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Title:   The Life and Ministry of John Gano Editor:   Terry Wolever Publisher:   Particular Baptist Press

As the introduction says, this is Volume One of a two volume source of information on John Gano rather than a biography in the traditional sense. He was a North American Particular Baptist preacher who lived from 1727 - 1804, through the French and Indian War of 1754 - 1763 and the American Revolution of 1775 - 1783 in which he was army chaplain. George Whitefield heard him preach. He baptised George Washington. The book contains the biographical account written from memory by Gano in his old age to which is appended an account of his death. Considerable portions of this are used again in a chronological biographical account covering Gano's first two pastorates from 1755 - 60, his later two pastorates up to 1798 being dealt with in Volume Two. Volume One also contains some hymns of significance to the subject, a short account of his character by a contemporary, a sermon outline by him on Ephesians 1:6 and the sermon preached at his ordination in 1754. There are appendices containing an assessment of a critical appraisal of the Particular Baptists in North Carolina and some interesting biographical sketches of his children. There is much to edify the reader: His conversion, call to the ministry, his courage and devotion in that work, his travels, the hardships he endured in war and peace, the effectiveness of a Particular Baptist ministry in the conversion of sinners, his part in the recovery of Baptist churches in North Carolina from an Arminian to a Calvinistic doctrinal position, his attitude in the sorrows of bereavements. The biographical sketch of his son Stephen, who also was a Particular Baptist covers similar profitable points. The appendix on the Particular Baptists of North Carolina deals with issues of doctrine, articles of faith, missionary work, church discipline and common criticisms of Particular Baptists. There is much of historical and anecdotal interest with matters of considerable excitement or pathos often expressed in a straightforward matter-of-fact style: Personal experiences of the bloody battles of the various wars, the incursions of the Indians on the American settlers, the intrigues of the French and British powers, the practical matters confronted in moving from place to place and building dwellings with his own hands in those wild frontier days, the military experiences of several of his sons. In the hardship endured in faithful preaching by Particular Baptists of the sovereign grace gospel and in the joys and sorrows of the Christian soldier's path, this book is reminiscent of the accounts of Henry Dowling, John Bunyan McCure and Daniel Allen in the wild pioneering days of the nineteenth century Australia.

cbo April 2002

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Title:  Philip and the Revival in Samaria Author:  Geoffrey Thomas Publisher:  Banner of Truth

This little book by Geoff Thomas is the result of a short series of sermons studying the life and ministry of Philip the Deacon and Evangelist. As we would expect from the author, it is well written, has an easy flowing style and a natural progression that soon takes you into the ‘feel’ of the subject.  We are firstly reminded of the man God used and the way he was prepared by serving as a deacon, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom, willing humbly to serve the neglected widows of Jerusalem. In this humble capacity Philip was prepared for the greater task that lay before him in bringing the gospel of Christ to the needy Samaritans.  This is followed by a helpful description of Samaria and its religious background and the need of God’s grace for Philip, as a Jew, to overcome various prejudices so that he could faithfully preach Christ to them. Here the author emphasises the importance of God’s method of proclaiming the gospel in contrast to modern entertainment style techniques.  At various points helpful mention is made of the cessation of the apostolic gifts and the shallowness of modern day claims to miracle cures etc, and our present day need of the empowering, transforming and sobering influence of God’s gracious Spirit to be upon his people.  The final chapter describes Philip’s obedience and contrasting ministry of preaching Jesus in the desert to just one man, yet equally important as labouring among the multitudes. An interesting and thought-provoking read.

Graham Chewter, Bedford Grace Magazine December 2005

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Title:  War and Grace (Short Biographies from the World Wars) Author:  Don Stephens Publisher:  Evangelical Press

