THE STRANGE BUT PLEASANT LIFE HISTORY OF JOHN STEVENSON.
Glasgow: John M’Neilage, 65 Great Western Road.
This is a cheap reprint in neat form of an excellent autobiography by one of our covenanting forefathers. Its ancient title was “A Rare Soul-Strengthening and Comforting Cordial for Old and Young Christians,” and a little taste of the cordial will bear testimony to the truthfulness of the commendation. Worthy John Stevenson thought he would leave to his children and grandchildren a record of the Lord’s goodness towards him in perilous times, and the record is one that cannot fail to be precious to those who fear the Lord in every generation. Indeed, so remarkable are its details of providential deliverances and hair-breadth escapes, that it should be read by all our young people with great avidity. The chief aim of John Stevenson is to exalt “glorious Christ,” and we trust the Spirit of God will bless his “Strange but Pleasant Life History” to this end in the hearts of all who read it. It is to be hoped that such a rare and attractive book will have a speedy sale. The publisher’s efforts to advance the interests of sound literature ought to be encouraged.
MURDOCH GORDON: or, THE MAN WHO WANTED BAPTISM AND WHO DID NOT WANT IT.
Glasgow: John M’Neilage, 65 Great Western Road.
The striking story of Murdoch Gordon is one that conveys lessons to parents far and wide. Murdoch came to the late eminent Rev. Angus MacBean, asking baptism for his child, and thought he had a right to get it without much discussion. But Mr. MacBean, who was a faithful ambassador of Christ, carefully examined him and refused his request, the result being that Murdoch left the manse in a rage. A remarkable providence overtook him on his way home, and two days afterwards he returned and told the minister that he didn’t want the baptism—”I’m no fit for it,” he said. This was the beginning of a good work in the heart of Murdoch Gordon. It would be well if many parents who ask baptism for their children would also be brought to see themselves as unworthy sinners, and realise their need of a Saviour. Fearful will be the condemnation of spiritually ignorant parents, failing to fulfil their important obligations. And baptised children also will find that their baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost will prove a blessing or a curse according as they make a right improvement of it or not. We wish this tract a very wide circulation.
JOHN KNOX TRACTS, No. 42. “The Lame Victorious.”
These are notes of a sermon preached by the late Rev. J. R. Anderson on 14th March, 1852. The text is Isaiah xxxiii. 23 (last clause), “The lame take the prey,” and is treated in the author’s usual clear and able style. Towards the close, remarks are made which indicate the divided state of feeling in Knox’s congregation at the time the sermon was delivered.
NOTES OF DISCOURSES BY THE LATE REV. GAVIN PARKER, IN ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH, DUNDEE.
Aberdeen: G. Cornwall & Sons.
These discourses were delivered by Mr. Parker in 1824, and treat of the important subjects set forth in Rom. viii. 15-22, which series of passages begins with the words—”Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption.” The notes now printed were taken by a hearer. They embody valuable truth, sound doctrine, and Christian experience that much require to be disseminated in these degenerate times.
Don’t you think that “Christian,” at the sight of the cross, feeling his burden fall off, might well give three leaps? Why? Because of the love of a three-one God entering his soul—the electing love of the Father, the redeeming love of the Son, and the sanctifying love of the Holy Ghost.—John Tait, “Ministers and Men.”