f these miracles to illustrate
the possibility of the resurrection. "The hand of Moses is changed and
becomes like that of the dead, bloodless, colourless, and stiff with
cold. But on the recovery of heat and restoration of its natural colour,
it is the same flesh and blood.... So will changes, conversions and
reformation be needed to bring about the resurrection, yet the substance
will be preserved safe." (_De Res._, lv.) It is far wiser to be content
with the declaration of St. Paul that the identity of the body does not
depend on that of its corporeal atoms. "Thou sowest not that body that
shall be, but a naked grain.... But God giveth ... to every seed his own
body" (1 Cor. xv. 37-8).

[8] "I am not an ordinary man," Napoleon used to say, "and the laws of
morals and of custom were never made for me."--_Memoirs of Madame de
Remusat_, i. 91.

CHAPTER V.

_PHARAOH REFUSES._

v. 1-23.

After forty years of obscurity and silence, Moses re-enters the
magnificent halls where he had formerly turned his back upon so great a
place. The rod of a shepherd is in his hand, and a lowly Hebrew by his
side. Men who recognise him shake their heads, and pity or despise the
fanatic who had thrown away the most dazzling prospects for a dream. But
he has long since made his choice, and whatever misgivings now beset him
have regard to his success with Pharaoh or with his brethren, not to the
wisdom of his decision.

Nor had he reason to repent of it. The pomp of an obsequious court was a
poor thing in the eyes of an ambassador of God, who entered the palace
to speak such lofty words as never passed the lips of any son of
Pharaoh's daughter. He was presently to become a god unto Pharaoh, with
Aaron for his prophet.

In itself, his presence there was formidable. The Hebrews had been
feared when he was an infant. Now their cause was espoused by a man of
culture, who had allied himself with their natural leaders, and was
returned, with the deep and steady fire of a zeal which forty years of
silence could not quench, to assert the rights of Israel as an
independent people.

There is a terrible power in strong convictions, especially when
supported by the sanctions of religion. Luther on one side, Loyola on
the other, were mightier than kings when armed with this tremendous
weapon. Yet there are forces upon which patriotism and fanaticism
together break in vain. Tyranny and pride of race have also strong
impelling ardours, a