The Bunyan of Brooklyn

The Gospel According to Spencer

2009-03-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

"Dr. Ichabod Spencer, one of the most able and faithful pastors America ever had"

R.A. Torrey

I just came across a name that I had never heard before, Ichabod Spencer. Being a bit of a history buff, especially about Brooklyn I was intrigued by this man's life. He was a pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn Heights in the 1800's. He was a true man of God and had a true pastor's heart. God used him greatly in Brooklyn to bring many souls to Christ. They called him the John Bunyan of Brooklyn.

“A PASTOR’S SKETCHES” BY ICHABOD SPENCER – A STRATEGY FOR EVANGELISM

Ichabod Spencer was born in 1798 in Rupert, Vermont. He became a believer at the age of eighteen. Spencer became an educator and was offered two positions as president of a college or university, but he declined them both because he felt that God had called him to preach. In the first few years of his ministry he witnessed the conversions of 250 people in Northampton, Massachusetts. In 1832 he accepted the call to pastor at Second Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, New York. This was the church he remained until his death in 1854. His pastoral style of ministry won him the nickname of “The Bunyan of Brooklyn.” He was remembered as a “true shepherd” who preached the Word in season and out of season.[1]

Principles of Spencer’s Approach to Evangelism

BE AWARE OF THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION

Spencer was very insightful to the spiritual condition of his congregants. His approach to evangelism depended on the actions or verbal expressions of the person he visited. Sometimes he met with people who countered the gospel message with “logical” arguments or diversionary tactics. For this type of person, Spencer used a form of apologetics to appeal to their intellect. In one example, a man questioned the existence of God, to which Spencer presented a lengthy explanation of “cause and effect” (17). In his argument he stated that God was the cause of all creation (creation being the effects of God). Spencer challenged the man with a humorous illustration, “You do not fling dust in the air, and find it come down a man or a monkey” (17). Spencer engaged in theological debates and allowed himself to be available for questions. He patiently listened as they presented their opinions, and always answered their query from a biblical perspective.

KEEP THE GOSPEL BASIC

Spencer kept the gospel message very basic yet true, using common terms and words that were understandable. He believed that to use more words than necessary leaned on “crazy philosophizing” which tended to “awaken doubt than call forth faith” (59). Once the gospel had been presented, he called for a response. Often people did not respond positively because sin prevented them from doing so. Spencer had the uncanny ability to know what sin a person suffered, in fact he referred to this as “conspiring” with the Holy Spirit (153). In one case he presented the gospel to a man and his family. The response seemed positive in that they all knelt and had a prayer together, but the man never showed up at church. Through a chance meeting on the road, Spencer realized the man was an alcoholic. With much deliberation, the man threw his bottle away, went back home, and soon after became a “child of God” (256-63).

COUNTER FALSE OR ERRONEOUS BELIEFS

Sometimes the people Spencer encountered had erroneous beliefs about the Bible. They were either confused or, for some reason, were hostile against the Word. Spencer did not allow anyone to pick apart the gospel in order to discount the whole message nor did he allow faulty thinking to fester. In one account, a young man wanted to get baptized and insisted on getting immersed. Spencer interrogated him about the meaning of baptism. After much discussion, Spencer decided to baptize the man in the river just as Philip baptized the eunuch. The man was hesitant and Spencer confronted him about his “vanity” and desire to gain attention through immersion baptism (which is not practiced in their denomination) (167-73). Another facet of faulty thinking was that some did not come to Christ because they thought it should be done through their own volition (165). Others thought they were too sinful for Christ to accept them, but rather than interpreting this as a form of humility, Spencer saw it as an indication of pride, self-righteousness, and a “wicked heart” (227-28).

KNOW THE LIMIT

Spencer realized that there were times when he could do no spiritual coaxing since God uses “gloomy months” to bring people closer to Him (223), because there were times when he was powerless in evoking a positive response from people (275). Though it was never too late to repent and receive salvation, there was one particular episode when Spencer was at a man’s deathbed. The man refused to accept Christ. His reason was that he had led a life in opposition to God and had made his choice long ago. His father had influenced him to believe that there was no hell and all people who died went to heaven. During his final days of life, he advised his younger brother to cling to Christ and ignore their father’s Universalist beliefs. Though he apparently knew the truth, he never prayed for God’s mercy to be upon him. He died eternally separated from God because he could not forgive his father for leading him astray (264-77).

