Prof. Knowlton On Jewish Institutions

Prof. Knowlton delivered the introductory lecture on the "Civil Institutions öf the Jews in the Time of Christ," last night in the law lecture room. A very good audience greeted him and all pronounced the lecture a very interesting and instructive one. He said, by way of introduction, that the talk should be considered more of a study than a lecture. Owing to the nature of the matter treated he preferred to speak from manuscript. The subject would not be treated as a theologian would handle it, but only from the standpoint of a lawyer. He considered first the sources from which the subject matter contained in the lecture, had been derived. We accept the Bible as we find it. lts authenticity is conceded. The New Testament is the most reliable source of information from which we can draw. He then spoke at some length of the Rabinical traditions and writings. Most of these are recorded in the Talmud, which is the Blackstone of the Jewish law. Little is known of it as it is practically inaccessible. He dismissed this work with an interesting extract regarding the creation of woman. Of all general histories he regarded Schurer's "Jewish People in the Time of Christ" as of the most value to the student. Taking up the Law of Moses, "the controlling force that shaped the history of the Jews," he then dwelt for some time on the history of this people after the captivity. Referring to the departed civilization of the Greeks and the influence of Christianity, he then concluded with a brief survey of Judea and its Horizon. The next lecture will be a study oF""Trie People and the State," and will be delivered next Thursday evening at ■j;o.