- 8 -
Spirit was chiefly known and felt as a power. The "still small voice" marks the period
of transition.
"Prophetism" was, so to speak, the introduction of the "still small voice" into the world
- first in a preparatory manner; in the fullness of time, as in all fullness, in the Christ;
and finally as indwelling in the Church of God. These remarks will show what kind of
questions are incidentally raised in the course of this history. Even in this respect the
reader will have noticed progression in the successive Volumes of this Bible History.
Otherwise also, it is hoped, he will mark it in these pages and in the notes, in the fuller
and more critical treatment of all questions. A new feature here is the introduction of a
few Jewish and Rabbinical notices, which may prove interesting and useful. In general,
while I have endeavored to make my investigations thoroughly independent, and, so far
as I could, original, it will, I trust, be also found that I have not neglected any sources
of information within my reach. But above all, I would ever seek to keep steadily in
view, as my main object, the practical and spiritual interest of this history. It all leads
up to the Person of Christ, the Miracle of Miracles - the Miracle which gives meaning
and unity to all others, and which is the truest evidence of them all. Thank God, we
have sufficient and most firm historical ground for our faith in Him, as well as the
inward teaching and the assurance of the Holy Ghost; sufficient, not indeed to
supersede the necessity of faith, but to make that "blessed faith," so well grounded, so
glorious, so joyous, and so transforming in its power, not only reasonable to us, but of
obligatory duty to all men.
ALFRED EDERSHEIM.
LODERS VICARAGE, BRIDPORT Easter, 1880.
(^)