Jesus Christ : His Life and Work. By E. De
Presaonsd, D.D. Translated by Annie Harwood. (Hodder and Stoughton.)—This is an abridged and popularized form of De Presumed's larger work bearing the same title. "It appeared to me," says the author in his preface, "desirable in this edition, which addresses itself to readers of the most various classes, to avoid, as far as possible, all debateable and contro- versial points." He means, of course, debate and controversy as far as they concern "those who profess and call themselves Christians." The whole book is an argument against writers of the stamp of M. Ronan, by whose work indeed it may be supposed to have been called forth. It aims at setting forth the "life and work" of the historical Christ, as He is represented in the Gospel, and as Christendom, with a certain broad agreement of view which theological differences do not affect, has conceived of Him. The task has been admirably executed. The treatment of the subject loaves nothing to he desired, In the first place—for, after all, a book to ho useful must be read—it has a fresh- ness of interest which never fails. It seems to be one of the happy peculiarities of French writers of the best school to be able to give this without fail to even the meet familiar subjects. Dr. Do Prossonsd does nob attain this end by anything of novelty and eccentricity in his view. Skilful arrangement, felicitous suggestion, and an unfailing faculty of combination and illustration keep the reader's attention per- petually alive. And in the next place, it le, we conceive, in the highest degree an edifying book. It presents the figure of Christ conceived with an affectionate reverence which can scarcely fail to touch and to attract. We might wish indeed that it wore sufficient to refer to the Gospels themselves any one who desires to see such a figure. But the conditions of our time, with the contra versies which cannot be ignored, make impossible such simplicity of study. Modern research has dis- covered a vast amount of knowledge which bears on the subject of historical Christianity. Our forefathers could form very real and practical conceptions of their Lord without this knowledge ; but we, within whose roach it lies, must take account of it. You could not do better for the boy or girl just beginning to be conscious of its existence than put this book into their hands. And there are few older students of Scripture who will not find some thisg of value in its pages.
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