sepulchres</i>? If the adversaries + of Jesus were not righteous, they were sinners, whom he was come to call + to repentance; consequently he ought not to have renounced them. + </p> + <p> + Whatever reason Jesus might have to palliate or justify <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>his conduct, it was very + soon published abroad. John Baptist's disciples who heard it, and whom, + perhaps, jealously excited, came in search of him, and asked the reason of + the difference in the life he and his disciples led, and that which they + themselves followed. We fast, (said they) continually, whilst you and your + followers enjoy good cheer. We practise austerities, and live in + retirement, whilst you run about and frequently keep company with persons + of evil repute, &c. The reproach was embarrassing, but Jesus contrived + to evade it. "The friends of the bridegroom, (replied he,) ought neither + to fast, nor live in sorrow whilst they have the bridegroom with them; a + time will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them; and then + they shall fast. No man putteth a piece of new cloth on an old garment—neither + do men put new wine into old bottles: and no person asks for new wine when + he can get old, for he finds the old better." John's disciples had no + reply to reasons so sublime and convincing. The enigmatical symbol, or + pompous bombast, by which Jesus got out of this affair, is closely + imitated by our modern preachers, who find it very proper argument to shut + the mouths of those who are not inclined to dispute eternally about what + they do not understand. + </p> + <p> + This incident demonstrates, that the Pharisees and doctors were not the + only persons who were offended with Jesus, and the company he kept. In the + epistles, ascribed to Barnabas, that apostle says expressly, that the + "apostles, whom the Lord chose, were very wicked men, and above all + sinners iniquitous." The fact is also confirmed in Matthew ix., Mark ii. + and Luke v. This evidently decides the cause in favour of the partizans of + lax morality, and furnishes them with victorious arms against the modern + puritans. We may also remark, that the actions and expressions of Jesus on + this occasion, authorise the conduct and language of our holy guides, our + lords the bishops, who when reproached <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>with their iniquitous behaviour, shut our + mouths by averring, that <i>we ought to do as they tell us, and not what + they do</i>! + </p> + <p> + It cannot be denied, that the discrepancy which existed between the + conduct of Jesus and the principles of the Jews, or even in his own + doctrine, required extraordinary miracles to prove his mission. He was not + ignorant of this; prodigies, therefore, were commonly the strongest of his + arguments; these were well calculated to gain the vulgar, who never value + themselves on reasoning, but are ready to applaud the man who exhibits + wonders, and acquires the secret of pleasing their fancy. + </p> + <p> + After Jesus had silenced John's disciples, the chief of a synagogue waited + on him, and besought him to come and lay hands on his daughter, twelve + years old, <i>who was dead</i>, according to Matthew, but who was only <i>very + sick</i>, according to Mark and Luke; a difference which seems to merit + some attention. Jesus complied with the invitation; and whilst proceeding + to the house overheated himself so much that a virtue went out of him + sufficient to cure all who were in its atmosphere. We shall not form + conjectures on the nature of this virtue or divine transpiration. We shall + only remark, that it was so potent as instantaneously to cure a woman + afflicted for twelve years with an issue of blood; a disease which, + probably, the spectators had not better verified than its cure. On this + occasion, Jesus perceiving that there had gone out of him a considerable + portion of virtue, turned towards the afflicted female, whom his disciples + had rudely pushed back, and seeing her prostrate at his feet, "Daughter, + (said he) be of good cheer, thy faith hath made thee whole." The poor + woman, whom the disciples had intimidated, charmed with being relieved + from her fright in so easy a manner, confessed openly she was cured. + </p> + <p> + When our miracle performer was arrived at the house of Jairus, the chief + of the synagogue, it was announced to the latter that his daughter had + expired, and that the house was full of minstrels, who were performing a + dirge or mournful <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> + concert according to the custom of the country. Jesus, who on the way had + got the father of the girl to prattle, was not disconcerted at the news. + He began with making every body retire, and then by virtue of some words + raised her from the dead. + </p> + <p> + In historical matters we must prefer two writers who agree, to a third who + contradicts them. Luke and Mark affirm that the damsel was dead; but here + unfortunately it is the hero himself who weakens his victory. On their + saying that she was dead, he affirmed that she was only <i>asleep</i>. + There are girls who at twelve years of age are subject to such swoons. On + the other hand, the father of the damsel appears to have acquainted the + physician with the condition of his child; and he, more in the secret than + others, did not believe the intelligence of her death. He entered alone + into her chamber, well assured of her recovery if she was only in a swoon: + if he had found her dead, there is every reason to believe, he would have + returned, and told the father that he had been called too late, and + regreted the accident. + </p> + <p> + Jesus did not wish that this miracle should be published; he forbade the + father and mother of the damsel to tell what had happened. Our charlatan + was not solicitous to divulge an affair which might increase the + indignation of the Jews of Jerusalem, whither he was soon to repair to + celebrate the passover. The account of this miracle seems to evince that + the Son of God had acquired some smattering of medicine in Egypt. It + appears that he was versant in the spasmodic diseases of women; and no + more was wanting to induce the vulgar to regard him as a sorcerer, or + performer of miracles. + </p> + <p> + Once in the way of performing wonders, Jesus did not rest satisfied with + one merely. According to Matthew, (who alone relates the facts we are now + to notice,) two blind men who followed him began to exclaim, <i>Son of + David, have mercy on us</i>. Though Jesus, in his quality of God, knew the + most secret thoughts of men, he chose to be <i>viva voce</i> assured of + the disposition of the sick with whom he had <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>intercourse. He asked, if they had much + faith, or if they sincerely believed that he was able to do what they + requested of him. Our blind folks answered in the affirmative; then + touching their eyes, "Be it unto you," said he, "according to your faith," + and instantly they received their sight. + </p> + <p> + We know not how to reconcile such lively faith in two blind men, with + their disobedience. Their physician, who might have good reasons for not + being known, expressly forbade them to speak of their cure; they, however, + spread it instantly through the country. The silence of those who were + witnesses of this great miracle, is not more astonishing than the + indiscretion of the blind men who were the objects of it. A fact still + more miraculous is the obduracy of the Jews, who were so stubborn, that + the many wonders performed one after another and on the same day, were not + able to convince them. Jesus, far from being discouraged, determined still + to exhibit specimens of his power. A dumb man, possessed with a devil, + being presented to him, he expelled the demon and the dumb began to speak. + At sight of this miracle, the people, as usual, were in extasy, whilst the + pharisees and doctors, who had also exorcists among them, saw nothing + surprising in it: they pretended that their exorcists performed their + conjurations in the name of God, whilst Jesus operated in the name of the + devil. Thus they accused Jesus of casting out the devil by the devil, + which was indeed a contradiction. But this did not prove the divinity of + Jesus; it proved only that the Pharisees were capable of talking nonsense + and contradicting themselves, like all superstitious and credulous people. + When theologists dispute, we soon discover that the wranglers on both + sides speak nonsense; and, by contradicting themselves, impugn their own + authority. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER VIII.</span><br /> + <span class="smaller">OF WHAT JESUS DID AT JERUSALEM DURING THE SECOND + PASSOVER IN HIS MISSION.</span> + </h2> + <p> + O<span class="smcap lowercase">UR</span> doctor having closed the first + year of his mission in a glorious manner, he proceeded to Jerusalem, to + try his fortune, and gather the fruits of his labour, or form a party in + the capital, after having acquired adherents in the country. There was + reason to expect that the wonders which he had performed the year + preceding in Galilee, would have a powerful effect on the populace of + Jerusalem; but they produced consequences opposite to those which Jesus + had hoped for. It might be said that the infernal legion which he had sent + into the swine of the Gerasenes, had returned and fixed their abode in the + heads of the inhabitants of the country. The gospel shows in the former an + incredible hardness of heart. In vain Jesus wrought before their eyes a + multitude of prodigies, calculated to confirm the wonders related to them; + in vain did he employ his divine rhetoric to demonstrate the divinity of + his mission. His efforts served only to increase the anger of his enemies, + and induce them to devise means to punish him whom they persisted in + regarding as a juggler, a charlatan, and a dangerous impostor. + </p> + <p> + It is true, the adversaries of Jesus surprised him sometimes at fault—They + reproached him with violating the ordinances of a law venerated by them as + sacred, and from which he had promised never to depart. They regarded + these violations as a proof of heresy, and it did not enter their heads + that a God could raise himself above ordinary rules, and possess the right + of changing every thing. They were Jews, and therefore obstinately + attached to their ordinances; and they did not conceive how a true + messenger of God could <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>allow + himself to trample under foot, what they were accustomed to regard as + sacred and agreeable to Deity. + </p> + <p> + So many obstacles did not discourage Jesus. He determined to succeed at + any price; and though he might have foreseen what would be the issue of + his enterprise, he was sensible he must conquer or die; that fortune + favours only the brave; and that it was necessary to play an illustrious + part, or tamely consent to languish in misery in the solitude of some + obscure village in Galilee. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at Jerusalem, he devoted his attention to sick paupers—the + rich had their own physicians. At this time there was in the city, and + near the sheep port, a fountain, or pool, of which, with the exception of + the gospel, no historian has ever spoken, though, it well deserved to be + transmitted to posterity. It was a vast edifice, surrounded with five + magnificent galleries, in the centre of which was a sheet of water, that + possessed admirable properties; but these were known only to indigent + people and mendicants; and they knew them, doubtless, by a particular + revelation. Under these galleries were soon languishing a great number of + sick persons, who patiently waited for a miracle. God, on giving to the + water of this pool the faculty of curing all diseases, had annexed a + condition to it—The first who could plunge therein after an angel + had troubled it, which happened only at a certain time, could alone obtain + the benefit of a cure. The chief magistrate of Jerusalem, who probably + knew nothing of the existence of this extraordinary fountain, had not + established any regulation respecting it. The most forward and agile, and + such as had friends always in readiness to lead them to the water when it + was troubled, succeeded often in obtaining deliverance from their + diseases. + </p> + <p> + A paralytic had been there for thirty-eight years, without any one having + had the charity to lend him a helping hand in descending to the fountain. + Jesus, who beheld him lying, asked him if he wanted to be cured? "Yes," + answered the sick man, "but I have nobody to put me into the water when + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>it is troubled." + "That signifies nothing, (replied Jesus,) Arise, take up thy bed and + walk." This wretched man, perhaps not unlike many of our beggars, who, to + soften the public, feigned diseases, and who on this occasion might be + gained over by some trifle to be accessary to the farce; this miserable, + we say, did not leave him to speak twice—on the order of Jesus he + took up his couch and departed. + </p> + <p> + This cure was performed on the Sabbath. Our paralytic having been met by a + man of the law, the latter reprimanded him for violating the ordinances of + religion by carrying his bed. The transgressor had no other excuse to + give, but, that he who had cured him had commanded him so to do. He was + then questioned about the person who had given this order, but he knew + nothing of him. Jesus had not said who he was; and, as if the act had been + very trifling, the person on whom the miracle was performed had not + informed himself of the author of it. Here the matter ended; but Jesus + having some time after met the paralytic, made himself known to him, and + then the latter informed the Jews of the name of his physician. The + priests were so irritated, that from this instant they formed the design + of putting Jesus to death, because, according to John, <i>he had done + these things on the Sabbath day</i>. + </p> + <p> + It is not probable that this was the true cause of the rage of the Jews. + However scrupulous we suppose them, it is presumed that their physicians + did not think themselves obliged to refuse medicines to the sick on the + Sabbath. Jesus, not content with curing, also authorised those he cured to + violate the Sabbath by carrying their bed, which was a servile work; or + rather these unbelievers regarded the miracles of the saviour as mere + delusions, impostures, tricks of dexterity, and himself as a cheat who + might excite disturbances. + </p> + <p> + Jesus having learned that the Jews were ill disposed towards him, + attempted to justify himself. He made a speech to prove that he was the + Son of God, and that his Father <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92">[Pg + 92]</a></span>authorised him not to observe the Sabbath. But he took care + not to explain himself very distinctly on this <i>filiation</i>; and by + his ambiguous language, insinuated the eternity of his father, though he + did not call him God. Yet the Jews perceiving his object, were very much + offended at this pretension. He changed, therefore, his ground, and threw + himself on the necessity by which he acted. "Verily," said he to them, + "the Son does nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do. The + Father, who loves him, sheweth him all things that he himself doeth, and + he will show him greater works than these." By these expressions, Jesus + seems to overthrow his own eternity and infinite knowledge; for he + announces himself as susceptible of learning something, or as the pupil of + the Divinity. + </p> + <p> + To impress the minds of these unbelievers, whom his enigmatical language + could not convince, he declared that henceforth the Father would no longer + interfere in judging men, but had devolved that care on his Son. This, + however, had no effect; as the Jews expected a great judge, they were not + yet staggered. Jesus, like our modern teachers, for want of better + arguments proceeded to intimidate his audience, knowing well that fear + prevents the exercise of reason. He gave them to understand, that the end + of the world was near, which ought to make them tremble. + </p> + <p> + The testimony of John Baptist, had facilitated the first successes of + Jesus; but the difference remarked between his conduct and that of the + forerunner, destroyed the force of this testimony. Our orator pretended to + have no need of it and endeavored to weaken its value. "<i>He was a + burning and a shining light</i>" to them; "<i>you were willing for a + season to rejoice in his light; I have a greater witness than his</i>." + Here he appealed to his own works, which he maintained to be infallible + proofs of his divine mission. He undoubtedly forgot at this moment, that + he spoke to people who regarded his marvellous deeds as delusions and + impostures. His works were precisely the thing which it was necessary to + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>prove even to the + Jews, who saw them performed! This manner of reasoning has been since + adopted with success by Christian doctors, who, when doubts or objections + are advanced against the mission of Jesus, appeal to his miraculous works, + which were at all times incapable of convincing the very persons whom they + tell us had been witnesses of them. + </p> + <p> + Among the proofs employed by Jesus to exalt his mission, he advanced one, + the tendency of which is to destroy the mission of Moses, and cause him to + be regarded as an impostor. He told them, <i>You have never heard the + voice of my Father</i>; whilst it was on the voice of this Father, of whom + Moses was the interpreter, that the law of the Jews was founded. After + having annihilated the authority of scripture, our orator wished to prop + his mission on the same scriptures, by which he pretended he was + announced. "Fear" says he, "the Father; I will not be the person who will + accuse you before him; it will be Moses, in whom you trust, because you + believe not in him; for if you believed in him, you would also believe in + me. I am come in the name of the Father, and you pay no attention to it; + another will come in his own name, and you will believe in him." + </p> + <p> + The hearers of this sermon were not moved by it: they considered it + unconnected, contradictory, and blasphemous; the fear of seeing the end of + the world arrive, did not hinder them from perceiving the want of just + inference in the orator, who took away from his Father, and restored to + him the quality of judge of men, which he had at first appropriated to + himself. Besides, it would appear the Jews were of good courage as to this + end of the world, which events had so often belied. Their posterity, who + beheld the world subsisting after this, notwithstanding the express + prediction of Jesus and his disciples, have founded their repugnance for + his doctrine, among other things, on this want of accomplishment. From his + sublime discourse the incredulous conclude, that it is very difficult for + an imposter to speak long without contradicting and exposing himself.<span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + The inefficacy of this harangue convinced Jesus that it was in vain to + rely on miracles, in order to draw over the Jews of Jerusalem. He forbore + to perform them, though the festival of the passover might furnish him + with a favourable opportunity. It appears he was completely disgusted with + the incredulity of these wretches, who showed themselves no way disposed + to witness the great things which he had exhibited with success to the + inhabitants of Galilee. To make miracles pass in a capital, there must be + a greater share of credulity than in the country. Besides, if the populace + are well disposed even in large cities, the magistrates and better + informed oppose a bulwark to imposition. The same thing happened to Jesus + in Jerusalem. Perhaps he despaired of the salvation of these infidels, for + during the short time he sojourned in that city, he kept no measures with + them, but loaded them with abusive language. It does not appear, however, + that this plan gained proselytes, though since that time his disciples and + the priests have frequently endeavored to succeed by similar means, and + even by coercion. + </p> + <p> + In this journey, Jesus had no success—his disciples did not meet + with good cheer; to sustain life they were reduced to the necessity of + taking a little corn in the environs of the city; and were caught in this + occupation on the Sabbath day. Complaint was made to their master; but no + satisfaction could be obtained. He replied to the Pharisees, by comparing + what his disciples had done with the conduct of David, who, on an + emergency, ate, and also made his followers eat, the shew bread, the use + of which was reserved for the priests, adding, that "the Sabbath was made + for man, and not man for the Sabbath;" therefore, he concluded, "the Son + of man is Lord of the Sabbath." + </p> + <p> + Critics have remarked in several circumstances of the life of Jesus, that + he was frequently liable to commit mistakes. For example, on the occasion + we speak of, he gave the name of <i>Abiathar</i> to the high priest who + permitted David to <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>eat + the shew bread. The Holy Spirit, however, informs us, in the first book of + Kings, that this high priest was called <i>Achimelech</i>. The error would + be nothing if an ordinary man had fallen into it, but it becomes + embarrassing in a man-God, or in God made man, whom we ought to suppose + incapable of blunders. + </p> + <p> + On the same occasion, Jesus maintained that the priests themselves + violated the Sabbath, by serving God in the temple on that day; and, this, + according to the principles of theology, is confounding <i>servile</i> + works with <i>spiritual</i>. But this is to have the same idea of a + robbery and of an oblation; it is to tax God with being ignorant of what + he did, by ordaining, at one and the same time, the observance and the + violation of a day which he had consecrated to repose. + </p> + <p> + Our doctors further justify Jesus by saying, that, as God, he was absolute + master of all things. But in that case he ought to have procured better + fare for his disciples. It would not have cost him more to have permitted + them to encroach on the table of some rich financier of Jerusalem, or even + that of the high priest, who lived at the expense of God his Father, than + to permit his followers to forage in the fields of the poor inhabitants of + the country. At least it was previously necessary to verify such + sovereignty over all things in the eyes of the Jews, who, from not knowing + this truth, were offended at the conduct which the Son of God seemed to + authorise. It is apparently on this principle several Christian doctors + have pretended, that <i>all things appertain to the just</i>; that it is + permitted them to seize on the property of infidels and the unholy; that + the clergy have a right to levy contributions on the people; and that the + pope may dispose of crowns at his pleasure. It is on the same principle + that actions are defended, which unbelievers regard as usurpations and + violence, exercised by the Christians on the inhabitants of the new world. + Hence it is of the utmost importance to Christians not to depart from the + example which <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>Jesus + has given them in this passage of the gospel; it appears especially to + concern the rights of the clergy. + </p> + <p> + Pretensions, so well founded, did not, however, strike the carnal minds of + the Jews; they persisted in believing that it was not permitted to rob, + particularly on the Sabbath; and not knowing the extent of the rights of + Jesus, they considered him an impostor, and his disciples knaves. They + believed him to be a dangerous man, who, under pretence of reformation, + sought to subvert their laws, trample on their ordinances, and overturn + their religion. They agreed, therefore, to collect the proofs they had + against him, accuse, and cause him to be arrested. But our hero, who had + information of their designs, frustrated them by leaving Jerusalem. + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_IX"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER IX.</span><br /> <span + class="smaller">JESUS WORKS NEW MIRACLES—ELECTION OF THE TWELVE + APOSTLES.</span> + </h2> + <p> + A<span class="smcap lowercase">S</span> soon as Jesus was safe from the + malice of his enemies, and found that he was among persons of more + favourable dispositions than the inhabitants of Jerusalem, he again + commenced working miracles. His experience convinced him, that to gain the + capital, it was necessary to augment his forces in the environs, and + procure, in the country, a great number of adherents, who might, in due + time and place, aid him in overcoming the incredulity of priests, doctors, + and magistrates; and put him in possession of the holy city, the object of + his eager desires. + </p> + <p> + These new prodigies, however, produced no remarkable effect. The Jews, who + had been at Jerusalem during the passover, on returning home, prepossessed + their fellow-citizens against our missionary. If he found the secret of + gaining the admiration of the people in the places he passed <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>through on leaving the + capital, he had the chagrin to find opponents in the Pharisees and + doctors. The following fact shows to what a degree the people were + influenced:—On a Sabbath, Jesus entered the synagogue of a place, + the name of which has not been preserved. He there found a man who had, or + said he had, a withered hand. The sight of the diseased, who was, + probably, some noted mendicant and knave, and the presence of the + physician, excited the attention of the doctors. They watched Jesus + closely—"Let us see, (said they, one to another) if he will dare to + heal this man on the Sabbath day." But observing that Jesus remained + inactive, they questioned him as to the Sabbath, for which he had, on so + many occasions, shown but little respect. It was apparently one of the + principal points of his reform, to abrogate a number of festivals. The + doctors asked him, "Master, is it lawful to heal on this day?" He was + frequently in the habit of answering one question by another: Logic was + not the science in which the Jews were most conversant. Jesus replied, "Is + it lawful to do good on the Sabbath day, or to do evil—to save life, + or to take it away?" This question, according to Mark, confounded the + doctors. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe, unless we suppose the + Jews to have been a hundred times more stupid than they really were, that + this question was ill timed. They were prohibited from applying to servile + occupations only, but must have been permitted to discharge the most + urgent duties of morality even on the Sabbath day. It is to be presumed, + that a midwife, for example, lent her ministry on that day, as on any + other. It is stated in the Talmud, that it was permitted to annoint the + sick with oil on the Sabbath. The Essenians observed the Sabbath with so + much rigor, that they did not allow themselves to satisfy the most + pressing wants of life. This, perhaps, gave occasion to the reproaches + with which this sect loaded Jesus, who had by his own authority reformed + this ridiculous custom. + </p> + <p> + Jesus continued his questions, and asked them, if when a <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>sheep fell into a ditch + on the Sabbath, they would not draw it out? Hence, without waiting for an + answer, he very justly concluded that it was permitted to do good on that + day. To prove it, he said to the sick, whom he had, perhaps, suborned to + play this part in the synagogue, "Arise, stand up, and stretch forth thy + hand;" and immediately his hand became as the other. But Jesus, finding + this prodigy produced no change in their minds, darted a furious look on + the assembly, and, boiling with a holy choler, instantly forsook the + detestable place. Matt. xii. Mark xii. 6. + </p> + <p> + Jesus acted wisely; for these naughty doctors immediately took counsel + with the officers of Herod, "how they might destroy him." Informed of + every thing by his adherents, he gained the sea shore, where it was always + easy for him to effect his escape. His disciples, several of whom + understood navigation, followed him. A number of people, more credulous + than the doctors, resorted to him on the noise of his marvels. There came + hearers from Galilee, from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from the other side of + Jordan, and even from Tyre and Sidon. This multitude furnished him with a + pretext for ordering his disciples to hold a boat in readiness, that he + might not be too much thronged, but, in truth, to escape, in case it + should be attempted to pursue him. + </p> + <p> + On this shore, favorable to his designs, Jesus performed a great number of + miracles, and cured an infinity of people. We must piously believe it on + the word of Matthew and Mark. These wonders were performed on the sick, + and especially on the possessed. The latter, at whatever distance they + perceived the Saviour, prostrated themselves before him, rendered homage + to his glory, and proclaimed him the "Christ;" whilst he, always full of + modesty, commanded them with threats not to reveal him; the whole to + accomplish a prophecy, which said of him, <i>He shall not dispute, nor + cry, nor make his voice be heard in the streets</i>; a prophecy, which, + however, was frequently contradicted by his continual disputes with the + doctors and Pharisees, and by the uproar <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>he occasioned in the temple, in the streets + of Jerusalem, and in the synagogues. + </p> + <p> + Nothing is more astonishing than the obstinacy of the devil in + acknowledging Jesus, and confessing his divinity, and the stubbornness of + the doctors in not recognizing him, in spite of his cares to make the one + silent to convince the others. It is evident, that the son of God has come + with the sole intent of preventing the Jews from profiting by his coming, + and acknowledging his mission. It may be said that he has shown himself + merely to receive the homage of satan; at least we perceive only the devil + and his disciples proclaiming the character of Jesus. + </p> + <p> + When he had preached much, cured much, and exorcised much, our missionary + wished to be alone to reflect on the situation of his affairs. With a view + to enjoy more liberty, he ascended a mountain, where he spent the whole + night. The result of his solitary reflections was, that although he + required assistants, he could no longer, without giving umbrage to the + government, continue marching up and down with a company so numerous as + that of the idlers who composed his suite. + </p> + <p> + When day appeared, he called those of his disciples whom he judged most + worthy of confidence, and selected twelve to remain near his person. This + is what Luke says; but Mark insinuates that he chose his twelve apostles + on purpose to send them on a mission. As Jesus, however, assures us, that + he chose them <i>to be near him</i>, and as the apostles, content with + begging and making provision for themselves and their master, did not + perform any mission during his life, at least out of Judea, we shall + adhere to the first opinion. The names of these apostles were Simon Peter, + Andrew, Matthew, Simon-Zelotes, James, Philip, Thomas, Jude, John, + Bartholomew, another James, and Judas Iscariot, the treasurer. + </p> + <p> + As Jesus had no money to give his disciples, he told them no doubt to go + and push their fortune. He, however, took <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>care to impart to them his secret; to + teach them the art of miracles, to cure diseases, and to cast out devils. + He also gave them the power of remitting sins, and to bind and unbind in + the name of Heaven; prerogatives, which, if they did not enrich the + apostles, have been worth immense treasures to their successors. To them + the roughest staff has become a <i>crosier</i>, a staff of command, making + its power felt by the mightiest sovereigns of the earth. The <i>bag</i> or + <i>wallet</i> of the apostles has been converted into treasures, + benefices, principalities and revenues. Permission to beg has become a + right to exact tithes, devour nations, fatten on the substance of the + wretched, and enjoy, by <i>divine right</i>, the privilege of pillaging + society, and disturbing it with impunity. The successors of the first + missionaries of Jesus, though professing to be mendicants, enjoyed the + prerogative of coercing all who refused to bestow charities on them, or to + obey their commands. Many have imagined, that Jesus never concerned + himself about the subsistence of the ministers of the church; but if we + examine attentively the gospel, especially the Acts of the Apostles, we + shall find the basis of the riches, grandeur, and even despotism of the + clergy. + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_X"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER X.</span> <span + class="smaller">SERMON ON THE MOUNT—SUMMARY OF THE MORALITY OF JESUS—OBSERVATIONS + ON THAT MORALITY.