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The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ
I foresaw in truth that if I accepted this combination, I would only enjoy the honor of having discovered the Chronicle, while the illustrious author of the “Life of Jesus” would have all the glory of the publication and the commentaries. Believing myself sufficiently well prepared to publish alone the translation of the Chronicles with notes, I declined the very gracious offer which M. Renan had made. In order not to wound the susceptibility of the great master, for whom I entertained a profound respect, I resolved to wait till his death- a fatal event which could not be far distant, judging from his general feebleness.
A short time after the death of M. Renan, I wrote to M. Jules Simon asking his advice. He replied that it was for me to avail myself of the opportunity that was presented for placing the memoirs before the public. I then put my notes in order, and am now having them published, reserving the right to affirm the authenticity of the chronicles. I set forth in my commentaries the argument which should convince us of the sincerity and good faith of the Buddhist compilers. I add that before criticising my work, the learned societies could, without much expense, organize a scientific expedition, having for its mission the study of these manuscripts on the spot and thus verify their historical value.
- Nicholas Notovitch
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