THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF GOD. Published by Baker Book House 1970. Price 52.95, paperback Reviewed by Rev. J. J. Byker, Pastor II C.R.C., Toronto, Ontario.
The Public Worship of God is the publication of the Lyman Beecher Lectures on practical theology at Yale, 1927. This hook now appears in the series, “Notable Books on Preaching,” a number of which are available.
In a recent issue of The Banner of Truth magazine, Dr. M. L. Jones speaks of the chief end of preaching as “It is to give men and women a sense of God and His presence.” A little further we read from Dr. Jones, “I can forgive a man for a bad sermon, I can forgive a preacher almost anything if he gives me a sense of God, if he gives me something for my soul, if he gives me the sense that, though he is inadequate himself, he is handling something which is very great and very glorious, if he gives me some dim glimpse of the majesty and the glory of God, the love of Christ my Savior, and the magnificence of the gospel.” It is this sense of God and the magnificence of the gospel which this book seeks to impart.
This volume is especially welcome in the wilderness and chaos of material which flows from the pens of the “modern” homilist, The new hermeneutics with its interpretations, the homelectial desert created by subjective encounter and the exaltation of experience have removed nearly all that is stable, dampened the sense of God and smothered the majesty of the gospel.
The reader will find this book a refreshing contrast. He will find the author speaking of definite patterns in service, he will find that the reading of the law is considered necessary to give men a sense of majesty of God. The pattern one discovers is that of ascension. Ascension, according to the author, as taught in the Bible—“from fear to awe, from awe to joy, and from joy to love.” With this in mind Mr. Slater sought to develop liturgy.
He speaks of the law . . . “Somewhere in the ‘order of worship’ there ought to be given a glimpse of the high and lofty place of that Law, which Christ came not to destroy but to fulfill.” Or again, “whatever God may be going to do as a result of our cry for mercy, He is not going to change His mind about godliness.”
The lectures found in this volume cover every item of the worship service and seek to give an understanding of the reason for each element. I personally feel that there is a common lack of understanding of the liturgy used among. The parishioner does not know why the various elements arc used. To make this clear is the responsibility of the liturgist. The lack of understanding is not the sole reason for the drift to “do your own thing” but it is a contributing factor. The Public Worship of God will help to restore a sense of true worship of God.
Over against the constant criticism that “traditional” worship is too individualistic and lacking in social consciousness, Mr. Slater says, “Moreover, we shall do well to keep in mind the old, old wisdom that the changed society will come through changed men and women. The declaration of social righteousness is undoubtedly a duty of the Christian pulpit, but it is neither the whole, nor the chief duty. In any case, we have all to be as sure as we can that the social schemes we propound are both righteous and reasonable,” and “meantime, we have the fundamental religious principles of the Bible to declare; we have Christ to proclaim; and we need not have any fear that men who take discipleship to Him seriously will rest content with a system which inflicts unnecessary injury or injustice on the least of these His brethren,” p. 89–90.
No doubt many who read this review will reflect long and question meditatingly on the material concerning sacraments, who should sing, children in worship, etc. There is a great deal of material for thought. Whether one agrees with all of the subject matter or not, it is refreshingly stimulating.
However, I am confident that the main thrust of this work will be appreciated, I suggest that you buy and read this hook and that you will be glad you did.
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES ON SEX AND MARRIAGE, by Dr. W. Fitch. Published by Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1971. 214 pages. Price: $2.95. Reviewed by Mrs. Helen Tangelder, Wellandport, Ontario
Every day we are confronted with every aspect of sex from the use of sex appeal to sell razors and soap, to radio advertising of family planning clinics. Authorities debate over the definition of pornography, while Hugh Hefner’s philosophy infiltrates literature and music. Our grandparents would not dare to mention any aspect of sex and marriage. Now the pendulum has swung completely into the opposite direction. One can buy books on such matters from the local supermarket and these topics are freely discussed during the coffee breaks and in group sessions. An observer would conclude that enough has been written on this subject. Dr. Fitch whole-heartedly disagrees. “The ignorance on this whole field of life is staggering. One can scarcely believe how closed the book of sex is to many” (p. 53).
Dr. Fitch is the well known Canadian evangelical minister of Knox Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Canada and the author of the books Enter Into Life, and God and Evil. His latest is an all inclusive treatment of every phase of sex and marriage, including topics such as finding a partner, the honeymoon, birth control, abortion and divorce.
