Letters - Banner of Truth UK

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:37:00 +0000

Book Description

The North of Wales in the 1770s was one of the least Christian parts of Britain. The next three decades brought a transformation akin to that of the apostolic era and at the centre of the change was Thomas Charles, ‘the Lord’s gift to North Wales’.

Debarred from the pulpits of his own denomination, and dependent on his shop-keeper wife at Bala, Charles quietly became the leader of the people (‘Calvinistic Methodists’) whose God-anointed witness gathered thousands to the gospel. This astonishing advance involved Bible distribution, the use of circulating schools, preaching, and publishing. More than all these things, there was an outpouring of the Spirit of God and the most enduring lessons of the period have to do with the quality of spiritual life which was then recovered.

This volume, first published in 1838, shows us both what that life was in Thomas Charles’ own experience and how wisely he taught it to others.

Charles’ main characteristic, said Edward Morgan (his editor), was his large measure of love and humility. His life itself, ‘with heaven in his face’, as men said, was a sermon.

For insight into real, biblical Christianity this book will always be one of the classics of evangelical literature. John Elias’ verdict of many years ago remains true, ‘Whatever proceeds from Mr. Charles is excellent’. This was one of the last books in the hands of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones before his death and it led him to conclude that Thomas Charles ‘is definitely one of the most neglected of the spiritual leaders’.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	Biographical Introduction	xi
	Preface	xxxvii
	ESSAYS	1
	LETTERS TO MR D. CHARLES	213
	LETTERS TO MISS SARAH JONES (AFTERWARDS MRS THOMAS CHARLES)	234
	LETTERS TO HIS WIFE	286
	LETTERS TO MISS WRIGHT, OF TARVIN	302
	LETTERS TO MR RICHARD JONES, OF WREXHAM	306
	LETTERS TO MRS ANN JONES, OF WREXHAM	308
	LETTERS TO MR ROBERT JONES, OF TY BWLCYN…	312
	LETTERS TO MRS THOMAS COLLEY, OF CEFNGWIFED…	319
	LETTERS TO MISS ELIZA COLLEY, OF CEFNGWIFED	324
	LETTERS TO MR JOHN WALKER, OF CHESTER	326
	LETTERS TO MR AND MRS JOHN WALKER, OF CHESTER	329
	LETTERS TO MR AND MRS WILLIAM ASTLE, OF LONDON	332
	LETTERS TO THE REV MR JOHN MAJOR, OF SHAWBURY	352
	LETTERS TO MISS MARY ASHWELL, OF MILBORNE PORT…	370
	LETTERS TO MR R- D-, OF LIVERPOOL	381
	LETTERS TO EDWARD MORGAN	383
	LETTERS TO MISS MARY FOULKS, OF MACHYNLLETH	401
	LETTERS TO MISS MARY HUGHES, OF LIVERPOOL	403
	LETTERS TO MRS E-, C- N	404
	LETTERS TO THE REV HENRY GREY, OF STENTON…	408
	PAPERS – Preface to the Rev Mr Oliver’s Hymn Book	414
	SUNDAY SCHOOLS	420
	MINUTES OF QUARTERLY MEETINGS	437

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Letters of John Calvin

brudder — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:08:12 +0000

Endorsement

‘This is one of my favourite books. My copy is highlighted, underlined, and falling apart from constant use. Students of Calvin, as well as pastors and serious Christians, will enjoy these letters. I’m thrilled that Banner of Truth has reissued this classic.’ — KEVIN DEYOUNG (from the introduction)

Book Description

Few great Christian leaders have suffered quite so much misunderstanding as John Calvin. He is often dismissed as a theologian without humanity. In fact the very reverse is much nearer the truth, as these letters amply demonstrate. He was a man of deep and lasting affection, passionately concerned for the cause of Christ in the world—a man who burned himself out for the gospel.

Calvin wrote to kings and princes, Reformers and friends, nobility and common people alike. The Letters of John Calvin reveal a man of deep pastoral concern, consistent and exemplary evangelistic zeal, with a humble sense of the final authority of God and his word. This selection contains a number of letters written in connection with the establishment of the Reformation in England; a cross-section of Calvin’s correspondence with his closest friends, especially William Farel, and also Luther and Melanchthon. There are also letters of pastoral counsel and encouragement, and perhaps most moving of all, Calvin’s exhortations to five young men imprisoned in Lyons, France, awaiting the day of their certain martyrdom.

This selection of seventy letters is taken from the collection edited by Jules Bonnet, first published in 1855–7, with an introductory biographical sketch.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	INTRODUCTION	xiii
	THE LIFE OF CALVIN	xv
	LETTERS OF CALVIN	3
	1/TO NICOLAS DUCHEMIN	3
	Calvin at the University of Orleans – his early friendships – he is recalled to Noyon by the illness of his father.
	2/TO FRANCIS DANIEL	5
	Calvin’s first work – Commentary on Seneca’s Treatise De Clementia
	3/TO CHRISTOPHER LIBERTET	6
	Calvin in Basle – revision of the Bible of Robert Olivetan – treatise on the Immortality of the Soul.
	4/TO FRANCIS DANIEL	9
	Calvin in Geneva – translation into French of the Institutes – disputation of Lausanne – establishment of the doctrines of the Reformation in the Pays de Vaud.
	5/TO LOUIS DU TILLET	13
	Departure of Louis du Tillet from Geneva – regret of Calvin – controversy between the two friends regarding the character of the Church of Jesus Christ.
	6/TO HENRY BULLINGER	20
	State of the Church at Geneva – wish for the union of the Reformed Churches – mention of Luther.
	7/TO WILLIAM FAREL	23
	Farel called as minister to the Church of Neuchâtel – sad condition of the Church at Geneva – uncertainty of Calvin – Bucer’s urgency to draw him to Strassburg.
	8/TO FAREL	28
	Death of Courault – Calvin’s discouragement and trust in God – answers a question of Saunier regarding the Supper – the faithful at Geneva exhorted not to separate from the new preachers – affectionate advice given to Farel.
	9/TO FAREL	34
	Second edition of the Institutes – death of Robert Olivetan – state of religion in Germany – first lectures of Calvin at Strassburg.
	10/TO FAREL	37
	Impressions of Calvin on his recall to Geneva – rigorous application of discipline in his church – news of Germany, of France, and of England.
	11/TO PETER VIRET	41
	Excuses for his silence – sad news from France – repugnance of Calvin to return to Geneva – his comparative estimate of Capito, Zwingli, Luther and Œcolampadius.
	12/TO FAREL	44
	Prepares to depart for Geneva – self-denial of Calvin – absolute submission to the will of God.
	13/TO FAREL	47
	Details of the death of the first Syndic, Amy Porral.
	14/TO LUTHER	52
	Calvin submits to Luther several of his writings of which he desires to obtain his approval
	15/TO MELANCHTHON	55
	He complains of Luther’s tyranny, and affectionately exhorts Melanchthon to manifest greater decision and firmness.
	16/TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS	58
	Exhortation to glorify God amid poverty and persecution.
	17/TO JOHN FRELLON	61
	Rupture of the relations between Calvin and Servetus.
	18/TO FAREL	63
	Reply to various questions – threat against Servetus – imprisonment of one of the leaders of the Libertines.
	19/TO VIRET	67
	Calvin invites his friend to Geneva after the death of his wife.
	20/TO FAREL	68
	False report of Calvin’s death – proposition (query) by the wife of Amy Perrin – calumnious accusation against Idelette de Bure – journey of Farel to Geneva
	21/TO THE PROTECTOR SOMERSET	71
	Duties imposed on the Protector by the high office which he holds – plan of a complete reformation in England – preaching of the pure Word of God – rooting out of abuses – correction of vices and scandalous offences.
	22/TO VIRET	92
	Death of Idelette de Bure, the wife of Calvin
	23/TO FAREL	94
	Further details regarding the death of Idelette de Bure.
	24/TO MADAME DE CANY	96
	Account of the instructive death of Madame Laurent de Normandie.
	25/TO THE PROTECTOR SOMERSET	102
	Congratulations on the royal favour shown to the Duke of Somerset – use to be made of his influence for spreading the Gospel in England.
	26/TO WILLIAM RABOT	107
	Exhortation to the study of the Scriptures.
	27/TO THE KING OF ENGLAND	109
	He exhorts him to persevere in the work of the Reformation in his kingdom – enumeration of abuses, ceremonies, ecclesiastical elections – universities.
	28/TO A FRENCH GENTLEMAN	115
	Sickness of Theodore Beza – Calvin’s grief.
	29/TO THE DUKE OF SOMERSET	116
	Protestations of attachment – reforms required in the Church of England – squandering of the revenues of benefices and of the universities.
	30/TO LAELIUS SOCINUS	119
	Refusal to reply to the questions proposed to him by Socinus.
	31/TO CRANMER	122
	Agreement to the proposal for assembling a General Synod for the more close union of the Reformed Churches.
	32/TO THE FIVE PRISONERS OF LYONS	127
	Martial Alba, Peter Escrivain, Charles Favre, Peter Navihères, Bernard Seguin – Information on various doctrinal points, and assurances of Christian sympathy.
	33/TO EDWARD VI	132
	Dedication of a new work, and Christian exhortations.
	34/TO CRANMER	134
	Calvin exhorts him to prosecute with fresh zeal the reformation of the Church in England, by purging it of the relics of Popery.
	35/TO THE FIVE PRISONERS OF LYONS	137
	Exhortations to constancy – mention of Ortiz the Inquisitor.
	36/TO EDWARD VI	140
	Recommendation of a French gentleman, a prisoner for the sake of the Gospel.
	37/TO CRANMER	142
	He entreats his influence in favour of the person already recommended to the King.
	38/TO THE FIVE PRISONERS OF LYONS	144
	He exhorts them to steadfastness to the end, in the assurance of eternal joy reserved in heaven.
	39/TO THE PRISONERS OF LYONS	149
	He impresses on them the duty of maintaining their confession of the truth quietly and modestly.
	40/TO BULLINGER	153
	Expression of regret for the death of the King of England – sad condition of the German Churches.
	41/TO FAREL	155
	Arrest of Servetus, and institution of the process against him.
	42/TO MELANCHTHON	158
	He deplores the silence of Melanchthon, and urges him to apply himself to the controverted questions of Election and the Lord’s Supper.
	43/TO THE ENGLISH AT FRANKFORT	162
	He exhorts them to make in their liturgy all the changes compatible with the maintenance of union and the peace of their Church.
	44/TO THE DUCHESS OF FERRARA	165
	He exhorts her to make a courageous display of her faith under persecution.
	45/TO MELANCHTHON	168
	Thanks him for his approval of the condemnation of Servetus – urgent entreaties to determine Melanchthon to pronounce with more firmness in the question of the sacraments.
	46/TO BULLINGER	171
	Defeat of the party of the Libertines at Geneva – answer of the Swiss churches to the defence of the Consensus.
	47/TO JOHN KNOX	174
	Criticism of the Anglican Liturgy – counsels addressed to the parties which divide the foreign Church of Frankfort.
	48/TO BULLINGER	177
	Account of the nocturnal riot excited by the Libertines at Geneva – defeat and total dispersion of that party.
	49/TO PETER MARTYR	191
	Fall of the French Church of Strasbourg – grief of Calvin
	50/TO RICHARD VAUVILLE	192
	Christian consolations on the occasion of his wife’s death.
	51/TO THE KING OF POLAND	194
	He exhorts him to undertake courageously the reform of his states, in proposing to him the example of David, Hezekiah, and Josiah.
	52/TO FAREL	198
	Complaints about the bad proceedings of the Seigneurs of Berne – domestic griefs
	53/TO MONSIEUR D’ANDELOT	200
	He blames him for his weakness – and exhorts him to repair the scandal caused by his fall.
	54/TO THE EARL OF ARRAN	205
	Eulogiums on his attachment to the gospel, and on his zeal to spread it.
	55/TO THE MINISTERS OF NEUCHATEL	208
	He deplores the marriage of Farel, in recalling to their minds the glorious services which he has rendered to the cause of truth.
	56/TO FAREL	211
	He makes an excuse for not being able to be present at the marriage of his friend.
	57/TO WILLIAM CECIL	213
	Hopes connected with the accession of Elizabeth – wishes for the establishment of the pure gospel in England.
	58/TO JEROME ZANCHI	217
	Call to the ministry in the Church of Geneva.
	59/TO WILLIAM CECIL	219
	He exculpates himself to this minister of the imputations brought against him on account of a writing of Knox’s.
	60/TO JOHN KNOX	222
	Answers to different ecclesiastical questions.
	61/TO THE BRETHREN IN FRANCE	228
	He exhorts them to redouble their faith to meet their redoubled persecutions, and to live and die for the confession of Jesus Christ.
	62/TO THE BISHOP OF LONDON	237
	Recommendation of the French Church of London – Eulogium of des Gallars – Wish for a complete Reform of the Anglican Church.
	63/TO THE KING OF NAVARRE	241
	He exhorts him to pursue with ardour the restoration of the gospel in France.
	64/TO THE QUEEN OF NAVARRE	243
	He congratulates her on her conversion, and lays before her, her principal duties as a Christian princess.
	65/TO THE ADMIRAL COLIGNY	246
	Encomiums on the constancy of the Admiral – Recommendation of Geneva.
	66/TO JOHN KNOX	249
	Explanations on the subject of a letter – Expression of satisfaction at the progress of the Reformation in Scotland and of sympathy for a domestic affliction.
	67/TO THE KING OF NAVARRE	252
	Warning on the subject of the Lutheran intrigues to introduce into France the Confession of Augsburg.
	68/TO THE PHYSICIANS OF MONTPELLIER	256
	Medical consultation.
	69/TO BULLINGER	258
	Sufferings of Calvin and the inefficacy of the healing art to relieve them – News of France and Germany.
	70/TO FAREL	261
	Last adieus.
	LAST DISCOURSES OF CALVIN
	LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF MASTER JOHN CALVIN	265
	CALVIN’S FAREWELL TO THE SEIGNEURS OF GENEVA	271
	CALVIN’S FAREWELL TO THE MINISTERS OF GENEVA	277

The post Letters of John Calvin appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

John Elias

Ian — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 14:43:52 +0000

Endorsement

In John Elias: Life, Letters and Essays we are confronted with a spiritual giant – a reminder to us that our great God can raise great men for His church from the humblest of circumstances. Letters, essays and biography combine to give a rounded picture of one who was ‘a burning and shining light’. A most important book. Buy it. Read it. You will be spiritually much richer.’ — HYWEL R. JONES

Book Description

North Wales in the early part of the nineteenth century provides a striking instance of the way in which a spiritual revolution can change the whole direction of a people and a society. Equally striking was the agency which brought the prevailing religious indifference and lawlessness to an end: it was the preaching of the gospel by men without position or influence like John Elias (1774-1841), Under the preaching of Elias, the outlook of thousands was permanently changed. They not only heard of the crucifixion of Christ, but felt that they had seen it. ‘I felt’, said one hearer, ‘as if the earth shook for miles around me.’

