Ancient Records by Editor

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 3, 1857

Ancient Records.

By Editor

[The two following curious documents have been sent us for publication. It is the opinion of some that records of this nature had their origin in the dark ages, as the inventions of unscrupulous popish monks. But while we should not surrender ourselves to groundless credulity, we need not condemn without evidence. We see nothing here which conflicts with those records of our Saviour and his ministry on earth, in which we have implicit confidence; and it is not impossible nor even improbable that such records might have been made, and preserved like many other things which have come down to us from that age.—Ed.]

Description of Christ.

A description of Jesus Christ, as it was found in an ancient manuscript, sent by Publius Lentulus, President of Judea, to the Senate of Rome:

"There lives at this time in Judea a man of singular character, whose name is Jesus Christ. The barbarians esteem him a prophet, but his followers adore him as the immediate offspring of the immortal God. He is endowed with unparalleled virtue, as to call back the dead from their graves, and to heal every kind of disease with a word or touch. His person is tall and elegantly shaped—his aspect amiable and reverend. His hair flows in those beautiful shades, which no united colors can match—falling into graceful curls below his ears, agreeably crouching on his shoulders, and parting on the crown of the head, like the head-dress of the rest of the Nazarites. His forehead is smooth and large; the cheek without spot, save that of a lovely red; his nose and mouth are formed with exquisite symmetry; his beard is thick and suitable to the hair on his head, reaching a little below his chin and parting in the middle like a fork. His eyes are bright, clear and serene. He rebukes with majesty, counsels with mildness, and invites with the most tender and persuasive language. His whole address, whether in word or deed, being elegant, grave, and strictly characteristic of so great a being. No man has seen him laugh, but the whole world behold him weep frequently; and so persuasive are his tears, that the multitude cannot withhold theirs, from joining in sympathy with him. He is moderate, temperate and wise. In short, whatever this phenomenon may turn out in the end, he seems at present a man of excellent beauty and divine perfections, every way surpassing the children of men."