NOTE. *(See page 29.) In considering this figure of St. Barnabas, let us remember that the sacrificial exposure of the scapegoat was a fitting type of our Lord's sacrificial exposure to Satan in the wilderness. The blood that was shed, before the scapegoat was led away, was in purification of the priest: but the sinbearer for the people was the goat, which was not merely taken out of sight, but was led so far into the wilderness that death from starvation or wild beasts was imminent. It would seem as if no more expressive type of the value of our Lord's exposure to Satan in the wilderness, as a ransom for the world, could be presented. Then again, in St. Polycarp's reference to the type of "the sacrifice of Isaac,” we cannot do exact justice to this figure, unless we recall that the divine demand was only for a surrender, not a sacrifice; and it is only a fair inference, that the demand for the blood sacrifice of our Lord was not from Him who stayed the sacrificial knife of Abraham. A Layman's Plea for Mediation in the Temptation in the Wilderness. Pp. 46, 12mo; leatherette; 35 cents. [Christian Literature.] We have learned from the immense circulation and wide influence for good which Professor Drummond's little books have reached, not to despise a book because it is small. By some of the pamphlets issued of late years themes were so presented as to stir thought far more deeply than more pretentious treatises. The anonymous booklet before us is likely to take its place among these. Within its forty-six pages are suggested such modifications of the accepted Christology, Soteriology, and Anthropology as, carried out, would come little short of revolutionizing those departments of Systematic Theology. The principal thesis maintained is that redemption was secured "Not on Calvary," not by the crucifixion of our Lord, but by His complete subjection while in the flesh to the dominion of Satan. The crucifixion was only "the last exercise of malignant power by the fallen one. The "mediation" of Christ is found "in the temptation in the wilderness," and in the constant submission to Satan's assaults and power while Jesus was on earth. The doctrine of atonement by blood sacrifice is definitely rejected. The author does not go outside of the sayings of Christ for his scriptural basis, but he appeals constantly to reason and to our conception of the character of God. A further conclusion drawn is that the origin of evil and of suffering is to be sought not in man, nor in God, but in Satan. The author's aim is apologetic. He desires to answer the objection "How could the Divinity, if it is a unity, sacrifice a part of itself to itself, and was this sacrifice a sacrifice to itself as a whole or only to a part of itself? and if to a part, to what part?" Certainly the theory of the writer relieves the subject of grave difficulties. The exegesis of passages given is admissible, and not improbable. The study is independent, and suggests that we have not heard the last word on the atonement. We should like to have a more exhaustive study of the subject from the same hand, and meanwhile heartily commend what we have here to the impartial judgment of the reader. The book will bear careful study and much thought. NOT ON CALVARY. [New York Independent.] Those who have been deeply tangled in the web of life's mystery and suffering will be sure to read this little brochure with advantage. [New York Recorder.] When one finishes this little volume he cannot feel otherwise than that it is the most orthodox heresy that has been issued from the press for a long time. [New York Evangelist.] There can be no question that it does shed some light on questions which all Christians find deeply mysterious. It is a treatment of the question so reverent, so full of love to God, so profoundly impressed with the solemn importance of the subject, that it deserves a careful reading. [Buffalo Christian Advocate.] Although, in discussing the supreme subject of man's redemption, he strikes out in a line of thought so unique that its novelty startles us, yet his argument is based on such reverent belief in the word of God, that we are led to consider and reconsider the proof-texts produced, and the reasoning that leads the author to his conclusions. The booklet is worthy of careful reading. [Toledo Blade.] "Not on Calvary" is a little book intended to help those who have gone down into the dark valley of doubt. It is beautifully written, and will do great good to many. THE PLAN OF THE AGES. A remarkable book! A book for the times! It is emphatically A HELPING HAND FOR BIBLE STUDENTS. In these latter days, when Christians are so eagerly seeking the light of God's Word to interpret passing events and to forecast the dawning future, so pregnant with tremendous import to all mankind, this book comes as a soothing, satisfying draught from the fountain of all truth, knowledge and wisdom. Every earnest seeker after truth, every sincere student of the Bible, will do well to secure a copy of this remarkable book at once and enjoy the feast of fat things which it contains. SAALFIELD & FITCH, Publishers, No. 12 Bible House, New York City. Leatherette Binding, 350 pages, 50 cents. |