GPS-16-Testimonials

    In presenting the THIRD edition of this work to the public, it is deemed proper to present, with it, a few extracts of notices of former editions by the PRESS; and by distinguished men deemed competent to decide upon the merits of the work.

TESTIMONIES OF THE PRESS

The Christian Quarterly, after naming the subjects treated, says: “These subjects are discussed with great plainness and genera marked abil­ity. Want of space will not permit us to point out special features; but we have no hesitation in saying that the work, as a whole, is worthy to be studied—not simply read, and then laid aside, but carefully and earnestly studied. It will, we think, be specially acceptable to young preachers and Sunday-School teachers, as it condenses a large amount of valuable infor­mation from books accessible to only a favored few. While not so preten­tious as many works upon the subjects of Anthropology and Soteriology, to the general reader it will be found to contain several advantages over all other works of its kind. It is simple in its arrangement, sufficiently compre­hensive in treatment, and relies chiefly on the Word of God to settle all disputed questions.” The Gospel Advocate says: “Bro. Brents is a popular writer for the com­mon people. They read his writings gladly, because they understand them readily. The treatment of his subjects is his own. No man has a more marked individuality as a thinker and writer than Bro. Brents. His associa­tion of subjects is also his own. Then the book occupies a place of its own in Christian literature.... There is a fuller examination of the subject of baptism, and a more copious collection of authorities on this subject than can be found elsewhere.... It is opportune that such full authorities should be presented. We then commend heartily the circulation of the book among all classes who can be induced to read it. It will build up and strengthen the faith of the Christian. It will do much to convince the unbeliever and silence the gainsayer.” The Southern Christian Weekly says: “We have not had the work long enough to examine it thoroughly; but we have known Bro. Brents for a number of years, both as a preacher and writer, and have long been famil­iar with his method of handling most of the subjects treated in his book. He is a fine reasoner and a good writer. This work is written in a clear, forcible, nervous style—is both readable and instructive, and will, no doubt, prove of incalculable value in clearing away erroneous doctrines which now form one of the chief hindrances to many in receiving and obeying the Gospel. We hope the book will meet with a ready reception, and that it may be widely circulated, and thus enabled to accomplish the good it is so well calculated to do. The mechanical execution and material are, in every way, good enough.” “We have not time to enter at large upon an examination of the ques­tions of the work before us. Its style is simple, clear, and natural to the author. The author’s heart is loyal to the cause of the Bible as the only source of sound religious instruction. The work is admirably adapted to the average understanding and intelligence of men, and is thus fitted to accomplish a grand work among the masses of men; we heartily commend it to the brotherhood as one of the best books for their own reading, and for distribution among those who may be willing to be informed concern­ing our religious teaching.” Christian Examiner. The American Christian Review says: “It is a neatly printed and well bound volume of 667 pages, in good style. The work contains the pith of near a lifetime of thought, much reading and extended experience touching the matters treated, with all the doctrinal difficulties, perplexities, and con­fusion that He in the way. He has, with a master hand, met, traced out, and explained the greatest difficulties, and, with the utmost patience and in the most laborious manner, cleared away the perplexities and confusion that have kept thousands out of the kingdom of God, and are now keeping thousands, who honestly desire to be Christians, out of Christ. The work is decidedly well written. It enters into the matter item by item, and clears up difficult questions Lying in the path of every man striving to spread the gospel, and deals with them in a most safe and reliable manner, and makes the truth gleam out at every angle. After clearing away the difficulties it enters its main work, the ’Plan of Salvation,’ and the Gospel plan at that. He finds no ’Mosaism’ nor ’Legalism’ in his way, nor Pauline gospel. The gospel of Christ is sufficient for him. We are rejoiced that this book has appeared, and hope it will be extensively read. If our young men desire to understand the gospel, and know how to present it to others so that they can understand it, believe it and be saved by it, they can do no better than to obtain this