</span> + </h2> + <p> + T<span class="smcap lowercase">HE</span> dread of being arrested having + constrained Jesus to abandon the cities, where he had many enemies, the + country became his ordinary residence. The people, or at least some male + and female devotees whom he had converted, furnished provisions to the + divine man and his followers. Obliged to wander about, bury themselves in + mountains and in deserts, and sleep in the open air, our apostles became + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>discontented + with their lot. In spite of the spiritual graces, which they received in + the society of the messiah, these carnal men expected something more + substantial on devoting themselves to his service. They were doubtless + promised important posts, riches, and power in the kingdom he was about to + establish. Jesus on this account frequently experienced as much difficulty + in retaining them, as in convincing the rebellious Jews by his miracles + and conclusive arguments. The measure of their appetite, and well being, + was at this time, the only rule of their faith. To prevent their murmurs, + and familiarize them with a frugal life, which our missionary saw he would + be obliged, perhaps for a long time, to make them lead, he pronounced an + oration on true happiness: it is the one known by the name of the Sermon + on the Mount, and related by Matthew, chap v. + </p> + <p> + According to our orator, true happiness consists in <i>poverty of Spirit</i>; + that is, in ignorance, and contempt of knowledge, which bids us exercise + our reason, and strips man of the blind submission that is necessary to + induce him to submit to a guide. Jesus preached a pious docility, which + implicitly credits every thing without examination; and to tell them, that + the kingdom of heaven would be the reward of this happy disposition. Such + is the sense which the church has given to the words of Jesus, "Blessed + are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." + </p> + <p> + Among the apostles, there were some whose passionate dispositions might + have been prejudicial to the progress of the sect. It may in general be + presumed, that rough men, devoid of education, have repulsive manners. + Jesus demonstrated the necessity of meekness, civility, and patience, in + order to gain proselytes; he recommended moderation and toleration, as the + certain means of insinuating themselves into the minds of men, of thriving + in the world, and as the surest way of making conquests. This is the true + sense of these words, "Happy are the meek, for they shall inherit the + earth." <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Wishing to inspire them with courage, and console them for their miserable + situation, he told them, that to live in tears is felicity, and an + infallible method of expiating iniquity. He promised that their vexations + should not endure forever; that their tears should be dried up; that their + misery should terminate; and that their hunger should be appeased. These + consolations and promises, were indispensably necessary to fortify the + apostles against every accident which, in the course of their enterprises, + might befal them in the retinue of a chief destitute of riches and power, + and incapable of procuring to himself or others the comforts of existence. + </p> + <p> + Jesus, with a view, no doubt, of sweetening the lot of his apostles, + recommended compassion to the listening multitude, of which he, as well as + his party, stood in the greatest need. It is readily perceived, that the + messiah felt the most imperious necessity to preach charity to his + auditors; for he lived on alms, and his success depended on the generosity + of the public, and the benefactions of the good souls who hearkened to his + lessons. + </p> + <p> + The preacher recommended peace and concord; dispositions necessary to a + new born, weak, and persecuted sect; but this necessity ceased when this + sect had attained strength enough to dictate the law. + </p> + <p> + He afterwards fortified his disciples against the persecutions which they + were to experience; he addressed their self love—spurring them on by + motives of honor: "Ye are (says he) the salt of the earth, the light of + the world." He gave them to understand that they were the "successors of + the prophets," men so much respected by the Jews: and, to share in whose + glory, they ought to expect the same crosses which their illustrious + predecessors experienced. He told them to regard hatred, persecution, + contempt, and the deprivation of every thing that constitutes the well + being and happiness of man, as true felicity, and most worthy of heavenly + rewards. + </p> + <p> + After haranguing his disciples, he addressed himself to <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>the people. He + presented to them a new morality, which, far from being repugnant to that + of the Jews, could easily be reconciled with it. Things were not as yet + sufficiently matured for abrogating the law of Moses: too great changes + alarm mankind. A feeble missionary must at first confine himself to + reforming abuses, without seeking to probe to the bottom. Jesus wisely + contented himself with showing, that the law was faulty in some + particulars, and that he proposed to perfect it. Such is the language, of + all reformers. + </p> + <p> + Jesus expressly declared, that he was not come to destroy, but to fulfil + the law: and he affirmed that, in heaven, ranks would be fixed according + to the rigorous observance of all its articles. He insinuated, however, to + his audience, that neither they, nor their doctors, understood any part of + that law which, they believed, they faithfully practised. He undertook, + therefore, to explain it; and as all reformers pretend to puritanical + austerity, and to a supernatural and more than human perfection, he went + beyond the law. The following is the substance of his marvellous + instructions: + </p> + <p> + You have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; + and whosoever shall kill shall be punished with death; but I say unto you, + that it is necessary to extend this prohibition and punishment even to + wrath, seeing it is wrath which urges one on to put his fellow creature to + death. You would punish adultery only when it is committed; but I tell + you, that desire alone renders one as culpable as fact. You, perhaps, will + answer, that man is not the master of his passions and desires, and that + he can hardly resist them: I agree with you in this; you have not any + power, even on the hairs of your head. The penances, sacrifices, and + expiations which your priests impose, are not capable of procuring the + remission of your sins; behold, then, the only means of preventing them, + or making reparation: has your eye, or any of your members solicited you + to commit iniquity? Cut off that member, or pull out that eye, and cast it + from you; for it is more expedient that one of your members should <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>perish, than that the + whole body be thrown into hell fire. If Moses, inspired by the divinity, + had known this hell, destined for your suffering eternal punishment, he + would not have failed to menace you with it; but he was ignorant of the + dogma of another life; he spoke only of the present, to which he has + limited your misfortunes, or your felicity. Had it not been for this, he + would not have neglected to acquaint you with a fact so well calculated to + inspire you with fear, and render life insupportable. + </p> + <p> + We are quite surprised at finding, that Moses and the ancient Hebrew + writers have no where mentioned the dogma of a future life, which + now-a-days forms one of the most important articles of the Christian + religion. Solomon speaks of the death of men by comparing it with that of + brutes. Some of the prophets, it is true, have spoken of a place called <i>Cheol</i>, + which has been translated <i>Hell (Enfer)</i>; yet it is evident, that + this word implies merely sepulchre or tomb. They have also translated the + Hebrew word <i>Topheth</i> into <i>Hell</i>: but on examining the word, we + find that it designates a place of punishment near Jerusalem, where + malefactors were punished, and their carcases burned. It was after the + Babylonish captivity that the Jews knew the dogma of another life, and the + resurrection, which they learned of the Persian disciples of Zoroaster. In + the time of Jesus, that dogma was not even generally received. The + Pharisees admitted it, and the Sadducees rejected it. + </p> + <p> + You use too freely (proceeded our missionary) the permission of divorce; + the least disgust makes you repudiate your wives; but I tell you, that you + ought to repudiate them only when you have surprised them in adultery. It + is cruel to stone one for this fault; we ought to have respect for the + weakness of the sex. Jesus, whose birth was very equivocal, had particular + reasons for wishing that adultery should be treated with indulgence. + Independently of Mary his mother, from whom Joseph was probably separated, + our preacher had in his train dames, whose conduct had not been <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>irreproachable + anterior to their conversion. Besides Mary Magdalene, who was a noted + courtesan, Jesus had in his suite Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, + who, according to the tradition, robbed and forsook her husband to follow + the messiah, and assist him with her property. Moreover, the indulgence + which he preached must have gained him the hearts of all the ladies in his + auditory. + </p> + <p> + The messiah continued nearly in these terms:—God has of old promised + you blessings, prosperity, and glory; but he has changed his intention, + and revoked these promises. As you were almost always, and still are the + most unhappy, the most foolish, and most despised people on earth, you + ought to suspect that these pompous promises were mere allegories. You + ought, therefore, to have an abject and mortifying morality, conformable + to your genius, your situation, and your misery. If it does not procure + you welfare in this world, you should hope that it will render you more + happy in the next. Your humiliations are the certain means of attaining + one day that glory, which hitherto neither you nor your fathers have ever + been able to acquire. When therefore a person shall give you a blow on one + cheek, offer him the other. Do not go to law—lawyers will ruin you; + and, besides, the poor are always in the wrong when opposed to the rich. + Give to whoever asks of you, and refuse nothing you possess; it is by + relying on the punctual practice of this important precept, that I send my + disciples into the world without money or provisions. + </p> + <p> + I do not give you any description of paradise—it is sufficient to + know that you will be perfectly happy there. But to get there, it is + necessary to be more than men—it is necessary to love your enemies; + to render good for evil; to preserve no remembrance of cruel outrages; to + bless the hand that strikes you; and not to speak one silly word; for one + only will precipitate you into hell. Have a pleasant aspect when you fast; + but especially live without foresight. Accumulate nothing, lest you excite + the wrath of my father. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>Think + not of to-morrow—live at random, like the birds that never think of + sowing, gathering, or accumulating provisions. Detach yourselves from all + things below—seek the kingdom of God, which I and my disciples will + give you for your charities. This conduct cannot fail to plunge you into + misery; but then you shall beg in your turn. God will provide for your + wants—ask and it shall be given you. Do not beggars find, agreeably + to our divine precepts, wherewith to live at the expense of the simpletons + who labor? My disciples and I, are a proof that without toil, one may + avoid difficulties, and not perish by hunger? If our manner of living + appears not to agree with my language, I charge you not judge my actions, + nor condemn your masters and doctors. Do not intermeddle with state + affairs;—that care is reserved for me, and those in whom I confide. + The master is superior to the disciple—it is to me in particular you + ought to listen. If you call me master, it is necessary to do what I + desire you. The practice of my morality is difficult, and even impossible + to many persons; but the broad and easy way conducts to perdition; and to + enter heaven, it is necessary to be as perfect as my heavenly father. I + must caution you against my enemies, or those who shall preach a contrary + doctrine. Treat them as wolves; they are false prophets—show them no + indulgence: for it is not to them that you ought to be humane, tolerant, + and pacific. + </p> + <p> + In the course of his sermon Jesus taught them a short form of prayer, + known by the name of <i>the Lord's prayer</i>. Though the Son of God may + have shewn himself on this occasion the enemy of long prayers, the + Christian church is full of pious sluggards, who, in spite of his + decision, believe they cannot perform any thing more agreeable to God, + than spending their whole time in mumbling prayers in a very low tone, + singing them in a high one, and frequently in a language they do not + understand. It appears, that in this, as in many other things, the church + has rectified the practice of its divine founder. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Matthew informs us, that the discourse, of which we have given the + substance, transported the people with admiration, for Jesus instructed + them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.—The latter, + perhaps, spoke in a more simple manner, and consequently less admired by + the vulgar, whose wonder is excited in proportion to their inability to + comprehend, or practise the precepts given them. Thus the sermon of Jesus + had not, at that time, any contradictors. It has however, furnished ample + scope for dispute to our casuists and theologians. They have subtlely + distinguished between things which were merely of <i>counsel</i>, and + those of <i>precept</i> which ought rigorously to be observed. It was soon + felt, that the sublime morality of the Son of God did not suit mankind, + and its literal observance was destructive to society. It was, therefore, + requisite to moderate it, and recur to that marvellous distinction, in + order to shelter the honour of the divine legislator, and reconcile his + fanatical morality with the wants of the human race. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, this discourse presents difficulties, which will always appear + embarrassing to persons accustomed to reflect on what they read. They + find, that it is ridiculous and false to say, a law is accomplished, when + it is proposed and permitted to violate it, and add or retrench the most + essential points. Since the time of Jesus, why has the Jewish law been + completely abrogated by Paul and his adherents, who, as we have seen, + ceceded from the Christian partizans of Judaism? Why do Christians + entertain at present so much horror at that same Judaism, except indeed + when the privileges and pretensions of the clergy are in question—articles + on which our Christian priests are very judaical, and which they have + prudently borrowed from Leviticus; all to supply the neglect of Jesus, who + was not sufficiently attentive either to their temporal interests, <i>divine + rights</i>, or sacred hierarchy? By what law do the inquisitors (if + Christians) in Portugal and Spain burn those who are accused, or + convicted, of <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>having + observed the usages of a law, which Jesus has declared he did not wish to + <i>abolish</i>, but to <i>fulfil</i>? By what law have Christians, + dispensed with circumcision, and permit them selves to eat pork, bacon, + pudding, hare, &c? Why has sunday, or the day of the sun among Pagans + been substituted for Sabbath or Saturday? + </p> + <p> + 2dly, It is held unjust to punish in the same manner a man in a passion + and a murderer. One may be in a passion and restrain himself, or + afterwards repair the injury; but he cannot restore life to a man whom he + has deprived of it. + </p> + <p> + 3dly, The restriction of divorce to the single case of adultery is a law + very hard, and very prejudicial to the happiness of married persons. This + precept compels a man to live with a woman who in other respects may be + odious to him. Besides, it is generally difficult to convict a female of + adultery; she usually takes precaution to avoid this. Is it not very + grievous, and even dangerous to live with a person who occasions continual + suspicions? + </p> + <p> + 4thly, It is absurd to make a crime of <i>desire</i>, especially without + supposing the <i>liberty</i> of man; but Jesus is not explicit on that + important article. On the contrary, from the train of his discourse he + appears to recognize the <i>necessity</i> of man, who has no authority + over a single hair of his head. Paul, his apostle, declares in many places + against the liberty of man, whom he compares with a vessel in the hands of + a potter. But if there be no proportion between the workman and his work; + if the latter has no right to say to the former, <i>why have you fashioned + me thus</i>? if there be no analogy between them, how can they bear any + relation to each other? If God is incorporeal, how does he act upon + bodies? or how can these bodies disturb his repose, or excite in him + emotions of anger? If man is relatively to God as an <i>earthen vase</i>, + this vase owes neither thanks nor adoration to the potter who gave him so + insignificant a form. If this power is displeased with his own vessel + because he formed it badly, or because it is not fit for the uses he + intended, the potter, if he is not an <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>irrational being, can only blame himself + for the defects which appear. He no doubt can break it in pieces, and the + vase cannot prevent him; but if instead of forming it anew, and giving it + a figure more suitable to his designs, he punishes the vase for the bad + qualities he has conferred upon it, he would show himself to be completely + deprived of reason. This, in fact, is the view which Christianity gives of + its God. It represents mankind as having no more relation with the + divinity than stones. But if God owes nothing to man; if he is not bound + to show him either justice or goodness, man on his part can owe nothing to + God. We have no idea of any relation between beings which are not + reciprocal. The duties of men amongst themselves are founded on their + mutual wants. If God has no occasion for these services, they cannot owe + him any thing; neither can they possibly offend him by their actions. + </p> + <p> + 5thly, It is a strange remedy to cut off or pluck out a member every time + it is the occasion of sin; it contradicts the precept not to make an + attempt on one's life. Origen is blamed by the Christians for having + performed an operation, which he no doubt judged necessary for preserving + his chastity. It is not through the members, but the inclination, that a + person sins: it is therefore absurd to say that one shall escape damnation + of the body by depriving himself of a member. What would become of so many + ecclesiastical libertines, if to appease the lusts of the flesh, and make + reparation for scandal, they should take it into their heads to follow the + counsel of Jesus? + </p> + <p> + 6thly, The suppression of a just defence of one's person and rights + against an aggressor or unjust litigant, is to overturn the laws of + society. It is to open a door to iniquities and crimes, and render useless + the exercise of justice. By such maxims a people could not exist ten + years. To <i>love</i> our enemies is impossible. We may <i>abstain</i> + from retaliating on the person by whom we are injured; but love is an + affection which can only be excited in the heart by a friendly object. + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + 7thly, The counsel or precept, to possess nothing, amass nothing, and + think not of the morrow, would be very prejudicial to families:—a + father ought to provide a subsistence for his children. These maxims can + suit sluggards only, such as priests and monks, who hold labor in horror, + and calculate on living at the expense of the public. + </p> + <p> + 8thly, It is now easy to perceive, that the promises made the Jews by the + mouth of Moses, inspired by the divinity, have not been verified + literally, and are only allegorical. But it was not from the Son of God + that the Jews should have learned this fatal truth. Once imposed on, they + ought to have dreaded being again deceived by another envoy. Like Jesus, + Moses had made promises; like Jesus, Moses had confirmed his promises and + mission by miracles; yet these promises have been found deceptive, and + merely allegorical. This idea ought to have created presumptions against + the promises of Jesus. + </p> + <p> + 9thly, To say, that it is necessary to be <i>poor in spirit</i>, and to + say afterwards that to attain heaven it is necessary to be perfect as the + heavenly father is perfect, is to make God a stupid being; to afford to + atheists a solution for all the evil they perceive in nature; and to + assert that to enter paradise one must be a fool. But has man the power of + being spiritual or poor in spirit, reasonable or foolish, believing or + unbelieving? Is not the holy stupidity of faith a gift which God grants + only to whom he will? Is it not unjust to damn people of understanding? + </p> + <p> + Lastly, In this sermon Jesus recommends to beware of <i>false prophets</i>, + and says, that it is by their works we shall know them. Yet, the priests + tell us, "we ought to do as they say, without imitating what they do," + when we find their conduct opposed to the maxims they preach. Another + sign, therefore, than works ought to have been given whereby to recognize + false prophets; otherwise the faithful will be <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>reduced to believe that the clergy are + provided only with lying prophets. + </p> + <p> + In this manner unbelievers argue; that is all those who have not received + from heaven <i>poorness of spirit</i>, so necessary for not perceiving the + want of inference, false principles, and numberless inconsistencies, which + result from the morality of Jesus. This morality appears a divine <i>chef + d'oeuvre</i> to docile Christians illuminated by faith; and it was much + admired by those who heard it. We know not, however, if the auditors were + so affected by it as to follow it literally. To admire a doctrine, and + believe it true and divine, is a thing much more easy than to practice it. + Many persons set a higher value on evangelical virtues, which are sublime + in theory, than on moral virtues, which reason commands us to practice. It + is not then surprising that the supernatural and marvellous morality of + Jesus was applauded by those who heard it. It was addressed to paupers, + the dregs of the people, and the miserable. An austere stoical morality + must please the wretched; it transforms their situation into virtue; it + flatters their vanity; makes them proud of their misery; hardens them + against the strokes of fortune; and persuades them that they are more + valuable than the rich, who maltreat them; and that Deity, which delights + in seeing men suffer, prefers the wretched to those who enjoy felicity. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the vulgar imagine that those who can restrain their + passions, and deprive themselves of what excites the desires of others, + are extraordinary beings, agreeable to God, and endowed with preternatural + grace, without which they would be incapable of these exertions. Thus a + harsh morality, which seems to proceed from insensibility, pleases the + rabble, imposes on the ignorant, and is sufficient to excite the + admiration of the simple. It is not even displeasing to persons placed in + happier situations, who admire the doctrine, well assured of finding the + secret to elude the practice of it by the assistance of their indulgent + guides. There is only a small number of fanatics who follow it literally. + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112">[Pg 113]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Such were the dispositions which must have induced so many people to + receive the instructions of Jesus. His maxims produced a multitude of + obstinate martyrs, who, in the hope of opening a road to heaven, set + torments and afflictions at defiance. The same maxims produced penitents + of every kind, solitaries, anchorites, cenobites, and monks, who, in + emulation of each other, rendered themselves illustrious in the eyes of + nations by their austerities, voluntary poverty, a total renunciation of + the comforts of nature, and a continual struggle against the gentlest and + most lawful inclinations. The counsels and precepts of the gospel + inundated nations with a vast number of madmen, enemies of themselves, and + perfectly useless to others. These wonderful men were admired, respected, + and revered as saints by their fellow-citizens, who, themselves deficient + in grace or enthusiasm necessary for imitating them, or following + faithfully the counsels of the Son of God, had recourse to their + intercession, in order to obtain pardon for their sins, and indulgence + from the Almighty, whom they supposed irritated at the impossibility in + which they found themselves of following literally the precepts of Jesus. + In fine, it is easy to perceive that these precepts, rigorously observed, + would drag society into total ruin; for society is supported only because + that most Christians, admiring the doctrine of the Son of God as divine, + dispense with practicing it, and follow the propensity of nature, even at + the risk of being damned. + </p> + <p> + In the gospel, Jesus threatens with eternal punishment those who shall not + fulfil his precepts. This frightful doctrine was not contradicted in the + assembly; the superstitious love to tremble; those who frighten them most, + are the most eagerly listened to. This was undoubtedly the time for + establishing firmly the dogma of the <i>spirituality</i> and <i>immortality</i> + of the soul. The Son of God ought to have explained to those Jews, but + little acquainted with this matter, how a part of man could suffer in + hell, whilst another part was rotting in the earth. But our preacher was + not acquainted with <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>any + of the dogmas which this church has since taught. He had not clear ideas + of spirituality; he spoke of it only in a very obscure manner: "Fear, + (said he, in one place,) him who can throw both body and soul into hell"—words + which must have appeared unintelligible in a language in which the soul + was taken for the blood or animating principle. It was not till a long + time after Jesus, and when some Platonists had been initiated in + Christianity, that the spirituality and immortality of the soul were + converted into dogmas. Before their time, the Jews and Christians had only + vague notions on that important subject. We find doctors in the first ages + speaking to us of God and the soul as <i>material</i> substances, more + subtile indeed than ordinary bodies. It was reserved for latter + metaphysicians to give such sublime ideas of mind, that our understandings + are bewildered when employed on them. + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAP_XI"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER XI.</span><br /> <span + class="smaller">ACTIONS AND PARABLES OF JESUS—ENTERPRIZE OF HIS + RELATIONS AGAINST HIM—JOURNEY TO NAZARETH, AND THE SUCCESS JESUS HAD + THERE.</span> + </h2> + <p> + T<span class="smcap lowercase">HOUGH</span> the obstinacy of the doctors + of the law and principal men among the Jews, created continual obstacles + to the success of Jesus, he did not lose courage; he again had recourse to + prodigies, the certain means of captivating the populace, on whom he + perceived it was necessary to found his hopes. This people were subject to + diseases of the skin, such as leprosy and similar cutaneous disorders. No + doubt can be entertained on this point when we consider the precaution + which the law of Moses ordains against these infirmities. To establish his + reputation, Jesus resolved to undertake the cure of this disgusting + disease with which his countrymen were so much infected. <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + According to Luke, a leper prostrated himself at the feet of Jesus, and + adored him, saying, that he had heard him spoken of as a very able man, + and that, if he was inclined, he could cure him. On this, Jesus merely + stretched forth his hand, and the leprosy disappeared. Hitherto, the + messiah had only recommended it to those he cured to present themselves to + the priests and to offer them the gift prescribed in such cases; but on + this occasion he thought that he would reconcile them by strictly + enjoining this mark of deference. He, therefore, exacted of the cured + leper, that he would satisfy the ordinance of the law; but at the same + time recommended secrecy as to the physician's name—a secret which + was no better preserved by him than by others. Jesus forgot that it was + not sufficient to impose silence on the persons he cured, but that it was + likewise necessary to lay a restraint on all the tongues of the + spectators; unless indeed it is supposed that these miracles were + performed with shut doors, and witnessed by the Saviour's disciples only; + or, rather, that they were not performed at all. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the leper's indiscretion was the cause why Jesus, according to + Mark, no longer ventured to appear in the city. The priests seem to have + taken in ill mood the cure he had performed: He therefore withdrew into + the desart, where the more he was followed the more he buried himself in + concealment. It was in vain that the people desired to hear him; it was in + vain that the sick, who ran after him, requested their cure. He no longer + suffered that marvellous virtue, calculated to cure every disorder, to + exhale from him. + </p> + <p> + After having wandered for some time in the desart, ruminating on his + affairs, he re-appeared at Capernaum. The domestic of a Roman centurion, + much beloved by his master, was at the point of death from an attack of + the palsy. This Pagan believed that Jesus could easily cure his slave; + but, instead of presenting him to the physician as he ought to have done, + he deputed some Jewish senators to wait on him. However disagreeable this + commission might be to persons <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115">[Pg + 115]</a></span> whom the centurion had no right to command, and who by + that step seemed to acknowledge the mission of Jesus, these senators + performed it. Flattered with seeing an idolator apply to him, our + miracle-worker set out immediately; but the centurion sent some of his + people to inform Jesus that he was not worthy of the honour thus intended + him by entering his house; and that to cure his servant it was sufficient + to speak only one word. Jesus was delighted with this; he declared, that + <i>he had not found so much faith in Israel</i>; and with one word, if the + gospel may be believed, he performed the cure. He afterwards told the + Jews, that if they persisted in their hardness of heart, (the only disease + which the Son of God could never cure, though he had come for that + purpose,) the idolatrous nations would be substituted in their stead, and + that God, notwithstanding his promises, would forever abandon his ancient + friends. The gospel, however, does not tell us, whether this centurion, so + full of faith, was himself converted. + </p> + <p> + The day after this cure, Jesus having left Capernaum, arrived at Nain, a + small town in Galilee, about twenty leagues distant, which proves that the + messiah was a great walker. Fortunately he got there in time to perform a + splendid miracle. A poor widow had lost her son; they were already + carrying him to be burried, and the disconsolate mother, accompanied by a + great multitude, followed the funeral procession. Jesus, moved with + compassion, approached the bier and laid his hand on it. Immediately those + who carried it stopped. <i>Young man!</i> said he, addressing the + deceased, <i>I say to thee, arise</i>. Forthwith, he who was dead sat up. + This miracle terrified all the attendants, but converted nobody. The + transaction is related by Luke alone; but even were it better verified, we + might justly suspect that the disconsolate mother held secret intelligence + with the performer. + </p> + <p> + Some historians have made John Baptist live to this period; others made + him die much earlier. Here Matthew and <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>Luke introduce the disciples or the + precursor, on purpose to question Jesus on the part of their master. "Art + thou he that was to come, or look we for another?" The messiah in reply + worked miracles in their presence, cured the sick, cast out devils, and + gave sight to the blind; after which he said to John's deputies, "Go and + relate to John what you have heard and seen." It was on this occasion that + Jesus pronounced the eulogy of John. He had, as we have seen in chapter + fourth of this history, his reasons for so doing. "Amongst all those," + said he, "that are born of women, verily I say unto you there is not a + greater than John Baptist." Our panegyrist profited afterwards by this + circumstance to abuse the pharisees and doctors, who rejected both his + baptism and John's. He compared these unbelievers to "Children sitting in + the market place, and calling to one another: We have piped to you, and + you have not danced; we have chaunted funeral airs, and ye have not + weeped." But we are not informed that this jargon converted the doctors. + </p> + <p> + After this our speech-maker compared his own conduct with that of the + precursor. "John," said he, "came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, + and you say he hath a devil. I eat, drink, and love good cheer, yet you + reject me also, under pretence that I keep company with men and women of + bad reputation." He gave the populace, however, to understand, that their + suffrage was sufficient for him; as if he had told them, "I am certain of + you—you are too <i>poor in spirit</i> to perceive the irregularity + of my conduct—my wonders pass with you; you should not reflect; you + are the true <i>children Of wisdom, which will be justified by you</i>." + </p> + <p> + After this harangue, a Pharisee, who to judge of him by his conduct had + been noways moved by Jesus, invited the orator to dinner; but he used him + in the most unpolite manner. He did not cause his feet to be bathed, nor + did he present perfumes according to the established custom of the Jews. + Though Jesus might be offended at this omission, <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>he did not decline sitting down at table; + but while he was eating, a woman of bad fame bathed his feet with her + tears, wiped them with her hair, and thereafter anointed them with a + precious ointment. The pharisee did not comprehend the mystery. Stupid and + incredulous, he conjectured that Jesus did not know the profession of the + female; but he was mistaken: the courtezan in question and all her family + were intimately connected with the messiah. John informs us, that she was + called Mary Magdalane, and that she was the sister of Martha and Lazarus, + people well known to Jesus, and who held a regular correspondence with + him. In particular it appears, that Magdalane entertained the most tender + sentiments for Jesus. + </p> + <p> + This action of the courtezan did not disconcert the Saviour; he explained + her love, the attention paid him, and the kisses with which she loaded + him, in a mystical and spiritual sense; and assuming the tone of one + inspired, he assured her that her sins were forgiven on account of the + love she had displayed. Luke informs us in the following chapter, that + Jesus had delivered this lady of <i>seven devils</i>—a service which + well merited her gratitude. Be that as it may, Jesus employed this + indirect way of shewing the pharisee the incivility of his behaviour to a + man of his consequence. + </p> + <p> + The relations of Jesus, informed of the noise he made, and suspecting that + he could not lead a very pure life among the gentry with whom he + associated; or fearing that his conduct in the end would draw him into + scrapes, went from Nazareth to Capernaum to seize him, and cause him to be + confined. They were afraid of being involved in his disgrace, and chose + rather to charge themselves with his correction, than to see him delivered + up to justice; an event which they perceived was likely soon to happen. + They therefore circulated a rumor, that he was a fool, whose brain was + disordered. Jesus, informed of the motive of their journey, kept close, + and had a prodigy in reserve the moment they should appear. The people, + who had a hint of this, or were told of it by the <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>emissaries of the messiah, repaired + thither. As soon as the relations appeared, a blind and dumb man possessed + with a devil was brought forth. Jesus exorcised him, the possessed was + delivered, and the people were in extacies. + </p> + <p> + The doctors beheld with pain the credulity of the rabble, and foresaw the + consequences of it. The kinsmen of Jesus, little affected by this miracle, + promised to the doctors to use all their efforts to deliver him up to + them. He is a sorcerer, said some; he is a prophet, said others; he must + prove it, said a third; and, notwithstanding the great miracle he had + performed, others added, <i>Let us ask of him a sign in the air</i>. "Good + God!" said the Nazarenes, "he is neither sorcerer nor prophet; he is a + poor lad whose brain is disordered." + </p> + <p> + These speeches being related to Jesus, he answered them by parables and + invectives, and defended himself from the charge of being a wizard, by + maintaining that it was absurd to suppose he cast out devils by the power + of the devil. As to the imputation of folly, he repelled it with affirming + that whoever should question his intellect, could not expect the remission + of his sins either in this or in the other world. This undoubtedly is what + must be understood by <i>the Sin against the Holy Ghost</i>. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless the midway course of demanding a sign was followed; for this + purpose a deputation was sent to Jesus; but instead of a sign in the air, + he gave them one in the water. He referred our inquisitive folks to Jonas, + and told them they should have no other sign; for, added he, "As Jonas was + three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so shall the Son of + man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." These Jews + who were neither wizards nor prophets, could not comprehend this language. + Jesus, to whom miracles cost nothing when every thing was arranged for + performing them, did not risk himself by working them <i>impromptu</i>, or + in the presence of those he judged acute enough to examine them. On this + occasion he put off these poor Jews, whom he calculated on converting to + himself for ever, with an unintelligible answer. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Having refused to perform a prodigy in the air, he began to rail at them. + He got into a passion, and launched out in prophetical invectives against + the Jews. He compared the conduct of the queen of Sheba with theirs; + boasted of <i>his</i> being greater and wiser than Solomon; and threatened + to deprive them of the light which he shed in their country. We are of + opinion, however, that, if he had deigned to give the sign demanded, he + would have spread this light much further. But the messiah felt that a + sign in the air was much more difficult than those he had given on the + earth, where he was better able to arrange matters than aloft in the + atmosphere, a region in which there was nobody to concert with. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Jesus' mother had joined her other children and relations in + order to induce them to desist from their pursuit, but she could not + prevail on them. They persisted in the design of apprehending our + adventurer. As however, they could not penetrate through the multitude and + get close up to him, they sent notice they were there. "Behold," said some + one to Jesus, "thy mother and thy brethren who seek thee."—Jesus + knowing the object of their visit which he was no ways eager to receive, + abjured such froward relations; "Who is my mother, and who are my + brethren?" said he; after which, stretching forth his hand towards the + people, "<i>Behold</i>," added he, "<i>my mother and brethren</i>; I know + no other kinsmen than those who hearken to my word, and put it in + practice." The people, flattered with the preference, took Jesus under + their protection, and the attempt of his family was thus turned to their + confusion. + </p> + <p> + Escaped from this perilous adventure, afraid of being ensnared or + mistrusting the constancy of the populace, who, notwithstanding the + pleasure they found in seeing him perform his juggles, might desert him at + last, Jesus thought proper to provide for his safety by leaving the town. + He accordingly departed with his twelve apostles, the ladies of his train, + Mary his mother, Jane and Magdalane, <i>who assisted <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>the company with their property</i>. No + doubt the last, who before she was with the messiah had made gain of her + charms, was rich in jewels and ready money. This rendered her conversion + of great importance to the sect, and especially to Jesus, who could not, + without cruelty, refuse to repay so much love with a little return. + </p> + <p> + The persecution which Jesus experienced excited an interest in his behalf, + and it would seem procured him greater countenance. A multitude of people + impelled by curiosity, as soon as they knew the road he had taken, went + out of the towns and hamlets in the environs to see him. To avoid being + incommoded by the crowd, he again resolved to go on board a vessel, from + which he preached to those on shore; but recollecting the trouble, which + his former sermons had brought him into, he did not think it prudent to + explain himself so clearly. He, therefore, preferred speaking in parables, + which are always susceptible of a double meaning. + </p> + <p> + One day chagrined at his little success, he distinctly avowed that he had + changed his resolution as to the jews, and meant to abandon their + conversion. The reason for doing, so he expressed to them in parables; + "that seeing, they may not perceive, and hearing they may not understand, + lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be + forgiven them." + </p> + <p> + It must be owned that it is very difficult to reconcile this conduct of + God. Were we not afraid of committing sacrilege by hazarding objections on + the mission of Jesus, might it not be presumed that at first he had the + design of giving laws to the Jews; but perceiving afterwards his little + success, he resolved to seek his fortune elsewhere, and gain other + subjects? What he communicated to his disciples in this secret view, + appears to have been for the purpose of preparing them for this change; + but his punishment prevented all his designs, which were not executed till + a long time after by his apostles, who no doubt carefully treasured up + this conference. + </p> + <p> + We shall not enter into a detail of all the parables which <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>Jesus employed in + communicating his marvellous doctrine to the Jews, or preaching without + being understood. Such a discussion would become very tiresome; we + therefore advise those who may have a taste for such kind of apologues + rather to read those of Esop or La Fontaine, which they will find more + amusing and more instructive than the fables of Jesus. Those, however, who + wish to consult the parables of the gospel, will find them in the + following places:—The parable of the <i>sower</i>, Luke, viii. 5—of + the <i>concealed lamp</i>, ib. viii. 16—of the <i>tares</i>, Matt. + xiii. 24—of the <i>seed</i>, Mark iv. 26—of the <i>grain of + mustard</i>, Matt. xiii. 31—of the <i>leaven</i>, ib. xiii. 33—of + the <i>hidden treasure</i>, ib. xiii. 44—of the <i>pearl</i>, ib. + xiii. 45—of the <i>net cast into the sea</i>, ib. 47—and of + the <i>father of the family</i>, ib. 52. + </p> + <p> + Jesus informed that his brothers and cousins were from home, went to + Nazareth accompanied with his apostles. He perhaps wanted to convince his + countrymen that he was not such a fool as was reported. Probably he hoped + to confer with his family, and gain them over to his party. He arrived on + the Sabbath, and repaired to the synagogue: immediately the priest very + politely presented him with a book; he opened it, and stumbled precisely + on this passage of Isaiah: "The spirit of the Lord has rested upon me, and + therefore I am anointed to preach." Having shut the book, he delivered it + to the priest and sat down; but he did not neglect to apply to himself + this passage of the prophet, where also mention is made of miracles and + prodigies. There were present, either by chance or design, several + Gallileans, who having been witnesses of the marvels Jesus had previously + performed, did not hesitate to bear testimony in his favour. But the + Nazarenes, who knew what to think of him, were shocked at his magisterial + tone. "Is not this," said they to one another, "the carpenter, the son of + Joseph the carpenter? Is not his mother called Mary? Are not his brethren + and sisters with us? Whence then has he so much skill? How, and by what + means does he work miracles?" <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122">[Pg + 122]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Jesus, hearing these remarks, saw plainly that this was not the proper + place for performing prodigies. But he wished that his inaction might be + attributed to the evil dispositions of his countrymen, who were surprised + to hear the sagacity and power of a man extolled whose conduct appeared to + them very equivocal. "I perceive," said Jesus to them, "that you apply to + me the proverb, Physician cure thyself; and that, to prove the truth of + what you have heard of me, you wish me to perform some of those miracles + which I have elsewhere exhibited; but I know I shall labour in vain in + this city: I am too well convinced of the truth of the proverb, No man is + a prophet in his own country." To justify himself he quoted examples which + would seem to throw a suspicion on the miracles of the prophets of the Old + Testament, whom this proverb, even by itself, was calculated to make pass + for knaves. Whatever opinion we may form of this, he cited the example of + Elias, who, among all the widows of Israel, did not find one more + deserving of a miracle than her of Sarepta, a woman of the country of the + Sidonians. In the days of Elias, Judea was overrun with lepers; and yet + the prophet cured Naaman, who was a Syrian and an idolater, in preference + to his countrymen. + </p> + <p> + This harangue, which insinuated the reprobation and perversity of the + audience, excited their rage so much that they dragged the orator out of + the synagogue, and led him to the top of a mountain with an intention to + throw him down headlong; but he had the good fortune to escape, and thus + avoid the fate which was intended him in the place of his nativity. + Matthew, speaking of this journey to Nazareth, says that his master did + not perform many miracles there on account of the unbelief of the + inhabitants. But Mark says positively, that he could not do any, which is + still more probable. + </p> + <p> + Our luminous interpreters and commentators believe, that Jesus escaped + only by a miracle out of the hands of the Nazarenes. But would it have + cost him more to perform a miracle in order to convert them, and thereby + prevent their <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>mischievous + designs? This was all that was required of him, in order to save himself + and place his person in security. Jesus never performed miracles but with + certain loss; he always dispensed with working any when they would have + been decisive, and beneficial. + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_XII"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER XII.</span><br /> + <span class="smaller">MISSION OF THE APOSTLES.—THE INSTRUCTIONS + JESUS GAVE THEM.—MIRACLES WROUGHT UNTIL THE END OF THE SECOND YEAR + OF HIS OWN MISSION.</span> + </h2> + <p> + D<span class="smcap lowercase">ISSATISFIED</span> with his expedition to + Nazareth, Jesus went to Upper Gallilee, which had already been the theatre + of his wonders. He found the disposition of the inhabitants of that + country better adapted to his purpose. He perceived, however, that the + necessity they were under of suspending their labor to come and hear him, + kept a great number at home. This consideration obliged him to disperse + his apostles by two and two in the province. It is probable he resolved on + this dispersion because he found his own sermons and prodigies did not + gain many proselytes. The continual enterprizes of his enemies made him + feel the necessity of increasing his party. + </p> + <p> + It appears that Jesus had already sent several of his disciples on + missions, retaining near himself his twelve apostles only. It may, + however, be presumed, that these preachers were as yet mere novices, as + their labors were unsuccessful, the devils obstinately resisting their + exorcisms. Yet this want of success was owing solely to the weakness of + their faith, and would seem to throw a shade on the foresight and + penetration of their divine master. Why did he send missionaries whose + dispositions were not sufficiently known to him? Besides, it belonged to + him alone to bestow on them a necessary stock of faith for their journey. + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Whatever opinion way be formed of this, those of the apostles, who never + quitted their master, who saw him continually operating, who enjoyed his + confidence, and had faith from the first hand—were better qualified + than the others to labor to the satisfaction of the public. Fully resolved + to make a desperate effort, Jesus renewed all their powers, and gave them + his instructions, of which the following is the substance: "Every thing + being well considered, do not go among the Gentiles, for our Jews will + charge it as a crime against you, and as a reproach against me. It is + true, I have already threatened to renounce them, but it is still + necessary to make one attempt more; you will therefore preach to the Jews + only. Repentance supposes sobriety and few wants; hence the inutility of + riches. I have no money to give you, but strive to pick up for yourselves + what you can. Providence will provide for you; if he takes care of the + sparrows, he will take care of you. Moreover expect to be ill received, + reviled, and persecuted; but be of good courage; all is for the best. + Silence is no longer requisite; preach openly and on the house tops what I + have spoken to you in secret. Inform the world that I am the messiah, the + son of David and the Son of God. We have no longer to observe discretion; + we must either conquer or die; away then with pusillanimity. + </p> + <p> + "Though I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, explain to the + good people that you are under the safeguard of the Most High, who will + take a terrible revenge for the outrages offered you, and liberally reward + those who welcome you. You do not require to concert measures for + supplying your wants; it belongs to those whose souls you are going to + save to provide you in necessaries for the body. Carry not therefore + either gold, or silver, or provision, or two suits of raiment; take a good + cudgel, and depart in the name of the Lord. + </p> + <p> + "Take care in your way always to preach that <i>the kingdom of heaven is + at hand</i>. Speak of the end of the world: <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>this will intimidate women and poltroons. + On entering cities and villages, inform yourself of such credulous people + as are very charitable and prepossessed in our favor. You will salute them + civilly; saying <i>Peace be to this house</i>. But the peace you bring + must be <i>allegorical</i>; for my doctrine is calculated to create + trouble, discord, and division every where. Whoever would follow me, must + abandon father, mother, kinsmen, and family; we want only fanatics and + enthusiasts, who attaching themselves wholly to us, trample every human + consideration under foot. <i>I came not to send peace, but a sword.</i> As + a like conduct might embroil you with your hosts, you will change your + abode from time to time. Do not rely on the power I have of raising the + dead the safest way for you is not to risk your being killed; shun + therefore places where you may be menaced with persecution. Abandon + disobedient cities and houses, <i>shaking the dust from off your feet</i>. + Tell them, that they have incurred the punishment of Sodom and Gomorrah. + Declare, in my name, that the divine vengeance is ready to make them + sensible of their guilt, and that the inhabitants of these cities will be + less rigorously punished than those who shall have the audacity to resist + your lessons. The great and last day is at hand. I assure you that you + will not have finished your tour through all the cities of Israel before + the son of man shall arrive." + </p> + <p> + Such is the sense and spirit of the instructions which Jesus gave to his + apostles. In charging them to divulge his secret, he gave them a + commission, which, notwithstanding his omnipotence, he himself dared not + execute. But it was a grand policy to have instruments to act without + exposing himself to personal injury. + </p> + <p> + These trifles, however, scarcely merit notice:—We are more surprised + to find the Son of God proclaiming peace and charity, and at the same time + asserting that he brings war and hatred. It is without doubt a God only + who can reconcile these contradictions. It is besides unquestionable, that + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>the apostles, + and especially their successors in the sacred ministry have, in preaching + their gospel, brought on the world troubles and divisions unknown in all + other preceding religions. The incredulous, who by the way refer to the + history of the church, find, that the <i>glad tidings</i> which a God came + on purpose to announce, have plunged the human race into tears and blood. + </p> + <p> + It is obvious from this language, that Jesus charged people of property + with the maintenance of his apostles. Their successors have taken + sufficient advantage of this, and through it assumed an authority to + exercise the most cruel extortions on impoverished nations. Would not the + Almighty have rendered his apostles more respectable by rendering them + incapable of suffering, and exempting them from the wants of nature? This + would have given more weight to their sublime sermons and those of their + infallible successors. + </p> + <p> + Critics maintain also, that it was false to say eighteen hundred years ago + that <i>the end of the world was near</i>, and still more false to affirm + that the great Judge would arrive before the apostles could make the tour + of the cities of Israel. It is true, theologists understand that the end + of the world shall happen when all the Jewish cities, that is, when all + the Jews shall be converted. Time will demonstrate whether it be in that + sense we ought to understand the words of Jesus: meanwhile the world still + remains, and does not appear to threaten speedy ruin. + </p> + <p> + It is probable that, besides these public instructions, Jesus gave more + particular ones to his apostles. They departed in the hope of charities + which they were to receive from Jews, of whom the greatest number were + already in a state of reprobation. Jesus altered his orders in part; he + reserved for himself the cities, and left the villages to his apostles. + Accordingly they went here and there, calling out, <i>Hearken to the glad + tidings; the world is near its end. Repent therefore, pray, fast, and give + us money and provisions, for having <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127">[Pg + 127]</a></span>acquainted you with this interesting secret.</i> We are + assured that they cured several diseases by the application of a certain + oil. They had doubtless done more excellent things, but the <i>paraclete</i> + (the comforter) was not yet come: maugre the instructions of the Son of + God, the understandings of the apostles were not yet sufficiently + brightened; for we do not find that the missionaries, with their balsam + and fine speeches, made any converts. The incredulous are still much + surprised to find in the instructions of Jesus to his apostles, an + explicit order to labor only for the conversion of the Jews, and an + express prohibition against preaching to the Gentiles. They maintain, that + a righteous God could make no distinction of persons; that the common + father of mankind must show an equal love to all his children: that it + cost no more to the Almighty to convert and save all nations; that a God, + who is friendly to one country only, is a God purely local, and cannot be + the God of the universe; and that a God partial, exclusive, and unjust, + who follows caprice alone in his choice, can neither be perfect nor the + model of perfection. In short, those who have not the happiness of being + <i>sacredly</i> blinded by faith, cannot comprehend how the equitable and + wise Lord of all the nations of the earth could cherish exclusively the + Jewish people; his infinite prescience ought to have shown him that his + love and favors would be completely lost on this untractable people. + </p> + <p> + Unbelievers remark, that it does not become the Son of God to exclaim, + "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty + works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would + have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes." Would it not have been + wiser to have gone and preached to cities so docile, where Jesus was + certain of success, than to persist in preaching to the Jews, of whom he + was not certain of making converts? + </p> + <p> + Jesus went about preaching through many cities of Gallilee; but deprived + of the assistance of his confidents, he did not work any wonders. We have + seen the magistrates and <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>the + great paying little attention to his conduct. They despised one whom they + regarded a vagrant, or a fool little to be feared. 'Tis true, that some of + Herod's officers are said to have been on the watch, with the pharisees, + to destroy him; but this combination had no success. After all, he gave + umbrage only to the priests and the doctors of the law, against whom he + declaimed with the greatest indecorum. By this conduct he rendered himself + agreeable to the people, weary of the extortions of these bloodsuckers, + who, without pity, drained the nation, treated the poor with disdain, and, + as the parable of the priest and the Samaritan evinces, were destitute of + charity. The priests and doctors were very numerous in Jerusalem; on which + account the people in the capital were less disposed than elsewhere to + listen to our preacher, and the influence of the priests was the cause of + the hatred and contempt entertained against him in this great city. + </p> + <p> + By a singular contrariety, the most obscure interval in our hero's life + was that wherein he acquired the greatest renown. Jesus was wholly unknown + at the court of Herod; while at the head of his troop, and surrounded by + multitudes, he chased away devils, gave sight to the blind and speech to + the mute, expelled the sellers from the temple, and raised the dead. But + while he led a private life in Gallilee; when, during the mission of his + apostles, he found himself alone and without followers, and content with + preaching repentance, it was then that his fame, penetrating even to the + throne, excited in the monarch a desire to see him. According to Luke, a + ray of light struck the heart of Herod; doubt filled his mind; "John," + said he, "I have caused to be beheaded, but he must have risen from the + dead, and, therefore, it is that so many miracles are performed by him; + but who should this be of whom I hear such great things?" Herod wished to + see Jesus to explain these matters, and for this purpose he sent for him. + </p> + <p> + If nature had given Jesus a right to the throne of Judea, <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>we might judge his + motives for not putting himself in the power of a prince, the usurper of + his crown. But Jesus could not dissemble that his pretensions were not + well established; he knew that for a long time the family of David had + lost the sovereign power. We must, therefore, search for another motive + for his refusing to see Herod, as the interview with the Son of God would + not only have contributed to the conversion of this prince and his court, + but of all Judea, and perhaps of the whole Roman empire. A single miracle + of consequence, performed before a court, and acknowledged and attested by + persons of high authority, would have been more effectual than the + suspected testimony of all the peasantry and vagabonds in Gallilee. Far + from complying with the request of Herod, and conferring so eminent a + benefit, Jesus withdrew into a desert as soon as he learned the prince's + intention. He, who often uttered the most terrible curses against such as + rejected him, scorned the invitation of a sovereign, and fled into a + desert, instead of laboring for his conversion. The messiah, who made no + difficulty in entering the house of a centurion to heal his slave, refused + to visit a monarch in order to cure his blindness, and bring back to + himself all his subjects, for whom, he affirmed, that he was specially + sent! + </p> + <p> + Our theologians explain these contradictions by referring to the + inexplicable decrees of Providence. But the incredulous maintain, that + Jesus, who well knew how to work wonders in the eyes of a simple populace, + dared not to expose himself before an enlightened court; and it must be + owned, that the manner in which he comported himself before his judges, + strengthens this opinion. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the mission of the apostles expired. In a short time they had + traversed Gallilee; and it appears from the repast which Jesus soon after + gave to a crowd of people, that the preaching of his missionaries had + procured an abundant harvest. Loaded with the alms of the Gallileans, the + apostles returned to their master, who again found himself incommoded by + the multitude which flocked to see him. To <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>enjoy more liberty, the party embarked on + board a small vessel, which conveyed them across the sea of Gallilee. + There, in a retired spot, the apostles gave an account of the success of + their mission; they made arrangements for the future, and especially + secured their provisions in a place of safety. + </p> + <p> + Those who had seen Jesus embark, thought, perhaps, they were forever to be + deprived of the pleasure of seeing him perform wonders. They made the tour + of the lake, and though on foot, reached the other side before Jesus + arrived there in his vessel. He preached, wrought miracles, and cured the + diseased; and these labors lasted until the evening. His disciples then + advised him to send the people in search of lodging and victuals in the + neighboring villages. He made no reply on the article of lodging;—there + were doubtless few persons in this multitude who were accustomed to sleep + on down.—Besides, the nights were likely not cold in that season and + climate. But, wishing to amuse himself with the embarrassment of those who + made the proposal, and who might not know the resources which the + collections of his apostles had procured, "it is not necessary," said he, + "that they should go into the villages; give them yourselves wherewith to + eat." "Think you so?" replied they,—"shall we go and buy two hundred + penny-worth of bread, and give them to eat?"—Philip, who perhaps was + not in the secret, represented the impossibility of finding bread to feed + this multitude. On which Jesus said to Peter, "See how many loaves you + have." He found none—a circumstance the more surprising, as, + according to Mark, they had withdrawn to this place "on purpose to eat." + Peter, without answering the question, said to his master, "There is a + young lad here, who has five barley loaves and two small fishes." Jesus + ordered them to be brought, and made the multitude range themselves in + companies of hundreds and of fifties. From this arrangement it appeared + that there were five thousand men, besides women and children. When every + one had taken his place on the grass, Jesus, <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>according to the usage of the Jews, + blessed the loaves and fishes, broke, and distributing them among the + apostles, who gave thereof to the people as much as they desired. They + likewise filled twelve baskets with the fragments of this celebrated + entertainment. The guests, penetrated with admiration, exclaimed, "This is + of a truth a prophet, and that prophet who should come into the world;" + which, translated into ordinary language, means, the true Amphitrion is he + who gives us our dinner. The apostles spoke not a word. + </p> + <p> + Some critics, perceiving the impossibilities this miracle presents, have + ventured to doubt the truth of it, as if the <i>impossibility</i> of + things could prejudice the reality of a miracle, the essence of which is + to produce things impossible. Yet if attention is given to the account of + the evangelists, who are not, however, very unanimous on particulars, we + shall find, that this miracle presents nothing impossible if we are + inclined to give any credit to the prudence of the Son of God; who, on + this occasion, found that he could not make a better use of the provisions + amassed by his apostles, than to distribute them to a hungry multitude. By + this act, he saw himself certain of gaining their favor. It may be the + crowd was not quite so numerous as is related. Besides, our apostles, in + passing to the opposite shore, might have thrown their nets with + sufficient success to furnish fish for the whole company. This meal must + have appeared miraculous to persons who knew that Jesus had no fortune, + and lived on alms. We accordingly find, that the people wanted to proclaim + king the person who had so sumptuously regaled them. The entertainment no + doubt recalled to their mind the idea of a messiah, under whose government + abundance was to reign. No more was requisite to induce a handful of + miserables to believe, that the preacher, who by a miracle fed them so + liberally, must be the extraordinary man the nation expected. + </p> + <p> + This great miracle then will become very probable, by supposing that the + apostles in their collection had received a <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>large quantity of bread. They amused + themselves, as has been observed, with fishing while they crossed the + lake; Jesus gave them the hint:—when evening was come, things were + disposed without the observation of the people, who were thus fed with + provisions amassed by very natural means. + </p> + <p> + Though the Gallileans wished to proclaim Jesus king, he did not think + proper to accept an honor which he found himself for the present incapable + of supporting. His exhausted provisions did not suffer him to undertake + the frequent entertaining of so many guests at his own expense; and though + this conduct, much more than all his other miracles, would have gained him + the affections of the beggars, idlers, and vagabonds of the country, the + necessity of his affairs prevented him from recurring to it. + </p> + <p> + Thus Jesus crowned the second year of his mission with an action well + adapted to conciliate the love of the people, and at the same time give + uneasiness to the magistrates. This stroke of eclat must doubtless have + alarmed those in power, who perceived that the affair might become very + serious, especially considering the intention of the Gallileans to + proclaim our adventurer king. The priests probably profitted by these + dispositions in order to destroy Jesus, who at all times appeared anxious + to gain the populace, in order to aid him in subduing the great. This + project might have succeeded if Judea, as in times past, had been governed + by kings of its own nation, who, as the Bible shows, depended continually + on the caprice of priests, of prophets, or of the first comer, who by + predictions, declamations, and wonders, could, at will, stir up the Hebrew + nation, and dispose of the crown: whereas in the time of Jesus the Roman + government had nothing to fear from the efforts of superstition. <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER XIII.</span> <span + class="smaller">JESUS REPASSES INTO GALLILEE ABOUT THE TIME OF THE THIRD + PASSOVER IN HIS MISSION—WHAT HE DID UNTIL THE TIME HE LEFT IT.