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Title:   The Guide: The Bible Book by Book Author:   Roger Ellsworth Publisher:   Evangelical Press

As a young Christian my understanding of the Bible was greatly helped through books by Sidlow Baxter and Graham Scroggie. Since then I have often wanted to find and recommend to others similar overviews of the Scriptures. To my joy here is one! It arrives on the contemporary book-scene as the first in a new series entitled 'The Guide' each of which communicates Christian truth in an uncomplicated, positive way. For a number of reasons I believe this publication is timely. Firstly, fewer people now take their Bibles with them to church, and page numbers have to be given out so that they can find their way round it. Secondly, modern evangelical culture has played down the value of a daily 'quiet time', with the result that personal systematic Bible reading is no longer regarded as the norm. Thirdly, preachers sometimes fail to give an adequate biblical context for their expositions, leaving listeners clueless about the historical or thematic setting of the sermon. These and other factors can only impoverish those who do not really know the Book they profess to live by. For anyone who wants a better understanding of the unity, reliability, history, purity and glory of the Scriptures, this book by Roger Ellsworth is excellent. It has the pastoral warmth of other publications from his pen and, despite the breadth of the subject, is easy reading. Every book in the Bible is covered in the course of the fifty-two chapters. In each case, a concise introduction is followed by a brief statement of the book's purpose, structure and special features. The major themes of the sixty-six books of the Bible are set out and proper attention is given to the centrality of Christ throughout. Questions for discussion are suggested, which could be of use both to study groups and individual readers. In fact, if used in conjunction with McCheyne's chart of daily Bible readings, this would be a superb guide to a one-year course of basic Bible studies. Another valuable, innovative feature is 'The Guide's' own website, www.evangelicalpress.org. This website handles questions arising from this series, as I have personally discovered. In the course of reading The Bible Book By Book I was puzzled by 'The Post Exilic Timeline' appearing on pages 11-12. My question and the answer given to it now appear on the website. Well done, Evangelical Press; and thanks to Roger Ellsworth for this heartily recommended publication!

Timothy Alford Evangelical Times August 2002

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Title: Hallmarks of Design Editor: Stuart Burgess Publisher: Day One Publications

Did you know that camels have special valves in their nostrils that close down to tiny slits and prevent sand getting up their nose? That leatherback turtles navigate very precisely in the Pacific Ocean through magnetism? That bats use ultrasound 'radar' to home in on their flying food and avoid crashing into trees in the darkness? None of these features could have occurred by evolution - they must have been designed. In his book Dr Stuart Burgess describes these and hundreds of further examples that evidence design in nature. A steady flow of books with a creation theme has emanated from America in recent years, but only a handful from British authors. Dr Stuart Burgess is a British scientist who lectures in Engineering Design at Bristol University. He articulates a principle that became apparent to him while designing spacecraft systems - that evidence of design implies the intelligent mind of a designer. Burgess' central argument is that there is abundant evidence to show that life forms do not spring from incremental accidents but from a masterpiece of intelligent design. His thesis contrasts strongly with the propositions of evolutionists, who believe that long periods of time, coupled with an accumulation of small random changes, brought the natural world into existence. Burgess demonstrates that the Great Designer's work is readily observable by all. It should lead us to praise God and to marvel at divine order, pattern, beauty and diversity. Not only does the author give his readers the opportunity to refute the Theory of Evolution, but he encourages them to open their eyes and admire the marvellous handiwork of God. This most readable and understandable book will be a useful tool in the hands of ordinary believers. Challenging, as it does, the godless suppositions and assumptions of many, a copy ought to be placed in every public, school and college library. Perhaps local churches could catch the vision and donate copies to their local educational establishments. This would help redress the balance in our 'evolution-crazed' society!

David Kay Evangelical Times December 2000

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Title:   The Eclipse of the Gospel Author:   Frank Allred Publisher:   Grace Publications

Words are inadequate to describe a sunset or a jewel to another person - in the end you have to say, 'You must see it for yourself'. This is the case with 'The Eclipse of the Gospel': you need to see it and read it to appreciate its value fully. The book displays how the Doctrines of Grace rise from the pages of Scripture. It is well written and, because it is not a lengthy tome, one can follow the train of thought through and thereby enjoy all the rich treasures together. It has the advantage of being a reference book as well, so that when a Christian wishes to see how all the revelation of God blends together, here is a book to confirm those truths. The illustrations are wisely selected and powerful. It is a valuable book for young believers of all ages and a refreshing read for those who have known these truths but are at a loss to know how to express them. The preface asks the question, 'Why has the church lost its way so badly?' The underlying reason given is that she has lost confidence in the gospel. Here is a book that goes a long way to reaffirm our faith in the gospel as revealed by God for man. There are 11 chapters all of equal value but in the reviewer's estimation if there is one special jewel it is chapter 9, entitled, 'The Blessings of the Gospel', covering justification, reconciliation, adoption and glorification. Here is treasure indeed. Grace Publications has served us well by putting this book on the shelf, and I hope into many reader's hands and hearts.

