The Resurrection further proved.
LET us consider that wonderful
type of the resurrection which
is seen in the Eastern countries:
that is to say, in Arabia.
2 There is a certain bird called
a Phoenix; of this there is never
but one at a time: and that lives
five hundred years. And when
the time of its dissolution draws
near, that it must die, it makes
itself a nest of frankincense, and
myrrh, and other spices into which
when its time is fulfilled it enters
and dies.
3 But its flesh putrefying, breeds
a certain worm, which being nourished
with the juice of the dead bird
brings forth feathers; and when
it is grown to a perfect state,
it takes up the nest in which
the bones of its parent lie, and
carries it from Arabia into Egypt,
to a city called Heliopolis:
4 And flying in open day in the
sight of all men, lays it upon the
altar of the sun, and so returns
from whence it came.
5 The priests then search into
the records of the time: and find
that it returned precisely at the
end of five hundred years.
6 And shall we then think it to
be any very great and strange
thing for the Lord of all to raise
up those that religiously serve him
in the assurance of a good faith,
when even by a bird he shows us
the greatness of his power to fulfil
his promise?
7 For he says in a certain place,
Thou shalt raise me up and I shall
confess unto thee.
8 And again, I laid me down
and slept, and awaked, because
thou art with me.
9 And again, Job says, Thou
shalt raise up this flesh of mine,
that has suffered all these
things.
10 Having therefore this hope,
let us hold fast to him who is
faithful in all his promises, and
righteous in all his judgments;
who has commanded us not to lie,
how much more will he not
himself lie?
11 For nothing is impossible
with God but to lie.
12 Let his faith then be stirred
up again in us; and let us consider
that all things are nigh unto him.
13 By the word of his power he
made all things: and by the same
word he is able, (whenever he
will,) to destroy them.
14 Who shall say unto him,
what dost thou? or who shall
resist the power of his strength?
15 When, and as he pleased,
he will do all things; and nothing
shall pass away of all that has been
determined by him.
16 All things are open before
him; nor can anything be hid
from his counsel.
17 The heavens declare the
glory of God, and the firmament
showeth his handy work. Day
unto day uttereth speech, and
night unto night showeth
knowledge. There is no speech nor
language where their voice is not
heard.