IntroductionThe Canonical Gospels. As far back as we can trace them the four Gospels known as Canonical hold a place of honour and authority peculiar to themselves. Irenæus of Gaul (circa a.d. 175) recognises four, and only four, Gospels as the ‘pillars’ that uphold the Church (Adv. Haer. iii. 8). Origen, in the beginning of the next century (a.d. 220), speaks of them as ‘the four Gospels which alone are uncontroverted in the Church of God spread under heaven’ (Euseb., H. E. vi. 25...

This oldest of the extant Apocryphal Gospels claims to have been written by James (the Just) in Jerusalem. It was first published in the Latin version of Postellus in 1552. It exists in numerous Greek MSS., the best of which is said to be one of the tenth century. The Syriac versions are older, and, with occasional abbreviations, agree fairly with the Greek text, and with one another. The fragment translated by Dr. Wright is supposed to belong to the sixth century; the text on the palimpse...

The canonical Gospels stand very differently, as respects origin, character and reception, with the Gospels, Acts and Apocalpyses known as ‘Apocryphal.’ These apocryphal writings began to be produced (so far as known) in the second century, mostly in Ebionitic and Gnostic circles, and, with few exceptions, were repudiated and condemned by the Church. Only later, and in modified and expurgated forms, did their stories pass into the general Catholic tradition. The second century seems to hav...

In issuing this little book, which aims at being, within the limits assigned, as objective a presentation of the Ritschlian Theology as is possible to one who, while conscious of having benefited by its teaching, does not share the standpoint of the school, the author desires to express his thanks to the Rev. Wm. M‘Gilchrist, B.D., Ardrossan, for his kindness in aiding in the revision of the proofs, and for frequent helpful suggestions.

The papers included in this volume have, with two exceptions, already been published in various theological magazines. There they might have remained, but for the following considerations. The three expository Essays on Ritschl and his school which head the list appeared at a time when Ritschlian theology was still a terra incognita to most in this country. For that reason they attracted some attention. They have since been, and still are, frequently quoted, referred to, and occasionally a...

It is unnecessary at the commencement of these lectures to do more than refer to the changes which, within the last few decades, have taken place in the spirit and methods of the treatment of Church History. If there was a time within living memory when the charge could justly be brought against this branch of study of being the dreariest in the theological curriculum—a collection of dry bones and dead controversies—that time may confidently be said to have passed away; and with it has dis...

A Restatement of the grounds of belief in the great fact of the Lord’s Resurrection seems called for in view of the changed forms of assault on this article of the Christian faith in recent years. It is difficult, indeed, to isolate this particular fact, outstanding as it is, from its context in the Gospel history taken as a whole, every point in which is made subject to a like minute and searching criticism. On the other hand, the consideration of the evidence for the Resurrection may fur...

IntroductionThe General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States in session at Birmingham, Ala., May, 1907, received from the Executive Commission of the Alliance of Reformed Churches throughout the world holding the Presbyterian System, the following communication relative to a general observance of the 400th Anniversary of the birth of John Calvin:“The Executive Commission draws the attention of the churches in the Alliance and of all lovers of true progre...

The present sketch of the life, philosophy, and influence of Hume is based on well—nigh a lifetime’s familiarity with the works of that author; but is, the writer feels, still very imperfect. It is only necessary in this Preface to specify sources of information, with the editions of Hume’s Works referred to in the text, or that may profitably be consulted, and briefly to indicate one or two principles that have been followed in the composition of the book.For the Life of Hume the ...

This oldest of the extant Apocryphal Gospels claims to have been written by James (the Just) in Jerusalem. It was first published in the Latin version of Postellus in 1552. It exists in numerous Greek MSS., the best of which is said to be one of the tenth century. The Syriac versions are older, and, with occasional abbreviations, agree fairly with the Greek text, and with one another. The fragment translated by Dr. Wright is supposed to belong to the sixth century; the text on the palimpse...

Though this Course is occasioned by the recent Gifford Lectures of Professor Pfleiderer, there is neither intention nor need of beginning a personal conflict between present Lecturers and him. The mere fact that as yet many only know Dr. Pfleiderer’s views from newspaper summaries, prevents a thorough discussion of them. That may come by and by in detail. Enough is known to make theologians aware of the general purpose and tendency of those views, as every biblical student has long been fa...

The Canonical Gospels. As far back as we can trace them the four Gospels known as Canonical hold a place of honour and authority peculiar to themselves. Irenæus of Gaul (circa a.d. 175) recognises four, and only four, Gospels as the ‘pillars’ that uphold the Church (Adv. Haer. iii. 8). Origen, in the beginning of the next century (a.d. 220), speaks of them as ‘the four Gospels which alone are uncontroverted in the Church of God spread under heaven’ (Euseb., H. E. vi. 25). Justin Martyr, in...