We will touch here only a single aspect of the subject, that which is indispensable to the completeness of our narrative.

Leaving aside all which belongs to the portraiture of the apostolic times, we will inquire only in what degree the data furnished by the Gospels may be employed in a history formed according to rational principles.[1] [Footnote 1: Persons who wish to read more ample explanations, may consult, in addition to the work of M.Reville, previously cited, the writings of Reuss and Scherer in the _Revue de Theologie_, vol.x., xi., xv.; new series, ii., iii., iv.; and that of Nicolas in the _Revue Germanique_, Sept.

and Dec., 1862; April and June, 1863.] That the Gospels are in part legendary, is evident, since they are full of miracles and of the supernatural; but legends have not all the same value.

No one doubts the principal features of the life of Francis d'Assisi, although we meet the supernatural at every step.

No one, on the other hand, accords credit to the _Life of Apollonius of Tyana_, because it was written long after the time of the hero, and purely as a romance.