The Millennium, and Other Poems: To Which is Annexed, a Treatise on the Regeneration and Eternal Duration of Matter — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The Millennium, and Other Poems: To Which is Annexed, a Treatise on the Regeneration and Eternal Duration of Matter
John Stuart Mill · en
now examine, more closely the physical structure and properties of
the resurrected, immortal body; endeavour to ascertain in positive,
definite terms, whether it does really consist of flesh and bones,--of
matter as well as spirit: and if so, endeavour to learn something
of its place of residence or final destiny. Christ being the first
fruits from the dead, and the only person whose history after their
resurrection has come down to us; and he being the great head and
pattern of the resurrection, we shall endeavour to ascertain all the
particulars which will serve to throw light on the subject, as to
the physical nature of his body, both before and after he arose from
the dead. His mother was a virgin, a chosen vessel of the Lord, who
conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost and brought forth a child,
who was composed of flesh and blood; and in his physical organization
differing nothing in any respect from other children of the seed
of Abraham. Like other children in their infant state, he no doubt
received his nourishment from the breasts of his mother; like all
others, he was helpless and dependent for care and protection on his
parents, who by the command of God fled into Egypt in order to preserve
him from the cruel sword of Herod, who feared a rival in the person
of the babe of Bethlehem: like all others he grew in stature by means
of the food received into the stomach, and its strength diffused
through the physical system; and when grown to manhood his system was
composed of the same earthly particles, or the same elements which
constitute the human system in general. He was every way subject to
the infirmities, passions, pleasures, pains, griefs, sorrows and
temptations which are common to the constitution of man; hence we find
him sorrowing, weeping, mourning, rejoicing, lamenting, grieving, as
well as suffering hunger, thirst, fatigue, temptation, etc, and we
also find him possessed of the most refined sensibilities of natural
affection, and susceptibilities for close and intimate friendship.
This is abundantly illustrated in his close and intimate friendship
with Lazarus of Bethany, and his kind-hearted and benevolent sisters,
Martha and Mary. He wept with the tears of fond affection over the
grave of his departed friend Lazarus, and mingled his tears with the
sorrowful and disconsolate sisters, as if to sympathize with them and
help to bear their grief, insomuch that the Jews exclaimed, "behold
how he loved him." Another striking example of this natural affection
is illustrated in his close intimacy with his beloved disciple John.
This apostle was his most intimate friend who leaned on his breast at
supper; and who was employed to ask questions on subjects in which the
others felt a delicacy: he is frequently called "that disciple whom
Jesus loved." Now we must think that Jesus loved them all as disciples
and followers of the Lamb; but as to natural affection John was his