New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-01-25
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

THE LIFE OF JOSEPH ADDISON ALEXANDER, d. d.
BY HENRY CARRINGToN ALhXANphk, izlho' N"'7
Charles ScTiDner & Co. New-NOtk. 1870.
LISA pity that biographies cannot put themselves
~ the place OF their readers. Here are two long
va.nmes crowded with every variety of minute per
sonal detail which are no doubt exceedingly inter
estng 10 the friends OF the subject of the biography
but which mankind only endure IN regard to charac-
tiers that ill large space the canvas of history
Had the two volumes been pressed into one and
vast quantity Of complimentary or admring letters
in regard to the hero of the biography been omitted
the work would have been much more valuable
biography ought to be made TO tell its own tale, ana
not depend for its interest the opinions or letters
Fl the friends and associates of the subject. The
model for all such earnest biographies Is the we'll
known Life of DIR. Arnold.
With all these faults. however, Mr.. Henry Alexan-
der has written very pleasing and instructive life
of mis- eminent uncle. The wonder which every one
will feel ON reading it Is that Of such distn-
guished abilities teacher of Theology III the lead
ing school of the Presbyterian Church for more than
a quarter of century, n remarkable Onentalist
and scholar in a different languages, Of which he
wrote and spoke nearly onehalf, profound student
IN history and Biblical criticism commentator on
the Bible. as preacher of the most finished II
not effective that have appeared in pulpit famed
for eloquence and eanestneSs, and withal man OF
humOr and imagination-that such man, with such
gifts should be so little known outside his own sect
and their affiliated branches in England and Scot
land.
The causes we apprehend of DR. Addison AleXan-
ders comparatively inferior public influence, are TO
be found in number of circumstances. His TEN
perament was peculiarly reserved. and he himself,
though possessing remarkable powers as a converse
Zionist, was given TO solitude and isolation. Such
natures do not affect the crowd. Then his intellect
was not constructive, and perhaps too well bal
gnced or at least too much governed by the tradi-
tional influences in which he had been educated. He
built up no school Of criticism, of metaphysical
thought. OF practical philosophy.
As theologan. he has not welded One-tenth of
the influence the thought of the nation which
Congregational divine, far inferior to Alexander in
scholarship, has eXerted. We mean Dr. Bushnell
Though thoroughly familiar with modern scholar
ship. such was the character of DR.. Alexanders in
tellect that the new methods Of Biblical criticism
seemed TO produce no impression upon him, and he
is found unfolding interpretations and methods OF
exegesis which the scientific scholarship of the
age has entirely passed by. With all his vast cru
dition and fine powers. it is doubtful if his Com
mentaTies will live, except among the unrehecting
and devotional of bis own sect
There is however, more Profound reason why
the memory of this great scholar and divine Is rapid
~ fading away.
Dr. Addison Alexander occupied one of the fore
most religions and intellectual positions OF his
try during an age in which gigantic moral forces as
powerful as those that struggled in the of the
Reformation were beginning their terrible collision
on this continent. 4 preacher of righteousness and
love he saw during quarter of century millions
of human beings close by him deprived of every legal
right the tools and sport OF tyranny and cruelty.
with marriage violated and religion made a mOckcry.
leader ia ms church. AMI orator, be bcheld the
fins. lawcss and dangerous efforts of tae South TO
erect a Slave empire over this continent lie beard
the bred Scott decision carrying Slavery wherever
the flag few he knew the desperate attempts offhe
South to make Kansas Slave State he listened to
the far-oiy mumuriugs of that great popular
agitation against slavery which eliminated
in the formation of the Republican
party and tlle election campaign under
Fremont; he stood by as the body OF the martyred
John Brown was borne to the North he lived TO the
Inauguration of President Lincoln and the very
of the civil wal and yet during all this tremendous
period. with moral forces clashing around him, in
collision which has shaken this nation to its base
Dr. Alexander. so far rs il appears in these volumes
never uttered word for freedom 90 the oppressed
for Justice 20 the negro, for a Union free from
Slavery. He studied Gescnius and .Hcngstenberg
while the tramp of civil war shook his quiet dwell
ling and be forgot the slave in his eagernes To over
throw a now railroads.&c. interpretation
Such men, with whatever talents are not of their
age. and history forgets them. The scholar and
yond or behind them.