The Dates of Genesis.
By the Rev. F. A. Jones, Ilford, England. London: The Kingsgate Press, 4 Southampton Row, W.C. Octavo, pp. 333. Price, 2/6 net from Author; postage 4d. extra.
We have read this volume with interest and satisfaction. The author’s ultimate purpose is to vindicate the chronology of Genesis against modern attacks. At the outset he shews the importance of the study; as, indeed, in a historical revelation such as Christianity is, how could chronology be otherwise than important? A comparison is then instituted between the Hebrew, the Septuagint, and the Samaritan texts of Genesis, with the result that the Hebrew text approves itself as the purest. It is shewn that the natural reading of the Hebrew text is in the sense that the creation of Adam should be placed at about 4,000 B.C. After a brief discussion, having for its object to shew that this date is not inconsistent with any geological fact, the author proceeds to compare the Hebrew, that is, Biblical chronology, with the chronologies of the other great nations of antiquity—this being in fact the immediate and central object of the treatise in hand—for the Chaldeans, the Indians, the Chinese, and the Egyptians have all of them their respective chronologies purporting to reach back to the beginnings of human history. It is generally thought that the chronologies of these ancient heathen nations are witnesses to a much greater remoteness for the origin of the human race than the chronology of the Bible allows. Mr. Jones gives solid and ingenious reasons for reckoning that the heathen chronologies, correctly interpreted, corroborate the truth of the Bible chronology. We cannot, however, here and now, do more than refer our readers to an interesting discussion of a rather difficult theme.
Mr. Jones’ reverential attitude towards the Scriptures may be most easily and effectively shewn by means of a quotation. At page 250 our author says: “We conclude this brief enquiry into the Dates of Genesis with the testimony of our brief conviction that God has specially revealed Himself and the truth in the Hebrew Scriptures, and that Christ in handing to us the things written in Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms has bequeathed to us, with the commendation of His own approval, a word of God that is both true and able also to make us wise unto salvation.” The author’s ability is evinced by the ease with which he follows mathematical problems not at all of the easiest. His good sense is witnessed in how free of exaggeration the discussion is carried on throughout.
We can heartily recommend this volume to all students of Holy Scripture. We reckon that, as an introduction to the difficult subject of chronology, the volume will serve an excellent purpose. J. R. M.
“Theopneustia.”
— Messrs. Farncombe & Son, London, have sent us a copy of their new edition of Dr. Gaussen’s “Theopneustia,” and we desire to commend again this valuable work to the consideration of our readers. It deserves a wide circulation in these days of unbelief.—See Advertisement on Cover.