Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 96:381 (Jan 1939)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

BSac 96:381 (Jan 39) p. 117

Book Reviews

Taking Men Alive. By Charles G. Trumbull, Litt.D. Revell, New York. 196 pp. $1.00.

This is a textbook on the problems that arise in the experience of the personal worker in the line of methods to be employed. The book is inspired by a volume, Individual Work for Individuals, which was written many years ago by Dr. Henry Clay Trumbull, the father of the author of this volume. The chapter titles suggest the scope of the work: I. The Work We are Facing; II. The Worker and his Equipment; III. Need of a Life-Resolve; IV. Winning at the Start; V. Seeking Common Interests; VI. The Place of the Bible in this Work; VII. Conviction Better than Discussion or Argument; VII. Encouragements and Incentives; IX. How our Lord Worked, and X. The Principles Reviewed.

This book is designed to be used in training classes as well as an instruction to individuals. Every help possible has been added-instruction to class leaders, questionnaires after each chapter, and a copious index. The book is unique in its inspiring appeal and cannot fail to set many to work in the greatest of all services, but will enrich those already active in this field as to their method of work. Few books will be found as well gotten up to serve their purpose as Taking Men Alive.

Dr. Charles G. Trumbull has lived and is living in the realities his so valuable book presents. This is one of the secrets of its appeal.

The message of this book is not all that is needed for a fruitful ministry as personal worker. It covers the general ground of method in that work. The soul-winner will do well, of course, to study to be clear, simple, and accurate in the presentation of the gospel of Christ on whom the faith of those who are unsaved must rest. Both message and method are essential. May this book be the means of bringing thousands to know the most joyous service of winning souls.

L. S. Chafer

BSac 96:381 (Jan 39) p. 118

History and the Gospel. By C. H. Dodd. Chas. Scribner’s Sons, New York. 189 pp. $2.00.

Following by two years “The Parables of the Kingdom” this volume is calculated further to strengthen the reputation of the author, particularly in the field of the Gospels. On the theological side, the influence of Barthianism is discernible, for Dr. Dodd insists with almost prophetic fervor upon the Incarnation as a real movement into the stream of human history from above, but he is content to be hazy about the beginning and end of human history, accepting the Biblical portrayal of creation and final judgment as mythological. In the realm of the criticism of the Gospels, the author stresses the importance of the oral period, and applies the met...