I must observe further, that the Jews were under strange apprehensions of supernatural powers:  and as their own religion was founded on the belief of certain miracles said to be wrought by their lawgiver Moses; so were they ever running after wonders and miracles, and ready to take up with any stories of this kind.  Now, as something extraordinary was necessary to support the pretensions of Jesus, he dextrously laid hold of this weakness of the people, and set up to be a wonder-worker.  His disciples were well qualified to receive this impression:  they saw, or thought they saw many strange things, and were able to spread the fame and report of them abroad.

This conduct had the desired success.  The whole country was alarmed, and full of the news of a great Prophet’s being come among them.  They were too full of their own imagination, to attend to the notion of a kingdom of heaven.  Here was one mighty in deed and in word; and they concluded that he was the very prince their nation expected.  Accordingly they once attempted to set him up for a King; and at another time attended him in triumph to Jerusalem.  This natural consequence opens the natural design of the attempt.  If things had gone on successfully to the end, it is probable that the kingdom of heaven would have been changed into a kingdom of this world.  The design indeed failed, by the impatience and over-hastiness of the multitude; which alarmed not only the chief of the Jews, but the Roman governor also.

The case being come to this point, and Jesus seeing that he could not escape being put to death, he declared, that the ancient Prophets had foretold, that the Messias should die upon a cross, and that he should rise again on the third day.  Here was the foundation for the continuing this plot, which otherwise had died with its author.  This was his legacy to his followers; which, having been well managed by them and their successors, has at last produced a kingdom indeed; a kingdom of priests, who have governed the world for many ages, and have been strong enough to set Kings and Emperors at defiance.  But so it happens, the ancient Prophets appealed to are still extant; and there being no such prophecies of the death and resurrection of the Messias, they are a standing evidence against this story.  As he expected, so it happened, that he died on a cross; and the prosecuting of this contrivance was left to the management of his disciples and followers.  Their part is next to be considered-----.

Mr. B. My Lord, Since it is your opinion that the objections should be considered singly, and the Gentleman has carried his scheme down to the death of Christ, I think he is come to a proper rest; and that it is agreeable to your intention that I should be admitted to answer.

Judge.  You say right, Sir.  Let us hear what you answer to this charge.