It is told of Budha Sakia of India that, "as soon as he was born, a
light shone around his cradle, when he stood up and proclaimed his
mission, and that the River Ganges daring this time rose in a miraculous
manner, which was stilled by his divine power, as Christ stilled the
tempest on the sea." "He was born," says the New American Cyclopedia
(vol. iv. p. 61), "amidst great miracles, and soon as born, most
solemnly proclaims his mission."
Of Narayan, "the Holy," it is declared that "mysterious words dropped
from his lips on various occasions, giving hints of his divine nature
and the purposes for which he had come down to the earth." (Prog. Rel.
Ideas, vol. i. p. 128.) The divine power and mission of Yu of China was
very early evinced by the display of great miracles.
And here let us observe that some of the Old Testament or Jewish
heroes--as Moses, Solomon and Samuel--are reported as exhibiting great
superiority of mind in very early life; thus proving (it was thought)
that if they were not Gods, they were at least from God--that is,
endowed by him with divine power while yet mere children. Thus the
histories of all Gods and divine personages run in parallel grooves.
CHAPTER XIV. THE SAVIORS; KINGDOMS NOT OF THIS WORLD
Retirement and Forty Days' Fasting.
CHRIST taught, "My kingdom is not of this world."
And we find that most of the other Saviors virtually and practically
taught the same doctrine.
The first practical evincement of it was exhibited by retiring from the
world; that is, they retired from the noise and commotion, from the
busy scenes of life, into some sequestered spot excluded from human
observation. Christ is reported to have withdrawn from society, and to
have spent some forty days in the wilderness fasting and being tempted
by Satan--a man of straw conjured up in order to furnish the hero God
something to combat with, that he might thereby exhibit practical proof
of his divine power and prowess. It was simply the two kings or rulers
of two hostile kingdoms (heaven and hell) contending for the mastery.
Lord Kingsborough tells us, "The ancient Mexicans had a forty days' fast
in honor and memory of one of their demigods or Saviors, who was
tempted forty days on a mountain. He is called 'the Morning Star'." Mr.
Kingsborough (being a Christian) remarks, "These things are very curious
and mysterious."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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