(38) The resurrection of Jesus Christ is either an isolated fact or else admits of parallel. But if it be an isolated fact, it cannot be rendered probable to one who denies the authority of Christianity; and, if it admit of parallel, it no longer proves what is required. Therefore it is either incapable of being substantiated or else makes nothing for the truth of Christianity.
(39) The resurrection of Christ in the flesh and his ascension into heaven were events either intrinsically incredible in their nature or not. If the former, the prevalent belief in them can only be accounted for by miracles; if the latter, they ought to be believed even without miracles. St. Aug. De Civ. Dei, xxii. 8.
(40) Only contented people are wise. Therefore the tramp contented in his rags is necessarily a wise man.
(41) Four-legged things are brutes.
Tables are four-legged things.
.'. Tables are brutes.
(42) The apparent volcanoes in the moon are not volcanoes; for eruptions are produced by gases only, and there are no gases in the moon.
(43) To read the Scriptures is our duty. Therefore the Captain was
wrong in punishing the helmsman for reading the Bible at the time
when the ship struck.
(44) The divine law orders that kings should be honoured.
Louis Quatorze is a king.
.'. The divine law orders that Louis Quatorze should be honoured.
(45) Those who desire the same object are unanimous.
Caesar and Pompey both desire the same object, namely, supreme
power.
.'. They are unanimous.
(46) Either the ministers left at home will be ciphers or they will not be ciphers. If they are ciphers, cabinet government, which is equivalent to constitutional government, will receive a rude blow. If they are not ciphers, the cabinet will be considering matters of the utmost importance in the absence, and the gratuitous absence, of two of its most important members. 'The Standard,' Wed. June 5, 1878.
(47) One patent stove saves half the ordinary amount of fuel. Therefore two would save it all.