A Commentary on Daniel: Edward J. Young.
The Banner of Truth Trust. £1.50
This book provides us with a valuable addition to the Geneva Series of Commentaries, containing, as it does, a very scholarly, but devotional, interpretation of this important book of the Old Testament, written from the conservative and evangelical point of view. The difficulties of a proper interpretation of this important book of the Old Testament, written from Critical School has made the most of these, to the detriment of the book as an essential part of the divinely-inspired Scriptures. Professor Young’s contribution to a gracious understanding of the book, both in its historical and prophetic portions, is invaluable, and one for which all who love the Word of God aright should be grateful to the One who bestowed upon the author such obvious and competent gifts to meet the critics on their own literary and linguistic grounds, and, in our humble view, to refute their specious arguments against the veracity of the book of Daniel so ably and completely.
As is known, the book contains a narrative section on the life of Daniel in Babylon, together with a prophetic section on future events in reference to the Kingdom of God. Unlike the higher critics, Professor Young accepts the former as factual, and deals very thoroughly with the arguments revolving around this section. The interpretation of the latter presents many difficulties, but here again, one is refreshed to find that the learned author approaches them all in a spirit of humble faith, and re-affirms for this modern age of sceptism, the time-honoured and traditional interpretation of the Messianic Kingdom. In a short review such as this, it is impossible to enter into details. We would recommend the perusal of the work, not only to the specialist reader, but also to all who are interested in understanding the mysteries of the kingdom, relative to the glorious King of Sion, who was cut off, but not for Himself, and now reigns above for evermore.
By the lamented death of Professor Young, the church of God lost one of its ablest exponents of the Scriptures of Truth, and especially those of the Old Testament. This and other works from his pen, however, remain as part of his memorial, and a most valuable legacy to posterity, for which we should be for ever grateful.
A.M.C.
2nd Corinthians: Galatians. Geoffrey B. Wilson.
The Banner of Truth Trust. 35p each.
These are two more paperback Commentaries by Mr Wilson which have exactly the same format as his previous contributions in this field of literature. In general, therefore, the remarks, which we have already made about these former books, are also applicable to the above volumes. The reader is presented, in a convenient and pleasing manner, with a verse by verse commentary, which is largely made up of quotations from the works of other authors of the Reformed school of Theology. The author’s choice is to be commended, especially in the case of the volume on Galatians, since this Epistle is so vital to the doctrine of Justification by Faith.
While the commentaries are not meant to be critical, in the sense in which E. J. Young’s work on Daniel is critical, yet it is good to find references to some of the questions which concern, for instance, the unity of the Epistle to the Corinthians, under review. The author is quite convinced, contrary to the opinion of liberal scholars, that the last section (chapters 10 to 13) is not the product of another author nor even of the same, in another letter. The marked change of tone in these chapters is not inconsistent with the view that the whole was written at the same time, and deals with the same subject. Comments, such as these, by the author himself, show us where he stands in these controversial matters.
We had occasion to regret, in our previous reviews the very frequent use of translations from the various modern versions, and are, therefore, pleased to note, under “acknowledgements,” that Mr Wilson, in referring to the continued use of these versions makes the point that their use should not be taken as a blanket endorsement of the theological liberalism they so often reflect. For this explanation, we are grateful. In contrast to the Commentary on Daniel, reviewed above, these two short books are easily read. This, together with their cheaper price, and convenient size, make these commentaries suitable for a much larger reading public, and we wish them much publicity. May they be used of the Lord to help His people and others to a fuller understanding of two precious and important portions of Holy Writ. The riches of God’s grace are unfolded in Galatians and 2nd Corinthians in no uncertain terms, and these volumes help to focus our attention upon them, by means of the many appropriate words from so many different pens, with which the text of these two books is adorned, as with nuggets of gold.
A.M.C.
William Tiptaft by J. C. Philpot
William Tiptaft is attractively published by the Gospel Standard Baptist Trust. Tiptaft was a contemporary and close friend of J. C. Philpot, who is the author of this biography. Philpot’s readable style of writing makes interesting reading, and a not out-dated direct and simple presentation adds appeal.
