Showing posts with label Banner of Truth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Banner of Truth. Show all posts

Friday, 27 May 2016

Ichthus

The early church fish symbol forms the title of this book - its meaning spelled out in the subtitle: Jesus Christ, God's Son, the Saviour. In their own words, Sinclair Ferguson and Derek Thomas have in this book "brought to the church a series of expositions on the high points in Christ's life and ministry." They both served at First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina, where these expositions were first preached. It is theologically deep and rich fare that the congregation evidently received - how different from what are served up as sermons in many churches! It is also savoury, because here in 9 key events, from the Manger to the Throne, we gaze upon the Lord Jesus Christ. We view his majesty in his servanthood and sufferings. We learn more of him in straight forward and engaging teaching: who he really is, and what he really has done.
There is a certain enchantment I find in the literary style of this book. Curiously stilted - something reflected by the typography - perhaps it has to do with the translation of the material from sermons to a book. But I must sound a note of caution: I have a concern about the interpretation of the divine/human nature of Christ, when it comes to his personal consciousness. eg. the reference on p.72 to "Jesus' knowledge of his own identity", and the paragraphs there about the extent of his knowledge, and his need to learn. Is it valid to think of his two natures as if they were separate and watertight compartments? I worry that some of these speculations try to too closely analyse the earthly experience of Christ. The Bible simply says, "great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh." (1 Timothy 3:16).
Of course, I would be only too willing to stand corrected on this matter, recognising the impressive credentials of the authors. But I would encourage anyone to read this book with care, and, where necessary, to draw forth 'the precious from the vile.'

'Ichthus' by Sinclair Ferguson and Derek Thomas is published by the Banner of Truth in paperback (2015) for £6.50.
Jeremy

Thursday, 11 February 2016

Elizabeth Prentiss - by Sharon James

Just occasionally, publishers get book covers horribly wrong. We all know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we all sub-consciously do it.  So, we are very pleased to see that Sharon James' biography of Elizabeth Prentiss has a new dust-jacket.

The contents have not changed and the price is the same, but because we still have a copy of the book with the older dust-jacket we are selling it cheaper. Instead of £15 you can have it for £10.  Use voucher code MORELOVE when you order online, or quote this code to order by phone/email.
Tip: The book without the dust-jacket looks great!
Lorna 

Saturday, 6 October 2012

Calling all ladies!

Our online ladies reading club is about to start a new book, so now would be a really good time to join!
The club started back in the summer of 2010 with a vision to help and encourage a discipline of regular reading amongst those who struggle to get through a book (maybe because of time constraints or motivation). We wanted to push readers beyond the 'easy reading' level to read books that they wouldn't normally pick up.  The idea was that through discussion and feedback via the club, a book could be worked through at a gentle pace.
Well, that was the original plan!  Here we are 2 years and 3 books later (yes, only 3 books - it is a gentle pace!) and I can certainly say that I have read 3 books I probably wouldn't have stuck with if it hadn't been for the club.  We started off with the Puritan Thomas Watson and read 'Great Gain of Godliness', then we moved forward a few hundred years to Dr D Martyn Lloyd-Jones on 'The All-sufficient God', we followed that by retreating into the Reformation era and have just finished Martin Luther's 'Commentary on Galatians'.
For our next challenge we are heading back to the Puritans.  'The Bruised Reed' was written in 1630 by Richard Sibbes and is a highly regarded treatise on Isaiah 42:3 'A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth'. I was convinced that this was the book for us when I read this recommendation by Lloyd-Jones:


I shall never cease to be grateful to Richard Sibbes who was balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil... I found at that time that Richard Sibbes, who was known in London in the early seventeenth century as the 'Heavenly Doctor Sibbes' was an unfailing remedy... The Bruised Reed quieted, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me.