NEVER COMPROMISE THE WORD

The gospel was never compromised. There were situations in which Spencer could have downplayed the gospel in order to cater to people’s liking, but he never did. In one episode, a woman was lying on her deathbed and confessed to Spencer that she would have preferred “fanciful” sermons, but instead he preached Scriptural doctrine and insisted that people read their Bibles (283). She acknowledged that his biblical teachings and urging allowed her faith in God to become stronger. In another instance during a revival, Spencer was faced with a small group of people who complained about the Bible’s message of God’s judgment, the law, and the human condition prone to wickedness (125). Spencer could have apologized and promised to give milder messages in the future, but instead he presented a much harsher discourse that evening on the “wickedness of men” and the “anger of God against the wicked.” As a result, the majority of those people who complained became believers (125-26). Spencer understood that people, who were “convicted sinners,” had no idea what was best for their soul (124). Spencer’s philosophy was that “truth is never injurious” and anything other than biblical truth was a “trick” (115).

Strengths and Weaknesses of Spencer’s Approach

STRENGTHS

Spencer’s approach was very direct and confrontational. This was a strength because many of the people he encountered denied their need for a Savior, and confronting them with their true sinfulness and depravity forced them to realize their dire state. Some who felt they were not very sinful needed this direct approach in order to truly compare themselves with God. This approach spurred others to examine their faulty belief systems and break down barriers erected from intellectual philosophizing and rationalizing.

The ability for Spencer to adapt his presentation based on the audience is a strength. He either kept the basic gospel simple and understandable or used apologetics to appeal to intellectuals. Although he altered the presentation, Spencer never compromised the truth of the gospel and followed up the gospel message with a call to respond. Insisting on a decision following a gospel presentation forced the person to personalize the message then verbalize their understanding of it. Though Spencer called for a response, he knew his limitation and in the case of the dying Universalist, he did not push the man to concede to Christ.

Spencer was very knowledgeable about various counterarguments to the gospel, which is a strength for any Christian. There were examples of his lengthy discussions, one about creationism and the other about the doctrine of election. Spencer was able to find the core issue of a person’s objection. In the case of “The Young Irishman,” he elaborated on the topic of matter, Spirit, the mind, human perception, knowledge, power and will. Since Spencer exhausted the topics, the young man had no recourse but to admit that Satan had misled him and “renounce his infidelity” (49). Regarding the doctrine of election, Spencer spoke about predestination, free will, obedience, and receptiveness to the Word. For each subject Spencer gave two or more points to support his statement. His arguments seemed to flow naturally and without hesitation, which resulted in the man to make a public profession of faith.

To show empathy and genuine concern for people was another of Spencer’s strengths. He was not afraid to touch people who were deathly ill. There were many instances in which Spencer visited those who were dying. An illustration of empathy was shown when the young Universalist was dying. Spencer was not afraid to show his emotions and while sharing a moment of silence with the wife and mother of the man, he became “subdued to tears” (272). Spencer’s genuine concern for the dying was shown in the amount of time he spent with them. He did not think of it as an inconvenience to visit the same person day after day for several hours. The most loving thing Spencer did was to present the gospel and correct any biblical misconceptions to those who were dying. When he ministered to a dying young woman, he held her hand and patiently listened to her concerns as she voiced them between labored breathing (89-103). Those he ministered always appreciated his care and concern, and would thank him for his time even if they did not agree with him.

WEAKNESSES

There were no weaknesses to Spencer’s approach to evangelism because the encounters he had with the majority of the people resulted in a conversion. His upfront and candid presentation style worked for his personality. This confrontational approach may not work for an introverted woman, but it was effective for Spencer, who seemed to be very extroverted and opinionated.

Strategy of Evangelism to Follow in Ministry

KNOW YOUR “STUFF”

All Christians should be aware of the world’s objections to the gospel, and be prepared to defend the Word. Spencer dealt with various issues such as creationism, predestination, universalism, and ignorance. Each time he faced opposition, he had a ready answer. Spencer clearly practiced Colossians 4:6—“Let you speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one (NKJV).” When Spencer discussed creationism with the Irishman, he reiterated Romans 1:18-20 in the form of “everyday” language. Spencer took to heart what Jesus advised believers— to be “wise as serpents” (Matthew 10:16).

