this conversation was on the very day of the resurrection.  And the disciples thought of nothing less than answering an objection against the resurrection, which as yet they did not believe.  They recount only a matter of fact, and reckon the time according to the usage of their country, and call the day of the resurrection the third day from the crucifixion; which is a plain evidence, in what manner the Jews reckoned in this and like cases.

As the objections in this case are founded upon the story reported by the Jews, and the Roman soldiers, Mr. B. in his answer, endeavored to shew, from some historical passages, that the Jews themselves did not believe the story.

His first argument was, That the Jews never questioned the disciples for this cheat, and the share they had in it, when they had them in their power.  And yet who sees not that it was very much in their purpose so to do?  To this there is no reply.

The second argument was from the treatment St. Paul had from King Agrippa, and his saying to St. Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian:  A speech which he reckons could not be made by a prince, to one concerned in carrying out a known cheat.  To this the Gentleman replies, That Agrippa never did become a Christian; and that no great stress is to be laid upon his compliance to his prisoner.  But allowing that there was something of humanity and civility in the expression, yet such civility could hardly be paid to a known impostor.  There is a propriety even in civility.  A prince may be civil to a rebel; but he will hardly compliment him for his loyalty:  he may be civil to a poor sectary; but if he knows him to be a cheat, he will scarcely compliment him with hopes that he will be of his party.

The third argument was from the advice given by Gamaliel to the council of the Jews, to let the apostles alone, for fear they themselves should be found to fight against God:  A supposition which the Gentleman thinks absolutely inconsistent with his, or the council’s being persuaded, that the apostles were guilty of any fraud in managing the resurrection of Christ.

The Gentleman replies, That Gamaliel’s advice respected only the numbers of people deceived; and was a declaration of his opinion, that it was not prudent to come to extremities till the people were in a better temper.  This deserves consideration.

First, I observe, that Gamaliel’s words are express, Lest ye be found to fight against God; which reason respects God, and not the people.  And the suppostion is, that the hand of God might possibly be in this work:  A saying which could not have come from him, or have been received by the council, if they had believed the resurrection to have been a cheat.