I am sure that many of us often feel 'overworked and badly overtired' so I pray that this book will also be a profitable remedy to us too.
If you fancy joining, just drop me an email & I will register you on the blog.  The club is run on a members only blog so our comments and discussions can remain known only to us and there should be no concern about unwanted interference!
Another bonus is that you get a 15% discount on each reading club book...
Lorna

Friday, 10 February 2012

Fraser. Not a Private Matter

This story has the culture of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland for its background, but can be read without difficulty by the 'uninitiated'.  That is because the human experience of disease and suffering crosses all boundaries.  However not everyone has the capability to tell their story with such honesty and reflection as Fraser Tallach.  He was a fit, talented young man, ordained into the ministry and fully intent on serving the Lord in Canada when kidney disease struck.  Fraser's journal from here (Part 2 in the book) records his spiralling health to the point of staring death in the face.  This was in the 1960s when dialysis was a major procedure and transplants were only an emerging technique.   But Fraser is taken to deeper levels of God's grace and teaching even as he passes through pain and weakness with all their attendant emotions.  He wrote later "any resolving of my conflicts was a matter of faith rather than of experience."  Truly, 'my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD' (Isaiah 55:8).  Mercifully Fraser had a transplant at the eleventh hour, and recovered to be able to preach again for many more years.  But in the process of readjusting to normal life he had to struggle with depression.  Listen to this for insight from one who knew what he was talking about: "One word spoken in a threatening, condemnatory, condescending, supercilious or inquisitorial way is like a clap of thunder to a vulnerable person" (p124).
Being divided into three parts makes this a somewhat disjointed book, yet I think it works because the meat in the sandwich is so good.
Jeremy
'Fraser: Not a Private Matter' by Fraser Tallach with John & David Tallach, Banner of Truth Trust, £6.50 p/b.

Thursday, 27 January 2011

Some new books

We seem to be innundated with new titles at the moment!  Here's a few new children's books that have arrived from the Banner of Truth...
 'Wait till you see the Butterfly' is a book of short stories for boys and girls.  The stories are divided into 3 different age levels but range from 4-12yrs.  I have randomly picked out some from each age category to read and found them very well written and each with a Gospel application. All scripture references are from the Authorised Version.

'Heroes of the Faith' is a new series written by Sinclair Ferguson. The series starts with Ignatius, Polycarp and Irenaeus.  Published as quality hardbacks and with lovely illustrations, these would make good gift books.
Lorna

Wednesday, 7 July 2010

Helpful Truth in Past Places

There has been a resurgence of interest in the Puritan writings in recent years.  Banner of Truth were at the forefront of reprinting Puritan writings when they began back in the 1950's, but it seems that even in the last 5 years or so there has been an even greater flood of publications that are edited versions of the Puritans.  One such book that I have recently been reading is called Helpful Truth in Past Places.  It is subtitled 'the Puritan Practice of Biblical Counseling' and whatever your bias for or against Biblical Counselling (a controversial issue in some quarters!) you cannot deny that many of the Puritan writers have much practical advice that is solidly biblical and whose principles can certainly be applied to contemporary issues.  The aim of Mark Deckard the author of this book is to take the reader through some of these Puritan writings, to draw out some of the principles and to make the applications relevant. 
'Why is this happening to me?' is answered through John Flavel's The Mystery of Providence, the anxious and dissatisfied Christian is encouraged through The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs and those who have lost all joy are comforted with A Lifting Up for the Downcast by William Bridge.  Writings by Thomas Brooks, Jonathan Edwards, John Bunyan and John Owen are also examined.  I haven't finished the book yet, but so far I have found it useful for an overview of some of these older writings and thought provoking in its applications.
Lorna
Helpful Truth in Past Places by Mark Deckard, Christian Focus Publications, £11.99

Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Reading Together

Those of you who receive our monthly bulletins will be aware of our plans to set up a reading club.  This is now up and running - we have a new blog called 'Reading Together' which is limited to subscribed members only.  Initially the club is also limited only to ladies - sorry chaps.  This is essentially because I am facilitating it and not Jeremy.  If our gentlemen customers would be interested in joining a reading club they need to pester Jeremy and he may be persuaded to set one up. 
The first book we have chosen to read together is 'The Great Gain of Godliness' by Thomas Watson in the Puritan Paperback series.  This is subtitled 'practical notes on Malachi 3:16-18'.  The aim is to read a planned portion of the book over a 2 week period and make comments and discussion points on the blog.  Our vision is that this will encourage a discipline of regular reading of books at a higher level than 'easy-reading', at the same time as being supportive and edifying to each involved. Another plus is that you get a discount on the book being read if you buy it from us! 
I for one am excited to be getting going on my copy of the book and am hoping that lots of you will join us (first come, first served - the blog is limited to 100 members!).
Drop me a line if you want to know more,
Lorna

