Text: N. P. Willis (?), Review of Samuel Farmer Jarvis, A Chronological Introduction of the History of the Church, Evening Mirror (New York), February 18, 1845, vol. 1, no. 114, p. 2, col. 1

[page 2, column 1, continued:]

A CHRONOLOGICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, by the Rev. Samuel Farmer Jarvis, D. D. LL. D., Historiographer to the Church. New York, Harper & Brother.

The office of “Historiographer to the Church” though one having the advantage of a very imposing title, has never before come under our notice; and we were at a loss to what authority to refer the appointment. On consulting the preface, however, we find the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States to be the source of the honor; and we cannot object to an office being created for the learned Doctor, though he certainly rather confers celebrity on his title than gains any from it.

We can only wish the “Introduction” the place which is justly its own, among American works of learned research. In theology and Biblical criticism, our country stands confessedly on a par with England; but so far as knowledge extends, this is the first purely chronological work, of a high order, that has yet appeared among us; and, as such, it is entitled to particular attention. The learned and inquiring, all who are interested, (and who is not?) in Bible and Church History, will find this book an invaluable addition to their libraries. It aims to settle, by the most extensive and thorough research, that point in chronology upon which thousands of subordinate, yet very important particulars depend — the era of our Saviour's birth. This is a question of deep interest to the whole learned and Christian world; and we hope the American part, at least, will show its appreciation of the labors of one of our most indefatigable and successful scholars.

The work is admirably executed, and brought out in the very best style of American publications, a merit to be praised and prized for its rarity in these oculist-enriching days. (We must be excused for coining a compound, which will soon necessarily be naturalized among us, if we do not get a copy-right law.)