This account by Edward Morgan traces the life and ministry of Elias from his first religious impressions until the day when 10, 000 attended his funeral in Anglessey, the scene of most of his labours.

Here, in days of revival, forty-four chapels were built in forty years. To Elias’ life and the lessons to be drawn from it are added his letters and other papers originally published as a separate volume. Previously published by the Trust in this form in 1973, the Life, Letters, and Essays of John Elias is now reckoned among Christian classics.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	Introduction	ix
	LIFE
1	Elias’s origin, education and early serious impressions	3
2	Elias becomes more decided – enters the Welsh Methodist Connexion – his public ministry	16
3	Elias at the commencement of his ministry – his desire for learning and knowledge	30
4	Elias’s removal to Anglesey – the state of religion there and the great alteration therein at his departure	42
5	Elias’s marriage – his family – education of his children	56
6	Elias’s difficulties, afflictions and oppositions	75
7	Elias’s ministerial character – his intellectual and delineating powers in preaching	95
8	Illustrations of Elias’s great powers – testimonies to his success	111
9	Of Elias’s zeal in the cause of religion	132
10	Elias’s exertions for the Bible and the London Missionary Societies – Sunday schools – the temperance cause	147
11	Elias’s second marriage – his private character – catholic spirit	162
12	Elias’s declining years and happy end	175
	LETTERS
	To Mrs Elizabeth Elias, his first wife	187
	To his daughter, Phoebe Elias	189
	To his children after the death of his first wife	195
	To his daughter after her marriage	197
	To his son, John Elias	204
	To Lady Bulkeley	216
	To the Rev W. Roberts	219
	To a sister-in-law	221
	To Mr Thomas Owen, prisoner in France	223
	To the Church of God in London	226
	To Mrs Jones and Mrs Davies, London	242
	To the Church of God in Liverpool- Mr John Roberts	245
	To Mr John Jones, a preacher at Liverpool	253
	To the Rev Henry Rees	258
	To the Rev Robert Jones, Ty Bwlcyn	260
	To Mr Daniel Jones, a preacher at Liverpool	261
	To the Church of God in America	262
	To the Association at Denbigh	275
	To the Church in America in 1840	278
	To Mrs Jones of Wrexham	282
	To Miss Rogers, afterwards Mrs Davies, of Carnachen-wen	296
	To Mrs Foulkes of Machynlleth	304
	To Mrs Lloyd of Beaumaris	310
	To Mrs Roberts of Caernarvon	311
	To W. R. Roberts, Esq, Surgeon of Caernarvon	313
	To a clergyman	316
	ESSAYS
1	Thoughts on the Bible	337
2	On the use of reason	343
3	On preaching the gospel	349
4	On the important subject of the ministry	353
5	On hearing the Gospel	356
6	On the moral inability of man	362
7	On the obligations of man	368
8	On government and the sin of despising it	372
	OTHER PAPERS
1	Documents on the better observance of the Sabbath	381
2	Papers showing the loyalty of Elias	385
3	Short account of the death of Mr John Lloyd	388
4	On singing	392
	OBSERVATIONS ON ELIAS’S WRITINGS
1	On the Sabbath	397
2	Justification	399
3	On hardening under religious privileges	401
4	Advantages of the yoke to young people	404
5	A sermon on the death of faithful ministers	406
6	A sermon on the death of King George III	409
7	A sermon on the death of the Duke of York	411
	Index	413
	Illustrations appear between pages 210 and 211

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Letters Of Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:38:00 +0000

Book Description

The ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon has extended beyond his lifetime in many remarkable ways. His sermons have continued to be widely and enthusiastically read and the story of his life, retold in many biographies, continues to fascinate Christians everywhere. But a man often reveals the most endearing facets of his personality in his correspondence, unveiling himself in the private activity of putting pen to paper. That was true of Spurgeon.

In this new collection of Spurgeon’s letters the private man is made public in a way that confirms the reality of his Christian profession and proclamation. Here we see him as always purposeful and earnest, yet warmly human; deeply sensitive and spiritual, yet remaining child-like and humorous. In this fine selection of letters to young and old, to members of his congregation and strangers, to colleagues and fellow pastors, we are given a glimpse of Spurgeon as his friends must have known him: full of life, full of wisdom, full of joy, even when in discomfort, but most of all, full of Christ.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	Introduction	11
	Biographical Notes	15
1	FIRST YEARS AS A CHRISTIAN	17
	The Rev John Spurgeon (father), Jan. 30, 1850	19
	Mrs Eliza Spurgeon (mother), Feb. 19, 1850	21
	The Rev John Spurgeon, Apr. 6, 1850	23
	Mrs Eliza Spurgeon, May 1, 1850	25
	Mrs Eliza Spurgeon, June 11, 1850	27
	The Rev John Spurgeon, Sept. 19, 1850	29
	Mrs Walker, June 3, 1851	31
	Mrs Walker, June 25, 1851	32
	The Rev John Spurgeon, Oct. 15, 1851	34
	The Rev John Spurgeon, Feb. 24, 1852	35
	The Rev Richard Knill, Feb. 7, 1853	38
	The Rev John Spurgeon, Dec., 1853	41
2	LONDON, COURTSHIP AND THE LONG PASTORATE BEGUN	43
	James Low, Jan. 27, 1854	45
	The Rev John Spurgeon, Early 1854	47
	The Misses Blunson, March 1854	49
	Baptist Church in New Park St., April 28, 1854	50
	James S. Watts, August 25, 1854	52
	Miss Susannah Thompson, Jan. 11, 1855	54
	James S. Watts, March 23, 1855	56
	Susannah Thompson, July 17, 1855	58
	Susannah Thompson, Dec., 1855	60
	Thomas W. Medhurst, Sept. 22, 1855	60
	James S. Watts, Feb. 23, 1856	61
3	LETTERS OF COUNSEL AND CONSOLATION	65
	Master William Cooper, The Urgency of Finding Real Religion	67
	T. W. Medhurst, Advice to an Enquirer	69
	T. W. Medhurst, Further Advice on Making Sure of Salvation	70
	N. H. Patrick, On Beginning Missionary Service	71
	Pastor James Wells, Sympathy for ‘A Father in the Gospel’	73
	” The Shock of the Unexpected	74
	” On Living by Faith	75
	The Rev Thomas Curme, Home in Sight	76
	” The Rule for Peace-Makers	77
	W. Higgs Jr., On Losing a Child	77
	Mr Court, Friendship in Life and Death	78
	” First Steps for a Would-Be Missionary	79
4	TO FELLOW PASTORS AND FELLOW WORKERS	81
	Pastor T. W. Medhurst, July 26, 1862	83
	Pastor T. W. Medhurst, August 2, 1869	85
	United Methodist Assembly, August, 1871	85
	The Rev James Archer Spurgeon, July 27, 1878	86
	The Rev James Archer Spurgeon, Undated	87
	J. L. Keys, Sept. 13, 1879	88
	Pastor William Williams, Jan. 21, 1881	89
	W. Y. Fullerton and M. Smith, Sept. 13, 1883	89
	Mr Page, June 17, 1884	90
	The Rev Alexander Whyte, Sept. 13, 1884	91
	” Jan. 23, 1885	91
	” May 18 [?]	92
	The Rev James Archer Spurgeon, June 7, 1887	93
	Pastor George Samuel, Sept. 25, 1888	94
	Pastor William Williams, 1888	95
	Mr Smith, Feb. 28, 1889	95
	N. H. Patrick, May 17, 1890	96
	The Rev James Archer Spurgeon, Oct. 18, 1890	96
5	TO HIS OWN CHILDREN AND OTHERS	99
	Miss Caroline Louisa Spurgeon, Dec. 1850	101
	Charles Spurgeon, Sept. 1867	102
	Charles Spurgeon, Nov. 3, 1868 [?]	103
	Metropolitan Tabernacle Young People, Jan. 23, 1874	104
	Thomas Spurgeon, 1877	105
	Charles Spurgeon, Jan. 15, 1881	106
	Charles Spurgeon, Dec. 12 [?]	107
	Stockwell Orphanage Children, Dec. 20, 1887	109
	Bray, one of the Orphan Boys	110
	Mr and Mrs Charles Spurgeon, Sept. 11, 1890	111
6	THE PASTORS’ COLLEGE	113
	A Parent	115
	An Enquiring Candidate	116
	An Enquiring Candidate	117
	An Enquiring Candidate	118
	J. L. Keys	118
	A Colleague	119
	Members of the Pastors’ College Association	120
	A Colleague	120
	Members of the Pastors’ College Association	121
	The Rev W. Y. Fullerton	122
	An Enquiring Married Candidate	123
	An Accepted Candidate	124
	Members of the Pastors’ College Association	124
	An Accepted Candidate	125
	Members of the Pastors’ College Association	126
	A Parent	127
	Mr Tooke	128
7	ASPECTS OF WORK AT THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE	129
	John T. Dunn	131
	The Church in the Tabernacle	132
	John T. Dunn	133
	The Tabernacle Sabbath School	134
	The Sabbath School Superintendent	135
	The Men’s Bible Class	136
	John T. Dunn	137
	John T. Dunn	137
	John T. Dunn	138
8	FRAGMENTS: SOME OF THE SHORTEST LETTERS	139
	Joseph Passmore, On his Publishers’ ‘Retirement’	141
	Mr Goldston, On the Gift of a Table	142
	” American Newspapers Corrected	142
	” A Sister’s Problem	143
	” Smoking	143
	” Gratitude	144
	Mr McAusland, On the Loan of Books	144
	” Encouragement to a Sunday-School Teacher	145
9	ON QUESTIONS OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE	147
	Final Perseverance	149
	Infant Salvation	150
	Error and Church Membership	150
	Preserving Harmony of Belief in Churches	151
	Abstinence from Alcohol	152
	The State and Marriage	153
	Vivisection	154
	[Ben Nicholson] Moody and Sankey in London	155
	[Mr Soper] On Public Baptisms	156
	Evolution	157
	[Mr Mills] Should a Call to an Arminian Church be Accepted?	157
	‘Catching Fleas’	158
	Brethren-ism	159
10	ILLNESS AND LETTERS FROM MENTON	161
	Mrs Susannah Spurgeon	163
	A Friend, Sept. 8, 1873	164
	The Rev A. G. Brown	165
	‘My Dear Church and People’, March 9, 1877	166
	A Church Officer at the Tabernacle	167
	The Church at the Tabernacle, Mar. 12, 1882	167
	A Medical Adviser, May 2, 1882	168
	Rev James Archer Spurgeon, Dec. 2, 1882	169
	John T. Dunn	170
	An Elder at the Tabernacle	171
	A friend	172
	A Friend, May 25, 1888	173
	The Church at the Tabernacle, May, 1888	174
	‘To Be Read at Prayer Meeting’, 1888	174
	The Rev Newman Hall, Jan. 20, 1889	175
	The Rev Dr D. A. Doudney, Dec. 5, 1890	176
11	THE DOWN-GRADE CONTROVERSY	177
	A Friend, Dec. 29, 1877	179
	The Editor of The Baptist, May 27, 1881	180
	Dr S. H. Booth, Oct. 28, 1887	182
	Mr Mackey, Nov. 23, 1887	182
	John T. Dunn	184
	Joseph, , Feb. 8, 1888	185
	A Friend, Feb. 15, 1888	186
	A Friend, Feb. 21, 1888	186
	A Friend, Feb. 21, 1888	187
	Friends, Feb.28, 1888	188
	Mr Wright, April 27, 1888	189
	Mr Wright, May 4, 1888	190
	Mr Near, June 16, 1888	191
	A Friend, June 23, 1888	191
	Mr Wright, Sept. 14, 1888	192
	The Baptist Convention of the Maritime Provinces of Canada, Oct. 5, 1888	192
	A Friend, Nov. 16, 1888	195
	Mr Near, Feb. 20, 1890	195
	Mr Near, Feb. 22, 1890	196
12	LETTERS OF THE LAST YEAR	199
	William Olney, Jan. 31,1891	201
	Members of the Pastors’ College Association, Mar. 10, 1891	202
	Office-Bearers at the Tabernacle, April 27, 1891	203
	A Friend, May 30, 1891	203
	The Church at the Tabernacle, Dec. 24, 1891	204
	The Church at the Tabernacle, Dec. 31, 1891	205
	The Rev Archibald G. Brown, Jan. 2, 1892	206
	The Church at the Tabernacle, Jan. 6, 1892	207
	The Deacons, Metropolitan Tabernacle	208
	The Rev William Cuff, Jan. 9, 1892	209
	Joseph Passmore, Jan. 16, 1892	210
	William Higgs, Jan. 20, 1892	211
	Index	213

