Follow the Lamb by Horatius Bonar. Paperback. 63pp. £1.75. Christian Focus Publications.
In the first paragraph of his introduction the author declares his aim: “It is for you who are called by the name of Christ that these pages are written, that you may be reminded of what God expects of you, and what your name commits you to.” In the final paragraph he claims the attention of his readers: “Let me give you a few counsels.” These he gives within the compass of 15 short chapters, in each of which he offers excellent practical advice, reinforced by a wealth of Scripture references.
Various aspects of the Christian’s walk, life and conversion are dealt with under pointed chapter headings, such as “Keep the conscience clean”, “Study the Bible”, “Take heed of your steps”, “Watch against Satan”. The advice given is imperative and hortatory, in language which is characterised by simplicity and readability. One is impressed by the fact that the author’s style never lapses into the banal treatment of eternal verities which passes for a popular style in so much modern Christian literature.
Throughout the book but particularly in the last chapter, entitled “Be of good cheer”, the author directs the Christian to the only source of grace and strength for the Christian warfare — Christ and his fullness:
“It is out of the sacrificial blood that we extract the peace which is the beginning of all service, all religion, all uprightness of walk.”
Although the chapters are short and the volume is slim, the reviewer agrees wholeheartedly with the publishers that “the reader is left in no doubt as to the standard expected of the believer,” and that the publication is “a challenge to Christians to live lives worthy of their calling.” it gives one pleasure to recommend this tastefully produced volume.
A. G.
Believers’ Joy by Robert Murray McCheyne. Free Presbyterian Publications. £2.75.
This paperback consists of several short addresses by McCheyne which were published separately from his other writings. The first is on the believer’s prayer for divine teaching from Psalm 119: 18. The second is on the believer’s joy in God from Romans 5: 11, and from this no doubt the title of the book is derived. The address on the lukewarm professor from the message in Revelation Chapter 3 to the church of Laodicea is very searching. Two communion addresses are also included.
Regarding all these addresses the writer of the preface states: “Lovers of McCheyne will find in them the same simplicity of arrangement, purity of gospel truth, and all the glow of holy earnestness and love that were characteristic of the author.” McCheyne’s view of his own writings no doubt was very different from that expressed by others. In his address on the believer’s prayer for divine teaching, and in bringing out that God is the only effectual teacher, he says, “It is not once in a hundred sermons that we speak rightly of Christ.” He was evidently painfully aware of his inability to do justice to the high subjects which he was handling. This was a measure of his greatness and of his humility. “Who is sufficient for these things?” Yet he could put his ‘Amen’ to the Apostle’s assertion, we are sure, that “our sufficiency is of God.” The doctrines of the gospel are clearly set forth in this paperback and so, like the other writings of McCheyne is worthy of commendation.
The paperback is well produced, but we think that the cover picture fails to give a proper representation of the believer’s joy which is in reality spiritual.
D. B. M.
The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson. Banner of Truth Trust Paperback. £1.50.
The Banner of Truth Trust which has published a number of the writings of the Puritan, Thomas Watson, has added this further title to
that list. Those familiar with the writings of Thomas Watson will welcome this additional work on the doctrine of Repentance in which he shows the true nature of repentance, warns against counterfeit repentance, gives powerful motives to repentance as well as prescribing means for repentance. It is a subject of the utmost importance to believer and unbeliever alike and Thomas Watson leaves the reader in no doubt of the absolute necessity of this grace if the soul is to obtain eternal life. We are glad to recommend this book as well as Watson’s other writings.
D. B. M.