</span> + </h2> + <p> + T<span class="smcap lowercase">HE</span> expression of John, who tells us, + that <i>Jesus knowing</i> the guests he had entertained <i>would come and + take him by force on purpose to make him their king</i>, demonstrates that + these guests had withdrawn at the end of the entertainment. This + observation enabled us to fix pretty correctly the route of Jesus, and + affords a reason for his conduct. + </p> + <p> + It was already late when the disciples said to their master, that it was + time to send away the people. The preparations for the repast must have + consumed time: the distribution of the victuals required also some hours; + so that daylight could not have been far off when the meal was finished, + and when Jesus dismissed his guests. It was about the evening he learned + the design they had of carrying him off to make him king; and it was not + until after having received this intelligence, that he resolved to conceal + himself in a mountain, after having dispatched his disciples to Capernaum. + To reach the place, the latter were obliged to make several tacks; when + Jesus, observing this, changed his resolution, and set out for Gennesaret, + on the north side of the lake. Seeing him approach at the moment they + thought him far off in the recesses of the mountain, his disciples were + terrified; <i>they took him for a spirit</i>, for spirits were very common + in Judea. They were confirmed in their opinion when they perceived his + shadow near the vessel. Simon Peter observing him advance, did not doubt + but he was walking on the waters. In attempting to go and meet his master, + he felt himself sinking; but Jesus took him by the hand, and saved him + from the danger. After reprimanding him for his cowardice, he went with + him on board the ship. The apostles, who had <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>not been much struck with the miracle of + the five loaves, were astonished at this. They had been in great fear, and + fear disposes to believe; in their distress they confessed unanimously, <i>that + he was the Son of God</i>. + </p> + <p> + Jesus reached Gennesaret at noon. There several of his guests recognized + him, and announced his arrival to others. They presented him the diseased, + and he performed a great number of cures. We cannot too much admire the + faith of the Gallileans, who exposed at all seasons their sick in the + streets, and the complaisance of Jesus, who indefatigably cured them. + </p> + <p> + The guests at the miraculous supper, whom their affairs called home, had + returned; but the greatest number, that is, all the laboring people, + having seen Jesus' ship steer for Capernaum, had set out by land for that + city. Some vessels from Tiberias arrived there at the same time, but none + carried Jesus, and nobody had seen him; for he had made his passage during + night. The crowd, however, remained, in hopes of being again entertained + <i>gratis</i>, when they learned at Capernaum that Jesus was on the + opposite shore. Immediately, all our idle folks set out, either by land or + by water, to visit him. But these parasites, instead of finding a repast + served out on the grass, were entertained with a sermon. Jesus, who had + not always wherewith to defray the expenses of so numerous a court, held + forth to them this language: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye seek me, + not because you saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, + and were filled." "Labour," added he, "for life everlasting.——" + His hearers, whose ideas extended not beyond the present life, did not + comprehend what Jesus meant; they therefore asked him what it was + requisite they should do; on which he told them that it was necessary they + should become his disciples, as he was the messiah. Here we are surprised + to find them asking of Jesus, What sign showest thou then that we may + believe? What extraordinary thing do you perform for that purpose? You + will perhaps instance <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135">[Pg 136]</a></span>the + supper you gave us; but did not our fathers eat manna in the desert for + forty years? And after all, what is your supper in comparison with that + wonder? + </p> + <p> + From this we may perceive that Jesus labored in vain to draw over these + Gallileans to his party. The continuation of the miraculous repast was + alone capable of moving them. It was to no purpose Jesus maintained, that + the bread with which Moses had fed their fathers, was not the bread of + heaven, which alone could properly nourish. <i>An empty belly has no ears</i>; + so they suffered him to preach on. After he had spoken a great deal—Well, + said they, give us this bread which alone nourishes, for it signifies + little to us what kind of bread we eat; but some we must have. Promise to + furnish us with it at all times, and at this price we shall be at your + devotion. + </p> + <p> + If Jesus at this moment had possessed the same resources as formerly, he + would have been able, at little expense, to form a small army, which the + assurance of having food without toil would have soon increased; but all + failed. These people offered themselves providing he would always furnish + them with bread. The proposition was urgent, and Jesus got off with so bad + a grace, that his disciples themselves were shocked at it. He said to + them, that he himself was bread, that his flesh was meat, and his blood + wine; and that those only who eat it would be raised up, and conducted to + everlasting banquets. Our dull folks comprehended none of this mysterious + jargon, contrived on purpose to puzzle them. Perceiving that they were not + moved by it, he informed them that in order to follow him, a particular <i>call</i> + was necessary, and that as they were not disposed to do this, they were, + therefore, not called. + </p> + <p> + The adherents Jesus obtained on this occasion were but few. The Jews were + indignant that he should pretend to have descended from heaven. We <i>know</i>, + said they, his <i>father and mother</i>, and we <i>know where he was born</i>. + These rumors, spreading as far as Jerusalem, so irritated the priests + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>that they + resolved on his death; but the son of God, by skilful marches and + countermarches, disconcerted their vigilance. It was especially in the + capital that they wished to ensnare him; but Jesus had not been lately + there. His distance from the metropolis did not, however, prevent them + from knowing his most secret proceedings; and from this he concluded there + were some false brethren among his disciples. He was not deceived; but the + fear of being betrayed in a country where his resources began to fail, + induced him to dissemble till he should arrive in a place of safety. He + set out, therefore, for Capernaum. At this place he recited nearly the + same sermon he had in vain preached to the Gallileans. But no one would + consent to receive as food his flesh and blood. Those who enjoyed his + confidence knew that he gave better cheer; but his other disciples + asserted that they could not subsist on this mysterious mess, and took + their leave of him. Unable to do better, Jesus was obliged to let them + depart. + </p> + <p> + Observing the defection of a part of his followers, our adventurer was + vexed at it; and, in sorrow for the injuries it would occasion, he asked + the twelve, "And will you also leave me?" On which Simon Peter answered, + "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we + believe, and are sure, that thou art the Christ, the son of the living + God." Thus Jesus was assured, in the best way he could, of the fidelity of + his apostles; yet we see, in spite of his infinite knowledge, that he + always kept the traitor Judas in his company, though he must have foreseen + that he would deliver him up to his enemies. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Jesus set out for Gallilee, whither his apostles followed him, + though his last preaching, and particularly the refusal of victuals, had + dissatisfied the Gallileans. They did not, indeed, give him a welcome + reception. The arrival of some pharisees and doctors from Jerusalem + completely marred everything. They were deputed by the chiefs in the + capital to watch the conduct of Jesus, and to put the people on <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>their guard. Every one + knows how strictly the Jews adhere to the ceremonies of their law; and, in + spite of his protestations of attachment to it, Jesus, like his trusty + friends, observed none of its ordinances. It was particularly offensive + that they ate without washing their hands. But he defended himself with + saying, that it was better to violate traditions and neglect ceremonies, + than to infringe the commandments of God, as the doctors did. He advanced, + contrary to express law, <i>that nothing which enters the body defiles it, + and that it is what comes out of it that renders it impure</i>. This seems + to establish, that Jesus and his party were not scrupulous as to their + victuals. Thereafter he launched out in invectives against the doctors, + whom he called hypocrites, ignorant and blind, who directed others that + were also blind. In his anger he did not perceive that the compliment was + not less offensive to the people than to their guides. On this account the + latter entertained a deep resentment, but the populace did not regard it. + Besides, Jesus did not allow them time for reflection: he engaged their + attention by a fine discourse, to prove that lawyers and priests were the + worst of men and the least charitable, and, that none could be happy, + either in this world or in the other, without becoming his disciples. + </p> + <p> + He was now informed that there was no safety for him in this place. He + therefore left it in great haste, intending to go towards the frontiers of + Tyre and Sidon. His design was to live concealed in the country; but with + such great renown as that of our hero it was difficult to continue long + unknown. The secret of his retreat was divulged; and, as misfortune + sometimes turns to good, this trifling duplicity gave him an opportunity + of performing a miracle among the Gentiles. A woman of Canaan besought him + to deliver her daughter from a devil that tormented her. Jesus at first + made her no answer. She insisted; the apostles interceded, and pressed + their master to grant her request, merely to silence her; for she was + clamorous, and might have disclosed that he was the messiah. He defended + himself on <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> the + plea of being sent to the Jews only, and not to the Heathen. They again + besought him, and answered his comparison by another. He at length + yielded; and the girl was delivered from her devil, or her vapors. + </p> + <p> + The success of Jesus in this country terminated with this miracle. He + passed into Decapolis, and there acquired some consequence from the cure + of a dumb and deaf man on pronouncing the word <i>Epheta</i>, and then + putting his finger into his ears and spittle on his tongue. Our missionary + on this occasion made a sufficiently abundant harvest of alms. He moreover + wrought a number of miracles on the sick, the cripple, and the maimed. But + it was his custom to steal away when his miraculous power began to make a + noise; he accordingly withdrew to a mountain at the distance of three days + journey from the place where he had performed so many miracles. The people + followed him in his retreat, and it appears that they did so without + eating. Loaded with provisions or money procured by his miracles, Jesus + again saw himself in a situation to lay the table cloth. As if he knew + nothing of this, he asked one of his apostles how many loaves they had: + seven was the answer. He then ordered the multitude to sit down on the + ground; and taking the loaves, blessed them, together with some small + fishes. These were distributed to four thousand men, besides women and + children, who were all satisfied; and with the remains of the repast, they + afterwards filled seven baskets. + </p> + <p> + This prodigy appears to be a mere repetition of what we have related + before; yet St. Chrysostom maintains, that the difference of the number of + baskets proves irrefragably they must not be confounded. Admitting this, + it would appear that Jesus once more sacrificed the money and provisions + his prodigies had enabled him to amass. It was necessary to gain the + people, and he at that time felt he had very great need of them; he was + generous when he had the means to be so, and he had not forgotten that + they had promised to follow him, provided he would give them food. <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + The evangelists, however, overheated with the idea of this miracle, forgot + another equally deserving their notice. It was indeed a prodigy to see + four thousand men, without reckoning, women and little children, following + Jesus during three days without eating or drinking; or else we must + believe, that, prepared to travel, these people had provided themselves + with provisions, which suddenly failed. But, in a desert, whence came the + baskets they made use of in gathering up the remains of the entertainment? + It is to be presumed, that they dropt down from heaven. But why not make + loaves and fishes drop down also? It was undoubtedly requisite to feed + this multitude during the three days march necessary for their return. But + would it not have been a short way to have made the people feel neither + hunger nor thirst? Would it not have been easier, by an effort of mercy, + to have converted at once all the inhabitants of Judea, and spared Jesus + the trouble of so many entertainments, flights, marches, and + countermarches, which at last terminated in a manner so tragical to this + hero of the romance? + </p> + <p> + The pharisees and sadducees did not lose sight of Jesus: on learning that + he had returned to the interior of the kingdom, they went in search of + him. The evangelists, it is suspected, made them much worse than they were + in reality, by representing them as eager to ruin them. Was it then so + difficult to arrest thirteen men? Be that as it may, the Pharisees at this + time accosted Jesus very politely, and demanded of him a miracle. "You + perform them," said they, "by dozens, in presence of a thousand people, + who by your own confession, do not believe in you; give us then a specimen + of your skill, and we shall be less opiniative than those of whom you + complain. Do then show us this condescension." Jesus was inexorable, and + perpetually referred them to Jonas. This refusal offended them: he, in + turn, inveighed against them; and as the presence of these inconvenient + spectators rendered his power useless, he quitted them in order to go to + Bethsaida. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + On the way, his apostles asked him the reason of his refusal to work a + miracle in presence of persons who entreated him in so handsome a manner; + on which Jesus, by a figure, gave them to understand, that he could not + operate before people so clear-sighted; "Beware," said he, "of the leaven + of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod." Our silly folks, who had + not time to provide bread, thought their master meant to reprove them for + their negligence. Any other but Jesus would have laughed at the mistake, + but the state of his affairs chagrined him, and he treated them very + harshly. + </p> + <p> + On entering Bethsaida, they brought him a blind man whom he cured by + applying spittle to his eyes. This remedy at first produced a pleasant + effect: the man saw other men, like trees, walking; Jesus then laid his + hands on him, and immediately he saw quite otherwise. + </p> + <p> + But this miracle gained no conquest to the messiah. He, therefore, went to + try his fortune in the villages in the environs of Caesarea-Philippi. It + is in this journey that asking his apostles what they thought of him, some + said, that he passed for Elias, others for Jeremiah, &c.; but Peter + openly confessed that he acknowledged him for the Christ: a confession + which has since gained him the honor of supremacy in the sacred college, + and of being declared the head of the church. + </p> + <p> + Though sovereign in heaven, Jesus possessed nothing on earth, and of + course could confer no temporal gifts. Instead of these, he gave his + disciples the spiritual privilege of damning and saving the rest of + mankind at their pleasure. He promised to Peter the place of <i>door-keeper + of Paradise</i>, since become so lucrative an office to his successors and + assigns. Meanwhile Jesus recommended silence to the party on this + promotion; but perhaps the traitor Judas, not satisfied with the office of + treasurer, did not preserve the secret. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the suffrage of Peter, the consequences which might result + from the choler of the priests were always <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>present to the mind of Jesus. Cried down + and rejected, he presumed, with good sense, that, being once excluded from + all the provinces, and the Gentiles not much inclined to receive for + legislator a Jew, expelled his own country, he would be constrained sooner + or later, to return to Jerusalem, where he must expect to meet with + perilous adventures. On the other hand, the Romans, masters of the forces + over whom the Jews could arrogate no authority, would very quickly have + put an end to the mission of a man whom they must have regarded either as + a fool or as a disturber of the public peace, if he should have dared to + declare against them. It is evident, indeed, that the mission of Jesus + existed in Judea merely because the Romans were not much displeased that a + restless and turbulent people should amuse themselves with following a man + of his character—a pretended messiah, to whose appearance the + prepossessions of the nation gave rise. Always certain of being able to + crush those who dared to undertake the boldest enterprises, they troubled + themselves little about what might be done in the country by a party no + way formidable to an authority seconded by disciplined legions. + </p> + <p> + The situation of the Son of God must have alarmed his companions, however + dull we may suppose them to have been. It was, therefore, necessary to + devise means to encourage those at least who were the honest dupes of his + vain promises. He did not dissemble the bad state of his affairs, the fate + he had to dread, and the death with which he was menaced. He anticipated + them on this subject, and declared that even if he should suffer death, + they must not be discouraged, for at the end of three days he would rise + triumphant from the tomb. We shall afterwards see the use the apostles + made of this prediction, which must at the time have appeared to them as + foolish as incredible. + </p> + <p> + To retain them as his followers, and revive their zeal, Jesus entertained + them incessantly with the beauty of his Father's kingdom; but he told them + that to arrive there, they <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>must + have courage, love him sincerely, and consent to suffer with him. These + melancholy sermons demonstrated the situation of the orator, and tended + rather to depress than incite the courage of his auditory. He, therefore, + thought it seasonable to present to his disciples a specimen of the glory + which he had so often vaunted. For this purpose he exhibited the brilliant + spectacle of the <i>transfiguration</i>. All the apostles were not + witnesses of it: he granted this favor to three only, Peter, James, and + John, his most intimate confidents, to whom he recommended silence. This + scene took place, it is said, on mount Thabor. There Jesus appeared + irradiated with glory, accompanied with two others, whom the apostles took + for Moses and Elias, and whom, as far as we can discover, they had never + seen before. A cloud unexpectedly enveloped the three luminous bodies; and + when they no longer beheld any person, a voice was heard pronouncing these + words, <i>This is my beloved Son</i>. The disciples were asleep while the + spectacle was displayed—a circumstance which has occasioned a + suspicion, that the whole was only a dream. + </p> + <p> + The apostles, who remained at the foot of the mountain, and had been + deprived of this spectacle, wished to try their spiritual powers on a + lunatic, or one possessed; but the devil disregarded their exorcisms. The + father of the disordered person, perceiving their master descending from + the mountain, immediately presented his son to him, whom Jesus cured; he + then gave a strong reprimand to those <i>fumblers</i>; told them that + their want of success was owing to want of faith, a grain of which was + sufficient to remove mountains; and recommended to them fasting and + prayer, as the surest means of expelling certain demons more rebellious + than others. + </p> + <p> + The people, however, withstood all these wonders: the devils, with whom <i>they</i> + were possessed, could not be expelled by any thing which Jesus had not + contrived. Expecting, therefore, to draw over some of the strangers whom + the <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>solemnities + always brought in great numbers to the capital, he resolved, as the feast + of the tabernacles was approaching, secretly to repair thither. But, + agitated by the most troublesome misgivings, he traversed Gallilee; he + explained himself on his fears in an enigmatical manner to his apostles, + who could not comprehend what he said; but who, on observing their master + grieved, conformed themselves to his humor. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at Capernaum, the place of his usual residence, the officers + charged with collecting the customs taking him for a stranger, and not + even recognising Matthew, their old companion exacted tribute from them. + Jesus being a Jew, was offended at their demand; but whether they did not + hearken to his reasons, or that he did not wish to be known, he dispatched + Peter in search of a piece of thirty-pence in the mouth of a fish; or + rather desired him go and catch a fish, which being sold for that sum, + served to pay the custom. + </p> + <p> + The apostles having understood from the Saviour's discourses, that his + kingdom was still very distant, occupied themselves with disputing on the + pre-eminence and ranks they should enjoy in the empire which had been + obscurely announced to them. In this they have been since faithfully + imitated by their successors. In the mean time Jesus took occasion from + this dispute to deliver a sermon on humility. He called for a child, + placed it in the midst of them, and declared that this child was the + greatest among them. This sermon, by which our clergy have profitted so + well, contains fine parables, and points out excellent means whereby to + attain heaven, but not to thrive on earth. As all these, however, are only + repetitions of what is taught in the sermon on the mount, we refer the + reader to it. + </p> + <p> + Jesus wrought no miracles during his abode at Capernaum, where he had an + interest not to be too much spoken of. His brethren or his parents, who + were of the same mind as the priests, proceeded to that place on purpose + to persuade <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>him + to leave his asylum and go into Judea, where he might exhibit his skill. + They reminded him that the feast should draw him to Jerusalem, where he + could not fail to find an opportunity of signalising himself. + </p> + <p> + This ironical tone enabled Jesus to foresee that they were plotting + against him. Here eternal truth extricated itself from these importunities + by means of falsehood. The Son of God told his brethren to go to the + feast, but assured them that for himself he would <i>not</i> go. (John + vii. 8.) This, however, did not hinder him from taking the road to + Jerusalem, but with the greatest secresy. In his way he cured ten lepers, + among whom one only, who was a Samaritan, shewed any gratitude to his + physician; and from courtesy to his faith his sins were remitted. + Notwithstanding this miracle and absolution, the incredulous do not admit + that Jesus can be acquitted of having prevaricated. It seems very strange, + that the Son of God, to whom his omnipotence furnished so many honorable + means of acting openly, had recourse to subtlety and deception in order to + elude the snares of his enemies. This conduct can be explained only by + supposing that what seems falsehood to carnal eyes is truth in the gospel. + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER XIV.</span><br /> + <span class="smaller">JESUS SHEWS HIMSELF AT JERUSALEM.—HE IS FORCED + TO LEAVE IT.—RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS.—TRIUMPHANT ENTRY OF + JESUS.—HIS RETREAT TO THE GARDEN OF OLIVES.—THE LORD'S SUPPER.—HE + IS ARRESTED.</span> + </h2> + <p> + I<span class="smcap lowercase">T</span> is probable that our hero changed + his intention of showing himself publicly at Jerusalem on learning the + diversity of opinions which divided the capital on his account. He <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>imagined that his + presence and discourses would remedy the inconstancy of the people, and + remove the perplexity of disputants; but he deceived himself. He who so + often recommended the <i>cunning of serpents</i>, failed on this occasion. + But how revoke an immutable decree? The world had been created solely on + purpose that man might sin, and man had sinned in order that Jesus by his + death might have the glory of making atonement for sinners. + </p> + <p> + If they spoke much evil of Jesus in Jerusalem, they spoke also much good. + Praise is a snare, wherein the Son of God himself was caught. Flattering + himself with being able to reconcile the suffrages, he went to the temple + and preached. But what must have been his surprise when on beginning to + speak he heard the cries of rage, and the multitude accusing him of being + possessed with a devil. In spite of the noise that prevailed among the + audience, Jesus continued to harangue. Perhaps he might have succeeded in + conquering the bad disposition of the assembly, if a company of soldiers + had not arrived, and interrupted him precisely in the most pathetic part + of his sermon. He was speaking of his heavenly Father; and this occurrence + has undoubtedly made us lose a sublime treatise on the nature of the + divinity. The soldiers, however, had no design to seize him; they wished + only to impose silence on him; it was, therefore, easy for him to steal + away. + </p> + <p> + Jesus, whose temper appears to have been vindictive and restless, was + piqued at the insult, and continued his invectives against the priests, + doctors, and principal men among the Jews, who taking counsel on the + subject, agreed to issue a decree against him and try him for contumacy; + but Nicodemus, whom we mentioned before, undertook his defence, and + proposed to his brethren to go and hear him before condemning him. They, + however, insisted that no <i>good ever came out of Nazareth</i>, i.e. that + his protegee could be no other than a vagabond. + </p> + <p> + In his retreat on the mount of Olives, Jesus learned that <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>they had postponed + proceedings against him. He therefore appeared next day in the temple by + day break. The doctors and senators came a little later, and brought him a + female accused of adultery—a crime for which, according to the law, + she ought to suffer death. The doctors, perhaps acquainted with her + conduct, and informed of Jesus' having women of wicked lives in his train, + wanted to ensnare him. He might have got off by merely saying, that it was + not for him to judge; but he wished to argue. He wrote on the ground; and + concluded, very prudently, that for one to judge it is necessary to be + himself exempted from all sin. Then addressing himself to the doctors, + "let him among you who is without sin, cast the first stone at her." At + these words they departed, shrugging their shoulders. Jesus remained alone + with the adulteress, whom the Jews would not have treated so tenderly if + she had been really culpable. On this he said to her, "Since no man hath + accused thee, neither will I condemn thee: Go then, and sin no more." + </p> + <p> + Having happily escaped from this danger, Jesus thought himself in safety; + but, induced by his natural petulence, he again hazarded a sermon in the + temple: he spoke only of himself; and what follows was nearly his + strongest argument: "You ask," said he, "a full proof by two witnesses. + Now I bear witness of my Father, and my Father bears witness of me; you + therefore ought to believe in me;" which amounts to this; <i>my Father + proves me, and I prove my Father</i>. The doctors, but little surprised + with this circuitous and erroneous reasoning, and with a view to come + directly to the point, asked him, "Who art thou?" "I am," replied Jesus, + "from the beginning, and I have many things to say to you; but I speak to + the world those things only which I have heard of my Father." The audience + were no doubt impatient at these ambiguous answers: Jesus, who wished to + increase their embarrassment, then added that they would know him much + better after they had put him to death. + </p> + <p> + The messiah did not omit to display great views in this <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> conference: he + informed his hearers in dark language, that it would not perhaps be + impossible to shake off the Roman yoke. But either through fear, or that + they did not believe such a man in a condition to effect so great a + revolution, they affected not to comprehend him. Piqued at finding the + doctors and pharisees so dull and opiniative, he called them <i>children + of the devil</i>; he affirmed that he was <i>older than Abraham</i>. In + short, he broke out in a manner so unreasonable that the people, declaring + against him, were about to stone him. Jesus, perceiving his folly when too + late, concealed himself until an opportunity offered to escape. + </p> + <p> + From this time his miracles became more rare, and the zeal of the people + subsided. It was therefore necessary to rekindle it: Jesus accordingly + performed a miracle by curing a man born blind with a little earth + moistened with spittle. This man was a well known mendicant, whom they + could not suspect of any artifice. Yet they would no longer tolerate him + after he had received his sight; an incident which no doubt diminished the + alms he was in use to receive. But, perhaps, he was made a disciple. Some + legends, indeed, assert, that after the death of Jesus he came into Gaul, + where he became a bishop or inspector; which at least presupposes good + organs of vision. + </p> + <p> + This prodigy coming to the knowledge of the Pharisees, the beggar + underwent an examination; he openly confessed that one called Jesus had + cured him with a clay of his composition and some bathings in Siloam. On + this occasion, the bad humor of the pharisees went a little too far. They + made it a crime for the physician to have composed his ointment on the + Sabbath, and formed the project of excommunicating whoever should + countenance him. + </p> + <p> + This resolution made Jesus tremble. He knew the power of excommunication + among the Jews; he found himself crossed in all his designs; and dared not + venture to preach in Jerusalem, or show himself in any other place. Every + thing, even his miracles, turned against him, and it was not without <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>some difficulty that + he had escaped from the capital. At a little distance he knew of an asylum + in Bethany, where his friend Lazarus possessed a house. He accordingly + took the resolution of retiring thither; but though it was a large house, + the party that accompanied him might have incommoded their host. This + determined Jesus to send seventy of his disciples on a mission to Judea, + to whom it appears he now gave very able powers; for on their return we + find them applauding themselves, and overjoyed at the facility with which + they expelled the devils. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had Jesus arrived at Bethany, when in order to receive him in a + becoming manner, they prepared a banquet. But the voluptuous Magdalane, + content to devour with her eyes her dear Saviour, left Martha her sister + to superintend the arrangements in the kitchen while she herself continued + at his feet. Peevishness, and perhaps jealousy, got the better of Martha; + she came and scolded Magdalane; but the tender messiah undertook the + defence of his penitent, and asserted that she had chosen the better part. + Brother Lazarus, who came in unexpectedly, terminated the squabble by + ordering them to their work. + </p> + <p> + This little altercation was the cause why Jesus did not tarry long at + Bethany. When about leaving it, a pharisee through pure curiosity invited + him to dinner. The messiah accepted his invitation; but our unpolished Jew + had not the civility to give his guest water to wash with. This occasioned + him a fine lecture on charity and filled with marvellous comparisons, + which, however, we shall omit, as our orator so frequently conned over the + same lesson, and as this dinner appears to be a repetition of one we have + already mentioned. + </p> + <p> + From this period till the feast of the dedication of the temple, our hero + wandered in the environs of Jerusalem with his disciples, whom he + incessantly entertained with the grandeur of his aerial kingdom, and what + it was necessary to do in order to enter it. It was, according to Luke, on + this <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>occasion, + and according to Matthew in the sermon on the mount, that he taught the + apostles, who could not read, a short prayer called since that time the + Lord's prayer, which (injurious as it is to the Divinity, whom it seems to + accuse of leading us into temptation,) Christians still continue to + repeat. