"As, in the human countenance, more may, oftentimes, be conveyed by a flash of expression than by the most laboured words; so, in the Bible, a whole train of ideas is frequently awakened, or a most powerful effect produced, by some brief phrase or sudden exclamation." -- Clement C. Moore, Lecture Introductory to the Course of Hebrew Instruction (New York, 1825) page 17.
https://hdl.handle.net/10288/25503
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
-- A Visit from St. Nicholas, 1823.
More from C. C. Moore's Lecture Introductory to the course of Hebrew Instruction in the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, pages 16-17:
“Those parts of the Hebrew Scriptures which are written in prose, are remarkable for the ease and clearness of their style, and their entire freedom from any thing like ambitious or unnecessary ornament. The descriptions to be found in them are like paintings whose lights and shades are in masses, and whose touches are few and bold. The effect produced by the Hebrew manner of relating is, to place the objects and actions described immediately before the eye of the mind. The leading facts are seized by the author, and all attendant circumstances neglected. Thus a life and vigour are imparted to the descriptions and to the speeches, quite peculiar to the Scripture compositions. As in the human countenance, more may oftentimes be conveyed by a flash of expression than by the most laboured words; so, in the Bible, a whole train of ideas is frequently awakened, or a most powerful effect produced, by some brief phrase or sudden exclamation. These writings possess a wonderful and unrivalled union of pathos and strength. In them everything appears natural and unsought. And, with regard to the character and conduct of persons therein portrayed, the most perfect candour and impartiality are manifest; their vices and crimes are related in as simple and unqualified a manner as their virtues and good actions. No false colouring appears to be thought necessary; all bears the stamp of truth and reality.”
--as quoted in Samuel H. Turner, The Claims of the Hebrew Language and Literature (Andover, 1831) pages 26-7.
Related posts:
- Early praise for Clement C. Moore's 1825 lecture on the Hebrew Bible https://melvilliana.blogspot.com/2024/11/early-praise-for-clement-c-moores-1825.html
- Clement C. Moore on Hebrew Poetry and the Bible https://melvilliana.blogspot.com/2017/03/clement-c-moore-on-hebrew-poetry-and.html
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