This book is not merely a commentary on the Song of Solomon, Proverbs 31, Psalm 12.7 and other related passages. Throughout, the reader is constantly reminded that “God made everything lovely in His time, also He hath set the world in their heart, so that man can find out the work that God made from the beginning to the end” (p.73). Although this is not n medical book, one would seldom find a book on Anatomy and Physiology that is more detailed. A comprehensive chapter on venereal disease is included. Twenty years ago, the writer would not have needed to write on this subject. This social disease was controlled by penicillin; now it has reached epidemic proportions. Dr. Fitch describes the very basic and elementary medical facts candidly, thoroughly and unashamedly. Also, this is more than an Emily Post etiquette book, Dr. Fitch elaborates on such topics as the wedding, reception, photographers.
This book is most refreshing, uplifting and wholesome. It is highly recommended for teenagers and engaged couples who are looking 10 their Christian marriage. Dr. Fitch emphasizes the supreme importance of putting Christ first in their lives. A couple should pray together on their dates, and then pray and read the Bible together privately on their wedding day asking for tile Lord’s blessing upon their married lives. Every married couple should read it; those who are blessed with a happy Christian marriage, and those who find married life edgy.
The last chapter “Sex, Marriage and God” is excellent. It concludes with a sermonette on the wedding at Cana. “This was a truly Christ-filled wedding. Wherever He is, the best is being bettered. That’s what the master of ceremonies found. With Christ, the end is always better than the beginning. With Him, the best is always yet to be, Make sure, then, that whatever else you do when you come to the moment of being joined in holy wedlock, you make certain that Jesus the Christ is there. Nothing will perfect the day but His presence. Let Him be your first invited guest. Let Him work the miracle of His love at your wedding. And out of the joy of your wedding may there be many who will come to believe in Him as Saviour, Lord and Friend” (p. 200). This is a book that should be in every Christian home for one’s own personal use and recommendation to others.
PROFITING FROM THE WORD, by A. W. Pink. Published by The Banner of Truth Trust. 78b Chiltern Street, London WIM IPS. 1971; 124 pages: $1.00. Reviewed by Rev. Jerome Julien, pastor of the Faith Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This author’s name needs no introduction to most readers of good devotional books. Though some of his earlier writings in particular contain ideas which are not so readily received (and should not be, either) by Reformed people, his works can all be read with profit since his aim in writing, according to the publishers “was to give Christians such biblical expositions as would produce clear heads and holy lives and prayer find godliness . . .”
This little volume is a precious gem. His purpose in these essays originally published in his now famous STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES was to show how “All Scripture is profitable” we are told in II Timothy 3:16 and 17. He,writes, “. . . the Holy Scripture are given us not for intellectual gratification and carnal speculation, but furnish unto ‘all good works’ and that by teaching, reproving, correcting us.” From there on he writes clearly and in a practical way of what the Scriptures say about sin, God, Christ, prayer, good works, obedience, the world, the promises, joy and last but not least, love. Not a chapter is unprofitable. This does not mean, however, an endorsement of every word and thought.
If you are looking for a devotional book for yourself or as a gift for others. here it is. Get it and you will be glad you did! But one word of warning: since many booksellers do not seem to he aware of the rich material from Banner of Truth Trust, you may have to order it. You may order it from Puritan Publications Inc., P.O. Box 652, Carlisle, Pa.,17013, U.S.A. If you must wait for it, you will be glad you did. Though it is paper, it is gold!
THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, Vol. VII, edited by Gerhard Friedrich, translated from the Gemlan b” Geoffrev ” •. Bromiley, Grand Rapids: Michigan, 1971 ; pp. xiii and 1104. Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans; price $25.00. Reviewed by Dr. William Hendriksen of Boca Raton, Florida.
A man walked into a library and asked the librarian to give him a book, any book at all. He had some spare time and wanted to read. So the librarian handed him one. About an hour later the librarian asked him, “How do you like your book?” He answered. “O, I find it very interesting, but it changes subjects so often.” And so it did. It was a dictionary! The volume under review is also a dictionary. It is the seventh volume of an enormous encyclopaedic dictionary of the main words and concepts found in the New Testament. This volume of an enormous encyclopedic the original Greek—for our New Testament was originally written in that language—begin with the letter sigma, or, as we would say, “s.” The work was originally written in German, but is being translated into English, six volumes having appeared previously, by Dr. Bromiley.