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile time passed away without any advantage. The cessation of + prodigies and preaching occasioned that of alms. Jesus again hazarded a + sermon in a village; but although it attracted the admiration of the + people, it produced no effect. Towards the end of our hero's mission we + see the crowd no longer running after him. If he wished to perform a + miracle, he was under the necessity of calling those he wished to cure. + For eighteen years an old woman of this village had been quite bent. It + was, according to the language of the country, the devil who had kept her + in this inconvenient posture. Jesus called her and exclaimed; "Woman, thou + art loosed from thine infirmity." The old woman made efforts to become + straight; she approached the feet of the messiah with the pace of a + tortoise; he laid his hands on her and immediately she walked upright like + a girl of fifteen. At this time the devil spoke not a word; on which it + has been remarked, that Satan always followed the opinion of the + spectators of the Saviour's miracles, and marvellously coincided with them + in acknowledging or rejecting him. This analogous conduct of the + spectators and Satan was perhaps the result of the excommunication + fulminated against all who regarded Jesus as the messiah. + </p> + <p> + The reputation of John Baptist still subsisted on the banks of the Jordan. + To excite the primitive zeal, or, perhaps, with an intention to induce the + disciples of John, who had borne him such flattering testimony, to follow + him, Jesus turned towards that quarter. But the attempt was fruitless: he + succeeded no better in curing a dropsical person that chanced to be in the + house of a pharisee who gave the Saviour a dinner. His cures were admired, + but he spoiled all <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>by + his extravagant arguments, so offensive were they to the greatest part of + his hearers. As a last resource, he endeavored to attach publicans, + officers, and such like disreputable persons to his party; but these were + only feeble props, and their familiarity made him lose the little esteem + which others still entertained for him. + </p> + <p> + The sight of punishment has often occasioned the loss of courage even to + the most determined hero. Ours, agitated by a crowd of untoward events, + imagined that nothing being dearer to men than life, and nothing more + difficult than to come back after leaving it, the people of Jerusalem, + notwithstanding the clamors of the priests, would declare in his favor if + he could succeed in making them believe that he had the power of raising + the dead. Lazarus the intimate friend of Jesus appeared to him the fittest + person for presenting to the public the spectacle of a dead man brought to + life. When every thing was properly concerted, Jesus set out for Bethany. + Learning this, Martha and Magdalane went to meet him, and publicly + informed him that their brother was very sick. Jesus made them no answer, + but speaking loud so as to be heard, "This sickness," said he, "is not + unto death, but for the glory of God." This was already telling too much. + </p> + <p> + Instead of going to Bethany, Jesus remained two days in the village + without doing any thing; thereafter he told his apostles that it was + necessary to return into Judea. He was there at the time he spoke, but he + meant, no doubt, the capital. They represented that it would be a very + imprudent journey as the populace had recently wanted to stone him. We see + that Jesus said this on purpose to give room to his friends to invite him + not to neglect brother Lazarus in his sickness. Besides, the following + words evince that he had no intention of going to Jerusalem. "Our friend + Lazarus sleepeth; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep." On hearing + this, the apostles thought Lazarus had recovered. Jesus declared that he + was dead, and that he was highly <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151">[Pg + 151]</a></span>pleased with not having been present at his decease, as it + would afford means to confirm them in the faith. + </p> + <p> + The two days which Jesus passed in the village, joined to the time he took + in going about half a league, were immediately converted into four days + from the period he pretended Lazarus was dead. At last he arrived at the + abode of the defunct, whom they had deposited in a vault adjoining to his + house, and not, according to the custom of those days, in a sepulchre out + of the city. After some questions put to Martha on her belief, he assured + her that her brother would rise again. "Yes," said she, "but it will be at + the last day." Here our Thaumaturge affected to be very sensibly touched; + he trembled, he wept, invoked the aid of heaven, advanced to the vault, + made it be opened, called on Lazarus with a loud voice, and commanded him + to come forth. The dead man, though wrapped up in his grave clothes, arose + and was unloosed before witnesses at the entrance of the vault. + </p> + <p> + This prodigy was conducted with very little dexterity. John, the only + Evangelist who relates this striking miracle, in vain supports his + relation with the presence of the Jews: he destroys his own work by not + making them come till after the death of Lazarus to console his sisters. + It was necessary that the Jews should have seen him die, dead, and + embalmed; that they should have felt the smell of his corruption; and that + they should have conversed with him after his coming out of the tomb. + Unbelievers have exhausted all the darts of criticism on this miracle. To + investigate it would be only repeating what they have said. The Jews found + in it such strong marks of knavery, that far from being converted, they + took more serious measures against Jesus, who having intimation of this, + withdrew towards the desert to a city called <i>Ephrem</i>, where he abode + with his disciples. In the mean time the cities and villages were ordered + to refuse him an asylum, and the inhabitants to deliver him up to the + magistrates. In fact this miracle occasioned a general proscription of the + messiah. On presenting himself at the <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>gates of a town in Samaria, they at first + refused to let him pass; he was not permitted to stop at Jericho, though + he gave sight to a blind man, whom Matthew magnifies into two. Jesus + returned to Bethany, where he was received, not by Lazarus, who had, + perhaps, been obliged to save himself on account of his being concerned in + such an imposture; but, as Matthew affirms, by Simon the leper. Lazarus + after his resurrection appeared no longer on the stage. + </p> + <p> + A legend, according to Baronius, affirms that Lazarus went afterwards to + preach the faith to the Provençals, and was the first bishop of + Marseilles. As for Magdalane, she went to bewail her sins and the death of + her lover in a desart of Province, called <i>la Sainte Baume</i> (the Holy + Balm.) Martha, as every body knows, lies interred at Tarascon. + </p> + <p> + This rejection and desertion of Jesus threw the apostles into + consternation. To reanimate their confidence, Jesus caused a fig-tree to + die in twenty-four hours to punish it for not producing figs at a season + when it was physically impossible for it to bear any; that is about the + month of March. As all the actions of the messiah, even when they appear + foolish to ordinary men, have an important signification in the eyes of + devotees illuminated by faith, we ought to perceive in the miracle of this + fig-tree one of the fundamental dogmas of the Christian religion + symbolically represented. The fig-tree cursed is the mass of mankind, + whom, according to our theologists, the God of mercy curses, and condemns + to eternal flames, for having neither faith nor grace, which they could + not possibly acquire of themselves, and which God does not seem to have + been willing to give them. Thus we find that the ridiculous passage of the + fig-tree in the gospel, is intended to typify one of the most profound + dogmas of the Christian religion. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Jesus in this manner instructed his apostles by figures and + ingenious parables, his enemies were laboring hard against him at + Jerusalem. It appears that the Sanhedrim was divided on his account. They + perhaps wished to <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>punish + him, but not to put him to death. All were of opinion that he should be + arrested without noise, and that they should afterwards consider on the + punishment to be inflicted. The most fiery of the priests wished that he + should be seized in the capital, and assassinated during the hurry of the + festival. This shows they did not consider themselves certain that the + people would not interest themselves in his behalf. Perhaps they had some + reason: what a part of the populace did in his favor when he approached + Jerusalem, evinced that it would have been very dangerous to act openly. + In pursuance of this plan, they secretly promised a reward to whoever + should deliver up Jesus; and we shall soon find one of his apostles + betraying his master for a very trifling sum. + </p> + <p> + Before entering Jerusalem, Jesus evidently caused his approach to be + announced by his friends in that city. His adherents labored to render his + entry into the capital somewhat brilliant. Affecting to display modesty in + the midst of his triumph, or unable to do better, Jesus chose for his + steed a young ass that had never been rode on, which his disciples, by his + order, had seized with its mother. In place of a saddle, some of the + disciples laid their clothes on the back of the ass. The company advanced + in good order. The people, ever fond of a spectacle, ran to see this; and + we may believe that if some at this time paid sincere homage to the + triumpher, the greatest number laughed at him and shouted at the + ridiculous farce. The chief magistrate fearing an uproar, endeavored to + quiet the populace, to whom the disciples had set the example. He + accordingly addressed Jesus himself, who answered that "the stones would + speak, rather than his friends would be silent." This seemed to insinuate + an insurrection in case they should attempt force; and the magistrate + understood very well that this was not the moment to provoke Jesus. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Messiah had entered Jerusalem, he betook himself to weeping + and predicting its ruin. The announcing calamities was, and will ever be, + a sure method to <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>excite + the attention of the vulgar. Some persons of consequence who knew not the + cause of the riotous assemblies of the people around Jesus, on enquiry + were answered, it is Jesus of Nazareth—it is a prophet of Galilee. + Mark assures us, that in this transaction, decisive in behalf of the Son + of God, Jesus once more gave to the people the pillage of the merchandise + exposed to sale in the court before the porch of the temple. This is very + credible: it was indeed more necessary at present than at the former + period. + </p> + <p> + Profitting by the tumult, Jesus cured a great many blind and lame people. + Whilst these wonders were performing on one side, they exclaimed Hosannah + on the other. Some besought the author of these exclamations and tumult to + stop them; but the messiah had no longer measures to observe, he perceived + it was necessary to engage the popular enthusiasm, and that it would be + silly to appease it. Besides, the uncertainty of success had thrown him + into distress, which hindered him from seeing or understanding any thing. + A child, frightened, or too much pressed in the crowd, began to cry while + Jesus was speaking, "Father, save me from this hour." They took the + child's voice for a voice from heaven. John, moreover, informs us, that + the disciples had palmed on the people the famous miracle of Lazarus' + resurrection, which, attested by eye-witnesses, must have made a great + impression on the astonished vulgar. They did not entertain a doubt that + the voice from heaven which they had heard, was that of an angel who bore + testimony to Jesus; and the latter, profitting dexterously of the + occasion, said to them, "This voice came not because of me, but for your + sakes." He afterwards harangued the people, and announced himself as "the + Christ;" but he spoiled his sermon by timid expressions, and not knowing + how to draw from the circumstance all the advantage it seemed to promise, + he left the city and retired to Bethany, where he passed the night with + his disciples. + </p> + <p> + In general our hero was subject to low spirits:—we <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>constantly find in him + a mixture of audacity and pusillanimity. Accustomed to operate in the + country, and among rude and ignorant people, he did not know how to + conduct himself in a city, or to succeed among vigilant and intelligent + enemies. Thus he lost the fruit of his memorable journey, which had been + so long before projected. We do not indeed find that after this he + returned to Jerusalem, except to be tried. Melancholy and fear had + deprived him of all presence of mind, and his disciples were under the + necessity of reminding him that it was time to take the passover. They + asked him where he wished them to go and prepare the entertainment: He + bade them take the first house they met with, which they did. A chamber + was provided for them where they assembled with their master, who, ever + occupied with his sorrowful thoughts, gave them to understand that this + passover would likely be the last which he should celebrate. His language + was mournful; he bathed their feet in order to teach them that humility + was essentially necessary when they were weakest. Having afterwards set + down to table, he told them that he was afraid of being betrayed by one of + themselves. His suspicions fell on Judas, whose frequent visits to the + houses of the priests might be known to his master. As Judas was treasurer + to the party, and charged with paying for the entertainment, Jesus wished + it to be understood that they were then regaled at the expense of his life + and his blood. "Take," said he to them in a figurative style, "for this is + my body." Thereafter he gave them the cup, saying that it was "his blood + which was to be shed for them." Judas readily comprehending the meaning of + his enigma, arose from table, and immediately withdrew: but the other + apostles did not understand it.—It is, however, on this emblem that + some doctors have since built the famous dogma of <i>transubstantiation</i>: + they enjoin rational beings to believe, that <i>at the word of a priest + bread is changed into the real body, and wine into the real blood of Jesus</i>! + They have taken the figurative words of our <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>missionary literally, and have employed + them in forming a <i>mystery</i>, or rather the most curious juggle that + ever has been devised by priests in order to deceive mankind. + </p> + <p> + After supper our guests retired with their master to the mount of Olives, + where they thought themselves in safety; but our hero did not entertain + the same opinion. Scarcely had the Man-God entered the garden of Olives + when a mortal terror seized him; he wept like a child and anticipated the + pangs of death. His apostles, more tranquil, yielded to sleep, and Jesus, + who was afraid of being surprised, mildly reproached them. "Could you + not," said he, "watch with me one hour?" Judas, whom we have seen depart + suddenly and who had not rejoined the party, gave extreme uneasiness to + Jesus and every moment redoubled his terror. It is affirmed that an angel + came to strengthen him in his situation: Yet he was afterwards seized with + a bloody sweat, which can only denote a very great weakness. + </p> + <p> + The agitated condition of the Saviour appears very surprising to persons + in whose minds faith has not removed every difficulty the gospel presents. + They are much astonished to find such weakness in a God who knew from all + eternity that he was destined to die for the redemption of the human race. + They aver, that God his father, without exposing his son to such cruel + torments, might by one word have pardoned guilty men, and conformed them + to his views. They think that the conduct of God would have been more + generous in appeasing his wrath at less expense on account of an apple eat + four thousand years ago. But the ways of God are not as those of men. The + Deity ought never to act in a <i>natural</i> way, or be easily understood. + It is the essence of religion that men should not comprehend any part of + the divine conduct. This furnishes to their spiritual guides the pleasure + of explaining it to them for their money. + </p> + <p> + On the near approach of death the Man-God showed a weakness which many + ordinary men would blush to display in a similar situation. The traitor + Judas, at the head of a <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>company + of archers or soldiers, proceeded towards Jesus whose retreats he know. A + kiss was the signal by which the guards were to recognise the person whom + they had orders to seize. Already Jesus beheld the lanthorns advancing + which lighted the march of these sbirri; and perceiving the impossibility + of escaping, he made a virtue of necessity. Like a coward become + desperate, he resolutely presented himself to the party: "<i>whom seek ye?</i>" + said he, with a firm tone:—"Jesus," answered they. "<i>I am he.</i>" + Here Judas confirmed with a kiss this heroical confession. The apostles, + awakened by the noise, came to the succour of their master. Peter, the + most zealous among them, cut off with a stroke of his sabre the ear of + Malchus, servant of the High Priest. Jesus, convinced of the folly of + resistance, commanded him to put up his sword, set in order the ear of + Malchus, (who escaped at the expense of being frightened,) and then + surrendered himself. + </p> + <p> + It is said that the party who came to apprehend Jesus, were forced at + first to give way. The fact is very probable: it was dark, and the archers + perceiving the apostles but very indistinctly, might believe that their + enemies were more numerous than they were; but plucking up courage they + fulfilled their commission. Whilst they bound the Son of God with cords, + he besought the chief of the detachment not to molest his apostles, and as + they wanted him only, he easily obtained his request. John believes that + Jesus made this entreaty in order to fulfil a prophecy; but it appears our + hero thought it was neither useful nor just to involve men in his ruin, + whose assistance might still be necessary, or who, being at large, would + have a better opportunity to act in his favor. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_XV"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER XV.</span><br /> <span + class="smaller">TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION OF JESUS.—HIS PUNISHMENT AND + DEATH.</span> + </h2> + <p> + W<span class="smcap lowercase">HEN</span> the enemies of Jesus saw him in + their hands, they were not less embarrassed than before. From the time the + Romans had subdued the Jewish nation, they had no longer the power of the + sword. To punish those who had sinned against religion, it was sufficient + at any former period, that the high priest pronounced sentence on the + culprit. The Romans, more tolerant, rarely punished with death; and, + besides, to take away life, they required decisive proofs against the + accused. Annanias, father-in-law of the high priest Caiphas, was known + among the Jews for a very subtle man. It was to Annanias' house, + therefore, that they first conducted Jesus. We are ignorant of what passed + in this first scene of the bloody tragedy. It is to be presumed, that the + prisoner underwent an examination which proved no way favorable to him. + </p> + <p> + From the house of Annanias they conducted Jesus to that of Caiphas. He was + the man most interested by his office in the ruin of every innovator in + matters of religion; yet we do not find this pontiff speaking with anger: + he conducted himself according to law, and as a man who understood his + profession. "Who," said he to Jesus, "are your disciples, their number and + names?" Jesus made no answer. "But at least," continued Caiphas, "explain + to me your doctrine. What end does it propose? You must have a system. + Tell us then what it is." At last the messiah condescended to say, "I + spoke openly to the world; it is not I, but those who have heard me, that + ought to be interrogated." Here one of the officers of the high priest + gave Jesus a blow on the <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>ear, + saying, "Answerest thou the high priest so!" The reprimand was harsh, but + it must be owned, that the answer of Jesus was disrespectful to a man + invested with authority, and with the right of putting questions, in order + to discover the truth from the mouth of the accused. Jesus ought to have + been better acquainted with his own doctrine than the peasants of Galilee + or Judea, before whom he had through preference affected to preach in an + unintelligible manner. It was therefore just and natural to suppose, that + Jesus could give a better account of his sentiments and parables, than an + ignorant multitude who had listened without being able to comprehend him. + He alone could be supposed to possess the secret of forming into a system + the scattered and unconnected principles of his heavenly doctrine. + </p> + <p> + Caiphas, unable to draw any thing from the accused, waited till next + morning, when the council would assemble in order to continue the inquest. + Jesus appeared before the Sanhedrim, the most respectable tribunal in the + nation. The gospel represents the priests and chiefs of the Jews occupied + during the whole night that Jesus was arrested, in searching for and + suborning <i>false witnesses</i> against him. They produced two persons, + on whom they very unjustly bestowed this epithet. These witnesses deposed + to a fact verified by the gospel itself.—"We heard him say that he + would destroy the temple, and rebuild it in three days." It is certain + that Jesus had uttered these words, "Destroy this temple, and in three + days I will raise it up." But the poor witnesses knew not that he then + spoke in his figurative style. Their mistake was pardonable, for, + according to the gospel, the apostles themselves did not discover the true + sense of these words till after the resurrection of their master. + </p> + <p> + This evidence was not sufficient to condemn Jesus. The Jews, however + iniquitous we may suppose them to have been, did not sentence fools to + die; and these words of their prisoner must have appeared to them the + effect of delirium. Accordingly the high priest contented himself with + asking <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> what he + had to answer? and as the accused refused to speak, he did not further + insist on that point. He proceeded to questions more serious: "Are you the + Christ?" said he to Jesus. How did the messiah answer this question? "If I + tell it, you will not believe me, nor suffer me to depart. But hereafter + the Son of man shall sit on the right hand of God." "You are then the Son + of God?" continued the priest.—"You have said it," replied the + accused. "But it is not sufficient that we should say it; it is you who + are to answer: once more, are you the Christ? I conjure you by the living + God tell us if you are his Son?"—"You have said it," answered Jesus: + "the Son of man shall one day come in the clouds of heaven." + Notwithstanding these perplexing answers, the judges imagined they + understood the meaning of his words: they plainly perceived that he wished + to give himself out for <i>the Son of God</i>. "He hath spoken blasphemy," + said they; and immediately concluded that he deserved death—a + judgment which was valid according to the law of the Jews, and which must + also appear so to Christians whose sanguinary laws punish capitally those + whom the clergy accuse of blasphemy. They have, therefore, no right to + blame the conduct of the Jews, so often imitated by ecclesiastical and + secular tribunals. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, if it was necessary that Jesus should die; if he wished + it; if the reprobation of the Jews was resolved on, he acted very properly + in keeping them in error. But if this was the intention of providence, why + preach to them? Why perform miracles before a whole people whilst a small + number were only to profit by it? Did Jesus wish to save them? In that + case why not convince the whole Sanhedrim of his power? Why did he not + burst his bonds? Why did he not by a single word change their obstinate + hearts? Did he wish to destroy them? Why not then strike them dead? Why + not instantly precipitate them into hell? + </p> + <p> + The judges could not comprehend why the accused, who could not extricate + himself from their hands, could be the <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>Son of God. They accordingly declared him + worthy of death; but not definitely, as it was requisite that the sentence + should be approved of and executed by the Romans, sovereigns of the + nation. During these transactions, Jesus was treated in the cruelest + manner by the Jews, whom, as well as Christians, their zeal permitted, or + rather enjoined, to be savage. + </p> + <p> + It is during this night, and the morning of the following day, so fatal to + the Saviour of the world, that we must place the three denials of Peter, + the chief of the apostles. His master had prayed for him. His comrades, + seized with dismay, had dispersed themselves in Jerusalem and its + neighborhood. Several among them would have acted like Peter if they had + found themselves in a similar situation. He had at least the merit of + keeping near his master; he abjured him, it is true; but would it have + been of more avail if, by acknowledging him openly, he should have + entangled himself in a very awkward affair, without being able to relieve + the Saviour. + </p> + <p> + The Sanhedrim repaired to the palace of Pilate the Roman governor, in + order to get the sentence confirmed. Jesus was conducted thither. Pilate + instantly perceived that it was an affair in which fanaticism and folly + had the greatest share. Filled with contempt for so ridiculous a motive, + he was at first unwilling to interfere. <i>Judge him yourselves</i>, said + he to the magistrates. On this the latter became false witnesses. Zeal, no + doubt, made them imagine that every thing was allowable against an enemy + of religion. They interested the sovereign power in their quarrel—They + accused Jesus of wishing "to make himself king of the Jews," and of having + maintained, that "they ought not to pay tribute to Casar." We recognize + here the genius of the clergy, who, to ruin their enemies, are never very + fastidious in the choice of means. They especially strive to render the + latter suspected by the temporal power, in order to engage it, through + motives of self-interest, to satiate their revenge. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Pilate could not avoid paying attention to accusations of so serious a + nature. Unable to persuade himself that the man he beheld could have + conceived projects so ridiculous, he interrogated him:—"Are you the + king of the Jews?" On which Jesus demanded of Pilate—"Say you this + of yourself, or have others told it you?"—"Of what consequence is it + to me," returned Pilate, "that you pretend to be the king of the Jews? You + do not appear a man much to be dreaded by the Emperor my master—I am + not of your nation; I concern myself very little with your silly quarrels. + Your priests are your accusers—I have my own opinion of them—but + they accuse you; they deliver you into my hands—Tell me then, what + have you done?" Jesus might very easily have got off; but in his distress + his judgment failed; and, far from penetrating the favorable disposition + of Pilate, who wished to save him, he replied, "that his kingdom was not + of this world—that he was the truth," &c. On this the Governor + asked him "What is the truth?" But the Saviour made no reply, though the + question well deserved a categorical answer. + </p> + <p> + Pilate, a little alarmed on account of Jesus, declared, that he "found + nothing in him worthy of death." But this redoubled the cries of his + enemies. Having learned that the accused was a Galilean, he, to get quit + of the ridiculous business, seized the opportunity to send him to Herod, + to whose tetrarchate Jesus originally belonged. We have said elsewhere, + that this prince had desired to see our hero, and his desire was now + gratified. But on perceiving his obstinacy and constant refusal to answer + the questions put to him, he conceived a sovereign contempt for him. To + Pilate therefore he sent him back clothed in a white robe by way of + derision. The governor, however, saw no capital crime in Jesus, and wished + to save him; besides, his superstitious wife had a dream, that interested + her in favor of our missionary. Pilate then said to the Jews, that he + could find nothing in the man which rendered him worthy of death. But the + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>people misled, + and wishing him to be crucified, cried out <i>Tolle, Tolle</i>; away, away + with him. The Governor now devised another plan to save him. "I release," + said he, "every year a criminal; supposing that Jesus may be culpable, I + am going to set him free." The cries were redoubled, and the Jews + demanded, that a robber called Barabbas should profit of this mercy in + preference to Jesus, whose punishment they persisted to urge. + </p> + <p> + The Romans, desirous to calm the rage of a fanatical people, caused Jesus + to be whipped; dressed him in a ridiculous manner, crowned him with + thorns, and made him hold a reed instead of a sceptre. Thus decorated, + Pilate showed him to the people, saying, "Behold your king! are you not + yet satisfied? See how to please you I have bedecked him. Be then less + cruel: do not carry your indignation further; he ought no longer to give + you umbrage." + </p> + <p> + The priests, whose maxim it is "never to forgive," were not moved by this + spectacle; nothing short of the death of their enemy could satisfy them. + They changed their ground, and, to intimidate the governor, told him that + by suffering the accused to live he betrayed the interests of his master. + It was then that Pilate, fearing the effects of the malice of the clergy, + consigned Jesus to the Jews, that they might satiate their rage on him; + declaring, however, that "he washed his hands of it," and that it was + against his opinion if they put him to death. We cannot well conceive how + a Roman governor, who exercised sovereign power in Judea, could yield so + easily to the wishes of the Jews: but we cannot more easily conceive how + God permitted this honest governor to become an accomplice in the death of + his dear Son. + </p> + <p> + Jesus, abandoned to the rage of devotees, again suffered the cruellest + treatment. Pilate, to humble those barbarians, wished the label affixed to + the upper part of the cross to bear, that he was their king; and nothing + could induce him to recede from this resolution. "What is written is + written," <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>said + he to those who requested him to alter an inscription dishonorable to + their nation. It is also proper to observe, that this inscription is + differently expressed by the four evangelists. + </p> + <p> + The Jews treated Jesus as a dethroned king, and made him experience the + most bloody outrages. Though he had said that he could make <i>legions of + angels</i> come to his protection, yet the Jews, notwithstanding their + natural credulity, paid no credit to his assertion, and nothing could stop + their religious cruelty, excited by the priests. They made him take the + road to Calvary. He sunk under the weight of his cross, but they loaded + Simon with it, who was more vigorous. The unfortunate Jesus must have been + indeed much enfeebled by what he had suffered during both the night and + the morning. At last he was placed on the cross, the usual punishment of + slaves. He did not suffer long under the agonies of crucifixion: after + invoking his Father, and lamenting his being so shamefully abandoned, he + expired, it is said, between two thieves. It is said that Jesus when dying + exclaimed, "<i>Eli! Eli! lamma sabbactani!