The author deals with the pre-eminent events in the life of Tiptaft, showing how he entered the ministry of the Church of England in an unregenerate state in 1826. Although there is mention of his conversion by 1827 there is little detail and one feels a lack here, especially respecting one who became so eminently useful in Christ’s cause. But it is evident by his fruit that he was indeed born again.
For all who are convinced that the Reformed teaching is Scriptural, the account of how Tiptaft was brought from holding an Arminian position to receive the Biblical doctrines of Calvinism will be of importance. What is also noticed is the way the Lord blessed his ministry as a Calvinist and as a Biblical Christian. Furthermore, the doctrines of grace did not in the least inactivate him or dull his fervency. Whether Tiptaft took up a hyper-Calvinistic position is not made clear by the book.
Another point to note, especially when the Charismatic movement is gaining so much ground today, is that Tiptaft was also confronted with neo-pentecostalism. A close friend of his, Bulteel, once curate of St Ebbs, Oxford, for a time became entangled with Irving and the associated tongues and gifts of healing movement. While under this distraction, Bulteel renounced Reformed teaching, embraced Arminian views and went even further to include serious errors concerning the humanity of Christ. Today when the Charismatic movement gains ground it is evident that it does not lead back to the truth, when Roman Catholic priests continue even with such gifts to be satisfied with blasphemous and superstitious practices. Yet the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and He guides into all truth. (John 16).
The book, besides its historical account of Tiptaft, includes many of his letters. In these the man speaks for himself throughout. Such correspondence backs up or enlarges upon what the author states concerning him. It is in his correspondence that the exercises of his soul are expressed and will be found of value to those who follow in the footsteps of the flock. At the close of the book there is included a sermon he preached to a congregation of about 5000, which was blessed to many. Again one is impressed with the practical nature of his Christianity. The way he was willing to part with his living as a vicar, for conscience sake, and how he provided for John Kay, are but two examples.
This book is to be commended to our readers for the interesting and profitable material it contains.
E.R.
Sermons and Biographical Notes of Pastor Ernest Roe.
Price £2.00 Post free.
We are very pleased that this book has appeared, for we considered Mr Roe one of the most evangelical and faithful preachers we have listened to. The volume under review is but a sample of his preaching for over sixty-five years among the Gospel Standard Strict Baptist denomination. During that time his faithful preaching made many enemies but at the same time made many friends. These friends were truly the salt of the earth, and they knew what it was to be in the depths and what it was to be raised out of the depths. Many a time they got an uplift under Mr Roe’s preaching. The volume before us contains twenty-five sermons, and are but a few of the many sermons which he preached. His labours were numerous. According to a record which was found after his death he preached no fewer than 10,312 sermons and ministered in 139 Strict Baptist Chapels during his life.
He had the example of godly parents and also their instruction, but it was the work of the Holy Spirit, which was very evident in his preaching and in his walk and conversation, which turned him from darkness unto light and from the power of sin and Satan unto God. His was a severe struggle. Of that period he said in after years, “My dear parents would cry to see me in that sinful condition, but even a tender father’s words and a loving mother’s words could not soften my hard heart and change my stubborn will. “After an extraordinary deliverance he was constrained to enlist in the service of Christ as a preacher of the gospel. His labours were used much by the Holy Spirit, both to strengthen and direct the Lord’s people who were already in Christ, and to gather in those who were still on the mountains of vanity, and to raise them up as living monuments of free and sovereign grace.
Mr Roe’s comment on Muckle Kate of Lochcarron is well worth reading. He is preaching on the Woman of Samaria and says with reference to the tract on Muckle Kate, “I am glad our Scottish friends have re-issued this little trophy of grace as it is called. It is a touching but powerful reminder, if you and I need one, that we haven’t sounded the depths of grace yet. We haven’t got to the bottom of the ‘manner of love’ that God has bestowed upon us in Christ. It is a bigger gospel than you or I know of.”
The book may be had from Mrs Grace Patterson, “Bracadale,” The Avenue, Ampthill, Bedford MK45 2NR. Mrs Patterson is a daughter of Mr Roe, and is well known to a number of our Free Presbyterian Congregations.
J.C.