Chapter IV: Preparation in History for Christ

General considerations on the study of the historical
preparation, as part of the study of the Incarnation 129-133

Special value of such study in the present age of historical
and scientific method which

may be able to gauge finally the value of naturalist
theories of the origin of Christianity 133-134

may find its own congenial 'signs' in the beauty of
manifold preparing process; in the wonder of an apparently
unique convergence of lines of preparation 134-137

I. General preparation--in the world at large:

(1) In the shaping of its external order 138-142

(2) Through its inward experiences of

Failure 142-146

Progress 146-150

II. Special preparation--in Israel:

(1) The singularity of Israel's external position at the
critical moment of the Christian Era 150-156

(2) The paradox of its inward character 156-159

(3) The peculiar influences which had made it what it was: 159-160

_a._ Prophecy 160-167

_b._ The Law 167-169

_c._ The Course of its History 170-175

III. The independence of the two preparations; the paradox of
their fulfilment in one Christ 175-178