Peter A Day Grace Magazine April 2002

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Title: My Heart for Thy Cause -Albert N Martin's Theology of Preaching Author: Brian Borgman Publisher: Christian Focus

After a brief biography of Al Martin, Brian Borgman gives us the content of Pastor Martin's lectures on preaching, interwoven with examples from his sermons and the author's own comments. Throughout, however, the reader is listening primarily to Martin. Four divisions govern the book. Part 1 covers the call of the man of God. Four elements comprise a biblical call, which is 'an ordinary call to an extraordinary office': desire, fitness, external confirmation and providential opportunity. Part 2 looks at the life of the pastor in relation to God, his congregation, himself and his family, and to his management of time and responsibilities. There is much helpful practical advice here. Part 3 sets out seven axioms for effective pastoral preaching which in all cases must be proclamation, explanation and application, but must also be: of the Word, with his congregation in view, simple, illuminated, etc. The chapter on application is particularly searching: 'The heart of Reformed, experimental, biblical preaching is the application of the truth to the hearers.' There are also some wise words on the length of sermons. Part 4 deals with the act of preaching and includes a useful section on the development and control of the emotions of the preacher. It is refreshing and useful for pastors to read books like this at regular intervals and this can certainly be recommended for men considering the ministry, those training for it or those who need a refresher course on their most important work.

Mostyn Roberts Banner of Truth Magazine February 2003

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Title: More Than Notion Author: J H Alexander Publisher: Zoar Publications

This book has been my favourite for some 40 years. Now I can review it with the tempered enthusiasm of an experienced Christian. What is it about? It is the autobiographical and biographical correspondence and letters of a group of evangelical reformed Christians living in various parts of England during the 19th Century. They were from a varied cultural class background, from the poor to the rich, from the highly educated high class, to the lowly working class illiterate. They did not form a denomination, although many of them had some Anglican connection. Within, however, this group of Christians an extraordinary bond of unity developed over many years. This unity arose from their common faith in the scriptures, but more particularly from a common inward experience of the Holy Spirit’s work in their hearts. The correspondence between them, consisting of many letters, are painstakingly collected, preserved by the author, and published in this book. We have therefore an insight into the Spiritual experience of these saints, and it is their sincere, fervent, and authentic evangelical experience, which rings out so powerfully. What is the book’s appeal? Its appeal to me, the reviewer, is of a deep spiritual nature. When Henrietta Gilpin, one of its subjects, exclaims, "What? Now? In1832 is there any religion like this really existing? Are there any living in these days to whom the Lord really and sensibly speaks, and to whom He manifests Himself in this beautiful manner? I thought all such things had ceased since Bible days." Her searching questions are my questions, the searchings of my heart as it hungers and thirsts for that same religion. For here the Lord really and sensibly speaks and manifests Himself in this beautiful manner even in the pages of this book. "True religion’s more than notion, Something must be known and felt." From theology to heart felt truth, is a quest that I recommend to all my fellow pilgrims, for I am walking this way, and you too, thirsty ones, can join this quest. Here springs of living water rise to cheer your thirsting souls.

Jim Corney Cardiff May 2003

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Title: God Chose to Save Author: J M Bianchi Publisher: Evangelical Press & Calvary Press

In this little book the author, an ordained minister, takes up what he acknowledges is a controversial theme: the Sovereignty of God in salvation. Put another way, Which is scriptural: man being free to choose or reject Christ, or the electing grace of God in Christ? In fifteen short chapters, Mr Bianchi develops his topic, and without rancour or ill will, concludes that the doctrine of Election is the most consistent with biblical revelation and the doctrine of God. The author's method of argument is simple, and he has deliberately set out to see 'God's over-all plan, rather than a dizzy array of verses.' It is a different approach and may serve to be a good introduction to those new to the subject. Believers holding different views on this subject will find this volume winsome and convincing. The author also offers suggested further reading. Curiously, two essential volumes are omitted from the list: The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner and The Sovereignty of God by A W Pink. The Bible text is the New American Standard Version.

John P Thackway Bible League Quarterly July-September 2002

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Title: The Old Testament Explained and Applied Author: Gareth Crossley Publisher: Evangelical Press

Many Christians have difficulty with the Old Testament, some even imagining it to be scarcely relevant.  However, it is worth remembering that when the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the two confused disciples on the road to Emmaus, He took them to the very beginning of the Old Testament, and 'beginning at Moses, and all the prophets, expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself'. Throughout the book Dr Crossley stays with this theme, constantly reminding his readers of the centrality of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Without a proper understanding of the Old Testament much of the New Testament will appear as confusing as the events in Jerusalem appeared to the two on the Emmaus road. The book has 39 chapters, the subject of each a book of the Old Testament.  Each chapter was originally delivered as a fifty minute lecture before being prepared for publication.  This results in each book being given approximately equal space.  This has been criticised but it is not really detrimental since, as the author states in his introduction, which should be read, the book is not intended to be an exhaustive study, rather an introduction to, or an over view of, the Old Testament.  Indeed, to increase the space given to the longer books would make an already sizeable volume even more daunting to the beginner, the very person who will profit most from reading this useful work.  For those wishing to dig deeper there is an excellent Bibliography which includes such authors as John Calvin, John Owen and John Gill, which together with good indices accounts for the last fifty pages of the book. This reviewer would encourage the new Bible student and the more mature Christian not to be dismayed by the size or the price of this well written, easy to read companion to the Old Testament: it is a worthwhile investment to which you will refer for years.

