A HISTORY OF PREACHING. Vol. III. From the close of the Nineteenth Century to the Middle of the Twentieth Century (continuing the work of the Volumes I and II by Edwin C, Dargan) and American Preaching (not covered by Dargan). During the Seventeenth, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, by Ralph G. Turnbull. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, 1974. 586 pages. $12.95 ($29.95 for three volume set). Reviewed by Rev. Jerome Julien, Pastor 01 the First ChriStian Reformed Church of Pella, Iowa.
It was an ambitious project and a much needed work that Turnbull undertook. A volume such as this is not easy to write. Though it covers only a few years of the history of the Church, its writing necessitates a rather thorough acquaintance with church history, biographies of the preaching greats—and a knowledge of published sermon. And this is no small task! Further, a volume such as this is difficult to write. How far does an author go in giving critical evaluations of the theological positions taken by the preachers who are analyzed? Besides, there will always be a difference of opinion as to what men deserve the title of “preaching-great” and what men—humble and faithful though they bedo not even deserve honorable mention.
This volume is a noble attempt at fulfilling a need: a survey of twentieth century and American preaching. There are times when a judgment is made and there is an ample insight into the history of preaching. One wishes that other judgments had been made on some of the pulpit greats, rather than handing out bouquets of roses. But to make this volume more critical in nature would not have kept it in line with the other two by Dargan. Sometimes the words used do not adequately express what the author wants to say, I am sure. For instance, he writes that Charles C . Finney began as a Calvinist but later modified his position so that he retained a Calvinist vocabulary with new meanings (p. 87). Actually, to be more precise, the term Arminian should be used to explain Finney’s new theological position.
Several things should be pointed out. First, an insignificant point—yet an important one if we are to be precise. Consistently the name of Alexander MacLaren is written incorrectly as Alexander McLaren. Second, a more important point: the index is not always correct and several important names have been omitted.. The reference to Lenski is in correct and names such as Samuel Willard, William Taylor and Charles Hodge do not appear, though they are in the text.
Aside from these critical comments, must laud the appearance of this volume. Perhaps you wonder who should read it. I say that every minister and prospective minister ought to read it. We can and must learn about preaching. Every other laborer studies to gain insights. We ought not shirk this part of our study. Not only do we become acquainted with others who have brought the message of the Gospel (sometimes there is a lack in Reformed circles of this knowledge) but also we learn about these men who labored. faithfully in the proclamation of the Gospel. For instance, we learn that men who were capable in bringing the message were often well-read-students, if you will.
Perhaps we can learn here. Further, we learn of some of the insights great preachers have had into their task. D. T. Niles it is pointed out, criticized topical preaching. He said, “The preacher has no right to waste a Sunday morning talking “tid-bits.” Are we listening?
Today‘s lack of homileticians makes this volume and volumes on the nature of preaching essential. (Incidently, we ought to thank Baker for making available some of the standard works on preaching which have long been out of print.)
If you take time to read this volume and if you are engaged in regular pulpit work, you must—you will meet Harry Ironside, John Henry Jowett, C. Campbell Morgan, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Jonathan Edwards, Albert Barnes and more. You will get an insight into their way of work. No, you will not always agree with their theology, but you {CiU learn. BeSides, this volume gives a different perspective on the history of the Church.
Again, thanks to Baker for this significant contribution to the shelf marked “Homiletics.”
GOD‘S HIGHER WAYS, The Birth of a Church, by Clarence W. Duff. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, Box 817, Phillipsburg, N.J. 08865. 1977, 320 pp. plus appendices. $7.50. Reviewed by Rev. John Mahaffry, Orthodox Presbyterian pastor, Newberg, Oregon.
Do you expect a book by a retired missionary to appeal only to those who have some special interest in the field where he served? God’s Higher Ways deserves a far wider audience. Certainly the book ought to be read by the members and friends of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the church which Mr. Duff served for many years in Eritrea, Ethiopia. But it should also be read by those concerned with seeing that Christ’s Great Commission is obeyed. It should be read by those who believe that the sovereignty of God is the source of, and not a barrier to, a life of obedience. The book ought to be in Christian homes and church libraries.
