Article August 9, 1900 Issue

Ancient Document Found

"Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ."

New York Herald

Biblical scholars in Europe are much excited over a document entitled "The Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ," the recent discovery of which was first made public at the Congress of Archæologists, held at Rome. Professors Marucchi and Lanciani are two of the eminent authorities who have examined this document and written about it. While it is not a will or testament in the sense of disposing of property, it is a long series of instructions regarding the conduct of the church; these instructions being supposed to have been delivered orally by Christ after the resurrection.

In support of the theory that this extraordinary find is genuine, it is pointed out that there are many references to such a document in Biblical tradition. In the National Library at Paris is a fragment which has been regarded as part of a similar work, while libraries in Syria possess other fragments. None of these fragments was sufficiently long to do more than indicate that the original was a lengthy document inspired directly by the Saviour.

The writing or dictating of such a document has been recently advanced as one of the reasons for Christ's stay upon earth between the time of the resurrection and the ascension. What would be more natural, has been asked, than that he should wish to leave behind him detailed, specific instructions as to the carrying on of his work? Of the first importance was the organization of the church and the formulation of rules for its government.

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