IT is late to notice a work which is already in its sixth edition, the expansion of lectures delivered in the divinity school of the University of Dublin. Renan's Histoire des Origines du Christianisme was then in course of publication; which gave it perhaps a greater place in the lecturer's notice than would have been due a little later. Baur too, notwithstanding his extravagance and the time which has sufficed to make it manifest even to many daringly speculative, seems to have rather too much honor paid him, though it be in the shape of refutation.
There are six and twenty lectures, the first three introductory; (1.) the principles of the investigation, (2.) Baur's theory of early church history, (3.) the Anti-Paulinism of the Apocalypse. The next four are on the reception of the Gospels in the early church. Lectures 8. and 9. discuss the Synoptic Gospels; 10. the original of Matthew; 11. Apocryphal and Heretical Gospels. No less than six are devoted to the Johannine books. Lectures 13. and 19. deal with the Acts, and Apocryphal Acts; only one (20.) with the Pauline Epistles, that to the Hebrews being handled apart in 21. Lecture 22. treats of 1 Peter; 23. of James; 24. of Jude; 25. of 2 Peter; and 26. of non-canonical books.
Some of our readers are familiar with Westcott's elaborate History of the New Testament Canon. Others will prefer the vigorous common sense of Dr. S. in this compact, closely and correctly printed, volume of more than 600 pages (including preface and contents). It is really the genuineness of the several N. T. writings historically defended, and a refutation of the spurious books issued in comparatively early times: both with the known learning and ability of the present Provost of Trinity College, Dublin. For helps in studying those books critically and exegetically, which the Christian reader most values, the latter in particular, he must search elsewhere. Dr. S. here argues all out on a ground which makes irrelevant inspiration itself, with all its holy and grand issues, though believing it.