As I write this review on 18 October I have just listened to a bulletin on the radio during which a comment was made that it is sixty years ago that the Nuremburg Trials took place. At the same time a question was raised as to what, if anything, they would mean to us today. One answer to that question is given in this excellent and exciting book by Don Stephens. One of the short biographies is of Henry Gerecke, the chaplain who ministered to the condemned war criminals in the prison at Nuremburg and who testified of the grace of God displayed in what can only be called the conversion of a number of those men as they faced and went to the gallows on 16 October 1945. You will need to read the book to find out more!  The book is made up of thrilling stories of twelve men and one woman from all sides during the two World Wars of the twentieth century and how God’s grace was magnified in them. Who can grasp the grace of God when the Japanese leader of the Pearl Harbour Raid met with an American airman in the Doolittle reprisal raid and together they shared a pulpit in Japan at the end of the war and together preached the Gospel which had saved them. Did you know that the inspiration for the James Bond 007 films was Charles Fraser-Smith, a Christian civil servant in the Ministry of Supply Clothing and Textiles Department during World War II? Many have heard and probably read of William Dobbie during the siege of Malta but what a wonderful background he had as a Christian and fighter during World War I. So one could go on. I found, as Stuart Olyott has written in the cover blurb, ‘Once you start this book you will not want to put it down. It is a collection of remarkable stories told by a master story-teller.  Don Stephens knew and had contact with most of these men personally and gives a very helpful outline of his information sources at the end of each short chapter which can be used to follow up his writing. One can only say that this is one of the most relaxing yet thrilling reads one has had for a long time. If you want to excite and challenge young men as to what it means to live as a Christian under pressure then get this book and give it to them. It will make a fine Christmas gift for all ages and reading abilities.

Howard Sayers Grace Magazine December 2005

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Title:  The Word and the Spirit Author:  Charles Spurgeon Publisher:  Evangelical Press

C H Spurgeon was mightily used of God in the second half of the nineteenth century. He is often described as the “prince of preachers” and this collection of sermons serves to confirm that description. In Professor Haykin’s introduction Spurgeon’s dealing with the subject is clearly set out and several pithy, pungent, classic quotations from his sermons are brought to our attention.   Spurgeon was by no means a charismatic in the modern sense, but these sermons will help true believers who do not seem to recognise our need of the Holy Spirit, nor seek His presence and power as they should.  The ten sermons brought together here are all given appropriate headings and deal with a variety of subjects such as looking for signs and wonders, conviction of sin, the sealing of the Spirit, and searching the Scriptures.  The sermon on the promotion of true unity is a great challenge to us in this day of church splits and fragmentation to maintain the best of our heritage, whether non-conformist or Anglican, yet at the same time to maintain fellowship in Christ (especially locally) with those who are truly part of His glorious body.   Pastors and congregations of God’s people should read this book to see the extent of our present need.

Bill Cairns Protestant Truth November-December 2005

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Title:            The Greatest is Charity – the life of Andrew Reed Author:        Ian J Shaw Publisher:      Evangelical Press

Poverty will never become history so long as greed, avarice and selfishness are alive and kicking. This means that Evangelicals will always need to link compassion for the needy with gospel preaching – not merely in an institutional way but as a personal expression of living the Christian life.   Andrew Reed was a shining example of such a life, of whom it was said in the year he died: ‘His praises shall not be wanting till the sick and helpless need charity no more’. We sing his hymn, Spirit divine, attend our prayers, but regrettably few know much about him today.  Having fairly recently read his life written by his sons, and the account of the revival which came to his church in 1839, I can commend this work by Ian Shaw as a ‘must read’ book. The experience has been thrilling.   Reed became the minister of his home church in Stepney in 1811 at the age of twenty-four. His ministry lasted fifty years. When he started there were 60 members, but by 1818 the membership had grown to over 400. Most were converts from the local area, the result of Reed’s fervent gospel preaching.  The New Road building which seated 800 became too small and had to be replaced by the Wycliffe Chapel. The work continued to grow, so that by the mid-1830s congregations of two thousand thronged the building. Revival broke out in 1839 with many being brought under conviction of sin and deep spiritual concern. In a period of six months Reed personally counselled over 300 people individually.  While the spiritual work was taking place, Reed was exercised with concern for the neglected sections of the community. An amazing entrepreneurial gift and outstanding business acumen, coupled with astonishing energy, enabled him to establish five charities for orphans, the mentally handicapped and the incurable. His labours were Herculean.  Ian Shaw’s book is a superb work. Based on extensive and painstaking research, it is written in a most attractive and readable style. It is also an outstanding production for which the publisher is to be congratulated.  If this book stirs up those with financial resources and others with drive and vision to do a similar work in our day – perhaps among drug addicts and the casualties of the divorce courts – the author will be well rewarded and the gospel greatly commended.

