The Book Corner
Time’s Noblest Name. By Charles J. Rolls. Neptune, N.J.: Loizeaux Brothers, 1985. 211 pp. Paper, $5.95.
This is the third of Dr. Charles J. Rolls’ five volumes on the names and titles of the Lord Jesus Christ, this one considering the names beginning with the letters L to O. This book, first published in 1953, is written in choice, yea, exquisite English, as are all of the others in the author’s series. In a day when the English language has fallen on hard times (and that’s putting it mildly!), it is an uplifting pleasure to go through this volume from that standpoint alone. On page 144 I came across a word I had never seen before—equipoise—so the book is in some small measure a good vocabulary builder. More importantly, interspersed throughout the text are appropriate illustrations, timely quotations, enlightening information, and choice selections of poetry — some penned by the author.
The book also has homiletical value, a case in point being the author’s six reasons selected from Scripture’s many reasons as to why Christ became man (pp. 99-101), six having been chosen because it is the number of man.
Above all, this volume, like all the others, exalts the Lord Jesus Christ in a way that few books do. It would be even more useful if it contained both Scripture and author indexes. Nevertheless, it is a veritable gold mine of rich, refined ore that leads the reader’s heart toward a deeper and fuller love for Jesus Christ. If need be, the reader can make his own little indexes as he goes along. The book is dressed in an attractive full color jacket, the front cover bearing a beautiful photo in the USA’s Grand Canyon. The back cover has an informal photograph of Dr. Rolls, taken on his 96th birthday, reading his Newberry Bible which he has used for over 75 years.
Having met, heard and fellowshipped with Dr. Rolls when he was visiting Dallas, Texas, during my formal student days, adds a personal touch to all his writings. I well recall him showing me his treasured Newberry Bible and I still have some correspondence from him written in his meticulous engraved-like script.
To this day I remember a quote from his public ministry which has stayed with me all these years: “The greatest saints are the asking saints.”
Here is a book that would make a fine gift for anyone—younger or older—who has a sincere desire to become better acquainted with the riches and glories of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a personal joy to wholeheartedly recommend it to our reader family and to all believers everywhere.
—The Editor