Just to show the reader how rich in material contents this work is, think of the following: there are no less than twenty pages on stephanos meaning “crown” or “wreath”; sixty pages, on soteria and related words, having to do with “salvation”; about the same number, on sophia, that is, wisdom; no less than seventy-five, on soma, meaning “body.”
Moreover, these words arc defined in all their various shades of connotation, and their history—yes, words have histories—is carefully traced, so that one learns to know what they, or their equivalents, meant in the Old Testament, in the apocryphal writings, in the New Testament, and finally in the Post-New Testament period.
A congregation would do a minister a favor by getting him a set of these volumes, not just one volume please, the entire set. Who knows? His sermons might even improve beyond their present excellence!
I do not mean to suggest that I agree with everything found in this seventh volume. For example, I find the interpretation, if one can call it that, of “the sign of the Son of man” (p. 236) hardly satisfactory. And there are other articles or statements in articles about which the same can be said, But all in all these volumes would amount to a genuine enrichment of any minister’s library. Every entry is at least thought provoking. And much of the contents is excellent in every way.
Not only the original writers of the separate articles but also the translator, the proofreader, and last but not least, the publisher, all these deserve our thanks for this set and for this volume in the set. We are looking forward to the next volume.
THE MISSIONARY MANIFESTO; EXPOSITORY MESSAGES ON TH E GREAT COMMISSION, by C. Campbell Morgan. Published by Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Mich. 1970. 157 pages; $2.45. Reviewed by Rev. Tim Monsma, instructor in the Tiv Pastors Training Class, Nigeria.
G. Campbell Morgan was an English Congregationalist who had a long and fruitful ministry as preacher, lecturer, and Bible teacher from the time of his ordination in 1889 until his death in 1945. Baker Book House is now republishing various of his works in paperback form under the general title “The Morgan Library.” The Missionary Manifesto is the first volume of this series. The second volume, The Practice of Prayer, is currently being printed.
The Missionary Manifesto is primarily an exposition of Matthew 28:18–20, Mark 16:15, 16, Luke 24:48, 49, and John 20:31–33. Morgan does not refer to “the missionary mandate,” as we might expect, but to a missionary manifesto. This means that in his opinion the four texts given above not only give a command; they also set forth the objectives and the manner of missionary work. Each Evangelist, according to Morgan, sheds different light on the instructions given by our Lord after His resurrection regarding missions. Matthew stresses the royal authority under which missionaries labor. Mark brings out the cosmic implications of missionary activity (Morgan assumes that Mark 16:9–20 was written by Mark). Luke indicates the Spirit filled manner in which the witnesses of the Christ are to witness. John remembers and shares with his readers the divine proclamation of the forgiveness of sins.
Even though The Missionary Manifesto was first published in 1909, there is still timely advice to be found in it. In regard to correcting social evils, Morgan says:
“All this work must he done in the right order. The Church must ever commence by the proclamation of the evangel to men. To go to the material world, either in garden or city, and to attempt to reconstruct it in order that it may remake men is to invert the Divine order, and to fail. The Church must always begin with man, but she must not forget that the emphasis of this commission is that the ultimate result of man’s remaking is that of the renewal of the whole creation” (p. 77).
To missionaries and evangelists he says:
“Witnessing is infinitely more than preaching. The doctrine of the Cross becomes dynamic in crucified lives. The truth of the resurrection becomes triumphant through lives transfigured by resurrection” (p. 95).
If you want to interest some young person in becoming a missionary, don’t give him this book to read; its older style of writing might turn him off. Neither is this book “easy” devotional reading. It could be very helpful, however, for pastors and others who wish to prepare messages on the worldwide mission of the church. Those already involved in evangelistic and missionary work will likewise benefit from reading it, as well as all those who wish to study this subject.
THE PURITAN HOPE by lain Murray. Price $4.50. Published by Puritan Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 652, Carlisle, Pa. 17013, USA. Reviewed by Rev. Christian Vanden Heuvel of Lamont, Michigan.
I would like to have you meet Mr. Iain Murray. He became a minister in 1955 at the tender age of 24 years old, at St. John’s Free Church, Oxford. In 1956 he became assistant to Dr. M. Lloyd Jones at Westminster Chapel. From 1961 to 1969 he was minister of Grove Chapel, Camberwell, England.
He was the co-founder of the Banner of Tn,st in 1957.
He is accredited with writing several books, The Forgotten Spurgeon, The Invitation System, and the Reformation of the Church.
