Sovereign Grace Union: Report of Papers read at the Conference held in Grove Chapel, Camberwell, London, S.E., May, 1916. To be obtained from Rev. Henry Atherton, Hon. Gen. Secretary, 100-102 The Grove, Camberwell, and C. J. Farncombe & Sons, Ltd., 30 Imperial Buildings, Ludgate Circus, E.C. Price, 3d.; by post, 4d.
The S.G. Union is a society consisting of some ministers of the Church of England, of the Strict Baptists, and of the old Congregationalists, who have combined to hold up one another’s hands in defence of the distinguishing doctrines of grace. The word “Sovereign” points to their maintenance in a very definite way of the doctrines of eternal election and particular redemption. The papers given in this pamphlet are short and pointed, and worthy of general perusal in times like these, when there is such widespread departure from fundamental truth. They begin with the address by the President, Rev. W. Sykes, Vicar of Hillsborough, Sheffield, and there follow “A Reply to the Bishop of London’s Attack on Calvinism,” by the Rev. J. P. Wiles, M.A., of Devizes; five different papers on “Grace: in its Conception, Manifestation, Application, and Consummation,” by the Revs. J. J. Beddow, T. C. Lawson, M.A., J. E. Hazelton, G. Alexander, and W. Sinden; and a final paper on “Justification,” by the Rev. J. W. Tobitt, of Hastings. While we agree in the main with the teaching of these papers, we feel that they are lacking in emphasis being laid upon the truth, quoted by Rev. J. P. Wiles, from Calvin’s “Institutes,” book iii., chapter xxii., that “all men are called by external preaching to repentance and faith,” and that “the voice of the Gospel is addressed generally to all.” Mr. Wiles seems to be the only speaker who gave decided place to these aspects of truth. Some others would appear to regard “the call” referred to as a dangerous form of Arminianism. We regret that we are compelled to make this criticism, as we believe that there are no men in England with whom, in several important respects, we are more at one than these ministers and such as these, giving evidence as they do that they are really experimental Christians, settled upon fundamental verities, and not ashamed to hold them forth in a degenerate age. Still, we maintain that they must come to recognise the Gospel in its more general aspect towards men as sinners of the human race, before the very truths concerning divine sovereignty, which they strongly cherish, will have the prevalence and success which they are destined, in God’s providence, yet to have.
To the extent, however, that they now actually stand by and proclaim the truth of God, we wish them, in all sincerity and love, the divine blessing.
THREE steps the Christian must take—first out of himself, second into Christ, and the third into glory.—Rev. D. Macfarlane.