The Stature of Christ: Essays in Honor of Dr. Edward Heppenstall
collected and published by Vern Garner and Gary Stanhiser, Division of Religion, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, 1970, 225 pages, $3.00.
Nineteen Seventh-day Adventist scholars have contributed theological and historical essays to this volume, making it a significant sample of Adventist scholarship. Subjects covered relate to God, Christ, the Word, Revelation, Creation, Martin Luther on the Antichrist, Adventist Mission and Salvation, to name a few.
This volume is a worthy tribute to one who has served this denomination well for many years. Every minister will find its contents stimulating and instructive.
Orley Berg
Clovis G. Chappell Library: Questions Jesus Asked
182 pages; Home Folks, 150 pages; Meet These Men, 156 pages; Feminine Faces, 219 pages; Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506.
These four titles, comprising the "C Library," are a fine addition to any minister's library. Few writers move into these subjects with such precision and compelling interest as Dr. Chappell. Those of us who are older in the ministry have profited through the years from the lucid and accurate presentations of this leader. Ordained to the Methodist ministry in 1908, he served as a pastor for forty years. During his fruitful pastorate he produced twenty books, each of which is a masterpiece in its own way.
In Questions Jesus Asked he deals with seventeen pertinent questions Jesus asked that really force the hearer to take action. These would make a fine series of prayer meetings during a month or six weeks. In two of the volumes listed the author's discernment in dealing with some of the outstanding men and women of the Bible is remarkable. Dr. Chappell, in simple yet skillful eloquence, brings these personalities to the reader, each one of which seems to say, "Preach a sermon on me."
What minister is there who does not have to counsel members and would be members on problems springing from home relationships? Home Folks is a book of advice but not given as such. The unique illustrations make it a "must" for every minister and church leader.
I heartily recommend this new "Clovis G. Chappell Library," feeling confident of its value to pastors, evangelists, teachers, and administrators alike. Baker Book House is to be com mended for making these out-of-print volumes available at a price of $2.50 and $2.95 each.
Roy Allan Anderson
Salvation Unlimited
Edward Heppenstall, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1974, 256 pages, $6.95.
This is a work that is long overdue and should be read by both minister and layman. Based on a lifetime of study, teaching, and reflection, this book brings the subject of righteousness by faith home to the individual heart and soul in such a personal and practical sense that it will plumb the depths of relationship with the Lord as perhaps no other book has.
The way the author deals with the great themes of righteousness by faith, sanctification, being led by the Spirit, and bringing out strict adherence to all the experiences of the Word of God is something that must be read to be appreciated. Every page, and almost every sentence, is one to challenge your thinking, for it articulates the great themes of salvation as few of our other books aside from the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy have.
Here is a book that bridges the gulf between righteousness by faith and the experience of it in these last days when many are talking cheap grace and revival in a way that would negate God's Word and minimize obedience. For all who wish to understand the true meaning of righteousness by faith it is a must.
R. H. Nightingale
George Whltefleld, vol. 1.
Arnold Dallimore, Banner of Truth Trust, 78b Chiltern St., London, WIM IPS, 590 pages, £2.25.
This biography of Whitefield is the result of twenty years of study and re search by the author. This included two trips to England and the discovery of previously unknown material, including a diary of Whitefield's.
In spite of its length and detail it is well written and enjoyable to read. The heart of anyone who loves preaching and evangelism will be stirred by this account of one of the greatest evangelists who ever lived. Whitefield is more than just another evangelist; he is revealed as a phenomenon. Here is a man who at twenty-two seemingly emerged with power far beyond most men of maturity. From the first his preaching "startled the nation." When he was forced out of the churches to preach in the open air, he could be heard by at least twenty thousand people; and this not on his own testimony but on that of others, including the scientific-minded Benjamin Franklin. Dallimore concedes that Whitefield often overestimated the number of people in his congregations, but it is pointed out that if we reduce the number by half the result is still staggering.
There is much of contemporary inter est in this biography. Whitefield and the Wesleys burst into prominence when morality and society in general were at the lowest ebb in centuries in England. The great revivals that resulted in the work of these men were not planned by man but apparently sent by God. Whitefield was scorned and attacked by the established church—of which he was a member and a minister. He had charismatic manifestations to puzzle over and try to control. How much emotionalism is good and of the Lord, and when does it become fanaticism? Whitefield exhibited remarkable good sense in dealing with such problems, handling them in a Christlike and gentle way.
As noted above, this is volume one and leaves much to be said of the controversy between Whitefield and the Wesleys, as well as the remainder of the evangelist's life of preaching. The price is low even though the book is excellently bound and printed on fine quality stock. Printed in America it would probably cost twice as much. I intend to buy volume two as soon as it is available.
R. E. Finney, Jr.
Help In Time of Need
J. L. Shuler, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1974, 64 pages, paperback, 50 cents.
We are living in times of stress, when faith in God and His promises be comes increasingly important to the remnant people. This little volume will offer real encouragement to many as they seek to develop stronger faith, grow in grace, and prepare for eternity. The author, in eight inspiring chapters, outlines in very practical terms how we can obtain answers to our prayers and the help we need in meeting the problems that face us today.
This book is filled with illustrations, and each chapter ends with a list of questions for meditation and discussion. It is an excellent book for use as a gift to new believers or to members of the church who are having special prob lems or may be weak in faith.
O. M. Berg
