* The Grand Old Book, being Lectures on Inspiration and the Higher Criticism, by A. McCaig, B.A., LL.D., Principal, Pastor’s College, London. Second Edition. London: W. and S. Foyle, 121 Charing Cross Road, W.C. 2. Price 4s 6d net.
IT is refreshing and encouraging to come across a book in one’s reading which in no half-hearted, apologetic way deals honourably with the Word of the living God. Principal McCaig has done noble service to the cause of truth in republishing his lectures on inspiration. The book covers the field with thoroughness, and though Dr (now Principal Sir) George Adam Smith announced quite a number of years ago that the Critics had won the war, and that it only remained now that the indemnity should be paid, the school of destructive critics may find that the war is far from ended in their favour. One feature that specially impresses us in connection with this volume is its clearness of statement and its simplicity in dealing with such an important theme. The simplicity of treatment is not the outcome of lack of knowledge of the questions involved but is that enviable gift possessed by a few, who, while thorough masters of the profoundest and most intricate subjects can present them to others in such a way that they are unconscious they are listening to the words of a master of the subject. No one who has given any attention to the subject discussed in these lectures can help feeling that behind the simplicity of statement there is a thorough knowledge. Principal McCaig rightly affirms of the inspiration of God’s Word:—”It is vitally connected with all Christian doctrine. It is of the first importance for us to know how we are to regard that Book which we have been accustomed to revere as the Word of God. If it is not entirely reliable, then manifestly we are without any sure guide through this wayless world. The lectures uphold the old belief in the Bible as the Divine Word, and advocate the doctrine of its Plenary and Verbal Inspiration, special attention being given to the testimony of Christ and His Apostles.” The lectures open with a discussion of Christ’s use of the Old Testament and from these inferences are drawn as to their divine authority and plenary inspiration. Our Lord’s use of the Old Testament also is shown to be in direct opposition to the position assigned them by the Higher Critics. The effort of the Critics to get rid of the damaging nature of this line of evidence by falling back on the Kenosis theory of His person as also the other favourite resort of modern scholars—accommodation to the prevailing views of His time are noticed and successfully dealt with. Then the evidence from the use of the Old Testament Scriptures is reviewed and it is shown that they also have a doctrine of Scripture in direct antagonism to that of the modern critical scholars. Scripture is appealed to and its testimony to its plenary and verbal inspiration is discussed. The alleged historical discrepancies, variations of accounts, and the various readings of the MSS., and more serious charges, which are the favourite stock-in-trade of the opponents of plenary inspiration, are dealt with and answers are suggested. We sincerely trust that the second edition of this excellent work will have as wide a circulation as it deserves. The professing Christian Church in this country cannot always ignore the seriousness of the situation created by ignoring, where not actually supporting, the unbelieving views of Scripture so common in our day.