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Letters Of William Still

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:38:00 +0000

Book Description

A selection of over 400 pastoral letters to his people at Gilcomston South Church of Scotland, Aberdeen, where the author ministered for more than fifty years. Sometimes stirring, or provocative, sometimes written with joy, sometimes with a deep anxiety for others, these letters reveal a man of unusual pastoral affection mingled with a deep determination to be faithful to Christ and his Word.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	INTRODUCTION	7
	NEW BEGINNINGS	19
	SIGNS OF EARLY FRUIT	22
	AN APPEAL TO NOMINAL CHRISTIANS	24
	WORDS TO PARENTS	26
	THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH	28
	CHILDREN AND THE CHURCH (1)	31
	THANKFULNESS	34
	DAYS OF PRAYER	37
	GRATITUDE FOR ANOTHER’S MINISTRY	39
	IS OUR ARMY TOO LARGE?	41
	WHAT DO WE ‘TELL SCOTLAND’?	44
	QUESTIONS FOR AN ABSENT CONGREGATION	48
	JOY THROUGH SURRENDER	50
	LET PEACE RULE!	52
	SALVATION’S THIRD DIMENSION	54
	THE BLESSINGS OF NATURE	57
	THE SABBATH DAY	60
	JOSEPH	65
	TIME	68
	TRUE REFORMATION COMMEMORATIONS	72
	REBUILD THE CHURCH!	74
	SPECIAL MISSIONS	80
	CHILDREN AND THE CHURCH (2)	85
	THE PATTERN OF THE MINISTRY	87
	TRIBUTE TO A MOTHER	90
	JESUS AND THE SAMARITAN WOMAN	95
	GOD’S WORD A HAMMER	100
	AN APPEAL TO BACKSLIDERS	104
	CHILDREN AND THE CHURCH (3)	108
	POISE AND ITS FRUITS	114
	RELAX!	118
	LIVING TO HELP THE INDIVIDUAL	123
	SATANIC WILES	128
	THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (1)	134
	THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (2)	140
	WOMEN IN THE CHURCH	143
	GENTLENESS	148
	HAVE YOU GROWN COLD?	151
	LOYALTY TO THE LOCAL CHURCH	154
	HAS CHRIST’S BRIGHTNESS DIMMED?	157
	TRENDS IN SINGING PRAISE	162
	CHILDREN AND THE CHURCH (4)	166
	WHAT A FULL LIFE IT IS!	169
	DON’T BE DULL!	173
	THE LIBERAL FAILURE	177
	CHILDREN AND THE CHURCH (5)	180
	HOW TO BEGIN A MINISTRY	184
	SOME THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED	188

The post Letters Of William Still appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

Letters on Revival

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:38:00 +0000

Book Description

Revival swept throughout the churches of New England and other parts of the United States between 1798 and 1808. These letters of Ebenezer Porter, an eyewitness of the revivals, display two characteristics not always found together: warm zeal to see the church revived, and wise moderation in resisting tendencies to fanaticism.

Porter outlines the characteristics of the revivals he had witnessed, the means used for the conversion of sinners, hindrances to revivals, the exercises of those hopefully converted, and the longer-term effects of the revivals on the churches. He also deals helpfully with new theories that were appearing on the subject of divine influence in the conversion of sinners.

The result is a permanently valuable guide to the nature and effects of revivals of religion.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	Publisher’s Foreword	vii
	Letter One
	Introduction – the revivals of 1798-1808 – general characteristics of the period	1
	Letter Two
	Use of means for the conversion of sinners – preaching – method of preaching – doctrines preached – conferences – prayer	12
	Letter Three
	Hindrances to revivals – exercises of sinners under legal convictions – disorders in revivals	27
	Letter Four
	Exercises of hopeful converts – their characteristics – their treatment by ministers and other Christians	50
	Letter Five
	General results of revivals – permanence – practical piety – harmony among Christians – humility in ministers – other good effects in Christians	70
	Letter Six
	Divine sovereignty – accountability and dependence of sinners – importance of local ministry – wisdom in dealing with the anxious – premature reception of professed converts	85
	Letter Seven
	Divine influence in the conversion of sinners – new theories controverted – conclusion	118

The post Letters on Revival appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

Select Letters of John Newton

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:38:00 +0000

Book Description

John Newton (1725-1807), sailor, preacher and hymnwriter, was one of the most colourful figures in the great Evangelical Revival of the 18th Century. ‘Once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa,’ he wrote for his own epitaph, ‘by the rich mercy of Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy’.

It was through his correspondence that Newton fulfilled his distinctive work as ‘the letter writer par excellence of the Evangelical Revival’. His grasp of Scripture and deep personal experience, his many friends (among them, George Whitefield, William Cowper and William Wilberforce), his manifold trials, his country pastorate, his strong, clear, idiomatic style — all these factors combined to prepare the author of How sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds, for the exercise of his special gift.

These practical letters cover a wide variety of subjects and aim ‘to conform the believer to Christ’.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	Introduction	vii
1	Grace in the Blade	1
2	Grace in the Ear	8
3	The Full Corn in the Ear	14
4	Communion with God	22
5	Spiritual Blindness	30
6	The Right Use of the Law	36
7	Snares and Difficulties Attending the Ministry	46
8	Marks of a Call to the Ministry	53
9	Advice on the Work of the Ministry	57
10	Some Blemishes in Christian Character	61
11	Love to the Brethren	68
12	Doctrines of Election and Final Perseverance	74
13	Divine Guidance	83
14	The Practical Influence of Faith	90
15	Family Worship	96
16	Temptation	102
17	Controversy	111
18	Man in His Fallen Estate (1)	117
19	Man in His Fallen Estate (2)	124
20	Causes, Nature, and Marks of a Decline in Grace	131
21	Acquired and Experimental Knowledge	136
22	Believer’s Inability on Account of Remaining Sin	141
23	Evil Present with the Believer	146
24	Advantages from Remaining Sin	150
25	What the Believer Can Attain to in this Life	155
26	The Greatness of God	161
27	The Lord the Shepherd of His People	166
28	The Blessedness of the Believer	171
29	The Character of a Christian	177
30	Cases of Conscience	187
31	How To Meet the Assaults of Satan	195
32	How To Keep Close to the Lord	200
33	The Benefits of Affliction	203
34	Contrary Principles in the Believer	206
35	Christ All-sufficient	210
36	Blessed Are They that Mourn	213
37	Conflict Exercises the Graces	218
38	Submission to the Will of the Lord	222
39	The Vanity of the World	225

Reviews

Review by Ian Gibbs

The post Select Letters of John Newton appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

Letters of Samuel Rutherford

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:38:00 +0000

Endorsements

‘The nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere man.’ — C. H. SPURGEON

‘When we are dead and gone let the world know that Spurgeon held Rutherford’s Letters to be the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.’ — C. H. SPURGEON

‘Surprising though it may seem in a world of large books, of all those owned by our family this may be the one we have most often lent or quoted to friends.’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Apart from the Bible, ‘such a book as Mr. Rutherford’s Letters the world never saw the like.’ — RICHARD BAXTER

Book Description

Like John Bunyan in Bedford gaol, Samuel Rutherford did his best work while suffering imprisonment for the gospel.

His opponents had meant to silence him but instead they perpetuated his ministry through the centuries for it was out of this period that most of his famous Letters came. Addressed to high and low they were so prized by the recipients that the first collection by Robert McWard appeared in 1664 just three years after Rutherford’s death. the successive editions contained more letters until they grew to the 365 in Andrew Bonar’s classic edition.

From this, ‘the most remarkable series of devotional letters that the literature of the Reformed churches can show’, the great leaders in the Church as well as the humblest Christians have drawn strength. It is said of Robert Murray M’Cheyne that ‘the Letters of Samuel Rutherford were often in his hand.’ This abridged edition contains sixty-nine of these letters.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

1	TO A CHRISTIAN GENTLEWOMAN	13
	[On the death of a daughter]
2	TO MARION M’NAUGHT16
	Submission, perseverance and zeal recommended
3	TO LADY KENMURE	18
	God’s inexplicable dealings with his people well-ordered
4	TO MARION M’NAUGH	20
	[In prospect of the Lord’s Supper]
5	TO MARION M’NAUGHT	22
	The threatened introduction of the Service-Book
6	TO JOHN KENNEDY	25
	Deliverance from shipwreck
7	TO LADY KENMURE	29
	A union for prayer recommended
8	TO LADY KENMURE	31
	[On the death of Lord Kenmure)
9	TO MARION M’NAUGHT	33
	The prospect of exile in Aberdeen
10	TO LADY KENMURE	34
	[On the eve of banishment to Aberdeen)
11	TO LADY CULROSS	37
	[On the occasion of banishment to Aberdeen)
12	TO ROBERT CUNNINGHAM	39
	Consolation to a brother in tribulation
13	TO ALEXANDER GORDON	42
	Rutherford’s feeling upon leaving Anworth
14	TO LADY KENMURE	43
	Rutherford’s enjoyment of Christ in Aberdeen
15	TO HUGH M’KAIL	49
	Christ to be trusted amid trial
16	TO MARION M’NAUGHT	47
	Comfort under tribulations
17	TO JOHN GORDON, ELDER	48
	Will Christ at all hazards
18	TO ROBERT BLAIR	52
	God’s arrangements sometimes mysterious
19	TO ROBERT GORDON	55
	Visits of Christ
20	TO LADY KENMURE	58
	None worthy but Christ
21	TO DAVID DICKSON	59
	God’s dealings
22	TO ALEXANDER HENDERSON	61
	Sadness because Christ’s Headship not set forth
23	TO JOHN GORDON, YOUNGER	63
	Reasons for being earnest about the soul
24	TO MARION M’NAUGHT	65
	Adherence to duty amidst opposition
25	TO WILLIAM LIVINGSTONE	66
	Counsel to a youth
26	TO THB LAIRD OF CARLETON	67
	Increasing sense of Christ’s love
27	TO JOHN FLEMING	70
	Directions for Christian conduct
28	TO LADY BOYD	73
	Lessons learned in the school of adversity
29	TO JOHN STUART	76
	Commercial misfortunes
30	TO DAVID DICKSON	81
	Christ’s infinite fulness
31	TO JOHN CLARK	83
	Marks of difference between Christians and
32	TO EARLSTON, YOUNGER	84
	Dangers of youth
33	TO WILLIAM DALGLEISH	90
	Fragrance of the ministry
34	TO JOHN STUART	94
	Hope for Scotland
35	TO EARLSTOH, YOUNGER	97
	Sufferings
36	TO WILLIAM GORDON	101
	Testimony to Christ’s worth
37	TO JOHN HENDERSON	104
	Practical hints
38	TO ALEXANDER COLVILL	105
	Regrets for being silenced in ministry
39	TO JAMES HAMILTON	106
	Suffering for Christ’s Headship
40	TO PARISHIONERS OF ANWOTH	109
	Protestation of care for their souls and for the glory of God
41	TO LADY KILCONQUHAR	118
	The interests of the soul most urgent
42	TO LORD CRAIGHALL	123
	Standing for Christ
43	TO HUGH M’KAIL	126
	The Law
44	TO FULK ELLIS	128
	Friends in Ireland
45	TO JAMBS LINDSAY	131
	Desertions and their use
46	TO JAMBS HAMILTON	135
	Christ’s glory not affected by his people’s weakness
47	TO LADY GAIT GIRTH	137
	Christ all example in Cross-bearing
48	TO MARION M’NAUGHT	139
	Prospects of his ministry
49	TO JAMES BAUTIE	140
	Spiritual difficulties resolved
50	TO THOMAS CORBET	147
	Godly counsels
51	TO WILLIAM GLENDINNING	148
	Sweetness of trial
52	TO MARION M’NAUGHT	150
	A Spring-tide of Christ’s love
53	TO JOHN GORDON	152
	Heaven hard to be won
54	TO PARISHIONERS OF KILMALCOLM	155
	Spiritual sloth
55	TO ALEXANDER LEIGHTON	163
	Christs’ prisoner in bonds at London
56	TO JAMES WILSON	166
	Advices to a doubting soul
57	TO DAVID DICKSON	171
	[On the death of a son]
58	TO LADY BOYD	173
	Proceedings of the Westminster Assembly
59	TO LADY KENMURE	175
	Westminster Assembly Religious sects
60	TO J.G.	176
	Depression in a cloudy day
55	TO WILLIAM GUTHRIE	178
	Depression under dark trials
56	TO LADY RALSTON	179
	Duty of preferring to live rather than die
63	TO LADY KENMURE	183
	Trials
64	TO JAMES DURHAM	185
	[On his deathbed]
65	TO JAMES GUTHRIE, ROBERT TRAILL and other brethren imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle	186
	On suffering for Christ
66	TO MISTRESS CRAIG	188
	[On the death of her son]
67	TO JAMES GUTHRIE	190
	Steadfastness under persecution
68	TO ROBERT CAMPBELL	192
	Steadfastness in protest against prelacy and popery
69	TO BRETHERN IN ABERDEEN”	194
	Sinful conformity and schismatic designs reproved
	BRIEF NOTES ON RUTHERFORD’S CORRESPONDENTS	199
	AN OUTLINE OF RUTHERFORD’S LIFE	205

The post Letters of Samuel Rutherford appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

Letters of D Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:37:00 +0000

Book Description

Iain H. Murray’s two volume record of the life of David Martyn Lloyd-Jones is one of the great Christian biographies of the twentieth century. It tells the remarkable story of an outstanding young physician’s call to the Christian ministry and the widespread lasting influence of his preaching and spiritual leadership, first in his native Wales and thereafter in London and throughout the world.

