« CVBBS: Expert Book Advice
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11/01/2012
Dear Pastor Steve,
What are the pecularities, differences, and intended purpose of each one of these theological masterpieces of the Puritans? William Ames' "The Marrow of Theology", Thomas Watson's "Body of Divinity", and Edward Fisher's "Marrow of Modern Divinity". Which one do you recommend to read first and what other similar works do you recommend? I am grateful for having your book expertise at CVBBS. May the Lord Bless you!
Pablo Martinez
Thank you Pablo for your kind encouragement and important questions. Let me try and answer them in order.
1.) As I understand the backgrounds of each, William Ames was a English Puritan who emigrated to Holland (The Netherlands) under persecution. The MARROW OF THEOLOGY was a basic Puritan theology for the time which was read by most of the Puritans and later by Jonathan Edwards. Thomas Watson's BODY OF DIVINITY was a commentary on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Edward Fisher's MARROW OF MODERN DIVINITY was more controversial, especially in Scotland where it's authorship was in question. The work was much appreciated by the "Marrow men", Scot's Presbyterians who thought the Church of Scotland was being given over to formalism and legalism.
2.) Which works do I recommend first? Of those three, Watson's would be easiest and clearest and bears reading again and again. Edited for later publication by Charles Spurgeon (as least the Banner edition), it is a true gem. Then I would read Ames and finally Fisher.
3. In reading the Puritans in general, one must remember the times in which they lived, the unique cultural battles they fought, the intellectual ferment in which they operated and ministered and wrote. Let me recommend some introductory works and then some specific Puritan starters.
a. INTRODUCTORY WORKS ON THE PURITANS
(While it is always most important to read the
Puritans themselves or whoever else you want
to learn about, it can be most helpful to get a
preliminary 'lay of the land' from those who know
and appreciate them.)
--Erroll Hulse, WHO ARE THE PURITANS? (and
what did they teach); Evangelical Press--very
good primer
--James Packer, A QUEST FOR GODLINESS (The
Puritan Vision of the Christian Life); Crossway--
a lifelong Puritan lover and miner, Packer has
put us all in his debt by introducing us to the
Puritans and keeping them before us over the
decades
--Leland Ryken, WORLDLY SAINTS (The Puritans
as They Really Were); Zondervan--now some-
what eclipsed by his son, Philip, Leland has
written so many good things on the genres of
biblical literature, Bible translation theory and
practice, and this great overview of the Puritans
--Martyn Lloyd-Jones, THE PURITANS; THEIR
ORIGINS AND SUCCESSORS; Banner of Truth--
addresses given at the Puritan Conference in
England over twenty years.
--Kelly Kapic and Randall Gleason, THE DEVOTED
LIFE (An Introduction to the Puritan Classics);
IVP--two modern scholars of the Puritan and
Reformed world have edited twenty great
contributions by scholars who know the
Puritans in general and also their favorites.
Contributors include James Packer on John
Bunyan, Mike Horton on Thomas Goodwin,
Leland Ryken on John Milton, Joel Beeke on
William Ames, Kelly Kapic on John Owen,
Sinclair Ferguson on John Flavel, Ligon Duncan
on Matthew Henry, Mark Noll on the poets
Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor, Philip
Ryken on Thomas Boston as well as other
scholarly luminaries on various Puritans.
--Robert P. Martin, A GUIDE TO THE PURITANS;
Banner of Truth--an A to Z of Puritan authors,
their works in print at the time of publishing,
what Scriptures and subjects they covered.
A goldmine for ready reference.
--Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson, MEET THE
PURITANS (with a guide to Modern Reprints);
Reformation Heritage--nearly 900 pages of
all things Puritan. A reference guide that ought
to be in each pastor's library.
--Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson, THE
THEOLOGY OF THE PURITANS; Reformation
Heritage--the bookend to the above volume.
