C.  The  Modern  Age  (a.d.  1500-1850). — Thus  one  is
brought  to  the  commencement  of  modern  times,  and  to  the
beginning  of  an  era  which  has  been  pre-eminently  distin-
guished for  its  reformatory  movements.  Among  these
reforms,  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  consisted  in  men's
viewing  after  an  entirely  new  manner  certain  fundamental
religious  problems.  And  inasmuch  as,  in  connection  with
the  preparation  for  the  inauguration  of  Comparative  Eeligion,
a  considerable  number  of  workers  will  have  to  be  men-
tioned, it  will  be  best  to  arrange  their  names  in  the  order  of

^  Also  known  as  Nicolaus  Khrj'plTs  (or  Krebs)  de  Cusa..
^  Max  Miiller,  in  Universal  Religion,  p.  21.     Chicago,  1897.
^  This  investigator  attained  tlie  dignity  of  the  Cardinalate  before  he  was
fifty  years  of  age.  For  fuller  particulars  as  to  his  researches,  see  Piinjer,
History  of  the  Christian  Philosoiiliy  of  Eeligion,  vol.  i.  pp.  66-89.  Edin-
burgh, 1887.
CHAP,  vj     ITS    PROPHETS   AND   PIONEERS  133

their  respective  nationalities.  As  is  natural,  the  Prophets
and  Pioneers  of  Comparative  Eehgion  became  increasingly
numerous  as  the  date  of  its  advent  drew  near;  and  lience,
as  we  advance  in  our  survey,  a  severer  scrutiny  on  our
part,  and  a  higher  standard  of  attainment  on  the  part  of
those  who  are  ultimately  singled  out  from  their  contem-
poraries, cannot  reasonably  be  objected  to.