BE LOVINGLY CONFRONTATIVE

As Spencer noted, sinners do not know what is best for their souls, so the most loving thing a Christian can do for a non-believer is to engage and disseminate faulty thinking or any misconceptions of the Bible. If the person is living in an obvious sin, a Christian must direct him or her to God’s Word. Spencer personally lived 2Timothy 4:2— “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (NKJV).” It seemed that Spencer’s reason for trying hard to convince people of the truth was so that they “may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil” (2Timothy 2:26 NKJV).

DEMONSTRATE CARE AND CONCERN

Christians should be willing to spend time with non-believers and present the gospel to them. Spencer exemplified Matthew 5:44 & 46—“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…for if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same (NKJV)?” All believers should follow Spencer’s example for his patience with skeptics, his ministry to the terminally ill, and his persuasion of people to live godly lives.

NEVER COMPROMISE OR MINIMIZED THE GOSPEL

Spencer knew that sinners did not know what was best for their souls, and because of this fact, they might have preferred hearing a different gospel than the one he told. However, he did not change the gospel to suit their tastes. He recognized that the Word was the only way to free them from their state of being. Spencer believed the truth of John 8:32—“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free (NKJV).” Believers should never be afraid to tell the whole gospel because it is a message of hope.

Conclusion

Christians should be in the habit of building their own lives on the foundation of their “holy faith,” praying for the direction of the Holy Spirit, living to honor God, to “show mercy” to people whose faith is inconsistent, and having the courage to “snatch” others from the “flames of judgment” by sharing the gospel with them (Jude 20-23 NLT). The purpose of every believer is to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things commanded by Jesus” (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV). Spencer accepted and fully carried out God’s command, and as such, he was a great example for all dedicated followers to imitate. He never cowered from the truth, and went out of his way to convince people of their fate and spiritual circumstances in the light of God’s Word.

[1] “Introduction to Spencer and his sketches,” A Pastor’s Sketches, Vestavia Hills, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2002.

The Bunyan of Brooklyn

2009-02-24T18:24:00.001-08:00

The 2nd Presbyterian Church/Spencer Memorial Church located on the corner of Clinton Street and Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights was a beacon of light from 1832 - 1854. Many souls came to Christ through the preaching and ministry of Pastor Ichabod Spencer D.D. Spencer's uncompromising passion for Christ and for the Doctrines of Grace earned him the nickname "The Bunyan of Brooklyn". Spencer suffered throughout much of his life due to poor health, yet even in his agony his faith never wavered. After serving his generation faithfully he was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery on November 23, 1854. The years following the church slowly faded into the liberal theology of the day until there was no light left. Truly the Glory of the Lord has departed from that building. Today it serves as a residential coop.  

The Heart of a True Shepherd was consistently displayed in the life of Pastor Spencer. "Spencer placed upon himself the demand that he would have a home visit for every member of his church every year, which he did for all 22 years. These visits were not for social but spiritual purposes, and were rarely spent in vain.

It is said that he averaged over 800 appointments with souls every year for the 25 years of pastoral labor. Perhaps the most remarkable thing is that he recorded each of these in careful fashion and had a dozen huge volumes containing detailed information on each of these visits. His Pastor's Sketches contain material drawn from these volumes. The two volumes of Sketches contain but 77 specimens taken from over 20,000 available to him. It is no wonder that he came to be referred to as The Bunyan of Brooklyn."1

Pastor Ichabod Spencer did not support or agree with slavery. Nevertheless, he has been severely criticized throughout the years for a controversial sermon that he preached at his church, The Second Presbyterian Church, in Brooklyn on November 24, 1850 regarding the Fugitive Slave Law. A very controversial topic no doubt, he believed that slavery could be ended by using peaceful solutions:  "I am not justifying slavery. I am pleading obedience to the texts before me. Slavery may be wrong. Be it so; there is still a righteous method to get rid of it. But if slavery is wrong, that does not make violence and murder right."  He did not believe in slavery, but he did not believe that a violent rebellion against the law would bring about its end either. He later mentioned to a fellow minister that he regretted the fact that he was being misunderstood as supporting slavery, but nevertheless, he stood behind his belief that violence was not the way to end it. I might not necessarily agree with his position, but I believe it is unfair to judge this man of God as being evil and ignoring his life-long labor in the Lord that is still touching lives today. His life and ministry far outweigh his controversial position on this matter.

