This warm and encouraging book of daily devotionals, along with Bible verses suitable to each topic, shows forth a pastor’s heart and a disciple’s love of Scripture. One senses, moving through the year, topics and verses that were especially treasured to Robert Macdonald, presented so winsomely that they soon become precious to the reader. Each day, the author presents fresh biblical insights, interwoven with wisdom from the Puritans, amusing and yet helpful anecdotes from his own nineteenth-century Scotland, and snippets from hymns and poems.

Perhaps the most compelling recommendation of Macdonald’s book remains the one written by one of his fellow ministers and friends Andrew Bonar:

‘My dear Robert, From Day to Day is a book of most pleasant and profitable reading. It is 365 meditations—as many as Samuel Rutherford’s Letters—as many as Enoch’s years of earthly pilgrimage and walking with God. There is a clearness and pointedness in your style of writing that at once attracts the reader, and, dipping his rod in the honey, he finds his eyes enlightened.’

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Book Description

A pastor of forty years who has throughout his ministry found the Puritans to be a great source of spiritual encouragement, David MacKinnon presents here 366 extracts from the works of the Puritan pastor Richard Sibbes, which may be used each day of the year by readers as an aid to devotion.

Each extract has been carefully selected, and a suitable accompanying Scripture text provided at the start of each daily reading. Occasional antiquated words in the original have been updated, and overly long sentences have been shortened, but all with a view to retain Sibbes’ flow and meaning for present-day readers.

For those who have never encountered Sibbes before, this volume will serve as an excellent introduction. All will find in these daily readings spiritual refreshment for the soul, coming from one who in his day was known, appropriately, as the ‘heavenly doctor.’

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How much can we know about God?

By definition, the finite mind cannot comprehend the infinite. As soon as we begin to think we have understood something of the love and grace of God we soon learn from Scripture that his love and grace are even greater.

The meditations in God is Always Better Than We Can Imagine are intended to help us come to Scripture with the mindset that, no matter how much we have learned in our private studies, or heard in sermons and lectures, God is always immeasurably greater than our imagination has allowed.

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Richard Rushing has compiled a further 365 daily devotional readings to take you through the year with the Puritans. Building on Voices from the Past (volume 1), Voices From the Past 2 is an additional treasury of wisdom from such authors as Stephen Charnock, Thomas Manton, David Clarkson, Thomas Brooks, John Bunyan, and Jonathan Edwards, and others.

The editor has painstakingly selected these readings from their sources, some of which are still widely available in print, others of which are more scarce. Readers will find these choice extracts to be excellent ‘thoughts for the day’, and will frequently find themselves wanting to explore more of the writings of these authors of the past.

Reviews

• Review by Tony Doppke

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Everyone knows the value and the power of a brief and arresting saying. It is like a light that shines in darkness, or a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul. How often do we leaf through the pages of a book without much interest only to be suddenly gripped by some short, crisp, unexpected saying which awakens our attention and makes us feel like one who has just discovered hidden treasure!

Here in The Puritans Day By Day, this unique selection from a wide range of reading, we have a noble army of memorable sayings. They have been drawn mainly out of the writings of the Puritans, men who excelled in their power of deep insight into both the word of God and the human heart, and who also had the rare gift of quaint and distinctive expression. The compiler of these ‘pearls of wisdom’ has traveled extensively through a wide range of devotional literature, and has provided us with a year’s supply of wise sayings that are as fresh and new as they are piquant and tender.

The Puritans Day by Day will be particularly helpful to young preachers, who would do well to keep this volume, with its careful ordering and its full indexes, close to hand. In days when minds are dull and spirits are weary, they will find it to be a rich source of mental and spiritual refreshment.

