The Works of Robert Trail.
Banner of Truth Trust. Two volumes. £3.50 each.
The short account of Trail’s life and character found at the beginning of the first volume states, among other things, that “as Mr Traill’s writings have been so long before the public, and have met with the universal approbation of the judicious and serious, it will be unnecessary to say much in their recommendation”. That was in 1810. It will be sufficient for us to say that in 1977 they still “breathe that spirit of piety for which the author was so distinguished”.
If the ability to express the profound in simple language is a mark of genius then Traill must surely be regarded as worthy of that distinction. Beautiful thoughts clothed in appropriate words are frequently met with. We give one example. Speaking of ‘safe dying’ and of ‘death’ being the believer’s as well as ‘life’, he says, “But what have we to do with death, or death with us? It is a black boat, that we must sail out of time to heaven in: and Christ steers the boat, and lands all believers on heaven’s shore. This is all we have to do with death. And when all the passengers are brought over, Christ will burn this ugly boat . . .”.
George Whitefield, in his day, spoke of “that sweet singer Traill” and James Hervey and J. C. Ryle, among others, paid their own tribute to him. The Banner of Truth are to be commended for bringing his writings again within reach. J.McL.
Ireland Forever.
Single copy 20p; by post 25p.
This little booklet of thirty pages analyses the situation in Northern Ireland and does so, in our view, in a most poignant, interesting and illuminating way. Those who value their Protestant heritage should read it and help to distribute copies far and wide. Obtainable from: The Secretary, 188 Upper Newtonards Road, Belfast BT4 3ES. J.McL.