The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-11
III.

Among the recent American publications
which cxempify the higher criticism Of the
Bible. we should not overlook the book enti-
tied . A History OF Christianity in the Apos-
tolic Age" by DIR. Arthur McGiffert Professor
Of Church History in the Union Theological
Seminary. tScribnersl 1t Is evident that tho
author Of this volume is thoroughly conversant
with the work performed by German and
Dutch scholars in the Interpretation of tho
New Testament. His authorities are con-
tinually cited. either In the text or
in footnotes. We may say at once
that. with reference to many contro-
verified points. the author occupies n conscrva-
tive position. lie is. for example. in general
agreement with Prof. Harnack as to the chro-
nology OF St Paul's life. the Interpretation Of
the purpose Of the Episte to the Hebrews the
general estimate OF tho pastoral cpistles. tho
conviction that the second Epistle OF Peter il
really the only pseudonymous work in tho
New Testament. and the recognition OF the
Book Of Acts as based. in the main. on trust
worthy sources. We add that the aim OF the
work is positive and not negative constructive
and not destructive.
This volume. although its purpose Ia to pre-
sent history OF Christianity in the apostolic
age. contains necessarily much that falls
properly within the province OF special works
upon Now ltetdmont literature, eNcReSlS or
theology. For. OF course. the apostolic age In
cludes the age OF the New Testament, and in
the pages OF the latter are set forth tho
thoughts and deeds OF the leading actors in
the history. The first chapter Is. accordingly.
devoted to an account OF tho origin OF Chris
tianity after which the author discusses the
primitive Jewish Christianity which preceded
the work performed by Paul. 1t IA tho latter
topic that constitutes the principal subject OF
the book. There are supplemental chapters
however. which trace the history Of the de-
velopinG Church and examine the Christianity
OF the Johannno writings and tho radical
Paulinism evolved by the Gnostics and other
scctaries
The most characteristic feature OF tho first
chapter is paragraph in which Prof McCifrert
indicates what he deems the secret OF the his
toricnl Significance Of Jesus After pointing
out that Jesus the Christ has been thought
OF almost from the beginning as the incar-
nation OF the Deity. and as the perfect and
ideal man. the author submits that. as n
matter Of fnct. it was not upon His deity nor
yet upon the perfection OF His humanity
that His disciples founded tho Christian
Church. Tho men whom lie gathered about
Him regarded Him in nethcr Of these aspects
They thought Of Him only IA the Messiah. and
tie fact that He left church behind Him in
stead OF nero name. and that He is known to
history as the founder Of a religion and not "a
amere sage or prophet. is historically due not
So much TO any uniIueness. either in charac-
ter or in His nature. ms to the conviction
which he succeeded in imparting to His fol-
lowers that he was the ono who had been
promised by the prophets and long awaited by
the Father. The power OF His personality Is
revealed by His success in undressing that be-
lief upon them. in spite OF the difficulties with
which 1t was beset. He might have been. how
ever. all that He was as a teacher. and as a
wonder worker. and yet have accom- lished