Peter Wilson-Fish New Focus Dec/Jan 2004

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Title:  Baptism: Archaeological, Historical, Biblical Author:  F M Buhler Publisher:  Joshua Press

The author of this book is an aged French minister, for many years pastor of the evangelical baptist church in Mulhouse. Along with his pastorate he was deeply involved in archaeology - and so has two-fold credentials to write on such a subject. Though translated from French, the book is easy to read.  We have never read a book just like this. We found it interesting, profitable and unusual.  The author deals with the subject of baptism from three different standpoints.  Archaeological. Being an expert in this field, M Buhler has collected evidence that the first baptisteries were large and deep, obviously made so for complete immersion. There are several most interesting photographs. Over the years, from early mediaeval times, the baptisteries became smaller and shallower, reflecting the change from baptism by immersion to baptism by pouring or sprinkling. Historical. M Buhler traces the change in the style of baptistery as along with a change from baptizing only believers, till, in the end, baptizing everyone. (It was even punishable by death, under Charlemagne, to refuse to have a baby baptized). There are various charts to illustrate these changes. Biblical. The author clearly shows the real purpose of baptism in the New Testament - not a sacrament, not cleansing from sin, not conveying grace, but the believer's open profession of death to his old life and a desire to walk in newness of life - death, burial, resurrection. So originally the church consisted of true believers alone, baptized by immersion on a confession of their faith.  There is a call to return to the original pattern of Holy Scripture, which even the Reformers failed to follow. This is an extremely useful book.

B A Ramsbottom The Gospel Standard March 2005

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Title:  It’s OK to Cry Author:  Malcolm & Nick Cameron Publisher:  Christian Focus Publications

What a helpful book (it is subtitled ‘Finding hope when struggling with infertility and miscarriage’)!  It is helpful, firstly, because there is so little written from a Christian perspective on these subjects. Secondly, because it is such an honest and open account of the depth of this young couple’s struggles and heartache.  Although written largely by Mrs Cameron (‘Nick’), there is a chapter written by Malcolm that provides good insight into his pain - and his role in providing leadership and support in the marriage. Various relationships are highlighted - with parents; the wider family; nieces and nephews; friends and their children; work colleagues; the church family and the couple’s pastor.  Above all, the book makes constant reference to Nick and Malcolm’s relationship with their Lord and Saviour. The chapter ‘Joys and sorrows - being satisfied with Jesus’ is particularly challenging.  The book does not focus on the ethical questions of infertility treatment, but there is a chapter looking at those in Scripture who experienced infertility. This is a personal account (without a ‘happy ending’) and is therefore appropriate for those who are in the midst of their own struggle. It will challenge and point them to further trust in God.  If you have been tempted to minimise the pain of infertility or miscarriage, the depth of heartache revealed by the Camerons will help you to be more sensitive, caring and prayerful.

Elinor Magowan, Whitby Evangelical Times April 2006

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Title:  The Secret Key to Heaven - the Vital Importance of Private Prayer Author:  Thomas Brooks Publisher:  The Banner of Truth Trust

It is a long time since we read such a profitable book as The Secret Key to Heaven - howbeit it comes with a gentle reproof for our spiritual slothfulness and indolence.  The subject is the vital necessity in the Christian life for secret prayer. (“Closet prayer” is the term the author uses throughout, as his discourse is based on Matthew 6. 6: “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”) So the sub-title is “The Vital Importance of Private Prayer.” Right at the beginning, in the preface, the author states: “The power of religion and godliness lives, thrives or dies, as closet prayer lives, thrives or dies. Godliness never rises to a higher pitch than when men keep closest to their closets.” He continues:  “Every man is that really which he is secretly. Never tell me how handsomely, how purely, how bravely, this or that man acts his part before others but tell me, if you can, how he acts his part before God in his closet; for the man is that certainly that he is secretly.”  Thomas Brooks would strongly have disagreed with the commonly repeated saying: “The prayer meeting is the barometer (or thermometer) of the church.” “No,” he would have emphatically replied, “secret prayer!”  This book, fist published at the time of the great plague in 1665, is written in true Puritan style but Thomas Brooks (1608-1680) has been called “the most readable of the Puritans.” So this would be a good introduction for any who have heard of the Puritans’ works but are rather fearful about venturing to read them. There is nothing difficult or complicated here but plain, simple, gracious writing. People today may smile at the Puritans saying “nineteenthly” and “twentiethly” (as Brooks does) but this is to keep his points separate and make them clear.  The only section of the book which to us seems dated is the short section dealing with the problem that household servants and maids may have in finding time and also a private place for prayer. But even this shows the pastoral sympathy and care of the author - as in the seventeenth century there were many in this position.  Interestingly, Brooks at the outset states that he had never heard a sermon on the subject and had never come across a book written on the subject. Speaking to old, godly men and women, they said the same.  Thomas Brooks, as well as speaking of the great value of private prayer, deals with the difficulties that people have: wandering thoughts; the temptations of Satan; lack of ability in prayer; weakness and infirmity - and also Satan’s constant thrust: if God knows all your desire, if He will accomplish His purposes and do what is best, then why pray? The point is made very clear: we must not trust in our private prayers, or think there is anything meritorious in them. Our trust and our only plea must be Christ.  The book is enriched by numerous illustrations and by many short, apt, pithy sayings. These latter are so profitable that we have included some of them separately - not merely as an insight into The Secret Key to Heaven but because they are so helpful.  We feel it would be a good thing if every professed believer in our chapels were to read The Secret Key to Heaven. We are left with a solemn sense of the vital importance of all that Brooks says and a sense of our own failures in secret prayer. We have to look to the Holy Spirit for His divine enabling.