But a man’s letters tell the story of his pilgrimage from within, and here, in over one hundred of his personal letters, we encounter Martyn Lloyd-Jones first hand. Although he thought of himself as a ‘poor correspondent’, these pages tell a different story, unselfconsciously displaying the tender forcefulness of a personality which left an indelible impression on those who knew him personally.

Here we catch a glimpse of the rounded and balanced picture of the man: the physician and the preacher, the student of deep theology who was fascinated by agricultural life; the lover of books who cared about people; the ardent Welshman who devoted his years to Christian service in England and beyond.

In this attractive and fascinating volume, Iain Murray divides the correspondence in a way which gives insight into the different areas of Lloyd-Jones’ life (family, church, colleagues in the Christian service) but at the same time retains chronological sequence and development. Perfectly complementing the biography, The Letters of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reveals the heartbeat of his life: ‘Not what we have been, not what we have done, but the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord’.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	Biographical Table	xiv
	Introduction	xvi
1.	The Early Years
	To his Mother	3
	Hospital and Family News
	To Mr Ieuan Phillips	4
	Controversy over ‘The Tragedy of Modern Wales’
	To Mr Ieuan Phillips	8
	Commitment to Preaching and his Engagement
	To Mr E. T. Rees	10
	Invitation to Sandfields, Aberavon
	To Mr E. T. Rees	11
	Anticipation of First Visit to Sandfields
	To Mr E. T. Rees	12
	Hope for the Future and Plans for a Second Visit
	To Mr E. T. Rees	14
	Acceptance of the Call to Sandfields
	To Mr E. T. Rees	14
	Thoughts on his Summer Holiday
	To Mr E. T. Rees	16
	Thankfulness for the First Year
	To the Secretary of the South Wales Association	17
	London or Wales?
	To Mr E. T. Rees	19
	Eleven-Years Friendship
	To the Moderator of the South Wales Association	21
	Gratitude for Encouragement
2.	To His Wife
	From RMS ‘Berengaria’, 1937	25
	News from Pittsburgh	27
	The Pre-Assembly Conference, Columbus, Ohio	32
	The General Assembly and his Journeys	36
	A Critical Juncture in 1938	39
	At the Outbreak of the Second World War	41
	A Confused Sunday at Westminster Chapel	42
	Patience amidst Uncertainties	43
	The Difficulty of Being Calvinistic	45
	Love and ‘Instructions’	47
	Looking for a New Home	49
3.	To Friends and Fellow Ministers
	To Mr Geoffrey Williams	53
	On his First Sight of the Evangelical Library
	To Mr W. Leslie Land	54
	Waiting on Divine Guidance
	To Dr Douglas Johnson	55
	On Recent News and Books
	To Dr Douglas Johnson	57
	The ‘Westminster Theological Journal’ and other Items
	To Mr Leslie Land	60
	Living from Day to Day
	To Dr Douglas Johnson	60
	More Shared News on Books
	To the Rev. Philip E. Hughes	61
	The Need for Evangelical Authors
	To the Rev. Philip E. Hughes	62
	Meeting Douglas Johnson
	To the Rev. Kenneth J. MacLeay	63
	A Word for a Young Minister
	To the Rev. Philip E. Hughes	64
	Hughes’ Arrival in South Africa and News of Westminster
	To Mr Leslie Land	66
	Thoughts on Authors
	To the Rev. Philip E. Hughes	68
	Opinions on MSS and News
	To the Rev. Philip E. Hughes	72
	Arrangements to Meet
	To the Rev. Philip E. Hughes	73
	Concern over Hughes’ Health and Future Work
	To the Rev. Philip E. Hughes	75
	The First Puritan Conference
	To the Rev. Leslie Land	75
	On Breakdowns in the Ministry
	To the Rev. J. Gwyn-Thomas	78
	The Possibility of a Bedfordshire Living
4.	Westminster Chapel
	To Dr Anne Connan	83
	Consolation for a War-Widow
	To Mr A. G. Secrett	85
	Sympathy and Notes of a Sermon
	To Mr A. G. Secrett	86
	Thankfulness for his Support
	To Mr Hector Brooke	87
	Increase at the Chapel
	To the Members of Westminster Chapel	88
	Annual Letter, 1947
	To the Members of Westminster Chapel	90
	Annual Letter, 1948
	To the Members of Westminster Chapel	91
	Annual Letter, 1953
	To the Members of Westminster Chapel	93
	Annual Letter, 1954
	To the Members of Westminster Chapel	95
	Annual Letter, 1957
5.	Some Family Letters
	To his Mother	99
	Removal to Ealing
	To his Mother	101
	Services and Rockets
	To his Mother	102
	Visit to Norway
	To his Mother	104
	Crossing the Atlantic Again
	To his Mother	107
	Her Birthday
	To his Mother	107
	True Christianity
	To his Mother	109
	A First Visit to Donegal
	To his Mother	110
	Holiday in Switzerland
	To his Mother	112
	Conference in Cambridge
	To Mr and Mrs H. F. R. Catherwood	114
	The first ‘Weekly Report’ to the Newly-Weds
	To Mr and Mrs H. F. R. Catherwood	117
	More News. On Seeking ‘Full Assurance’
	To Mr and Mrs H. F. R. Catherwood	120
	Preaching, Lecturing on Church Polity, and Romans 6:2-‘The most important sermon I ever preached’
6.	A Younger Generation and New Agencies
	To Mr Elwyn Davies	127
	The Work in Wales
	To Mr E. R. Corsie	128
	Books Recommended
	To Mr Raymond Johnston	129
	Counsel for Young Writers
	To Mr lain H. Murray	131
	The ‘Banner of Truth’ Magazine
	To Mr Raymond Johnston	132
	Have his Views on Sanctification Changed?
	To Mr lain H. Murray	133
	‘The Major Matter of Policy’
	To the Rev. Elwyn Davies	134
	Support for a New Centre in North Wales
	To the Rev. Elwyn Davies	136
	The Start of the ‘Evangelical Magazine’
	To the Rev. Elwyn Davies	137
	A Busy Summer
	To Mr Peter Golding	138
	‘Better Times are Coming’
7.	On Evangelical Unity and the Threat of Ecumenism
	To Mr and Mrs H. F. R. Catherwood	141
	A Wider Unity in England?
	To the Editor of Barn	143
	Controversy with Aneirin Talfan Davies on Christian Unity
	To the Editor of Barn	157
	Controversy Continued
	To the Rev. Graham S. Harrison	163
	The Unity of Evangelical Churches
	To the Rev. C. M. Hilton Day	164
	On Leaving a Denomination
	To the Rev. K. W. H. Howard	165
	The London Baptist Association and Church Unity
	Dr Philip E. Hughes	167
	Anticipation of a Crisis
	To the Rev. Graham S. Harrison	169
	Further Comment on the Unity of Evangelical Churches
	To the Rev. David N. Samuel	170
	Membership of the Westminster Fellowship
	To the Members of Westminster Chapel, 1967	171
	Denominations and a ‘World Church’: a ‘turning point in history’
	To Dr Philip E. Hughes	174
	Did Calvin Practise Secession?
	To the Rev. Graham S. Harrison	175
	Counsel in Discouraging Days
	To the Members of Westminster Chapel, 1968	176
	The Change for the Worse among Evangelicals
	To the Rev. Elwyn Davies	179
	Chairmanship of the BEC Council
	To Dr David Samuel	180
	Controversy over ‘Growing into Union’
	To Dr Philip E. Hughes	181
	Thoughts of Westminster Seminary
	Continuing Controversy in England
	To the Rev. Alan Francis	183
	Attitude to the Baptist Union
8.	Queries and Controversies
	To the Editor of the Glasgow Herald	187
	Church and Public Mind
	To the Editor of the British Weekly	188
	Evangelical Christianity Means More than Calvinism
	To Professor Donald MacKay	190
	Scientific Knowledge not a Key to Scripture
	To the Rev. J. Gwyn-Thomas	192
	Distinguishing between a Psychological and a Spiritual Problem
	To Dr Douglas Johnson	193
	Disappointment in the Ministry
	To the Rev. Llewelyn Williams	194
	The Biography of T. C. Williams
	To Mr L. B. Gunn	195
	The Sufferings of Christ
	John A. Schep	196
	Pentecostalist Controversy and the Need for Discernment
	To the Rev. Dr Klaas Runia	198
	Definitions which Leave no Room for Revival
	To Dr Gerald Golden	201
	Faith Healing and Maynard James
	To Dr Gerald Golden	202
	The Baptism of the Spirit
	To Dr Douglas Johnson	204
	Fanaticism in Chard, Somerset
	To Mr John Knight	205
	Speaking in Tongues
	To Dr E. G. Gerald Roberts	205
	Preserving the Lives of Severely Handicapped Babies
	To Dr Douglas Johnson	207
	Faith Healing and the C M F Memorandum
	To Dr Douglas Johnson	208
	Observing Faith-Healing Conferences
9.	The ‘Retirement’ Years
	To the Members of Westminster Chapel	213
	The Farewell Letter, 1968
	To the Rev. Eric J. Alexander	216
	Maintaining a Biblical Ministry at Westminster
	To Mrs John B. E. Thomas	218
	Her Husband’s Death, a ‘Grievous Blow’ to Wales
	To the Rev. Geoffrey Thomas	219
	The Death of John Thomas
	To Mr and Mrs H. F. R. Catherwood	220
	Generosity Shared
	To Dr Philip E. Hughes	221
	News of Books
	To the Rev. lain H. Murray	222
	Discussion of Publications
	To Mrs J. Gwyn-Thomas	223
	On the Death of her Husband
	To the Rev. lain H. Murray	224
	The Ephesians Series
	To the Rev. lain H. Murray	225
	Dallimore on Whitefield, volume 2
	To the Rev. Elwyn Davies	226
	The Bala Conference
	To Pastor Douglas D. Jones	226
	Fulfilling a Preaching Engagement
	To Mr Ron L. Riseborough	227
	The Right Attitude to Controversy
	To Mr Wallace Crichton	229
	Helping the Next Generation
	To Dr Gerald Golden	230
	News of ML-J’s Health
	To the Rev. Ron Clarke	231
	New Experiences and Faith
	To Dr Philip E. Hughes	232
	Last Testimony and Greetings
	To Professor R. Strang Miller	233
	A Farewell Note
	To the Rev. Alan C. Clifford	234
	Thanks to an Author
	To the Rev. John A. Caiger	235
	The Future of the Westminster Fellowship
	Index	239

The post Letters of D Martyn Lloyd-Jones appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

Letters Of Henry Venn

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:37:00 +0000

Book Description

These letters provide a fascinating insight into the life and times of a significant 18th-century evangelical minister. They contain, on virtually every page, practical spiritual counsel of perennial wisdom applicable to a wide variety of situations.

The Letters of Henry Venn have long been unavailable and deserve to be known and read by a new generation of Christians.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	PART I.
	MEMOIR BY THE REV. JOHN VENN.
	Account of his ancestors	3
	Anecdotes of his boyish years	6
	Remarkable escape from danger	8
	School education	10
	Residence at College	11
	Entrance into Holy Orders	12
	First religious impressions	14
	Curacy of West Horsley	17
	Remarkable instance of disinterestedness	18
	Change of religious sentiments	22
	Curacy of Clapham	24
	Marriage	25
	Removal to Huddersfield	26
	Effect of his preaching on a Socinian	28
	Pecuniary difficulties	29
	Adoption of Calvinistic views	31
	Publication of “The Complete Duty of Man”	34
	Instances of its usefulness	35
	Death of Mrs. Venn	38
	Mode of instructing his Children	39
	Removal to Yelling	40
	Visit of the Editor to Huddersfield, in the year 1824	41
	Second marriage	52
	Intercourse with Young Men at Cambridge	52
	CONCLUSION OF THE MEMOIR BY THE EDITOR.
	Testimony of Mr. Simeon	55
	Declining health	57
	Death	59
	LIST OF MR. VENN’S PUBLISHED WORKS	61
	PART II.
	CORRESPONDENCE, IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER.
	SECTION I. – LETTERS WRITTEN FROM HIS FIRST APPOINTMENT TO HUDDERSFIELD, TILL HIS REMOVAL FROM IT.

