The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-04-27
THE "HloHsR CRITICISM"
DIR. Blanchard Discourses ON the Book of
Genesis.

Rev. nr. Blanchard delivered the first
sermon Of the series of four on Studies
In the Higher Criticism Sunday morn.
ing. A large congregation was present.
In reading the Scripture lesson from the
first chapter of Genesis, DR.. Blanchard
called attention to the contradictions be-
tween this and the second chapter con-
cerniug the creation of the world and
the making of man. He eulogize the first
chapter for its grandeur.
The sermon began without text. With
in the stately walls of Westminster Alb
sermon of noble man. The preacher was
a broad minded theologian, Dean Stan
ley; the man of whom he spoke was the
great geologist, Sir Charles Lyell. Stan.
ley eulogized Lyell for the great service
he had rendered in showing that the
book of Genesis did not give trustwor-
thy account of the origin of the world
and man. He remem bered the outorIes
against Lyell. He oould recall the attacks
upon himself. But he saw that the enrth
AtcCiL gave OCuiCt icOOLo VI WuhU oOo bho
done than could any writing of the past.
1t was in the spirit Of Stanley that the
sermon was preached. We are to consider
the ancient theory that Moses wrote the
book of Genesis; the new knowledge con-
corning the book which the Higher
Criticism gives; the great results of this
knowledge.
For hundreds of years before and after
Christ. scholars taught that Moses wrote
Genesis and all the five books called the
Pentateuch. 1t Was not strange that this
opinion was held. Moses is colossal
figure among the Jews. 1t was natural
that legends should gather around him
and that laws should be asoribed to him.
The Jewish scholar believed that his
nation WAS "The Chosen People," He
thought it would one day subjugate the
world. It's great prophet. leader. law
giver would receive inspiration from God
to write of the worlds creation, Of mans
creation, of the food, of Babel.
Here and there keen mind would ask
questions. 1t required courage to declare
the answers which seemed reasonable.
CoDtumely, death might follow the ex-
preston of heresy. So many a man re-
manned silent. But examination went ON
contradictions were pointed out-signs
Of composite work were observed.
Scholars multiplied, Spinoza spoke-then
Astruc, then others, till today the great
company of scholars are well agreed.
They teach that Genesis, In its present
form. was completed about 444 B. q.
1t is a viewing together of at least, three
documents. The critics call those the
Elohistic. the Yahwist or Jehovistic and
the Priestly Code. The interviewer
stories make up the present book of
Genesis. Not Moses then is author, but
an unknown compiler in 444 B. G.
The results of this knowledge are i'm
porta One OF these Ia the coming
change Of form OF Genesis and other So
called historical books which will make
these conform to modern methods in
writing history.
Prof. r. q. Moulton in his volume on
Genesis, In The Modern Readers Bible,
shows the difference between the Scrip
ture histories and such writer as Hal
lam. The modern historian writes clear
connected story to interest and instruct.
In foot notes and appendices, he adds
additional statements. In Genesis, his
tory, footnotes. appendices, genealogies
are all put in together to the great con-
fusing of the reader. The Polyohrome
Bible to lie issued by the Johns Hopkins
Gent way Of writing. One color will be
given to the text from the Elohist, an
other to that of the Yahwist and another
to the Priestly Code. Prof. Moulton' q
rendering puts the genealogiss In small
type now. He needs to show the differ
ent documents by different types. The
second result is the destruction of the
corner stons of the old theology. That
corner stone was the fall of man tempted
by the serpent devil. But George Smith
that the stories of Adam. and Eve and
serpent and tree and flood are taken
from elder Ohaldean legends. With the
downfall of the old doctrine of the fall
| the whole system Of atonement is cver-
thrown. Theologians see no W that there
was no Garden of Eden, no talking SER
psnt, 10 forbidden apple, no expulsion
from Paradise. Surely this is tremen-
dous result Of the Higher Criticism.
Moreover this overthrow prepares men
to receive the doctrine of Evolution.
This has forced its way desplts of protest,
outcries, anathemas. DR.. Harris in his
Moral Evolution manfully admits this.
But Higher Criticism helps men to re-
ceive the teachings of competent men
today. A delightful result is tho clear
seeing Of tho simplicity, Eeauty and
oftentimes. impressiveness Of the ancient
stories. Especially is this true of the
Elohistic document. a..
Last of all. this knowledge of the CON-
position of Genesis will enable thought
ful men to enter the ministry aud be-