Concol2()io Theological Mont I JANUARY 1950 BOOK REVIEW All books reviewed in this periodical may be procured from or through Concordia Publishing House, 3558 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis 18, Missouri. NOTES ON THE NEW TESTAMENT, EXPLANATORY AND PRACTICAL. By Albert Barnes. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids 6, Mich. Vol. IV (Romans), 344 pages. Vol. V (1 Corinthians), 337 pages. Vol. VI (2 Corinthians, Galatians), 400 pages. Vol. VII (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians), 288 pages. Vol. VIn (1 Thessalonians to Philemon), 314 pages. Vol.IX (Hebrews), 328 pages. Vol.X (James to Jude), 404 pages. All volumes 9x6. $3.00 each. These durably and handsomely made-up seven volumes of Barnes' Notes complete the series with the exception of one, which is soon to appear, the Notes on Revelation. The student of the Bible will miss in these Notes the latest results of critical, historical, and exegetical New Testament research, but the deep spiri ual warmth, the unfeigned faith and piety, the ~ v i d e and wise application of Scripture truths to the Christian life, the sincere devotional piety, the fine grasp and understanding of the textual import, and other attractive features endear them to the conservative student of God's Word. Barnes' exegetical notes are not merely superficial remarks, but the mature fruits of long and profound Scripture studies, aided by outstanding (for the greater part Reformed) commentaries, as, for example, those of Calvin, Doddrige, Rosenmueller, Tholuck, etc. Lutherans, of course, cannot agree to all interpretations in the books, but there is so much in them that is instructive and inspiring that they will not regret their having placed this fine new edition of Barnes' Notes on their bookshelves. JOHN THEODORE MUELLER THE PASTOR'S POCKET MANUAL FOR HOSPITAL AND SICKROOM. By Edmund Holt Babbitt. Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, New York and Nashville. 160 pages, 6X4. $1.75. This little volume aims to assist particularly the young pastor to carry on a more effective ministry to the sick. After presenting some rather obvious as well as some very helpful suggestions on decorum and techniques, it brings a copious assortment of choice Bible texts for various situations as well as prayers, hymns, and poems for general and special use. Four complete orders for the administration of the Lord's Supper are added, including that taken from the U. 1. C. A. Common Service Book. Its chief value for our pastors would be that fine selection of Scripture readings comprising forty-four pages, suitably arranged under proper captions. O. E. SOH].T 77 78 BOOK REVIEW ALTARS THAT ALTER. By Wm. D. Streng. Ernst Kaufmann, Inc., New York. 48 pages. 7 % X 51/t!. 60 cents. This booklet is apparently intended as a gift by a church or pastor to young people at the time when their marriage is announced. It aims to set forth the requirements for, and blessings of, a Christian marriage and gives information and directives concerning the ceremony, the family altar, and private worship as well as on the social and sexual side of marriage. There is a liberal list of suitable musical selections, both organ and vocal, as well as a bibliography of supplementary literature. There is no doubt that a careful perusal of this booklet will give useful direction to the newly betrothed. O. E. SOHN KEEPING YOUR CHURCH IN THE NEWS.-KEEPING YOUR CHURCH INFORMED. By W. Austin Brodie. Vols. I and II of Church Publicity Handbooks. Fleming H. Revell Co., New York, 1942 and 1944. 125 pages. $1.50. These books, though small, are most useful introductions to the tasks of news writing and intra-church publicity, for which many pasrors are quite unprepared. The first book takes up news for the public press, news writing, press relations, and ~ p e c i a ! phases of publicity for campaigns, ('onventions, and individuals. The little chapter on pictures is very fine. The second book describes direct mail, printed church organs and other materials, mechanics of duplication, and mailing lists. Pastors will find it wise to have these books on hand for themselves and for the use of volun-teer or professional helpers. RICHARD R. CAEMMERER VINE AND BRANCHES. By Martin B. Hellriegel. Pio Decima Press, St. Louis, Mo. Volume I. 1945. 317 pages, 3% XS1/t!. $4.00. The author of this volume, a member of the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church in St. Louis, Mo., enjoys a nation-wide reputation as an authority in the field of Roman Catholic liturgiology. In America he is among the chief proponents for presenting the Roman Mass in the vernacular of the people, his interests and activities being very much like those of Pius Parsch and others in Europe. The volume presently under discussion is the first of two volumes of homilies and meditations on the church year. Monsignor Hellriegel is by no means superficial and pompous. He knows how to speak to the heart, his style is simple and his appeal straightforward; his meditations reveal warmth, sincerity, and understanding. As Lutherans we can by no means subscribe to everything he says. We regret the mariolatrous character of not a few pages and paragraphs, e. g., quoting