Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-05-02


Messrs. Funk h Wagnalls, 10 and IL Dey
street, New York, the second volumne Of
DR.. Pusey' work on "The Minor Prophets
This colossal work is justly regarded by
scholars as the best commentary extant in
the English language on the Minor
Prophets The author, in the preface,
says: "In regard to the literal meaning
of the sacred text, have given that which,
after matured study spread over thirty
years, believe to be true or in some cases
the more probable only. In so doing l
have purposely avoided all show of learn
ing or embarrassing discussion, which be-
long to the dictionary or grammar rather
than commentary on Holy Scripture"
Pusey's Commentaries are free from
those doctrines which are usually described
by the name, Puseyism.
The following are among the character
istic features Of this standard work:
l. 1t is able, learned and instructive.
The authors Hebrew scholarship and his
acquaintance with theological literature,
ancient and modern, are brought to bear
upon the text in such manner as to bring
out the profoundest meaning in the simp-
lest and most unsssuming manner.
2. 1t is critical in the sense OF being
discriminating, yet free from mere techni-
cal comments. Practical results are pre-.
sented with unquestioning faith and hum
BILE reverence, and with a fearless devotion
to the truth, controlled by safe and sound
judgment.
3. 1t is orthodox and conservative in
its tendency, though in no sense Influenced
by any narrow theological or ecclesiastical
bias. Conforming to the mind Of the
Spirit, the author devoutly seeks the mean
ing Of the Old Testament prophecy in its
New Testament fulfllment.
That part Of Asia now known as Afghan.
istan, has been often invaded in the CEN
turies past, and is historical ground, A
Mr.. Larned recently explained, in lectu, e
to public school children, at Buffalo that
it formed part Of the conquest of Cyrus
about 500 years before Christ. Then fol-
lowed the Parthian, the Persian, and the
Mohammedau invasions, and, last Of all,
the invasion Of the Chinese Tartars. Sue
cessive waves of the Mongolian invaders
almost extinguished the old civilization,
and the descendants OF these last conquer
ors are the present inhabitants of the
country The Tartar invasion swept down
below the river Oxus, and, for 500 years,
there was hardly country on the face Of
the globe which was less known to the
the civilized world, and which was more
completely given over to barbsrism thun
AfghaIistsn. 1t was most impossible for
European traveller to penetrate into the
country. Even so recently as twenty
years ago, he who wished to explore
into the unknown country was obliged to
go in Disguise. Since then, and especially
in the last three or four years, Russia has
acquired nearly ell Of the territory push.
ing her way from her possession in Siberia
In 1869 . Russian expedition crossed tho
Caspian Sea, and landing on the Eastern
shore, occupied . military station in spite
Of protests from all Continental and Ipsu.
lar Europe. Up to the present time Rus
sis has reduced to subjection or submission
oil the Turcoman tribes down to Afghan
istsn and the Persian boundary. The an.
swers which Russia has given to the pro-
tests which have recently been made by
England have been to the effect that she
had in view no purposes Of conquest, and
that she was only protecting herself from
the incursions OF the hordes OF Turcomsps.
The latest conquest OF Russia has been
the famous, wealthy, and great city Of
Merv, about which Archibald Forbes, the
famous war correspondent and lecturer,
has written an interesting book. And
now Russia ia reaching out after Herat,
the heart OF the country, the key to the
situasion, Russia's gateway to India. And
this is why England has been arousinu