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February 17, 1909. THE PRESBYTERI
and effort for the world for which Christ suffered and
died.
Dr. Chapman in his evangelistic campaign in Richmond
made earnest and repeated appeals to such linenrolled
Christians to come out from the world, with .
which they are now identified, and again take the
name of Christ. And all the churches arc having names
added of men and women who for a long time have
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"A STANDARD BIBLE DICTIONARY."
This is the title* of a new dictionary of the Bible
which is just issued by the Funk & Wagnails Co., of
New York. It is a book which fills a place different
from that of other Bible dictionaries. Most of them
select a limited number of geographical or historical
features and give full explanations of their various aspects.
This work aims rather to give a brief explanation
of a very large number of subjects. The editor has
taken the Concordance of the Bible as the basis of the
dictionary, and has made an effort to illuminate all the
important words found in the Concordance. In following
this line,, it throws light on many things that arc
omitted in other books. As we write our eye lights on
the word "doorkeeper," and we read, "It means simply
one w"ho lies or waits at the door of he sanctuary." And
again, "kerchief," is explained as "a head covering or
veil of some sort"; "pastor," the original term is- used
"as the equivalent of ruler."
We are specially pleased with the' maps in this volume.
They are very helpful. The illustrations are
much more useful than what we usually meet. Largely
they are reproductions of portraitures found on the
walls of Egypt and other eastern lands.
The work is under the guidance of able men. Dr.
Melancthon W. Jacobus is known all over the Church
as an able scholar, and Dr. Xenos, of the McCormick
Seminary at Chicago; gives to the work the advantage
of his early life and training in Greece.
And yet, this book is much better suited for the student
who can take its suggestions and weigh them, than
for the use of the Sunday school teacher, who wants
something to accept unquestioningly and on which to
lean. On many important doctrinal points, it is vague.
It seems to be trying to meet the tastes and wishes of
all denominations, rather than to enounce and demonstrate
clcarlv the exact ctat*? nf the racp TVmc i 4-Un
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article on baptism, it says, "administered in running
I water," "with a partial or entire submergence of the
I body," but "immersion of the body was often symbol1
ized by an ablution of a part as in the washing of the
I hands before meals (Luke 11:38, where baptizein is
I used}" and "an early modification of the form in the
I direction of sprinkling." Verily this is carrying water
I on both shoulders. Partial submergence is neither
S s rinkling nor immersion. And himself confesses that
I Luke 11:38 disproves the teaching of immersion. Yet
I he puts in a claim for immersion.
I In its treatment of the atonement, the Dictionary
I comes, so close to the truth of vicarious atonement as
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AN OF THE SOUTH. 3
to make us wonder why he does not squarely plant
himself on the true position, in his discussion of the
word "righteousness," all through the Dictionary, he
assumes that it means "right relations with God," instead
of giving to the word its full redemptive significance.
So with "justice," there is a lack of a grasp of
the rich significance of the word as used in the Old Testament.
Its treatment of the critical issues of the day is com
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jjcuctuvciy unci, out not very wise, in the prelace it
speaks of our English Bible, the version of King James,
as one which "still maintains a position of great respect
and considerable use." Alas, that any one should thus
belittle the version on which the great mass of our
people wisely rely for their spiritual growth. And in
its article on the Hexateuch it countenances the dissection
of Genesis and Exodus into "J" and "E" and "P,"
until we are wearied.
As a book that is full of instruction for those who
desire light on the meaning of particular expressions,
it is exceedingly valuable. Its defects lie in vagueness
upon matters of doctrine. The student will want it
upon his study table.
THE PRESBYTERIAN BROTHERHOOD OF
Under the auspices of the General Assembly, U. S.
A., is preparing for a great convention to be held February
23-25 in Pittsburg, Pa. An invitation is extended
to the brotherhood of all the Presbyterian bodies
in this country.
The purpose of the convention will be "to hear inspiring
addresses, to strengthen the devotional life, to
feel the impact of a great army of men intent upon advancing
the Master's kingdom, to share in the fellowship
of a mighty Christian fraternity and to consider
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relation to the needs, problems and program of the
Church."
Many well-known ministers and laymen will discuss
. these subjects, and there will be open parliament each
day for free and full consideration.
William F. Dalzell is chairman of the Pittsburg committee
on entertainment, and George D. Edwards is
secretary.
THE NATIONAL MODEL LICENSE LEAGUE.
The leader of the National Model License League,
the annual convention of which met a week or two agoin
Louisville, with an attendance of some five hundred
"delegates," appointed, we suppose, by saloons, dis
imeries, ana breweries, stated that among the men
who had been invited to the convention were many
ministers, all of whom indorsed the purposes and methods
of the league, but said that .they were afraid tocome
as they might be misunderstood. Very likely, as
to the reason, if true as to fact. The kind of ministers
who would endrose this liquor traffic league and its folly
of makfrig a "model saloon" is iust the kind who would
not have the courage to say what they think to be
right. Who would trust a minister like that?