Thirty-five Years of Luther Research/Advertisements
That, in a book of such importance and scope, much material might be found that another would have stated in different terms, is certain. It is not so certain, however, that this would have been an improvement. At any rate, the details that might come in for criticism are of small import compared with the excellence of the book as a whole. Hence, I shall only say: No one can afford to pass by this volume on catechetics, to whom the uplift of our Lutheran standards of instruction is a matter of deep concern.— Director Schaller, Wauwatosa, Wis. Dr. Reu's book represents the latest and best results of modern learning, and offers the catechist who desires to improve upon former methods of instruction so much material for study and so many suggestions for its practical application that we hope that it will be widely read also in our circles. One can only benefit by its diligent use. — Dr. Th. Mees, Columbus, Ohio.
At first glance this book does not impress one as being worthy of special mention. It is printed on thin paper, and is so small that it can easily be carried in the pocket. It is, however, printed in clear and legible type, and its contents are excellent. How fortunate the young people's society is that can study the material offered in the way suggested. — Dr. Stellhorn, Columbus, Ohio. — Although we did not receive a copy for review, we believe that we are doing our readers a service, in calling their attention to this book. The author has fully done justice to his task. His book is not merely an enumeration of the events of that period of history. It is a logical presentation of the development of the great Reformer. Special stress is laid upon the meaning and importance of Luther's work for the church of the present day. And all this is put in such clear, popular language, that every one who still has some taste for spiritual things will read this book with great interest. Young people's societies and their leaders will be especially thankful to the author. — Prof. H. E. Meyer, Wauwatosa, Wis.
Dr. Reu is one of the most prolific authors of the Lutheran Church in our country. To the books that he has written, he has again added another: Luthers Leben fuer die reifere Jugend vind das christliche Haus. It is one of the best books that the anniversary year has produced, and is more profusely illustrated, so far as we know, than any other. The beautiful, clear type deserves special mention. If any one desires to add another book to the list of his anniversary volumes, or if he has no biography of the great Reformer, he should not pass by Dr. Reu's book. — Ev.-Luth. Gemeindeblatt.
pages $3.40. — Ost-, Nord- und Westdeutsche Katechismen unter der Presse, about 1200 pages. — II. Quellen zur Geschicte des biblischen Unterrichts 1906. 124 and 1020
pages $5.10.Reu's work commands the interest of all who are engaged in the scientific study of the chatechetical literature of the 16th century, and deserves unreserved appreciation (Dr. Knote — Goettingen, Theol. Literaturzeitung). — An undertaking large in scope, a work deserving of highest merit (Dr. Drews — Halle, Deutsche Literaturzeitung). — A reference work of the first rank (Dr. v. Buerger — Muenchen). — It is surprising to what extent the author succeeded in gaining possession of original sources and other literature related to his subject (Dr. Kaverau — Berlin, Goettinger Gel. Anzeiger). — The author has enriched the field of catechetical literature by a real standard work (Dr. Kolde — Erlangen, Beitr. z. bayr. Kirchengeschichte). — In spite of the difiiculties caused by the fact that he lives so far removed from his field of research, the American author, by intense application and discerning judgment, has laid the foundation for a literary monument which we cannot welcome too thankfully (Dr. Smend — Strassburg). — Surely no one in Germany had dared to hope that we would so suddenly, and that from an American, receive such a thorough and scientific work as the "Quellen" (Dr. Kropatschel — Breslau). — An indispensible, inexhaustible and reliable source, the result of great diligence (Reichsbote). — It is almost a cause for shame upon German theologians, that a foreigner should perform such a task for us (Dr. O. Albrecht — Naumburg). — A product of untiring diligence and profound learning (Dr. F. Kohrs, Theol. Literaturbl., Leipzig). — A thankworthy undertaking, which offers valuable information both to the writer of church, and to the writer of profane history (Dr. Wolf — Freuburg i. Br.). — The author has opened the way for us into a beautiful garden, into which most of