The History of Dogma. By Dr. Adolf Harnack. Translated by
William M'Gilchrist, B.D. (Williams and Norgate. 5s.)—This is the sixth volume of Professor Harnack's great book, taking up the subject at the time of Ansel's', and carrying it on up to the Reformation. It is specially interesting at this time. We hear much, for instance, of " primitive " doctrine. The " seven " sacraments are a familiar instance. What does " primitive " mean here ? The number is " first found in the Sentence Book of Alexander III." not earlier than the twelfth century. The description of " indulgences " is noteworthy. This is the sum- ming up :—" Every one who surrenders himself to the Catholic Church, and who for some reason is not satisfied with the inner state of his heart, can secure salvation and deliverance from all eternal and temporal penalties if he acts with shrewdness and finds a skilful priest." This is, of course, not stated to be the theory, but the practice.—With this may be mentioned a little book, specially intended to deal with modern forms of error, Theories of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, by James Merchant (same publishers, Is.) Mr. Merchant first gives an outline of the evidi nee as it is recorded in the New Testament, and then discusses the theories known respectively as the " Swoon," " Vision," " Apparition," and " Conspiracy " theories. Finally, he deals with some geller,..1 objections.
Previous page
