This is describing Jeffersons work on the compilation he put together called "The life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth" better known as the "Jefferson Bible." This was given to every member of congress upon their taking the oath of office up until the early 1900's. I did an independent study on this as part of my undergraduate history degree in the 1980's. Jefferson was probably the most learned President we have ever had. His undertaking of this task was exhaustive and he took the Bible in 4 different languages and put together all of the acts and sayings of Jesus out of the New Testament and put them together in one comprehensive book. Reading it provides the reader with a very clear accounting of the true teachings of Jesus and is a beautiful view of his earthly mission and testament.