Tell It to the Generation Following, compiled by J E Pack, published by Gospel Standard Trust Publications, hardback, 176 pages, £3.50, obtainable from the Free Presbyterian Bookroom. This is a book about five members of the Pack family, which will be known to some readers through its association with Zion’s Witness magazine. These accounts, which cover the period from 1829 to 1992, are largely autobiographical and present a picture of true godliness.
Those who can appreciate true gracious experience should enjoy this volume. Take, for instance, this passage from the account of James Oliver Pack: “There were many cries and groans for help until one morning, as I was cycling to the office, I believe that I had by faith, if ever I did, a sweet revelation of ‘yon lovely Man’ [with reference to the story of Yeddie] – not indeed with my mortal eyes but something more real, with a sounding of these words in my poor breast: ‘Ye believe in God, believe also in Me’. Yes, I believed in God – infinitely holy, just, pure, sin-hating, and also in my solemn accountability to Him as His creature.”
While, no doubt, they were not intended for publication, these accounts read very well. But it would have been better to have edited out a number of references to dreams and visions as a source of direction in providence and grace. One is very glad to reach the statement in Mary Ann Pack’s account: “Never have I since looked for anything in a visionary way”. The book is well produced and yet is amazingly cheap; presumably it has been subsidized.
Return to Table of Contents for The Free Presbyterian Magazine – December 2001