I am a fan of Hugh Martin (1822-85). He did not write a lot, as far as I am aware, but the works I have - 'The Atonement' , his commentary on Jonah and expositions on Simon Peter - have satisfied at every level.
Recently I purchased 'The Abiding Presence' (Christian Focus, 2009) and read it over my holiday. It is a remarkable book. His starting point is the conjunction of the presence of Jesus with his people (Matt 28:20 )and the existence of the gospels - the 'memoirs' of Christ ('the book of the generation of Jesus Christ' Matt 1:1').
He shows from John 14:16-26, 16:13-22 that the presence of the Spirit is the real presence of Christ.
'You may have his perfect and all sufficient biography; but without the Spirit of Jesus you cannot appreciate the life of Jesus; for you are not yourself quickened to live in the same spiritual world, or atmosphere and realm, with him.'
He expands on how the living presence brings the 'biography' to life, and illustrates from particular events in the gospels (the baptism, the temptations, the sermon in the synagogue at Nazareth, and the cross)how these speak to us today through the abiding presence of Christ. The section on the 'perpetuity of the sacrifice' in relation to the cross is particularly helpful in showing how the cross, while being a 'once for all' sacrifice, has still a present efficacy for the believer.
There follow sections on the application of the principle to other parts of the New Testament, discussion of the twofold revelation of Christ (to us and in us) and a closing section on the presence of Christ in his people - its causes and consequences, and cautions concerning it.
A book that probably needs to be read more than once - but penetrating and full of insights.
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This note on Martin's literary output may be of interest:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=638260141&searchurl=an%3Dhugh%2Bmartin%26bi%3D0%26bx%3Doff%26ds%3D30%26recentlyadded%3Dall%26sortby%3D17%26sts%3Dt%26tn%3Dpresence%26x%3D0%26y%3D0
(And yes, if you're saying "How much?" I think that is the asking price.)
Hugh Martin's works are some of the best reading (and worthy of repeat readings). I will have to look for the title you mentioned. Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to both Ben, and David at 'The Breadline' for these comments.
ReplyDeleteMostyn.