Paul E G Cook Evangelical Times May 2006

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Title:            The design and origin of birds Author:        Philip Snow Publisher:      Day One

In terms of the content, this book must be value for money. It is packed with information. Indeed, it is encyclopaedic!  Philip Snow is an ornithologist and an artist who has produced some marvellous paintings of birds. This has caused him to study them in minute detail, which is reflected in this book. After a chapter on general design, he moves on to flight, migration and breeding. The big problem for the reader is that one example follows immediately on another. There is so much information that comments are brief and flow fast and furious! It is impossible to grasp much more than an impression of the variety and wonder of the subject under discussion.  One of the problems of an approach which is so packed with information is that some issues were glossed over and would have benefited from increased discussion. For example, when writing of the unique ‘one-way’ respiratory system in birds (p17), it would have been helpful to enlarge on which is meant by the term in this context. What is a ‘normal pelvis’ (p152)?  I found it necessary to take the first couple of chapters (41 and 47 pages respectively) in small bites otherwise it was difficult to absorb the valuable information in them. If the author has the opportunity for a rewrite, I would recommend that these chapters be broken down into smaller units. Chapter 3, for example, is much more readable and easier to digest.  In the last chapter, ‘Birds, Man and Religion’, Philip reviews the place of birds in religion. I found this chapter very distracting after the biblically centred exposition of the rest of the book. There seemed to me to be little that was helpful in seeing how birds had played a part in man’s non-Christian religious experiences. The chapter should have concentrated on a consideration of the biblical works on birds. There is much of scientific and devotional value there.  This is a book worth reading, in spite of my hesitations on some points. For anyone interested in birds it is a ‘must read’. Philip is too self-effacing when he describes this as a ‘modest book’ (p200)! The book is well summed up in one sentence (p69): ‘However, the extravagance of the world of birds obviously speaks of joy as well as supreme design.’

Dr John Peet, Guildford Grace Magazine July 2006

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Title:            Jesus, The Way Author:        I A Sadler Publisher:      I A Sadler

The lack of spiritual prosperity in the church today prompted the writing of this little book which sets out to remind the believer that Jesus does reign in the midst of His Church. It is the author’s desire that we might know the power of the precious blood of the Redeemer, and to this end he traces out the pathway of the Christian in six short chapters. Setting out the security and blessedness of the one true way, he shows the sovereignty of God in salvation, and what it is to receive Christ. He lays emphasis upon the Church and its witness, the union of believers in Jesus Christ, and their mutual love for one another, and includes a chapter on assurance in trial, and fellowship with Christ in His sufferings. A final chapter on the heavenly prospect concludes the book.  Liberally sprinkled with quotations from the Authorised Version of the Bible, there is much for the Christian to ponder upon, and a prayerful reading will surely prove profitable to the soul.

J W The Gospel Magazine September-October 2006

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Title:          Letters of Samuel Rutherford Author:        Samuel Rutherford Publisher:    The Banner of Truth Trust

In former years some have contended that Rutherford’s Letters are the nearest thing to inspiration outside Scripture. It is a delight, therefore, to find that there has been a call for yet a further republication of this excellent book.  This is the classic edition as edited by Andrew Bonar in the last century. There is an interesting sketch of Samuel Rutherford’s life with black and white illustrations of the scenes connected with his ministry. Altogether there are 345 letters, introduced by notes on the person to whom Rutherford is writing, and a brief summary of the subject matter of each letter. At the end there is an index of persons and places referred to and an index of subjects dealt with, and a glossary of old Scottish words which are now obsolete.  Altogether this is a lovely production. We are reminded of the story of the man who left a scented petal in one of his books, and when, some time later, he took it up, every page was sweetly perfumed. We can say that of Rutherford’s Letters: every page is sweetly perfumed with the Saviour, whose name is “as ointment poured forth.”  The book is enriched by the inclusion of the well-loved poem by Mrs Ann Ross Cousins, “The sands of time are sinking,” with its refrain, “Glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.” This is based on Rutherford’s last words and some of the expressions in his letters.  An English traveller to Scotland in the seventeenth century gave his impressions of three godly ministers he heard. Of Samuel Rutherford he wrote: “I heard a little fair man, and he showed me the loveliness of Christ.” This would make a good sub-title for The Letter of Samuel Rutherford - “The Loveliness of Christ.”  We hope the blessing of the Lord will rest on the republication of this Christian classic.