</i>" (My God! my God! why hast + thou forsaken me!) This complaint was very ridiculous in the mouth of + Jesus, if, as is pretended, the part he acted was agreed on with his + father from all eternity. Matthew and Mark tells us, that <i>both</i> the + thieves insulted him with abusive language; while Luke assures us, that <i>one</i> + only of the two abused the Saviour, and that the other reprimanded his + comrade for his insolence, and besought Jesus "to remember him when he + should come to his kingdom." But our interpreters have a thousand ways of + proving that the Holy Spirit never contradicts himself, even when he + speaks in the most contradictory manner. Those who have faith are + satisfied with their arguments, but they do not so powerfully impress + freethinkers, who have the misfortune to reason. + </p> + <p> + The remorse of Judas soon revenged Jesus on this traitor. He restored to + the priests the thirty pieces he had <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165">[Pg + 165]</a></span>received from them, and went forthwith to <i>hang</i> + himself. This is what Matthew says, in opposition to the writer of the + Acts of the Apostles, (Luke) who tells us, that Judas "purchased a field + with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong he burst asunder in the + midst." Mark and John are silent respecting this memorable event. + According to Matthew, the selling of Jesus for thirty pieces had been + foretold by Jeremiah. The prediction, however, does not appear in the + writings of this prophet, which would create a suspicion that the + evangelists, little satisfied with applying to Jesus some prophecies, such + as are extant in the Old Testament, have drawn from their own store, or + forged them when in need. But our able interpreters are not at all + embarrassed with this; and a holy blindness will always prevent these + trifles from being perceived. + </p> + <p> + The gospel informs us, that at the death of Jesus all Nature seemed to + take part in the grand event. At the moment he expired there was a total + eclipse; a frightful shaking of the earth was felt, and several holy + personages came out of their tombs to take a walk on the streets of + Jerusalem. The Jews alone had the misfortune to see nothing of all this; + it appears, that these wonders were performed only in the fancy of the + disciples of Jesus. As for the eclipse, it was, doubtless, an + inconceivable prodigy which could not have taken place without a total + derangement in the machine of the world. A total eclipse of the sun during + full moon, the time at which the celebration of the passover was fixed by + the Jews, is of all miracles the most impossible. No contemporary author + has mentioned it, though this phenomenon well merited to be transmitted to + posterity. The incredulous therefore maintain, that there was no other + eclipse on this occasion but of the common sense of those who saw all + these marvels, or of the good faith of the writers who have attested them. + With respect to the shaking of the earth, they suspect that the apostles + of Jesus, agitated with fear at the sight of their divine master's fate, + were the only <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>persons + who felt it. In this way indeed the thing becomes very probable. If the + punishment of Jesus is proved by the gospel, some circumstances may create + a doubt whether he died immediately. We are told, that they did not, + according to custom, break his legs. His friends had the liberty of taking + away his body, and they might dress his wounds on finding that he was not + dead, and in this manner bring him back to life, at least for some time. + </p> + <p> + When Jesus was dead, or believed to be so after an incision had been made + in his side, from which came blood and a whitish fluid, which they took + for water, his body was embalmed and deposited in a new tomb. This was + done on Friday evening. He had several times intimated that he would rise + again the third day; that is, at the end of three days and three nights. + Yet on the Sunday following, early in the morning, the tomb wherein he had + been laid was found empty. The Jews, always opiniative, did not admit that + he was risen again. They held it more natural to believe that he had + failed in his word; or to suppose that his disciples had carried him off. + This could easily have been executed by force; by bribing the guards, whom + the priests and Pharisees had placed around his sepulchre; or by cunning. + As Pilate felt but little interest in the matter, he appears not to have + punished the guards for neglecting to take care of what he had confided to + them. The idolatrous governor, little acquainted with the resources or + designs of the apostles, never suspected they could persuade any person, + that a man, whose death was well attested, could return to life. It is not + surprising that a Pagan should doubt the resurrection of Jesus; from the + first day of the church, several Christians have not believed it, + perceiving the incongruity of supposing that the Son of God could die. + They have therefore denied the death of their divine master. The followers + of Basilides affirmed that Jesus at the time of his passion assumed the + appearance of Simon the Cyrenean, and transferred to him his own, under + which the said Simon was crucified in his <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>stead, while Jesus, who beheld this + without being himself seen, laughed at their mistake. The Cerinthians, or + disciples of Cerinthus, who was contemporary with the apostles; and the + Carpocratians likewise denied that Jesus could have been actually + crucified. Some have maintained, that the traitor Judas was punished in + place of his master. These sectaries regarded Jesus as a mere man, and not + as a god. Thus we find Christians contemporary with the apostles believing + in Jesus and yet doubting his death. It was, however, on this marvellous + notion, as we shall see, that a sect was afterwards founded, powerful + enough to subject by degrees the Roman empire and a considerable portion + of the globe. + </p> + <p> + The punishment of our hero must have produced very little sensation in the + world, and his adventures must have been strangely unknown, since we do + not find that any historian, with the exception of the evangelists, makes + mention of them. In the year 1263, a conference was held in presence of + Don Jaques king of Arragon, and the queen his wife, between the Rabbin + Zechial, and the Dominician, Friar Paul, called Cyraic. This conference is + very memorable. The two champions were well versed in the Hebrew and in + antiquity. The <i>Talmud</i>, the <i>Targum</i>, the archives of the + Sanhedrim were on the table. The contested passages were explained into + Spanish. Zechiel maintained, that Jesus had been condemned under the king + Alexander Jannaeus, (and not under Herod the Tetrarch,) agreeably to what + is related in the <i>Toldos Jaschut</i>, and in the <i>Talmud</i>. "Your + gospels," said he, "were not written till towards the beginning of your + second century, and are not authentic like our <i>Talmud</i>. We could not + crucify him you speak of in the time of Herod the Tetrarch, since we had + not the power of life and death in our hands. We could not have crucified + him, because that manner of punishment was not in use among us. Our <i>Talmud</i> + has it, that he who perished in the time of Jannaeus was condemned to be + <i>stoned</i> to death. We can no more believe your gospels than those + pretended <i>Letters of Pilate</i>, which you have forged."—<i>Letters + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>on Eminent + Writers</i>, p. 123. The illustrious and profound <i>Freret</i>, perpetual + Secretary to the Academy of Belles Lettres at Paris, had no hesitation in + avowing, that, after the closest investigation he was clearly of opinion, + the account given in the <i>Talmud</i> respecting Jesus, was the correct + one. This opinion he supported by showing, that the gospels were not + written till upwards of 40 years after the period fixed for the death of + Jesus; that they were composed in foreign languages, at places distant + from Jerusalem, which were full of the disciples of John, called + Therapeutae; of Judaites, and of Galileans, all of whom had their gospels + differing from each other, which they insisted were genuine; that the four + gospels now held canonical, were the last written; that there is + incontestible proof of this fact arising from the circumstance, that the + first fathers of the church often quote passages which are to be found + only in the gospel of the Egyptians or in that of St. James; and that + Justin is the first who expressly quoted the received gospels. Justin was + not born till a century after the commencement of our vulgar era. + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER XVI.</span><br /> + <span class="smaller">RESURRECTION OF JESUS—HIS CONDUCT UNTIL HIS + ASCENSION—EXAMINATION OF THE PROOFS OF THE RESURRECTION.</span> + </h2> + <p> + T<span class="smcap lowercase">HE</span> history of the life of an + ordinary man terminates commonly, with his death; but it is different with + a Man-God who has the power of raising himself from the dead, or whom his + adherents have the faculty of making rise at will. This happened to Jesus: + thanks to his apostles or evangelists, we see him still playing a + considerable part even after his decease. The moment he was arrested, the + disciples of Jesus, as we have seen, dispersed themselves into Jerusalem + and the <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>neighborhood, + with the exception or Simon Peter, who did not lose sight of him during + his examination at the house of the high priest. This apostle was anxious, + for his own sake, to know the result of it. Encouraging themselves on + finding that Jesus had not criminated them in his examinations, the + disciples reassembled, concerted measures, and determined, as their master + was dead, or reputed so, to take advantage of the notions which he had + diffused during his mission. Accustomed for so long a period to lead a + wandering life under his command, and subsist at the expence of the public + by preaching, exorcisms, and miracles, they resolved to continue a + profession more easily exercised, and incomparably more lucrative than + their original occupations. They had enjoyed an opportunity of observing + that it was better to catch men than fish. But how could the disciples of + a man who was punished as an impostor, make themselves be listened to? It + was necessary to give out that their master during his life having raised + others from the dead, had, after his own death, raised himself in virtue + of his omnipotence. Jesus had predicted it; it was therefore necessary to + accomplish the prediction. The honor of the master and his disciples + thereby acquired a new lustre; and the sect, far from seeing itself + annihilated or disgraced, was enabled to acquire new partizans in this + credulous nation. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of this reasoning, the apostles had only to make the body + of their master, dead or alive, to disappear; whereas if it had remained + in the tomb, it would have borne evidence against them. They did not even + wait till the three days and three nights in the pretended prophecy were + expired. The dead body disappeared on the second day; and thus the second + day after his decease, our hero, triumphing over hell and the grave, found + himself revivified. + </p> + <p> + If Jesus did not die of his punishment, his resurrection had nothing + surprising in it. If he was actually dead, the cave where his body was + deposited, might have secret passages, through which they could enter and + return without being <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>observed, + or stopt by the enormous stone with which they had affected to block up + its entrance, and near which the guards had been placed. Thus the dead + body might have been carried off either by force or by stratagem; and, + perhaps, it had never been deposited in the tomb at all. In whatever + manner the affair was transacted, a report was circulated that Jesus was + risen and his body not to be found. + </p> + <p> + Nothing is of more importance to a Christian, than to ascertain + satisfactorily the resurrection of Jesus. Paul tells us, that "if Jesus be + not risen, our hope is vain." Indeed without this miracle of Omnipotence, + intended to manifest the superiority of Jesus over other men, and the + interest Deity took in his success, he must appear only as an adventurer, + or weak fanatic, punished for having given umbrage to the priests of his + country. It is therefore requisite to examine seriously a fact on which + alone the belief of every Christian is founded. In doing this it is + necessary to satisfy ourselves of the quality of the witnesses who attest + the fact; whether they were acute, disinterested, intelligent persons; and + if they agree in their narratives. These precautions are the more + necessary, when it is intended to examine <i>supernatural</i> facts, + which, to be believed, require much stronger proofs than ordinary facts. + On the unanimous testimony of some historians, we readily believe that + Casar made himself master of Gaul. The circumstances of his conquest would + be less established were we to find them related by himself only, or his + adherents; but they would appear incredible, if we found in them prodigies + or facts contrary to the order of nature. We should then have reason to + believe that it was intended to impose on us; or, if we judged more + favorably of the authors, we would regard them as enthusiasts and fools. + </p> + <p> + Agreeably to these principles of sound criticism, let us consider who are + the witnesses that attest the marvellous, and, consequently, the least + probable fact which history can produce. They are apostles—But who + are these apostles? they are adherents of Jesus. Were these apostles <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span><i>enlightened</i> + men? Every thing proves that they were ignorant and rude, and that an + indefatigable credulity was the most prominent trait in their character. + Did they behold Jesus rising from the dead?—No:—no one beheld + this great miracle. The apostles themselves did not see their master + coming out of the grave; they merely found that his tomb was empty; which + by no means proves that he had risen. It will, however, be said, that the + apostles saw him afterwards and conversed with him, and that he showed + himself to some women who knew him very well. But these apostles and these + women, did they see distinctly? Did not their prepossessed imaginations + make them see what did not exist? Is it absolutely certain that their + master was dead before they laid him in the tomb? + </p> + <p> + In the <i>second</i> place, were these witnesses <i>disinterested</i>? The + apostles and disciples of Jesus were, doubtless interested in the glory of + their master. Their interests were closely connected with those of a man + who enabled them to subsist without toil. Several among them expected to + be recompensed for their attachment, by the favors which he promised to + bestow on them in the kingdom he was about to establish. Finding these + hopes destroyed by the death, real or supposed, of their chief, most of + the apostles, persuaded that all was over, lost courage; but, others, less + daunted, conceived that it was not necessary to give up all hope, but that + they might still profit by the impressions which the preaching and wonders + of Jesus had made on the people. They believed that their master might + again return, or, if they supposed him dead, they could assert that he had + foretold he would rise again. They therefore agreed to circulate the + report of his resurrection, and to say that they had seen him after he had + triumphantly come out of the tomb. This would appear very credible in the + case of a personage who had proved himself capable of raising others from + the dead. Knowing the imbecility of those they had to deal with, they + presumed that the people were prepared long beforehand to believe <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>the marvellous wonder + which they intended to announce. They conceived that it was necessary in + order to subsist, to continue preaching doctrines which would not attract + an audience if it had not been taken for granted that their author was + risen again. They felt that it was necessary to preach the resurrection of + Jesus, or perish with hunger. They foresaw, moreover, that it was + requisite to brave chastisement and even death, rather than renounce an + opinion on which their daily subsistence and welfare absolutely depended. + Hence unbelievers conclude, that the witnesses of the resurrection were + any thing but disinterested, and were spurred on by the principle, that <i>he + who risks nothing, gains nothing</i>. + </p> + <p> + In the <i>third</i> place, are the witnesses of the resurrection unanimous + in their evidence? Much more, are they consistent with themselves in their + narratives? We find neither the one nor the other. Though Jesus, according + to some of the evangelists, had foretold in the most positive manner, that + he would rise again, John makes no mention of this prediction, but + expressly declares, that the disciples of Jesus knew not that he must rise + again from the dead. This denotes in them a total ignorance of that great + event, said, however, to have been announced by their master; and creates + a suspicion that these predictions were piously invented afterwards. Yet + nothing can be more positive than the manner in which Matthew speaks of + the prediction: he supposes it so well known to the public, that he + affirms the priests and pharisees went to Pilate and told him, "We + remember this deceiver said while he was yet alive, that after three days + he would rise again." We do not, however, find in any of the evangelists a + passage where this resurrection is foretold in so public and decided a + manner. Matthew himself relates only the answer of Jesus to those who + demanded a sign; it consisted, as we have elsewhere remarked, in referring + them to "Jonas, who was three days and three nights in the belly of the + whale; so," said he, "shall the Son of man be three days and three nights + in the heart of <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>the + earth. Now Jesus, having died on Friday, at the ninth hour, or three + o'clock in the afternoon, and risen again the second day early in the + morning, was not "three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." + Besides, the obscure manner in which Jesus expressed himself in this + pretended prediction, could not enable the priests and pharisees to + conclude that he must die and rise again, or excite their alarm; unless it + is pretended, that on this occasion these enemies of Jesus received the + interpretation of the mysterious prediction by a particular revelation. + </p> + <p> + John tells us, that when Jesus was taken down from the cross by Joseph of + Arimathea, Nicodemus brought a mixture of aloes and myrrh, weighing about + a hundred pounds, to embalm him, and that he afterwards took the body, + wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, applied the spices according to the + practice of the Jews in their funeral ceremonies, and laid it in the tomb. + Thus was Jesus embalmed, carried away, and buried. On the other hand, + Matthew and Luke tell us that this sepulchre and embalming were performed + in presence of Mary Magdalane and Mary the mother of Jesus, who + consequently must have known what Nicodemus had done; yet Mark, forgetting + all this, tells us that these same women brought sweet spices (aromatics) + in order to embalm his body, and came for that purpose early in the + morning of the day subsequent to the Sabbath. Luke has no better memory: + he informs us that these ladies came also to embalm a dead body, which, + according to John, had already received a hundred pounds weight of + aromatics, and was inclosed in a sepulchre, the entrance of which was + blocked up by a massy stone that embarrassed the women as much at finding + it as the incredulous are with these contradictions of our evangelists. + </p> + <p> + The ladies, however, who felt interrupted by the stone, had no dread of + the guard which Matthew placed at the entrance of the tomb. But if these + women knew that Jesus was to rise again at the end of three days, why were + they so careful <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>in + embalming his body?—unless indeed we suppose that Jesus made a + secret to his mother and the tender Magdalane, of an event, which, it is + asserted, was publicly predicted, and perfectly well known not only to his + disciples, but to the priests and pharisees. According to Matthew, the + precautions used were founded on the fear the priests entertained that the + disciples should come and carry away the body, and afterwards say unto the + people, that Jesus had risen from the dead; an error, which, in their + opinion, would be more dangerous than the first. Nevertheless, we find + several women and disciples continually roaming about the tomb, going and + coming freely, and offering to embalm the same dead body twice. It must be + acknowledged, that all this surpasses human understanding. + </p> + <p> + It is not more easy to conceive the conduct of the guards placed near the + tomb at the solicitation of the priests, or that of the priests + themselves. According to Matthew, these guards, terrified at the + resurrection of Jesus, ran to Jerusalem to tell the priests, "that the + angel of the Lord had descended from heaven, and taken away the stone + which blocked up the tomb; and that at the sight of him they had nearly + expired through fear." On this the priests, not at all doubting the truth + of the relation of the guards, enjoined them to say publicly that the + disciples of Jesus had carried away his body during the night, and while + they were asleep. They also gave the soldiers money to speak in this + manner, and promised to pacify the governor if he intended to punish them + for their negligence. + </p> + <p> + The guards, it will be observed, did not say they had seen Jesus rise; + they pretended merely to have seen "the angel of the Lord descending from + heaven, and rolling away the stone which was at the entrance of the tomb." + Thus this history announces <i>an apparition</i> only, and not <i>a + resurrection</i>. We might explain it in a manner natural enough by + supposing that during the night, while the guards were asleep, the + adherents of Jesus came by the light of flambeaus, with an <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>armed force to open + the tomb and intimidate the soldiers, who, in the alarm imagined they had + seen their prey taken out of their hands by a supernatural power; and that + they afterwards affirmed all this in order to justify themselves. + </p> + <p> + The most singular circumstance is the conduct of the priests, who believed + the story of the guards, and consequently gave credit to a miracle strong + enough to convince them of the power of Jesus. But far from being + convinced by the prodigy which they thus believed, they gave money to the + soldiers to engage them to tell, not the incident as it occurred, but that + the disciples of Jesus came by night to take away the body of their + master. On the other hand, the guards, who must have been more dead than + alive through terror at the spectacle they had witnessed, accepted money + for publishing a falsehood; a conduct for which the angel of the Lord + might very properly have punished them. Far, however, from dreading + punishment, these soldiers for a sum of money consented to betray their + consciences. But could the Jewish priests, however base we may suppose + them, be silly enough to imagine that these men, after having witnessed so + striking a miracle, would be very faithful in preserving the secret? It + must have been an insignificant miracle indeed which could make no + impression either on the soldiers who had seen it, or on the priests who + believed it on the relation of these soldiers. If the priests were + convinced of the reality of the miracle, was it not natural that they + should recognize Jesus for the messiah, and that they should unite with + him in laboring to deliver their country from the yoke of idolaters? + </p> + <p> + On this occasion, indeed, the angel of the Lord seems to have bungled the + affair, by so terrifying the soldiers that they fled without having time + to see Jesus rising from the dead; whose resurrection, however, was the + object of all this pompous preparation. Very far from allowing it to be + seen by any one, this awkward angel chased away the guards who ought to + have been the witnesses of the mighty wonder. It <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>appears, in fact, that the transaction or + Jesus' resurrection was seen by nobody. His disciples did not see it; the + soldiers, who guarded his tomb, did not see it; and the priests and Jews + did not hold this fact to be so memorable as some persons who beheld no + part of it. It was only after his resurrection that Jesus showed himself. + But to whom did he show himself? To disciples, interested in saying that + he was risen again; to women, who to the same interest joined also weak + minds and ardent imaginations, disposed to form phantoms and chimeras. + </p> + <p> + These remarks will enable us to judge of all the pretended appearances of + Jesus after his resurrection. Besides, the evangelists are not unanimous + as to these appearances. Matthew relates, that Jesus showed himself to + Mary Magdalane and the other Mary; John makes mention of Mary Magdalane + singly. Matthew tells us, that Jesus showed himself to the two Marys on + the road whilst returning from the sepulchre on purpose to apprize the + disciples of what they had seen. John informs us, that Mary Magdalane, + after visiting the sepulchre, carried the news to the disciples, and + thereafter returned to this same sepulchre, where she beheld Jesus in the + company of angels. Matthew affirms, that the two Marys embraced the feet + of Jesus. John says, Jesus forbade Mary Magdalane to touch him. Matthew + informs us, that Jesus bade the two Marys tell his disciples <i>that he + was going into Galilee</i>. John says, Jesus ordered Mary to acquaint his + disciples, <i>that he was going to his Father</i>; that is, to heaven. But + it is more singular still, that, according to Mark, the disciples + themselves were not inclined to credit the apparition of Jesus to + Magdalane. Agreeably to Luke, they treated all that she told them of + angels, as reveries. According to John, Magdalane herself did not at first + believe that she had seen her adorable lover, whom she took for the + gardener. + </p> + <p> + There is no greater certainty in the apparition of Jesus to Peter and + John. These two apostles went to the sepulchre, <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>but they did not find their dear master. + According to John, he himself saw neither Jesus nor his angels. From Luke + it appears, that these apostles arrived <i>after</i> the angels were gone; + and from John, <i>before</i> the angels had arrived. The witnesses are, + indeed, very little unanimous as to these angels, who seem to have been + seen only by the good ladies, whom they charged to announce to the + disciples the resurrection of Jesus. Matthew makes mention of <i>one angel</i> + only, whom Mark calls <i>a young man</i>. + </p> + <p> + John affirms that there were <i>two</i>. + </p> + <p> + It is said that Jesus showed himself again to two disciples of Emaus, + called <i>Simon</i> and <i>Cleophas</i>; but they did not recognize him, + though they had lived familiarly with him. They proceeded a long while in + his company without suspecting who he was—a circumstance which, + undoubtedly, evinced a very strange failure of memory. It is true, Luke + tells us that their <i>eyes were as if shut</i>. Is it not very singular + that Jesus should show himself in order not to be known again? They, + however, recognized him afterwards; but immediately dreading, as it would + seem, to be seen too nearly, the phantom disappeared. The two disciples + went immediately and announced the news to their brethren assembled at + Jerusalem, where Jesus arrived fully as soon as they. + </p> + <p> + Matthew, Mark, and Luke, agree in telling us, that when the disciples were + informed of the resurrection of Jesus, they saw him for the first and last + time. But the author of the Acts of the Apostles, John and Paul contradict + this assertion, for they speak of several other appearances which + afterwards occurred. Matthew and Mark inform us, that the disciples + received orders to go and join Jesus <i>in Galilee</i>; but Luke and the + author of the Acts (i.e. the same Luke) says, that the disciples were + ordered <i>not to go out of Jerusalem</i>. As to this last apparition, + Matthew places it on a <i>mountain in Galilee</i>, where Jesus had fixed + the rendezvous for the evening of the day of his resurrection; whilst Luke + informs us that it was at Jerusalem, and tells us that immediately + thereafter <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>Jesus + ascended into heaven, and disappeared forever. Yet the author of the Acts + of the Apostles is not of this opinion: he maintains, <i>against himself</i>, + that Jesus tarried still forty days with his disciples in order to + instruct them. + </p> + <p> + There still remain to be considered two appearances of Jesus to his + apostles, the one at which Thomas was not present, and refused to believe + those who assured him of their having seen their master, and the other + when Thomas recognized his master, who shewed him his wounds. To render + one of these apparitions more marvellous, they assure us that Jesus was + seen in the midst of his disciples whilst the doors were shut. But this + will not appear surprizing to those who know that Jesus after his + resurrection, had an immaterial or incorporeal body, which could make + itself a passage through the smallest orifices. His disciples took him for + a <i>spirit</i>: yet this <i>spirit</i> had wounds, was palpable, and took + food. But, perhaps, all this was only chimerical, and those apparitions + mere illusions. Indeed, how could the apostles be assured of the reality + of what they saw? A being who has the power of changing the course of + nature, can destroy all the rules by which we judge of certainty: how then + could they ever be certain of having seen Jesus after his resurrection? + </p> + <p> + John speaks of several appearances of Jesus to his disciples, of which no + mention is made by the other evangelists: hence we see that his testimony + destroys theirs, or that theirs destroy his. As to the apparitions of + Jesus which Paul mentions, he was not a witness of them, and knew them + only by hearsay; we find him accordingly speaking of them in a manner not + very exact. He says that Jesus showed himself "to the twelve," while it is + evident that, by the death of Judas, the apostolic college was reduced to + eleven. We are surprized to see these inaccuracies in an inspired author; + they may render suspicious what he likewise says of the apparition of + Jesus to five hundred of the brethren at once. As to himself we know, that + he never saw his master but in a <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179">[Pg + 179]</a></span><i>vision</i>; and considering the testimonies on which the + resurrection of Jesus is founded, perhaps we may say as much of the other + apostles and disciples. They were Jews, enthusiasts, and prophets; and + consequently subject to dreaming even while awake. The incredulous + consider this to be the most favorable opinion they can form of witnesses + who attest the resurrection of the Saviour, on which however the Christian + religion is solely established. + </p> + <p> + It appears, indeed, most certain from the nature of the testimonies we + have examined, that providence has in a singular manner neglected to give + to an event so memorable and of such great importance, the authenticity it + seemed to require. Laying aside faith, which never experiences any + difficulty about proofs, no man can believe facts, even the most natural, + from vouchers so faulty, proofs so weak, relations so contradictory, and + testimonies so suspicious as those which the evangelists furnish us on the + most incredible and marvellous occurrence that was ever related. + Independent of the visible interest these historians had in establishing + the belief of the resurrection of their master, and which ought to put us + on our guard against them, they seem to have written merely to contradict + one another, and reciprocally weaken their evidence. To adopt relations in + which we have only a tissue of contradictions, improbable facts, and + absurdities, calculated to destroy all confidence in history, requires + indeed grace from above. Yet Christians do not for a moment doubt the + resurrection; and their belief in this respect is founded on a <i>rock</i>; + that is on prejudices they have never examined, and to which from early + infancy their spiritual guides have prudently attached the greatest + importance. They teach them to immolate reason, judgment, and good sense, + on the altar of faith. After this sacrifice, it is no longer difficult to + make them acknowledge, without enquiry, the most palpable absurdities for + truths, on which it is not permitted even to be sceptical. + </p> + <p> + It is in vain that people of sense demonstrate the falsity of <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>these pretended + truths; it is in vain that an intelligent critic stands up against + interested testimonies, visibly suggested by enthusiasm and imposture; it + is in vain, that humanity exclaims against wars, massacres, and horrors + without number, which absurd disputes on absurd dogmas have occasioned. + They silence the credulous by saying, that "it is written, I will destroy + the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nought the understanding of the + prudent.—Where is the wise? Where are the scribes? (the doctors of + the law). Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world by causing + the foolishness of the gospel to be preached?" It is by such declamations + against reason and wisdom that fanatics and impostors have almost banished + good sense from the earth, and formed slaves who make a merit of rejecting + reason, of extinguishing a sacred torch which would conduct them with + certainty, on purpose to lead them astray in the darkness which these + interested guides know how to infuse into minds. + </p> + <p> + The dogma of the resurrection of Jesus is only attested by men whose + subsistence depended on that absurd romance; and as roguery continually + belies itself, these witnesses could not agree among themselves in their + evidence. They tell us, that Jesus had publicly predicted his own + resurrection. He ought therefore to have risen publicly; he ought to have + shewn himself, not in secret to his disciples, but openly to priests, + pharisees, doctors, and men of understanding, especially after having + intimated, that it was the <i>only sign which would be given them</i>. Was + it not acknowledging the falsehood of his mission, to refuse the sign by + which he had solemnly promised to prove the truth of that mission? Was it + reasonable to require the Jews to believe, on the word of his disciples, a + fact which he could have demonstrated before their own eyes? How is it + possible for rational persons of the present age to believe, after the + lapse of eighteen hundred years, on the discordant testimonies of four + interested evangelists, fanatics, or fabulists, a story which they could + not make be believed in their own time; except by a small <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>number of imbecile + people, incapable of reasoning, fond of the marvellous, and of too limited + understandings to escape the snares laid for their simplicity. A Roman + governor, a tetrarch, a Jewish high priest, converted by the apparition of + Jesus, would have made a greater impression on a man of sense than a + hundred secret apparitions to his chosen disciples. The conversion of the + Sanhedrim at Jerusalem to the faith, would have been of greater weight + than all the obscure rabble which the apostles prevailed on to believe + their improbable marvels, and persuaded that they had seen Jesus alive + after his death. + </p> + <p> + If the apparitions of Jesus to his apostles were not obviously fables + invented by roguery, or adopted through enthusiasm and ignorance, the + motive of these clandestine visits cannot be divined. Become incapable of + suffering, and re-established in his divine omnipotence, was he still + afraid of the Jews? Could he dread being put to death a second time? By + again showing himself, had he not better reason to calculate on converting + them than he derived from all his sermons and miracles? + </p> + <p> + But it is said that the Jews by their opposition deserved to be rejected; + that the views of providence were changed; and that God no longer wished + his chosen people should be converted. These answers are so many insults + to the Divinity. How is it possible for men to withstand God? Is it not to + deny the Divine Omnipotence to pretend that man can oppose its will? Man, + it is asserted, is free; but must not a God who knew every thing, have + foreseen that the Jews would abuse their liberty by resisting his will? In + that case why send them his Son? Why make him suffer to no purpose an + infamous and cruel death? Why not send him at once to creatures disposed + to hear him, and render him homage? To pretend that the views of + providence were changed, is it not to attack the divine immutability? + Unless indeed it be said, that Deity had from all eternity resolved on + this change; which, however, will not shelter that immutability. <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Thus, in whatever point of view we contemplate the matter, it will remain + a decided fact, that the resurrection of Jesus, far from being founded on + solid proofs, unexceptionable testimony, and respectable authority, is + obviously established on falsehood and knavery, which pervade every page + of the discordant relations of those who have pretended to vouch it. + </p> + <p> + After having made their hero revive and show himself, we know not how + often, to his trusty disciples, it was necessary in the end to make him + disappear altogether—to send him back to heaven, in order to + conclude the romance. But our story-tellers are not more in union on his + disappearance than on other things. They agree neither as to the time nor + the place of Jesus' ascension. Mark and Luke inform us, that Jesus after + having shown himself to the eleven apostles while they were at table, and + spoken to them, ascended into heaven. Luke adds, that he conducted them as + far as Bethany; lifted up his hands and blessed them, and was afterwards + carried up to heaven. Mark contradicts Luke, and makes Jesus ascend to + heaven from Galilee: and as if he had seen what passed on high, places him + on the right hand of God, who on this occasion yielded to him the place of + honor. Matthew and John do not speak of this ascension. If we leave it to + them, we must say, that Jesus is still on earth according to the first of + these evangelists, his last words to his disciples gave them to + understand, that he would "remain with them until the end of the world." + To fix our ideas on this subject, Luke tells us, as we have seen, that + Jesus ascended into heaven the very evening of the day of the + resurrection. But he afterwards informs us, that Jesus tarried <i>forty + days after his resurrection</i> with his disciples. Faith only can + extricate us from this embarrassment. John advances nothing in the matter; + but leaves us in uncertainty as to the time which Jesus passed on earth + after his resurrection. Some unbelievers on observing the romantic style + of the gospel of this apostle, have concluded from the manner in which he + finishes his history, that he meant to give free course to the fables + which <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>might + afterwards be published about Jesus. He terminates his narrative with + these words; "Jesus did also many other things, and if they should be + written every one, I suppose, that even the world itself could not contain + the books that should be written:" and with this hyperbole, the + well-beloved apostle finishes the Platonic romance which he made about his + master. + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER XVII.