Luther’s Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians.
—In connection with the brief review under Literary Notices of Luther’s commentary on Galatians the following sentences may be quoted from Dr. James Buchanan’s The Doctrine of Justification: “Although it abounds in bold, and some times unguarded, statements, and is neither a learned nor a critical exposition of the Epistle, yet as a popular statement of gospel truth, delivered first in the pulpit, and designed for the instruction of his congregation at Wittenberg, it is one of the noblest and freshest utterances which ever proceeded from the heart of a Christian divine” (p. 417). Dr. Cunningham goes a step further in calling attention to Luther’s defects in his famous commentary and his recognized position as an authority on the theology of the Reformation behoves us to give ear to what the great Free Church theologian has to say. “So far,” he says, “as concerns the exposition of those fundamental truths, on which he chiefly dwelt, the main grounds on which, with some show of reason, he has been charged with exaggerated and paradoxical statements, are his indiscriminate abuse of the Law, his seeming to deny that it has any legitimate bearing upon regenerate man, and to deny also, that there is anything really good or holy, even in believers. The way in which Luther sometimes speaks of the Law, especially in his Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians, is certainly unbecoming and indecent; but it is plain enough, from a fair and impartial survey of his whole doctrine upon the subject, that he really meant nothing more in substance than to shut it out, as Paul does, from all direct share in the justification of a sinner, and to illustrate its utter unfitness to serve the purposes of those who are seeking justification by deeds of Law (The Reformers and Theology of the Reformation, pp. 105, 106). As some may be taking up this noted volume for the first time we deem it advisable to bring before their notice the commendation and the condemnation offered by those who were competent judges.
Prayer for Victory.
—Rev. James Little, M.P. for Down, asked the Prime Minister, in the House of Commons on 14th February, whether he would take the requisite steps to set apart a day when the whole nation should be called to prayer for the divine help to enable us to overcome the enemy and restore a just and enduring peace to the world. The Prime Minister in his reply said that the question of appointing a special day for this purpose is one on which consultation would be necessary with the leaders of the Christian Churches. Dr. Little can be assured that, at an appropriate time, consideration will be given to the suggestion. So far so good, but should not there be a day of national humiliation appointed first? We are not humbling ourselves before our enemies but before God against whom we have sinned.
Pope’s Messages on United States Mission.
—The News Chronicle correspondent says that according to political circles it is hoped that Mr. Sumner Welles’ European tour may result in improved relations between Rome and Washington. The Pope it is learned has sent messages to Monsignor Godfrey, apostolic delegate in London, and to the Papal Nuncios in Paris and Berlin with the object of discovering the feeling in these capitals regarding the American envoy’s visits. The Pope made his name as a diplomat and since entering on his pontificate he has shown that he likes to be fishing in the troubled waters of diplomacy always with a view to advance the interests of Rome. He should be carefully watched in his diplomatic movements.
The B.B.C. and Sabbath-Breaking.
—It is well known that the Football authorities in England and Scotland have set their faces against “Sunday” Football but the B.B.C. has recently broadcast commentaries of football matches played on the Sabbath Day between French and British Army teams. Why is the B.B.C. broadcasting this commentary on the Lord’s Day? Some may say, judging from the advertised programmes that the B.B.C. has little if any respect for the Sabbath and it would be well for those who have radio sets to give them a much-needed rest on God’s Holy Day and send a letter to the Director of the B.B.C. protesting against the flagrant abuse of God’s Day. Not content with broadcasting the commentary on the football games referred to above the B.B.C. announced recently that the extended “Programme for the Forces” will include jazz on the Sabbath. “Thus an 18 year old tradition,” says a correspondent of one of the dailies, “of keeping “Sunday” programmes free from variety and jazz will be broken down.” Day-light robbery is usually considered a daring act on the part of the robber or robbers but it has now come about that day-light robbery of God’s Day is made unabashedly in the sight, or rather hearing, of millions in the United Kingdom. Is this a time to break through the divine laws of heaven and set up laws contrary to His? Shall not God be avenged for this disrespect of His law?
Cinemas Open on the Sabbath.
—Nearly half the four thousand cinemas in England are open on the Lord’s Day. The specious plea put forward for this defiance of the divine law is entertainment of the men of the fighting forces and the women of the services and the adult refugees. Fortunately in Scotland and Wales there is no Sabbath opening of cinemas—at least backed by law. We desire that the men in the Fighting Forces and the women in the auxiliary forces would get the very best entertainment the country can give them but the frothy entertainment provided by them by theatrical and cinema companies and proprietors is neither good for body nor soul.