Ebook The Genius of the Fourth Gospel

"The Gospel of John is Bible enough for me." I am disposed to echo this, although, at the same time, far enough from thinking that it is the whole of the Bible.

Who was the author of this Gospel? Where, When, and Wherefore was it written? These questions, though rather speculative than vital, will be found discussed at the close of the Second Volume. No candid reader can peruse these volumes of mine, without finding that the Life recorded in this Gospel, the doctrines propounded, and the thoughts suggested, are sufficient in every way to meet the intellectual and spiritual exigencies of mankind. It has been said, that Christianity has no rudimental idea, either in religion or ethics, that is not found in connection with the teachings of Zoreaster, Buddha, Mahomet, Confucius, Seneca, Plato, and other ancient schools of spiritual thought Were this granted, I unhesitatingly affirm that nowhere, throughout the whole domain of literature, ancient and modern, are those most vital and profound elements of truth, exhibited in forms so congruous with the reason, so fascinating to the heart, so commanding to the whole soul, as we have them in this Gospel of St. John. In this Logos they centre and radiate.