©1999, The Banner of Truth Trust, 384 pp., 405 pp., 421 pp. in hardback

Readers unacquainted with the author may want to begin with the biographical sketch of Thomas Peck that is in the opening pages of the third volume. Peck served as a pastor and then as a professor at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. In both vocations Peck was known as a man committed to biblical truth and principle. He succeeded the noted professor Robert L. Dabney at the Seminary in 1860.

These three volumes provide the reader with a wide range of material. Peck had a high regard for God being rightly worshipped. Much of the first volume is devoted to articles on worship, including the use of the sacraments, and the keeping of the Lord’s Day. Peck believed the Westminster Confession of Faith provided a correct interpretation of scriptural teaching. These articles reflect this commitment as well as his commitment to scripture itself. Articles examining errant Roman Catholic worship are also included.

Volume two is more wide-ranging. Here Peck’s writings address how one can know if he is called to full-time ministry of the word, the relationship of revelation and science, the relationship of church and state, and some causes of the Reformation. Peck held to a six day creation at a time when the church was being increasingly tempted to abandon this position as unscientific. He also believed that the state could rule from natural law except where the teaching of scripture clearly addresses moral issues. Here he provides examples such as capital punishment, righteous warfare, marriage, and the use of the Lord’s Day. Interestingly, most of these issues continue to be on the front burners of political topics today. This volume also includes a number of his sermons.

In addition to the aforementioned biographical sketch, volume three contains his extensive notes on the book of Acts, as well as a number of other sermons.

These volumes will be of greatest interest to readers who are particularly interested in the development of southern Presbyterian theology. However, all readers can profit from the sermons of this faithful expositor. In reading them it is clear that he had a concern not only for correct doctrine but for growing holiness in his hearers.

Reading these volumes also provides us with an opportunity to compare present day Presbyterianism with southern Presbyterianism in Peck’s day. I believe we will find that many of his comments remain relevant today as those issues in church and society remain points of contention on the battlefield of thought and practice.

Review ©2009 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia