EASTER MORNING SIR,—I incline to the view that Pilate knew
almost as much about the effects of Roman crucifixion as Miss Thomas, of Theydon Bois, and he (I repeat) 'marvelled if he were already dead.' Joseph of Arimathma must have known best what happened, yet did not become a disciple. Pilate, the most civilised man in Judma and next best informed, was not converted; nor for the matter of that was any substantial part of those present on the day and at the hour.
The argument that the successful later growth of the Christian Church proves Peter and Paul to have been preaching historical truth might equally well be applied to the cult, universally accepted for many hundreds of years, of the other young god killed and resurrected (at almost exactly the same time of year) a few miles up the coast; or to the enormously popu- lar cult of Mohammed, who also has close links with Jerusalem.
As for Mr. Power's 'OPHITIE,' St. Luke says the risen body ate a hearty meal of fried fish. Perhaps one of these days another Essene scroll will turn up relating the whole story. If it did, I wonder what would happen to it.—Yours faithfully,
SURGEON
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