Again, Spencer was not condoning slavery. He simply was concerned about his flock and felt that it was his duty to warn them not to rebel against the government. He wanted them to avoid using violence for the purpose of making a righteous stance against slavery.   I know that most white Evangelical Christians would not even tread on this water. They would rather avoid it all together. Being that most of my closest friends are black, I do not have that option. I have spoken with a few of them over the past week. Some feel that they understood Spencer and would have no problem reading his sermons and books. Others feel that they would not be able to receive from him because of his refusal to take an active and physical stance against slavery. To the latter I can only pray that God will bring them to the very place that he brought Joseph. "Joseph called the name of his firstborn Manasseh. "For" he said, "God has made me to forget all my hardship and all my father's house". The name of the second he called Ephraim, "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."Genesis 41:51-52. Joseph, after years of slavery, prison, rejection, came to understand that God was with him throughout all of his sufferings and sorrows. Our history is blighted with many evils that the enemy stands ready to capitalize upon for the purpose of causing division. But, to us who are the chosen of God, the Elect, no matter how painful our past, we look forward to a glorious future and the blessed hope of eternal life wrought by the suffering and sacrifice of your precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ "who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" Gal 1:4.

There are several black ministers who greatly appreciate Spencer's work and are mature enough to look past his position and receive the wisdom and grace that made him the great pastor that he was:

"Dr. Spencer's book should certainly take a well-deserved place among the tools of any physician of souls...Anyone with the cause of Christ at heart will bemoan the fact that we have too many miscarriages in our evangelistic labor-wards. These sketches found in Spencer's book, together with the concluding lessons, will go a long way to bring back the biblical balance that we so desperately need if the preachers of the new millennium are to prove themselves to be able and true spiritual midwives. I have no doubt that its reprinting is long overdue." —Pastor Conrad Mbewe

1 quoted from http://www.solid-ground-books.com/detail_58.asp?flag=3

Dead Men Speaking

2009-02-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks (Hebrews 11:4)

As I was reading more about Ichabod Spencer's life I realized that this suffering servant’s body was laid to rest at the end of my block in Greenwood Cemetery. So I decided to take a short walk from my apartment this afternoon to the corner of 31st Street and 5th Avenue where Greenwood Cemetery is located. I did a quick search on the cemetery's website and found the location of the burial site. As I walked through this peaceful Historical Landmark I began to read the countless tombstones scattered along the rolling hills of the cemetery. Some were buried as early as the 1800's, others as recent as last week. I wondered to myself who these people were and what legacy, if any, did they leave behind. Did their lives make a difference while they were here on earth? Did they serve Christ, or their own desires and ambitions? Does anyone remember them today? How long will it be before the fresh flowers and well-groomed plots on the recently departed resembled the unkept and weed infested plots of those long forgotten? Soon they will be amongst those who have been forgotten through the course of time. Time has a strange way of erasing the memories and achievements of days gone by.

As I continued on I passed by the grave of Leonard Bernstein who made a name for himself during his short time on earth as a great composer, and conductor. I passed by the grave of Henry Steinway, the founders of Steinway & Sons. The world famous piano manufacturer. I passed by the grave of Albert Anastasia the infamous mobster of Murder Inc., who made a name for himself as a man to be feared. I passed by the grave of Henry Chadwick who was deemed "The Father of Baseball". It is because of his work that we can enjoy this "Great American Past Time". I passed by the grave of Samuel Morse who invented - well you know, “The Morse Code”. Who can forget the code for S.O.S? I passed by the grave of Charles Ebbets, the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers "Dem Bums", whose stadium bore his name.

There were countless others that made a name for themselves and are remembered because of their work and achievements. Yet all of these men are gone and to what extent has their legacy impacted the lives of men and woman for the Glory of God? How significant was their contribution in light of eternity? What reward did they receive for all of their labor and toil? Did they hear the sweet sound of, "Well done my good and faithful servant" or the dreaded sound of, "Depart from me I never knew you"?

As I came upon the site of Ichabod Spencer I felt a sense of awe. I realized that this once feeble man who suffered extensively with sickness and pain was now made whole and in the presence of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ reaping the benefits of a life of service to God. I read the epitaph on the gravestone and it simply said this:

In Memory of I.S. Spencer D.D.

