The Shorter Catechism Explained from Scripture by Thomas Vincent.
Banner of Truth Trust, price £1.50.
It was observed by Edison that “there is no expediency to which a man will not resort in order to avoid the labour of hard thinking.” If this is true in the realm of science, how much more so in the vast field of truth pertaining to God’s glory. The publication of a book written for the purpose not only of fastening the truth in the mind, but also to stimulate thought, is to be welcomed. In commending his work to “masters and governors of families,” the author states that “it is not sufficient for you to bring your children and servants to receive public instruction, but it is your duty also to instruct them privately.” Mr Thomas Vincent has undoubtedly been successful in producing a book that will prove a substantial help to all parents that are anxious to impart the principles of truth to their families. Although some of Mr Vincent’s congregation learnt all questions and answers by heart, it would appear more useful for them to be used by the parent as a guide to analyse and explain each Shorter Catechism question and answer. The book deserves a wide circulation and if used as a help to family instruction, will be a source of much good. No further commendation is necessary when we consider the book was recommended to the public by such outstanding ministers of Christ as John Owen, D.D., Thomas Manton, D.D., Thos. Brooks and Thomas Watson.
J.V.D.
Letters of John Calvin, price £1.95. The Banner of Truth Trust.
The introduction to this book clearly explains the purpose of its compilation, as we read, “But this picture of Calvin the man, and the pastor is often unknown because of a lack of knowledge of his writings. The true picture shines through his commentaries and sermons and appears frequently in his famous Institutes of the Christian Religion, when carefully read. Yet it nowhere appears quite so vividly as in his long-out-of-print letters. It is hoped that the selection of these now presented will introduce many Christians to a fellow-Christian whose teaching and example has much to say to the Church of today.”
The review by the Banner of Truth on the back cover of the book describes the comprehensive view which can be obtained of Calvin from a study of his letters; “He wrote to kings and princes, reformers and friends, nobility and common people alike. His letters discuss affairs of State, but also the most mundane problems of everyday life, and through them all is revealed a man of deep pastoral concern, consistent and exemplary evangelistic zeal, with a humble sense of the final authority of God’s Word.”
Calvin’s letters are edifying, instructive, solemn, and in some parts refreshingly amusing as for instance in writing to Melanchthon, he refers to Luther, “your Pericles allows himself to be carried beyond all due bounds with his love of thunder . . .” But at the same time Luther and Calvin loved each other as faithful servants of Christ. A similar touch of humour is evident in his answer to Farel’s invitation to his marriage, when he says, “When I told to your face that I would come neither to your espousals nor to your marriage, both because it was a thing not possible, and because I judged it inexpedient, I am surprised what your new invitation can mean. Had I the greatest desire to comply with your wishes, I am nevertheless prevented by several causes.” Still Calvin and Farel, as eminent servants of Christ, were real friends right on to the end. In his last letter to Farel, Calvin writes, “Farewell, my most excellent and upright brother . . .” And the noble tribute rendered by Farel to Calvin in a letter to Fabri evinces how closely knit to each other those Christian men were; “Oh why was I not taken away in his stead . . . Oh how happily he has run a noble race! May the Lord grant that we will run like him.” His letters clearly indicate that Calvin was a great man and an affectionate Christian.
A.McK.