</span><br /> + <span class="smaller">GENERAL REFLECTIONS ON THE LIFE OF JESUS.—PREACHING + OF THE APOSTLES.—CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL. ESTABLISHMENT OF + CHRISTIANITY.— PERSECUTIONS IT SUFFERS.—CAUSES OF ITS + PROGRESS.</span> + </h2> + <p> + T<span class="smcap lowercase">HE</span> mere reading of the life of + Jesus, as we have represented it according to documents which Christians + consider inspired, must be sufficient to undeceive every thinking being. + But it is the property of superstition to prevent thinking: it benumbs the + soul, confounds the reason, perverts the judgment, renders doubtful the + most obvious truths, and makes a merit with its slaves of despising + inquiry, and of relying on the word of those who govern them. It is not + unseasonable, therefore, to offer some reflections which may be useful to + those who have not courage to draw out of the preceding inquiry, the + consequences which naturally result from it; and thus aid them in forming + rational ideas of the Jesus they adore, of his disciples whom they revere, + and of books which they are accustomed to regard as sacred. + </p> + <p> + Our examination of the birth of Jesus ought to render it very suspicious. + We have found the Holy Spirit mistaken on that important article of Jesus' + life; for he inspired two evangelists with two very different genealogies. + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>Notwithstanding + so striking a blunder, and the consanguinity of Mary and Elizabeth wife of + the priest Zacharias, we shall not cavil on these points. We shall grant + that Mary might really be of the race of David: many examples demonstrate + that the branches of races more illustrious have fallen into misery. + Departing also from the supposition, that Mary, the <i>immaculate</i> wife + of Joseph, may have willingly yielded to the angel; or, simple and devout, + may have been deceived by the angel, there is every reason to believe that + she afterwards taught her son his descent from David, and perhaps, some + marvellous circumstances which, by justifying the mother, might kindle the + enthusiasm of the child. Thus Jesus, at a very early age, might be really + persuaded of his royal extraction, and of the wonders which had + accompanied his birth. These ideas might afterwards inflame his ambition, + and lead him to think that he was destined to play a grand part in his + native country. Prepossessed with these notions, and intoxicating himself + more and more by the perusal of obscure prophecies and traditions, it is + very possible, that our adventurer might believe himself actually called + by the Divinity, and pointed out by the prophets to be the reformer, the + chief, and the messiah of Israel. He was indeed a visionary, and found + people silly enough to be caught by his reveries. + </p> + <p> + Another cause might likewise contribute to heat the brain of our + missionary. Some learned men have conjectured with much appearance of + truth, that Jesus acquired his morality among a kind of monks or Jewish + Coenobites (friars) called Therapeutes or Essenians. We certainly find a + striking conformity between what Philo tells us of these pious + enthusiasts, and the sublime precepts of Jesus. The Therapeutes abandoned + father and mother, wife, children, and property, in order to devote + themselves to contemplation. They explained the scripture in a manner + purely allegorical; abstained from oaths; lived in common; suffered with + resolution the misfortunes of life, and died with joy. It is certain, + that, in the time of the historian Josephus, three sects were reckoned + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>in Judea, the + pharisees, sadducees, and the Essenians, or Essenes. From the time of that + writer, there is no longer any mention made of the latter; hence some have + concluded that these Essenians, or Therapeutes, were afterwards confounded + or incorporated with the first Christians, who, according to every + evidence, led a manner of life perfectly similar to theirs. From all which + it may be concluded, either that Jesus had been a Therapeute before his + preaching, or that he had borrowed their doctrines. + </p> + <p> + Whatever may be in this, in the midst of an ignorant and superstitious + nation, perpetually fed with oracles and pompous promises; miserable at + that time and discontented with the Roman yoke; continually cajoled with + the expectation of a deliverer, who was to restore them with honor, our + enthusiast without difficulty found an audience, and, by degrees, + adherents. Men are naturally disposed to listen to, and believe those who + make them hope for an end to their miseries. Misfortunes render them + timorous and credulous, and lead them to superstition. A fanatic easily + makes conquests among a wretched people. It is not then wonderful that + Jesus should soon acquire partizans, especially among the populace who in + every country are easily seduced. + </p> + <p> + Our hero knew the weakness of his fellow-citizens. They wanted prodigies, + and he, in their eyes, performed them. A stupid people, totally strangers + to the natural sciences, to medicine, or to the resources of artifice, + easily mistook very simple operations for miracles, and attributed effects + to the finger of God which might be owing to the knowledge Jesus had + acquired during the long interval that preceded his mission. Nothing is + more common than the combination of enthusiasm and imposture; the most + sincere devotees, when they intend to advance what they believe to be the + word of God, often countenance frauds which they style <i>pious</i>. There + are but few zealots who do not even think crimes allowable when the + interests of religion are concerned. In religion, as at play, <i>one + begins with being dupe, and ends with being knave</i>. <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Thus on considering things attentively, and comparing the different + accounts of the life of Jesus, we must be persuaded that he was a fanatic, + who really thought himself inspired, favored by Heaven, sent to his + nation; in short, that he was the messiah, who, to support his divine + mission, felt no difficulty to employ such deceptions as were best + calculated for a people to whom miracles were absolutely necessary; and + whom, without miracles, the most eloquent harangues, the wisest precepts, + the most intelligent counsels, and the truest principles could never have + convinced. A medley of enthusiasm and juggling constitute the character of + Jesus, and it is that of all spiritual adventurers who assume the name of + Reformers, or become the chiefs of a sect. + </p> + <p> + We always find Jesus, during his whole mission, preaching the kingdom of + his Father, and supporting his preaching with wonders. At first he spoke + in a very reserved manner of his quality of messiah, son of God, and son + of David. There was prudence in not giving himself out for such. But he + suffered the secret to be revealed by the mouth of the devil, to impose + silence on whom he commonly took great care; not, however, until after the + devil had spoken in a manner sufficiently intelligible to make an + impression on the spectators. So that with the assistance of his + possessed, his proselytes, or his convulsionaries, he procured + testimonies, which from his own mouth would have been very suspicious, and + might have rendered him odious. + </p> + <p> + Our operator also took care to choose his ground for performing miracles; + he constantly refused to operate before those whom he supposed inclined to + criticise his wonders. If he sometimes performed them in the synagogues, + and in presence of the doctors, it was in the certainty that the less + fastidious populace, who believed in his miracles, would take his part, + and defend him against the evil designs of the more acute spectators. + </p> + <p> + The apostles of Jesus appear to have been men of their master's temper—credulous + or misled enthusiasts, <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>dexterous + cheats, or often both together. Jesus, who had skill in men, admitted into + his intimate confidence those only in whom he remarked the most submissive + credulity or the greatest address. On important occasions, such as the + miracle of multiplying the loaves, the transfiguration, &c. we find, + as already noticed, that he used always the ministry of Peter, James, and + John. + </p> + <p> + It is easy to conceive that his disciples were attached to him from + interest or credulity. The most crafty perceived that their fortune could + only be ameliorated under the conduct of a man who knew how to impose on + the vulgar, and to make his followers live at the expence of charitable + devotees. Fishermen, formerly obliged to subsist by painful and often + unsuccessful labour, conceived that it was more advantageous to attach + themselves to one who without trouble made them live comfortably. The most + credulous expected to make a brilliant fortune, and to fill posts of + eminence in the new kingdom their chief intended to establish. It was + evidently from <i>earthly</i> or interested motives, and not heavenly, + that the apostles attached themselves to Jesus. At the last supper there + was a strife amongst them <i>who should be accounted the greatest</i>. + "The meanest," as Bishop Parker expressed it, "hoped at least to have been + made lord mayor of Capernaum." And even at his ascension the only question + his disciples asked, was, <i>Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again + the kingdom of Israel</i>? + </p> + <p> + The hopes and comforts of both vanished on the death of Jesus. The + pusillanimous lost courage, but the most able and subtle did not think it + necessary to abandon the party. They therefore contrived, as we have seen, + the tale of the resurrection, by the aid of which the reputation of their + master and their own fortune were secured. It also appears, that the + apostles never sincerely believed their master was a <i>God</i>. The Acts + incontestibly demonstrate the contrary. The same Simon Peter, who had + recognized Jesus for the Son of the living God, declared in his first + sermon, that he <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>was + man. "Ye know," says he, "that Jesus of Nazareth was a <span + class="smcap lowercase">MAN</span> whom God hath rendered famous among you—Yet + ye have crucified him—but God hath raised him up again," &c. + This passage proves clearly that the chief of the apostles dared not yet + hazard, or was wholly ignorant of the doctrine of the divinity of Jesus, + which was afterwards contrived by the self-interest of the clergy and + adopted by the foolishness of Christians, whose credulity was never + startled by the greatest absurdities. Self-interest and folly have + perpetuated this doctrine until our time. By dint of repeating the same + tales for so long a period, they have succeeded in making people believe + the most ridiculous fables. The religion of the children is always + regulated by the fancy of their fathers. + </p> + <p> + It appears however, that the apostles of Jesus, deprived of the counsels + of their master, could not have succeeded if they had not received + powerful aid after his death, and selected associates, men more active + than themselves, and better calculated for the business. They deliberated + together on their common interests; it was then the Holy Spirit descended + on them; that is, they considered on the means of earning a subsistence, + gaining proselytes, and increasing the number of their adherents, in order + to secure themselves against the enterprizes of the priests and grandees + of the nation, whom the new sect might have very much displeased. Not + satisfied with having put Jesus to death, they had the impudence to + persecute his disciples. They engaged Herod to destroy James the brother + of Jesus; finally they caused Stephen to be stoned. These priests and + doctors did not perceive that persecution is the surest method of + spreading fanaticism, and that it always gives importance to the party + persecuted. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly this persecuting spirit, inherent in the clergy, created new + partisans to the persecuted sect. Hard treatment, and imprisonment always + render sectaries more obstinate, and interesting objects to those who + witness their <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>sufferings. + Tortures excite our pity in behalf of the person who endures them. Every + fanatic that is punished is certain of finding credulous friends to aid + him, because they persuade themselves it is for truth he is persecuted. + </p> + <p> + The proceedings instigated by the priests, convinced the new sectaries + that it was of the utmost importance to unite their interests. They felt + it necessary to avoid quarrels, and every thing which could create + division; they in consequence lived in concord and peace. + </p> + <p> + The apostles, now become heads of the sect, did not neglect their own + interests. One of the first faculties with which the Holy Spirit inspired + them, was to profit by devout souls, and engage them to place all their + property in common. The apostles were the depositaries of these goods, and + had under their orders ministers or servants, known by the name of + deacons, charged with the distribution of alms. These great saints, it is + to be presumed, did not forget themselves in these distributions. It + appears also, that the law for this communion of goods, was observed with + rigor, as we find, in the Acts of the Apostles, Ananias and Saphira struck + dead, on the prayer of Peter, for having had the temerity to retain a + portion of their own property: a conduct which would appear as unjust, as + barbarous in any other person but an apostle of Jesus. It must however be + acknowledged, that the law, which obliged the rich to place their property + in common, was very important, not only to the apostles, but for + increasing the sect. The poor undoubtedly must have been eager to join a + party where the rich engaged to <i>lay the cloth</i>. Hence it is easy to + perceive, how this institution might augment the number of the faithful + without a miracle. + </p> + <p> + Of all the adherents the new-born sect acquired, there was none superior + to Saul, afterwards known by the name of Paul. The actions and writings + ascribed to this Apostle exhibit him as an ambitious, active, intrepid, + and opiniative man, full of enthusiasm, and capable of inspiring others + with it. Engaged at first in the profession of a tent-maker, he <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>afterwards attached + himself to Gamaliel, a doctor of the law and rendered services to the + priests in their persecutions against Christians. Perceiving the utility + which a man of Saul's character might be of to the party, the apostles + profited by some disgust he had taken to draw him over to their sect. He + consented readily conceiving that by his superior talents he might easily + succeed in making himself the head of a party, to which he also knew the + means of rendering himself necessary. He pretended, therefore, that his + conversion was the effect of a miracle, and that God himself had called + him. He was baptised at Damascus, joined the apostles at Jerusalem, was + admitted a member of their college, and soon gave them proofs of his + talents. He commenced preaching Jesus and his resurrection, and labored in + gaining souls. His vehement zeal hurried him, without fear or hesitation, + into quarrels with the priests, always indignant at the conduct of the + apostles; but his persecutions rendered him dearer to his party, of which + he became from that time the prime mover. + </p> + <p> + Often maltreated by the Jews, Paul conjectured that it would be beneficial + not to confine himself to them, but that conquests might be made among the + heathen. He no doubt knew that mankind resemble each other in all + superstitions; that they are every where curious about the marvellous; + susceptible of fanaticism, lovers of novelties, and easily deceived. He + therefore, sometimes preached to Jews, and sometimes to Gentiles, among + whom he succeeded in enlisting a considerable number of recruits. + </p> + <p> + Jesus, born in the bosom of Judaism, and knowing the attachment of his + fellow-citizens to the law of Moses, had always openly declared, that he + was come to "accomplish, and not to destroy it." His first apostles were + Jews, and showed much attachment to the rites of their religion. They were + displeased that Paul their brother would not subject his Gentile + proselytes to Judaical usuages. Filled with views more vast than those + entertained by the other apostles, he did not wish to disgust his new + converts with inconvenient <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>ceremonies, + such as circumcision and abstinence from certain meats. The better to + attain his ends, he neglected these usuages, which he considered as + trifles, while his brethren regarded them as most essential. The first + proselytes or the apostles as we have said, were called <i>Nazarenes</i> + or Ebionites, who believed in Jesus without forsaking the law of Moses. + They of course regarded Paul as an heretic or apostate. This fact, + attested by Origen, Eusebius, and Epiphanius, is important in giving us a + distinct idea of primitive Christianity, which we see divided into two + sects almost as soon as Paul had embraced it. This new apostle very soon + indeed separated from his brethren to preach a doctrine different from + theirs, and openly undermined the Judaism which Peter, James, and the + other heads of the church persisted in respecting. But as Paul was + successful among the Gentiles, his party prevailed: Judaism was entirely + proscribed, and Christianity became quite a new religion, of which Judaism + had been only the figure. Thus Paul wholly changed the religious system of + Jesus, who had merely proposed to reform Judaism. The principal apostles + followed the conduct of their master, and showed themselves much attached + to the law and usages of their fathers. Paul notwithstanding their + protestations, took a different course; he displayed a contempt or + indifference for the legal ordinances, to which through policy, however, + he sometimes subjected himself. Thus we find he circumcised Timothy, and + performed Jewish ceremonies in the temple of Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + Not content with decrying the law of Moses, Paul, by his own confession, + preached a gospel of his own. He says positively, in his epistle to the + Galatians, "That the gospel which I preach is not after men," and that he + had received it by a particular revelation of Jesus. He speaks likewise of + his quarrels with the other heads of the sect; but his disciple Luke + passes over these very slightly in the Acts, which are much more the <i>Acts + of Paul</i> than the Acts of the Apostles. It appears evident, that he + embroiled himself with his <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>brethren, + the partisans of the circumcision, and the founders of the Nazarenes or + Ebionites, who had a gospel different from that of Paul, as they combined + the law of Jesus with that of Moses. Irenaeus, Justin, Epiphanius, + Eusebius, Theodoret, and Augustine, agree in telling us, that these + Ebionites, or converted Jews, regarded Jesus as a "mere man, son of Joseph + and Mary, to whom they gave the name of <i>Son of God</i> only on account + of his virtues." From this it is evident, that it was Paul who <i>deified</i> + Jesus and abolished Judaism. The Paulites, become the strongest, prevailed + over the Ebionites, or disciples of the apostles, and regarded them as + heretics. Hence we see that it is the religion of Paul, and not of Jesus, + which at present subsists. + </p> + <p> + This altercation of Paul and the apostles of Jesus produced a real schism. + Paul left the preaching of the Judaical gospel or circumcision to his + brethren whilst he preached his own in Asia Minor and in Greece, sometimes + to the Hellenistic Jews, whom he found established there, and sometimes to + the idolatrous Greeks, whose language, though unknown to the other + apostles, Paul was acquainted with. The success of his mission far + surpassed that of his brethren; and if we refer to the Acts of the + Apostles, we shall perceive in this new preacher an activity, a warmth, a + vehemence, and an enthusiasm well adapted to communicate itself. The + missionaries he formed, spread his doctrine to a great distance. The + gospel of the apostle of the gentiles prevailed over the gospel of the + Judaizing apostles; and in a short time there were a great number of + Christians in all the provinces of the Roman empire. + </p> + <p> + To a miserable people, crushed by tyrants and oppressors of every kind, + the principles of the new sect had powerful attractions. Its maxims, which + tended to introduce equality and a community of goods, were calculated to + entice the unfortunate. Its promises flattered miserable fanatics, to whom + was announced the end of a perverse world, the approaching arrival of + Jesus, and a kingdom wherein abundance and <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>happiness would reign. To be admitted + there, they merely required of the proselytes "to believe in Jesus and be + baptized." As for the austere maxims of the sect, they were not of a + nature to disgust miserables, accustomed to suffering, and the want of the + conveniences of life. Its dogmas, few in the beginning, were readily + adopted by ignorant men, fond of wonders, whom their own mythology + disposed to receive the fables of Christians. Besides, their own priests + wrought miracles, which rendered those said to have been performed by + Jesus no way improbable in their estimation. Different missionaries, in + emulation of one another composed romances or histories of Jesus in which + they related a number of prodigies calculated to make their hero be + revered, and to interest the veneration of the faithful. In this manner + the different collections, known by the name of Gospels, were framed, + wherein, along with very simple facts which might have really occurred, we + find numerous statements that appear credible only to enthusiasts and + fools. These histories, composed from traditions by different hands, and + by authors of very different characters, are not in harmony. Hence the + want of conformity in the relations of our evangelists, which has been + frequently noticed in the course of this work. There were, as we have + before remarked, a vast number of gospels in the first ages of the church; + and out of these the council of Nice chose only four, to which they gave + the divine sanction. + </p> + <p> + We shall not here examine whether these gospels really belong to the + authors to whom they are ascribed. The opinion which attributes them to to + their putative writers, might have been founded at first on some + tradition, true or false, which existed in the time of the council of + Nice, or which the fathers of that council had an interest in sanctioning. + It is difficult to persuade ourselves without faith, that the gospel of + John, filled with Platonic notions could be composed by the son of + Zebedee; by a poor fisherman, who, perhaps, incapable of writing, and even + reading, could not be acquainted with the philosophy of Plato. From the + <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>commencement of + christianity there have been many who have denied the authenticity of the + gospels. <i>Marcias</i> accused them of being filled with falsehoods. The + Alloges and Theodocians rejected the gospel of John, which they regarded + as a tissue of lies. Augustin says, that he found in the Platonists the + whole beginning of the gospel of John. Origen below informs us, that + Celsus reproached Jesus with having taken from Plato his finest maxims, + and among others the one which says, that "it is more easy for a camel to + go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to be saved." + </p> + <p> + Whatever opinion may be formed as to this, we find the mystical and + marvellous philosophy of Plato introduced very early into Christianity, + which agreed in several respects with the tenets held by the followers of + that eminent philosopher; while his perplexed philosophy must also have + easily amalgamated with the principles of the new sect. This was the + source of <i>Spirituality</i>, <i>Trinity</i>, and the <i>Logos</i>, or <i>Word</i>, + besides a multitude of magical and theurgical ceremonies, which in the + hands of the priests of Christianity have become <i>mysteries</i> or <i>sacraments</i>. + On reading Porphyry, Jamblichus, and particularly Plotinus, we are + surprised to hear them speaking so frequently in the same style as our + theologists. These marks of resemblance drew several Platonists over to + the faith, who figured among the doctors of the church. Of this number + were Clement of Alexandria, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Origen, &c. + Platonism may indeed be regarded as the source of the principal dogmas and + mysteries of the Christian religion. + </p> + <p> + Those who doubt the truth of this assertion have only to read the works of + the disciples of Plato, who were all superstitious persons and Theurgists, + whose ideas were analogous to those of Christians. We find, indeed, these + writings filled with receipts to make the gods and good genii descend, and + to drive away the bad. Tertullian reproaches the heretics of his time with + having wandered astray in order to introduce Platonism, Stoicism, and + Dialects into Christianity. It was <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195">[Pg + 195]</a></span>evidently the mixture of the unintelligible doctrine of + Plato, with the Dialectics of Aristotle, which rendered theology so + senseless, disputable, and fraught with subtleties. The cardinal + Pallavicini acknowledges, that "without Aristotle the Christians would + have wanted a great number of articles of faith." + </p> + <p> + The austere and fanatical lives of Christians must also have favorably + disposed a great number of Stoics, who were accustomed to make a merit of + despising objects desirable to other men, depriving themselves of the + comforts of life, and braving affliction and death. We accordingly find + among the early Christians a great number of enthusiasts tinctured with + these maxims. This fanatical way of thinking was necessary to console the + first Christians in the midst of persecutions which they suffered at first + from the Jews, and thereafter from the emperors and grandees, incited by + the heathen priests. The latter, according to the custom of the priesthood + in all countries, made war on a sect which attacked their Gods, and + menaced their temples with a general desertion. The universe was weary of + the impostures and exactions of these priests, their costly sacrifices and + lying oracles. Their knaveries had been frequently unveiled, and the new + religion tendered to mankind a worship less expensive and, which, without + being addressed so much to the eyes as the worship of idols, was better + adapted than its rival to seize the imagination, and to excite enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + Christianity was moreover flattering and consolatory to the wretched, + while it placed all men on the same level, and thus humbled the rich, it + was announced as destined for the poor through preference. Among the + Romans, slaves were in some measure excluded from religion; and it might + have been said that the gods did not concern themselves with the homage of + these degraded beings. The poor, besides, had not wherewith to satisfy the + rapacity of Pagan priests, who, like ours, did nothing without money. Thus + slaves and miserable persons must have been strongly attached to a <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>system, which taught + that all men are equal in the eyes of the Divinity, and that the wretched + have better right to the favors of a suffering and contemned God than + those who are temporally happy. The priests of Paganism became uneasy at + the rapid progress of the sect. The government was alarmed at the + clandestine assemblies which the Christians held. They were believed to be + the enemies of the emperors, because they refused to offer sacrifices to + the gods of the country for their prosperity. Even the people, ever + zealous, believed them enemies of their gods because they would not join + in their worship. They treated the Christians as Atheists and impious + persons, because they did not conceive what could be the objects of their + adoration; and because they took offence at the mysteries, which they saw + them celebrating in the greatest secrecy. The Christians, thus loaded with + the public hatred, very soon became its victims; they were persecuted; and + persecution, as it always happens, rendered them more opiniative. + Enthusiasm inflamed their souls; they considered it a glory to resist the + efforts of tyrants; they even went so far as to brave their punishments, + and concluded with believing that the greatest happiness was to perish + under their severities. In this they flattered themselves with resembling + the Son of God, and were persuaded, that by dying for his cause they were + certain of reigning with him in heaven. