Christian Worthies. Vol. I
by Francis Coxon. Zoar Publications. Price £7.50 plus postage.
When the Pope and the Church of Rome are blinding the people of our land — Protestants along with Roman Catholics — this book reveals facts that need to be known by the rising generation. “Christian Worthies”, Foxe’s “Book of Martyrs” and “The Scots Worthies” should be in every Christian home in our land, and read by all — old and young. We are living in perilous times.
Along with the witness and history of the martyrs we read, in this informative book, of eminent ministers such as Alexander Peden, John Owen, Alexander Henderson, Henry Cooke, John Gill, Thomas Boston, William Grimshaw and John Berridge. There is an edifying chapter giving an account of the history and sufferings of the Waldenses of Piedmont, Northern Italy, and Oliver Cromwell’s support and defence of them against the Church of Rome. Cromwell warned the Pope that if he would not stop his persecution of those Christians he would send his fleet into the Mediterranean to visit Civita Vecchia and other parts of the ecclesiastical territories, and that “the sound of his cannon would be heard in Rome itself.”
The biographies which are fairly brief but comprehensive are most instructive and stimulating.
A. McK.
A Basket of Fragments
by R. M. McCheyne. Christian Focus Publications. Paperback £2.45.
This particular Basket in the form of a book, contains fragments of some of McCheyne’s sermons taken down by a hearer. They could be grouped more or less as follows: There are 5 on the work of the ministry, and 1 on “the office of ruling elder”. These were preached by one who was he says, “deeply persuaded that that church will flourish best that is ruled best”. (p. 119). There are 8 sermons on the Person and work of Christ, and 5 on experimental Christianity. Jesus is the Saviour of those who are His people but He is also offered to the lost, outside the fold. To the latter there are at least 6 awesome sermons addressed, ranging from Noah’s Ark to the “Mental Agonies of Hell”. These are 10 others on various doctrines and subjects making 37 in all, well worth reading. Rev. Alexander Moody-Stuart said of them that they are “powerful when read”, and with this we agree fully. It is this power we need in our day.
D.M.C.
Another Lily Gathered
by Rev. Robt. Murray McCheyne. Mourne Missionary Trust. Price 55p; by post 70p.
This booklet is a reprint of McCheyne’s interesting account of the conversion of James Laing. It tells also of his death-bed sayings — for he died at the age of 14 — and of his efforts to win souls for Christ. We trust that many young people will read this account of one who in his trouble sought the Lord and found Him as his own personal Saviour, and who was taken early home to glory.
There are a number of printing errors but this should not detract from its usefulness. It may be obtained from the Trust at 4 Church Road, Carginagh, Kilkeel, Co. Down, N. Ireland.
D.B.M.