And finally, a selection of classic titles to digest and treasure, and a pair of titles on finding contentment in the life the Lord has given us.
Alexander Moody Stuart: A Memoir, Kenneth Moody Stuart (2023)
There are few ministerial biographies that equal this one for insight and inspiration for the Christian reader.
The subject may not be known to many, but in his own day Alexander Moody Stuart was a prominent and popular figure in the Free Church, and in Scotland in general. Those better remembered in the present, such as Andrew Bonar and Robert Murray M’Chyene, looked up to Moody Stuart as a spiritual father. His searching, experiential preaching would inspire a younger generation to follow in his homiletical footsteps (not least Alexander Whyte), whilst his warm-hearted, Christ-enraptured piety contributed to the tone and temperature of the period’s evangelical spirituality.
Principal John Macleod, another name formerly renowned in every Free Church household and now far less so, said of this book that “there are few ministerial biographies that are better worth reading”. This edition, re-typeset in a handsome volume by the Banner of Truth, has been wonderfully augmented by the addition of helpful notes from the publisher, which greatly enhance and enrich one’s understanding of the body of the text.
One of the great attractions of the book is its variety: from Moody Stuart’s young days as a missionary on Holy Island in the midst of a cholera outbreak, and his ministry in Ireland during the potato famine, to his tireless work for the conversion of the Jews over many decades, and his endeavours to strengthen the Reformed churches in Hungary and Bohemia, the spheres of Moody Stuart’s labours offer fascinating insight not only into the man but the times and places where his lot was cast.
Amidst this great variety, however, there is one constant, and that is his long and greatly blessed ministry in Free St. Luke’s in Edinburgh. It spanned much of the period from the Disruption to the end of the 19th century, and played a significant role in the spiritual life of the capital and the country as a whole. It was said of his ministry that it was more akin to that of John Kennedy of Dingwall than of his Edinburgh contemporaries, who were known for their erudition and eloquence, whilst Moody Stuart was less polished but more pointed in his probing application of the word of God to the hearts of his hearers.
If you would know the Free Church better, where it came from and what it ought to stand for, this book will fill in many blanks and heighten your appreciation for our heritage. If you would be stirred by what God can do in and through a man who has utterly yielded himself to him and his Christ, look no further. If you are spiritually cold and would be warmed by the fire of a fellow child of God’s burning ardour for his Saviour, then read this book. Charles Haddon Spurgeon said of Moody Stuart, “He has poetry in his soul and, beyond that, a heart like that of Rutherford, fired with love to the Altogether Lovely One.” Surely such a commendation is reason enough to immerse yourself in this volume, and may its long-awaited reissue be a blessing to the church in our day.
Robin Gray, Gardenstown New Church
In the Power of the Spirit, John Calvin (2024)
This book consists of 18 sermons from the gospels preached towards the end of Calvin’s ministry and translated into English for the first time. The use of modern English reveals (in a way that can be hidden in older translated material) Calvin as a caring pastor who was an excellent communicator to the person in the pew. The theologian who could write at great length was just as able to be succinct in getting his message across in a much simpler preached form. He draws out solid doctrine and practical advice on Christian living from Jesus’ daily ministry, teaching and interactions with ordinary people and with the devil when he was tempted in the wilderness. These sermons reveal a warm-hearted pastor who was very concerned for the well being of his people and who could easily draw on a range of scriptural examples to illustrate his points and get his message across. Well worth a read.
Duncan Macpherson, North Harris Free Church
The Great Rescue, R.C. Sproul (2024)
Any book by the late Dr. R. C. Sproul (1939-2017) is usually worth reading. Sproul’s influence on Evangelicalism continues through Ligonier Ministries, which broadcasts and publishes his sermons and writings. This booklet, published in 2024 is an abridgment of a larger book, Saved from What? (Crossway, 2010 and Ligonier Ministries, 2021) and is a nice, easy read at 62 pages long.
The book consists of 3 chapters – Saved from What? Saved by What? and Saved for What? Do not be deceived by the shortness of the book, as this book deals with one of the weightiest issues of the Christian Faith, namely that what we are saved from is as important as we are saved unto.
Saved from What? is about what sin is and why we need to be saved from sin. In a society that trivialises sin, it is important for us to understand the “severity of sin”. As Sproul writes “As long as we discount the severity of our sin, we sense no fear of God… To be a sinner doesn’t seem a serious matter… After all, “to err is human, to forgive, divine.” The adage almost drips with the assumption that since God is divine, He is obligated to forgive us. Saved by What? is an excellent chapter dealing with a number of big theological words and concepts in a manner that makes them simple to grasp and understand. Subtopics include sin as debt, enmity and crime; substitution and satisfaction; expiation and propitiation; atonement and justification. Saved for What? covers death and the afterlife and is an equally good read.
Dr Sproul’s ability to simplify important theological terms and ideas for the non-specialists will be welcomed by young people and new Christians. Furthermore, his thought-provoking style will provide a good source for group discussions.
Jenson Lim, Dunblane Free Church
You Have A Calling, Karen Swallow Prior (2025)
You Have A Calling might be a small book, but it packs a mighty punch. Tackling head-on the phenomena of vocation, work and passion, the author leads the reader straight back to the only calling that truly matters; the one from Jesus. Highly recommended for personal use or small group reading – by either men or women.
Miriam Montgomery, Free Church Books
A Call to Contentment: Pursuing Godly Satisfaction in a Restless World, David Kaywood (2024)
We all desire contentment in our lives and as Christians we know that it is only found in Jesus, yet so often we don’t live as if we are content, this book is very relevant and gives a clear ‘call’ to pursue contentment.
The book is split into 3 parts. The first part is about understanding contentment, what it is, what it isn’t and how to learn it! Part 2 is about applying contentment in our lives; he focuses on 3 main areas of life – Money & Possessions; Pain & Suffering; Success & Work. In each section he explores, through scripture, and practical guides how to find contentment in these areas.
For Example, in the Pain & Suffering section he writes on the question often put ‘Why does God allow suffering’ and suggests a better way to frame the question is to see pain and suffering as given by God, like when Paul was given a thorn in the flesh: “For me, words like ‘send’ or ‘give’ better help me to see God’s hand in my pain.”
Part 3 is on Cultivating Contentment. This covers areas of sanctification, as well as the sovereignty, goodness & providence of God. Then there follows a set of “Rules for Contentment” – practical steps to take to work contentment into your life e.g. counting God’s mercies, guarding your heart, involvement in a local church etc. At the back of the book there are a set of questions on each chapter which could be used for discussion if reading the book as a church or group.
A clear, biblical and timely call to spiritual contentment.
Fiona Talbot, Plockton & Kyle Free Church