The Great Exemplar

The Great Exemplar (1649) is Jeremy Taylor's comprehensive biography and meditation on the life of Jesus Christ. The text follows Christ's life from birth through ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Taylor combines historical research, theological commentary, and practical moral instruction throughout the narrative. He draws from scripture, church fathers, and classical sources to construct his account. The book includes prayers, meditations, and guidelines for Christian living based on Christ's example at each stage of his life. Taylor structures these devotional elements as tools for readers to incorporate into their own spiritual practice. At its core, the work represents an attempt to present Christ as the ultimate model for human conduct and spiritual development. The text establishes parallels between divine perfection and achievable human virtue through careful examination of Christ's actions and teachings.

There appear to be very limited public reader reviews available online for Jeremy Taylor's The Great Exemplar, which was published in 1649. The work is held by university libraries but lacks presence on modern review platforms like Goodreads and Amazon. What mentions exist focus on Taylor's detailed examination of Christ's life and his emphasis on practical Christian living. A review in Anglican Theological Review notes Taylor's "vivid descriptive power" and "pastoral sensitivity." Some academic readers point to the book's dense theological language and lengthy meditations as potential barriers for modern audiences. Its 17th century prose style and extensive Latin quotations require patient reading. No star ratings or review counts could be found on major book platforms. The work receives occasional mentions in academic papers about Anglican spirituality but minimal coverage in general reader forums or book discussion groups. Note: Given the scarcity of public reader reviews, this summary relies heavily on academic sources and may not reflect typical reader experiences.

The Life of Christ by Frederic W. Farrar This detailed biographical account combines historical context and devotional reflection in the same spiritual-historical approach as Taylor's work.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis This medieval spiritual text focuses on the practical application of Christ's teachings through contemplative practice and personal transformation.

Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim This comprehensive examination of Jesus's life incorporates Jewish customs, traditions, and historical context to create a complete picture of Christ's earthly ministry.

The Mind of Jesus by William Barclay This analysis explores Christ's thoughts and motivations through scripture-based interpretation and historical research.

The Life and Times of Jesus by Daniel-Rops Henri This narrative combines archaeological evidence, historical documents, and biblical sources to reconstruct the world in which Jesus lived and taught.

🔖 Jeremy Taylor wrote The Great Exemplar (1649) while in exile during the English Civil War, after being imprisoned for his royalist sympathies. 🔖 The book's full title is "The Great Exemplar of Sanctity and Holy Life according to the Christian Institution: Described in the History of the Life and Death of the ever Blessed Jesus Christ." 🔖 This work established Taylor's reputation as the "Shakespeare of Divines" due to his eloquent prose style and vivid imagery in depicting the life of Christ. 🔖 Many consider it the first major Anglican biography of Jesus Christ, blending historical accounts with devotional guidance and moral lessons. 🔖 Taylor incorporated extensive Greek and Latin scholarship into the work, drawing from both classical sources and early Church fathers to create a comprehensive spiritual guide.