Digital Logos Edition
This volume contains four short letters to a Roman Catholic priest whom Ironside met on a train. In this correspondence, Ironside challenges the priest on the similarities and differences between the Roman Catholic Church and early twentieth-century Protestantism. He also questions the priest on consubstantiation and transubstantiation, the role of the Mass, the place of devotion to Mary, and justification by faith. In the final letter, Ironside compares his views of Scripture and tradition with the views of the priest. This selection of correspondence reveals a tenuous relationship between Protestants and Catholics in Ironside’s era, yet testifies to his unswerving belief and thorough command of doctrine.
H. A. Ironside, one of the twentieth century’s greatest preachers, was born in Toronto, Canada on October 14, 1876. Though his education stopped with grammar school, his fondness for reading and a retentive memory put his learning to use. His scholarship was recognized in academic circles when he received honorary degrees from Wheaton College and Bob Jones University and was invited as frequent lecturer at Dallas Theological Seminary. Dr. Ironside was appointed to the boards of numerous Bible institutes, seminaries, and Christian organizations. He also served as director of the Africa Inland Mission. Ironside preached widely throughout the United States and abroad. He served as pastor of Moody Memorial Church from 1930 to 1948, and during his lifetime, he preached more than 7,000 sermons to over 1.25 million listeners.