The book under review, The Puritan Hope is a wonderful addition to his fine works.
The Public Worship of God is the publication of the Lyman Beecher Lectures on practical theology at Yale, 1927. This hook now appears in the series, “Notable Books on Preaching,” a number of which are available.
In a recent issue of The Banner of Truth magazine, Dr. M. L. Jones speaks of the chief end of preaching as “It is to give men and women a sense of God and His presence.” A little further we read from Dr. Jones, “I can forgive a man for a bad sermon, I can forgive a preacher almost anything if he gives me a sense of God, if he gives me something for my soul, if he gives me the sense that, though he is inadequate himself, he is handling something which is very great and very glorious, if he gives me some dim glimpse of the majesty and the glory of God, the love of Christ my Savior, and the magnificence of the gospel.” It is this sense of God and the magnificence of the gospel which this book seeks to impart.
This volume is especially welcome in the wilderness and chaos of material which flows from the pens of the “modern” homilist, The new hermeneutics with its interpretations, the homelectial desert created by subjective encounter and the exaltation of experience have removed nearly all that is stable, dampened the sense of God and smothered the majesty of the gospel.
The reader will find this book a refreshing contrast. He will find the author speaking of definite patterns in service, he will find that the reading of the law is considered necessary to give men a sense of majesty of God. The pattern one discovers is that of ascension. Ascension, according to the author, as taught in the Bible—“from fear to awe, from awe to joy, and from joy to love.” With this in mind Mr. Slater sought to develop liturgy.
He speaks of the law . . . “Somewhere in the ‘order of worship’ there ought to be given a glimpse of the high and lofty place of that Law, which Christ came not to destroy but to fulfill.” Or again, “whatever God may be going to do as a result of our cry for mercy, He is not going to change His mind about godliness.”
The lectures found in this volume cover every item of the worship service and seek to give an understanding of the reason for each element. I personally feel that there is a common lack of understanding of the liturgy used among. The parishioner does not know why the various elements arc used. To make this clear is the responsibility of the liturgist. The lack of understanding is not the sole reason for the drift to “do your own thing” but it is a contributing factor. The Public Worship of God will help to restore a sense of true worship of God.
Over against the constant criticism that “traditional” worship is too individualistic and lacking in social consciousness, Mr. Slater says, “Moreover, we shall do well to keep in mind the old, old wisdom that the changed society will come through changed men and women. The declaration of social righteousness is undoubtedly a duty of the Christian pulpit, but it is neither the whole, nor the chief duty. In any case, we have all to be as sure as we can that the social schemes we propound are both righteous and reasonable,” and “meantime, we have the fundamental religious principles of the Bible to declare; we have Christ to proclaim; and we need not have any fear that men who take discipleship to Him seriously will rest content with a system which inflicts unnecessary injury or injustice on the least of these His brethren,” p. 89–90.
No doubt many who read this review will reflect long and question meditatingly on the material concerning sacraments, who should sing, children in worship, etc. There is a great deal of material for thought. Whether one agrees with all of the subject matter or not, it is refreshingly stimulating.
However, I am confident that the main thrust of this work will be appreciated, I suggest that you buy and read this hook and that you will be glad you did.
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES ON SEX AND MARRIAGE, by Dr. W. Fitch. Published by Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1971. 214 pages. Price: $2.95. Reviewed by Mrs. Helen Tangelder, Wellandport, Ontario
Every day we are confronted with every aspect of sex from the use of sex appeal to sell razors and soap, to radio advertising of family planning clinics. Authorities debate over the definition of pornography, while Hugh Hefner’s philosophy infiltrates literature and music. Our grandparents would not dare to mention any aspect of sex and marriage. Now the pendulum has swung completely into the opposite direction. One can buy books on such matters from the local supermarket and these topics are freely discussed during the coffee breaks and in group sessions. An observer would conclude that enough has been written on this subject. Dr. Fitch whole-heartedly disagrees. “The ignorance on this whole field of life is staggering. One can scarcely believe how closed the book of sex is to many” (p. 53).
Dr. Fitch is the well known Canadian evangelical minister of Knox Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Canada and the author of the books Enter Into Life, and God and Evil. His latest is an all inclusive treatment of every phase of sex and marriage, including topics such as finding a partner, the honeymoon, birth control, abortion and divorce.
