Chapter 12

1The 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.
2There is a certain bird called a Phœnix; 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.
3But its flesh putrifying, 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 parents lie, and carries it from Arabia into Egypt, to a city called Heliopolis:
4And 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.
5The priests then search into the records of the time; and find that it returned precisely at the end of five hundred years.
6And shall we then think it to be any very great and strange thing for the Lord of all to raise up those that religiously him in the assurance of good faith, when even by a bird he shews us the greatness of his power to fulfil his promise?
7For he says in a certain place, Thou shalt raise me up, and I shall confess unto thee.
8And again I laid me down and slept, and awaked, because thou art with me.
9And again, Job says, Thou shalt raise up this flesh of mine, that has suffered all these things.
10Having 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?
11For nothing is impossible with God but to lie.
12Let his faith then be stirred up again in us; and let us consider that all things are nigh unto him.
13By the word of his power he made all things; and by the same word he is able (whenever he will), to destroy them.
14Who shall say unto him, what dost thou? or who shall resist the power of his strength?
15When, and as he pleased, he will do all things; and nothing shall pass away of all that has been determined by him.
16All things are open before him; nor can anything be hid from his council.
17The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.