The similar phrase 'Worldly Christianity' is one used by Bonhoeffer. It's J Gresham Machen that I want to line up most closely with. See his Christianity and culture here. Having done commentaries on Proverbs (Heavenly Wisdom) and Song of Songs (Heavenly Love), a matching title for Ecclesiastes would be Heavenly Worldliness. For my stance on worldliness, see 3 posts here.

DMLJ 27 More than notion


This is the "embarrassing one" we have been holding back. Embarrassment because the book commends what the infamous George Ella labels "Huntingtonian piety". It is "tainted", that is to say, by hyperism. J H Alexander is a pseudonym for a female writer. I think Lloyd-Jones just enjoyed the experientialism at a time when he thought some people were getting rather dry and doctrinal. The book is available online here.

More than notion by J H Alexander
Foreword
I am delighted to hear that there is a call for a second edition of this excellent book and am most happy therefore to write a word of commendation for it. It came into my hands almost accidentally. I had never heard of the author but the moment I began to read I was gripped and deeply moved.
There are some books of which it can be said that to read them is an experience, and one is never the same again. The extracts out of the lives of these various people who came in varied ways to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ are, at one and the same time, convicting and encouraging. Some were poor and ignorant, others well placed socially, and learned and cultured; but all came to the same glorious experience.
In reading about them one is shown the vital difference between a head knowledge of the Christian faith and a true heart experience.
In recommending it to the congregation at Westminster Chapel on a Friday night I said that it should be made compulsory reading for all theologians especially, but it will prove valuable also to those who long for a vital Christian experience.
Many who have read it as the result of my recommendation have testified to the blessing they have received. In one church known to me the reading of the book by one man led to a prayer-meeting such as they had not experienced before.
In these superficial and confused days I thank God for a book such as this and pray that He may bless it to countless souls.
D M Lloyd-Jones
Westminster Chapel
London
1965

1 comment:

Malinda Law. said...

'narrow, but saved/In a way men are not now'. Worth reading by anyone to whom church has just been words for far too long. Obviously read it in the light of Scripture,and don't take it as a pattern for everything, but it shows God's ability to use the most unlikely people and is a great encouragement to those of us who feel we can never learn anything unless God gives us the ability.