This Jesus of Nazareth by Philip
Schaff, 1866. This Jesus of Nazareth without
money and arms conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar,
Mohammed, and Napoleon. Without science and learning,
he shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers
and scholars combined. Without the eloquence of schools,
he spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since,
and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of any orator
or poet. Without writing a single line,
he set more pens in motion and furnished themes for more sermons,
orations, discussions, learned volumes, works of art, and sweet
songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient
and modern times. Born in a manger and crucified
as a malefactor, he now controls the destinies of the civilized
world and rules a spiritual empire which embraces one-third of the
inhabitants of the globe. There never was in this world
a life so sincere, modest, and humble in its outward form and
condition, and yet producing such extraordinary effects upon
all ages, nations, and classes of men. The annals of history
produce no other example of such complete and astounding success
in spite of the absence of those material, social, literary, and
artistic powers and influences which are indispensable to success
for a mere man. Christ stands, in this respect
also, solitary and alone among all the heroes of history and
presents to us an insolvable problem unless we admit Him to
be more than man, even the eternal Son of God. Who do you say that
I am? You are the Christ, the Son of
the living God.