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The title, "A Thorny Path," was title taken from an old German hymn. Chance meetings, charitable deeds and hardships on London's streets combine into a heartwarming story. We follow a life weary Hagar that made a bad decision because of her extreme circumstances, a woman in whom blossomed spiritual renewal, and a person that modeled the love of Christ. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"-John 15:13. This edition has 9 illustrations.

This sermon grew out of John 20:15: "Supposing him to be the gardener." Spurgeon used an extensive well-tended garden as a setting for this discourse, probably Dr. Bennet's large garden in Mentone, which Spurgeon frequently visited. When Jesus Christ is the gardener of creation it leads to many inferences: it spurs people to their duties, it relieves people from responsibilities they should never assume, it delivers people from fears, it is a warning for the careless, it is a calming influence to those who complain and lastly it is an outlook full of hope. Spurgeon said he is "hoping that I may open many roads of meditation for your hearts . . . to indicate in which direction you may look for a vein of precious ore." This sermon has been updated to modern language.

Spurgeon examines the nature of "free will," and uses the text John 5:40, "You will not come to me, that you might have life." He observes: "The will is well known by all to be directed by the understanding, to be moved by motives, to be guided by other parts of the soul, and to be a secondary thing." He puts forth the Calvinist doctrine that a person cannot come to Christ by their own means, but Christ must come to the person. He expounds on the nature of legal, spiritual and eternal deadness and how people are unable to overcome this by themselves. He then goes on to describe legal, spiritual and eternal life that is in Christ Jesus. This sermon has been updated to modern language.

The greatest fight in the world is the lifework of fighting against false doctrine, worldliness, error and sin. Spurgeon was excited about the 1891 College Conference when he wrote, "my very soul is on fire with a desire for a special blessing from the Lord." This sermon was Spurgeon's Final Manifesto and his last annual Presidential Address given to The Pastors' College Evangelical Association. His extensive vision covers three headers: God's Word (20 topics), the Church (10 topics) and the Holy Spirit (17 topics). The address covers many fundamental considerations of the Christian minister's life, but is useful to any Christian. The text was updated to modern language.

This sermon details an authentic work of grace in a believer's heart. Whitefield uses the phrase "we can speak peace to our hearts" when God's work is genuine. The defining qualities are a correct understanding of sin, the nature of unbelief, and laying hold on the righteousness of Christ. The second part of the sermon is addressed to different people including true believers, backsliders and those who have never known Christ in their hearts.

Abigail had worked hard to repurchase her father's house, "the old roof." Old and work worn, she came up against her wayward stepson, Dick, who schemed to take the house away. Dick was defiant and self-indulgent and "the old roof" stood in the midst of this bitter conflict. The story inspires faith in God while circumstances are not well understood. This edition has 4 illustrations.

Michel Lorio was a lonely Protestant who lived in an isolated Catholic community. Few residents greeted, or bothered with him at all. He found a friendship with the daring and spirited Delphine that brought out the best in him. A similar event was recorded in Miss Stretton's travelogue to Mont St. Michel, which is included in this edition. The travelogue was published in Leisure Hour Magazine in 1873, three years before Michel Lorio's Cross.

Ten year old Meg struggled to take care of the children until father's ship arrived. Over time, their belongings went to the pawnshop. Quite by accident, they met a friendly shopkeeper who fed and employed Little Meg. She developed faith that God answers prayer, and explained life accordingly. Published soon after Jessica's First Prayer, this story became very popular as well. This edition has 13 illustrations.-Curiosmith

Una Carteret is an independent tomboy who loves shrimping and lobster-pots. When storms arise the fisher folk of the town collect at the beach to plunder pieces of the wrecked ships. Una is enraged by this injustice but fighting against it proves very dangerous. Many people are drifting in this small village and Jesus Christ is seen as a Lifeboat. Una said: "I know what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for me. This little boat I am standing in is a very poor type of what He is able to do for you. You are making shipwrecks of your souls, and He is the Lifeboat of the world. I found no real joy or peace till I stepped in."

