“Sermons for the Times.” By the late Rev. Jonathan Rankin Anderson. Obtainable from Mr. A. E. Alexander, “Hampshire,” 6 Glasgow Road, Dumbarton. Price 2/-. 2/6 post free.
The Committee for the publication of Mr. Anderson’s writings have issued another series of sermons under the above title. It is felt that these sermons are specially suited to the times in which we live and, in the hope that others will find them to be so, the Committee send them forth to the public, praying that the Holy Ghost would bless them to the conversion of sinners and the edifying of His people.
The sermons are three in number, filling a booklet of nearly 80 pages. The first is based on II. Thess 2. 11, 12 in which Mr. Anderson handles, like a master in Israel, the danger of those who believe not the truth but have pleasure in unrighteousness, with the consequent punishment that God would send them strong delusion leading to their final damnation. Although preached in 1851, Mr. Anderson might have been speaking of the present day when he says, “In some instances, the pulpit is the vehicle of sending forth what hardly deserves the name of delusion; for it is little more than an empty sound, without a particle of sense; and but that it comes from such a quarter, is so silly and childish as hardly to be capable of doing mischief. Surely nothing but strong delusion to believe a lie would allow people to endure such a thing! and yet many are mightily pleased with it, nay boast of it as if it were the gospel of Christ.” (p. 32).
The second sermon is based on Isaiah 53, 10. and deals with the great sacrifice for sin as the only way whereby sinners can draw near to God. In setting Christ before souls, Mr. Anderson goes on to say, “His Father at this moment looks upon Him with ineffable delight. His eye is never off Him. The angels of light behold Him, and these things they desire to look into. The spirit of the just behold Him, and are ravished with His beauty. His people who are about to be called home, are cheered by the prospect of seeing the King in His beauty; and, when you that are His, follow Him into glory, you will see Him too. I know not what will be your feelings at the sight. But rest assured, it will more than make up for all the days of darkness, and trouble, and sorrow, through which you have had to pass before you reach it.” (p. 45).
John 6. 37 is the text of the third sermon where once again the doctrines of salvation are unfolded with scriptural clearness and fulness. Speaking of Christ not casting out those who come to Him, Mr. Anderson says, “I apprehend a reason for this form of expression is that this people are often afraid of His casting them out, and they think that they have good grounds for fearing this . . . Oh, you may say, he will cast out on this account. No, “I will in no wise cast out.” Surely then for this cause. No, “I will in no wise
cast out.” But I am in such a plight, there is really nothing to commend me. “I will in no wise cast out.” Oh, how tender, descending, compassionate, gracious! He anticipates His people with the blessings of His goodness.” (p. 75).
A pleasing feature of the booklet is that each sermon is introduced by an extract from Mr. Anderson’s diary, giving some idea of his exercise of soul in undertaking the service of the sanctuary. We commend the sermons to the prayerful attention of our readers.
D. M.