“Fifty Years in the Church of Rome”: This well known book by the late Father Chiniquy has been re-published by the Protestant Truth Society, 184 Fleet Street, London, E.C.4, at 15/- per copy. The Protestant Truth Society, through their Secretary, Mr A. L. Kensit, states that the price of 15/- is high but unavoidable. To those who have never read this exposure of Rome from the “inside,” we would say buy the book and those who have read it and haven’t a copy, now is their opportunity to purchase one.
This booklet, “The Way of Salvation,” by the Rev. Donald Gillies, M.A., Minister of the Agnes Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast, Ireland, is written to show why Presbyterianism and Romanism must forever remain apart. He has made a thorough study of the doctrines and ritual of the Church of Rome and treats them in a fair and impartial manner with courtesy to those who differ from him. He would not have erred had he been more severe. The doctrinal differences are briefly described and the subtlety of application on the Romish side is shown clearly so that simple and lukewarm Protestants might easily be misled unless well instructed in their implications. Mr Gillies shows how they differ from orthodox and scriptural views although they appear to be alike. Rome holds that man has a certain ability to do God’s will and to merit His favour. Protestantism maintains that man’s nature is totally depraved and he cannot obey perfectly God’s law.
Great stress is laid by Rome on the value of Baptism and it says that the Baptized receive in the Sacrament the good lost at the fall. The guilt of original sin is remitted and depravity removed. This terrible doctrine causes people to think as not sinful many things condemned in Scripture and weakens moral responsibility. Its tendency is to make sin less wicked than it is and man’s plight less serious.
In a word, Rome says sinners need its help along with Christ’s support for salvation. Scripture says “No. It is by personal faith in a living and exalted Saviour they can be redeemed.” This booklet is priced at 1/6 and runs to over 30 pages.—D.M.M.