The original work was edited by one of the most learned and thoroughly orthodox men among modern Germans, aided by a large number of those who stand at the head of German theologians; the name of the author uniformly accompanying his article. As a work of thorough learning, the present work ranks among the very first of the kind, and will be found acceptable to all, especially the Theologian and Christian Scholar. -Calendar. So far, however, it seems, in our judgment, deserving of great praise. An immense amount of learning has been devoted to it. The best scholars of Germany enrich it by their contributions, and give us in this condensed form the results of their wide and profound researches. We most cordially commend it to those interested in sacred studies, as calculated to afford We hail this work with the highest satisfaction. It is the product of the richest German learning, guided by orthodox and evangelical principles. As a thesaurus of facts, and a scientific Cyclopedia, it will probably prove the best written within the limits of the Engliɛ language. The high standing of the publishing firm in Philadelphia, will guarantee the regular and complete issue of the numbers. - Southern Baptist. Its reproduction here, with additions suited to the theological literature of the evangelic Catholic Church in this country, under the conduct of able divines of the different branches of the Church, cannot fail to be an enterprise enlisting the best wishes and warm support of American Protestants. Memphis Christian Advocate. The Protestant divines and churches of this country assistance the most important, and by no means always have reason to rejoice in the prospect of soon having accessible. Christian Times. A cursory examination of this work has led us to believe that it will be a valuable store-house for the Theologian and Biblical Student. It condenses the results of the varied learning and tedious researches of many minds, in a few pages.- True Union. From whatever point of view, therefore, we regard the work, we are constrained most cordially to recommend it; and especially to the ministers of our church No one of them should be without it.-Moravian. Such a work as that with which the American public are now about to be furnished, must be considered an invaluable accession to theological and ecclesiastical literature. It is at once able and thorough, and, at the same time, truly evangelical and orthodox. No scholar or divine should allow any consideration to prevent him from securing it. — German Reformed Messenger. We have read many of its articles, and given it a pretty thorough examination. We think the work will prove worthy of the attention of all Christian readers, and will be found especially advantageous to theological students.-Richmond Christian Advocate. It differs from "Kitto's Encyclopedia" in that it extends its researches over a broader field, embracing not only the most important points of Biblical study, but much valuable matter also on the history of moral an English translation of the great Encyclopedia of Herzog. In every respect it is a work of sterling merit and great value. - Evangelical Lutheran. It has already acquired much deserved celebrity in Germany for its profound criticism and fidelity to evangelical truth. A reliable Encyclopedia of Protestant Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature has long been. a desideratum in the English language, and if the volume before us is to be taken as a criterion, we have hopes that this chasm is soon to be filled.- Western Recorder. science in all ages. Still further it selects the most Right glad are we to see that the translation and practical items of ecclesiastical history, including anti-republication of this work has been commenced. It is quities, heresies, sects, biography, &c.; but, perhaps, one evincing talent, learning, labor, and research—will the very best feature of this great work is its historic be favorably regarded by learned men of every Christian symbolism, or comparative view of the position and denomination, and of incalculable service as a book of relation of the various evangelical denominations.—reference and instruction, both to the novice and learned Genesee Evangelist. doctor in theology.—St. Louis Christian Advocate. LINDSAY & BLAKISTON, Publishers, PHILADELPHIA. PROTESTANT THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA: BEING A Condensed Translation OF HERZOG'S REAL ENCYCLOPEDIA. WITH ADDITIONS FROM OTHER SOURCES. BY REV. J. H. A. BOMBERGER, D. D., OF ASSISTED BY DISTINGUISHED THEOLOGIANS VARIOUS DE NOMINATIONS. VOL. I. PHILADELPHIA: LINDSAY & BLAKISTON. Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by LINDSAY & BLAKISTON, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. PREFACE TO THE TRANSLATION. THE Encyclopedia, of which a somewhat condensed translation is herewith offered to the American Protestant Church, professes to supply a want which has long been felt and lamented. But whatever inconveniences may have been suffered hitherto, from the hesi tation of Christian scholars to attempt so laborious and responsible an enterprise, we who reap the fruits of the present undertaking, may rather rejoice that the work was so long delayed. For without the least disparagement of the erudition which has been heretofore consecrated to the service of our common Christianity, and which has contributed so ably and efficiently to its advancement, we may affirm that there never was period in the history of the Church, every way so auspicious for the preparation of such a work, as the present. No previous period ever possessed such facilities for the satisfactory execution of a general Church Encyclopedia, in the form of historical material, the results of profound critical studics, the reports of learned Christian tourists, and the discoveries of patient scientific investigations in the various departments of physical and metaphysical literature. And never has the Church commanded the talents of so many devout men, so eminently qualified for making the best use of this accumulated material, or so cheerfully and piously inclined to co-operate in the arduous task of working it up into the most available form. In this view, "Herzog's Real Encyklopädie" may be regarded as a thank-offering, prompted by the revived faith and love of regenerated German learning, and devoutly laid at the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ. And evangelical Protestantism may rejoice that this noble work, instead of being the product of the age of skeptical and destructive rationalism, was reserved for the period of the penitent return of German theology to the only living foundation of all knowledge and wisdom. If here and there, in the course of the work, indications of more than ordinary ardor of pious affection and zeal appear, let them serve as impressive illustrations of those significant words of our Lord: “ ἀφέωνται αἱ ἁμαρτίαι αὐτῆς αἱ πολλαί, ὅτι ἠγάπησε πολύ.” As the general character of the Encyclopedia, its pervading spirit, its theological and ecclesiastical position, and the plan upon which it is constructed, are very satisfactorily set forth in our abstract of Herzog's preface, nothing further need be added in reference to these points. It will be observed, that liberty has been taken to insert additions from Winer, and other recent sources. Although this is done with great diffidence, it is believed that a full justification of this course will be found in the character of the articles, clauses, &c., which have been thus incorporated with the main work. However complete the "Real Encyklopädie," without those articles, might be for the particular sphere for which the original work is designed, it has been feared that their omission might seem a deficiency, and limit the usefulness of the work for the American Church. For the correctness of our judgment in this respect we must refer to the additions themselves, which have in every case been indicated by a distinctive mark. Of the relative merits of this Encyclopedia, in comparison with other works of a somewhat similar character, we forbear to speak. "Kitto's Cyclopedia," "Robinson's Calmet," and the "Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge," cach possesses its peculiar worth. The more comprehensive plan of "The Protestant Theological and Ecclesiastical Encyclopedia," excludes all rivalry with those favorite works. Shrinking from the immense labor and responsibility of translating Herzog's work without assistance, and desirous, moreover, that the American edition should be somewhat characterized by the attractive catholicity of the original, the co-operation of a number of clergymen and other professional gentlemen, of different denominations, has been solicited, and we are happy to say secured. And we desire to render this public acknowledgment of their prompt and efficient response to our solicitations. Those to whom we are thus far indebted for assistance are: Rev. B. C. Wolff, D. D., Professor of Theology in the Seminary of the German Reformed Church, Mercersburg; Rev. E. V. Gerhart, A. M., President of Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa.; Rev. G. F. Krotel, Pastor of the 1st Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Pa.; Rev. J. E. Ermentrout, A. M., Pastor of the German Reformed Church, Norristown, Pa.; Rev. H. Harbaugh, A. M., Pastor of the 1st German Reformed Church, Lancaster, Pa.; Rev. B. Bausman, A. M., Pastor of the German Reformed Church, Lewisburg, Pa.; Rev. T. Stork, D. D., Pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Philadelphia; Rev. T. C. Porter, A. M., Professor of Natural Sciences in Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa.; Wm. Mayburry, A. M., M. D., Philadelphia; Rev. John Beck, A. M., Pastor of the German Reformed Church, Easton, Pa.; Rev. E. de Schweinitz, Professor of the Theological Seminary of the Moravian Church, Philadelphia; and Rev. T. Apple, A. M., Professor of Mathematics in Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa. As their names are added in italics, to those of the authors of the respective articles which they have translated, the extent and value of the aid thus received can readily be estimated. Articles translated by the Editor are designated by a star (*). Articles taken from Winer are endorsed with the name of that author, and the Editor's mark prefixed, or the italicised name of the translator added. For the few articles which are endorsed simply with the star, the Editor is wholly responsible. They are, as indicated in the references, compilations from various reliable sources. THE EDITOR. PHILADELPHIA, February 7, 1856. |