A Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke #228265

But there is one side of the labour of criticism which may, and indeed ought to be treated before exegesis — the historical. And by this we understand: I. The study of such facts of ecclesiastical history as may throw light upon the time of publication and the sources of the work which is to engage our attention; 2. The review of the various opinions which have been entertained respecting the origin of this book, particularly in modern times. The first of these studies supplies exegetical and critical labour with its starting-point; the second deter mines its aim. The possession of these two kinds of informa tion is the condition of the maintenance and advancement of science.