B A Ramsbottom The Gospel Standard June 2006

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Title:  An exposition of the Epsitle of Paul to the Colossians Author:  John Davenant Publisher:  The Banner of Truth Trust

Davenant on Colossians is a Christian classic. When we think of writings on the separate books of Scripture, we think of Caryl on Job, Haldane on Romans, Greenhill on Ezekiel, Owen on Hebrews, and so on – and among them Davenant’s commentary on the Epistle to the Colossians.  John Davenant (c. 1576-1641) was Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University in the reign of James 1 and for the last twenty years of his life Bishop of Salisbury. It must be remembered that most of the Bishops in the reigns of Queen Elizabeth and James 1 were Calvinistic. Davenant was a member of the famous Synod of Dort (1618), which drew up “the Five Points of Calvinism” – as opposed to Arminianism. He was once known as “the jewel of the Reformed churches.”  Originally written in Latin, this exposition of Colossians was translated by Josiah Allport, minister of St James’s, Birmingham, in 1831, and has been highly esteemed. The translator included a life of John Davenant and copious notes. This is a reprint of the 1831 translation.  Though Davenant speaks strongly against Romanism, his commentary is a little sacramental in places when he writes on baptism (for instance, in chapter 2, verse 12), though he does clearly state (page 441) that baptism was originally by immersion.  Davenant often quotes from the ancient Fathers, and the translator/editor adds most useful footnotes. We were interested, for instance, to read who the Ebionites were and who Fulgentius was!  About twenty-five years ago a limited edition of Davenant on Colossians was published in the USA, but we believe this is the first publication in Britain for nearly two hundred years. As such we warmly welcome it.

B A Ramsbottom The Gospel Standard December 2005

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Title:  Rediscovering God’s Love Author:  Frank Allred Publisher:  Grace Publications

This book needs to be read far beyond the circle of Grace Magazine readers. Frank Allred has already written three books for GPT and they are all good reading. This book exceeds them all.  Coming from the Anglican fold as Frank does, I am beginning to look on him as a 21st century ‘J C Ryle’. The book is ‘true truth’, spiritually very warm and challenging. Like Ryle, he writes from the heart. The Preface sums up the contents of the book – ‘What you find here is a restatement of some precious truths that have been treasured by the church for centuries but are now being forgotten.’  The book is divided into two parts and leads into the heights, depths and breadth of God’s amazing love. The wonders of that love so expertly unwrapped by the author cause one to ask over and over again, ‘Why me?’ So much modern preaching simply sentimentalises God’s love. This book exposes the awfulness and seriousness of sin but reveals the electing, redeeming love of God that has in grace rescued the sinner.   Part 1 covering 190 pages deals with these great doctrines. The second part of the book unravels the outworking of God’s love in the life of the believer. This is the practical part of the book along the lines of Paul’s New Testament letters. At the end of the book, there is a brief and helpful answer to the question, ‘What is an evangelical?’ – very necessary in these days.  I highly recommend the book to all readers of Grace Magazine. To quote from the back cover, ‘This…is a clarion call to rediscover God’s love in all its rich dimensions.’

Philip Grist Grace Magazine January 2006

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Title:  Under the Scaffold Author:  Faith Cook Publisher:  Evangelical Press

This book is subtitled ’a historical novel’ and is different, therefore, from Faith Cook’s previous biographical writings. However, it does not disappoint since historical facts are interwoven into the story.  Based in Haworth at the time of William Grimshaw, the book follows the story of a certain Tom Whittaker from childhood until his twenties. Much background is given of the hard life typical of the times - including the death of loved ones and the long hours people worked in the 1700s. All this is set alongside the drawing power of Grimshaw’s ministry and other well-known preachers who came to Haworth to proclaim the glorious gospel.  Faith Cook portrays well the tensions in the heart and mind of one who has heard the gospel yet fights against it. She also portrays Grimshaw not only as the preacher but as one who exercised loving pastoral care over his flock.  Why the title? I was intrigued also but you will have to read the book to find out! As with all good novels, it has a ’happy ever after’ ending!  As Faith Cook writes in her introduction, this is a book for all ages and, I would add, Christians of all persuasions and maturity. However, I believe it could also be passed on to those who are seeking - who might well empathise with Tom Whittaker in his seeking after God.  The book can be read repeatedly and happily given as a present. It should also lead the reader to take up the author’s factual biography of Grimshaw and discover more of his remarkable ministry in Haworth.