This book is not merely a commentary on the Song of Solomon, Proverbs 31, Psalm 12.7 and other related passages. Throughout, the reader is constantly reminded that “God made everything lovely in His time, also He hath set the world in their heart, so that man can find out the work that God made from the beginning to the end” (p.73). Although this is not n medical book, one would seldom find a book on Anatomy and Physiology that is more detailed. A comprehensive chapter on venereal disease is included. Twenty years ago, the writer would not have needed to write on this subject. This social disease was controlled by penicillin; now it has reached epidemic proportions. Dr. Fitch describes the very basic and elementary medical facts candidly, thoroughly and unashamedly. Also, this is more than an Emily Post etiquette book, Dr. Fitch elaborates on such topics as the wedding, reception, photographers.
This book is most refreshing, uplifting and wholesome. It is highly recommended for teenagers and engaged couples who are looking 10 their Christian marriage. Dr. Fitch emphasizes the supreme importance of putting Christ first in their lives. A couple should pray together on their dates, and then pray and read the Bible together privately on their wedding day asking for tile Lord’s blessing upon their married lives. Every married couple should read it; those who are blessed with a happy Christian marriage, and those who find married life edgy.
The last chapter “Sex, Marriage and God” is excellent. It concludes with a sermonette on the wedding at Cana. “This was a truly Christ-filled wedding. Wherever He is, the best is being bettered. That’s what the master of ceremonies found. With Christ, the end is always better than the beginning. With Him, the best is always yet to be, Make sure, then, that whatever else you do when you come to the moment of being joined in holy wedlock, you make certain that Jesus the Christ is there. Nothing will perfect the day but His presence. Let Him be your first invited guest. Let Him work the miracle of His love at your wedding. And out of the joy of your wedding may there be many who will come to believe in Him as Saviour, Lord and Friend” (p. 200). This is a book that should be in every Christian home for one’s own personal use and recommendation to others.
PROFITING FROM THE WORD, by A. W. Pink. Published by The Banner of Truth Trust. 78b Chiltern Street, London WIM IPS. 1971; 124 pages: $1.00. Reviewed by Rev. Jerome Julien, pastor of the Faith Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This author’s name needs no introduction to most readers of good devotional books. Though some of his earlier writings in particular contain ideas which are not so readily received (and should not be, either) by Reformed people, his works can all be read with profit since his aim in writing, according to the publishers “was to give Christians such biblical expositions as would produce clear heads and holy lives and prayer find godliness . . .”
This little volume is a precious gem. His purpose in these essays originally published in his now famous STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES was to show how “All Scripture is profitable” we are told in II Timothy 3:16 and 17. He,writes, “. . . the Holy Scripture are given us not for intellectual gratification and carnal speculation, but furnish unto ‘all good works’ and that by teaching, reproving, correcting us.” From there on he writes clearly and in a practical way of what the Scriptures say about sin, God, Christ, prayer, good works, obedience, the world, the promises, joy and last but not least, love. Not a chapter is unprofitable. This does not mean, however, an endorsement of every word and thought.
If you are looking for a devotional book for yourself or as a gift for others. here it is. Get it and you will be glad you did! But one word of warning: since many booksellers do not seem to he aware of the rich material from Banner of Truth Trust, you may have to order it. You may order it from Puritan Publications Inc., P.O. Box 652, Carlisle, Pa.,17013, U.S.A. If you must wait for it, you will be glad you did. Though it is paper, it is gold!
THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, Vol. VII, edited by Gerhard Friedrich, translated from the Gemlan b” Geoffrev ” •. Bromiley, Grand Rapids: Michigan, 1971 ; pp. xiii and 1104. Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans; price $25.00. Reviewed by Dr. William Hendriksen of Boca Raton, Florida.
A man walked into a library and asked the librarian to give him a book, any book at all. He had some spare time and wanted to read. So the librarian handed him one. About an hour later the librarian asked him, “How do you like your book?” He answered. “O, I find it very interesting, but it changes subjects so often.” And so it did. It was a dictionary! The volume under review is also a dictionary. It is the seventh volume of an enormous encyclopaedic dictionary of the main words and concepts found in the New Testament. This volume of an enormous encyclopedic the original Greek—for our New Testament was originally written in that language—begin with the letter sigma, or, as we would say, “s.” The work was originally written in German, but is being translated into English, six volumes having appeared previously, by Dr. Bromiley.