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‘Some men are known for the hymns they write. John Newton is one— “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound” being his most famous. And some are known as preachers. John Newton was also one. But a very small number of men are known for the profound wisdom to be found in their personal letters. And John Newton stands almost unmatched in this class. The Scriptures urge us to “get wisdom,” and outside of the pages of Scripture itself there can be few better places to find it than in Jewels from John Newton.’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

‘In few writers are Christian doctrine, experience and practice more happily balanced than in the author of these letters, and few write with more simplicity, piety and force.’ — C. H. SPURGEON

‘For myself, I keep John Newton on my selectest shelf of spiritual books: by far the best kind of books in the whole world of books.’ — ALEXANDER WHYTE

Book Description

John Newton (1725–1807) was a trophy of God’s grace. His transformation from a blasphemous slave trader to a much loved minister of the gospel is a testimony to the powerful, life-changing grace of God in Jesus Christ. His hymns, letters, and other writings have been a source of strength and comfort to Christian believers for centuries.

Jewels From John Newton, a volume of daily devotional readings, has been lovingly and carefully compiled by one who owes a great debt to the helpful writings of John Newton. She (Miller Ferrie) writes:

‘What impresses me about this man is his honesty in readily admitting his struggles, sinfulness, and failures. This aspect of his writings has been such an encouragement to me personally, for it gave me the assurance that my own daily battles and humiliations are not unique. In addition, he repeatedly reminds his readers of God’s trustworthiness, no matter what circumstances they might be facing. He never ceased to be amazed at God’s grace in the gospel, and it was this grace that he sought to proclaim till his dying day.’

The material included in this book is largely drawn from Newton’s prolific correspondence, and covers a wide variety of topics related to the Christian’s life and experience. Although written more than two hundred years ago, it remains as relevant and edifying as ever.

‘O blessed man! that thus fears the Lord, that delights in his word, and derives his principles, motives, maxims, and consolations, from that unfailing source of light and strength. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, whose leaf is always green, and fruit abundant. The wisdom that is above shall direct his plans, inspire his counsels; and the power of God shall guard him on every side and prepare his way through every difficulty; he shall see mountains sink into plains, and streams spring up in the dry wilderness… The conduct of such a one, though in a narrow and retired sphere of life, is of more real excellence and importance, than the most splendid actions of kings and conquerors, which fill the annals of history, Prov. 16:32. And if the God whom he serves is pleased to place him in a more public light, his labours and cares will be amply compensated, by the superior opportunities afforded him of manifesting the power and reality of true religion, and promoting the good of mankind…’

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La fuerza de carácter puritano y la vida estaba en la oración y la meditación. En esta práctica el espíritu de la oración era considerada como de primera importancia y la mejor forma de oración, porque la oración viviente es la característica de la espiritualidad genuina. Sin embargo, la oración también es vocal y puede, por tanto, en ocasiones puede escribir. En consecuencia, en la tradición puritana hay muchas oraciones y meditaciones escritas que constituyen un corpus importante de la literatura devocional inspirador.

Demasiado a menudo la oración extemporánea le falta variedad, orden y definitud. La razón de esto radica en parte en un descuido de la debida preparación. Es aquí que el cuidado y la minuciosidad de las escrituras que otros encontraron necesario en su acercamiento a Dios pueden ser de ayuda. El valle de la vision ha sido preparado y no a las oraciones “oferta”, sino para promover y fomentar el cristiano como él pisa el camino por el que otros han ido antes.

El autor era un canónigo de la catedral de St. Albans, en algún momento Rector de la Pequeña y Munden Sacombe , Hertfordshire, y fue durante diecisiete años, un tutor en Teología Bíblica y la Doctrina Cristiana en All Nations Christian College. Murió en octubre de 1994 a los 79 años.

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‘To read the work of a Puritan doctor of the soul is to enter a rich world of spiritual theology to feed the mind, heart-searching analysis to probe the conscience, Christ-centred grace to transform the heart, and wise counsel to direct the life. This series of Pocket Puritans provides all this in miniature, but also in abundance.’– SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Book Description

According to Jonathan Edwards, heaven will be a world of holy love. God himself is the source of this love, and in heaven he will impart it perfectly to all his people. Edwards unfolds the nature, expression, effects, and enjoyment of this best of all the gifts God ever bestows on those who believe. From Jonathan Edwards’ Charity and Its Fruits

We asked people how reading Edwards had benefitted them; this is what they said …
Here’s What You Said About Jonathan Edwards

