FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES. R. W. Hunter, Edinburgh.
The memorial volume of this Convention, held at the end of June, has now been published. The contents are an account of the unveiling of the statue to John Howie, Lochgoin; brief outlines of sermons, chiefly by American divines, preached at tombs and monuments of the martyrs; reports of 37 speeches and papers delivered during the sitting of the Convention, descriptions of martyr relics, &c., &c. We have read the volume with considerable interest, and are glad to sympathise with the general enthusiasm that pervades it in favour of the authority and rights of the Lord Jesus as King of kings and Governor of the nations. We also heartily approve of the zeal with which the word of God is declared to be the supreme standard by which all doctrines and
practices are to be judged. Never was there a time when a clear and decided testimony on such important matters was more needed. In the spirit of the most friendly criticism we would, however, point out that there appears to be a tendency on the part of our Cameronian friends to dwell upon the more external aspects of Christ’s kingly authority without giving sufficient place to the necessity of inward soul subjection to Christ Jesus. It must always be remembered that in the most orthodox churches there are always two classes, those who are still in a state of nature and inwardly in rebellion to Christ, as well as those who have been made His subjects by the mighty power of the Spirit. It would be difficult to learn from this book whether such a class as the former existed in the R.P. Church. Again, we think that there is also a disposition to exalt Christ’s kingly office out of due proportions to His other offices. More emphasis should be laid upon His priestly office, for without it no sinner can ever enjoy the benefit of Christ as Prophet and King. The song of the redeemed in heaven appears to us to be much taken up with a tribute of praise to the Lord Jesus as Redeemer. “Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” Other features of the Convention we are pleased to see, such as an evident attachment to the use of the Psalms alone, and an avoidance of innovations in worship. Some of the addresses are marked by not a little literary skill. Altogether, much may be learnt of the distinctive principles and present standing of the R.P. Church from this volume.