Christian Book Notes

Hall, Robert.  Edited by Nathan A. Finn.  Help to Zion’s Travellers.  Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, LLC., 2011.  266pp.  $24.95.  Purchase at Amazon.

Introduction

Robert Hall, Sr. is primarily known today because of his son, Robert Hall, Jr.  What many fail to realize is that the famous son learned to preach from the lesser known father.  What is more, the elder Hall influenced such notable men as William Carey, Andrew Fuller, and John Ryland, Sr.  In this republication of Help to Zion’s Travellers, we discover a ground breaking work in its day dealing with the issue of hyper-Calvinism.

Summary

The book is divided into three parts but with over 50 pages of forewards, prefaces, and introductions, there really are four parts.  The first section of the book offers much in the way of historical context and the impact of this particular work down through the years.  Part one is concerned with who Christ is and the love of God as found in the doctrines of election and atonement.

The second part looks toward the sinner who is commanded to repent and put his faith in Christ even though not all will do so.  Herein is the primary issue dealt with by Hall.  Can a sinner, who is not elect, be commanded to repent of his sin and turn to Christ?  Secondly, should a believer freely proclaim the gospel to everyone knowing full well that not all can or will come to salvation in Christ?

The third part moves to the more practical element of those who are believers.  In the three chapters found in part three, the reader is treated to a chapter on the sins of believers, what it means to hate the world and finally the errors of false religions.

Review

I will admit that at first I was not all that interested in reading this work.  That is nothing against the editor of this current publication.  Rather, it was based more on my own ignorance of who Robert Hall, Sr. was and the influence he had on men I admire.  I wasn’t all that concerned, either, with another treatise against hyper-Calvinism.  What I wound up reading, however, was a sweet salve to a hurting soul.  There was more information, both doctrinally and pragmatically, written into this treatise against the heresy that is hyper-Calvinism.

Furthermore, the pastoral tone that Hall wrote with was one of great love and compassion for his readers.  Reading this work led to much rejoicing in spirit as well as worship of the author of life and salvation.  Finn has done the church a great favor in editing this work for publication to get into the hands of today’s Christian.

Hall’s treatments of such subjects as the atonement and the new birth (to name a few) offers much to the believer today.  This work will help to dispel many myths (still) running rampant in the church today concerning Calvinism.  To know that this book influenced the launching of what later came to be known as the modern missionary movement helps to underscore its value for the church today.

Recommendation

While the price may seem a bit high, I firmly believe the money will be well spent.  The title, Help to Zion’s Travellers, is very appropriate in that this work will certainly provide great help to the believer on his journey to eternal life with Christ.  You will find yourself worshiping the Lord and recommending this resource to others who are struggling in their faith walk.