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‘The believer’s faith, love and hope would all be well-served by prayerful and meditative reading of this little volume. Unbelievers willing to read a book of this order would find themselves often face to face with Christ, and the enticing challenge of his person and work. In essence, it is full of the gospel, and the aroma of Jesus rises from it sweetly. To have your eyes turned to and fixed upon him, you could do much worse than to purchase and peruse this volume.’ — JEREMY WALKER

‘This is a choice little book, well suited to readers of every sort. It moved this reviewer several times to pause in the enjoyment of emotions which are out of this world.’ — MAURICE ROBERTS

Book Description

In the Foreword of this book Sir Marcus Loane writes, ‘The wonder and glory of the Resurrection are far greater than we can ever conceive. That great drama took place in the silent tomb a great while before it was yet day. No one else was there when God raised Jesus from the dead: no one saw it happen . . . All that was mortal had put on immortality: death was swallowed up in victory. And it was in his risen glory that he made himself known to his disciples . . .’

The chapters that follow are part of a well-loved and life-long pilgrimage for the author. The Resurrection story they recount comes across with a freshness and loveliness that is full of heart-warming fascination.

Review

• Review by Jeremy Walker
• Review by Erik Raymond

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This book does not belong to the ordinary run of anthologies but is a masterful selection by an author who has given many years to his work. The 1500 quotations from a wide range of Puritans have been chosen with great care, and arranged under topical headings. They form an ideal introduction to the writings of the great and godly men of the 17th century, and will prove to be devotional reading of the highest quality. Those who are already familiar with the Puritan writings will find the ‘Treasury‘ to be a perfect stimulus to further reading.

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An anthology of quotations from some of the most significant figures in the Christian centuries. A labour of love on the part of Horatius Bonar, one of its special attractions is its chronological order. We are led from the passionate words of the early martyr Ignatius of Antioch (‘Let all the malice of the devil come upon me; only may I enjoy Jesus Christ’) through reformers like John Bradford (‘Faith must go before, and then feeling will follow’) to Bonar’s friend Robert Murray M’Cheyne (‘You will be incomplete Christians if you do not look for the coming again of the Lord Jesus’).

Words Old and New is a treasure-trove for personal or family meditation and devotion, and an attractive introduction to many of the men and women of faith in past centuries.

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This is a collection of articles which have already been widely read and appreciated as editorials in The Banner of Truth magazine, of which Maurice Roberts is the editor. Pointedly biblical, they are thoughtful and searching, humbling and exalting, challenging and encouraging.

Like editorials in other journals Maurice Robert’s articles have spoken to the needs of the times. But while many editorials appear to have only historical or sociological interest at a later day, in contrast these are of lasting value. They have God and his Word as their starting place, and their horizon stretches beyond time to eternity. Those who have already read them will rejoice to have these pieces conveniently and permanently in book form, while those who come to them for the first time will appreciate their freshness, relevance and power, and will find in them a seriousness which has a sanctifying effect on the heart and a clarifying influence on the spiritual vision.

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The Promise comprises 31 carefully selected daily readings from the Bible. If used daily, the reader will be introduced to the Bible’s great message over the period of one month. The Promise is aimed at those who may have recently become Christians or who may simply be interested in knowing more about the Christian faith. This book will also prove to be a wonderful tool for all Christians who are keen to introduce others to Jesus Christ, the Saviour promised by God.

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We all become like the objects we worship. How important then that Christians should be focused on the ‘Great God of Wonders’ revealed in Scripture. To think about God aright is the most exciting occupation possible for any created being’, says Maurice Roberts. In every aspect of the Christian life dealt with in these articles, Roberts’ emphasis is always on ‘the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus’. These writings, originally published in the Banner of Truth magazine, provide thought-provoking, spiritually invigorating, practical and warmly biblical reading.

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La extraña oposición que sufrí de parte de Santanás realiza un mayor esfuerzo, al saber que Satanás lucha ferozmente por evitar que salgan a la luz aquellas cosas que pueden sacudir y derrotar su reino de tinieblas, engrandeciendo el Reino y la gloria del Señor Jesucristo en las almas y vidas de los hijos de los hombres {…}’. Esta es una de las siete razones por las que escribi el presente libro citadas por el autor, Thomas Brooks, en su prefacio.

