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PREFACE

THIS book was written for my own college classes to aid them in gaining the preliminary information necessary for an intelligent study of the life of Christ. It deals with a variety of topics, all bearing upon the one important question, What are the sources from which we gain a knowledge of that life, and how far are they trustworthy?

There is no lack of literature upon this question; indeed, the very abundance of information and discussion is the chief difficulty for a beginner. Many of the books are minute and learned treatises suited only for the specialist. Others are written to defend special theories, and presuppose a general knowledge of the subject. Most of them deal with but one or a few of all the topics to be considered. The only book with which I am acquainted that covers much of the field in a brief, simple, uncontroversial way is Anthony's "Introduction to the Life of Jesus"; but this does not treat of the text or the canon, and was published in 1896, since which time new and valuable contributions have been made to our knowledge.

I have endeavored to present in a clear and concise manner the facts which should be borne in mind as the Four Gospels are studied, and the problems-as yet only partly solved-which these Gospels present. With no theories of my own to advocate, I have aimed

to make possible a comprehension of theories presented by scholars of various schools. And while I have frankly stated my own conviction that a searching criticism of the Gospels only reveals more clearly their essential trustworthiness, I hope I have treated with fairness and full appreciation those writers who maintain the contrary.

A few years ago I prepared a "Guide to the Lives of Christ for English Readers." Its purpose was to give a general view of the course of modern thought concerning the life of Christ, and especially a brief description of each of the more important Lives, written in English or accessible in translation. The need of some such guide for the inexperienced student is evident, when one realizes how many Lives of Christ, written from various stand-points and differing greatly in scholarship, are presented for his choice. This work is now out of print; so I have added it, somewhat condensed and brought down to date, as an Appendix to the present volume.

If this book shall furnish to my students an introduction to the broad and fascinating fields of Gospel criticism, I shall be satisfied. If it shall be of service to others who may wish to know what these fields contain, I shall be greatly pleased.

VASSAR COLLEGE, May, 1911.

W. B. H.

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