“The Christian — His Conflicts and His Armour,”
by the late Rev. Charles Simeon, M.A., preached before the University of Cambridge
First of all let me say that although these are addressed to persons of learning in the first instance, there is nothing in them beyond the ordinary person as it was edification that Simeon sought and not admiration for learning. A short interesting account of Simeon’s conversion and of his early ecclesiastical history form a pleasant prelude and may urge some to obtain and read the full life of this great man. Simeon exerted a tremendous influence over the persons who came under his spell at Cambridge—and among these were the renowned Henry Martyn and others of like mind.
In his first sermon he gives instructive advice to professed Christians regarding the war they are called to wage and he stresses the fact that the war is to be won by Christ in them. His next sermon shows us how well acquainted he was with the art of conflicting with Satan and this is followed by a sermon in which he shows that those who do not engage in this conflict with Satan are at war against God. The following sermons are taken up with the various parts of the armour—the girdle is for him sincerity to do the will of God in all things; this binds as a girdle; the breast-plate is righteousness without which sincerity will not suffice; while without true peace in some measure the soldier cannot fight well:—and so he passes through each part of the armour and in the end directs to prayer as the only way to obtain the armour and have it continually supplied.
The final sermon (No.11) is an address on the danger of neglecting the Great Sacrifice based on the words in 1 Samuel 2:25 ‘If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him?’ Here Simeon issues a wide invitation to all to make use of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and he issues a stern warning against all despisers of the Great Sacrifice of Calvary.
The book is paper back and costs 60 pence.
Booklets
The Rt. Rev. Bishop D. A. Thompson of Weybridge Surrey has written to the Editor of the F. P. Magazine stating that he hopes to have supplies of the Sermons by Simeon mentioned above. His address is 52, Oatlands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey. He also has enclosed a small pamphlet entitled “The Flood”, by Dr. J. E. Shelley, which contains interesting scientific facts and arguments. Besides, there are two small pamphlets by Bishop Thompson himself; one entitled “Christ and His Cross” which is very readable and suitable for distribution to unbelievers, and the other entitled “The Testimony of the Word of God to the Nature of Christ”, which if properly digested could be of great use in meeting the arguments of Jehovah Witnesses. Prices: “The Flood” 5p: Christ and His Cross 5p: The Testimony . . . 10p.
Sermons of McCheyne Banner of Truth Paperback Price 30p.
Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne’s praise is in all the churches. Consequently this reprint of 26 of his sermons needs no recommendation from us. We would, however, take the opportunity of commending them to the young and also to persons who are not given to reading sermons. These sermons are plain and simple and should be found profitable by all.
D.B.M.
Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Banner of Truth Paperback Price 30p.
Samuel Rutherford’s Letters are famous in the religious world. They have been highly prized by Christians for many generations. The republication of a selection of these letters by the Banner of Truth Trust in paperback form makes them available to a wide section of the reading public. No home should be without a copy. These letters will make Christians today feel how far they are from the intimate communion and fellowship which Samuel Rutherford enjoyed with his Saviour and Lord.
D.B.M.
Davis Dictionary of the Bible,—4th Revised Edition. Baker Book House. £3.75.
Much Information is given on the dust cover as to the previous editions of this volume. The first lengthy preface reveals that Prof. B. B. Warfield and Prof. G. T. Purves and others, gave assistance in the composition of the articles. This volume, in its original form was highly praised. This 4th revised edition has its excellent points. The illustrations and maps appear to be excellent. There is in this edition a brief account of the Qumran community. It is held that at the approach of the Roman Legion in A.D.68 the members of the Community hid their Scrolls in jars, and placed them in caves in the vicinity. Pictures are supplied of the region, with a small map.
As far as the bulk of the articles in the volume is concerned, they are, most likely, according to what Prof. J. D. Davis edited in the first edition. Many articles are now supplemented. There appears, in certain places, to be the hand of destructive criticism. If one reads the article on “Adam”, and then the one on “Eve”, and then reads the handling of the article “Covenant”, it is evident that in all three, as far as one can judge, there is no reference to the first holy revelation in the Garden of Eden to the Seed of the Woman who was to bruise the head of the Serpent. Prof. E. J. Young solves this problem for us in his book on Genesis 3. He devoted about twenty pages to the exposition of Gen 3:15. The rationalistic school of criticism,—generally at least,—regards the statement as an old tradition, containing no promise of the divine Redeemer, and giving no information of any firm value as to Satan. It is needful to use the volume,—or articles in it,—with discretion.
D.A. Macf.
Cleaving to Christ— All I want is a frame of mind best suited to Thy glory. And what is that? Truly that when I have nothing, feel nothing, can do nothing, am worse than nothing, that then, even then, I may be rich in Thee amidst all my own bankruptcy? This, dear Lord, is what I covet, and if Thou withholdest all frames which might melt or warm or rejoice my own feelings, yet if my soul still hangs on Thee notwithstanding all, as the vessel upon the nail, my God and Jesus will be my Rock that feels nothing of the ebbings and flowings of the sea around, whatever be the tide of my fluctuating affections —Dr Hawker.