Wendy Sheehan, Welwyn Evangelical Times April 2006

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Title:  Sam and the Glass Palace Author:  Norman Cook Publisher:  Day One

This book of eight chapters makes an excellent bedtime story for children, since each chapter seems to have a cliff-hanger type ending and keeps the kids in suspense until the next instalment! My children really enjoyed this book. It is well researched in terms of historical detail and a window on the Victorian world as experienced by the poor.  The story enables children to learn about the role of the Ragged School movement in helping street children with no means of access to education. It is a good introduction to the work of Lord Shaftesbury. The story itself is well written and very suspenseful and exciting, exposing children to a varied and colourful vocabulary, which, aside from the historical angle, is education in itself, and stretches them. It makes a change from the tendency to oversimplify everything that is destined for the young! In terms of Christian content, it is presented gently but effectively as the main character learns to trust God through difficult circumstances.  I think this book would prove useful to teachers as it provides an insight into Victorian life, and could be read a chapter at a time. The book says it is aiming at children over nine years old. I am not sure that all nine and ten year olds would be ready to read this kind of book, however, because, although well illustrated, the print is fairly small and there is a lot of writing on each page. Only those comfortable with reading so much writing would cope, which is why I feel that for many junior-school age children this would be better read to them. Older ones though would have no problem, and would find it equally stimulating as an adventure tale. Day One are to be congratulated on producing such high quality children’s material. My only real misgiving is that the price is a little high for such a paperback, and this may make it inaccessible to many youngsters who could benefit from it.

Cathy Childress, Tottenham Grace Magazine October 2005

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Title:  Our Hymn Writers and their Hymns Author:  Faith Cook Publisher:  Evangelical Press

We sing our hymns with little thought as to the circumstances in which they were composed. Faith Cook, in this excellently produced book, relates, often with graphic detail, the lives and compositions of men and women who captured the Christian faith in verse. Each chapter bears an interesting title that is the key to the particular hymn writer’s style or life, starting with ‘distant voices’, the time from Ambrose in the fourth century to the enlightened Isaac Watts (1674-1748).  The bulk of the book is given to the lives and work of people we know by name, and whose hymns we love to sing, such as Charles Wesley and John Newton. The person’s life is summarised in relatively short chapters with extracts from their poetry. The pioneering work of Isaac Watts sits alongside the eloquent pen of Mr Wesley. Joseph Hart’s penitent poetry and John Newton’s ‘Amazing Grace’ contrast with James Montgomery’s enthusiasm as he ‘filled his notebook with verses, to the despair of his teachers’. Horatius Bonar loved the children as did Cecil Frances Alexander, whereas William Cowper often despaired of himself and his spiritual state. A few modern writers - Timothy Dudley-Smith, Vernon Higham and Graham Kendrick are just three of the seven in the last chapter.  The mood changes as the history, and the writers, combine to give an interesting book to read and a reason to give thanks to our God for the talents these Christians were, and are, given. We have come to expect great things from Faith Cook, and this book does not disappoint us. The easy style and attention to detail, where that is necessary, is presented to us in convenient length chapters, which encourage us to read more.

Peter King, Hailsham Grace Magazine December 2005

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Title:  The Da Vinci Code on Trial Author:  Stephen Clark Publisher:  Bryntirion Press

If you are looking for a Christian response to the bestseller The Da Vinci Code (also coming soon to cinemas near you) you will discover that there are over ten different titles available! It seems that authors are queuing up to rebut the so-called ‘facts’ of Dan Brown’s book. One such author is Stephen Clark, who practised as a solicitor before entering the pastorate.  Mr Clark’s stated intention is twofold – not only does he want to expose falsehood and fabrication, he also wants positively to promote the truth of the gospel.  The book begins with a précis of the plot of The Da Vinci Code, before taking issue with some of the more significant and serious claims made in the book. In particular, these relate to extra-biblical texts and the manuscript evidence of the New Testament; the role of the emperor Constantine; and references to Mary Magdalene. There are endnotes for those who want to pursue matters further.   In a positive manner Mr Clark establishes the reliability of the New Testament and marshals evidence in defence of the resurrection. The book ends with a challenge to consider carefully the scriptural testimony about Jesus Christ and to put your trust in him as Saviour.  This is a very readable book – its length and style are not intimidating. It would be well worth giving to a friend who has found The Da Vinci Code persuasive and considers it a significant challenge to the Christian faith.

David Magowan Evangelical Times May 2006

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Title:            Nothing but the truth Author:        Brian Edwards Publisher:      Evangelical Press

This book, recently revised and written in an engaging style, is a thorough treatment of the inspiration, authority and history of the Bible. The theological stance throughout is conservative, and the vital question of the inerrancy of Scripture is treated impressively.  There is a valuable section on original manuscripts and the procedures by which inspired documents were identified while others were excluded from the canon of Scripture. The author handles well the dynamic nature of the sifting process as new sources are discovered - the welcome outcome being the confirmation of earlier documents.  A history of the development of the various Bible versions is given, distinguishing helpfully between translations, revisions and paraphrases.  Archaeological evidence is presented, which confirms biblical data on locations, rulers, etc. However, the point is made that while archaeology makes an interesting contribution, it is not needed to confirm the verity of Scripture.  The science of interpretation (hermeneutics) is treated at some length. Brian Edwards engages well with the interpretation of the different genres of Scripture - advising particular care in dealing with the predictive element.  A history of the origin and development of the Higher Critical approach to Scripture is given, together with a critique of neo-evangelical stances. Long and careful attention is given to Jesus’ view and interpretation of Scripture and also the different ways the apostles handled Old Testament revelation, at times using a consensus of texts.  Supposed errors and contradictions are dealt with as comprehensively as a book of this length will allow.  The volume provides an excellent foundation for a study of all aspects of the Bile and its message. There is a useful appendix on the Chicago statement on biblical inerrancy. I strongly recommend this book.

