STUDIES IN HEBREWS, by H. C. G, Moule. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 120 pp., price $2.45. Reviewed by Rev. Calvin D. Vander Meyden, pastor of the Jamestown, Mich., Christian Reformed Church.
The author of this book received his education in England at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he later served as Dean of the School. He also served as Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge for 19 years.
In this book Moule writes a series of homilies which underscore some of the “large and conspicuous spiritual messages” of the book of Hebrews. Moule admits that this book is not a commentary in the strict sense of the word. He makes no attempt to give a detailed exegesis of the text. Instead the author presents us with a baker‘s dozen of concise spiritual messages with devotional and topical emphases.
Moule does not discuss such technical questions as these: Who are the “Hebrews” that were addressed in the book? Who is the author of the book of Hebrews? Rather the focus of the book is on the Christ. Each essay provides a deeper appreciation of Christ and the resurrection power which is available through Him. The book clearly demonstrates “the glory, the fulness, the living richness, the abundant lovingkindness, the supreme and absolute finality of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The goal of the book is to present to the render “our merciful and faithful High Priest” so that we will honor “our Lord . . . the perfect and ultimate revelation of the grace and peace of God.”
STUDIES IN II TIMOTHY, by H. C. G. Moule. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, Mich. 180 pages. Price, $2.95. Reviewed by Rev, Calvin Vander Meyden, Pastor, Jamestown CRC.
Moule was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge in England. He has served as Dean of Trinity College and has also functional as Principal of Ridley Hall for 19 years.
This commentary is nut a technical work designed primarily for theologians. It is not designed to function as a critical evaluation of II Timothy. Its purpose is this: “To expound it (the epistle) after the manner of a Bible reading, not for literary criticism or enquiry, but in quest of divine messages for heart and life.” The goal of this devotional commentary is to encourage the spirit of obedience and prayer.
Throughout the book Moule faithfully honors an historically risen Christ who instructs us how to obey His inspired, infallible Word. That instruction in Christian obedience must be clearly proclaimed in the preaching of the Gospel. Moule says: “Away with neglect and contempt of preaching, as if it were a secondary thing and of inferior sanctity.” How refreshing it is to hear about the importance of preaching in a day when gimmicks and theatrics are so popular in our worship services!
This commentary provides good reading for morning or evening devotions.
SYMPHONY – A magazine of Christian poetry. Literary Editor, Rev. Ernest W. Bacon, 2 The Homes, Langford Road, Langford, Bristol, BSI87HU. Single copy 80¢ (U.S.A. and Canada). Per annum $1.60 (U.S.A. and Canada). Published twice yearly, Spring and Autumn. Reviewed by Simon C. Walburg, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
WARNING – This is not a periodical published in continental U.S.A. It is a magazine from good old England, land of Milton and Shakespeare, etc. So please don’t send your contributions of poetry via surface mail, which takes two months, as I found out by hard experience, Better use air mail, which speeds up communications, but also would add to the cost of the magazine over and above the $ .80 and $1.60 quoted, which are surface mail rates.
The Editor and staff are serious about retaining the true luster of poetry. They bemoan the fact that much poetry today is jaundiced, has a base mood, is disjointed with the broken rhythms of the jazz age, and shows a contempt for moral values and the existence of God. To oppose this philosophy and trend the Editor of Symphony presents a stone-stern Christian magazine whose poetry reveals a rhythm, a cadence nod a caring (or God and morals. To illustrate—some of the titles are, “Moses and the Bush,” “Be not deceived,” based on Galatians 6:7–8, “Faith or Sight,” “God’s sealing love.” “The little Chamber,” based on II Kings 4:9–10, and some in a lighter vein. Interspersed between this poetry are essays on different subjects, as for example, Pattern Poetry, a brief biography on John Milton, George Herbert and others. Also there is a department entitled, “Book Shelf,” and a “Book Review” section.
To you poets out there, a challenge! Think of having your poems published in a periodical that is not only Christian, hut has its origin in Great Britain that nourished among other notables, a Dickens, a Thackeray, a Kents, a Shelley and a Wordsworth, to mention just a few. May God give success to this wholesome and virtuous venture!