His general character is too high for _this_; and I therefore make deductions from the account.

Still, I do not see how the present narrative could have grown up, if he had been really simple and straight-forward, and not perverted by his essentially false position.

Enigma and mist seem to be his element; and when I find his high satisfaction at all personal recognition and bowing before his individuality, I almost doubt whether, if one wished to draw the character of a vain and vacillating pretender, it would be possible to draw anything more to the purpose than this.

His general rule (before a certain date) is, to be cautious in public, but bold in private to the favoured few.

I cannot think that such a character, appearing now, would seem to my friend a perfect model of a man.
No precept bears on its face clearer marks of coming from the genuine Jesus, than that of _selling all and following him_.