John Crosby, Carlisle Evangelical Times August 2006

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Title:            The Experimental Knowledge of Christ: Sermons by John Elias Author:        John Elias       Publisher:      Reformation Heritage Books

We believe that no minister in Wales was ever more blessed than John Elias (1774-1841). Following in the tradition of Howell Harris, Daniel Rowland and Thomas Charles, the Lord wonderfully used his itinerant ministry in the principality, and he was highly honoured and dearly loved. It is no wonder that there were 10,000 people present at his funeral.  The Experimental Knowledge of Christ consists of eleven sermons by John Elias, the title of the book being taken from one of them (on Philippians 3:10). The title is apt as Elias had clear views of the doctrines of grace, and insisted on a vital, personal experience. He himself stated:  “There is a great scarcity of experimental knowledge of Christ. Knowledge of Him through the revelation of the Spirit is hardly to be found anywhere and is rarer than any other branch of knowledge.”  “An experimental knowledge of Christ is the sum and substance of true religion … This is the only religion worth possessing; it is the only religion profitable for living and dying.”  Dr Tudor Jones is quoted as saying:  “There was intense seriousness in his preaching, and never a suggestion of humour. His voice was haunting and powerful; his finger stretched in accusation or raised in warning brought mockers of their knees. In theology he was an unreserved Calvinist and opposed with great determination the tendency to flirt with ‘Modern Calvinism,’ still less with Arminianism.”  We strongly recommended the republication of John Elias, Letters and Essays, by Edward Morgan (GS July 2004), and gave a few profitable extracts (pages 226-227). We were therefore most interested to receive a book of the sermons of John Elias. Of course, the vitality with which the sermons were first preached cannot come through in print (as John Gadsby used to emphasise concerning his father’s sermons) and also it must be remembered that the sermons are translated from the Welsh language in which they were preached.  We are sure our readers will find these sermons interesting and profitable. They will obviously realise that because most were originally preached in the open air to vast multitudes, they differ widely in style from, say, J C Philpot.  At the beginning there is a most interesting short biography, written by Iain Murray.

B A Ramsbottom Gospel Standard October 2006

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Title:            God’s little people: little women in the Bible Author:        Brian Edwards Publisher:      Day One Publications

As a Christian woman, I have been to many ladies’ meetings where the speaker has focused on women of the Bible. So I was curious when asked to read and review this book as to the stance that Brian Edwards would take.  There are two others books in this God’s little people series - The apostles of Jesus and Little people in Paul’s letters. All three books in the series seek to prove that God uses those who often seem insignificant. When we read the Bible we may find only a short passage about these individuals, but they are mentioned in Scripture so that we can learn from them. This is what the author means by God’s ‘little people’.  The book is a good reminder of how to be a woman of God. It is easy to read and has a separate section at the back with all the Bible references. The author has chosen to focus on eleven women, including Abigail, Lydia, Naaman’s servant and Phoebe. Brian Edwards has researched extensively around each of these characters but he has not stated where he obtained his information other than from the Bible. As most of these characters are only commented on briefly, I felt a wider bibliography would have been useful, to tell us where the author found all his interesting information.  Little Women in the Bible achieves its aim of showing us that God can use those who may be quiet but are faithful to him. Sometimes our churches only seem to see and recognise those who preach or take more public roles in Sunday school. But this book reminded me that it is God who sees what we do - and it is only him that we should strive to please.

Sarah Woollin, Haworth Evangelical Times September 2006

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Title:            Catholicism: East of Eden - Insights into Catholicism for the 21st Century Author:        Richard Bennett Publisher:     Berean Beacon Press

