In 1865 Clement Evans, a Liverpool publisher, issued a book called Gems of Thought for Every Day in the Year, from the Writings of an Eminent Divine of the Seventeenth Century. That ‘eminent divine’ was William Gurnall (1616–1679), the Puritan minister and author of The Christian in Complete Armour.

As Joseph Hall (1574–1656), Bishop of Norwich, noted, ‘Every day is a little life: and our whole life is but a day repeated.’ Every day, therefore, should be a day to grow in our devotion to the Lord and in our understanding of his ways.

These ‘gems of thought’ from Gurnall’s writings will serve as helpful daily prompts for meditation, and will, if read prayerfully, lead readers to set their minds on heavenly things.

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And among the pastoral duties of his office, he devoted significant time to the study of Scottish church history and theology. His brother recounted that ‘his chair was often surrounded by big volumes, which spoke for the extent of his reading. His acquaintance with Scottish history and theology is shown in his Cunningham Lectures.’ His biographer similarly stated, ‘He was well acquainted with the writers of the seventeenth century. He knew all the incidents of the Covenanting struggle. He had studied in all their bearings the principles that animated the Covenanters, and with many of these principles he deeply sympathized. For him, the history of the Secession movements of the eighteenth century seemed to have a special attraction. Hardly any man outside the communion of the religious bodies that eventually formed the United Presbyterian Church, and few within them, could be better acquainted than he was with their divisions and controversies.’

The value of his extensive study of Scottish theology, presented to the public in Theology and Theologians, has long been recognized. John MacLeod speaks of Walker as ‘a remarkably well-read and capable divine.’ He acknowledges this book to be ‘a masterly work … in its own department, a classic.’ Nick Needham calls it ‘the standard work on the subject.’ These testimonies are eminently justified.

The preparation of this edition has been something of a labour of love. As discussed above, Walker’s illness prevented him from offering to the public a properly documented edition with references and notes. In order to enhance the value of Walker’s work, and to guide readers into the treasure trove of books he was referencing, nearly all his citations have now been referenced. The painstaking work of tracing his references has cost many hours. But they were hours spent among the theologians of Scotland—and who would fail to regard that as time well spent! Further references have been added to helpful secondary literature on many of the figures Walker mentions. As well as including references, all Latin has been translated.

The opportunity has also been taken to add the available sermons of James Walker to this volume. These are taken from his James Walker D.D. of Carnwath Free Church: Essays, Papers and Sermons, and the Free Church Pulpit, and demonstrate his abilities as a preacher. The essays and papers have not been added, as they are of lesser spiritual interest and value.

I have no doubt that those who carefully work through this volume will be spiritually enriched and drawn to read more widely in Scottish theology. It is important in this connection to highlight other relevant Banner of Truth books, which will also aid in the exploration of the finest of the genre:

—Donald John Maclean, in the Publisher’s Preface

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Wise Sayings is a collection of pithy, striking, and memorable quotations drawn from the works of the much-loved English Puritan, Thomas Watson (c. 1620–1686). Arranged alphabetically and covering some forty-five topics, they introduce the reader to Watson’s penetrating theological insights and practical pastoral wisdom, more of which can be found in the Works of Thomas Watson, also published by the Trust.

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This collection of articles from The Sword and the Trowel provides a first-hand look at Spurgeon’s vision for ministry. In it, readers will find Spurgeon’s convictions on church structure, including meaningful membership, church discipline, and the biblical roles of elders and deacons; his practical teaching on pastoral ministry, such as sermon preparation, leading congregational prayer, and reaching the next generation; and his counsel for facing the personal trials of the ministry, from financial pressures, to the fear of man, discouragement, and much more.

Though written more than a century ago, these articles remain a source of wisdom for today’s pastors navigating the same perennial challenges. This volume is an essential guide for any leader labouring to maintain a faithful, Christ-centred ministry in the twenty-first century.

Excerpts from the forthcoming volume:

– Against Hastening to Remove from our Post of Duty

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Few things are more helpful to preachers than the thoughts of a great preacher. In this volume we have such Thoughts on Preaching from the illustrious pen of Dr James W. Alexander. First published posthumously in 1864, it contains sections from his private writings with their illuminating comments on the work of the ministry. Here too are his Letters to Young Ministers on such themes as Devotion to the Work of the Ministry, The Happiness of Christ’s Ministry, Extempore Preaching, as well as papers on Expository Preaching, Discipline and Study, and related themes.

In an area of Christian literature already well endowed, Alexander’s work makes a particular contribution in a number of ways. Firstly, it stimulates thought as well as informs, and thus meets an important need in the preacher’s life. Secondly, it contains a variety of material, and is therefore helpful to the novice and the experienced preacher alike. Thirdly, it instructs the mind and heart to see the preaching of the gospel as the most important and heroic task in the world, and one which demands the consecration of the whole man to God. All who have a concern and responsibility for the preaching of the word of God should find something to help and encourage them in these pages.

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Book Description

Thomas Watson’s published works, collected here for the first time in a uniform and newly-typeset edition, indicate that he exercised an outstandingly helpful pulpit ministry. His material is simultaneously full of matter and of interest. Reading him some three centuries after the close of his ministry, we can sense his gift of communicating rich biblical and doctrinal truth without burdening his hearers with the sheer density of his material.

This edition follows the editorial policy of George Rogers, principal of Spurgeon’s Pastors’ College, who prepared the 1869 edition of Body of Divinity. Also, where it was thought necessary, translations of foreign words and phrases have been added, as well as footnotes that help to elucidate the text. May the ‘happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience, and practical wisdom’ make these volumes useful to all who read them.

*Where shipping applies (e.g. to orders outside the UK), this will be charged as if all volumes were being sent together – we will make up any cost difference in shipping rates caused by our bifurcated order fulfillment.

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