The Portland daily press., 1883-06-09
Recent Publications.

Jesus: His Opinions and Character. The
New Testament Studies of Layman. (Bos-
ton: Geo. II. Ellis; Portland Loring, Short
& Harmony
This book is the result of sincere effort
to place the character Of Jesus on proper
historical basis. The author has brought to
bear upon his subject the rigorous methods
which all candid scholars insist should be
applied to the Investigation of the records
relating to other historic personaees, and,
consequently, the meagre data VIII ch are
available have been handled with severity
which may appear sacrileglous to many who.
from their youth up, have been accustomed
to consider Jesus as of divine origin, and,
there fore, not properly within the scope of
human criticism. But, if such devout peo-
pie can bring themselves to the perusal OF
this book, they will not find their sensiblli-
ties wounded by aippant and offensive treat
ment of the great theme. On the contrary,
they will be constrained to admit the evi-
dent candor of the writer, and, however they
may disagree with his conclusions, acknowl
edge the sincerity of his purpose and the ja-
dcial attitude of his mind The savagery
and bitterness, which sometimes are con-
spicuous in the writings of those who do
not believe in the divinity of Jesus, find no
place in these pages. The book is evidently
conceived in reverent spirit, and abounds
in passages which indicate grateful appre-
citation of the loyeliness and grandeur of
the character of Christ, and suggest regret
in the mind of the author that his reason
compels denial of claims which are con-
sidered valid by the Christian world. The
following words, with which the chapter on
the resurrection closes, illustrate this: mo
man ever lived who has so much affected the
development Of history. His spirit pegvaaes
the world, and has been the companion, tho
support, and the solace Of all suffering and
devoat souls. Thare is no sign that his spir-
itual influence will ever wane.'
The author began the studies of which
this book is The record with no proposes
sion, except that the dominant purpose of
Jesus was to proclaim and prepare for the
kingdom of heaven; and he was in many in
stances surprised at results which contra
dicted the preiudlces in which be had been
educated. That he has arrived at his con
illusions after the most painstaking research
and mature study of the collected materials
is evident from the knowledge Of details dis
played on every page; and yet, attention to
minutia has not prevented comprehensive
survey OF the entire field, and the generali-
cations are broad and liberal.
The style of the author is admirably
adapted to the grand subject Of which he
treats. His language is peculiarly rich
clear and forcible, and the volume teens
with passages whose beauty Of dietion is so
exquisite as to win the admiration Of those
who dissent from his views.
1t is an open secret that our distinguished
fellow-citizen, the Hon. George f. Talbot, is
the layman whose New Testament studies
are here given to the world, and we sincere
ly regret that his modesty has induced him
to withhold his name from the title-pase. for
the volume win thus fail of al introduction
to many a Bible-student, who otherwise
would be Immediately attracted To it. An
other obstacle to the circulation of the book
is the obscurity of the publisher; but we
hope that in spite of this hindranee TO de-
served publicity, it win obtain an extensive
sale, and thus assist greatly in the promul-
CATION Of views designed to give more cor
rect appreciation of subject in which every
thinking man must have profound inter-
est. G.