ALL lovers of evangelical theology among Gaelic-speaking people will be pleased to learn that the Rev. J. R. Mackay, Inverness, has issued another edition of the Gaelic sermons of the late Rev. Archibald Cook, Daviot. In the first edition his English sermons were included, with the result that some who bought the book found that the one half of it was to them in an unknown language. This disappointment has been averted in this volume as it contains only the Gaelic sermons. We trust Mr. Mackay will follow the same principle, by issuing also the English sermons separately. Such as can read both languages will be well rewarded by purchasing the two volumes.
It would be quite superfluous on our part to endeavour to recommend these sermons to the public, seeing that Mr. Cook held a place as a preacher of the gospel, especially in the north of Scotland, which was truly unique. However, we venture to say that, in our opinion, these Gaelic sermons hold first rank as regards depth of thought in doctrine and experience. None can read them without realising the profound seriousness with which Mr. Cook treats the responsibility of man under the privileges of the gospel, his accountability to God for the use he will make of them, and the awfulness of the everlasting ruin that must follow the rejection of God’s grace in Christ offered freely in the gospel. The vigour and the penetration of thought which run throughout these sermons betray a mind possessed of much of the unction which comes from the Holy Spirit. In one word: they are a very valuable addition to Gaelic theology, calculated to revive serious godliness.
The volume contains twenty-four discourses—”All that are extant of the Rev. Archibald Cook’s Gaelic sermons.” The price is three shillings, not including postage.
N. C.