In it some small matters of the law are altered, as was
to be expected, when the Jews were going to change their place and
their whole way of life. But the whole teaching and meaning of the
book is exactly that of Exodus and Leviticus. Moreover, it is, if
possible, the grandest and deepest book of the Old Testament. Its
depth and wisdom are unequalled. I hold it to be the sum and
substance of all political philosophy and morality of the true life
of a nation. The books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, grand as
they are, are, as it were, its children; growths out of the root
which Deuteronomy reveals.
Now if Moses did not write it, who did?
As for the style of it being different from that of Exodus and
Leviticus, the simple answer is, Why not? They are books of history
and of laws. This is a book of sermons or orations, spoken first,
and not written, which, of course, would be in a different style.
Besides, why should not Moses have spoken differently at the end of
forty years' such experience as never man had before or since?
Every one who thinks, writes, or speaks in public, knows how his
style alters, as fresh knowledge and experience come to him.
Pages:
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201