B A Ramsbottom Gospel Standard July 2006

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Title:            William Carey and the Missionary Vision Author:        David Webber Publisher:      The Banner of Truth Trust

For a long time we have felt that William Carey was a great and godly man. His work in taking the gospel to India and the formation of the Particular Baptist Missionary Society is well known. We have always felt that there is “a deep that coucheth beneath,” the real Carey who has never been made fully known to the public.  When in 1978 a new biography by M Drewery appeared, she appears to have had access to unpublished letters and papers, and constantly seems bewildered why such a great and eminent man should so often be speaking of himself as a poor, helpless worm, sinful and unworthy. In glancing at various works on Carey, illuminating references like the following crop up:  “I have long made the language of Psalm 51 my own. ‘Have mercy upon me, O God: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.’ Should you outlive me, and have any influence to prevent it, I earnestly request that no epithets of praise may ever accompany my name, such as ‘the faithful servant of God,’ etc. All such expressions would convey a falsehood. To me belong shame and confusion of face. I can only say, “Hangs my helpless soul on Thee.” (Carey to Ryland, January 30th, 1823).  Carey’s instructions were that nothing, apart from his name and dates, should appear on his grave but:  “A wretched, poor and helpless worm, On Thy kind arms I fall.”  The present book is a plea for the continuation of missionary work. There is an account of Carey’s early life, followed by his “An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathen.” It is interesting to read this in full, and fascinating to realise Carey’s intimate knowledge of the details of religion in all the countries of Asia and the east.  The book closes with Andrew Fuller’s sermon on “The Dangerous Tendency of Delay in the Concerns of Religion,” preached in 1791 on Haggai 1:2. There is nothing remarkable in the sermon - surprisingly, no Fullerism!

B A Ramsbottom Gospel Standard April 2006

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Title:            Getting the Gospel Right Author:        Cornelis P Venema Publisher:     Banner of Truth

Have you heard what they are saying about the New Perspective on Paul?  When you hear these words you wonder if you will ever keep up with the latest trends, and for the average Christian it is almost impossible.  Cornelis Venema has come to our rescue. The title ‘Getting the Gospel right’ focuses the mind on the issues introduced by this new perspective, which questions whether the traditionally held view of Justification by Faith is correct. With great skill he briefly reminds the reader of the position the Reformers held, highlighting the key features in chapter 2.  In the next chapter he looks helpfully at the issues raised by the three key exponents of this ‘New View’, namely E P Sanders, J D G Dunn, and N T Wright. This is an important chapter and well written because Venema has the ability to focus on the essentials, and not lose his readers in the process.  Chapter 4 is a thoughtful assessment of the ‘New Perspectives’ where Venema states, ‘Despite the contemporary influence of the new perspectives on the teaching of Paul, I remain convinced that the older, Reformation perspective more faithful and comprehensively represents the teaching of the Scriptures’. He provides his reasons for making this statement, and thereby assists his readers to mull over what he has read and in doing so brings one again to the solid rock of Scripture. Well worth reading, a short valuable study on a vital matter; I commend it warmly.

Peter Day, Southport Grace Magazine December 2006

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Title:            Give me this mountain Author:        Helen Roseveare Publisher:     Christian Focus

What an encouragement ‘spiritual giants’ are to us as we seek to live as Christians in today’s world. Helen Roseveare is one such giant because of her contribution to the missionary scene of the past fifty years.  Helen, a medical graduate, served as a missionary with WEC International from the fifties to the seventies in Congo, where she established a substantial pioneer medical service. Since then her service for Christ has continued in student work, ‘Crusaders’ and conference speaking. Out of these years have come several books, mainly autobiographical.  I have read each of Helen’s books with much profit but Give me this mountain, first published in 1966, is perhaps her best known. It is about her first years in what was Belgian Congo (now Zaire).  This book is not only thrilling to read but is outstanding in its honesty and challenge - a record of what can be achieved for God through a life dedicated to Christian service with no thought of the personal cost.  Helen’s writings have challenged, thrilled, encouraged and spurred me forward in my own Christian life and service. Although her life has featured many dramatic episodes, it is chiefly the pilgrimage of one seeking to know Christ in a deeper and fuller way. This makes the book relevant to every Christian reader.  Helen was converted whilst at Cambridge University and called to the mission field in Belgian Congo, where she served in a medical capacity but with vision that extended the work in many directions.  Then came independence - followed by political unrest and rebellion. Thousands were murdered, including missionaries known to Helen. She herself experienced humiliation and suffering for Christ’s sake. She was beaten, raped, imprisoned and threatened with death - but mercifully rescued by mercenaries at the eleventh hour.  The writing style is straightforward. The synopsis says the book records the author’s frankness, humour, keen spiritual perception - together with her almost impossible ideals, her extraordinary courage, and her great personal suffering.  For me, Helen Roseveare is in the mould of C T Studd, the intrepid founder of WEC International. This book is a missionary classic with irresistible appeal. Mountains are conquered but valleys lie between. Here is the Christian’s walk.

Jean Brumby, Whitby Evangelical Times February 2007