Midweek: Spurgeon and the Gospels

We're taking a break from Walking the Twelve Steps with Jesus Christ (Ray Geisel) in this Midweek post that I might fulfill my commitment to Thomas Nelson Publishing. They have graciously given me a free copy of Spurgeon and the Gospels to review and, quite frankly, I am eager to share it with you.

As for aesthetics, the copy I received arrived in a nicely printed cardboard sleeve. The book's cover is engraved and stitched brown Leathersoft™ (Black is available as well). The title on the spine is printed in goldleaf, but sadly, is not engraved. That would have been a nice touch. There is a presentation page, a blue satin bookmark, and gilt-edged pages. Margins are very wide, providing ample to space to journal one's own thoughts. I will, however, caution you that the pages are thin: many gel-type pens and highlighters will bleed through, and excess pressure of a ball-point pen may cause indentations on the next page. The type is 9.5-point Comfort Print®, and the book comes with a lifetime guarantee from Thomas Nelson.

The edition I reviewed is in the New King James Version (I believe that is the only version available at this time) and is strictly the four Gospels. The format is, I think, wonderful. Prior to each chapter, there is a writing from Charles Haddon Spurgeon, known as "The Prince of Preachers." Whether you read his devotional thoughts prior to reading the chapter, after, or both, I think it's a profitable and efficient approach to your daily quiet time with Jesus. Spurgeon's love for Scripture and his reverence for a holy, sovereign God are woven throughout each writing. If you are acquainted with him and his sermons or have not yet discovered his large body of work, I would encourage you to purchase one of these for yourself and another for a friend. It is currently available through Amazon for $16.98, christianbook.com for $14.99, and faithgateway for $13.99. With the Christmas season right around the corner, I would highly recommend you get yours (and a loved one's) now.