"The First and for 22 years was the Beloved Pastor of the

Second Presbyterian Church in this City. Born February 23, 1798.

Died November 23, 1854 at the age of 56 years old.

‘Well-done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Matthew 25:23

I felt humbled as I stood before this tall weather beaten obelisk tombstone. I began to ask myself what kind of legacy am I going to leave behind? What will my epitaph read? From what I have read about Spencer he touched countless lives for Christ. During his Funeral services thousands came out to pay their final respects to this man who gave his life for the service of God's people. Through sickness and pain he never complained but with tenderness and compassion ministered to those in his care on a personal and intimate basis. He was unflinching in his commitment to preach the unadulterated Word of God. He held firmly to the Doctrines of Grace. He made every effort to know the condition of each member of the flock. He was a man who lived a life of service and sacrifice.

His church - which once stood as a beacon of light, is now a residential coop. His name that was once well known throughout Brooklyn is all but forgotten. Yet today through his writings many of God's faithful servants have been challenged, encouraged to continue on in the faithful preaching of the Doctrines of Grace, and the up close and personal ministry to the flock of God. His only desire was to make the name of Jesus great among men. I am sure that he would not subscribe to today's "mega church" pastor's who seem too important, and too busy to spend time with the very people that God has called them to serve. These men might be well known and have a great name among men, but like those tombstones that I passed by today, I wonder what is waiting for these men on the other side? Are they serving God's people faithfully and sacrificially, or are they exploiting them to make a name for themselves?

As I made my way back I noticed a few other tombstones that caught my attention. I realized that in the midst of worldly men whose only goal was to make a name for themselves - there were those like Spencer, whose only goal was to make the name of Jesus great among men. So as I passed by the tombs of Ira Sankey, the well-known gospel singer, and Thomas Hastings, the composer of Rock of Ages, I realized that these men did not make the Greenwood Cemetery Hall of Fame. And rightly so, because their only goal was to lift up the name of Christ and make His name Glorious!

The Encouraging Doctrine of Predestination

2009-02-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

The third main purpose of this doctrine [of predestination] is, as I suppose, to comfort God’s people. The grand trial of a life of religion is a trial of the heart. We have sins, we have weaknesses and temptations, which tend to a dreadful discouragement. Sin easily besets us. We easily wander from God. Holiness is an up-hill work. Our feet often stagger in the path of our pilgrimage, and tears of bitterness gush from our eyes, lest such weak, and tempted, and erring creatures should never reach heaven. Devils tempt us. The world presents its deceitful allurements, and more deceitful and dangerous claims. What shall cheer us when our heart sinks within us? Whither shall we fly for comfort, when our hearts are bleeding, when our sins are so many, when our gain in holiness is so little, when our light goes out, and the gloom of an impenetrable midnight settles down upon our poor and helpless soul? We cannot, indeed, mount up to the inner sanctuary of God, open the seven-sealed book, and read our names recorded in it by the pen of the Eternal. But we can know that such a book is there; and that the pen of our Father has filled it with his eternal decrees, not one of which shall fail of accomplishment, as surely as his own throne shall stand.

And when we find in ourselves, amid our tearful struggles, even the feeble beginnings of holiness, we know that God has commenced hiswork for us,–a work which he planned before the world was; and that he who has ‘begun a good in work in us, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,’ carrying into effect his eternal plan. Just as well as we know our likeness to God, we know our election to God. We know that our holiness is his work, a work which he purposed from the beginning. If he had purposed it but just when he began it,–if it were a work undertaken from some recent impulse, then we should have good reason to fear that some other impulse would drive him to abandon it. But when we know it from a part of his eternal counsels, and is no sidework, no episode, no interlude, or sudden interposition not before provided for—then we are assured that God is not going to forsake us; and deep as is our home-bred depravity, and many and malignant as are our foes, we are cheered with the assurance, that God will bring us off victorious, and ‘the purpose according to election shall stand.’

We love to see our salvation embraced in the eternal plan of God; and we know it is embraced there, if we are his children by faith in Christ Jesus. We cannot read his secret counsels; but we can read his spiritual workings in us. We know the counsels by the evidence of the workings; and then we are cheered and encouraged amid our trials, by the idea that God will no more abandon us than he will abandon the eternal plan which his wisdom formed before the foundation of the world. ‘Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?’ He had their names in his book before they had shed a tear, before a devil existed to tempt them.