	LETTER to MRS. VENN.-Account of his journey to Huddersfield-Elevated state of mind	69
	To a FRIEND.-Employment of a Christian in solitude	71
	To MRS. VENN.-Caution against undue affection	72
	LETTER from MRS. VENN.-Reply to the last letter-Account of her own state of mind	74
	Acceptance of Huddersfield	77
	To MRS. VENN.-Prospect of happiness and usefulness at Huddersfield	78

	To MRS. KNIPE.-Zeal for moral duties in danger of supplanting the Gospel-Mr. Burnett-“The Complete Duty of Man”	80
	To MRS. KNIPE.-Uncertain tenure of earthly blessings-Sins of the tongue-Mr. Walker of Truro-Mr. Adam	83
	EXTRACT.-Ministerial success	85

	To MRS. KNIPE.-Christening of his infant-Sir John Barnard: his afflictions and piety-Mr. Thornton	86
	To MRS. KNIPE.-Sufferings come after we have learned to obey-Benefit of Means of Grace proportionable to our diligence in the use of them	88

	To MRS. KNIPE.-Death of Mr. Jones, of St. Saviour’s, Southwark-Newspaper attacks	91
	EXTRACT.-Visit to Mr. Conyers at Helmsley –	93
	EIGHT PASTORAL LETTERS.
	To MISS HUDSON.-Affliction, the lot of God’s people-difficult to bear it aright	95
	To MISS HUDSON-Reasons why God afflicts His people	98
	To MISS HUDSON.-Paraphrase of two verses of Psalm xci.	102
	To MR. T. ATKINSON.-Increase in Divine knowledge	106
	To MR. T. ATKINSON.-Right way of reading the Bible	108
	To a LADY.-Several encouraging texts explained	109
	To a YOUNG FRIEND.-Affectionate remonstrance to a backslider	111
	To a FRIEND.-Ministerial visits	115

	To a LADY-Refusing a legacy

	To MISS WHELER.-Journey with Sir C. Hotham-Incautious offer of a pulpit, by a stranger-Mr. Townshend of Pewsey-Mr. Romaine-Howell Harris-Mr. Lee	119
	To a WIDOW LADY.-The opposition of relations-On her conduct towards a worldly-minded son	123
	Evil tendency of Hume’s Essays	129

	To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-On his conversion from Socinianism-Description of the Christian’s life	131
	LETTER from MRS. VENN, announcing her illness	135
	Particulars of her death	136
	Two LETTERS to MRS. MEDHURST.-Death of his wife	137
	To MRS. MEDHURST.-The Divine support he receives	138
	To MISS WHELER.-Preaches the day after his wife’s funeral	140
	To MRS. MEDHURST.-Recollections of his wife-Ruth Clarke	142

	To MRS. MEDHURST.-Affecting recollections of his wife-Pastoral visit to a dying parishioner	143
	To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Harewood House-Necessity for retirement to a Christian	145
	Marriage of Miss Hudson to Mr. Riland	147

	EXTRACTS.-Journey to London-Olney-Cowper the Poet	147
	Ride in the neighbourhood of the scenes of childhood	149
	Visits to a condemned criminal	150
	Mr. Thornton-Fruits of his ministry	152
	LETTER to J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Boldness in reproving sin	154
	Engagement to preach in Lady Huntingdon’s Chapel at Bath	155
	Journey to Bath	156
	Mr. Clarke of Chesham Boyce-Mr. Talbot-Mr. Townshend	157
	Solitude cherishes faith	158
	Lady Huntingdon-Benefit of a Christian example	159
	Success of prayer not always apparent	162
	SECTION II.-LETTERS WRITTEN FROM HIS ACCEPTANCE OF YELLING, TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS SON.

	LETTER to MRS. RILAND.-Appointment to Yelling	164
	To MRS. RILAND.-Perplexity about leaving Huddersfield	166
	To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Reasons for leaving Huddersfield	168

	To MRS. RILAND.-Visit to Hull-Mr. Joseph Milner-Mr. Jesse-Mr. Adam	170
	To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Remembrance of his late flock	172
	Erection of a Dissenting Chapel at Huddersfield	174
	Vindication of his attachment to the Established Church	175
	Preaching in unconsecrated places	176
	To MRS. SMITH.-On freedom in Prayer-Bp. Hildesley	177
	To MRS. SMITH.-Feelings in prospect of his second marriage	180
	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Commencement of his ministry at Yelling-Change from Huddersfield	182
	To MRS. RILAND.-Insincere professors of religion-Lowered expectation of the success of preaching	184
	To MRS. RILAND.-First sermons at Yelling	185
	To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Solitude of Yelling-Style of preaching	187
	To the Rev. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Opposition useful to a preacher-Mr. Berridge	189

	To MRS. RILAND.-Improved health	191
	To MRS. RILAND.-First visit to Cambridge-Family prayers	193
	To W. WHITACRE, Esq.-Imperfection in good men-Against doubting the love of God towards us	196
	To the REV. M. POWLEY-Divisions among Christians-Students at Cambridge	198

	To MR. HOUGHTON.-Preciousness of the Sabbath.-Earnest prayer for his late flock	200
	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Afflictions necessary for us-Essay on the Prophecy of Zacharias	201
	To MISS WHELER.-Transporting view of future glory	204

	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Vindication of two passages in the Essay-Mr. Robinson of Leicester	206
	To W. WHITACRE, Esq.-Domestic mercies	209
	Sketch of domestic employments at Yelling	211
	Family connexions	212
	Picture of a Christian household	213
	To MR. E. VENN.-On the care of the soul	215
	To MRS. BISHOP.-“Running with patience the race set before us”	216
	To MRS. RILAND.-Wishes on their removal to Birmingham	218

	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Hotham Rectory-Mr. Daw	221
	Journey to Highworth, in Wiltshire-Students at Oxford-Mr. Pentycross-Mr. De Coetlogon	223
	To MRS. RILAND.-Deaths of Lady Gertrude Hotham-Mrs. Nicholson-Sarah Reeves	224
	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-On the knowledge of our acceptance with God	226

	To MRS. RILAND.-Merciful preservation	228
	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Visit to Birmingham-Mr. Berridge-True holiness	230
	To J. BRASIER, Esq.-Congratulation on his marriage	234
	SECTION III-LETTERS WRITTEN TO HIS CHILDREN AND DIFFERENT FRIENDS, FROM THE YEAR 1777 TO THE TIME OF HIS SON’S ORDINATION.
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-Journey to Bath-Salisbury-Captain Scott-Mr. Fletcher	237
	Mr -, Fletcher’s eminent holiness	240
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-Congratulations and advice on his going to College	241
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-Further advice on the same subject	243
	To MR. HENRY JOWETT.-On the right way of reading the Scriptures	249

	To MR. JOHN VENN.-Danger of scenes of intemperance	252
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-On teaching children-Prof. Frank	254
	Anecdote of Dr. Dodd	255
	To J. BRASIER, Esq.-On self-will in children	256
	To J. BRASIER, Esq.-On Infant Baptism	258
	Evil of a cavilling spirit	260
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-Joseph Hirst’s visit	261
	To MR. HOUGHTON.-Evil of Controversy	262
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-Visit to Cambridge-Mr. Newton’s visit to Yelling: his sermon	265
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-Mr. Robinson appointed to St. Mary’s, Leicester	267

	Reflections on a thunder-storm	268
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-On his birth-day-Review of his life	270
	To MR JOHN VENN.-Approaching examination	274
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-Profitable conversation	276
	EIGHT LETTERS TO HIS DAUGHTERS, WHEN THEY WERE FROM HOME.
	To MISS VENN.-Mr. Barham’s family-Advantage of intercourse with true Christians	278
	To MISS VENN.-The importance of prayer	279
	To MISS VENN.-Rank and riches no source of happiness	281
	To MISS VENN.-On her birth-day- “I am the Lord’s”	283
	To MISS CATHERINE VENN.-A meek spirit-Mrs. Barham	287
	To MISS CATHERINE VENN.-Adorable design of the Sabbath-Retrospect of his own early life	289
	To MISS CATHERINE VENN.-On her birth-day	292
	To MISS CATHERINE VENN.-The example of Jesus	295
	To MR. EDWARD VENN.-Congratulations on his marriage	297

	To MR. HENRY JOWETT.-An aged Christian	299
	To MR. HOUGHTON.-Regard for his late flock	300
	His son’s coming of age	303
	To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-“Coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her Beloved”-“Everlasting Strength”	304
	To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Account of a lady who swallowed a pin-Lady Smythe-Dr. Knowles	307
	To MR. EDWARD VENN.-Intends to revisit Huddersfield	311
	To MISS JANE VENN.-Preaching at Huddersfield	312

	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Account of his journey to Huddersfield-Mr. Robinson of Leicester-Mr. Walker of Rotherham-Elland	315
	To MR. HOUGHTON.-Affection of his Yorkshire friends	318
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-Scholars too often selfish	320
	To Mas. BRASIER.-The certainty of the salvation of infants	322

	To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Our trials of use to others-Death of Mrs. Papworth	324
	To J. BRASIER, Esq.-Illness of Mr. John Venn	239
	To MISS RILAND, with a present of books-Excellence of the Bible	331
	SECTION IV.-LETTERS WRITTEN FROM THE TIME OF HIS SON’S ORDINATION, TO THE YEAR 1788.
	MR. JOHN VENN’S hesitation about taking Holy Orders	335
	LETTER from MR. JOHN VENN.-States the reasons of his reluctance	336
	To MR. JOHN VENN.-Answers to the reasons given in the foregoing letter	340
	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Ordination of Mr. J. VENN and Mr. Simeon	349
	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-But few are saved-Preaching at St. Neot’s-Mr. Berridge	352

	To MR. EDWARD VENN.-New-year congratulation-Mr. Robinson	355
	MR. JOHN VENN presented to the living of Little Dunham	357
	EXTRACT-respecting Young Men at Cambridge	359
	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Ingratitude not to discourage us-Description of different London Ministers	359
	To the REV. J. VENN.-Advice upon his going to Little Dunham-Preaching on the Commandments	363
	EXTRACT-respecting Written and Extempore Sermons	365
	Mr. Venn’s own adoption of extempore preaching	367
	To MR. T. ATKINSON.-Convictions of sin-A Hymn-Visit from Mr. J. Venn	369
	To the REV. J. VENN.-Ministers not to be discouraged by want of success	372
	To MISSES J. and C. VENN.-God is love	374
	Account of a journey into Shropshire:-Mr. Riland-Mr. Fletcher-Mr. Jonathan Scott-Mr. Robinson	376

	To LADY SMYTHE.-Description of a weak and strong faith	378
	To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Wishes for a happy new year-Mr. Simeon-Young Men at Cambridge	381
	To the REV. J. VENN.-On assurance-A condemned malefactor-Declining health	383
	To the REV. J. VENN.-Illness of Mr. John Venn-Mr. Adam’s death-Small success of Ministers	385
	To MISS JANE VENN.-Religion gives a double enjoyment of temporal blessings-A thunder-storm-Mr. Scott of Olney	388
	To MISS RILAND.-Difficulties in religion to young people-On the text, “Give me thy heart”	392
	To the REV. J. VENN.-Ministers should be hard students-Daillee on the Colossians	396
	To MISS VENN.-A young Christian in sickness and health	398
	EXTRACT-respecting Mr. Maddock of Creaton	400
	To the REV. J. VENN.-The evil of schism-Daillee on the Colossians	401
	Error of exalting Preaching above Public Prayer	404
	To MISS JANE VENN.-On her visit to Huddersfield-God the “Father” of His people	405

	To MRS. RILAND.-Recollections of Christmas-The cxixth Psalm	409
	To MISS J. C. VENN.-Sermon on his 60th birth-day: “We look not at the things which are seen, &c.”	411
	EXTRACT-respecting the Young Men at Cambridge	415
	His Visitation Sermon at Huntingdon	416
	To MRS. RILAND.-Cheerfulness under illness	416
	To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Mrs. Lefevre’s Letters-Lady Glenorchy	418
	Mr. Richard Venn’s residence at Yelling	420
	To the REV. M. POWLEY-Describes his own feelings during his confinement by illness	421
	To MR. ED. VENN.-No one ever repented of serving God	423
	To MISS J. C. VENN.-Review of his own progress in religion-Prospect of Heaven	424
	To MR. ELLIOTT.-Knowledge of each other in a future state	426

	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-On teaching religion to children-Dr. I. Milner	429
	To MRS. ELLIOTT.-On her birth-day-Difference between our natural and glorified bodies	431
	Mr. Venn’s preaching in London-Mr. Wilberforce	435
	To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Recollections of Huddersfield	435
	To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Death of Lady Glenorchy-consolatory	437
	LETTER from LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Humble views of herself-Dr. Conyers	439
	To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Commendation of the graces manifest in our Christian friends	442
	To MRS. RILAND.-Blessedness of the saints in light	445
	To MISS J. C. VENN.-Mr. Johnson, Chaplain to Botany Bay-Prospects of the conversion of the Heathen	446
	To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Adam’s posthumous Works-A friend who thought of leaving the Church	447

	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Grace proportioned to diligence-Benefit of Fasting	449
	To MRS. RILAND.-Preaching in his kitchen	451
	To MR. ELLIOTT.-The way of attaining heavenly-mindedness	454
	To MR. ELLIOTT.-Piety in men of business	456
	SECTION V.-LETTERS WRITTEN FROM THE YEAR 1788, TO THE CLOSE OF HIS CORRESPONDENCE.