Nelly, an eight year old girl, was locked out of her home and left to freeze in the snow and cold. These were dark days because money was scarce and her father was drunk. Fortunately, Nelly had a friend, Bessie, who took care of her, while she waited for her father to reform. Finally, Rodney came to the end of himself and began to cry out to God to help him. An important verse is 2 Corinthians 12:9-"My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Spurgeon felt strongly against the doctrine that the baptism of an adult or infant can save a soul. The doctrine was found in the "Book of Common Prayer" and was practiced by the Church of England. He warned that the idea was misleading and people might go to hell because of it. Spurgeon presented certain facts which disputed the doctrine. He also outlined the correct doctrine of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Spurgeon called for the fiery vehemence of a John Knox or a Martin Luther to "rouse our hearts to action." The sermon was updated to modern language.

"Songs in the Night" is a poetic phrase from Job 35:10 which describes God's strength given to believers to sing and praise God while in affliction. Spurgeon describes the origin of the songs, the content of the songs, the different qualities of the songs, and how God might use the songs. Spurgeon exhorts us "to carry a smile, for you will cheer up many a poor, wayward pilgrim by it." This is the complete version of this very popular sermon and was updated to modern language.

Spurgeon explores four different topics that pertain to Matthew 10:30: "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." God's providence guided by divine foresight; His knowledge of every intimate detail of life; His valuation of everyday people that gives them great worth; and His preservation to eternal life so that no harm can befall a believer. These promises help to encourage believers and bring a valuable reassurance of God's special love. The sermon was updated to modern language. Quote: "If even the very hairs of our head are all numbered, if everything be really ordained of the Most High concerning His people, let us rejoice in the divine appointment, and take it as it comes, and praise His name, whether our allotment be rough or smooth, bitter or sweet."

These hymns were written in Olney, England and were originally published in 1779. This collection includes William Cowper's 68 Olney hymns, and twelve other sacred works. All of Cowper's most loved hymns are found here: "God Moves in Mysterious Ways," "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood," and "O for a Closer Walk with God." This edition also contains a brief biographical sketch of William Cowper by Rev. Henry Stebbing, A. M. (1799-1883). All Bible references are complete text. Please note: The Olney Hymns (1779) were originally published without music. This edition is uniform with the first edition and contains no music. In those days hymns were sung using many different tunes that had the same meter. Music wasn't commonly published in hymnbooks until well into the 1800's.

The notes of Rev. Robert Maguire were compiled from the footnotes of John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress," an edition published by Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c. 1863. This companion volume includes a short introduction to each chapter which is followed by notes, comments and symbolic meanings. All remarks are maintained in the same chapter and order they originally appeared. Explanations of names and events add depth and richness for any reader of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress.

Spurgeon's own experiences in the maze of life help others fight doubt. The book is not meant to be a formal argument but is given "to assist a friend." As the preface says: "How I have personally threaded the labyrinth of life thus far, may be of helpful interest to some other soul which just now is in a maze. I hope that by these pages some true heart may be assisted to 'fight his doubts and gather strength.'" The book contains 70 passages to help a person in times of doubt.

The annotations of Rev. Robert Maguire were compiled from the footnotes of John Bunyan's The Holy War, an edition published by Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c. 1863. This companion volume includes a short outline of each chapter which is followed by notes, comments and symbolic meanings. All remarks are maintained in the same chapter and order they originally appeared. Explanations of names and events add depth and richness for any reader of John Bunyan's The Holy War.

Candles made a relevant object lesson because they commonly illuminated homes and churches. Spurgeon presents many different kinds of candles, their accessories, their history and their uses, and teaches a corresponding spiritual lesson. Some examples include: "Grace is like the light of a candle helping those around it," "Bibles which are never read are like lanterns which are never turned on," and "Always put the weaker brother in the place of honor if you can, and thus make the best use of his light." This book is richly illustrated to help explain the concepts.

Rev. Legh Richmond became acquainted with Elizabeth Wallbridge, the Dairyman's Daughter, when he officiated the funeral of her sister. Elizabeth described how she turned from the vanity of dressing finely and clothed herself with humility of Christ. The visits and letters between them are recorded in this rich testimony of God's work. In 1828, it was reported that 4,000,000 copies of The Dairyman's Daughter were circulated in nineteen different languages, resulting in a multitude of saving graces. This is the unabridged version and includes a brief biography of Legh Richmond by Rev. John Ayre (1801-1869). Also included are reports of several visits to the Isle of Wight years afterward.

