THE EVANGELICAL QUARTERLY: A Theological Review, International in Scope and Outlook in Defence of the Historic Christian Faith. London: James Clarke and Co., Ltd., 9 Essex Street, W.C. 2. Price 2s 6d (post free 2s 10d).
This is the first number of the above review issued under the editorial supervision of the Revs. Professors J. R. Mackay and D. Maclean, Edinburgh. The sub-title indicates, in a few words, the scope of the Review. That there is abundant room for a periodical devoted to the defence of the historic Christian faith is patent to all who have any knowledge of the modernistic tendencies of the theological monthlies and reviews issued in this country. America is more fortunate in this respect than we are. It has its “Princeton Theological Review,” “Bibliotheca Sacra,” “Union Seminary Review” (Richmond), etc. Scotland at one time held an honourable place in this respect with its “British and Foreign Evangelical Review,” but the Review, as it advanced in years, became affected by the spirit of the age and latterly died. The articles in the new Review before us are of a learned nature, and while some are decidedly abler than others, we refrain from selecting any of them for special mention as our space will not permit of further comment. The subjects dealt with are: “The Reformed Faith” (Rev. Prof. Caspar Wistar Hodge); “The Resurrection of Our Lord” (Prof. W. M. Alexander); “Deuteronomy—Whence and Why” (Rev. A. P. Gold-Levin); “Evolutionary Dogmatism” (Rev. Dr H. C. Morton); “What Ought to be Known About Calvin” (Dr Emile Doumergue). The quarterly has a number of interesting book reviews, with a list of periodical theological literature (British, American, Dutch, French, and German). It is excellently printed and well edited. The promoters have hit on a happy title.
ROBERT MORRISON: PIONEER OF MISSIONS TO CHINA, by W. J. Townsend.
Glasgow: Pickering and Inglis, 229 Bothwell Street. Price, 2s net. This is the first of a series entitled “Bright Biographies”—two others in the series already published being “James Hannington of Uganda” and “Women who have Worked and Won.” The story of Dr Morrison, the Newcastle boy, who became the first Protestant missionary to the mighty millions of China, is full of thrilling interest. Notwithstanding his careful upbringing Robert fell into bad company and for a time wasted his substance in riotous living. God, however, had another purpose for him, and the Holy Spirit brought home to him his transgressions and the need he had of a Saviour. The story of the difficulties that met him at the outset and throughout his whole career are strikingly told. Dr Morrison was a born linguist, and mastered the Chinese language as few have mastered it. His Anglo-Chinese dictionary is a monument to his linguistic attainments, but it was his translation of the Bible into Chinese, with the assistance of his like-minded noble brother missionary, Dr Milne, which will always be regarded as a monument more enduring than brass.
Excellent Booklets.—The Protestant Truth Society, 3 St Paul’s Churchyard, London, have issued “Why I left the Church of Rome,” by Father Chiniquy (price 2d). This book is written in Pastor Chiniquy’s fascinating style. It is an entrancing story. Let our readers buy copies, read it, and pass it on to others, and especially the young. Another useful and informative pamphlet issued by the same Society is “Undiluted Romanism” (price 6d). This is an open letter to the Bishop of London, and its exposure of Romanising practices in the London diocese will make any Protestant ask the question, why are these traitors allowed to remain in the Church of England for another day longer? The Sovereign Grace Union (98 Camberwell Grove, London, S.E. 5), have issued a very instructive pamphlet, “Bunyan: His Doctrine” (price 2d post free), by Pastor J. H. Gosden. Mr Gosden presents in an interesting way the great doctrines for which the author of the “Pilgrim’s Progress” stood—a subject which was unfortunately not so prominent in the speeches made at the recent Bunyan Tercentenary Commemorations as it should have been. There was a great deal of lip-praise given to Bunyan by men who would have spurned his teaching with contempt.