As the subtitle indicates, the book describes the birth of a church. The gestation was long and often difficult, but never dull. The author’s frequent quotes from his correspondence and from articles written by him or his colleagues give a sense of immediacy. Yet as he writes from retirement his perspective is distant enough to evaluate the history he records.
The strands that form the history of the church are instructive. There is the determination by the mission that its goal be nothing less than the formation of a truly indigenous church. A brief “Glance at Eritrca’s History” is included. The text, and especially the appendices, describe the church‘s debate of Biblical principles involved in establishing a mission hospital. The vital place of literature in mission work is recorded. And although the work in Eritrea, Ethiopia was under the supervision of the Foreign Missions Committee of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the missionaries who served there came not only from that church, but from other reformed churches as wcell. Congregations of the Reformed Church of America, the Christian Reformed Church, the Reformed Presbyterian Church Evangelical Synod, the Gereormeerde Kerken, the Gereformeerde Kerken (Article 31) and the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Australia were among those represented.
Intertwined with the other strands is the certainty that God orders all that happens, and He is faithful to His church. The all powerful hand of God is evident as Mr. Duff, the first missionary on the field, is refused reentry into Ethiopia, and begins to work in Eritrea instead. As a church is finally established after great disappointments, it is all of sovereign grace. God’s covenant faithfulness is evident not only during the kidnapping of nurse Debbie Dortzbach, but also is revealed through Anna Strikwerda’s martyrdom.
Although political turmoil has forced the closing of the mission, the church remains. The final chapter, “The Gates of Hell Shall not Prevail” rings with the affirmation that the Lord and King of the church will continue to further the cause of His bride.
A few typographical errors (mostly picture headings out of order) hopefully will be corrected in a future edition. Perhaps no better commendation of the book and its author can be found than the words of the Rev. John P. Galbraith, General Secretary of the Foreign Missions Committee, in the “Foreword”:
“There are some who never give up. Clarence Duff is one of those. His Calvinistic persistence in trying to find a way, a means .and a place to preach the gospel is perhaps most aptly said in the Scriptures: as much as in me is, I am determined to preach the gospel. This comes through in this story of our missionary enterprise in Ethiopia, but it is in spite of the author whose intention has obviously been to hide behind Christ.”
THE CALL TO HOLINESS by Martin Parsons. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1974, 95 pp., $1.65. Reviewed by Hattie Guichelaar, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The sub-title for this paperback is “Spirituality in a Secular Age.” It was first published in England and later in the U.S.A. The author is a well-known British author, pastor and Bible teacher.
“The Call to Holiness” is a summons that comes to every Christian. Perhaps it is not sufficiently emphasized in our secular age. Holiness is defined not as an escape from the realities of this world but as conformity to the standards shown in the life of Jesus Christ. Prayer, Bible reading and fellowship with other Christians are given to us by God to assist us to be more sanctified. This book would be helpful to all those striving for more complete stewardship of all that they are and of all that they own.
IN TIME OF TROUBLE by E. M. Lauxstermann. Presbyterian and Reformed. Publishing Company, 1974, 72 p p., $1.50. Reviewed by Hattie Guicheaar, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This hook, in outline form, has been prepared for the purpose of helping Christians face their troubles, present and future, which troubles may be without remedy and inescapable. It adequately fulfills this purpose. Scores of Scripture texts are used to substantiate the fact that Christians are never intended to be exempt from trials. This is an excellent, little book to read when troubled with God’s Providence.
THOUGHTS ON PREACHING by J. W. Alexander. Published by The Banner Of Truth Trust, Edinburgh and P.O. Box 652, Carlisle, PA 17013, 318 pp. Price $6.95. Reviewed by Joseph Brinks, Pastor, Noordeloos CRC, Holland, MI.
This book is a Banner of Truth reprint of an 1864 posthumously published collection of J. W. Alexander‘s homiletical opinions from his private journals.
The contents of the book are as follows: first, 166 homiletical paragraphs from the author’s private journals; next, 10 letters to young ministers about various aspects of the preaching task; finally, 5 chapters which cover many matters relating to the preparation of sermons.
Some of the author’s observations and thoughts are insightful. Many are commonplace. Some are incomplete. Others are just plain incorrect. This book is a collection of sayings from the author’s journals. If one wishes to study a good homiletical book this book is inferior to others. But if one likes to peruse diaries and journals it has some value.