	To the REV. JOHN VENN.-Importance of preaching on Striking Texts-Mr. Berridge	463
	EXTRACT.-On Striking Texts	463
	To MRS. ELLIOTT.-Prayers for his children-Death of Mrs. Kershaw	463
	To MR. ELLIOTT.-On the death of his mother	465

	To MR. JOHN HOUGHTON.-On teaching young children- A sermon of Mr. John Venn-His own declining health	467
	To the REV. JOHN VENN.-Kennicott’s Dissertations	469
	EXTRACT.-On the King’s Recovery	471
	To MISS CATHERINE VENN.-Against doubting the love of God-On her having heard Mr. Wesley preach	471
	Marriage of Mr. John Venn	474
	To MRS. ELLIOTT.-Confinement from Public Ordinances, through illness-A family meeting-Mr. Burnett	476
	To MRS. KING.-On her daughter’s marriage	478

	To MR. ELLIOTT.-Mr. Simeon	480
	To MRS. ELLIOTT.-Declining health of the family	482
	To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Death of Lady Smythe	483
	EXTRACT.-His last Sermon at Surrey Chapel	485
	To MRS. JOHN VENN.-Wishes for her prosperous journey-Mr. Parry-Mr. Thornton	486
	To MR. ELLIOTT.-Happiness of praying for each other	487
	EXTRACT.-Death of John Thornton, Esq.	489
	To the REV. JOHN VENN.-Death of Mr. Thornton	489
	To MISS J. C. VENN.-Particulars respecting Mr. Thornton’s Death	491

	To MRS. JOHN VENN.-On his own illness	493
	To the REV. JOHN VENN.-Adam’s Works-Mr. Simeon	495
	To MRS. RILAND.-Mr. Newton-Visit to London and Cambridge	497
	To MRS. ELLIOTT.-Death of Mr. Richard Venn	499

	EXTRACTS.-Declining health of Mr. Berridge	500
	To MR. T. ATKINSON.-Christians should abound in charity	501
	EXTRACT.-The placing of Ministers the prerogative of Christ	503
	To the REV. J. VENN.-Usefulness is all, in Christians	504
	EXTRACT.-Wishes sent to a Clerical Society	505
	To the REV. J. VENN.-Mrs. Venn’s illness	506
	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Death of Mrs. Venn	507
	Appointment of Mr John VENN to the Rectory of Clapham	508
	To the REV. JOHN VENN.-Benefit received from the Buxton waters-Afflictions of Bishop Lowth	511
	To MR. ELLIOTT.-Interview with friends at Buxton	512

	To the REV. JOHN VENN-to encourage him in the prospect of his Ministry at Clapham	513
	To the REV. JAMES and MRS.HARVEY.-Death of Mr.Berridge	518
	EXTRACT.-Success of Mr. Evans at Yelling	520
	To the REV. J. VENN.-Happy state of mind-Milner’s Church History	521
	To MRS. RILAND.-Concern for his daughter in case of his death	522
	To MR. E. VENN.-Ministrations in Clapham Church	523
	To Mr. ELLIOTT.-Earnest desire to depart	525

	To the REV. J. VENN.-Afflictions wean us from the world-Mr. Hodson of Jamaica	526

	To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Waiting for death-Soaring to Heaven	527

	To the REV. JOHN VENN.-On preaching the necessity of good works-Now finds Christ sufficient for him	530
	PART III.
	LETTERS ON PARTICULAR SUBJECTS, TOO LONG FOR INSERTION IN THE PRECEDING SECTIONS.
	To JONATHAN SCOTT, Esq.-Directions for leading a Christian life	535
	To JOHN BRASIER, Esq.-On the same subject	547
	To LADY MARY FITZGERALD.-On the doubts and fears of upright Christians	554
	To a FRIEND.-On the study of the Hebrew-and the sufficiency of Translations to convey the knowledge of the Truth	563
	To LADY MARY FITZGERALD.-Cautions on the life of Mr. Fletcher, and of eminently good persons in general	578
	The MISTAKES into which Young Ministers are apt to fall	588

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Letters of John Newton

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:37:00 +0000

ENDORSEMENTS

‘In few writers are christian doctrine, experience and practice more happily balanced than in the author of these Letters, and few write with more simplicity, piety and force.’ — C.H. SPURGEON

‘When thousands have derived repeated profit and pleAsure from the perusal of these utterances of the heart! Nor ever will they cease to be found means of grace whilst God has a church on earth.’ — WILLIAM JAY

Book Description

John Newton converted slave-trader, preacher, and hymn-writer, was one of the most colourful figures in the Evangelical Awakening of the eighteenth century. ‘Once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa,’ he wrote for this epitaph, ‘by rich mercy of Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy.’

It was through his prolific correspondence that Newton fulfilled his distinctive word as ‘the letter-writer parexcellence of the Evangelical Revival‘. His grasp of Scripture and deep personal experience of the ‘amazing grace’ of God, his many friends (among them, Whitefield, Cowper and Wilberforce), his manifold trials, his country pastorate, his strong, clear, idiomatic style- all these factors combined to prepare the author of How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds, for the exercise of his special gift.

These letters, selected by his biographer, Josiah Bull, bear the practical imprint of all of Newton’s writings; they cover a wide variety of subjects and aim ‘to conform the believer to Christ’. Among them are several that were not previously published in earlier collections of his correspondence. Of particular value and interest are the biographical sketches and historical notes supplied by the editor.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	THE REV. FRANCIS OKELEY	17
	MR. JOHN CATLETT	22
	THE REV. MR. WHITFORD	38
	MISS MEDHURST	46
	CAPTAIN ALEXANDER CLUNIE	57
	MRS. WILBERFOROE	68
	THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.	87
	THE REV. THOMAS JONES	112
	THE REV. THOMAS BOWMAN.	119
	DANIEL WEST, ESQ.	126
	CAPTAIN SCOTT	140
	WILLIAM COWPER, ESQ	150
	THE REV. JOSHUA SYMONDS	167
	THE REV. MATTHEW POWLEY.	179
	MISS DELAFIELD (AFTERWARDS MRS. CARDALE)	187
	THE REV. WILLIAM HOWELL	192
	THE REV. JOHN RYLAND, JUN.	204
	JOSEPH FOSTER BARHAM, ESQ.	209
	MISS MARY BARHAM	217
	MRS. TALBOT	223
	MRS. PLACE	234
	THE REV. THOMAS SCOTT	240
	MRS. THORNTON	272
	MRS. GARDINER	282
	THE REV. WILLIAM ROSE	289
	THE REV. WILLIAM BULL	298
	THE REV. W. BARLASS	317
	MISS FLOWER (AFTERWARDS MRS. DAWSON)	326
	MRS. HANNAH MORE	346
	THE REV. JOHN OAMPBELL	362
	THE REV. JAMES COFFIN AND MRS. COFFIN	379
	THOMAS RING, ESQ., M.D., AND MRS. RING	399
	THE HON. AND REV. W. B. OADOGAN	410

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Letters of Samuel Rutherford

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:37:00 +0000

EndorsementsRead More ↓

‘When we are dead and gone let the world know that Spurgeon held Rutherford’s Letters to be the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.’– C.H. SPURGEON

‘Surprising though it may seem in a world of large books, of all those owned by our family this may be the one we have most often lent or quoted to friends.’– SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

‘These letters will ever be precious to all who are sensible of their own, and the Church’s decay and corruptions-The wound and the cure are therein so fully opened out: self is exposed, specially spiritual self. He will tell you, ‘There is as much need to watch over grace, as to watch over sin.’ He will show you God in Christ, to fill up the place usurped by self. The subtleties of sin, idols, snares, temptations, self-deceptions, are dragged into view from time to time. And what is better still, the cords of Christ are twined round the roots of these bitter plants, that they may be plucked up. Not is it otherwise in regard to corruption in public, and in the Church. We do not mean merely the open corruption of error, but also the secret ‘grey hairs’ of decay. Hear him cry, ‘There is universal deadness on that fear of God. O where are the sometime quickening breathings and influences form heaven that have refreshed His hidden ones!’ and then he laments, in the name of the saints, ‘We are half satisfied with our witherdness; nor have we as much of his strain who doth eight times breathe out that suit [Ps 119], Quicken me!’ ‘We live far from the well, and complain but dryly of our dryness.’– ANDREW BONAR

Book Description

These letters will ever be precious to all who are sensible of their own, and the Church’s decay and corruptions– The wound and the cure are therein so fully opened out: self is exposed, specially spiritual self. He will tell you, ‘There is as much need to watch over grace, as to watch over sin.’ He will show you God in Christ, to fill up the place usurped by self. The subtleties of sin, idols, snares, temptations, self-deceptions, are dragged into view from time to time. And what is better still, the cords of Christ are twined round the roots of these bitter plants, that they may be plucked up. Nor is it otherwise in regard to corruption in public, and in the Church. We do not mean merely the open corruption of error, but also the secret ‘gray hairs’ of decay. Hear him cry, ‘There is universal deadness on that fear of God. O where are the sometime quickening breathings and influences from heaven that have refreshed His hidden ones!’ And then he laments, in the name of the saints, ‘We are half satisfied with out witherdness; nor have we as much of his strain who doth eight times breathe out that suit, Quicken me!’ ‘We live far from the well, and complain but dryly of our dryness.’- Andrew Bonar

Commendation from Ben Ramsbottom

Table of Contents Expand ↓

No. of Letters	PEOPLE WITH MORE THAN ONE LETTER
48	Lady Kenmure
45	Marion M’Naught
10	Lady Boyd
8	Colonel Gilbert Ker
6	Robert Gordon of Knockbreck
5	Alexander Gordon of Earlston
5	Lord Craighall
5	Mr David Dickson
4	Alexander Gordon of Knockgray
4	John Fleming, Bailie of Leith
4	John Gordon of Cardoness, Elder
4	John Stuart, Provost of Ayr
4	Lady Culross
4	Mr John Scot, at Oxnam
4	William Glendinning, Bailie of Kirkcudbright
3	Earlston, the Elder
3	Earlston, the Younger
3	John Gordon of Cardoness, Younger
3	John Kennedy, Bailie of Ayr
3	Lady Busbie
3	Mr Thomas Garven
3	The Laird of Carleton
3	William Dalgleish, Minister of the Gospel
3	William Rigge of Athernie
2	Alexander Colville of Blair
2	Barbara Hamilton
2	Grizzel Fullerton, daughter of Marion M’Naught
2	Janet Kennedy
2	Jean Brown
2	John Gordon, at Rusco
2	John Henderson, in Rusco
2	John Nevay
2	Lady Cardoness
2	Lady Gaitgirth
2	Lady Largirie
2	Lord Boyd
2	Lord Loudon
2	Mr George Gillespie
2	Mr Hugh Henderson, Minister of Dalry
2	Mr Hugh M’Kail, Minister of Irvine
2	Mr James Guthrie, Minister at Stirling
2	Mr John Fergushill
2	Mr John Meine, Junior
2	Mr John Murray, Minister at Methven
2	Mr Matthew Mowat, Minister of Kilmarnock
2	Mr Robert Blair
2	Mr Thomas Wylie, Minister of Borgue
2	Robert Gordon, Bailie of Ayr
2	Robert Lennox of Disdove
2	The Earl of Cassillis
2	The Laird of Cally
2	William Fullerton, Provost of Kirkcudbright

