Church Literature

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 30, Issue 5, 1 July 1939, Page 6

Church Literature

Helpful Instruction On The Scriptures

The Church Book Store has sent to the editor another set of S.P.C.K. publications for review. They are all obtainable at the Church Book Store, Wellington, at the prices; mentioned. One of the duties of the clergyis to read the Scriptures m public and to read them intelligently and most of us must admit that we do not take enough trouble to read really well. For that reason it would be good for us all to read: "How to Read the Bible Aloud," by R. S. T. Haslehurst (6/6). This excellent work, as he says, is written primarily for, laymen and ordinands,. but it should also be valued by the clergy who desire to make their ministrations acceptable and helpful. The good reader needs three gifts, a good voice well used, mental sympathy and spiritual sympathy. After discussing these qualities m detail the writer has three chapters on emphasis good and bad with illustrations from the Gospels and Epistles, a chapter on announcing the Lessons, reading public prayers and a list of proper names with their pronunciation. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this little book which should help us all m our reading. The clergy and parents are often seeking fresh illustrations for presenting the gospel truths to children. "After Trinity," by F. Barrie Flint (5/6) contains twenty-four talks to children on the Sunday Gospels.

They can be used either m Church or by the fireside. They are quite definite m their teaching and will contain m them new and fresh illustrations of the Gospels which should prove of value to those who are constantly having to prepare talks for children. . "Modern Illustrations of the Gospels," by P. C. Sands (4/-) is intended for Bible Classes. The introductory lessons show how wrong ideas of God cause people to suffer, hate and fear death. The next two sections are biographical sketches of Christian men of different races and colour, and there are two long sections with modern illustrations of the Doings and Sayings of Our Lord m the synoptic Gospels. THE CHRISTIAN FAITH There are three smaller books for confirmation candidates. "The Christian Life" by D. G. W. Harrison and S. F. Allison (2/6) is a Communicants' Manual a little out of the ordinary. It is m three parts, the first sets out the meaning of the Christian Faith and its implications for life; the second is concerned with the way In which that Christian life can be lived and the third is the service of Holy Communion with suggestions for the communicants' use. "Life, What Must I Think About It?" by Norman Hook (1/9) consists of a number of short letters to John, who , is any boy of fifteen or sixteen, to help him find his feet m regard to religion and to life generally. The letters are simply written m an easy style which should appeal to boys who are wanting to know where God and religion come into the scheme of things. Another little book for the same boys is "Follow My Leader," by D. Osborn Harm (1/9) which gives to them thoughts about their life from the time of confirmation. There are chapters on My Rule of Life, Bible Reading, Prayers, Communion and others, and an appendix of Morning and Evening Prayers and a Preparation for Holy Communion. In the "Youth Ask Questions" series mentioned last month there is a specially good pamphlet, "Can We Now Believe," by J. R. Lamb (sd) which should help not only youth : but adults to find Gtod through the Church of Christ.— S.R.d.