The Authorship of the "De lnsitatione Christi." By Samuel Kettle-
well, M.A. (Rivingtons.)—Three names seem to stand prominently out of the eleven to whom the authorship of the "Do Imitatione " has been assigned, Johannes Gerson, Abbot of Vercelli, in the thirteenth century ; Thomas It Kemple, born in 1879, at Kempen, in the diocese of Cologne ; and Jean de Gerson, Chancellor of the University of Paris,. born in 1363. With the first of these Mr. Kettle well deals very trench- antly. He simply denies his existence, and indeed no proof what- ever that there ever was such a person seems to be forthcoming. There. was, indeed, a famous diary said to be written by one of a family of the name of Do Advocatis, which makes mention, under the date of Feb- ruary, 1349, of a book of the name. But the diary seems to be beyond question a forgery. The claim of the Chancellor Gerson is much more serious. The question here turns much upon the character of the book.. We have no space to dwell on the subject, and can only record our im- pression that Mr. Kettlowell makes out his case in favour of Thomas it Keropis. He deserves the highest praise for the care and industry with which he has marshalled his evidence, and for his candour in stating- the ease of opponents. It is to be wished that he had compressed his- work 'within narrower limits. It contains much that is superfluous, —encomiums, for instance, on the "De Imitatione," which, however merited, are not appropriate. And we are also bound to say that the English style might have been improved with much advantage.
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