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While it is a vital fact that Scriptural inspiration ceased with God's closing of the Canon, it is also true that God raises up his special messengers in different generations, and there are many who believe that D. M. Panton is one of these.  There are few voices in the Church like his today.

Mr. Panton has been gifted with extraordinary insight into the meanings of God's Word.  His study of the Scriptures has undoubtedly been costly, making large demands on his time and strength for many years.  But it has been rewarding, and there are multitudes throughout the world who thank God for it.  He sees deep beneath the surface, he compares Scripture with Scripture, he knows that "no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation," and he rejoices that "the word of the Lord endureth for ever."

His message is peculiarly for today, because this student of the Word is also, to an unusual degree, a student of the times.  His citations of sources and authorities from which his statements of fact are made disclose omnivorous reading of current literature, especially of leading journals that record the news of the world.  This increases one's confidence in the accuracy of Mr. Panton's statements and the reliability of his facts.

When we bring together his exceptional knowledge of what is going on in this world, in its far corners and close at hand, his familiarity with the Guide Book that leads one unerringly through the maze of present-day life, his use of the "more sure word of prophecy," the "light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn," we have a contribution that is a prize indeed for the Church and the world.  Mr. Panton's own magazine The Dawn, published in London, sends out every month his studies and observations.  The bringing together of some of the most important of his recent papers in the present volume is cause for thanksgiving.  A glance at the Table of Contents shows how comprehensive are the four sections of this book, and how central in God's plans and purposes are the themes discussed.

Like all fresh, vigorous thinkers and profound students of the Word, Mr. Panton has positive convictions, and some details of his conclusions may not find agreement on the part of all true Christian readers.  When they do not, they will thereby challenge the reader to further study, thought and prayer, that the mind of the Spirit may be known.

Another detail is worthy of notice: the character of the writing that makes up these Papers.  It is a regrettable fact that much true Christian writing is sadly lacking in good workmanship.  Worldly or godless writers as a rule produce better literature than believers.  But Mr. Panton's writing is a worthy vehicle for the expression of the tremendous truths set forth.  He has extraordinary power in expression.  His writing grips the mind as effectively as it appeals to the conscience and heart.  It is an uninspired evidence of the inspired truth that "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

Charles Gallaudet Trumbull