Saturday, 5 June 2010

Declension in Love

A decay of love to the saints of God, is a strong evidence of a decay of love to God himself. If we love God with a sincere and deepening affection, we must love his image wherever we find it. It is true, the picture may be but an imperfect copy, the outline may be but faintly drawn; there may be shades we cannot approve of; yet, recognizing in the work the hand of the Spirit, and in the outline some resemblance to Him whom our souls admire and love, we must feel a drawing out of our holiest affections towards the object; we shall not pause before the surrender is made, to inquire to what section of the church of Christ he belongs, what name he bears, or what the colour of his uniform; but, discovering the man of God, the meek and lowly follower of Jesus, our heart and our hand are freely offered.

This quote taken from 'Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul' by Octavius Winslow, made me stop and think when I came across it today. I pray that as many of us meet with our brothers & sisters on the Lord's Day and throughout each week, we remember that 'This commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God, love his brother also' 1 John 4:21
Lorna
Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul, Octavius Winslow, published by Banner of Truth, £5.50

Tuesday, 13 October 2009

Lessons Learned Along Cancer's Dark Road

Paul Wolfe is a new author on the British scene who deserves to be read. He came close to never writing at all. At only 28 years old, newly married, he was diagnosed with cancer. He was studying for the ministry at Westminster Theological Seminary, and to use his phrase had his life all scripted out for himself. But God showed him who is the real 'scriptwriter' of everything. Thankfully, for him the treatment he received was successful, and he has lived to tell the tale of the 'lessons learned along cancer's dark road' as the book's subtitle puts it. There his very concept of the nature of God was challenged but ultimately strengthened. He proved God's sovereignty to be a help, and not a hindrance. God's goodness became more real to him, and not less. When reading this book you feel something about it which is not frequently found in those of contemporary writers. It is sober and scriptural and searching. It puts eternal things before you in an earnest way. At the same time, in the sections when he is writing about the way events unfolded for him, he has an engaging sense of humour. I think younger readers should relate well to this, and indeed should not think the book as a whole 'too deep'. There are too many 'human interest' type books out there which tell a moving story, but then have little meaningful theological reflection. This is intended not to be like that and it shows in its structure. Wolfe interperses his personal story with chapters which plunge more deeply into some of the big theological issues he confronted. He then shows how they are no less applicable to us. Almost incidentally there is also some useful advice for how we can best support cancer victims and their families - what to say/not say, what to do/not do etc. This is a good Banner of Truth book and only costs £6.25.
Jeremy

Thursday, 9 July 2009

John Ashworth

It was a pleasant surprise to read about John Ashworth in the Banner of Truth magazine for this month. I am referring both to this man from C19th Rochdale himself as well as his autobiography 'Life and Strange Tales'. Alun McNabb had clearly been bowled over by reading about him. In his address to the Leicester Ministers' Conference 2009 he is quoted as going so far as to say 'how this generation of preachers would profit from feeding on such a book'[!] What not many people might know is that the book which Alun had been reading was a Gospel Tidings publication, which in crude terms means us. Yes, us here! Gospel Tidings began as the brainchild of Leslie Rowell (he deserves a biography) in 1965. A magazine was started which finally ceased only last year, but in the late 1960s and early 1970s an absolute rash of books got published, despite financial hardships. I know this for sure because my Dad was part of all that. He did the distribution side of things. This has continued to the present day, now via the Bookshop. Leslie Rowell was himself struck by reading John Ashworth when a pastor of Hope Chapel, Rochdale, and thought it worth bringing back out of obscurity. The original autobiography ran to 4 vols, but he creamed off the best into a single hardback. This was in 1972, and that book itself has now become like snow in the Sahara. So this is why Alun McNabb with Phil Roberts at Tentmaker Publications have got together to reproduce the Gospel Tidings edition (with our full co-operation). Phil tells me that he will very likely do a hardback run, but that to make it easily affordable it will be mainly available in paperback.
Another striking Rochdale character around the same time was another John - John Kershaw. Gospel Tidings also reprinted his autobiography in 1968, and it has sold so well over the years that we still have stock of a re-reprinted edition. It is a hardback (£9.95). Kershaw was staunchly free grace, unlike Ashworth actually. He became a Strict Baptist minister and his congregation built Hope Chapel - yes, the place where Leslie Rowell was to come a century later!
Jeremy