book, and not only read it, but study it.” The Apostolic Times, though dissenting from the chapter on the fore­knowledge of God, says: “This entire work is well adapted to the minds of the masses of the people, for whom it was especially written, and it will be read with avidity and delight by thousands. We anticipate for it a large and continuous circulation, and we commend it as a work well worthy of the careful study of our brethren, and of extensive circulation among the thoughtful of other churches and of no church.” The Bible Index says: ’It is carefully written, and in good English. The author does not rely very much upon his logic to establish the conclu­sions which he draws, but rather upon the supreme and final authority of the Holy Scriptures, to which he makes constant reference. In the initial chapters he takes in hand, Predestination, Election, and Reprobation, He­reditary Depravity, etc., and before he gets through with these illogical and anti-scriptural dogmas, there is no breath left in them. They are utterly demolished. And we do earnestly recommend those who are troubled with these creations of the sect-thirst, or have friends or acquaintances so afflicted, to buy and read, or cause to be read, Bro. Brents’ book. The identity of the Church, faith, repentance, and baptism— as to what it is and the proper subject—the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the operation of the Holy Spirit, and the witness of the Holy Spirit are all dealt with in a critical and thorough manner, Without a more careful reading than we have yet been able to bestow on the latter portions, we are not prepared to say that all Bro. Brents’ conclusions are incontrovertible; but we do earnestly admire the re­spectful style with which he treats the views which it is his duty to refute, and especially the respects, so uncommon, which he displays for the very words of the Scriptures. He does not attempt to jump at a meaning, but is careful to deduce it directly from the words used according to the recog­nized rules of interpretation, without regard to the consequences to which such a course may lead. These are our impressions of this book and we shall therefore take pleasure in knowing that it has secured the large de­mand which its intrinsic merits deserve.” “We call the attention of our readers to this work and ask them to ex­amine it. Bro. Brents is a forcible writer, and he deals with vital questions in the work named. The great questions that distinguish us from other religionists are investigated, and there is a compendium of useful informa­tion on these points. The publishers have done their work well, as they always do.”—The Christian, of Louis, Mo. “This book is admirable for its correctness of views, its plainness of style, and is adapted for a hand book for young ministers and others wish­ing an easy compend upon these important elementary principles. We heartily commend it, too, for family reading and a work to be placed in the hands of those untaught upon these themes.”—The Evangelist, Oskaloosa, Iowa. “As a clear and skillful disposition of disputed and knotty points in the­ology, the book has decided value. The author’s style is perspicuous and forcible, and he shows a large acquaintance with the Scriptures as well as ability to unfold their meaning and rescue them from false interpretations. . . . To all who are embarrassed with Calvinistic teaching this book ought to have special interest and value, as the author has studied that system of doctrines thoroughly and deals with it faithfully. On the question of Bap­tism, alike as regards action, subjects, and design, the book is a repository of testimonies and arguments sufficient to meet almost any want in that line, and furnishes, we judge, as cheap and satisfactory a collection of evi­dences as can be found. “It is not our purpose to review the chapters in which we are treated to original views and interpretations such as John 3:5, and Romans 8:29, or do more than express our dissent from interpretations given.... We have no doubt that it will have, as it deserves, a large sale.”—Christian Stan­dard. “We have examined the work with care, and read some of the chapters attentively, and regard it as a valuable work for all inquirers after truth, and specially for young preachers whose libraries are small and means limited. It embraces a large amount of valuable information, requiring extensive reading to collect, particularly on the subject of Baptism. The chapter on the ’Foreknowledge of God,’ as well as some other matters in the work, contains some statements liable to just criticism. Still the work is valuable on many accounts, and, on the whole, does credit to the author and the subjects discussed; and the disciples generally, and young preachers spe­cially, will find it an excellent compendium of religious information.”—The Watch Tower, New Berne, N.C.

