Bible Doctrine, Book 1, by Dorothy Partington Anderson. Banner of Truth Trust; price 60p
This is a Workbook similar in format to Mark’s Sketchbook of Christ, and is a very commendable attempt to explain the truths contained in the first 20 questions of the Shorter Catechism. The author’s questions compel the reader to think, and to search the Scriptures for answers which unfold the meaning of the Catechism statements. The illustrations are helpful too and are used to good effect in the very interesting chapters on creation and man. Perhaps the least successful chapter is the last which deals with God’s gracious provision for sin. The authoress holds the two covenant views, namely, that there is a covenant of redemption between God the Father and the Son, and a covenant of grace between God and the elect. There is then mentioned a distinction between the Old Covenant and the New without adequate explanation of what the terms stand for.
In our view, the truth regarding the divine covenants is best presented by contrasting the covenant of works made between God and man with that of grace made between God the Father and God the Son. It is when Christ by his Spirit and Word applies the benefits of his redemptive work to the sinners for whom He died, that they obtain an interest in the covenant of grace. They can then look on it as made with themselves as represented in Christ. It is then a simple matter to point out that the covenant of grace now so clearly revealed in the New Testament, was also in operation throughout the Old Testament Period, only administered in a less clear manner through typical and symbolic ordinances.
There is a poem at the beginning, “Richard Cory”, and an imaginary situation on page 96 which would have been better left out and whose teaching we feel could have been equally well imparted by means less likely to stimulate unhealthy ideas in young minds. The “shock” technique so much employed in literature and all the arts today has its dangers.
A.McP.
Commentary on the Gospel of John by George Hutcheson. Banner of Truth Reprint.
We cordially recommend the perusal of this Commentary of the Gospel of John by George Hutcheson. Written over three centuries ago, one could hardly expect the appeal of its contemporary orthodox counterpart either in language or in form. For all this, this work possesses real and solid merit.
A sample of the author’s ability to explain and expound the great and unfathomable doctrines of the Deity and humanity of Christ may be obtained by reading his comments in the first chapter of this gospel. The sublime and ineffable statements of the Holy Spirit in the opening verses of John’s Gospel are handled with rare clarity, humility and simplicity. While avoiding a shallow and superficial treatment of the great mysteries relative to the Person of Christ—His pre-existent glory and His manifestation in the flesh, he never allows himself to go beyond his depth and refused to be lured into the dangerous metaphysical and philosophical deeps where so many have floundered and foundered. No ordinary measure of prudence and caution characterises every page of this work.
The pattern set at the outset, namely, a synopsis of the subject matter followed by a statement of the several doctrines contained in each portion is strictly adhered to throughout the volume. In an age when the preaching of the gospel has largely lost its doctrinal basis and content, this volume with its strong, clear emphasis on doctrine is particularly welcome.
The following remarks of the author on verse 2 of chapter 1, while commending and indicating his humble and devotional approach to the great verities of the faith, are also calculated to whet the discerning reader’s appetite:— “The knowledge of Christ as God is a truth to be much inculcated upon believers and which they ought to study again and again and dwell upon as having more in it, than will be seen at first view; and when they have found most in it yet there is infinitely more to be found in that inexhaustible fountain; for so much also doth this repetition teach.” F.M.
Some Aspects of the Spiritual Life of John Knox
This little monograph by Mr Geoffrey Williams, Librarian of the Evangelical Library, first appeared as articles in the English Churchman. It deals with a much neglected side of the great Reformer’s life, though it is in effect the most important part of his life, and the side from which all his other work flowed. The spiritual life of Knox is worthy of much more extended treatment than it receives in a brief monograph like this but, as the writer says, if it should lead readers to study the writings from greater pens it will not prove to have been written entirely in vain. Copies at 5p can be obtained from the Author, c/o The Evangelical Library, 78a Chiltern Street, London. D.B.M.
Let Conscience Speak by David Fountain. 15p
This small book of 32 pages gives a timely call to the necessity of recognising the Bible fact that man has a conscience—a distinct faculty of soul which passes judgment on the person. The author calls on preachers especially that they should direct their message to the conscience.
In so small a booklet it could hardly be expected that a full treatment could be given to the matter of ‘the evil conscience’. There appears to be a serious omission of the fact that it is the work of the Holy Spirit to apply the blood of Christ to the soul, thereby delivering the soul from an evil conscience.
Christians are called upon to give studious endeavour to keep their consciences void of offence to God and to man. The result held out in page 31 that the believer who thus attains to a tender conscience will be satisfied that he is walking in well pleasing to God, may very well be questioned, for the result may be the reverse, where, the more of sin is discovered the more the believer will mourn—”a joyous weeping and a weeping joy”. It is this spirit of blessed mourning that characterised many Christians of a past generation, and, instead of feeling like smiling at their consciences (as the writer seems to allow) we would do well to cry out to the Lord, “Why hast Thou hardened our hearts from Thy fear?”
There seems to be a typographical error on page 27—’link’ should read ‘think’.
A.E.W.M.