Tuesday, 19 May 2009

Great God of Wonders

A recent 'chance' remark by a friend caused me to pick up this book Great God of Wonders by Maurice Roberts. I haven't read Roberts before and have quickly discovered that he doesn't beat about the bush. The first paragraph of the book quoted below should illustrate the point...
"Whatever the pressures are to the contrary, the serious Christian MUST keep a careful watch over the inner state and attitude of his own soul. Just as there are temptations for the careless and the idle Christian, so too are there snares for the Christian who becomes too busy. We are too busy whenever we cannot safeguard our times of private prayer, meditation and devotional Bible reading. What happens when outward duties become excessive and over-demanding is that inner, secret duties are performed in a merely routine way. It is all too possible to conduct our private and family worship with our minds half taken up with other things. We persuade ourselves that we have been worshipping God, but on such occasions we have been no better than those to whom God said, 'This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me' (Matthew 15:8)"

The book consists of articles which originally appeared as editorials in the Banner of Truth magazine (which Maurice Roberts edited between 1988 and 2003). From a quick scan of the book I suspect that it will continue in the same challenging vein, with chapter headings such as 'The Strife of Tongues', 'Dealing with our Differences' and 'Why Christians must be readers' (which I suspect I should be quoting in full !).

Great God of Wonders by Maurice Roberts, published by Banner of Truth, £6

Lorna

Monday, 29 September 2008

From Grief to Glory

'Few things must rival the sorrow of a family that buries a child'. So begins James W Bruce in this book that has grown out of the spiritual journey of his family who suffered the loss of a son after 55 days. This is a family who looked to others who had also lost children for the sympathy of a shared experience. Their journey took them to the writings of many well known men and women of faith from times past, when death in childhood was much more common than now. And so this book is really an anthology of such writings. We read Robert Dabney's letters after the deaths of 2 sons within 2 weeks of each other, Calvin's hymn after he lost his only son born prematurely and Matthew Henry's journal following the deaths of 3 of his 9 children when he was able to say 'I am in deaths often; Lord, teach me how to die daily'. Bunyan, Whitefield, Edwards, Rutherford and many more all suffered the loss of children. Their writings recorded here along with insights by Bruce are very poignant and powerful. I'm sure this 'book of comfort for grieving parents' (as subtitled) will be just that.

Interestingly, a few weeks before 'From Grief to Glory' arrived in stock, I read another newly published book called 'Under the Rainbow'. This is an incredible testimony of a mother who lost 2 severely disabled children at the ages of 10 and 12 years. Her honesty regarding the shock of having not 1 but 2 disabled children, the practicalities of daily family life (which included another healthy child), the reactions of others to her children and how her family dealt with their deaths are very moving. Although at times angry and devastated, she was brought by the Lord to humble acceptance and submission to His will. Emotional, thought-provoking and profitable to read.

Having ourselves suffered the loss of a nephew at just 19 months old, this quote from Lorraine Boettner in the appendix of 'From Grief to Glory' rings so true...
Clearly, accomplishment in life cannot be measured in terms of years alone. It often happens that those that die young have accomplished more than others who live to old age. Even infants, who sometimes have been with their parents only a few days, or even hours, may leave profound influences that change the entire course of the life of the family. And undoubtedly, from the Divine viewpoint, the specific purpose for which they were sent into the world was accomplished. It is our right neither to take life prematurely, nor to insist on its extension beyond the mark that God has set for it.
Lorna
From Grief to Glory, by James W Bruce III, published by Banner of Truth, £6.25
Under the Rainbow, by Catherine Campbell, published by Ambassador, £7.99

Saturday, 21 June 2008

Pocket Puritans

I have to say, I think Banner have hit on a good one here. They have reproduced some puritan writings in bite-size pieces on topical subjects. They are certainly pocket size (13.5cm x 9cm) and perfect for a handbag or pocket - as one customer who was enthusing on 'Anger Management' (Richard Baxter) assured me, hers would always be in her bag to refer to! What Banner have not shouted about is the fact that each booklet also contains a short biographical sketch of the author.

