The Book Corner
That the World May Know. Vol. 10. The Islands of the Sea. By Fredk. A. Tatford. Bath, Avon: Echoes Publications, 1986. 627 pp. $15.00 (U.S.), $19.95 (Canada).
Dedicated to the highly respected scholar, theologian, missionary statesman and Christian leader —William Edwy Vine — this tenth and final volume of this unique series of books is devoted primarily to the work of the Lord in the thousands of islands scattered throughout the world. Since numerous islands have been covered in earlier volumes, this book centres only on those not already considered.
In addition to dealing with various Caribbean and Pacific islands, this volume includes an account of work among Australian Aborigines, New Zealand Maoris, and the “Red” Indians of North America. Like the earlier volumes, it is generously garnished with beautiful photos, many in full color, plus maps, and a concluding article on “Who Are the Brethren?” by H. D. Erlam. In addition to a list of assembly missionaries who have served the Lord in the areas dealt with in this book, there is also a comprehensive alphabetical index of all assembly missionaries listed by the various assembly missionary groups and shown by countries in the various volumes in this classic series.
There is a brief IN MEMORIAM page dedicated to Dr. Fredk. A. Tatford who was taken Home on June 14th, 1986. Although he did not see Volume 10 completed, he had finished and personally read the proofs of it. An interesting detail about Dr. Tatford’s preparation of these volumes is that all his manuscripts were handwritten.
Of particular interest to this reviewer are the accounts of the Caribbean islands and the brief summary of the work carried on in the Canary Islands. As a boy of eight, I travelled with my maternal grandparents to the Canary Islands, as well as to several of the Caribbean islands. Many of the various workers mentioned were known by me as a youth, several on occasion having stayed in our home in Brooklyn, New York, in the 30s and 40s. What happy memories! Among other things, the Lord most assuredly used these influences to direct and mold my own life toward His service.
I enthusiastically commend these volumes to our readers, praying that they will prove a rich blessing in the lives of God’s people, at the same time issuing in added praise and thanksgiving for His great faithfulness. Also, under His good hand, may they be used to renew and stir missionary vision among the saints wherever they are read.
—The Editor
Exploring the Psalms, Vol. 2, Psalms 42-72. By John Phillips. Neptune, N.J.: Loizeaux Brothers, 1986. 285 pp. Cloth, $14.95.
The book of psalms is possibly the most widely read book in the Bible. It is, therefore, a great help to many people to have an able Bible teacher such as John Phillips provide background and commentary on this second main section of the Psalms. With his prolific use of the alliterative outline method of analysis, the author summarizes and interprets the message of each psalm in the series.
The literal and modern meaning of many Hebraic words and expressions is given, illuminating many familiar passages for the reader. Preachers and teachers will find many practical contemporary illustrations taken from the author’s personal experiences. The prophetic nature of many psalms is clearly expounded and there are many allusions to the types and shadows of Christ that abound in these great poetic passages.
Each chapter deals with one psalm, while some of the chapter headings whet the appetite for further study. “The Thirsty Soul,” “The Poisonous Tongue,” and “Knocked Down but Not Knocked Out,” are a few examples. Also, wherever the psalmist is known, his background and motive for writing are given. Some are designated “Orphan Psalms” in the absence of any clear knowledge of the writer’s identity.
Serious students of the Word, as well as the casual reader who has only a superficial knowledge of the Bible, will find much food for reflection and collateral study, using the copious references the author employs to illustrate his comments.
—Arthur F. Wilder
His Glorious Name. By Charles J. Rolls. Neptune, N.J.: Loizeaux Brothers, 1985. 267 pp. Paper, $5.95.
When the author was taken into the Lord’s presence early in 1986, he left a priceless legacy of five volumes on the names and titles of Christ. This volume is the last of the five and expounds on the names of Christ beginning with T through Z. Each chapter deals with twelve names which describe the mission and work of Christ as found in the Scriptures.
Dr. Rolls had an unusual gift of language which makes the book a masterpiece of Biblical exposition, all centered around the Person of the Lord Jesus in His 42 dignified offices. The author makes prolific use of alliteration in his outlines and exhaustive lists of the attributes of Christ. The gospel message comes through strongly throughout the book and the plan of redemption is emphasized. The Lord Jesus is so clearly portrayed in all His perfection and purity that the seasoned preacher as well as the babe in Christ will find new word pictures of His majesty and deity in every chapter.
One of the specific features of the book is the record of the number of times a given word is found in the Scriptures. In one place the author states: “The Lord Jesus Christ is much greater and more glorious than the best of writers can declare or describe.” However, after reading the book, one can only say that Dr. Rolls comes closer to accomplishing this feat than his modesty would admit.
—Arthur F. Wilder