	PEOPLE WITH ONE LETTER	Page
	Sketch of Samuel Rutherford	1

	To a Christian Gentlewoman, on the death of a Daughter	34
	To John Kennedy – Deliverance from Shipwreck	74
	To a Gentleman at Kirkcudbright, excusing himself from visiting	83
	To Mr Robert Cunningham, at Holywood, in Ireland – Consolation to a Brother in Tribulation	140
	To William Gordon of Roberton – How Trials are Misimproved	153
	To Margaret Ballantine – Value of the Soul, and Urgency of Salvation	166
	To the Earl of Lothian – Advice as to Public Conduct	174
	To Jean Blown – The Joys of this Life embittered by Sin	177
	To Elizabeth Kennedy – Danger of Formality	183
	To the Rev John Livingstone – Resignation	190
	To Mr Ephraim Melvin – Kneeling at the Lord’s Supper a species of Idolatry	192
	To Janet Macculloch – Christ’s Sufficiency	210
	To Lady Cardoness, Elder – Christ and His Cause Recommended	213
	To a Gentlewoman, upon the death of her Husband	217
	To Lady Kaskiberry – Gratitude for Kindness	222
	To Lady Earlston – Following Christ not Easy	223
	To Mr Robert Douglas – Greatness of Christ’s Love revealed to those who suffer for Him	229
	To Mr Alexander Henderson – Sadness because of Christ’s Headship not set forth	232
	To Mr Matthew Moncat, Minister at Kilmarnock – Plenitude of Christ’s Love	242
	To William Halliday – Diligence in securing Salvation	245
	To a Gentlewoman after the death of her Husband	245
	To Lady Forret – Sickness a Kindness	249
	To John Carsen – Nothing worth the Finding but Christ	251
	To Jean Macmillan – Strive to enter In	259
	To John Ewart, Bailie of Kirkcudbright – The Cross no Burden	262
	To Robert Glendinning, Minister of Kirkcudbright – Prepare to meet thy God	264
	To Lord Balmerinoch – His happy Obligations to Christ	267
	To Lady Mar, Younger – No Exchange for Christ	269
	To James Macadam – The Kingdom taken by Force	270
	To William Livingstone – Counsel to a Youth	271
	To William Gordon of Whitepark – Nothing lost by Trials	272
	To Mr Georqe Gillespie, Minister of Kirkcaldy – Suspicions of Christ’s Love Removed	273
	To Jean Gordon – God the Satisfying Portion	275
	To Mr Tames Bruce, Minister of the Gospel – Misjudging of Christ’s Ways	276
	To Lady Hallhill – Christ’s Crosses better than Egypt’s Treasures	278
	To John Osburn, Provost of Ayr – Adherence to Christ	280
	To John Meine, Senior – Enjoyment of God’s Love	281
	To Bethaia Aird – Unbelief under Trials	284
	To Patrick Carsen – Early Devotedness to Christ	287
	To Ninian Mure, one of the family of Cassincarrie – A Youth Admonished	307
	To the Laird of Moncrieff – Concert in Prayer	321
	To John Clark – Marks of Difference betwixt Christians and Reprobates	323
	To John Laurie – Christ’s Love	330
	To Earleton, the Younger – Dangers of Youth	348
	To Mr J-R – Christ the Purifier of His Church	355
	To Robert Stuart – Christ chooses His own in the Furnace	363
	Mr John Fergushill of Ochiltree – Desponding Views of his own State	368
	To the Laird of Carsluth – Necessity of making sure of Salvation	373
	To the Laird of Cassincarrie – Earnestness about Salvation	376
	To Sibylla Macadam – Christ’s Beauty and Excellence	380
	To William Gordon, at Kenmure – Testimony to Christ’s Worth	399
	To Margaret Fulterton – Christ, not Creatures, worthy of all Love	401
	To a Christian Gentlewoman – God’s Skill to bless by Affliction	412
	To Mr James Harnilum, Minister of the Gospel – Suffering for Christ’s Headship	418
	To Mistress Stuart – Personal Unworthiness	421
	To Alexander Gordon of Garloch – Free Grace finding its Materials in us	425
	To John Bell, Elder – Danger of Trusting to a Name to Live	427
	To Mr John Row, Minister of the Gospel – Christ’s Crosses better than the World’s Joys	429
	To Fulwood, the Younger – Vanity of the World in the light of Death and Christ	436
	To his Parishoners – Protestation of Care for their Souls, and for the Glory of God	438
	To Lady Kilconquhar – The Interests of the Soul and Urgent	445
	To Mr James Fleming, Minister of the Gospel – Glory Gained to Christ	451
	To Lord Lindsay of Byres – The Church’s Desolations	457
	To Fulk Ellis – Friends in Ireland	463
	To James Lindsay – Desertions, their Use	466
	To Mr James Hamilton, Minister of the Gospel – Christ’s Glory not affected by His People’s Weakness	471
	To the Laird of Gaitgirth – Truth worth Suffering for	471
	To Lady Rowallan – Jesus the Best Choice, and to be made sure of	478
	To Margaret Reid – Benefits of the Cross, if we are Christ’s	487
	To James Bautie – Spiritual Difficulties Solved	489
	To Lady Dumqueich – Jesus or the World	495
	To Janet Mcculloch – Cares to be cast on Christ	496
	To Lady Carleton – Submission to God’s Will	500
	To Lady Craighall – The Comforts of Christ’s Cross	503
	To Lady Kilconquhair – The Kingdom to be taken by Violence	510
	To Thomas Corbet – Godly Counsels	514
	To Mr George Dunbar, Minister of the Gospel – Christ’s Love in Affliction	515
	To his Parishioners at Anwoth – Exhortation to abide in the Truth, in prospect of Christ’s Coming	521
	To John Gordon – Christ all Worthy	527
	To James Murray – The Christian Life a Mystery to the World	530
	To the Earl of Cassilis – Ambition	538
	To Lord Loudoun – True Honour in maintaining Christ’s cause	543
	To Lady Robertland – Afflictions purify	545
	To Thomas Macculloch of Nether Ardwell – Earnest Call to Diligence	548
	To the Professors of Christ and His Truth in Ireland – The Way to Heaven ofttimes through Persecution	549
	To the Parishioners of Kilmalcolm – Spiritual Sloth	559
	To the Persecuted Church in Ireland – Christ’s Legacy of Trouble	568
	To Dr Alexander Leighton – Public Blessings alleviate Private Sufferings	575
	To a Person unknown – Anent Private Worship	578
	To Henry Stuart, and Family, Prisoners of Christ at Dublin – Faith’s preparation for Trial	579
	To Mrs Pont, Prisoner at Dublin – Support under Trials	585
	To Mr James Wilson – Advices to a Doubting Soul	588
	To John Fenwick – Christ the Fountain	593
	To Peter Stirling – Believers’ Graces all from Christ	599
	To Lady Fingask – Faith’s Misgivings	600
	To Agnes Macmath, on the Death of a Child – Reason for Resignation	607
	To James Murray’s Wife – Heaven a Reality	612
	To a Young Man in Anwoth – Necessity of Godliness in its Power	615
	To Mistress Taylor, on her Son’s Death – Suggestions for Comfort under Sorrow	620
	To Mistress Hume, on her Husband’s Death	625
	To a Christian Friend, on the Death of his Wife	629
	To a Christian Brother, on the Death of his Daughter	630
	To a Christian Gentlewoman – Views of Death and Heaven	632
	To Lady Ardross, in Fife, on her Mother’s Death	639
	To M O – Gloomy Prospects for the Backsliding Church	640
	To Sir James Stewart, Lord Provost of Edinburgh – Declining Chair in Edinburgh	645
	To Mistress Gillespie, Widow of George Gillespie – On the Death of a Child	646
	To the Earl of Balcarras – Regarding some Misunderstanding	648
	To William Guthrie – Depression under Dark Trials	652
	To Lady Ralston, Ursula Mure – Duty of Preferring to Live rather than Die	665
	To a Minister of Glasgow – Encouraging Words to a Suffering Brother	668
	To Simeon Ashe – Views of the Presbyterians as to Allegiance to the Protector	681
	To Mr James Durham, Minister of Glasgow, some few days before his Death	685
	To the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright – Union	689
	To Mr Guthrie, Mr Trail, and the rest of their Brethren imprisoned in the Castle of Edinburgh – On Suffering for Christ	692
	To Several Brethren – Reasons for Petitioning his Majesty after his return, and for owning such as were censured while about so necessary a Duty	694
	To a Brother Minister – Judgment of a Draught of a Petition, to have been presented to the Committee of Estates	696
	To Mistress Craig, upon the Death of her hopeful Son – Nine Reasons for Resignation	699
	To Mr Robert Campbell – Stedfastness to Protest against Prelacy and Popery	703
	To Believers at Aberdeen – Sinful Conformity and Schismatic Designs reproved	704
	Index of the Chief Places and Individuals referred to in the Letters	711
	Index of Special Subjects	715
	Glossary	718
	Editions of Rutherford’s Letters	736

The post Letters of Samuel Rutherford appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

Letters of Thomas Chalmers

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:37:00 +0000

EndorsementsRead More ↓

‘Although many have written on Chalmers, the best knowledge of the man comes from reading his own words, and there is no better starting point than the volume of his correspondence…It has long been unobtainable, and numbers will surely be thankful to see it in print again. The times and the religious scene are greatly changed since Chalmers’ day, yet what lay at the centre of his influence remains the church’s constant need, and there is here much sound wisdom from which other generations can profit.’ — IAIN H. MURRAY

‘Chalmers’ Letters give us a fascinating insight into the turbulent decades preceding the 1843 Disruption and a no less fascinating insight into the mind and heart of a giant in Christ’s church. This selection of letters ‘breathes the warmth of Chalmers’ devotion to Christ and reveal his true soul’. He being dead yet speaks.’ — IAN HAMILTON

‘There is rich Scriptural precedent for observing that God has used letter-writing to edify his people and win the lost. These letters of the Presbyterian theologian Thomas Chalmers well illustrate the former. They also reveal, however, the spirituality of one of the greatest Scottish evangelicals of the nineteenth century, and document a period of rich revival through the eyes of one who played an extraordinary role in it.’– MICHAEL HAYKIN

‘This volume of letters reveal the priority of the pastoral and the need of vital Christianity. It is only too easy in the Reformed/Presbyterian world to be overwhelmed by theological correctness and to neglect the vitality of the spirit as it impinges on the Pastoral Ministry. This volume has given me an entirely new outlook on Thomas Chalmers. He was truly a spiritual giant.’– REFORMED THEOLOGICAL REVIEW

Book Description

It is not often that the world has seen men like Thomas Chalmers.’ The vast crowds who lined the streets of Edinburgh as Chalmers’ funeral procession made its way from Charlotte Square to the Grange cemetery, no doubt concurred with this statement of Thomas Carlyle. Thomas Chalmers was indeed a remarkable man- parish minister, popular preacher, social reformer, lecturer in moral philosophy, economics, and theology, the first Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland. His great natural gifts, combined with his fervent determination to serve the Lord who had so signally saved him by divine grace, thrust him to the forefront of the evangelical movement that was to bring such a transformation to Scotland.

This volume, first published in 1853, contains a selection of his correspondence, edited by his son-in-law and biographer, William Hanna. These letters breathe the warmth of Chalmer’s devotion to Christ and reveal his true soul. Here we see the man behind the powerful sermons and impressive lectures, the ecclesiastical debates and the extensive literary volumes- a humble servant of Christ who in spite of his outstanding natural gifts longed to be a true man of God. Writing to a friend he says, ‘I long to realize the joys and exercises and the habits of experimental religion, to love Christ as fervently as good Samuel Rutherford… There is nothing of which I am more thoroughly aware than the utter difference which there is between a speculative and an experimental conviction of the same truth…I long for more of the life and freshness of an actual contact with these things-for the kingdom of God as abundantly in power as it is in word’.

Again he writes: ‘Let us all address ourselves to Him as the alone refuge and propitiation of sinners. We cannot surely trust Him too much; nor is there temerity or presumption in venturing our all upon to sure a foundation. Let us not fear that if our dependence be strong enough, we shall fail in our preparations for eternity; as the simpler and stronger our faith, the more fervent will be our love, the more abundant as well as affectionate will be our obedience.’

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. James Anderson	3
	Mr. James Anderson to Dr. Chalmers	3
	Mr. James Anderson to Dr. Chalmers	6
	Mr. James Anderson to Dr. Chalmers	9
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	11
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	12
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	15
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	16
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	18
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	19
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	21
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	22
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	23
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	24
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	26
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	27
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	29
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	30
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	32
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	33
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	35
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	37
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	39
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	41
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	43
	Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers	44
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith	46
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Kedie	49
	Dr. Chalmers to the Misses Kedie	50
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Kedie	53
31-36.	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Kedie	54-58
37-41.	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Jones of Edinburgh	59-65
42-55.	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Coutts	65-85
56-60.	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Collier	86-92
61-70.	Dr. Chalmers to William Wilberforce, Esq., M.P.	93-107
71-88.	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Glasgow of Mountgreenan	108-130
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Dunlop	131
90-121.	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Parker	133-156
122-129.	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Darroch	157-165
	Dr. Chalmers to General Darroch	166
	Dr. Chalmers to General Darroch	168
	Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Rainy of Glasgow	170
	Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Rainy of Glasgow	171
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Brown	172
135-140.	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Robert Brown	175-181
141-144.	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Patrick Chalmers	182-187
145-208.	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Morton	188-249
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Mr. Watson	250
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Mr. Watson	251
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Fortune	253
212-216.	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Watson	253-260
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. William Fortune	261
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Mr. Honey	264
	Dr. Chalmers to the Secretaries of the Fife and Kinross Bible Society	267
220-222.	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Charters of Wilton	273-276
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Roger, Esq. of Glasgow	277
224-227.	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. J. W. Cunningham of Harrow, London	279-286
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Wright of Stirling	287
229-231.	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Smyth of Glasgow	288-289
232-236.	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Macfarlan of Greenock	290-294
	Dr. Chalmers in reply to a Letter requesting some Directions on the subject of Practical Charity	296
	Dr. Chalmers to a Friend	298
	Dr. Chalmers on Man’s Responsibility for his Belief	299
	Dr. Chalmers’s Directions to an Anxious Inquirer	300
	Dr. Chalmers to the Countess of D-. A Letter of Christian Encouragement	302
	Dr. Chalmers to Lady Osborne	304
	Dr. Chalmers to his eldest Daughter, on partaking for the first time of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper	306
	Dr. Chalmers to Master J. Morton	308
	Dr. Chalmers’s Advice to a Young Clergyman	310
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Grant of Laggan	312
247-249.	Dr. Chalmers to T. Erskine, Esq. of Linlathan	313-317
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. John Foster	318
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Ryland	320
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. J. E. Ryland	321
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. J. E. Ryland	322
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Paul	323
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. C. Bridges	323
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. C. Bridges	325
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Horace Bonar	326
258-260.	Dr. Chalmers to Dr. James Brown	327-330
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Brown	331
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Mr. Harvey	332
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. John Sheppard	333
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. John Sheppard	334
	Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Symington	335
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Thomas Bartlett	336
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller	339
268-271.	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Thomas Grinfield, Clifton	340-342
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Henry Bell	342
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Henry Bell	343
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Timothy East, Birmingham	344
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Ebenezer Brown of Inverkeithing, Fife	345
276-278.	Dr. Chalmers to the Countess of Elgin	346-348
	Dr. Chalmers to Lady Matilda Maxwell	349
	Dr. Chalmers to Lady Carnegie	350
	Dr. Chalmers to Lady O’Brien	352
	Dr. Chalmers to Lady O’Brien	354
	Dr. Chalmers to Sir Andrew Agnew, Bart.	355
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Walker, Flesher, Galashiels	359
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Strachan, Bishop of Toronto	360
286-289.	Dr. Chalmers to Professor Duncan	362-364
	Dr. Easton to Dr. Chalmers	366
	Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Easton	367
	Dr. Easton to Dr. Chalmers	369
	Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Easton	370
	CORRESPONDENCE ON THE CHURCH QUESTION.
	Dr. Chalmers to John Hamilton, Esq.	372
	Dr. Chalmers to John Hamilton, Esq.	374
296-299.	Dr. Chalmers to Sir George Sinclair	375-379
	Dr. Chalmers to the Bishop of Llandaff	380
	Dr. Chalmers to the Bishop of Llandaff	381
	Dr. Chalmers to the Honourable and Rev. Dr. Wellesley	381
303-305.	Dr. Chalmers to Lord Lorne	382-396
	Dr. Chalmers to William Lamont, jun., Esq., Glasgow	397
	Dr. Chalmers to Alexander Campbell, Esq., M.P.	399
	Dr. Chalmers to John C. Colquhoun, Esq.	400
309-312.	Dr. Chalmers to Alexander Gordon, Esq., London	401-409
	Dr. Chalmers to Rev. -.	410
	Dr. Chalmers to the Same	412
	Dr. Chalmers to Andrew Johnston, Esq.	413
	Dr. Chalmers to Andrew Johnston, Esq.	414
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. William Findlater	416
	Dr. Chalmers to Professor Sedgwick of Cambridge	417
	Dr. Chalmers to D. Maitland Makgill Crichton, Esq.	421
	Dr. Chalmers to D. Maitland Makgill Crichton, Esq.	422
	Dr. Chalmers to George Yule, Esq.	423
	Dr. Chalmers to Captain Burnett of Monboddo	424
	Dr. Chalmers to Captain Burnett of Monboddo	426
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. P. Henderson, Pollockshaws	426
	Dr. Chalmers to Sir George Sinclair	428
326-338.	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Lenox of New York	429-442
	Dr. Chalmers to Dr. D. Stebbins, Northampton, Massachusetts	443
340-343.	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Merle d’Aubigne	444-447
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Brewster	448
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Brewster	449
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Williamson	449
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Marshall, Glasgow	450
348-350.	Dr. Chalmers to Charles Spence, Esq.	451-453
	Dr. Chalmers to M. Descombaz, Lausanne	455
	Dr. Chalmers to Mr. John Craig	458
	Dr. Chalmers to J. Barclay, Esq., Tongue	459
	Dr. Chalmers to –	459
	Dr. Chalmers to Rev. Dhimjibhai Nowroji	461
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Mackean	462
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Alexander Anderson, Aberdeen	463
	Dr. Chalmers to Sir Harry Verney	464
	Dr. Chalmers on visiting a Family in which a sudden death had occurred	464
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. M’Corquodale	466
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. M’Corquodale	468
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss M’Corquodale	469
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss M’Corquodale	470
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Rutherford of Edgerstone	471
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Usher	472
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Henry Wood, Edinburgh	474
	Dr. Chalmers to William Buchanan, Esq., Glasgow	475
	Dr. Chalmers to William Buchanan, Esq., Glasgow	476
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Campbell	478
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Young, Burntisland	478
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Young, Burntisland	479
	Dr. Chalmers to Charles Cowan, Esq.	481
	Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Somerville of Drummelzier	481
	Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Somerville	482
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Somerville	483
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Charles Nairne	484
	Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Begbie	486
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. M’Clelland	487
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Bryce, Aberdour	488
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Burns	489
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Elliot	490
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Anderson	491
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Abercrombie	493
	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Mackay	495
	Dr. Chalmers to James Cunningham, Esq., Edinburgh	497
	Dr. Chalmers to Frederic Adamson, Esq.	498
	Dr. Chalmers to Misses Wallace	501
	Dr. Chalmers to Miss Wood	502
389-410.	Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Dunlop	504-537

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Life & Letters Of Benjamin Morgan Palmer

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:37:00 +0000

Book Description

Benjamin Morgan Palmer (1818-1902) ‘one of the few greatest preachers of the first nineteen centuries of the Christian era’, was just 25 when he became the successor of J. H. Thornwell in Columbia, South Carolina, and 38 at the commencement of his 46-year pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church in the great business centre of New Orleans.