In our musings on these booklets Jeremy and I have been wondering if the need for 'pocket' puritans is a reflection on the reading habits/abilities of people nowadays. Probably when Banner of Truth first brought out their 'Puritan Paperbacks' they were intended as 'bitesize' excerpts to give a reader a flavour of some of the writings of that era. Now there seems to be a need for even smaller bites. However, I believe Banner have accurately identified an area of need and we have had some very positive feedback from customers. Let's hope in their enthusiasm customers will progress to the Puritan Paperbacks and then on to the originals in all their multi-volume glory!

The titles currently available are:
Anger Management - Richard Baxter
Heaven, A World of Love - Jonathan Edwards
Impure Lust - John Flavel
Living Faith - Samuel Ward
£3.25 each
Lorna

Wednesday, 16 April 2008

John Flavel

Though he was one of the later Puritans, Flavel ranks high as one of the best known among many fine candidates. Of all Puritan writings his 'The Mystery of Providence' has been enduringly popular, although not as 'heavyweight' as some. This is perhaps because he touches upon christian experience with earnest sympathy, and yet with the particular aim of leading the reader to glorify God by meditating upon his providence. 'Divine Conduct' was the original title of this book when printed in 1677. How great he is in working all things, small and great, together for good to all his people! Banner of Truth have this book still in print, last in 2006 with a new cover to accompany the price rise to £5.75 (Puritan Paperbacks series). However, Flavel seems to have become 'typecast' on this one book. Next up offering from Banner is the full 6 vol set of his Works for £85.00 !
Other than this, Christian Focus Publications have done 'Keeping the Heart' in their Christian Heritage series, a practical treatise which they have subtitled 'A Puritan's view of how to maintain your love for God'. Costs £4.99. However this was followed up by Flavel by 'Touchstone of Sincerity' which is about heart searching, and detection of signs of grace or hypocrisy. We can supply this and the previous book from Gospel Mission for £4.50.
Gospel Mission also reproduced 'The Righteous Man's Refuge', written in troubled national times to help 'direct the gracious soul to its rest in God'. This costs £4.95.
For less than £5 each we also stock the two Baker reprints Gospel Mission took over. These are 'The Fountain of Life', all about the person and work of Christ in a heartwarming set of meditations. Then 'The Method of Grace' which does a thorough study in the same vein about the Holy Spirit and his applying of redemption's blessings. Flavel refers to 'gospel offers', but at least he is clear in outlining who he means them to be for - the self-condemned sinner. Also he maintains a high view of the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit's operations upon the souls of men, which is a good antidote to today's epidemic of Arminian teaching within supposed Calvinistic circles.
To come full circle, if you feel you need an easy to read version of 'The Mystery of Providence', then 'God Willing' is an option provided from Grace Publications. Costs just £2.95.
Jeremy

Thursday, 3 April 2008

Sickness, Suffering and Scripture

When I began to read this book I was disappointed. Somehow it wasn't what I expected from a book with this title. More than half the book is long Scripture quotations which I always question the value of (especially when they are in a version you are not familiar with) - are readers so lazy that they won't get a Bible out?
Half an hour later I had to sheepishly admit, that yes I am probably one of those readers and that by the time I was 2 chapters into this book I realised the benefit of having the Bible passages quoted in full. Leyshon's comments after each quotation are nothing more than an outline of thoughts and considerations on the Bible passage and then pointers for further thought. But they are well thought out outlines, not difficult to assimilate and certainly worthy of careful reflection. I could imagine the book being well used in small Bible study groups - it includes all the material you need. In fact, having now read the blurb on the back of the book - sometimes useful to read before judging the book ;-) , I realise that it is indeed intended for small Bible study groups! So it does do what it says on the (back) cover.
Sickness, Suffering & Scripture by David Leyshon, £5

Lorna

Tuesday, 25 March 2008

Spurgeon v Spurgeon?