Set out in the order of s systematic theology
with its loci of subjects, this will be the "go to"
volume for some time on what the Puritans in
general and in specifics taught. Just published!
b. PURITANS TO BEGIN WITH
--Mark Deckard, HELPFUL TRUTHS IN PAST
PLACES; Christian Focus/Mentor--shows how
the genius of John Flavel, Jeremiah Burroughs,
John Owen, John Bunyan, Jonathan Edwards,
William Bridge and Thomas Brooks can be
understood and applied today in a local church
setting--wise counsel for needy Christians. A
great read!
--PURITAN PAPERBACKS from Banner of Truth
the Banner of Truth has chosen to publish
many of the greatest and most accessible
Puritan works in a paperback format for wide
distribution. I would begin here myself and
begin to plumb the depths of several Puritans
before keying on one you especially like. There
are most than twenty five volumes in this
series and it is growing all the time.
--John Bunyan, THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS; Banner of Truth and other publishers--the classical Puritan account of the Christian journey from being lost to becoming found to arriving finally at heaven. Don't stop with part one for I find part two just as edifying. Read it aloud as a family and discuss it.
Well, this should keep you out of trouble and busy for some time. May these "giant redwoods" of the Christian faith, to use Packer's description, feed your soul and make you more useful to the Master in your lifetime.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 11:36:00 PM :: permalink
10/29/2012
Will you be carring Kingdon Through Covenant by Gentry & Wellum? This seems to be a significant work to help Reformed Baptists and their Reformed Infant Baptist friends close the gap in their theological and their practise of baptism.
David,
Thank you for your question. No, CVBBS will not.
From the reviews I have read, neither Reformed covenant theologians who are paedo-baptist or credo-baptist find the book as a whole compelling. It does have some good points but does not make enough of them to yet move the paedo-baptist or Reformed credo-baptist theologians from their current positions.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 04:09:00 PM :: permalink
10/18/2012
My grandson just turned 9 years old. I'd like to get him a "real" Bible for Christmas. Do you have any recomendations for a children's Bible appropriate for that age? Thanks. Marshall
Marshall,
Thank you for your question. I recommend the ESV CHILDREN'S BIBLE. It is a "real Bible" but with charts, diagrams, illustrations, etc. to help children. You can get it with a "plain" cover or one with a picture of Jesus and children.
May the Lord bless His Word to your grandson!
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 08:43:00 PM :: permalink
09/25/2012
Hello,
I'm in the process of trying to collect all the MacArthur New Testament Commentary books. I noticed there is no MacArthur commentary on the book of Mark. Could you recommend a good commentary on the book of Mark I can add to this collection?
Thank You,
Thomas
Thomas,
Thank you so much for your good question. I believe Mark's gospel was the last book of the New Testament that John MacArthur preached on in completing the New Testament exposition. He received a standing ovation from his congregation when he did. But it has not come into print yet.
A good alternative would be R. C. Sproul's exposition of Mark's gospel published by Reformation Trust. It is very good.
Now that Cumberland Valley Book Service is up and running again, we can answer your questions in a much more timely manner.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 01:22:00 PM :: permalink
09/23/2012
Steve,
Where should I start reading from J Gresham Machen, Cornelius Van Til, N.Stonehouse, John Murray, and Geerhardus Vos? What works do you recommend to read first for each of them. I appreciate your work and ministry at Cvbbs, thanks for your service for the kingdom.
Tonin
Tonin,
Thank you for your important question. What I will recommend to you is what I think you are asking from a reading laymen's point of view. If you are in the gospel ministry, please write back and I can adjust my recommendations.
J. Gresham Machen
THE NEW TESTAMENT: An Introduction to Its
History and Literature; Banner of Truth--great
place to begin a study of the N. T. and Machen.
GOD TRANSCENDANT; Banner of Truth
WHAT IS FAITH?; Banner of Truth
THE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF MAN; Banner of Truth
Three paperback books which show how clear
and biblical Machen was and how edifying to
believers.
