The Axminster Ecclesiastica. (1660-1698). Gospel Tidings Publications £3.80.
This beautifully-bound book is unique in being originally a hand-written narrative, respecting the Independent Church Congregation in and around Axminster throughout the above period. The resolution to compile a “Book of Remembrance,” as it was at first named, was made in 1687. Who the compilers were is not definitely known. The first edition in book form was published in 1874. In this edition of 1975, many illustrations relating to the narrative are inserted, with excellent maps. There are in addition, a number of appendixes. Much labour was given in supplying the many annotations in smaller print than that of the manuscript. They are highly valuable for reference. All the work entailed was a labour of love.
As regards the main narrative, it is here briefly viewed in a two-fold way. In the first portion, we have the history of the Congregation, with its experiences and severe persecutions. The second portion bears upon their Church Order and Discipline. The matter of the first part is largely taken up with what pertained to Mr Bartholemew Ashford as the pastor of the Independent Church in and around Axminster. At the time of the re-establishment of the monarchy, Mr B. Ashford was a vicar having a charge in the Church of England, but of the “Puritanical” persuasion in his doctrinal views. He discerned that there would inevitably be trouble, unless those cherishing in evangelical love the truth of the Gospel as he did, would submit to be in line with the views of the Erastian King and Bishops, who desired to get rid of puritanical principles. Sad to relate, there was a statute of Queen Elizabeth’s reign which demanded conformity to the erastian view-point. This was left dormant on the Statute-book during the time of the Commonwealth, and now that the King was enthroned, it could be invoked at any time. Mr B. Ashford resigned from his charge, and a full account is given of how he became a pastor of an Independent Church. The congregation was small at first, consisting of about a dozen members. But persons hearing of him and of his preaching “gathered in” from many towns and villages as they were able. He himself, owing to the above-mentioned statute, got into trouble. He was sentenced to a period of imprisonment in Exeter gaol. When freed, despite difficulties, he continued to minister to the congregation. Persons attended from a wide area, as, in their circumstances, they were able. Owing to Acts against Nonconformists being passed, and put into execution as far as possible, they were sorely harassed by Government troops and by informers. These informers reported what they saw to justices of the peace. Religious services were held for the sake of safety in barns, caves, and in thickly-wooded places. Hours of service were frequently changed to outwit such as were on the outlook for their places of meeting. The narrative is worthy of perusal for a reader to know how generally Mr B. Ashford and his congregation were able to keep together and from time to time renew their covenant with the Lord and devote themselves anew to his service. Mr B. Ashford was evidently a laborious faithful servant of the Lord. A copy of a pastoral letter, dictated to be read publicly, when he lay ill is included in the contents of the manuscript. He was the author of a few books — one having the title “The Heavenly Trade”, and another — “The Best Treasure”. He died in 1678.
His successor was Mr Stephen Towgood, who was evangelically-minded like himself. There was much persecution in his time also. During this period the Rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth was followed by what became notorious in English history — the “Bloody Assizes” of Judge Jeffreys. Eventually Prince William of Orange landed, and the Revolution Settlement was established in the kindness and holy providence of the Lord.
Part of the book is concerned with Church Order and Discipline. It is, of course, the Independent view-point which is presented. The compilers of the manuscript stated that in the matter of Churchmanship, their church acted “according as they apprehended, the mind of the Lord”. We would like to point to two reliable authorities on Church Government — Dr James Bannerman in his two volumes, “The Church of Christ”, and Dr James Witherow, author of “The Apostolic Church — Which is it?” Witherow states that the Apostolic church had six leading principles of church order. He holds that the Church of England had none of these six principles; the Independents had three of the six in their church order, and the system of Presbyterianism had all six.
The book is described as fascinating and instructive, and with this we cordially agree.
D.A. Macf.
Thoughts on Preaching by J. W. Alexander. Banner of Truth Trust. £1.95.
Sermonisers in possession of this volume will have at hand a most useful manual of instruction due attention to which cannot fail to make them more proficient in the art. As one who was himself an outstandingly able, experienced Gospel minister, teacher and pastor of souls, Dr Alexander was well qualified to advise others following him in his high calling as to how they ought to behave themselves in the house of God.
Wherever the book is opened the reader may meet with what is arresting and thought-provoking and there is a wealth of practical instruction within its covers. While giving its own place to the reading of the works of the Puritan divines and other sound Biblical expositors, the great preparation for preaching recommended so earnestly by Dr Alexander is the constant reading and study of the Scriptures. “When Scripture is let alone”, he tells us, “the wheels of duty roll heavily”. Among other things, emphasis is very much laid on the fact that honesty and sincerity are to be marked features of the preacher’s character both in the study and in the pulpit. His advice is: “Be simple, be natural, be moderate, and use no tricks of voice or gesture to express emotion which you do not experience”. That preacher, he says, “who begins his discourse on an ordinary topic, with the elevated voice and manner of great emotion, convinces every just critic that he is acting a part”.
Even in his own day Dr Alexander was far above ordinary stature as far as spiritual and intellectual eminence was concerned. If we find ourselves coming far short of the standard set by him, at least the way to attempt reaching it is here plainly enough set before us.
J. McL.
In the Beginning by E. J. Young. Banner of Truth Trust. 117pp. Price 60p.
This Banner of Truth paperback consists of a series of addresses delivered by the late Professor E. J. Young of Westminster Seminary to students at Toronto Baptist Seminary. The subject with which Professor Young deals is chiefly the reliability and historicity of the opening chapters of the book of Genesis. Professor Young’s aim is to show the untenableness of the view held by modern critics and evolutionists of these chapters. In these addresses he holds firmly that these opening chapters of the Bible, being part of the God-breathed Scriptures, give an historical account of the creation of the world and of the Fall of man. Strange to relate, Professor Young, while accepting that the framework given in the account of creation is that of six days followed by a seventh, does not see his way to accept these periods as 24-hour days. This apart we gladly recommend the book to students who, we are sure, will find this study of Genesis I-III most helpful.
D.B.M.