Rhetoric: Sherem is surely educated in the art of public argument. Rather than giving a simple answer (“yes”), he gives a complicated one, since the simple answer would place too much power in Jacob’s hands. If he said he denied the Christ, he would be conceding the reality of Christ, a belief that is apparently widely held among the people. Rather than risk that, Sherem cleverly indicates “No.” In this way anyone not following the argument closely would not perceive a great gulf between the two men, though it is clearly there. Also, Sherem makes sure that everyone understands that he cannot deny the existence of something that does not exist. This has the effect of turning the argument back to Jacob to require proof that might compel belief. Sherem exudes confidence that such proof cannot be found.