Jesus Christ the Divine Man: His Life and Times:

This volume is one of a series on the Men of the Bible, issued by the Messrs. Randolph & Co., under an arrangement with the English publishers. It is a most admirable presentation, in a very brief and readable compass, of the best results of modern study of the great theme. On many pages an analysis of a whole subject will be found stated in the progressive phrases of a sentence. And the unity of the historical development is steadily held in view. The plan admits of but little discussion of disputed points; but on all the great questions of the authenticity of the Gospel of John, the substantial harmony of the four gospels, the divinity of Christ, miracles, prophecy, sacrifice, resurrection, and the gift of the Spirit, the Church views are sympathetically and firmly held. It is a little remarkable that a book on the Life of Christ can be written in which it is difficult to discover what is the precise view held by the author on the doctrine of the incarnation. There is no statement nor discussion of the subject as a theological question. We read, indeed, of a "voluntary self inanition of God," "the Divine became human, and emptied itself of its glory, that the human might be glorified into the Divine." But, at the same time, the Divine omniscience and prophetic foresight, the personal exercise of Divine power are clearly and without limitations ascribed to Christ. And, on the other hand, the permanence and identity of his human soul after the resurrection are distinctly asserted, and proved by the permanence of his human feelings. "There is no break in the continuity of His affection." So, too, there is but little reference to questions of harmony and chronology, the plan followed being chiefly that of Dr. Westcott. The best modern authorities on questions of geography and antiquities are followed, and in such a way as to give the color of the times to the facts. And the references to the points of illustration in the life and teachings of Christ with the great thoughts of the heathen religions, are frequent and suggestive. The appeal which this theme makes to the deepest Christian feeling excites in most of the popular writers an inflated rhetoric in the struggle for expression, which renders them prolix and very tiresome to one who looks into them for information or definition. There is something of this inevitable exaltation in this volume, but it combines with a natural power of fresh and condensed expression, which, with the constant necessity for brevity, only appeals to the sympathy of the reader. The little book will be read more than once by one who once reads it, and will prove an invaluable aid to one who wants much in a little space, as well as to those to whom constant study of the subject renders any fresh presentation of the subject acceptable. C. W. Hodge. –The Presbyterian Review, Vol. 10 [1888]