Historical Collections of Accounts of Revival by John Gillies. Banner of Truth Trust. 582pp. Price £10.95.
This massive volume is the reprint of a book first published in 1754 and revised and enlarged in 1845. The present title is not altogether accurate as only part of the contents of the volume can be properly termed Accounts of Revival. Even its original title, “Historical Collections relating to remarkable periods of the success of the Gospel”, does not fully accord with the contents which include times of trial and difficulty as well as times of success of the Gospel. It is really a compendium of extracts of historical accounts of the Church especially from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, though the first few chapters cover some of the earlier centuries. The accounts given in this book, are practically all taken from other writers. In this way a great deal of interesting material has been gathered together in one volume. A considerable amount is biographical, accounts being given of the leading figures in the history of the Church on the Continent, in our own land and in America. We must not judge the worth of these persons by the amount of space their history occupies in these pages as some of great note are fairly briefly recorded and others of lesser note more fully. The book abounds in interesting anecdotes. It does not have to be read through systematically. It can be taken up and read almost anywhere as it is sectioned off and each section is a unit in itself. By the use of its Index it may be used even as a biographical dictionary, so long as the limitations hinted at already are kept in mind.
We are glad to recommend this volume as a useful addition to anyone’s library who has £10.95 to spare.
D.B.M.
Christian Worthies Vol II by Francis Coxon. 326pp. Price £7.50 plus postage. Available from Zoar Publications.
The articles in this volume first appeared in the Gospel Magazine about 25 years ago. The first volume of Christian Worthies was favourably reviewed in the Magazine last year and we are glad to recommend this second volume of noted Christian Worthies of the 16th to 18th centuries. This volume includes sketches of such noted Reformers as Calvin, Farel,
Beza and Peter Martyr, as well as a host of others who were eminent witnesses for Christ in their own day, fifty seven altogether. We need to be reminded of the lives of those who spent themselves in the service of Christ so that we may be followers of those who through faith and patience are now inheriting the promises.
D.B.M.
New Testament Commentary. Romans 1-8 by William Hendriksen.
Banner of Truth Trust, price £5.25.
This commentary is prefaced by an informative, refreshing, and elucidating Introduction, from which the discerning reader should derive profit. The topics discussed in the Introduction to the Epistle seem to furnish ground for a degree of legitimate speculation, but, of conclusions based on speculation or strong presumption in their favour, we must beware. The author is to be commended for his remarkable measure of simplicity and clarity in the explication of such a difficult Epistle. His exposition of Chapter 7 where so many commentators have floundered, is clear and convincing. It follows and reinforces the orthodox school of thought on this controversial part of Holy Scripture. Conspicuous among the merits of the writer is that exegetical accuracy which generally leads to doctrinal purity. The footnotes though brief, are manifestly the product of skill, knowledge, and efficiency. Another pleasing feature which enhances the value of the book, is the list of practical lessons that follow the critical and exegetical explanation of each portion. The writer’s comments on the Spirit’s intercession carry an air of uncertainty that leaves us unconvinced. Further, the increasingly popular view of this rejuvenated earth as the final abode of the saints is supported by the author. In our opinion, such a view is untenable as it poses serious questions and problems in the light of the whole analogy of the faith. If the creation is literal, why not the harps and the crowns of gold? Above all, however, the commentary is devotional as well as critical so that when and where we disagree with Dr Hendriksen, such is his honesty, his humility and his weight of scholarship that our reaction though strong — would be respectful rather than violent.
F.M.
Gospel duties are to be performed with a Gospel temper.
Stephen Charnock