Text: N. P. Willis (?), Review of George Bush, Anastasis, Evening Mirror (New York), February 24, 1845, vol. 1, no. 119, p. 2, cols. 2-3

[page 2, column 2, continued:]

ANASTASIS; or The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body. By George Bush. 2d edition: New York and London. Wiley & Putnam. 1845.

Professor Bush deserves, in our estimation, the highest commendation, for giving publicity to his view of this important scriptural truth. These views differ widely from those commonly received by the religious world, and it is rare, indeed, to meet with the boldness which has been exhibited on this occasion. The religious body to which Professor Bush belongs, has silenced and deposed members, and that, too, in recent years, for much less important innovations in received doctrine than those brought forward in this publication. Whether he receive their censure, or they be brought over to his opinion, and thus admit the fallibility of their creed, or whether the doctrine itself be removed from the class of things certain into that of things doubtful, de quibus licet disputare, is yet uncertain. The learned Professor has, we suppose, yet to undergo the ordeal of an ecclesiastical tribunal. In any event, the fact of such a publication, by a Presbyterian clergyman, advocating sentiments in direct contrariety to [column 3:] the immemorial doctrine of that church, and of the church in general, is an evidence of advance in the independence with which the theological subjects are discussed. We are not called upon to give our opinion of the author's views, but we give a very decided one in favor of the boldness which prompted him to brave the storm which such a publication can hardly fail to excite. We believe the author must possess, in no common degree, that rare and precious quality — fidelity to one's own convictions of truth. As the expression of the convictions of such a mind, on such a subject, (i. e. how “this corruptible shall put on incorruption,”) we heartily commend the work, to the philosophical and the pious.