This biography takes us behind the public figure to the humble, prayerful Christian whose life was marked by affliction. His only son was lost in childhood and four daughters were to die, one after another, followed by his wife. As Palmer saw it, ‘The earthly lights are put out that no earthly love may come in between Him and us.’

This is not only a great biography; it is an outstandingly relevant record in an age when the church needs a recovery of spiritual strength and vision. It would be hard to read it sympathetically without being led to pray.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

		Page
1	THE ANCESTORS	1
2	FEATURES OF THE CIVILIZATION AMIDST WHICH HE DEVELOPED	18
3	BOYHOOD AND EARLY YOUTH	36
4	DAYS OF HIS COLLEGE TRAINING	45
5	STUDENT FOR THE MINISTRY IN COLUMBIA SEMINARY	62
6	PASTOR OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT SAVANNAH	73
7	THE PASTOR AT COLUMBIA, S.C.	87
8	THE PASTOR AT COLUMBIA, S.C. – Continued	126
9	PROFESSOR IN COLUMBIA SEMINARY	150
10	THE ANTE-BELLUM PERIOD IN NEW ORLEANS	170
11	THE ANTE-BELLUM PERIOD IN NEW ORLEANS – Continued	196
12	HIS COURSE DURING THE WAR	236
13	REBUILDING THE BROKEN WALLS	291
14	REBUILDING THE BROKEN WALLS – Continued	346
15	AT THE SUMMIT OF HIS POWERS, AND PRODUCTIVITY	421
16	AT THE SUMMIT OF HIS POWERS, AND PRODUCTIVITY – Continued	482
17	THE FINAL STADIUM OF SERVICE; NOBLE BUT BROKEN	531
18	THE FINAL STADIUM OF SERVICE; NOBLE BUT BROKEN – Continued	571
19	THE FINAL STADIUM OF SERVICE; NOBLE BUT BROKEN – Continued	606
20	THE STREET CAR ACCIDENT, DEATH, BURIAL AND EULOGIES	620
21	SUMMARY VIEW OF THE MAN AND HIS SERVICES	651

The post Life & Letters Of Benjamin Morgan Palmer appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

The Select Practical Writings of John Knox

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:37:00 +0000

Book Description

You are holding in your hands a rare and precious book. It contains the choicest practical writings of a man whom God used to transform his native country and bring it into the light and under the blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that in spite of constant opposition and grave personal danger.

The Works of John Knox, preserved in six large volumes, are virtually closed to all but the most scholarly students of history. However, thanks to the endeavours of the Rev. Thomas Thomson and the Free Church of Scotland Board of Publications, this book was compiled so that Knox might be put back into the hands of the people. Unabridged and unaltered, except for the updating of the ‘antiquated orthography’, one can read some of the most enduring of Knox’s practical writings. These include such works as his treatise on prayer, his ‘Fort for the Afflicted’ — an exposition of the Sixth Psalm, his sermon on Christ’s temptation in the wilderness, and his notorious sermon on Isaiah 26:13-20. Fifteen of Knox’s letters are also included at the end of the volume, twelve of which were addressed to his mother-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Bowes. In them the temper and character of Knox the pastor are clearly exhibited.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	Preface	vii
	Knox and His Writings	xiii
	John Knox Timeline	xxxiii
1	Treatise on Prayer	1
2	Letter to the Faithful in England	27
3	A Fort for the Afflicted, in an Exposition of Psalm 6:
	Part I	67
	Part II	81
4	A Comfortable Epistle	103
5	Letter to the Queen Regent	113
6	A Most Wholesome Counsel, Touching God’s Holy Word	123
7	Epistle to His Brethren in Scotland	131
8	Epistle to the Lords Professing the Truth in Scotland	147
9	Address to the Commonalty of Scotland	159
10	Sermon on Christ’s Temptation in the Wilderness	175
11	Answer to Some Questions on Baptism, etc	197
12	Sermon on Isaiah 26:13-20	207
	Letters
13	To His Mother-in-law	249
14	To His Mother-in-law	252
15	To His Mother-in-law	255
16	To His Mother-in-law	257
17	To His Mother-in-law	259
18	To His Mother-in-law	261
19	To His Mother-in-law	262
20	To His Mother-in-law	265
21	To His Mother-in-law	268
22	To His Mother-in-law	274
23	From Scotland to His Mother-in-law	280
24	From Scotland to His Mother-in-law	282
25	To His Sister in Edinburgh	283
26	To His Sister in Edinburgh	287
27	To Mrs Guthrie, Janet Henderson	293

Review

The post The Select Practical Writings of John Knox appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

Wise Counsel

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:37:00 +0000

ENDORSEMENT

‘Some books are for tasting regularly, not reading through once. One such book is Wise Counsel. Newton was the former slave-trader turned pastor, and the author of Amazing Grace. The flavor of his ministry is such that frequent tastes are better than rare gulps.’ — JOHN PIPER

Book Description

John Newton (1725-1807) has rightly been called ‘the letter-writer par excellence of the Evangelical Revival’. Newton himself seems to have come to the conclusion, albeit reluctantly, that letter-writing was his greatest gift. In a letter to a friend he confessed, ‘I rather reckoned upon doing more good by some of my other works than by my ‘Letters’, which I wrote without study, or any public design; but the Lord said, ‘You shall be most useful by them,’ and I learned to say, ‘Thy will be done! Use me as Thou pleasest, only make me useful.’ Indeed, he wrote to his close friend William Bull that if the letters were ‘owned to comfort the afflicted, to quicken the careless, to confirm the wavering, I may rejoice in the honour He has done me’, and not envy the greatest writers of the age.

All but ten of the letters in the present volume have been brought out of undeserved obscurity by Dr Grant Gordon, whose researches in libraries and archives, as well as in little-known nineteenth-century periodicals, have uncovered much material which is certainly calculated to comfort, quicken, and confirm. Of those already in print, one letter is in volume 1 of the Trust’s six-volume edition of Newton’s Works, and nine more are in volume 2. Three of the nine are also in the Trust’s Letters of John Newton, edited by Josiah Bull. The rest should be new to almost all readers.

The particular recipient of Newton’s ‘wise counsel’ in this book was John Ryland, Jr. (1753-1825), Baptist pastor and educator, and close friend of Andrew Fuller, William Carey, and all the pioneers of the modern missionary movement. But in the background stand all the major figures of the eighteenth-century Evangelical Revival. A list of Newton’s friends and correspondents would, in fact, read like a ‘who’s who’ of the Revival. And forming the wider background is a very eventful period of history, from the American Revolution to the French Revolutionary Wars, by way of the colonization of Australia, the first missions to India, and the abolition of the slave trade. Dr Gordon has helpfully set the letters in the context of these events and provided useful background detail.

The reader will discover afresh in these letters, not only mature and wise counsel, but a wholesome emphasis on true Christian experience, a great breadth of Christian sympathy, and a strong confidence in the power of the grace of God, for, as Newton said, ‘Grace has long and strong arms!’

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	Foreword by Michael A. G. Haykin I	x
	Preface and Acknowledgements	xi
	Introduction–1: Overview of the Letters	xiii
	Introduction–2: The Earlier Years of Newton and Ryland	1
1	Ryland’s Poems – Justification – Humility	11
2	Justification – High Calvinism	19
3	Visit of Rowland Hill	25
4	Northampton – Advice on Preaching	29
5	Spiritual Experience – A Believer’s Frames	33
6	William Guy – Guidance	39
7	Henry Venn – Christ in the Vessel	43
8	Disappointments – Christian Unity	47
9	Betty Abraham – The Fellowship at Olney	51
10	Danger of Delusive ‘Impressions’	55
11	Controversy with Arminianism – News of Friends	61
12	Blessings – Moravian Missions – Unity	65
13	Hopes for a Schoolboy – Inward Trials	69
14	Advice on Marriage	73
15	The King in His Beauty – Life as a Journey	77
16	American Revolution – Politics – Thankfulness	83
17	Spiritual Progress – The Soul a Besieged City	87
18	Marriage – Waiting on God – Submission	91
19	Disappointments – Providence – The Eternal View	99
20	Courtship – Possible Move from Olney	103
21	Courtship – A Call to Hull?	107
22	Smallpox – Inoculation – Providence	111
23	Overcoming Fear – Bereavement	115
24	New England Divines on a Work of Grace	119
25	Delays – Submission to the Will of God	123
26	Olney Hymns – Earthly Gloss Fades – Forms	127
27	Olney Hymns – America – Lawfulness of War	131
28	Ryland’s Marriage – Advice on the Married State	137
29	Married Life – Move to London – Letters	143
30	Anecdotes – Cardiphonia – The Infallible Pilot	149
31	Trials – Cotton Mather – Simplicity in Preaching	153
32	Ryland, Sr. – Newton’s Apologia	159
33	Ryland’s Brother and Father – Comforts – Messiah	163
34	Death of Eliza – A Great Shepherd – Messiah	169
35	Provision for Ryland, Sr. – Benefit of Trials	175
36	Birth of a Son – Ambrose Serle – Controversy	181
37	Death of Mrs Ryland – God All-Sufficient	185
38	Faithful Wounds – Danger of Excessive Grief	189
39	Giving for Chapel-Building – Sanctified Trials	191
40	Effects of Grief – William Huntington	193
41	Sermons – Family Trials – The Slave Trade	199
42	Advice on Remarriage	205
43	Remarriage –Trusting the Lord to Provide	209
44	Betsy’s Illness – Marriage – Ministerial Success	213
45	Fuller – Controversy – Carey – Botany Bay	217
46	Discipline – Foes as Friends – Independency	221
47	False Reports – Church and Family Trials	227
48	Patience – Mrs Newton’s Illness – Ellis Williams	231
49	‘No Protestant Popery’ – Mrs Newton Declining	235
50	Mrs Newton – The School of the Cross	241
51	Travels – Funerals – Need for Dying Strength	245
52	Ryland Advised to Ignore Huntington Pamphlet	251
53	Ryland, Sr. – The Lord’s Fan – Let Embers Die	255
54	Bristol – Movements of Ministers	261
55	Abraham Booth – Certainty about a Call	263
56	Advice regarding Call to Bristol	267
57	Bristol Refused – Visit to Northampton	271
58	Mrs Fuller’s Death – Bristol – French Revolution	275
59	Fuller’s Illness – All the Lord Does Is Right	279
60	The Lord Can Make the Crooked Straight	283
61	David George – Sierra Leone – Letters to a Wife	289
62	Fuller on Socinianism – Politics – God Reigns	293
63	Bristol – Fuller – France – Newton’s Politics	299
64	Conduct of War – Sin the Great Evil	303
65	Alarms of War – Eclectic Society – Missions	309
66	Death of Trinder – Friends Given and Removed	313
67	Romaine – Unity in Mission and in Suffering	317
68	A Lofty Spirit – Church and Dissent – Unity	323
69	Mission in India – Carey – Caste System	327
70	Sierra Leone – Servants – Newton’s Ministry	333
71	Newton’s High Regard for Carey	339
72	Macaulay’s – David George – Unity	341
73	Fuller – Pearce – Grimshaw – Value of Academies	349
74	Salvation of Infants – Grimshaw – India Mission	353
75	Seeking Favours – Waiting God’s Time	357
76	The Reach of Mercy – The Missionary Spirit	363
77	Failing Powers – The Lord’s Shop – Preaching	369
78	Mission News – National Sins – Mercies	375
79	Willing to Be Laid Aside – Recalling Past Mercy	379
80	Robert Hesketh – The Lord Reigns	385
81	Cast Down but Not Destroyed – Discipline	389
82	Griffith – A Dark Cloud – Thankfulness	393
83	Prayer – Depression of Spirits – A Chief Sinner	395
	Conclusion: The Remaining Years of Newton and Ryland	399
	Index of Persons and Principal Topics	405

Reviews

Reviews by Jeremy Walker: Review 1, Review 2
Review by Ben Ramsbottom
Review by D W B Somerset
Review by Alan Hill
Review by David Daniels
Review by Paul Levy

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