Cornelius Van Til
THE DEFENSE OF THE FAITH; edited by Scott
Oliphint; P & R
CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS; edited by William Edgar;
P & R
These two edited editions of his seminal works
would be as good as any a place to begin reading
Van Til.
Ned Stonehouse
THE LIFE OF J. GRESHAM MACHEN; Banner of Truth
gives you a feel for Stonehouse's heart and
mind, not to mention Machen's.
John Murray
Iain Murray, THE LIFE OF JOHN MURRAY; Banner
of Truth--puts the man in context and gives you
a good feel for his heart and mind.
John Murray, REDEMPTION: ACCOMPLISHED AND
APPLIED; Eerdmans--starts off a bit slow and
ponderous but the last two thirds are much
easier going and all is very rich.
John Murray, PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT; Eerdmans
shows how Christian ethics are rooted in the
character and law of God. Good Forward by
James Packer.
Geerhardus Vos
REDEMPTIVE HISTORY AND BIBLICAL
INTERPRETATION; (The Shorter Writings of
Geerhardus Vos); P & R
BIBLICAL THEOLOGY; Banner of Truth
Vos, like Van Til, is not easy reading. These are the
two best places to begin reading Vos of his works
which are readily available.
Cumberland Valley Book Service is up and running again after some difficult months. We are sorry for the delay in our response but trust you understand. We shall be more prompt in our answers in the future, Lord willing.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 11:55:00 PM :: permalink
08/23/2012
Adam( waddle_j_adam@cat.com)
What is the best version of Gurnall's The Christian in Complete Armour?
Adam,
Thank you for your question. If you like an easier, more straight-forward read, the Banner of Truth paperback edition in 3 volumes is the best. If you are more of a purist and wish to wade through the older English, you can get the hardback one volume Banner edition.
I hope this helps.
As you know, Cumberland Valley Bible Book Service has been going through a difficult transition the past few months. We are up and running again and apologize for the delay in getting back to you. We shall be more prompt in our response in the future, Lord willing.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 09:49:00 AM :: permalink
08/21/2012
Your advice about study guides for our Bible study group has been outstanding over the years. My request today is for your recommendation for a study guide for the book of Romans. Thanks for taking the time.
Lynnora Ratliff
=================================
Lynnora,
Thank you for your kind encouragement. I recommend the short study by Stuart Olyott, THE GOSPEL AS IT REALLY IS; Evangelical Press.
Also, the indispensable study guide to the whole Bible is SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES; IVP. In print since the 1950's, it takes you through the entire Bible by asking questions of each paragraph, story, chapter. It gets you thinking and digging yourself and is VERY GOOD.
It has been produced by some of the best English and American Bible students, pastors and IVP workers.
I apologize for the lateness of this response. As you may know, Cumberland Valley went through a time of difficult transition and is only now up and running again. We shall seek to be more prompt in the future with our answers to your questions, Lord willing.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 01:43:00 PM :: permalink
I am looking for a solid work on puberty for a young boy. I know puberty is not a Biblical term, but I am looking for a book that addresses those issues from a Biblical perspective. Thank you.
Mark
Mark,
Thank you for your important question.
Jane Graver, HOW YOU ARE CHANGING (ages 8-11);
Concordia
Rich Bimler, SEX AND THE NEW YOU; (ages 11-14);
Concordia
Concordia ia an old, reliable Missouri Synod Lutheran Church publishing house (conservative, Protestant).
I apologize at the slowness of response. As you may know, Cumberland Valley Books when through a difficult transition the past few months and is only now up and running again. We shall try to be timely and prompt with our answers to questions as we move forward, Lord willing.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 10:41:00 AM :: permalink
08/16/2012
Pastor Steve,
I'm about to enter a new sphere of ministry that the Lord has opened the door for: hospital chaplaincy. Can you recommend any good books to equip me for the task?
Thank you.
