Page:The Sources of Standard English.djvu/508

Rh “Contains a number of really delightfully written and yet simple parables, to be read out to little children as an introduction to Bible ''reading. They are certainly admirably adapted for the purpose. The'' style is colloquial and will be understood and appreciated by the youngest child, and the parables themselves are very interesting and well chosen.” — .

“Schools for the people,” the power of letters — which embraces nothing less than the whole history of the human spirit — has hardly been brought ''to bear at all. Mr. Arnold, in this little volume, attempts to remedy this'' defect, by doing for the Bible what has been so abundantly done for Greek ''and Roman, as well as English authors, viz. — taking “some whole, of'' admirable literary beauty in style and treatment, of manageable length, within defined limits; and presenting this to the learner in an intelligible shape, adding such explanations and helps as may enable him to grasp it as a connected and complete work.” Mr. Arnold thinks it clear that nothing could more exactly suit the purpose than what the Old Testament gives us in the last twenty-seven chapters of the Book of Isaiah, beginning ''“Comfort ye,” &c. He has endeavoured to present a perfectly correct'' text, maintaining at the same time the unparalleled balance and rhythm of ''the Authorised Version. In an Introductory note, Mr. Arnold briefly'' sums up the events of Jewish history to the starting-point of the chapters chosen; and, in the copious notes appended, every assistance is given to the ''complete understanding of the text. There is nothing in the book to hinder'' the adherent of any school of interpretation or of religious belief from ''using it, and from putting it into the hands of children. The Preface'' contains much that is interesting and valuable on the relation of “letters” to education, of the principles that ought to guide the makers of a new ''version of the Bible, and other important matters. Altogether, it is'' believed the volume will be found to form a text-book of the greatest value ''to schools of all classes. “Mr. Arnold has done the greatest possible service'' ''to the public. We never read any translation of Isaiah which interfered'' so little with the musical rhythm and associations of our English Bible translation, while doing so much to display the missing links in the con&shy;nection of the parts.” —.