Sermons by J. K. Popham, Volume 4. Published by the Gospel Standard Baptist Trust Ltd. — 257 pages. Price £3.42.
This fourth volume of Mr Popham’s sermons contains twenty-five discourses, all preached at Galeed Chapel, Brighton, in 1923, the forty-second year of his long ministry there. The sermons are strongly experimental, and we do not doubt that they will be found helpful by many of the Lord’s people. Those who feel keenly the plague and burden of indwelling sin will find themselves often addressed and described in a searching manner. The remedy that is in Christ is abundantly described, and the work of the Holy Spirit is often spoken about. In one of his many words of encouragement for sin-conscious believers, the preacher urges them not to doubt God’s ability and willingness to forgive all their sins, by saying that the finite sins of a creature must yield to the infinite merits of the Redeemer. But is it not part of the wonder of salvation that the infinite guilt of his people’s sins has been expiated by the death of a Saviour of infinite personal dignity? This, however, is an isolated flaw amidst much wholesome teaching. Of course one misses in these sermons the call to sinners to repent and believe the Gospel. It is an omission which we consider reduces their value, but we know that the Gospel Standard Baptists will not agree with us in this.
A. McP.
John Bunyan’s The Holy War — A Version for Today by Thelma H. Jenkins. Evangelical Press. Paperback 171pp. £1.50.
Mrs Thelma H. Jenkins has written this version of Bunyan’s well-known allegory, The Holy War, in up to date language, primarily to meet the needs of those who find the fuller version difficult to understand. The new version is about half the length of the old one. It does not contain all the characters included in Bunyan’s own version and it slightly changes the names of some. Also the ‘thou’ and ‘thee’ of the original book become ‘you’. In one place the name Sabbath-day is changed to ‘Sunday’. Apart from this, the work is well done and still retains much of the quality of the old version. In a day when works of high spiritual quality such as Bunyan’s allegories are little prized it is all the more surprising to find someone attempting to translate a book of this kind into modern language. No doubt many who will not read the original work will be ready to read this version.
D. B. M.
The Great Awakening by Joseph Tracy. Banner of Truth Trust. 433pp. £2.75.
What the author, Rev. Joseph Tracy, describes as “the great awakening” is what Rev. Jonathan Edwards describes as “the revival of religion in New England.”
It was said that prior to the awakening in N. America that “Church discipline was neglected,” and “a growing laxness was invading the churches,” while “the difference between the church and the world was vanishing away.” The author also relates that “the progress of Arminianism had become so manifest as to cause alarm.” Its growth had been imperceptible. “Its advocates said they were explaining some of the doctrines of Calvinism more rationally than had formerly been done, so as to avoid difficulties with which the truth had been encumbered.”
“Preparation for heaven being esteemed a matter within their own control, men chose their own time for attending to it.” The concerns of the soul were neglected, and the result was “an increasing laxity of morals without any diminution of the hope of heaven.” Rev. Gilbert Tennant complained of ministers who were too ignorant, too full of worldly cares, and too lazy to prepare sermons. “God does not require men” said Tennent, “to starve their own souls by hearing such preachers. “This was strong language, used by one of the so-called ‘new side’ ministers against those of the ‘old side.’ “
In the awakening surprising things took place as a consequence of some ministers “dealing solemnly and searchingly with their people.” The doctrines preached were the sovereignty and justice of God, the “exceeding sinfulness” of men, human responsibility, “true closure with Jesus Christ,” or “rest upon Jesus,” justification “by His imputed righteousness,” etc. The book records cases most solemn. We have on the one hand the record of persons under real soul concern. How would they compare with the “experiences” of professed converts in modern revival campaigns? We have here, too, the experiences of persons who believed themselves to be under the “direct guidance” of the Holy Spirit, but who afterwards discovered that they were subject (at the times referred to) to Satanic influence — a warning to the “charismatic movement,” as well as to many others. A sad example was the Rev. James Davenport. His own subsequent repentance did not remedy the excesses of many who were led astray by his earlier views and conduct. The permanent fruits of the revival were seen in that not only were “unseemly and unsafe habits abandoned,” but “more teachableness of Spirit became apparent among the youth.” Those awakened “were much given to reading in the Holy Scriptures, and other good books. Excellent books, that had lain by much neglected, were then perused.” The people were also “more careful to sanctify the Sabbath.” The movement influenced congregations and denominations for good, improved education, and religious and civil liberty. It stirred up a desire for the conversion of the American Indians and set bounds to the progress of heresy. It produced a College at Princeton and vigorously influenced, what has been called “New England Theology.”
Having in view a widespread awakening, by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit (now or in the future), this is a timely publication. Running to 433 pages, in excellent type, with many useful footnotes, although on the whole controversial, this work will by the Lord’s blessing, profit those preached to, and those who preach. The Banner of Truth Trust are to be commended for its republication.
D. M. C.