New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-05-03
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

FHE RELIGION ISRAEL. Translated from the ps1en
DID, 2sS Roberts Brothers
In this brief manual, the development OF the
Jewish religion is treated from purely historical point
OF vew without reference 10 theological tene's OF uoS
rnatic principles. According TO the author Tue "l''
Of the historical books Of the Old Testament 'ou "y
years and even many centuries after inc events "Vn
they relate The Prophets also present statements anu
narratives about previous age referring to events OF inc
oden time which in their day were universally &C
,ep,ed "a facts Their information about the past his
tory OF Israel received simply from tradition IAs
indeed could have been otherwise. There were 10
written records for knowledge OF tho past
could only have boon handed down by Wofo
OF mouth. But not only did the hlstorians
of Israel draw from tradition with perfect freedom oa'
ahey modified their representations OF the past 10 bu'
their own purposes in writing. When popue' VI
priest related something about previous age MS oe
was not 10 convey knowledge about that age ou' "
make history vehicle for instruction ana
The past thus became colorei with the uDgc OF MS own
,o,,d uonce nothing but a scrIpuous investigation
will serve 10 separate what is historical IN tue de"sh
literature from what is unhstorcaL But cach ec'nen'
a. OF the utmost value illustrating the rehgous con
osptions of the ancient ISraecs. Many OF INC Ou i
lament books moreover, are of exceeding WORTH NOT
only on account Of their importance for the history oil
Israe but for their pure and lofty religious spirit Ihey
efen glow with passionate, burning love OF God and
his law and present noble example IN the Datle VI
life AS described by the author, the prophets occupy
dstip.t Mace of their own among the jewish people
They stand side by side with the priests ana the sages
TO both Of whom they are sometimes in antagonist
They often oppose not only the princes, put
even the priests and the temple service freely prOnounc
inc Judgment on the sacrifices offered to the Lord The
characteristics tine books OF the Old Testament are us
cussod at considerable length with an account OF the
collection into a volume and the establishment OF the
canon In tho opinion Of the author, the theory that
;N,,,oa Of IL
able Before the Babylonish captivity he maintains
Israel had no sacred writings. There were certain sW'
propbetic savings and few historical books, but they
were not supposed to possess divine authority Alter
the captivity there a change. Ezra brought the
presty law from Babylon Incorporated with the mar
rayes and laws already in existence ana introduced
them into Israel rs code of law, giving to them Dhd
ing authority and from that time they were considered
divine The different divisions of the Old Testament
were subsequently added by the Scihes; doubts were
cherished in regard portions OF tho cOlectOh
but by degrees they all acquired divine authority and
in tho first century before Christ it would appear that
great unanimity prevailed concerning most OF the
books of the Old Testament. In the present volume tho
author makes no claim profound erndition, or IN
eenious argument. He seems to be quiet pastor OF
Dutch church in Leyden, where the Pilgrims so long
found hospitabe home, and his work was probably IN
tended for the people Of his parocha charge scholar
he is evidently Of thought and reflection, addicted
research but presenting the fruits OF learning IN
simple form. without perplexing his readers with
speculative suggestions he sets before them his cohc
sions in good faith to be decided on by good sense