difficulties, which might have been avoided, could he have been but
silent as to the old revelation, and left the people to their
imaginations?

To carry on this plot, we are told, that the next thing which
Jesus did, was, to make choice of proper persons to be his disciples.
The Gentleman has given us their character; but, as I suppose he has
more employment for them before he has done, I desire to defer the
consideration of their abilities and conduct till I hear what work he
has for them to do. I would only observe, that thus far this plot
differs from all that ever I heard of. Imposters generally take
advantage of the prejudices of the people, generally too they make
choice of cunning dextrous fellows to manage under them; but in this
case Jesus opposed all the notions of the people, and made choice of
simpletons, it seems, to conduct his contrivances.

But what design, what real end was carrying on all this while?
Why, the Gentleman tells us, that the very thing disclaimed, the
temporal kingdom, was the real thing aimed at under this disguise. He
told the people there was no foundation to expect a temporal deliverer,
warned them against all who would set up those pretensions; he
declared there was no ground from the ancient prophecies to expect such
a prince: and yet by these very means he was working his way to an
opportunity of declaring himself to be the very prince the people
wanted. We are still upon the marvelous; every step opens new wonders.
I blame not the Gentleman; for what but this can be imagined to give
any account of these measures imputed to Christ? Be this never so
unlikely, yet this is the only thing that can be said. Had Christ been
charged with enthusiasm, it would not have been necessary to assign a
reason for his conduct: madness is unaccountable: Ratione modoque