Book Review by A Puritan's Mind Website

2009-02-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

A Pastor's Sketches
Pastoral Book Reviews
By and more or less unknown author, this book is actually a gem among pastoral theology resources.

There are few books that adequately deal with Pastoral occasions. For example, in seminary you will learn where the Ten Commandments reside, but little about how they practicallyapply to the life of the church. In this treasured volume you will not only taste an autobiographical account of a Pastor’s dealingswith the flock, or the encounters with seekers, but an appliedpastoral theology in action. And this is not simply a selected group of touchy-feely human instances to warm the soul. It is an exposition of a faithful pastor’s mind laid out in theological and biblical methodology for troubled souls. It is a teaching tool for ministers who think they know what pastoral theology is all about. For after reading through Spencer’s volume, they will soon learn that they have much to learn.

Ichabod Spencer was known as the “Bunyan of Brooklyn.” In my estimation, John Bunyan was one of the greatest Pastors of all time. Why is this? - because his work “Pilgrim’s Progress” is still warming hearts today through its pastoral application of divine truth. Spencer, in gaining such a renown nickname, is no small advocate of Pastoral application in the lives of those he had been providentially apportioned. He was Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn from 1832-1854. He was persuaded that visitation was key to Pastoral success. (Such a sentiment was no small matter in the ministry of Richard Baxter as well, and look at his ministry!) For how could a faithful under-shepherd watch over his flock unless he was intimately acquainted with the flock? As a result of these visitations and encounters, he penned this book as a consequence of relentless prodding from his ministerial friends and congregation.

The methodology of this book is worth its weight in gold. I have rarely seen books of this sort. Most of the time they lie hidden in the depth of long theological works that the student of divinity must dig and collect, as the portions become known. However, in this book, it is all at the surface, begging to be read by those who desire a Pastoral theology that is not only orthodox in doctrine, but applicable today. Pastoral ministry cannot be the same in any elder’s work after reading this book coupled with prayer. It is easy to simply read a book of this sort, but another matter all together to put such practice into action in holiness and godliness. It is evident that God graced Pastor Spencer with vivid insight into knowing the nature of common men, united with a sharp theological sense in which he applied the Bible in such diverse situations.

Spencer spends 40 chapters dealing with a variety of people, young and old, from those lost to those weak in faith, from those dying of illness to those skeptics who rail against the Gospel. What does the Pastor do when confronted with those who live in despair? What do Pastors say when people believe they cannot be saved? How should a Pastor conduct himself around those who have never heard the Gospel – what would be the best course of conversation with such people? How much should be said when witnessing? Or preaching? Not only do these, and many more, questions yield vivid answers from Spencer’s pen, but he also makes notes to those reading the book at the end of each chapter. His desire is not simply to portray autobiographical accounts, but to teach the reader why such accounts have taken place. Here young pastors should find this book extraordinarily helpful.

Among Pastoral books, this one is necessary reading. I commend Solid Ground Books for pulling it off the antiquated shelf. Pastors, sell your good suit jacket to obtain a copy if you must. It would be better to visit the flock missing a suit jacket, than the material needed to counsel them as a responsible elder which is found bursting through the pages of this book. It is heartily helpful – a pastoral must!

Some Quotes:

Many convicted sinners are kept from salvation but some mere trifle. It is important to remove the obstacle. They will not likely to seek God in earnest till that is done.

A true history of spurious revivals would be one of the most melancholy books ever written.

My observation continues to confirm me more and more in the opinion that to experience religions to experience the truth of the great doctrines of divine grace.

Convicted sinners are very poor judges of what “will do them good.”

No man can preach so powerfully as the Holy Spirit. It is vastly important to know when to stop. The divine writers understood this. They are perfect examples. Their silence is to be imitated, as well as their utterance.

Decision is a vastly important matter with a convicted sinner. The Bible treats it as such: “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” A sinner must choose, or he must be lost. Nobody else can choose for him. Nothing can excise him from doing this duty at once. Of he will not do it, he may expect the Divine Spirit to depart from him, and leave him to his own way.

Taken From the following website: http://www.apuritansmind.com/BookReviews/SpencerIchabodPastoralSketches.htm