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‘To read the work of a Puritan doctor of the soul is to enter a rich world of spiritual theology to feed the mind, heart-searching analysis to probe the conscience, Christ-centred grace to transform the heart, and wise counsel to direct the life. This series of Pocket Puritans provides all this in miniature, but also in abundance.’– SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Book Description

In his constant warfare against the church the devil loves nothing better than to sow the seeds of discord and division. The Puritan Thomas Brooks lamented, ‘Our own woeful experience is too great a proof of this.’ How can we counter this devilish ploy? Brooks outlines a twelve-point action plan and teaches us that United We Stand, Divided We Fall is a fitting motto for every Christian soldier.

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‘To read the work of a Puritan doctor of the soul is to enter a rich world of spiritual theology to feed the mind, heart-searching analysis to probe the conscience, Christ-centred grace to transform the heart, and wise counsel to direct the life. This series of Pocket Puritans provides all this in miniature, but also in abundance.’– SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Book Description

The Puritans believed in the reality of the Devil and in his deadly antagonism to the souls of men. To keep us in our lost and condemned state he employs two devices against us: he persuades us that repentance is easy and believing in Christ is impossible. Brooks masterfully uncovers Satan’s devices and skilfully prescribes the Bible’s remedies against them.

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‘Prayers on the Psalms is a triple treasure to me. It was edited by my beloved mentor David B. Calhoun, who is truly a gift to the church, it is drawn from the great Scottish Psalter of 1595 and the translated French prayers of Huguenot pastor martyr Augustin Marlorat, and it is based on the Psalms God has given his church to sing and pray in joy and tears. Read it devotionally and pray it passionately.’ — LIGON DUNCAN

‘To read the work of a Puritan doctor of the soul is to enter a rich world of spiritual theology to feed the mind, heart-searching analysis to probe the conscience, Christ-centred grace to transform the heart, and wise counsel to direct the life. This series of Pocket Puritans provides all this in miniature, but also in abundance.’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Book Description

The Scottish Psalter of 1595 was unique in that it contained a series of prayers on the Psalms. Regarded as ‘one of the little-known devotional treasures of the Scottish Church’ these prayers breathe the spirit of humble confidence in God in the midst of trouble and persecution. Presented here in slightly updated form as Prayers on the Psalms they are sure to suggest much matter for prayer in public, private, and family worship.

Below is an example of how one pastor, Ligon Duncan, uses the prayers for personal devotion:

Reviews

• Review by Mary Bartholomew
  

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‘To read the work of a Puritan doctor of the soul is to enter a rich world of spiritual theology to feed the mind, heart-searching analysis to probe the conscience, Christ-centred grace to transform the heart, and wise counsel to direct the life. This series of Pocket Puritans provides all this in miniature, but also in abundance.’– SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Book Description

Drawn from Baxter’s famous work, The Reformed Pastor, and arranged topically as a month’s supply of brief daily readings, the maxims and meditations in this little book will not only challenge but encourage the gospel minister to pay careful attention to himself and to the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made him an overseer (Acts 20:28). With an introduction by J.I. Packer.

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Probably some illustrious victory was the occasion of this ode. It especially celebrates God’s glory in the preservation of His Church. For this all praise is due. Unto Him all service should be rendered. Exhortations call to be earnest in such exercise. May we obey! Devotional studies of  Psalms, in easily-managed portions for reading daily. This volume contains Psalms 76-150. Law both plumbs the depths and soars to the heights of Christian experience.

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Devotional studies of all 150 Psalms, in easily-managed portions for reading daily. This Volume 1 includes Psalm 1-75.  Law both plumbs the depths and soars to the heights of Christian experience. The main glory of this book is its identity with Christ. He brightly shines throughout its varied hymns. He is constantly the speaker, and in these breathings of His Spirit we receive convincing evidence that, without ceasing to be God, He was a perfect man, and pre-eminently a Man of Sorrows.

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Includes both Volume 1 and 2 of Daily Prayer and Praise by Henry Law. Devotional studies of all 150 Psalms, in easily-managed portions for reading daily. Law both plumbs the depths and soars to the heights of Christian experience.

