Robert Francis Harper, Francis Brown Old Testament and Semitic Studies

Annotation

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. This collection of papers is an unusual tribute to a strong and unique personality. It is Offered by a fellowship of scholars most Of whom were the personal friends Of President Harper, and many Of whom had come under the almost magical influence Of his teach ing. All are impelled by the desire to honor a fellow-student who has deserved well of learning. All are saddened by the thought that his last contribution has been made to the Old Testament and Semitic studies which he loved so ardently. His public connection with them covered more than twenty-five years, and the circum stances Of it appealed to the imagination. He was the representa tive, and indeed the embodiment, Of these studies for a large circle Of men and women who were introduced to them, directly and indirectly, through him. Some thus came to an intimate knowledge Of them. More reached superficial, though Often enthusiastic, acquaintance. Still Others merely watched the phenomenon, with keen interest, from without. For all Of these he held the middle of the field. He did nothing for display, but everything for efficiency, and from this point of View his life was not only an achievement, it was an astonishing Spectacle.