CLERKSHIP OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND by Rev. Prof. J. K. Cameron, D.D., Emeritus Clerk of Assembly. Inverness: Northern Chronicle Office. Price, 2/6.
In this book sent us for review we can only touch upon a few points. In regard to the constitutional issues between the Free Church and the Free Presbyterians, Prof. Kennedy Cameron is quite unconvinced by any arguments that have come from our side, and it is not very likely, at his time of life, anything we might say now would change his mind. The issues have been set forth in a Statement approved by the Synod and printed in an Appendix to the History of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, which all may read for themselves. We must, however, give Prof. Cameron credit for rebutting a stupid criticism aimed at us (pp. ii, 12). His account of what took place at the Union in 1900 as a participator and eyewitness will be useful to the student of Scottish church history. His disquisition on discipline, we are afraid, is coloured too much by a particular case he has in view. The road he travels is one that will lead him in a way that will not serve the end of discipline. Half of the book is taken up with the Student Case, in which the Training of the Ministry Committee of the Free Church figured. The criticism of the Committee by the Professor does not lack point and sting, and if he does not get in return as good as he has given it will be strange to us. We refrain from making any comment on this extraordinary case. Our readers will find the story told in Prof. Cameron’s book at considerable length, but we may take the liberty of saying, that if there are any among us who have the idea that the Free Church far excels us in their disciplinary procedure, let them read this book.
THE BABINGTON PLOT AND MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS by Albert Close.
London: The Protestant Truth Society, 31 Cannon Street,
E.C.4. Price, 6d.
This, like most of Mr. Close’s work, shows research work specially valuable to the historian and to all interested in the fate of the infatuated, unfortunate Queen of Scots. The pamphlet is a vindication of Queen Elizabeth’s Secret Service by the recently discovered Vatican, Spanish, French and Venetian State Papers. The booklet is invaluable as a summary of the Roman Catholic plotting which aimed at the murder of Queen Elizabeth and the setting up of Queen Mary on the Throne. The Plot ended in disaster and the plotters ended their days on the scaffold. We heartily commend this latest of Mr. Close’s invaluable booklets.
THE IRISH QUESTION—FACT AND FICTION: An exposure by L.
K. Kentish-Rankin, M.A. London: English Churchman
Office, 23 Bedford Street, W.C.2. Price, 2d.
As the Irish Question is still with us readers of the pamphlet will find gathered together statements made by politicians and priests, showing how inflamed were the passions and how reckless were the utterances that brought about the present condition of things between Great Britain and Eire. It is a very useful pamphlet.
SEEING PROPHECY FULFILLED IN PALESTINE by G. T. B. Davis.
Glasgow: Pickering and Inglis, Bothwell Street. Price, 1/6.
This is a most interesting book giving a bird’s-eye view of the extraordinary developments that have taken place in Palestine since the War. It is almost incredible that this land, once so fruitful, and which sunk into barrenness during the Turkish rule, should awaken as from a long sleep and become once again a fertile garden. Mr. Davis sees, in many of these remarkable developments, the fulfillment of prophecy, but one can read and enjoy the book without necessarily accepting all the author’s interpretations of the prophetic Scriptures or assenting to his pre-millenarian outlook. The book is profusely illustrated and
with the author’s graphic descriptions in the letterpress one gets an excellent idea of the developments proceeding so rapidly in Palestine. Unfortunately Commercialism has invaded the land and is making a mighty effort to bring within its grasp places forever associated with the names of men whose fame has filled the world. It is interesting to know that the Mount of Olives and the Sea of Galilee are to be kept free from the strangle-hold of the money-makers. It is estimated that there are 430,000 Jews in Palestine to-day. This is about ten times as many as returned from the Babylonian Captivity. Our readers will find this a most interesting book, full of information and written in a captivating style.
THE VATICAN AND THE BRITISH EMPIRE. London: Protestant Truth Society, 31 Cannon Street, E.C.4. Price, 2d. Post free, 2½d.
Among the many pamphlets issued by the Protestant Truth Society dealing with the political activities of the Papacy, “The Vatican and the British Empire” just published is a useful addition to the series. From the days of the Reformation down to modern times, the author recounts incident after incident of Rome’s active animus, in political intrigue and interference within the British Empire and thus making plain that the “Vatican is our eternal enemy.”