Have Banner of Truth gone head to head with Christian Focus Publications (CFP) over this old favourite? These two books are both meaty hardbacks, both priced just under £20, both 2008 editions. So, how to decide which one to go for? Well, what you see is less than you get with the Banner one. They seem to me to have undersold themselves, in that Commenting and Commentaries is helpfully included after the lectures. It does lead to a book one and a half times thicker and greatly heavier than CFP's, but this is surely worthwhile. Both editions are fully re-typeset. I think Banner's is more traditionally styled, whereas CFP have gone for a slicker 'signature' look, fitting within their other books in the C H Spurgeon Classics range. So if all were collected it would look nice on the shelf. But I first read this book as a battered paperback, and thought it most useful off the shelf! In fact I think Mr Spurgeon is better in his lectures than in the pulpit...so having said that I will now quietly withdraw to my nuclear bunker and await the explosion.
Jeremy










Friday, 21 March 2008

Just a Thought

Thought I'd mention a customer's recommendation. She was very enthusiastic about the Sketches from Church History Student Workbook. Apparently her 13yr old daughter loves it. I have to admit, when the workbook was first published I had my doubts about it - 'workbooks' to accompany books just seems so (dare I say it?) American. Still, it has obviously pleased this customer. The workbook is an 18 week course syllabus with questions, charts, timelines, maps, puzzles and essay topics following each chapter from Sketches. Ideal (so the blurb states) for Christian Schools and Home Educators, although it obviously has a wider appeal as my customer doesn't fit into either category. Sketches from Church History by S M Houghton, for anyone that doesn't know, is a very readable illustrated account of the history of the Church beginning with the early church, right through to the 19th Century Church. It is now into it's fifth reprint since being published in 1980 so it has been a very popular book - and justly so.
Lorna

Saturday, 16 February 2008

Lent

Lent. Passing over the issue of its justification, is it only for 40 days in the year that Christians should think about self denial? More positively 2 Corinthians 5 v 15 shows that not living unto ourselves is fundamental to faith. Self and Christ cannot share our hearts. One must end up dominating. It is a sobering thought, and one which Walter Chantry takes up well from a Reformed perspective. I have found this book helpful, and if you wanted to do some one thing which gave a nod towards Lent, then examine yourself whilst reading 'The Shadow of the Cross'. It's not a new book, but still available at £4.50 (£3.50 for the first copy sold mentioning this blog!) There are good chapters applying the subject to such things as Christian liberty, marriage, the ministry, and prayer. If the teaching were followed, then the lifestyle of many christians would be seriously challenged - and yes, I start with myself.
Jeremy


Thursday, 13 December 2007

Read and Meditate

I'm really pleased that Banner of Truth have produced this book. Not all that they do now is of the quality of earlier days, but this book was a reprint project well worth doing. It is commended in the preface by the Bishop of Durham no less - when that position was held by Handley Moule. 'The Loveliness of Christ' is an apt title for extracts from the letters of Samuel Rutherford. It is diary sized, feels like nubuck (but officially softcover), costs £10 and would be ideal for reading on a train or bus journey. Read and meditate, read further and meditate further, and keep repeating the process - that's the way to go with this book. It feels good to the hand, and its contents are good food for the soul. It is so full of Christ, and he is the pearl of great price to be sought for, in contrast to the frantic consumerism of the Christmas period.
If you want to go further, you could upgrade to the classic collection of Rutherford's letters for an extra £8.50. But this is vastly greater in size, in a large hardback volume edited by Andrew Bonar and also reproduced by Banner last year.
Jeremy

Tuesday, 25 September 2007

Dr Jean Henri Merle D'Aubigne

Lorna mentioned Banner of Truth's new book 'Let Christ be Magnified' in a post on 07/09/07. Having now read it, I am in the main, enthusiastic about it. I am full of admiration for the man who was chosen to give an address to a gathering in Geneva 300 years after John Calvin's death, and yet avoided eulogising him. The subject was 'Calvin's teaching for today.' D'Aubigne quite quickly gets via Calvin to Christ, and to his glory under the headings: his Word, his Person, his Grace, and his Life. He lectured as one who knew the doctrines of grace called Calvinism for himself, by personal experience. Indeed, this comes out in the very useful publisher's preface about D'Aubigne himself. He was affected by listening to Robert Haldane speaking from the Epistle to the Romans on the corruption of human nature, and said to him afterwards, 'Now I see that doctrine in the Bible.' The retort was, 'Yes, but do you see it in your heart?' This led to his conversion. He went on to be a professor in Calvin's city, and his 'History of Protestantism in Europe in the time of Calvin' is said to be the most widely circulated book on church history in its English translations/derivatives. (Sadly not to me any further than to see it!)
Banner seem to be generally better with their 'new-old' publications these days, than with those that have contemporary authors.
Jeremy