At first sight this is a text-book on the errors of Roman Catholicism, and today that is enough for numbers to pass it by. We live in an age when the contentions of Protestants and Catholics belong to the past. A friendly agreement to differ on ‘non-essential’ matters has largely replaced former controversies, and this is commonly regarded as a happy resolution. Recent years have even seen professed evangelicals kneel beside the Pope.  But to get into Richard Bennett’s book is to find much more than a ‘text book’. It is a powerful, and we think convincing, refutation of the modern thinking.  In the first instance, by careful documentation from the latest offifical Catholic sources (especially the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1997) Bennett’s work destroys any idea that the Roman Church has so moderated its beliefs that the old controversies are obsolete today. On the contrary, Roman teaching that once led Protestants to martyrdom rather than to consent, has in no part been repudiated. True, some Catholics have ‘re-stated’ the doctrine of justification to accommodate evangelicals, but Bennett proves that the restatement makes no real change in the teaching. The fact is that an admission of the truth that justification is by faith alone would confound the whole system of grace through sacrament, priest and Church. Moreover, since the sixteenth century, Rome has added to the falsehoods that caused the Reformation: witness: ‘papal infallibility’ (1870); the ‘immaculate conception of Mary’ (1854); and her bodily assumption to heaven (1950). In the words of the Catechism: ‘Taken up to heaven she [Mary] did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation.’  We do not understand how anyone could read this book without seeing that the old issue remains precisely where it was: it is Rome’s denial of the sufficiency of Scripture by her placing tradition not only alongside but, in practice, above Scripture, This opens the door to a multitude of beliefs and practices profoundly contrary to biblical truth:  ‘Papal Rome professes to impart Christ by masses, and the Holy Spirit by sacraments. It claims to fortify the faithful with crucifixes, rosaries, statues, holy water and saints. It alleges that they can shorten the sufferings of souls in purgatory by indulgences. It professes to mediate between God and man; to hold the keys of heaven and hell; to forbid the marriage of priests, and to control lust and sexual scandals by the rule of celibacy … In a work she has set up a system of unrighteousness and taken to herself the imaginary status of “our holy mother, the Church”.’ (p 305)  Bennett does not dispute that the Roman communion contains the ‘pious’ and the ‘sincere’, but this provides no justification for any to remain in a system that, as he shows, upholds both idolatry and blasphemy.  ‘The true Gospel demands separation from all who teach another Gospel’ (Gal I:8-9). In this connection he writes not simply of the ecumenical movement but of the harm done by professed evangelicals who in ‘Evangelicals and Catholics Together’ claim a basic unity for Protestant and Catholic. It might go towards a healing of division among evangelicals if a spokesman for ECT, such as Dr Packer, would reply to Mr Bennett.  Numbers have dismissed the former Protestant/Roman debate on the grounds that the past can all be explained in terms of personal animosities. Bennett’s work does not fit any such interpretation.  Himself a Catholic priest for more than twenty years, he writes with sympathy and affection for former colleagues. He has a much higher purpose in view than any mere winning of an argument. The issue for him is quite as serious as the collision between apostolic Christianity and the Pharisees.  It is just because this book is written in a genuinely Christian spirit that it is necessarily controversial. It makes for moving and awakening reading and it is pitched at a level where all can follow.  Well would it be for the gospel if this book aroused the same attention among evangelicals as many are needlessly giving to such titles as the Da Vinci Code! This is a soul-stirring book. We can scarcely think of a title that more needed to be published at the present time.

Iain H Murray The Banner of Truth July 2006

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Title:          The Origin of Man Author:       Stuart Burgess Publisher:   Day One Publications

During the 1980s, governments in developed economies became very worried about globalisation. They gave high priority to finding technology-based solutions for improving the competitiveness of manufacturing industry. This was to help prevent the loss of jobs to countries with lower labour costs. At the time, I followed with great interest various initiatives in the US, Europe and Japan, designed to transform the process of clothing manufacture. The plans made use of the latest ideas in Flexible Manufacturing Systems, robotics and vision systems. The US initiative was based at the Draper Lab, whose engineers had helped to put man on the moon. The EU effort involved large electronics, engineering, clothing and textile companies with a track record of success in several industrial sectors. The Japanese project was the most visionary, with the intention of using robotic systems for each task currently undertaken by skilled sewing machinists. The research programmes were large, each with government support of the order of £40 million, with at least an equivalent amount provided by industrial participants.  During that decade, my own research interests involved the characterisation of manual human skills and then making comparisons with robotic capabilities. It became obvious that industrial robots were operating at skill levels far below that exhibited by human sewing machinists. Consequently, it came as no surprise to me when the three technology-led initiatives (to bring advanced manufacturing systems into clothing production) all failed to achieve their goals. Despite the vast injections of public money, the automation projects were quickly forgotten and made almost no impact on subsequent developments.  I remember thinking at the time that even industry leaders were seriously underestimating the manual skills necessary for assembling clothing products. Humans have remarkable hands, a wonderful vision system and extraordinary coordination to achieve adaptive control. Wouldn’t it be good to have a book that looked at human hands, or more generally, the human body, from an engineering design perspective? It struck me at the time that most people have little idea of how complex we are and how wonderfully we are made.  Happily, this book has now been written! It is The Origin of Man by Stuart Burgess, a design engineer. Chapter 3 deals with ‘skilful hands’ and other chapters consider our upright stature, fine skin, facial expressions, unique childhood, unique sexuality, unique genome, unique brain and man as a spiritual being. All this comprises Part 2: ‘The Unique Design of Man’. This is a book that informs and edifies, and everything about our bodies is related to God’s good purpose. Throughout, there are contrasts between the creationist and evolutionary worldviews, to show that the creationist perspective alone is able to do justice to the evidence of our own bodies.  Those who are familiar with the concept of ‘irreducible complexity’ (IC) will associate it with Michael Behe’s argument in Darwin’s Black Box. IC in molecular systems provides a very powerful argument to design. It takes a design engineer, however, to apply the same analytical approach to macroscopic systems - as Stuart Burgess does in Chapter 2 when discussing the human foot. On structural engineering grounds, there can be no gradualist route from an ape’s foot (for grasping branches) to the human foot (for bipedal walking). Anyone who is interested in the ape-human evolutionary stories would do well to familiarise themselves with the reasoning presented in this important chapter.  The emphasis within Darwinism is that apparent ‘design’ is functional, for it must help to make organisms more fit. Burgess shows repeatedly that the design we see in the human body goes far beyond fitness for survival or passing on one’s genes. The exquisite design we find in humans is to exercise the God-given dominion we have and to show by the things that we do that we are God’s image-bearers.  Burgess does an excellent job of spelling out the differences between humans and apes. Some examples are as follows:  -         Bipedalism affects not just the few bones associated with walking. The whole system of locomotion has to be involved (including field of view, the way the neck joins the skull, the articulation of the hips and the sense of balance); -         Skin. Our body, hair, touch sensors and thermoregulation mechanisms are completely different for apes and man; -         Facial expressions. Gorillas have fewer facial muscles and none specifically for facial expressions like smiling. There are 12 pairs of facial muscles that are only found in humans, and all have to do with facial expressions and the communication of emotions. This is a fundamental part of our makeup (and for some of us - underused!)  Although the fossil data used as evidence for human evolution is discussed, Burgess makes the case for giving greater weight to the study of living humans and living apes. Every element of living creatures is available for analysis, whereas this is not true of the fossils. By adopting this approach we find that, as the book explains, “the differences between humans and living apes are so great that it is clear that humans did not evolve from any ape-like creature” (p.144).  Part 5 of the book, which contains the last two chapters, addresses the importance of origins. Burgess refers to two worldviews. These are the creationist and evolutionist belief systems that underpin two quite different approaches to life. Both are ultimately faith positions and both have a significant influence on the way we live. Contrasts are drawn for the two worldviews relating to morality and personal conduct, marriage, abortion, euthanasia, death and suffering, and eugenics. Finally, Burgess contrasts the ultimately pessimistic and nihilistic mindset emerging from the evolutionary view of man with the biblical view, which is that man is designed for eternity with God.  This is a good read for a broad range of readership and highly recommended.