EXTRACTS OF NOTICES BY DISTINGUISHED PREACHING BRETHREN.

IRA I. CHASE, Peoria, I11.: “I think I own the first copy sold north of the Ohio River. I am just delighted with it, especially Election and The Holy Spirit. I must be permitted to use the arguments almost verbatim Though strangers, personally, I feel quite well acquainted with you through your book. God bless you. May your book have GREAT SALE.” R. B. TRIMBLE, Mayfield, Ky.: “Your book is giving perfect satisfaction. I believe it to be THE BOOK of the brotherhood. I am sure it will more than meet the expectations of the brethren.” J. M. KIDWELL, Smithville, Tenn.: “Every one is delighted with it. I think the first four chapters are richly worth many times the price of the book; indeed I think the entire range of subjects well chosen, and brought so completely within comprehension of the ordinary reader that great good must result from it. You have also brought such an amount of critical re­search to bear on some of the leading questions of the day as will make it profitable to the student of the Bible.” W. C. HUFFMAN, Enon College, Tenn.: “It is more eagerly read, and its contents more universally approved than any book published among our brethren for many years. May the Lord bless you in your efforts to do good. Surely your investigations and publications must do great good for the cause of our Redeemer, and add bright stars to your crown.” WASHINGTON BACON, Tecumseh, Ala.: “I fear I think too highly of it. There is a vacuum in the literature of this reformation that your book most completely fills. There is no such work amongst us—it is just the thing; and you can use my name in any way you wish in its commendation—you can not exaggerate my estimation of it.” G. W. CONE, Newburg, Ark.: “I think the work is well done—variety and exhaustion well combined. It would be difficult to select five words in the English language more expressive of the book than the five given, ’THE GOSPEL PLAN OF SALVATION.’” DR. J. T. BARCLAY, Wheeler’s Station, Ala.: “Am really delighted with the work. It most happily supplies a vacuum in our literature long and seriously felt; and should it not have an extensive circulation I shall; be much surprised.” “I consider it the most thorough work of the kind I have ever read. The intelligent reader can not fail to be struck with the force and clearness with which it handles every subject, and on the subjects of baptism and the Holy Spirit the work is peculiarly excellent. I most heartily commend the work to all who feel interested in a clear and lucid exposition of the most important subjects connected with the scheme of salvation. “You will not find in it the speculative conclusions of an ingenious writer—but the clear and natural deductions of an exhaustive accumulation of Scriptural evidences adroitly linked together, so that the unbiased mind will naturally, easily, and almost, if not quite, unavoidably yield to the same conclusions. And to such minds many hitherto perplexed questions will forever be set at rest.”

DAVID ADAMS.

Pine Apple, Ala. “I consider it a prize work. It is simply powerful. It will take a high POSITION among the standard productions of the literature of the Current Reformation, and will live when the present generation has passed away. I am generally parsimonious, very parsimonious, in my recommendations of latest productions, but I can afford to be liberal in what I say of this work, which does its work respectfully and does it with a masterly hand. I arrive at the same conclusions with our talented brother on every topic, especially on what he calls ’Adam’s sin,’ on which I may hereafter write an essay if I am spared and feel able, as I am now poorly, and have been for several days past. If I did not possess a copy of this work, nor had the money to purchase it, I would labor and earn the money, and place it in my library, for he has routed the Pedobaptist forces, horse, foot, and dragoons, from their hiding-places. I will now make some statements relative to the baptismal controversy. But first I hope our brotherhood will consider the time, expense, labor, research, and learning necessary to the production of such a work, and not only feel grateful to Brother Brents but lessen the expense by taking a copy of the work, as well as to compensate him in some measure for his great mental and bodily labor, and be grateful that they have such a champion of truth in the South.”

JACOB CREATH.

Palmyra, Mo. “I would like to see your book in the hands of every man and woman in Tennessee. I would produce a shaking among the dry bones. It combines more of the elements of Christianity, and concentrates more of the facts, with a clearer view of the whole, than any book in the English language.”

E. R. OSBORNE.

Union City, Tenn. “Every young preacher should at once supply himself with a copy of The Gospel Plan of Salvation, and not only read, but study and digest its arguments. It contains an array of arguments, facts, and authorities nowhere else to be found in so small a compass. “The authorities may be relied on as correct. They are taken from the original, and not at second hand, as is often done. “I commend the book most heartily to our brotherhood, and to all who desire to understand the great themes of which it so clearly and fully

W. D. CARNES, President of Burritt College Spencer, Tenn.