Köstlin’s “Life of Luther”[C] is really an important contribution to our
biographical literature. The fourth centennial has just been celebrated
in all Protestant countries, and much valuable information given to the
people from the pulpit and the press. The Reformation and the principal
agent God used to accomplish it are now discussed as they have not been
before for five centuries—yet the subject is by no means exhausted. This
latest book from the pen of a learned German so well qualified, and
thoroughly furnished for his work, will be read with unusual interest
by thousands whose attention has recently been directed to the life and
time of the great reformer. The Professor, whose larger work in two
volumes is a classic, has also wrought well in this, and given us a real
biography that presents its subject fairly. All essential facts are
freely admitted, even when disparaging, and any one by attentive reading
will gain a better knowledge of Luther, of his homes and his friends. The
author, who did his work well, doubtless appears to better advantage in
his own vernacular than in the translation, which, though creditable as
very plain English, might be improved by re-casting some sentences, and
by a little more careful proof reading.
“The Old Testament Student” is a well filled, ably conducted monthly
magazine, published at Chicago for the “American Institute of Hebrew,”
subscription price, $2.00. It can hardly fail to be useful to all Bible
students, particularly those who desire a more thorough acquaintance with
the original.
“Mottoes of Methodism”[D] is an unassuming but beautiful little volume,
and would be found a real treasure in any Christian family. It is simply
a selection of brief suggestive passages from the prose writings of John,
and the poetry of Charles Wesley; harmonized with a passage of Scripture
for each day of the year. Some other title, we think, as “Themes
for Daily Meditation,” “Helpful Suggestions from Reliable Sources,”
would better indicate the character of the book, which is intensely
evangelical, but, in no sense, distinctively Methodistic.
[C] “Life of Luther.” By Julius Köstlin, with illustrations from
Authentic Sources, translated from the German. New York: Charles
Scribner’s Sons. 1883.
[D] “Mottoes of Methodism.” Selected and arranged by Rev. Jesse T.
Whitley. New York: Phillips & Hunt. Cincinnati: Walden & Stowe. 1883.