Just to show the reader how rich in material contents this work is, think of the following: there are no less than twenty pages on stephanos meaning “crown” or “wreath”; sixty pages, on soteria and related words, having to do with “salvation”; about the same number, on sophia, that is, wisdom; no less than seventy-five, on soma, meaning “body.”
Moreover, these words arc defined in all their various shades of connotation, and their history—yes, words have histories—is carefully traced, so that one learns to know what they, or their equivalents, meant in the Old Testament, in the apocryphal writings, in the New Testament, and finally in the Post-New Testament period.
A congregation would do a minister a favor by getting him a set of these volumes, not just one volume please, the entire set. Who knows? His sermons might even improve beyond their present excellence!
I do not mean to suggest that I agree with everything found in this seventh volume. For example, I find the interpretation, if one can call it that, of “the sign of the Son of man” (p. 236) hardly satisfactory. And there are other articles or statements in articles about which the same can be said, But all in all these volumes would amount to a genuine enrichment of any minister’s library. Every entry is at least thought provoking. And much of the contents is excellent in every way.
Not only the original writers of the separate articles but also the translator, the proofreader, and last but not least, the publisher, all these deserve our thanks for this set and for this volume in the set. We are looking forward to the next volume.
THE MISSIONARY MANIFESTO; EXPOSITORY MESSAGES ON TH E GREAT COMMISSION, by C. Campbell Morgan. Published by Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Mich. 1970. 157 pages; $2.45. Reviewed by Rev. Tim Monsma, instructor in the Tiv Pastors Training Class, Nigeria.
G. Campbell Morgan was an English Congregationalist who had a long and fruitful ministry as preacher, lecturer, and Bible teacher from the time of his ordination in 1889 until his death in 1945. Baker Book House is now republishing various of his works in paperback form under the general title “The Morgan Library.” The Missionary Manifesto is the first volume of this series. The second volume, The Practice of Prayer, is currently being printed.
The Missionary Manifesto is primarily an exposition of Matthew 28:18–20, Mark 16:15, 16, Luke 24:48, 49, and John 20:31–33. Morgan does not refer to “the missionary mandate,” as we might expect, but to a missionary manifesto. This means that in his opinion the four texts given above not only give a command; they also set forth the objectives and the manner of missionary work. Each Evangelist, according to Morgan, sheds different light on the instructions given by our Lord after His resurrection regarding missions. Matthew stresses the royal authority under which missionaries labor. Mark brings out the cosmic implications of missionary activity (Morgan assumes that Mark 16:9–20 was written by Mark). Luke indicates the Spirit filled manner in which the witnesses of the Christ are to witness. John remembers and shares with his readers the divine proclamation of the forgiveness of sins.
Even though The Missionary Manifesto was first published in 1909, there is still timely advice to be found in it. In regard to correcting social evils, Morgan says:
“All this work must he done in the right order. The Church must ever commence by the proclamation of the evangel to men. To go to the material world, either in garden or city, and to attempt to reconstruct it in order that it may remake men is to invert the Divine order, and to fail. The Church must always begin with man, but she must not forget that the emphasis of this commission is that the ultimate result of man’s remaking is that of the renewal of the whole creation” (p. 77).
To missionaries and evangelists he says:
“Witnessing is infinitely more than preaching. The doctrine of the Cross becomes dynamic in crucified lives. The truth of the resurrection becomes triumphant through lives transfigured by resurrection” (p. 95).
If you want to interest some young person in becoming a missionary, don’t give him this book to read; its older style of writing might turn him off. Neither is this book “easy” devotional reading. It could be very helpful, however, for pastors and others who wish to prepare messages on the worldwide mission of the church. Those already involved in evangelistic and missionary work will likewise benefit from reading it, as well as all those who wish to study this subject.
THE PURITAN HOPE by lain Murray. Price $4.50. Published by Puritan Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 652, Carlisle, Pa. 17013, USA. Reviewed by Rev. Christian Vanden Heuvel of Lamont, Michigan.
I would like to have you meet Mr. Iain Murray. He became a minister in 1955 at the tender age of 24 years old, at St. John’s Free Church, Oxford. In 1956 he became assistant to Dr. M. Lloyd Jones at Westminster Chapel. From 1961 to 1969 he was minister of Grove Chapel, Camberwell, England.
He was the co-founder of the Banner of Tn,st in 1957.
He is accredited with writing several books, The Forgotten Spurgeon, The Invitation System, and the Reformation of the Church.
The book under review, The Puritan Hope is a wonderful addition to his fine works.