Foreman. My Lord, The case has been long, and consists of several articles; therefore the jury hope you will give them your directions.
Judge. No, no; you are very able to judge without my help.
Mr. A. My Lord, Pray consider, you appointed this meeting and chose your office. Mr. B. and I have gone through our parts, and have some right on your doing your part.
Mr. B. I must join, Sir, in that request.
Judge. I have often heard, that all honour has a burden attending it; but I did not suspect it in this office, which I conferred upon myself. But, since it must be so, I will recollect, and lay before you, as well as I can, the substance of the debate.
Gentlemen of the jury, The question before you, is Whether the witnesses of the resurrection of Christ are guilty of giving false evidence, or no?
Two sorts of objections, or accusations, are brought against them. One charges fraud and deceit on the transaction itself; the other charges the evidence as forged, and insufficient to support the credit of so extraordinary an event.
There are also three periods of time to be considered.
The first takes in the ministry of Christ, and ends at his death.
During this period the fraud is supposed to be contrived.
The second reaches from his death to his resurrection. During
this period the fraud is supposed to be executed.