Notes Critical and Practical, on the Book of Genesis. By George Bush [pp. 271-301]

Bushs on Genesis.
constantly tempted and betrayed into extravagances. Without this combination, much learning will only make him
mnad. If Plrofessor Bush has placed himself too far upon the
wrong side of the party line in question, it is certainly not
for want of adequate resources and atbilities. VWe leave it to
himself, and to the public to determine, whetlier his ingenuity, acuteness, and invention, have not, in many cases, been
exalted at the expense of his jt(udgment and his powers of ratiocination; andl if so, whether these thinill's ought thus to be.
What we have thus far said has reference to Professor Bush's
published works collectively, and some of oturt remarks are,
perhaps, less applicable to the work before us than to some
which have preceded it. The two cardinal excellencies of
this volume will be found in the apt illustrations drawn from
oriental sources, and the happy combination of critical matter with sound practical reflection. Portions of the Pentateuch, where men are exhibited in the peculiarities of primitive intercourse, are hurried over in common reading, and
perhaps, with an effort of imagination, are nowv and then
vaguely conceived. But when we are introduced to a race
in actual existence at this (lay, among whom similar modes
of expression and habits of life lhave been transmitted in
stereotype from earliest dates, we seem to enter into the narrative with new spirit and delight. We can almost see the
venerable patriarch, sitting in his tent-door, at the heat of the
day, or running to meet the celestial visitants, and bowing
himself in respectful deference to the unknown travellers.
That portion of the 1Sthl chapter which records the generous
hospitality of Abraham to the angels on their way to the devoted cities of the plain, is most happily illustrated. The
simple narrative itself has a claim on the admiration, but the
unassuming grace of patriarchal manner, and the instinctive
generosity of Abraham, are exhibited by the Notes before us,
in their most attractive aspect. The dulness that attaches to
things long obsolete and antiquated, is signally removed, and
scenes enacted in the infancy of our race, are brought to view
in all the vividness and warmth of actual existence. In
selecting materials for this important department, the author has had recourse to some of the most eminent Eastern
travels, quoting firequently from Sir Robert Ker Porter and
Roberts, occasionally from Belzoni and MAladden. He has
drawn however, most largely, upon the treasures of the'Pictorial Bible,' a work prepared at great expense, and recently
published in London. To this he owns himself "indebted
1839.]
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