The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 836: Chapter 386: God Says: Believe in Science (7K)_2

In order to solve this difficult problem well, the attendees of tonight’s Privy Council meeting were carefully selected by him.

Among them, there are not only highly esteemed Archbishops among the clergy but also key representatives from both the Tory and Whig parties. Even several medical authorities from the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Surgeons were invited to attend.

And the issue they are to discuss today is as absurd as the one proposed by the Tories back in the day—a person climbed out of the coffin three days after being shot, is this a medical issue or a theological issue?

What King William IV didn’t expect was that, on this issue, the medical authorities and the bishops seemed to have switched roles.

As the representative of the National Church enjoying glory second only to the King, the Archbishop of Canterbury William Howley, who had remained silent since entering the door, spoke.

“Your Majesty, first of all, I must say, I am very glad to hear that Officer Hastings is well and congratulate him on his gradual recovery. Ever since widespread social unrest was sparked by last year’s Parliamentary reforms, I have always made it clear to the faithful that I dislike politics and even more oppose the turmoil and evil brought about by politics. Regarding Parliamentary reform, I long for a coalition of parties to devise moderate reform measures.

Although this is very difficult to achieve, fortunately, with the protection of God, we have finally survived this difficult time. Unfortunately, many have fallen just before dawn. Officer Hastings, who loyally served the country, almost became one of them. Hearing that this upright and kind young man can continue to be lively and active on this earth is truly the most cheerful news.

However, I must say, if you or some of the gentlemen present want to define Officer Hastings’ normal recovery as resurrection, that would be a serious mistake. If certain gentlemen accordingly conjure up many unwarranted fantasies, such as sacraments or miracles, they will be falling into the delusions of the Roman Grand Church.

Because according to the “Thirty-Nine Articles” of faith passed by Parliament and carried out by the National Church, Article XXII states: The teachings of the Roman Grand Church on Purgatory, forgiveness of sins, worshipping of holy images, reverence for relics, and praying to saints are all fabricated. These matters have no basis in the passages and chapters of the Bible and are actually quite contrary to the original text of the Bible.”

The Archbishop of York solemnly echoed.

“Your Majesty, this is a serious matter and cannot be treated as a joke. You are also a National Church member, so you undoubtedly know that the resurrection of Christ was foretold. He died for us, was buried, and we also believe that He descended into hell. Afterward, He resurrected, not just flesh and bones, but ascended bodily and spiritually to heaven, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, until the end of days for the final judgment.

All of this is true, but it’s a completely different concept from Officer Hastings. If some people believe that Officer Hastings was resurrected, they have fallen into the superstitions and ignorant views of the Roman Grand Church, Eastern Church, and other sects. Abandoning idol worship and returning to the harmony of God and reason, of nature—this is precisely what we Anglican clergy aim to practice during the religious reforms of the Renaissance.”

Upon hearing these words, the doctors felt a bit uneasy, with some even feeling that their medical common sense was insulted.

Thomas Wickerly, founder of The Lancet magazine, Lower House member, and of the Royal College of Physicians, spoke gently.

“I mean no offense to the distinguished Archbishops of All England and England, and I myself have collaborated with Officer Hastings during the London murder and body-snatching case years ago, aiding Scotland Yard in publicly dissecting those who stole bodies. I must say that Officer Hastings might be the best officer I’ve met in all of Britain, Europe, even the world.

My following words are not meant to attack differing viewpoints but to express my humble opinion objectively. From a doctor’s perspective, cases of individuals recovering after being shot are not uncommon after treatment.

If the shot is to the heart and still can be healed, though rare, there are a few cases among our field doctors who have seen it. The Lancet previously even published a paper on such cases.

However, if a gentleman not only was shot but the shot was to his heart, and after his heart stopped and he was declared dead for three days, he crawled out of the coffin. This case, I cannot in good conscience say, is something our current medical research can explain.”

Senior physician Benjamin Brunode from the Royal College of Surgeons nodded in agreement: “Your Majesty, I must say, this may not be a miracle, but it certainly is a scientific wonder. I have treated many gunshot victims but have never seen anything like this.”

Lord Brougham, the recently reinstated High Chancellor, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but smile gently. It was evident that due to his student’s seeming resurrection, the eccentric and sarcastic lawyer was in a good mood.