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a single work, and even in those few reviews which were in some measure favourable to him, there was not the least thing bearing a new aspect brought forward to confirm his views; in fact, all parties in the theological world seem to agree in the rejection of his book. Hence, matters have assumed such an appearance, that the danger arising from the book of Strauss may be considered, we trust, as far as theology is concerned, removed. In the lay world, however, the mischief thereby caused will be so much the greater. Of course we must not expect that in this struggle the operations and efforts of the human mind can remain indifferent or passive; for even if the inapplicability of the fabulous exposition of the New Testament be clearly proved, vigorous men will nevertheless soon arise who will call the courageous, daring Strauss a cowardly poltroon, a man full of superstitious notions, because he has not dared to speak out openly, but has only hinted, from time to time, that Christianity and the writings of the New Testament are, in his opinion, simply the productions of an extravagant enthusiasm, or, to speak more plainly, of a monstrous fraud. Like Dr Paulus, who, having proclaimed at the beginning his rationalistic views of the miracles performed by our Saviour amidst shouts of approbation, sees himself now sneered and laughed at by Strauss, his disciple, who, as it were, stands on his master's shoulders, the same will be the fate of this man and of his fabulous exposition. And if we err not in the critical examination of the signs of the time, Strauss will not require, like his predecessor, to attain the age of eighty in order to hear with his own ears his decided followers laugh him to scorn. The progress of the history of the world becomes more and more accelerated, the limbs of Antichrist extend mightily in the

womb of mankind, that being matured they may behold the approaching light of the world. May the church of Christ advance more and more to a self-knowledge so as to free itself from all Antichristian elements; and may the knowledge of Christ effectually guard itself against the inroads of that dangerous error, for assuredly excrescences of unbelief, such as is the received speculation of the fabulous character of the New Testament, belong not to the advancement of a just comprehension of the Gospel. Theology has to treat of such phenomena alone in an apologetical point of view, i.e. in prosecution of that discipline which guards the deportment of Christian knowledge against attacks from without. Specimens such as that now referred to can find no place in the interior of its sanctuary.

It is therefore with an apologetical view that I intend now to contribute somewhat to the refutation of these fabulous elements, in order to which I purpose to enter upon a new and comprehensive inquiry concerning the authenticity of the Gospels, to which I have been kindly invited by Dr Thiele of Leipzig in his last new work directed against Strauss. With the evidence, or proof that our canonical Gospels have been written by eye-witnesses of the events, the applicability of the fabulous view taken of the life of Christ falls to the ground, according to Strauss's own confession, in a manner the most sure and complete. To this revision and correction of my former work on the authenticity of the Gospels, I shall proceed (if God spare me) as soon as the printing of the third edition of the second volume shall be completed.

In conclusion, I beg to remark, that in order to limit somewhat of the too great bulk of this first volume, all

such passages as have been more amply treated of in the later volumes have been abbreviated. I trust, therefore, that this volume, notwithstanding the additions that have been made to it, will not be found to exceed the limits of former editions. I regret that an unavoidable journey to the watering-places for the recovery of my health has not permitted me, as heretofore, to superintend the correction of the proofs; I therefore solicit the reader's indulgence on account of any typographical errors.

THE AUTHOR.

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OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. BAPTISM AND TEMPTATION OF CHRIST.

(Matthew iii. 1-14; xii. Mark i. 2-13. Luke iii. 1-4; xiii.)

§ 1. Doctrine and Baptism of John, (Matth. iii. 1-12; Mark i.

2-9; Luke iii. 1—20),

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