Jeff
Jeff,
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, I do not know of any books written by and for evangelicals on hospital chaplaincy. There are several books on the subject by non-evangelicals but none that I know of by evangelicals. Should that change I will try and let you know.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 09:55:00 AM :: permalink
08/15/2012
Two questions: Is there a bio on Ulrich Zwingli that you would recommend (comparable to Bainton's on Luther?) I'm trying to purchase Thomas Manton's commentary on Psalm 119 without purchasing the entire Works. Is it in one of the 3 vols' of banner's edition? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you my fellow bibliophile.
Matt
Matt,
Thank you for your good questions.
1. J. H. Merle D'Aubigne; FOR GOD AND HIS PEOPLE
(Ulrich Zwingli and the Swiss Reformation); Bob
Jones University Press--J. H. Merle D'Aubigne was
THE great writer of Reformed and Protestant church
history of the early 19th century. His writing style
is compelling and this would be the best place to
start. (His theology is better than Bainton's and his
prose is almost as good.)
2. Only two of the three volumes of Thomas Manton
on Psalm 119 are available in the States from
Banner of Truth. It is not clear at this time if it will
be reprinted.
I apologize for the late response to your questions. As you probably know, Cumberland Valley Book Service
went through a difficult transition the past few months and is only now back up and running. In the future we hope to process your questions in a prompt and timely fashion, Lord willing.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 11:16:00 PM :: permalink
08/13/2012
Hello -
I am trying to find good history books with the correct Christian facts about how history really unfolded - not someone's modern day suppositions - anything from the Civil War until present times. I would like it to be on an adult level - I know that there are some great homeschooling texts but I'd prefer something geared towards adults. I have so appreciated your book advice through the years - thank you for your servant heart! Blessings to you in Christ,
Kelli
Kelli,
Thank you for your question. I am sorry but there are no single volumes which attempt to do what you are asking.
The following books do offer some help toward this end.
Mark Noll, A HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE
UNITED STATES AND CANADA; Eerdmans--
weaves church history and secular history
together in a readable format.
Iain H. Murray, REVIVALS AND REVIVALISM (The
Making and Marring of American Evangelicalism);
Banner of Truth--shows how things declined
spiritually in the American church during the first
half of the 19th century, setting the stage for
the sharp decline of the 2nd half (post Civil War).
(As the churches go, so goes the nation!)
Iain H. Murray, THE FORGOTTEN SPURGEON; Banner
of Truth--the greatest preacher in the English
speaking world of the 19th century, what was
going on in his lifetime and how he made an
impact. You can extrapolate easily to the
American scene!
Francis Schaeffer, HOW SHOULD WE THEN LIVE?;
Revell--a helpful overview to understand the
downgrade in western civilization in the past
century plus.
Iain H. Murray, D. MARTYN LLOYD-JONES (The First
Forty Years); Banner of Truth
Iain H. Murray, D. MARTYN LLOYD-JONES (The Fight
of Faith); Banner of Truth
These two volumes give a great overview not
only of a great and much used man of God, but
show the cultural situation in Britain and North
America between 1920's and 1970's and how
things declined in both.
Iain Murray, EVANGELICALISM DIVIDED (A Record of
Crucial Change in the Years 1950-2000);
Banner of Truth--how and why evangelicalism
has changed so much in the past 50 years in
America and Britain.
Francis Schaeffer, THE GREAT EVANGELICAL
DISASTER; Crossway--shows how the
"evangelicals" have lost their bearings in so
many ways and how our churches changed and
our nation changed as a result.
While these are not everything one might read, you would be far wiser and more spiritually prepared in living and serving God as an American Christian.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 08:33:00 PM :: permalink
Dear Pastor Steve,
Are you aware of any books that address music in corporate worship? There is a move in some churches to incorporate the use of modern "choruses" and "praise songs". I prefer the old hymns, but would like to know if someone has examined this issue from a theological/scriptural perspective? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Dan
Dan,
Thank you for your question. There are several helpful resources. I recommend the following:
T. David Gordon, WHY JOHNNY CAN'T SING HYMNS;
P & R--from the perspective of a N. T. scholar
and a professor of Media Ecology (i.e. how the
media which surrounds each of us impacts our
culture and how we live)
Phillip Graham Ryken, Derek Thomas and Ligon
Duncan, EDS; GIVE PRAISE TO GOD (A Vision
For Reforming Worship); P & R--many excellent
chapters relating to your questions.
