“C.H.M.,” as he has been popularly known for over a century, was and is a well-known Christian writer of the nineteenth century. Born in Ireland in 1820, he was converted to Christ at the age of 18. About this time, he got particular help from a statement in J. N. Darby’s Operations of the Spirit: “It is Christ’s work for us, not His work in us, that gives us peace.” That C.H.M. enjoyed this truth throughout his life is apparent in many of his writings.
He became a schoolmaster and pursued that vocation until, at the age of 33, he began to devote his life to preaching and writing. For 21 years he edited the periodical Things New and Old, and many of his articles first appeared there.
He is best known, however, for his Notes on the Pentateuch—a commentary on the five books of Moses, which began to appear in serial form in his magazine and continued to appear during the following 40 years. This has more recently been published in one volume titled Genesis to Deuteronomy. These “Notes” are more devotional commentary than exposition (not being verse by verse). Their emphasis on basic truth, practical application and the exaltation of our Lord Jesus Christ and His work have endeared them to many. The writer of these lines witnesses to the particular and lasting blessing he received from reading C.H.M.’s notes on Genesis and Exodus in his youth.
These writings should be read prayerfully and patiently. C.H.M. tended to ramble—but not idly. Have patience, stay with him, and you will be amply rewarded. His writings are full of choice morsels—rich nuggets of truth. Although he was apparently happily married, little is known of his wife or family. However, his writings on the character and conduct of the family have been especially appreciated. After a life of active and fruitful service, C.H.M. departed to be with Christ in 1896—leaving a rich heritage for the benefit and blessing of many to this day.
C.H.M. authored many other works—some book length, some shorter. Many of these were collected and published in another six-volume set titled Miscellaneous Writings. Found here are many very helpful articles on basic Bible doctrines, the Christian life, the authority of Scripture, lessons from the lives of Old Testament saints, church doctrine and practice, and his widely circulated and much blessed Papers on the Lord’s Coming. In more recent years, the six volumes were combined into one larger volume called The Mackintosh Treasury. The value of these writings can hardly be overstated, and they are warmly recommended.
In the years since C.H.M.’s periodical Things New and Old, succeeding generations have discovered the value of C.H.M.’s other articles which appeared there, and these briefer articles have been collected and released in several additional volumes.
One of these, Answers to Correspondants, is comprised of selected questions from the readers of his magazine and his answers which he shared with his readers for their edification. This little volume is very well suited to young people, since it answers simply and briefly the types of questions young believers often ask.
Short Papers is a volume of short to very short articles which appeared in Things New and Old. These cover a wide variety of subjects and are very practical, instructive and easy to read. If you want something challenging and useful to read five minutes at a time, try reading this volume.
J. A. Kaiser