Section 3
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or rather, why this Divine Dispensation was so long delayed. After this summary of Christian Theology, commences what is properly the object of the work— the History of the Church. (B. I. p. 28.) The time when our Lojxj^was horn, being an important histori cal fact, authorities are given corroborating the statement of St. Luke, and settling the question in general, to what particular period this happy event is to be referred. (B. I. ch. 5.) The coincidence with the language of Prophecy is then illustrated by a reference to the state of the Jewish Government at the time, and the seeming discrepancy between the gospels of Matthew and Luke on the genealogy of Christ, is reconciled. (B. I. ch. 7.) Historical sketches are given respecting those who acted a promi nent part in our Lord's trial and death, elucidating both the time of His Ministry and the retributive visitations of Providence, (ch. 8.) The last chapters of this book are chiefly occupied with accounts of John the Baptist, in his relation to the Messiah, and closes with the correspondence attributed to Christ and Agbarus. and which Eusebius translated from the records of Edessa. The secondbook, in connection with the martyrdom of Stephen and James the Just, shows the organization of the mother Church at Jerusalem, under the latter of these martyrs as its bishop. The origin of the Syrian Church, at Edessa, is interwoven with the ac count of Thaddeus, deputed thither by St. Thomas. The perse cutions at Jerusalem having scattered the disciples, and, Providence overruling this calamity for greater good, the truths of the Gospel were also scattered abroad with this dispersion. The apostles had, thus far, limited their operations to the Jews ; but henceforth commences the period of extension and catholicity. Phenice, Cyprus, Antioch, are thus visited by believers, and even Ethiopia receives intelligence of Christ, (ch. 1 ;) but the apostles were not fully prepared to establish the Church among the Gentiles, until the vision of Peter and the conversion of St. Paul dissipate all doubts. A period of peace under Tiberius is