D. G. Hart and John R. Muether, WITH REVERENCE
AND AWE (Returning to the Basics of Reformed
Worship); P & R--ditto my comments on the
above noted book
Allen P. Ross, RECALLING THE HOPE OF GLORY
(Biblical Worship From the Garden to the New
Creation); Kregel--outstanding overview of the
development and flow of worship in the unfolding
revelation of the Scriptures.
These should get you started and lead you to other fruitful resources.
I apologize for the slow response to your questions. As you probably know, Cumberland Valley Book Service went through a difficult transition for several months. We are just now up and running again. We desire to be prompt to respond more rapidly in the days ahead.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 12:39:00 PM :: permalink
08/05/2012
Is there a commentary on Proverbs that is Christ-centered and would be appropriate for a father and son to study together before the son graduates from high school?
Thanks,
Glenn
Glen,
Thank you for your good question. I recommend the following:
Anthony Selvaggio, A PROVERBS-DRIVEN LIFE; P & R
Just what you are looking for, I believe.
Derek Kidner, PROVERBS (IVP Old Testament
Commentary Series); IVP--the best short
commentary on Proverbs by a great Old
Testament scholar.
I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you. As you may know by now, Cumberland Valley Book Service went through a difficult transition the past few months and is only not getting up and running. We shall be prompt and get back to you in a more timely manner in the days ahead. Thank you for your patience.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 09:11:00 AM :: permalink
06/25/2012
Hi Steve,
Which books do you most highly recommend on the subject of depression? I'm especially interested in those that might medically (and sensitively) address the struggle that many have with a long history of anti-depressant drug use.
Thanks for your ministry to us.
Pat
Pat,
Thank you for your question. I recommend the following:
Jim Winter, DEPRESSION: A RESCUE PLAN; Day One
Publications--pastor/counselor shows how the
resources of the believer, including the Lord's
Day, play important roles in helping those with
depression.
Ed Welch, DEPRESSION: LOOKING UP FROM THE
STUBBORN DARKNESS; New Growth Press--a
most valuable help in dealing with the depressed.
Dr. Laura Hendrickson, Elyse Fitzpatrick, and Nancy
Leigh DeMoss; WILL MEDICINE STOP THE PAIN?
(Finding God's Healing for Depression, Anxiety
and Other Troubling Emotions); Moody Press
May the Lord use these to lead you to more helpful
truth as you minister in His Name.
I apologize for the lateness in getting back to you. As you probably know by now, Cumberland Valley Book Service went through a difficult transition for several months and is only now up and running again. We desire to be prompt and timely in future answers to questions.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 12:10:00 PM :: permalink
06/23/2012
My two girls (ages 10 and 8) are looking for books to read this summer. I would like to see them read good christian literature that helps them in their walk, what do you recommend.
John
John,
Thank you for your question. I am sorry that the summer is over and your question went unanswered. As you may know by now, Cumberland Valley went through a difficult transition since May and is only now up and running again. We shall try to answer your questions in a timely manner in the future.
For girls, the MANDY series of books is good and right at the age group of your daughters. So also the CHRONICLES OF NARNIA by C. S. Lewis are good for that age also. Irene Howat has put girls in her debt by her three excellent volumes from Christian Focus Publication: TEN GIRLS WHO MADE DIFFERENCE, TEN GIRLS WHO CHANGED THE WORLD; TEN GIRLS WHO MADE HISTORY.
Again, I apologize for the late response. But Christmas books of this quality are always welcome gifts!
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 11:43:00 PM :: permalink