the words of a collect, he says on p. 52: "grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience the intercession of her, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the author of life, Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord"; we regret likewise such statements as "With his free will man will decide for the path of sin or for the path of justice; BOOK REVIEW 79 either for death or for life" (p.1l4) and "In the bread, in the wine, we bring ourselves, all that we are, and all that we have, so that all may become ONE Sacrifice in and with Christ, the King of Kings" (p. 64). However, On many pages we find also the pure unadulterated Gospel and emphatic disclaims of man's own righteousness and worthiness before the throne of God. The Scriptures are happily quoted profusely, however, not in translation of the King James Version; much liturgical literature of the Christian Church is likewise quoted. The beautiful loftiness of expression found in the Holy Scriptures as well as in liturgical literature has clearly influenced Msgr. Hellriegel's style and spirit of expression and contributes substantially to the value of his book. WALTER E. BUSZIN LIFT Up YOUR HEARTS! By Ruby Lornell. Augustana Book Concern, Rock Island, Ill., 1949. 63 pages, 5Y2X8. 60 cents. A fine little manual, which may be perused and read with profit by our laity in particular. The liturgical problems treated, as well as those of church architecture, are presented in a manner which is thoroughly constructive and enjoyable. Some of the chapter headings are: The Nave, the Chancel, the Sanctuary, the Church Year, Vestments, Symbolism, the Morning Worship, the Celebration of Holy Communion, Other Liturgies. The discussion of the Morning Worship is based on the Liturgy used in churches of the Augustana Synod, which differs somewhat from our Communion Liturgy. Though some oblect to a surplice being worn over a black robe, the photographic illustrations of the book are excellent. WALTER E. BUSZIN SPIRITUAL LAWS AND SPIRITUAL KINGDOMS. By Gottlieb Jooss. Heinrich Fahrer, Heidelberg, U. S. Zone. 207 pages, 5% X 8 ~ . $2.50. This book is written by a layman who is a mining engineer by trade, but who has made a hobby out of the study of comparative religion. In Romania, Russia, and Indonesia he had the opportunity of becoming acquainted with various kinds of religions, but after returning from abroad he bought a hardware shop in the city of Mannheim and settled down as a businessman. Jooss, who styles himself an amateur theologian, gives separate chapters to Moses and the Prophets, Zoroaster, Buddha, Confucius, Toaists, Hinduism, Mohammed, the Greeks, the Romans, and several chapters to Christ, the Christian Church, the Sermon on the Mount, and to Prayer, including forms from the Roman Church. Extensive specimens of the materials included in the sacred books of these religions are quoted. This book may serve as a brief compendium of the leading thoughts of the world's various religions, but is hardly usable as a textbook on comparative religion. There are quite a few misspelled words, typographical errors, and German grammatical forms in English dress. E. C. ZIMMERMANN 80 BOOK REVIEW BOOKS RECEIVED From Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, Mo.: SEEING THINGS TOGETHER. By Albert V. Maurer and Herbert H. Gross. 50 cents. From A bingdon-Cokesbttry Press, New York: STORIES FOR JUNIOR WORSHIP. By Alice Geer Kelsey. 159 pages, 5Y4,X7Y2. $1.25. From Augsburg Pt.blishing Ho,ue, Minneapolis, Minn.: THE CHILD IN YOUR MIDST. Ten Studies in Understanding Children. By Raymond M. Olson. 88 pages, 5 X 7%. Paper cover. 40 cents. TAKE UP THY CROSS. By Arndt 1. Halvorson. 122 pages, 5YzX8. $1.50. THAT You MAY KNOW. By Ernest B. Steen. A study in the Gospel according to St. Luke. 95 pages, 8 Yz X 11. $1.00. From Augustana Book Concern, Rock Island, Ill.: A BIBLE HISTORY. For Schools, Confirmation Classes, and Homes. Prepared by J. Vincent Nordgren. 212 pages, 6 X 8 ; ~ . $1.50. From The John A. Hertel Co., Chicago, Ill.: BEAUTIFUL BIBLE STORIES. By Rev. Chades P. Roney. Rev. Wilfred G. Rice, Collaborator. 704 pages, 6X8%. From National News, Pittsburgh, Pa.: THE BIBLE IN YOUR LIFE. By John Zoman. 126 pages, 6X9. $1.00. From Thomas Nelson & Sons, New York: UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES. A Study Manual for Use with the Revised Standard Version of the New Testament. By Montgomery]. Shroyer. 64 pages, 5 Yz X 8. Paper cover, 50 cents. From Philosophical Library Inc., New York: GUIDING HUMAN MISFITS. A Practical Application of Individual Psychology. By Alexandra Adler. 114 pages, 4%X7Y4,. $2.75. From The Warner Press, Anderson, Ind.: CHALK TALK MADE EASY. By William A. Bixler. 128 pages, 5 Y4, X 7 %. $1.25. How TO PICTURE HYMNS WITH CHALK. By William A. Bixler. 94 pages, 6X8Y2. $1.00. From The Wartburg Press, Columbus, Ohio: FAITH SERVES. 48 pages, 5 Y4, X 71;2. Paper cover, 30 cents. From Wetzel Publishing Co.} Inc.} Los Angeles, Calif.: FASCINATING BIBLE PLAYS. By Betty 1. Gabrielson. 195 pages, 5X7%. $2.00. From Zondervan Publishing House, Gt'and Rapids, Mich.: BASIC QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR. By Leonard Greenway. 114 pages, 5Y2X8. $l.50.