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Brooks treated the seductive influence and terrible power of Satan in a way greatly more full and suggestive than in the literature of the present day.

Brooks lists seven reasons for writing this book. The first reason is enough…Brooks says, “Satan hath a greater influence upon men, and higher advantages over them than they think he hath, and the knowledge of his high advantage is the highway to disappoint him, and to render the soul strong in resisting, and happy in conquering.

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Reviews

• Review by Megan Hill on The Gospel Coalition
• Review by Garry Geer
• Review by Brian Garrard
• Review by Terry Delaney

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‘As a writer, Brooks scatters stars with both his hands: he hath dust of gold; in his storehouse are all manner of precious stones.’ So wrote C.H. Spurgeon in his Preface to this book. He counted Thomas Brooks among his favourite Puritan authors, and it is not hard to see why. Brooks’ popularity lies both in his subjects – practical truths, central to the Christian life – and in the manner of his presentation. He is ever direct, urgent, fervent, full of Scripture, and able to choose words which make his sentences stick in one’s mind.

This book is a collection of sentences, illustrations, and quaint sayings from this renowned Puritan. Gathered by Spurgeon out of the 6 volume set of Brooks’s Works, it remains an excellent introduction to both the man and his writings.

Spurgeon continues, ‘Reader, thou hast here presented to thee, in a cheap and readable form, the choice sayings of one of the King’s mighties. The great divine who wrote these precious sentences was of the race of the giants. He was head and shoulders above all the people, not in his stature (like Saul), but in mind, and soul, and grace. Treasure these gems, and adorn thyself with them, by putting them into the golden setting of holy practice, which is the end the writer always aimed at. Use these “smooth stones” as David of old, and may the Lord direct them to the very forehead of thy sins, for this is the author’s main design! One of these pithy extracts may assist our meditations for a whole day, and may open up some sweet passage of Scripture to our understandings, and perhaps some brief sentence may stick in the sinner’s conscience, like an arrow from the bow of God. So prays the servant of Christ and his church.’ C.H. Spurgeon”.

Reviews

• Review by John Bird
• Review by Alan Hill

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The Wells of Salvation, by the authors of Heirs Together of Life, is composed of 98 short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah. If you have concentrated on the New Testament, if you have been intimidated by the length of Isaiah, or if you have skipped the first thirty-nine chapters, you may find this book just what you need. It is easily read, interesting and profitable.

Even while this book underlines the greatness of our God and challenges us to a humble walk before him, it encourages us in his love and causes us to rejoice in the victory he secures for his people.

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‘When used slowly, for meditation and prayer, these pages have often been used by God’s Spirit to kindle my dry heart.’ — MARK DEVER

‘The prayers in The Valley of Vision are steeped in Scripture, yet never succumb to mere formula. They are theologically fresh and vibrant, yet they are rooted in confessionalism. They range over a huge sweep of Christian experience and devotion, but they are never merely esoteric or cute. They brim with deep emotion and transparent passion, but they carefully avoid mere sentimentalism. This is a book that teaches readers to pray by example.’ — D. A. CARSON

Book Description

The strength of Puritan character and life lay in prayer and meditation. In this practice the spirit of prayer was regarded as of first importance and the best form of prayer, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. Yet prayer is also vocal and may therefore on occasions be written. Consequently in the Puritan tradition there are many written prayers and meditations which constitute an important corpus of inspiring devotional literature.

Too often extempore prayer lacks variety, order and definiteness. The reason for this lies partly in a neglect of due preparation. It is here that the care and scriptural thoroughness which others found necessary in their approach to God may be of help. This book has been prepared not to ‘supply’ prayers but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before.

The author was a Canon of St. Albans Cathedral, sometime Rector of Little Munden and Sacombe, Hertfordshire, and was for seventeen years a tutor in Biblical Theology and Christian Doctrine at All Nations Christian College. He died in October 1994 aged 79.

PREMIUM GOATSKIN and GENUINE LEATHER EDITIONS

The Genuine Leather Gift Edition comes with a Genuine Leather cover, and a single ribbon marker. It has a Smyth Sewn binding, and comes in a protective case. This edition is a nice step up from the bonded leather edition.

