32
CHRISTIANITY IN TALMUD
ally performed, any more than the mere
statement of the N.T. writers proves that the
alleged miracles of Jesus and the Apostles were
actually performed. But in the one case or in the
other, the record of alleged miracles, made in all good
faith, is clear proof of the belief that such events did
take place and had taken place.
So also we shall find many instances of discussion
upon topics chiefly scriptural, between Jewish Rabbis
and certain persons called Minim.' Now the record
of such discussions may be, in a given case, inaccurate ;
but it is proof positive of the belief that such discus-
sions had actually occurred, and indeed may be said
to establish not merely the belief but the fact that
they had occurred. Therefore, whatever may be the
amount of actual historical
fact
established
by the
passages from the Rabbinical writings examined in
the present work, they will at least have the value
(and it is no slight one) that belongs to records of
opinion and belief upon the subject for the illustration
of which they have been chosen.
To the consideration of those passages I will now
proceed, having given what I trust may be a sufficient,
as well as a reliable, explanation of their nature and
origin. I merely premise one word as to the classifi-
cation of them, and the method by which I shall deal
with their contents. The subjects referred to in them
are so various that an exhaustive classification would
involve a great deal of repetition, since one passage
might be
appropriately placed under each of several
heads. This might be avoided by arranging them
i The whole question of the interpretation of the word Minim will be
dealt with hereafter.
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