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of these fanatical ideas, so flattering to vanity, + martyrdom became an object of ambition to Christians. Independent of the + heavenly rewards, which they believed assured to those who suffered with + constancy, and perished for religion, they saw them esteemed, revered, and + carefully attended to during their lives, while honors almost divine were + decreed them after death. On the contrary, those of the Christian + community who had the weakness to shrink from tortures, and renounce their + religion, were scoffed at, despised, and regarded as infamous. So many + circumstances combined contributed to warm the imaginations <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>of the faithful, + already sufficiently agitated by notions of the approaching end of the + world, the coming of Jesus, and his happy reign. They submitted cheerfully + to punishment, and gloried in their chains: they courted martyrdom as a + favor, and often, through a blind zeal, provoked the rage of their + persecutors. The magistrates, by their proscriptions and tortures, caused + the enthusiasm of the Christians to kindle more and more. Their courage + was besides supported by the heads of their sect, who constantly displayed + the heavens opening to the heroes who consented to suffer and perish for + their cause, which they took care to make the poor fanatics regard as the + cause of God himself. A martyr, at all times, is merely the victim of the + enthusiastic or knavish priest who has been able to seduce him. + </p> + <p> + Men are always disgusted with those who use violence; they conclude that + they are wrong, and that those against whom they commit violence have + reason on their side. Persecution will always make partisans to the cause + persecuted; and those to which we allude, tended the more to confirm + Christians in their religion. The spectators of their sufferings were + interested for them. They were curious to know the principles of a sect + which drew on itself such cruel treatment, and infused into its adherents + a courage believed to be supernatural. They imagined that such a religion + could be no other than the work of God; its partisans appeared + extraordinary men, and their enthusiasm became contagious. Violence served + only to spread it the more, and, according to the language of a Christian + doctor, "the blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church." + </p> + <p> + The clergy would fain make the propagation of Christianity pass for a + miracle of divine omnipotence; while it was owing solely to natural causes + inherent in the human mind, which always adheres strenuously to its own + way of thinking; hardens itself against violence; applauds itself for its + pertinacity; admires courage in others; feels an interest for those who + display it; and suffers itself to be gained by their enthusiasm. <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>The learned Dodwell + has written two copious dissertations on the martyrs: the one to prove + that they were not so numerous as is commonly imagined; and the other to + demonstrate that their constancy originated in natural causes. The frenzy + of martyrdom was in fact an epidemical disease among the first Christians, + to which their spiritual physicians were obliged to apply remedies, as + these wretched beings were guilty of suicide. Many of the primitive + Christians, says Fleury, instead of <i>flying</i> as the gospel directs, + not only ran voluntarily to execution, but provoked their judges to do + them that favor. Under Trajan, all the Christians in a city of Asia came + in a body to the proconsul, and offered themselves to the slaughter, which + made him cry, O! ye unhappy people, if ye have a mind to die, have ye not + halters and precipices enough to end your lives, but ye must come here for + executioners." Marcus Antoninus severely reflected on the obstinacy of the + Christians in thus running headlong to death; and Cyprian labored hard to + comfort those who were so unhappy as to <i>escape</i> the crown of + martyrdom. Even the enemies of Julian, called the apostate by fanatics, + admit that the Christians of his time did every thing they could to + provoke that emperor to put them to death. Dr. Hickes, a celebrated + protestant divine, says that the Christians "were <i>not</i> illegally + persecuted by Julian." Pride, vanity, prejudice, love, patriotism, and + even vice itself, produce martyrs—a contempt of every kind of + danger. Is it then surprising that enthusiasm and fanaticism, the + strongest of passions, have so often enabled men to face the greatest + dangers and despise death? Besides, if Christians can boast a catalogue of + martyrs, Jews can do the same. The unfortunate Jews, condemned to the + flames by the inquisition, were martyrs to their religion; and their + fortitude proves as much in their favor as that of the Christians. If + martyrs demonstrate the truth of a religion or sect, where are we to look + for the true one? + </p> + <p> + It is thus obvious that the obstinacy of the martyrs, far <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>from being a sign of + the divine protection or of the goodness of their cause, was the effect of + blindness, occasioned by the reiterated lessons of their fanatical or + deceitful priests. What conduct more extravagant than that of a sovereign + able and without effusion of blood to extend his power, who should prefer + to do it by the massacre of the most faithful of his subjects? Is it not + annihilating the divine wisdom and goodness to assert, that a God to whom + every thing is possible, among so many ways which he could have chosen to + establish his religion, wished to follow that only of making its dearest + friends fall a sacrifice to the fury of its cruellest enemies? Such are + the notions which Christianity presents; and it is easy to perceive that + they are the necessary consequences of a fundamental absurdity on which + that religion is established. It maintains, that a just God had no wish to + redeem guilty men, than by making his dear innocent son be put to death. + According to such principles, it can excite no surprise that so + unreasonable a God should wish to convert the heathen, his enemies, by the + murder of Christians, his children. Though these absurdities are believed, + such as do not possess the holy blindness of faith cannot comprehend why + the Son of God, having already shed his blood for the redemption of men, + was not a sufficient sacrifice? and why, to effect the conversion of the + world, there was still a necessity for the blood of an immense number of + martyrs, whose merits must have been undoubtedly much less than those of + Jesus? To resolve these difficulties, theologians refer us to the eternal + decrees, the wisdom of which we are not permitted to criticise. This is + sending us far back indeed; yet notwithstanding the solidity of the + answer, the incredulous persist in saying, that their limited + understandings can neither find justice, nor wisdom, nor goodness, in + eternal decrees which could in so preposterous a manner effect the + salvation of the human race. + </p> + <p> + Persecutions were not the only means by which Christianity was propagated. + The preachers, zealous for the salvation of souls, or rather desirous to + extend their own power over <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>the + minds of men, and strengthen their party, inherited from the Jews the + passion of making proselytes. This passion suited presumptuous fanatics, + who were persuaded, that they alone possessed the divine favor. It was + unknown to the heathen, who permitted every one to adore his gods, + providing that his worship did not disturb the public tranquillity. + Prompted by zeal, the Christian missionaries, notwithstanding persecutions + and dangers, spread themselves with an ardour unparalleled wherever they + could penetrate, in order to convert idolators and bring back strayed + sheep to the fold of Jesus. This activity merited the recompense of great + success. Men, whom their idolatrous priests neglected, were flattered at + being courted, and becoming the objects of the cares of those who, through + pure disinterestedness, came from afar, and through the greatest perils to + bring them consolation. They listened favourably to them; they shewed + kindness to men so obliging, and were enchanted with their doctrine. Many + adopted their lessons; placed themselves under their guidance, and soon + became persuaded that their God and dogmas were superior to those which + had preceded them. + </p> + <p> + Thus by degrees, and without a miracle, Christianity planted colonies, + more or less considerable, in every part of the Roman empire. They were + directed, and governed by <i>inspectors</i>, <i>overseers</i>, or <i>bishops</i>, + who, in spite of the dangers with which they were menaced, labored + obstinately, and without intermission in augmenting the number of their + disciples that is, of slaves devoted to their holy will. Empire over + opinions was always the most unbounded. As nothing has greater power over + the minds of the vulgar than religion, Christians every where displayed an + unlimited submission to their spiritual sovereign, on whose laws they + believed their eternal happiness depended. Thus our missionaries, + converted into bishops, exercised a spiritual magistracy and sacred + jurisdiction, which in the end placed them not only above other priests, + but made them respected by, and necessary to, the temporal power. Princes + have always employed religion <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201">[Pg + 201]</a></span>and its ministers in crushing the people, and keeping them + under the yoke. Impostures and delusions are of no use to sovereigns who + govern, but they are very useful to those who <i>tyrannize</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a><span class="larger">CHAPTER XVIII.</span><br /> + <span class="smaller">ACCOUNT OF CHRISTIANITY FROM CONSTANTINE TO THE + PRESENT TIME.</span> + </h2> + <p> + A<span class="smcap lowercase">T</span> the end of three centuries we find + Christianity, advanced by all these means, become a formidable party in + the Roman empire. The sovereign power acknowledged the impossibility of + stifling it; and Christians, scattered in great numbers through all the + provinces, formed an imposing combination. Ambitious chiefs incessantly + wrested from one another the right of reigning over the wrecks of an + enslaved republic: each sought to encrease his own strength, and acquire + an advantage over his rivals. It was in these circumstances that + Constantine, to strengthen himself first against Maxentius, and thereafter + against Licinius, thought it his interest, by a stroke of policy, to draw + over all the Christians to his party. For this purpose he openly favored + them, and thereby reinforced his army with all the soldiers of that + numerous sect. In gratitude for the advantages they procured him, he + concluded with embracing their religion, now become so powerful. He + honored, distinguished, and enriched the Christian bishops, well assured + of attaching them to himself by his liberality to their pastors and the + favor he shewed them. Aided by their succors, he flattered himself with + the disposal of the flock. + </p> + <p> + By this political revolution, so favorable to the clergy, the bashful + chiefs of the Christians, who hitherto had reigned only in secret and + without eclat, sprung out of the dust, and became men of importance. + Seconded by a despotical <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>emperor, + whose interests were linked with theirs, they soon used their influence to + avenge their injuries, and return to their enemies, with usury, the evils + which they had received. The unexpected change in the fortune of the + Christians made them forget the mild and tolerating maxims of their + legislator. They conceived, that these maxims, made for wretches destitute + of power, could no longer suit men supported by sovereigns; they attacked + the temples and gods of paganism; their worshipers were excluded from + places of trust, and the master lavished his favors on those only who + consented to think like him, and justify his change by imitating it. Thus, + without any miracle, the court became Christian, or at least feigned to be + so, and the descendants of hypocritical courtiers were Christians in + reality. + </p> + <p> + Even before the time of Constantine, Christianity had been rent by + disputes, heresies, schisms, and animosities between the Christian chiefs. + The adherents of the different doctors had reviled, anathematised, and + maltreated each other without their quarrels making any noise. The + subtleties of Grecian metaphysics introduced into the Christian religion, + had hatched an infinity of disputes, which had not hitherto been attended + with any remarkable occurrence. All these quarrels burst forth in the + reign of Constantine. The bishops and champions of different parties + caballed to draw over the emperor to their side, and thus aid them in + crushing their adversaries. At the same time a considerable party under + the priest <i>Arius</i>, denied the divinity of Jesus. Little versed in + the principles of the religion that party had embraced, but wishing to + decide the question, Constantine referred it to the judgment of the + bishops. He convened them in the city of Nice, and the plurality of + suffrages regulated definitively the symbol of faith—Jesus became a + God <i>consubstantial</i> with his father; the Holy Ghost was likewise a + God, <i>proceeding</i> from the two others; finally, these <i>three</i> + Gods combined made only <i>one</i> God! + </p> + <p> + Tumultuous clamors carried this unintelligible decision, and converted it + into a sacred dogma notwithstanding the <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>reclamations of opponents, who were + silenced by denouncing them blasphemers and heretics. The priests who had + the strongest lungs, declared themselves <i>orthodox</i>. The emperor, + little acquainted with the nature of the quarrel, ranged himself for the + time on their side, and quitted it afterwards according as he thought + proper to lend an ear sometimes to the bishops of one party, and sometimes + to those of another. The history of the church informs us, that + Constantine, whom we here see adhering to the decision of the council of + Nice, made the orthodox and the heretics alternately experience his + severities. + </p> + <p> + After many years, and even ages of disputes, the bishops of Christendom + have agreed in regarding Jesus as a true God. They felt that it was + important for them to have a God for their founder, as this could not fail + to render their own claims more respected. They maintained, that their + authority was derived from the apostles, who held theirs directly from + Christ; that is, from God himself. It would now-a-days be criminal to + doubt the truth of this opinion, though many Christians are not yet + convinced of it, and venture to appeal to the decision of the universal + church. Except the English, all Protestant Christians reject Episcopacy, + and regard it as an usurped power. Among the Catholics, the Jansenists + think the same, which is the true cause of the enmity the Pope and Bishops + display against them. It appears St. Jerome was, on this point, of + the opinion of the Jansenists. Yet we see Paul at first much occupied in + advancing the Episcopal dignity. Ignatius of Antioch, disciple of the + apostles, insinuates in his epistles, the high opinion which the + Christians ought to have of a bishop; and the very ancient author of the + Apostolic Constitutions, openly declares, that a <i>bishop is a God on + earth, destined to rule over all men, priests, kings, and magistrates</i>. + Though these Constitutions are reputed Apocryphal, the bishops have + conformed their conduct to them more than to the canonical gospel, wherein + Jesus, far from assigning prerogatives to bishops, declares, that in his + kingdom there will be <i>neither first nor last</i>. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + The bishops assembled at Nice, decided also, as we have related, on the + authenticity of the gospels and books ordained to serve as a rule to + Christians. It is then to these doctors, as has been already remarked, + that Christians owe their faith; which, however, was afterwards frequently + shaken by disputes, heresies, and wars, and even by assemblies of bishops, + who often annulled what other assemblies of bishops had decreed in the + most solemn manner. From Constantine to our time, the interest of the + heads of the church dictated every decree, and established doctrines + wholly unknown to the founders of their religion. The universe became the + arena of the passions, the disputes, intrigues, and cruelties of these + holy gladiators, who treated each other with the utmost barbarity. Kings, + united in interest with spiritual chiefs, or blinded by them, thought + themselves at all times obliged to partake of their fury. Princes seemed + to hold the sword for the sole purpose of cutting the throats of victims + pointed out by the priests. These blinded rulers believed they served God, + or promote the welfare of their kingdoms by espousing all the passions of + the priests who were become the most arrogant, the most vindictive, the + most covetous, and the most flagitious of men. + </p> + <p> + We shall not enter into a detail of all the quarrels which the Christian + religion has produced. We shall merely observe, that they were continual, + and have frequently been attended with consequences so deplorable that + nations have had reason more than a hundred times every century to regret + the peaceful paganism, and tolerating idolatry of their ancestors. The + gospel, or <i>the glad tidings</i>, constantly gave the signal for the + commission of crimes. <i>The Cross was the Banner under which madmen + assembled to glut the earth with blood.</i> The will of heaven was + understood by nobody: and the clergy disputed without end on the manner of + explaining oracles, which the Deity had himself come to reveal to mortals. + It was always indispensable to take a side in the most unintelligible + quarrels: neutrality was regarded as impiety. The party for which the + prince declared, was always <i>orthodox</i>, <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>and on that account, believed it had a + right to exterminate all others: the orthodox in the church were those who + had the power to exile, imprison, and destroy their adversaries. Lucifer + Calaritanus, a most orthodox bishop, in several discourses addressed to + the son of Constantine, did not scruple to tell the emperor himself that + it was the duty of the orthodox to kill Constantius on account of his + Arianism, which he called Idolatry; and for this he quoted Deut. xiii. 6., + and I Maccab. i. 43, to v. 29 of c. ii. + </p> + <p> + The bishops, whom the puissance of an emperor had raised from the dust, + soon became rebellious subjects; and, under pretence of maintaining their + spiritual power, laboured to be independent of the sovereign, and even the + laws of society. They maintained that princes themselves, "being subjects + of Christ," ought to be subjected to the jurisdiction of his + representatives on earth. Thus the pretended successors of some fishermen + of Judea, whom Constantine had raised from obscurity arrogated to + themselves the right of reigning over kings; and in this way the kingdom + of heaven served to conquer the kingdoms of the earth. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto the Christians had been governed by bishops or chiefs independent + of each other, and perfectly equal as to jurisdiction. This made the + church an aristocratical republic; but its government soon became + monarchial, and even despotical. The respect which was always entertained + for Rome the capital of the world, seemed to give a kind of superiority to + the bishop or spiritual head of the Christians established there. His + brethren, therefore frequently showed a deference to him, and occasionally + consulted him. Nothing more was wanting to the ambition of the bishops of + Rome, to advance the right they arrogated of dictating to their brethren, + and to declare themselves the monarchs of the Christian church. A very + apocryphal tradition had made Peter travel to Rome, and had also made this + chief of the apostles establish his see in that city. The Roman bishop + therefore, pretended to have succeeded to the rights of Simon Peter, to + whom Jesus in the gospel had entrusted more particularly <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>the care of feeding + his sheep. He accordingly assumed the pompous titles of "Successor of St. Peter, + Universal Bishop, and Vicar of Jesus Christ." It is true, these titles + were often contested with him by the oriental bishops, too proud to bow + under the yoke of their brother. But by degrees, through artifice, + intrigue, and frequently violence, those who enjoyed the See of Rome, and + prosecuting their project with ardor, succeeded in getting themselves + acknowledged in the west as the heads of the Christian church. + </p> + <p> + Pliant and submissive at first to sovereigns, whose power they dreaded, + they soon mounted on their shoulders; and trampled them under their feet + when they were certain of their power over the minds of devotees rendered + frantic by superstition. Then indeed they threw off the mask, gave to + nations the signal of revolt, incited Christians to their mutual + destruction, and precipitated kings from their thrones. To support their + pride, they shed oceans of blood: they made weak princes the vile sport of + their passions, sometimes their victims and sometimes their executioners. + Sovereigns, become their vassals, executed with fear and trembling the + decrees Heaven pronounced against the enemies of the holy see which had + created itself the arbiter of faith. In fact, these inhuman pontiffs + immolated to their God a thousand times more human victims than paganism + had sacrificed to all its divinities. + </p> + <p> + After having succeeded in subduing the bishops, the head of the church, + with a view to establish and preserve his empire inundated the states of + the princes attached to the sect with a multitude of sabaltern priests and + monks, who acted as his spies, his emissaries, and the organs which he + employed in making known his will at a distance. Thus nations were deluged + with men useless or dangerous. Some, under pretext of attaining Christian + perfection, astonished the vulgar with a frantic life, denied themselves + the pleasures of existence, renounced the world, and languished in the + recesses of a cloister awaiting the death which their disagreeable + pursuits must have rendered desirable. They imagined to please <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>God by occupying + themselves solely with prayers, and sterile and extravagant meditations; + thus rendering themselves the victims of a destructive fanaticism. These, + fools, whom Christianity esteems, may be considered as the victims and + martyrs of the higher clergy, who take care never to imitate them. + </p> + <p> + Few however felt themselves inclined to aspire to this sublime perfection. + Most of the monks, more indulgent, were content with renouncing the world, + vegetating in solitude, languishing in sloth, and living in absolute + idleness at the expence of nations who toil. If some among them were + devoted to study, it was only with the vain subtleties of an + unintelligible theology calculated to incite disturbances in society. + Others more active spread themselves over the globe; and, under pretence + of preaching the gospel, preached up themselves, the interests of the + clergy, and especially the submission due to the Roman pontiff, who was + always their true sovereign. These emissaries, indeed, never had any other + country than the church, any other master than its head, or any other + interest than that of disturbing the state, in order to advance <i>the + divine rights</i> of the clergy. Faithful in following the example of + Jesus, they brought <i>the sword</i>, sowed discord, and kindled wars, + seditions, persecutions, and crusades. They sounded the tocsin of revolt + against all princes who were disagreeable or rebellious to the haughty + tyrant of the church; they frequently employed the sacrificing knife of + fanaticism, and plunged it in the hearts of kings; and, to make the <i>cause + of God</i> prosper, they justified the most horrible crimes, and threw the + whole earth into consternation. + </p> + <p> + Such, especially in latter times, were the maxims and conduct of an order + of monks, who, pretending to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, assumed the + name of his <i>Society</i>. Solely and blindly devoted to the interests of + the Roman pontiff, they seemed to have come into the world for the purpose + of bringing the universe under his chains. They corrupted the youth, the + education of whom they wished exclusively to engross; they strove to + restore barbarism, knowing well that <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208">[Pg + 208]</a></span>want of knowledge is the greatest prop of superstition; + they extolled ignorance and blind submission; they depraved morals for + which they substituted vain usages and superstitions, compatible with + every vice, and calculated to suppress the remorse which crime occasions. + They preached up slavery and unbounded submission to princes, who + themselves were their slaves, and who consented to become the instruments + of their vengeance. They preached rebellion and regicide against the + princes who refused to bend under the odious yoke of the successor of St. Peter, + whom they had the effrontery to declare <i>infallible</i>, and whose + decisions they preferred above those of the universal church. By their + assistance the pope became not only the despot, but even the true God of + the Christians. + </p> + <p> + There were some however, who ventured to protest against the violences, + extortions, and usurpations of this spiritual tyrant. There were + sovereigns who ventured to struggle with him; but in times of ignorance, + the contest is always unequal between the temporal and spiritual power. At + last preachers discontented with the Roman pontiff, opened the eyes of + many; they preached <i>reformation</i>, and destroyed some abuses and + dogmas which appeared to them that the most disgusting. Some princes + seized this opportunity to break the chains wherewith they had been so + long oppressed. Without renouncing Christianity, which they always + regarded as a divine religion, they renounced Romish Christianity, which + they considered a superstition corrupted through the avarice, influence, + and passions of the clergy. Content with merely loping off some branches + of a poisoned tree, which its bitter fruits should have discovered, our <i>reformers</i> + did not perceive that even the principles of a religion, founded on + fanaticism and imposture, must of necessity produce fanatics and knaves. + They did not observe, that religion, which pretends to enjoy exclusively + the approbation of the Most High, must be from its essence arrogant and + proud, and become at last tyrannical, intolerant, and sanguinary. They did + not perceive that the mania of proselytism, the pretended zeal for the + salvation of souls, the passion of the priests for dominion over + consciences, <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>must, + sooner or later, create devastation. Christianity <i>reformed</i>, + pretending to resemble the pure Christianity of the first days of the + church, produced fiery preachers, persons illuminated, and public + incendiaries, who under pretence of <i>establishing the kingdom of Christ</i> + excited endless troubles, massacres, and revolts. Christian Princes of + every sect thought themselves obliged to support the decisions of their + doctors. They regarded as infallible opinions which they themselves had + adopted; they enforced them by fire and sword; and were every where in + confederacy with their priests to make war on all who did not think like + them. + </p> + <p> + We see, especially, the intolerant and persecuting spirit reigning in + countries which continue subject to the Roman pontiff. It was there that + priests, nurtured in the maxims of a spiritual despotism, dared with most + insolence to tyrannize over minds. They had the effrontery to maintain, + that the prince could not without impiety dispense with entering into + their quarrels, share their frenzy, and shed the blood of their enemies. + Contrary to the express orders of Jesus, the emissaries of his vicar + preached openly in his name persecution, revenge, hatred, and massacre. + Their clamors imposed on sovereigns; and the least credulous trembled at + sight of their power, which they dared not curb. A superstitious and + cowardly policy made them believe, that it was the interest of the throne + to unite itself for ever with these inhuman and boisterous madmen. Thus + princes, submissive to the clergy, and making common cause with them, + became the ministers of their vengeance, and the executors of their will. + These blind rulers were obliged to support a power the rival of their own; + but they did not perceive, that they injured their own authority by + delivering up their subjects to the tyranny and extortions of a swarm of + men, whose interest it was to plunge them into ignorance, incite their + fanaticism, control their minds, domineer over their consciences, make + them fit instruments to serve their pride, avarice, and revenge. By this + worthless policy, the liberty of thinking was proscribed with fury, + activity was repressed, science was punished, and industry <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>crushed, while morals + were neglected, and their place supplied by traditional observances. + Nations vegetated in inactivity; men cultivated only monastic virtues, + grievous to themselves and useless to society. They had no other impulse + than what their fanaticism afforded, and no other science than an obscure + jargon of theology. Their understandings were constantly occupied with + puerile disputes on mysterious subtleties, unworthy of rational beings. + Those futile occupations engrossed the attention of the most profound + genius, whose labors would have been useful if they had been directed to + objects really interesting. + </p> + <p> + Under the despotism of priestcraft, nations were impoverished to foster, + in abundance, in luxury, and often in drunkenness, legions of monks, + priests, and pontiffs, from whom they derived no real benefit. Under + pretence of supporting the intercessors with God, they richly endowed a + multitude of drones, whose prayers and reveries procured only misery and + dissensions. Education, entrusted throughout Christendom, to base or + ignorant priests, formed superstitious persons only, destitute of the + qualities necessary to make useful citizens. The instructions they gave to + Christians were confined to dogmas and mysteries which they could never + comprehend; they incessantly preached evangelical morality; but that + sublime morality which all the world applauds, and which so few practise, + because it is compatible with the nature and wants of man, did not + restrain the passions, or check their irregularities. When that Stoical + morality was attempted to be practised, it was only by imbecile fanatics + or fiery enthusiasts, whom the ardour of their zeal rendered dangerous to + society. The saints of Christianity were either the most useless or most + flagitious of men. + </p> + <p> + Princes, the great, the rich, and even the heads of the church, considered + themselves excused from the literal practice of precepts and counsels, + which a God himself had come to communicate. They left Christian + perfection to some miserable monks, for whom alone it seemed originally + destined. Complaisant guides smoothed for others the to <span + class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>Paradise, and, without + bridling the passions, persuaded their votaries that it was sufficient to + come at stated times <i>to confess</i> their faults to them, humble + themselves at their feet, undergo the penances and ceremonies which they + should impose, and especially make donations to the church, in order to + obtain from God remission of the outrages they committed on his creatures. + By these means, in most Christian countries, people and princes openly + united devotion with the most hideous depravity of manners, and often with + the blackest crimes. There were devout tyrants and adulterers, oppressors + and iniquitous ministers, courtiers without morals, and public depredators—all + very devout. There were knaves of every kind displaying the greatest zeal + for a religion, the ministers of which imposed easy expiations even on + those who violated its most express precepts. Thus, by the cares of the + spiritual guides of Christians, concord was banished from states; princes + sunk into bondage; the people were blinded; science was stifled; nations + were impoverished; true morality was unknown; and the most devout + Christians were devoid of those talents and virtues which are + indispensably necessary for the support of society. + </p> + <p> + Such are the immense advantages which the religion of Jesus has procured + to the world! Such are the effects we see resulting from the gospel, or + the <i>glad tidings</i> which the Son of God came in person to announce! + To judge of it by its fruits; that is, according to the rule which the + messiah himself has given, the incredulous find that Christianity was + allegorically represented by the fig tree accursed. But those who have + faith assure us, that in the other world this tree will produce delicious + fruits. We must therefore wait for them in patience, for every thing + evinces that the great benefits promised by this religion are very little + perceptible in the present world. + </p> + <p> + There are, however, some who carry incredulity so far as to think, that if + there exists a God really jealous of his rights, he will confer no reward + on those who are so impious as to associate with him a man, a Jew, and a + Charlatan; and to pay him honors which are due only to the divinity. + Indeed, in supposing that God is offended with the actions of his + creatures, and concerns himself with their behaviour, he must be irritated + at the odious conduct of many Christians, who, under pretence of devotion + and zeal, believe themselves permitted to violate the most sacred duties + of nature of which they make the Deity the author. <span class="pagenum"><a + id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + It is, add our unbelievers, very difficult to calculate the duration of + human extravagancies; but they flatter themselves that the reign of + falsehood and error will terminate at some period, and give place to + reason and truth. They hope, the nations and their chiefs will one day + perceive the danger resulting from their prejudices; that they will blush + at having prostituted their praises on objects deserving sovereign + contempt; that they will regret the blood and treasure which baneful + fables and reveries have cost them; and that they will be at last ashamed + of having been the dupes and victims of a mass of romances, destitute of + probability, at never possessing a more solid foundation than the + astonishing credulity of men, and the astonishing impudence of those who + preach them. These unbelievers venture at least a glimpse at a time when + men, become more sensible of their own interest, will acknowledge the + truly barbarous folly of hating and tormenting themselves, and cutting one + another's throats for obscure dogmas, puerile opinions, and ceremonially + unworthy of rational beings, and on which it is impossible to be ever + unanimous. They even have the temerity to maintain, that it is very + possible sovereigns and subjects may one day loathe a religion burdensome + to the people, and producing real advantages only to the priests of a + beggarly and crucified God. They think, that the profane laity, if + undeceived, could easily bring their priests back to the frugal life of + the apostles or of Jesus whom they ought to regard as a model at least, + these unbelievers imagine that the ministers of the God of peace would be + obliged to live more peaceably, and follow some occupation more honest + than that of deceiving, and tearing to pieces the society which fosters + them. + </p> + <p> + If it is demanded of us what can be substituted for a religion which at + all times has produced effects pernicious to the happiness of the human + race, we will bid men cultivate the reason, which, much better than absurd + and deceptive systems, will advance their welfare, and make them sensible + to the value of virtue. Finally, we will tell them with Tertullian, <i>Why + pain yourselves in seeking for a divine law, when you have that which is + common to mankind, and engraven on the tablets of NATURE</i>. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ecce Homo!, by Paul Henry Thiry Baron d' Holbach + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ECCE HOMO! *** + +***** This file should be named 39052-h.htm or 39052-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/9/0/5/39052/ + +Produced by the Freethought Archives (www.ftarchives.net) +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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