The Premium Goatskin Gift Edition is our top-of-the-line, hand-finished edition, with a goatskin leather cover, gilded filigree edging, and two ribbon markers. It has a Smyth Sewn binding, and comes in a protective case. This edition is noticeably more supple than the Genuine Leather.

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Ligon Duncan on The Valley of Vision

Mark Johnston on The Valley of Vision

Reviews

• Review by Joey Cochran
• Review by Kevin Halloran
• Review by John MacArthur
• Review by Cam Hyde

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The best books of Daily Readings are those which cause the Scriptures themselves to be studied and prized. This is what The Treasury of His Promises sets out to do for each day of the year. There is help of prayer and devotion but with the aim of leading the reader beyond a few momentary thoughts to the blessings of Christian meditation. Here is guidance to the reading of the Bible itself and avenues of thought on doctrine and practice are opened for further reflection.

Graham Miller’s book encourages the prayerful reading and exposition of the Word of God. Younger Christians, especially, will be helped.

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While much is known about Susannah Spurgeon’s famous husband C.H. Spurgeon, comparatively little is known about the woman who supported the great preacher through the many years of his long and fruitful ministry at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London.

Brought together in a single volume for the first time are two titles that will help to address this imbalance. Mrs. Spurgeon’s A Carillon of Bells consists of twenty-four daily meditations on selected texts of Scripture. Full of spiritual devotion to Christ, her words ring out ‘the old truths of free grace and dying love’ on every page. The Life of Susannah Spurgeon by Charles Ray is an affectionate love story that also supplies a fascinating record of the work of Mrs. Spurgeon’s Book Fund. Many thousands of pastors, preachers, and missionaries were generously helped through this agency. Susannah Spurgeon’s life is also a testimony to the all-sufficient grace of God- in the midst of a debilitating chronic illness she was enabled to do a great work for God. Her inspiring example continues to bear fruit to this day in the work of the Banner of Truth Trust Book Fund.

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Andrew Bonar was to devotional literature what his brother Horatius was to hymn-writing- a master of thoughtful meditation on God’s word. There was poetry in his soul, but he had also come to see that ‘prayer should be the main business of every day’. This was reflected in his life and ministry, as those who knew him, or heard him speak, recognized. He moved among men as one who lived in the presence of God.

In Heavenly Springs, Marjory Bonar provides us with a glimpse into her father’s heart and life – through extracts from his own diary, letters and sermons. The intention (and the effect) of her anthology is to bring the reader to the same ‘living water’ from which her father drank so deeply.

Arranged as brief meditations for each Sunday of the year, Heavenly Springs is a treasure-trove of devotion to Christ.

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Writing at the end of 1842, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, tells his flock: ‘It has long been in my mind to prepare a scheme of Scripture reading, in which as many as were made willing by God might agree, so that the whole Bible might be read once by you in the year, and all might be feeding in the same portion of the green pasture at the same time.’ The Calendar give four portions (usually four chapter) for each day of the year: two for family worship, morning and evening, and two for private reading, morning and evening. In this way, the entire Bible is read once and the New Testament and Psalms twice in the course of a year.

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In one relatively short life, plagued by constant ill-health, John Calvin exercised a remarkable ministry as a biblical scholar, a systematic theologian, an evangelical statesman, a church reformer, an international correspondent and a local pastor. His greatest legacy, however, remains his Institutes and his commentaries and treatises.

Calvin’s Wisdom is an anthology of the reformer’s writing. But, more than that, it is virtually a dictionary of this thought, almost an encyclopedia of his theology.

A life-long labour of love, undertaken originally for personal edification, Calvin’s Wisdom is also Dr. Graham Miller’s love-gift to the church. A source of biblical and doctrinal instruction, wise counsel and faithful encouragement, it will become a much-valued companion to those who use it.

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By any standard, Samuel Rutherford was a remarkable Christian: as a pastor he was devoted to his congregation in Anwoth, Scotland; as a leading churchman he was selected in 1643 as a member of the Scottish delegation to the famous Westminster Assembly; as a scholar he was offered some of the most distinguished professorships in Europe; as a letter writer Samuel Rutherford stands second to none in the galaxy of those whose personal correspondence has appeared in published form.

