In the second portion of this book we read of the life of an active claimant for the position of leadership among the chosen people; but instead of guiding their forces to victorious warfare against oppressors, he disappointed the masses by merely inculcating revolutionary, spiritual ideas. He assumed to correct their Lord on doctrinal points, and won a certain prominence by effectual mental healing. The end was most unfortunate. The ruling powers confined him, and the rabble hounded him to a shameful death. Neither the father nor the converts turned a hand to save him. After this end it is reported that he returned to life, and met his disciples anew. Then follows a brief account of the further works of a few immediate followers. The after growth of this new religion was partly due to the zeal of the first missionaries, and partly to the barrenness of certain mental spheres. The time was peculiarly ripe for a revolution. Having amassed strength with years, and grown worthy of respect, the new sect soon fell under the control of authoritative powers, who realized the possibilities of a faith that denied the right of resistence. Once in control, the established hierarchy started on a universal proselytism, exerting a powerful influence in every branch of human affairs. Having a monopoly well in hand, they next directed effort toward its continued maintenance. While a few attested miracles still lent them an air of divine authority, their force was not conclusive, and it became evident that some never failing prop was neces sary, the sun no longer standing still by priestly request. Some clever mind suggested the idea of a divinely inspired volume, whose edicts could not be gainsaid. The church council eagerly accepted this solution of the problem, and began a keen revision of the scattered manuscripts relating to the time and sayings of Christ. It was necessary, as a preliminary, that the Old Testament should be accepted as a fore-runner. It also became evident that the amendment must accord in general with the prophetic forecasts of the original. Ingenious manipulation and interpolation finally evolved a form of book, or rather collection of scrolls, which filled the purpose fairly well for the time. As education was restricted, the chance for criticism was limited. The invention of printing made it necessary that the collection be made immortal by unchanging type. It was then found that with the lapse of years, and many copyings, the renderings of important passages were often conflicting and confusing. Marginal notes had drifted into the body of the text by accident, and calculated design had inserted fresh sentences to strengthen and support some favoured dogma. Modern research has unearthed ancient originals, which prove that vital changes have thus changed and corrupted the intent of the early scribes. Many manuscripts were excluded entirely by the most arbitrary decisions. Contradictions and blunders plainly evidence the stumbling handicraft of man, but human credulity, with blind infatuation, yet accepts each word as sacred, denying the possibility of |