Origins 41

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Title:            The Priority of Preaching Author:        John Cheeseman Publisher:     The Banner of Truth Trust

This is a surprisingly profitable little book, though not altogether written in our style. The author is a Church of England clergyman.  Mr Cheeseman stresses the importance of what the title states: that in Reformed worship preaching must have the priority - a view unpopular in many circles today. He contends for the power there is in God’s Word when used by the Holy Spirit.  There are many very helpful suggestions, especially for young preachers - some of them very practical. For instance:  “Pray that the Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible passage set before you will help you understand it.”  “Always carry your congregations with you into your study!”  “Do not use lots of long words.”  “Do not assume an affected pulpit voice like so many do when they climb the pulpit stairs … Avoid the monotone and the ‘parsonical drone.’”  The author specially emphases the life of the preacher: “Nobody can be a good preacher unless he is a good servant of Jesus Christ.”  Mention is made of what used to be an everyday expression fifty years ago, “the quiet time”: “The daily ‘quiet time,’ as it used to be called, seems to have gone out of fashion in some evangelical circles today.”  Mr Cheeseman issues a solemn warning:  “Our trouble stems from our natural desire to be popular; there is something in us that wants to please others. But this can lead to the strong temptation to water down the message and avoid those aspects of the gospel that make for disturbing or uncomfortable listening. We can easily imagine that to make our message palatable and acceptable and even just to receive a hearing, we must end-trim and alter our message.  “How are we to avoid becoming men-pleasers? The answer is simple: we need to go into the pulpit with an awesome awareness that God, and God alone, is the one whom we are to please and to whom we are ultimately accountable.”  The conclusion of the book is:  “Surely our great desire as preachers must be that our message is proclaimed, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost … In order to receive His power we must first of all acknowledge our own weakness and helplessness.”  The value of this little book is not to be estimated by its size.

B A Ramsbottom Gospel Standard Magazine March 2007

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Title:            Through Many Dangers Author:        Brian Edwards Publisher:     Evangelical Press

First published in 1975, this life of John Newton can be summarised in three words - sin, romance, grace. It is spiritually exciting to follow God’s workings in the life of a great sinner who became a vessel of grace and usefulness.  Newton exemplifies for us the cruelty of the eighteenth century slave trade. Brian Edwards portrays vividly what it was like to be a victim of this awful business, and yet how acceptable it was to many. Even for a while after his conversion, Newton was involved in what was seen as a legitimate occupation. However, he eventually became one of the strongest voices calling for the abolition of this pernicious trade.  Love at first sight saw Newton attracted to Mary Catlett when she was not yet fourteen years of age. ‘The moment the young seventeen-year-old adventurer gazed on Mary his heart was lost’. It was a love that never wavered but at one stage, when Newton himself was a slave, it seemed impossible that he would ever see her again. But God designed it otherwise. It is all quite captivating.  After many discouragements, Newton was called into the ministry, serving fifteen years at Olney, Northamptonshire, and then in London from 1779 until his death in 1807. In both places God gave him a ministry that reached around the world.  An added bonus are the excellent short accounts of the lives of William Cowper, William Wilberforce and Hannah More - all of whom were used of God and were greatly influenced by the old slave trader. For example, there is most interesting material on how Newton and Wilberforce worked together towards the abolition of the slave trade.  If you haven’t yet read this book you have missed a real treat. And what suitable reading for young people! Most heartily, I commend it to all.

Alun McNabb Evangelical Times February 2007

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