Yet, perhaps the description which would have most encouraged and humbled Rutherford himself came from the lips of a visiting Englishman who said of him that he ‘heard a little fair man, and he showed me the loveliness of Christ’.

Rutherford knew that the heart of Christian experience is in union and communion with Christ. He saw, with the apostle Paul, that only those who share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings experience the power of his resurrection. To him, joy in the Lord and suffering for him were inseparable elements of Christian experience. ‘Grace’ he wrote out of deep personal experience, ‘grows best in winter’.

In these pages, Faith Cook has sensitively transformed Rutherford’s eloquent prose into the form of poetry, and provided cameo portraits of his correspondents. Grace in Winter not only gives pleasure and joy because of its poetry; it also shares the encouragement, comfort and wisdom of Rutherford’s own ministry.

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‘Surprising though it may seem in a world of large books, of all those owned by our family this may be the one we have most often lent or quoted to friends. It is full of rich spiritual wisdom and insight culled from the experience of a man who knew both the sorrows of life and the joys of faith in great abundance…. I pray that many readers will find here the help, comfort, wise counsel, and spiritual compass that we and our friends have so often discovered in meditating on these pages.’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

‘When we are dead and gone let the world know that Spurgeon held Rutherford’s Letters to be the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.’ — C.H. SPURGEON

Book Description

The Loveliness of Christ is a beautiful little gift book containing short extracts in which some of Rutherford’s most helpful thoughts are allowed to stand out in their unadorned wisdom and power. Those familiar with Andrew Bonar’s great nineteenth-century collection of the Letters of Samuel Rutherford will feel that this setting of brief quotations makes Rutherford’s words sparkle like diamonds on a dark cloth in a jeweller’s shop. It is not surprising then, that a hundred years ago, H. C. G. Moule, the Anglican Bishop of Durham, said in his simple but elegant commendation of the original edition of The Loveliness of Christ that it was ‘a small casket stored with many jewels’. It is the publisher’s wish that the reader, in meditating on these pages, will find here help, comfort, wise counsel, and spiritual compass, and to say with Rutherford, ‘Every day we may see some new thing in Christ. His love hath neither brim nor bottom.’

Reviews

• Review by Sinclair B. Ferguson
• Review by Terry Delaney
• Review by Mary Bartholomew

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When the American evangelist D.L. Moody spoke in the Metropolitan Tabernacle in October 1892, he recalled an earlier visit twenty-five years previously. He had come four thousand miles, he said, to hear C.H. Spurgeon, but what impressed him most was not the sermon, nor the singing of the great congregation, but Spurgeon’s prayer. Such was his access to God that he seemed to be able to bring down power from heaven. This was the great secret, Moody believed, of Spurgeon’s influence and success.

This collection of prayers drawn primarily from Sunday morning services at the Tabernacle will make a similar impression on readers today. In this book we see Spurgeon come into the presence of God with deep reverence, yet with unquestioning child-like confidence, to plead God’s promises in Scripture and to revel in the nearness to God into which Christ has brought all who believe.

The Pastor in Prayer will inspire those who lead public worship and all Christians with a fresh sense of the privilege of prayer, and a renewed desire to ‘come boldly to the throne of grace’, there to ‘obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need’.

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This series of devotional meditations on the final scenes in the life of Christ on earth has been prized by successive generations of Christians ever since its original publication in 1854. Translated almost immediately into English and frequently republished, the book has been described as the greatest single volume of the entire nineteenth century on the last days of Christ’s earthly ministry.

Krummacher organizes his meditations around the structure of the Old Testament tabernacle. The first section, The Outer Court, covers the time from Jesus’ announcement of His approaching death to His discourses on the way to Gethsemane. The central section, the longest, is entitled The Holy Place. It deals with Gethsemane, Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, all the judicial proceedings, Christ’s scourging, and the journey to Calvary. The final section, The Most Holy Place, covers the crucifixion itself, Christ’s sayings from the cross, His agony and death, and His burial.

This is a book to which all Christians, and especially preachers, will want to return frequently, to have their hearts warmed afresh, and their love to, and zeal for, their Saviour rekindled.

