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kingly types, was the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

'Few believe more in his history than myself, and it is very
dear to me. I believe, in my own way, in the long preparation
of ages for his coming, and the truth of prophecy that
announced him. I see a necessity, in the character of Jesus,
why Abraham should have been the founder of his nation, Moses
its lawgiver, and David its king and poet. I believe in the
genesis of the patriarchs, as given in the Old Testament. I
believe in the prophets,--that they foreknew not only what
their nation longed for, but what the development of universal
Man requires,--a Redeemer, an Atoner, a Lamb of God, taking
away the sins of the world. I believe that Jesus came when the
time was ripe, and that he was peculiarly a messenger and Son
of God. I have nothing to say in denial of the story of his
birth; whatever the actual circumstances were, he was born of
a Virgin, and the tale expresses a truth of the soul. I have
no objection to the miracles, except where they do not
happen to please one's feelings. Why should not a spirit,
so consecrate and intent, develop new laws, and make matter
plastic? I can imagine him walking the waves, without any
violation of my usual habits of thought. He could not remain
in the tomb, they say; certainly not,--death is impossible to
such a being. He remained upon earth; most true, and all who
have met him since on the way, have felt their hearts burn
within them. He ascended to heaven; surely, how could it be
otherwise?

'Would I could express with some depth what I feel as to
religion in my very soul; it would be a clear note of calm
assurance. But for the present this must suffice with regard
to Christ. I am grateful here, as everywhere, when Spirit
bears fruit in fulness; it attests the justice of aspiration,
it kindles faith, it rebukes sloth, it enlightens resolve.
But so does a beautiful infant. Christ's life is only one
modification of the universal harmony. I will not loathe
sects, persuasions, systems, though I cannot abide in them one
moment, for I see that by most men they are still needed. To
them their banners, their tents; let them be Fire-worshippers,
Platonists, Christians; let them live in the shadow of past
revelations. But, oh, Father of our souls, the One, let me
seek Thee!