“The Greatest Fight in the World” by C. H. Spurgeon. Evangelical Press; 35p.
This 80-page paperback contains an address given by Spurgeon at the College Conference in 1891. The address deals with three topics — the Bible, the Church and the Holy Spirit. Spurgeon writes on these topics in his usual characteristic clear and forceful way. “Three things,” says Spurgeon in the introduction, “are of the utmost importance just now, and, indeed, they always have stood, and always will stand in the front rank for practical purposes. The first is our armoury, which is the inspired Word; the second is our army, the church of the living God, called out by Himself, which we must lead under our Lord’s command; and the third is our strength, by which we wear the armour and wield the sword. The Holy Spirit is our power to be and to do; to suffer and to serve; to grow and to fight; to wrestle and to overcome. Our third theme is of main importance, and though we place it last, we rank it first.” Here then in small compass is Spurgeon’s matured thoughts on these important topics.
“Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible.” Evangelical Press; £3.95.
In this hardback book of 784 pages we find selected passages from the Word of God for every day of the year. Interspersed throughout the Scripture passages are brief comments by Spurgeon. The Publishers in sending out this volume state that “there is an encouraging trend towards restoration of daily devotions, both on an individual and family basis” and look upon this book as the perfect answer to anyone who has this aim in view. We hope that the publishers are right in thinking that there is a trend towards restoration of daily devotions as we fear that in the Scottish Highlands the trend is away from family worship. A return to the practice of family worship would be an encouraging sign indeed.
It may be that this book of selected Scripture passages with comments will be helpful to some but others, we are sure, will continue to read through the whole of the Scriptures consecutively at morning and evening worship.
“Commentary on the Psalms” by W. S. Plumer. Banner of Truth Trust; £5.50.
This one-volume commentary of 1211 pages we gladly commend to Bible students as a sound exposition of this part of God’s Word. There is a verse by verse exposition of each Psalm. Plumer while giving in brief compass the various interpretations suggested for different passages, also states very clearly which one he favours. He also gives the various renderings in different versions of important words so that the reader may be clear as to the exact meaning. Each of the titles of the Psalms are dealt with as they arise. For instance, a page and a half of the Commentary is taken up with an explanation of the title Aijeleth Shahar in Psalm 22. As well as the exposition of each Psalm there is a section on each Psalm of doctrinal and practical remarks which are of a most edifying nature.
We have found little to be critical of in the Commentary apart from Plumer’s defence of instrumental music in the public worship of God in dealing with Psalm 33:2. Even here, however, he does give the views of two eminent divines, Calvin and Richard Baxter, on both sides of the question as well as his own.
We will close this review with a quotation from the introduction to the Commentary giving the Author’s object in undertaking the work. He says: “The great object of this work is the glory of God in the edification of His church. If it shall fail of practical usefulness and religious profit, it will gain no important end. The author has endeavoured to embody all the most valuable suggestions of others together with his own reflections on this inspired book. And he begs his readers to remember that as it is vain to light a candle to examine the sun-dial, so human wit will make no good progress in learning this or any other portion of God’s Word except as the Son of Righteousness by His Holy Spirit shines upon the sacred page . . . let everyone, therefore, seek help of God in earnest fervent prayer.”
D.B.M.