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‘William Still seemed to live in the Bible. Convinced that it takes a whole bible to make a whole Christian’, he preached his way through it several times, and in addition wrote notes on every chapter for his congregation. David Searle, the editor of Through the Year with William Still has served us all well by this selection from these daily Bible Reading notes. Here is a contagious love for God’s Word distilled in thought-provoking instruction, practical wisdom, and spiritual pleasure for each day of the year.’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Book Description

Drawn from every book in the Bible, this selection, edited and arranged by David C. Searle, will take the reader through the year with William Still. These pages will explain what it means to live under the authority of Scripture, to exalt the glorious Person of Christ, and to rejoice in the wonder of the gospel.

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Over the past fifty years there has been a great resurgence of interest in the writings of the Puritans. The reading of their works has brought great benefit to the people of God in many lands. Christians from many different backgrounds and cultures owe a great debt of gratitude to those faithful pastors and preachers who continue to speak through their writings even though they have long since entered into their heavenly reward. The Puritans really knew how to teach and apply God’s Word in the Spirit’s power!

Richard Rushing has compiled this book of daily devotional readings from his favorite Puritan authors because of the great help he has gained from their Works. ‘How thrilling it has been for me to read the Puritans on the glory and attributes of God, divine providence, fellowship with God, holiness of life and the mortification of indwelling sin, heavenly mindedness, prayer, evangelistic zeal, and trust in the Lord during times of affliction. At every turn these truths are eloquently taught, faithfully applied, and kindly offered as the subject of sweet spiritual meditation.’

This book is sent forth with the prayer that it will open a door to the vast stores of treasure to be found in the writings of the Puritans and that it will stimulate further exploration of this rich spiritual inheritance.

REVIEWS

Review by The Fight of Faith

Review by Zeteo 3:16

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A reviewer described Maurice Roberts’ earlier book The Thought of God as ‘a contemporary work with the depth of the classics which speaks across denominational and cultural lines’. His new book has the same classic quality and universal Christian appeal. The theme is the Christian life as a high and glorious calling, with present enjoyment, duties and conflicts, leading to the unutterable glory and holiness of the world to come.

Readers will glimpse afresh the beauty and majesty of God and the priceless privilege of being called to an unending fellowship with him.

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‘Written in 1874 and republished by The Banner of Truth in 1993, The Everlasting Righteousness stands (in my opinion) as the greatest book on the importance of the Cross and our imputed righteousness. It is clear, concise, devotional and beautifully written…. If you are looking for a readable book that exalts the Cross-centered life, relishes in the righteousness found only in the substitution of the Lamb, and magnifies the worth and beauty of Christ, turn to a talented hymn writer. Horatius Bonar has given us a clear book of great value on the central doctrine of the church. His poetic style will warm the heart after multiple readings and his clarity will equip the preacher with a lifetime of precious quotes.’ — TONY REINKE

Book Description

How Shall Man Be Just with God? asks the subtitle of The Everlasting Righteousness. Here, indeed, is the greatest question a man may ask, and in this brief devotional study Horatius Bonar gives us the answer, an answer not to be found in man himself, but in God and the provision he has made in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is a book which delights in ‘the righteousness found only in the substitution of the Lamb, and magnifies the worth and beauty of Christ… Horatius Bonar has given us a clear book of great value on the central doctrine of the church. His poetic style will warm the heart…and his clarity will equip the preacher with a lifetime of precious quotes.’

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Review

• Review by Tony Reinke
• Review by Erik Raymond

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‘Lord high & holy, meek & lowly, Thou has brought me to the valley of vision…’ The Valley of Vision is a collection of prayers and devotions taken from the writings of spiritual giants like John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, Isaac Watts, and Richard Baxter. These men were not only devoted students of the Bible, but men who expressed an enthusiasm for prayer that is inspiring and contagious. The Valley of Vision captures their devotion and reflects the wide variety of joys and struggles that we are privileged to bring before our Father in heaven.

In this audio collection, gifted narrator Max McLean presents a heartfelt narrative that releases the passion within these prayers in a way that will assist your own personal devotion. Listening to these prayers will inform your own prayer life and help you to approach God with humility and faith.

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