us have hardly cast a glance (Dr. Simons — Marburg). — A work that will greatly advance the work of research and which will remain indispensible for all future study (Dr. Schian — Giessen 1908). — How the author, who resides in America, succeeds in writing this excellent work of the sources is a riddle perhaps not only to the reviewer (Dr. Koehler — Zuerich). — Reu has cast a bright light upon the realm of religious education in the 16th century, not only upon the realm of textbooks, but also upon the whole realm of education. He offers the sources for independent study; he also paves the way to their proper understanding. In the understanding of this realm of religious instruction, and thus also in the understanding of the Lutheranism of the century of the Reformation he has brought us a mighty step onward. Especially by the latest volume (1911) he has enriched us with a book which we hardly dared hope to receive so soon (Dr. Schian — Giessen 1912). — Untiring zeal which was spurred on, rather than hindred by the difficulties caused by the great distance from Germany has brought a great undertaking a mighty step onward. Reu reveals wonderful ability in tracing out hidden things, and in discovering things that had been forgotten.... The first part of the second volume (I 2") is called: "Historical-bibliographical Introduction." That title is too modest, for it offers more, namely, an accurate catechetical history of Sachsen-Thueringen, Schlesien, Hessen. In conclusion, let us again express our thanks for this great twofold gift of whose valuable contents a review even twice as long as the present one (it covers twelve pages) could not give an adequate description (Dr, Simons— Marburg, Theol. Rundschau 1915, Heft 2).
This book has renderer excelelnt service to me (Theol. Anzeiger). — Reu deserves unreserved thanks for having shown us that thorough exegesis, and a setting into the history of the time, are the first principles in the homiletic use of the Old Testament (Ev. Kirchenblatt fuer Wuerttemberg).— Reu has excellently performed his task (Theol. Literaturblatt). — Scientifically accurate, as well as practical (Ev. Kirchenzèitung). — It is simple and yet profound. It teaches us to understand the Old Testament from a Christian viewpoint, and creates a desire to preach (Schleswig-Holsteiner Kirchen- und Schulblatt). — One thing in the book pleases me excellently: the direct, concentrated, penetration into the religious and saving truths of these difficult Old Testament passages. While it includes the scientific basis for exegesis, it omits all learned discussions. The book has edifying qualities (Leipziger Zeitung).— Equipped with a help of this kind every preacher can undertake to preach on the Old Testament (Kirchenrat Boeckh — Nuerenberg). — It created respect for German-American theology, and will also be of excellent service to the pastors of our state church (Dr. v. Burger —Muenchen). — This book compares favorably with the best that has been produced in its line (Luth. Kirchenblatt — Reading). — The exposition of the text is profound and clear, and the application is unforced and practical, the language, especially in the application, is beautiful and elavated.
In regard to form and contents, the Wartburg Lesson Helps leave little to be desired (Luther. Zionsbote, General Synod). — The publication of these books is of great importance to Lutheran Sunday Schools. He who is looking for better material for his Sunday School should order samples of these "Helps" and seriously consider them (Gemeindeblatt der Wisconsin Synode). — An undertaking of great magnitude. After having read the questions, which represent carefully prepared catechisations, one will understand why we are filled with enthusiasm for these- "Lesson Helps" and why we hope that they will be used extensively (Der Deutsche Lutheraner, General Konzil).— It is marvelous how carefully the whole system has been prepared, how clearly it has been planned and how faithfully this plan has been carried out. In all literature of this nature, there is nothing that can be compared with these "Lesson Helps." Where such helps are used in the manner prescribed both teacher and pupil can derive only lasting benefit (Prelate Schmitthenner in Karlsruhe, Chairman of the Sunday School Teachers' Conference in Baden). — An excellent help for instruction in the Sunday School. One is delighted to discover that this learned theologian, who belongs to our most noted investigators in the field of catechetical literature, knows how to speak to children in such a child-like way (Dr. Ihmels, Leipzig Theol. Literaturblatt 1915 Nr. 7).