Dell, a committed Christian and temperance worker, was anguished when she moved back to her father's village tavern. Challenged to do good, she found much opposition when she ran the household in a bright, clean way. She repeatedly had to go back to her heavenly Father for strength and direction. "She had forgotten for a moment whose child she was. The King's Daughter! She must not forget that. Truly she had a Father whom not only all the earth but all heaven adored." An important verse is Isaiah 55:8-"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."

David Sanders was a shepherd who tended his flocks on Salisbury Plain, England, during the eighteenth century. Mr. Johnson, who was Hannah More's friend Dr. Stonhouse, found him to be an intriguing man of faith because of his humble and peaceful attitude about life, while having modest material wealth. This true narrative was very popular when written and is filled with the thoughtful insights of a simple man with an old family Bible. This edition includes a biography of Hannah More by Henry Johnson, short memoirs of both David Sanders and Dr. Stonhouse, and a letter written by David Sanders. It also includes the short story "'Tis All for the Best," by Hannah More. He delighted in his occupational counterparts like Moses, David and other shepherds. A quote from the book: "It was to shepherds keeping their flocks by night, that the angels appeared in Bethlehem, to tell the best news, the gladdest tidings, that ever were revealed to poor sinful men; often and often has the thought warmed my poor heart in the coldest night, and filled me with more joy and thankfulness than the best supper could have done."

When the large family came together for Christmas at Greylock there was much discussion about children and how to raise them. Mrs. Grey left a legacy of wisdom and comfort to all who knew her. "To follow in the footsteps of that venerated and beloved one [Mrs. Grey], was ambition enough for her; to serve God as she had served Him, to lend herself to every human soul that needed her, as she had done; this was her choice. The humble pathway was little heeded by a world that, struggling for the honors of life, cannot conceive of their being deliberately put by. But it was watched by the eye of God, and how often He met her upon and blessed her in it, is known only to Him."

Young Cassy set forth from her forest camp alone and made a dear friend of a crippled man. She found employment with a rather odd family in London and met a grandfather convinced he is a character in The Pilgrims Progress. Cassy passionately searched for the truth about God's existence. This edition has seven illustrations and also contains the short story "A Man of His Word" by Hesba Stretton.

This is an amusing story of Aunt Avery and her nephew, Fred, who was always asking for help. Her soft heart gave him money to get his business going and for whatever else. Aunt Avery, who had never been 20 miles from where she was born, lacked knowledge in the ways of the world. She was unsettled when she went to New York and saw what Fred was doing with the money, but Aunt Avery's quaint ways that were based on the Bible were honored by God.

Golden Threads was a book of short moral stories written by Mrs. Helen C. Knight and others, published c. 1866. The 63 selections gleaned for this edition are selected for their Christian content. Most all are moral parables that teach Biblical principals and are intended for families with older children. A passage called "Good As Other Folks" outlines a minister's suggestion to a boy to journal his day to discover if he is "good enough for God" as his self assurance says he is. A passage called "Sea-side" tells of how a mother tells her children about God while collecting shells on the beach. A passage called "Gold-apple Words" gives examples of words apply spoken and their huge effect on people's lives.

Charles Spurgeon answers essential spiritual questions. Will God be merciful if we come to him? Are we worshiping for selfish reasons? Are we responsible for others in our teachings, example and sharing of the gospel? Do we truly "know" Christ, or do we only know doctrine and facts about Christ? Are we prepared to die? How do we obtain faith? Are we on the Lord's side in different life issues? and Do we really believe on the Son of God? These are deep questions believers and unbelievers would benefit by earnestly answering. The twelve sermons are titled: WHO CAN TELL?, GOD OR SELF-WHICH?, AM I CLEAR OF HIS BLOOD?, DO YOU KNOW HIM?, ARE YOU PREPARED TO DIE?, HOW CAN I OBTAIN FAITH?, FOR WHOM IS THE GOSPEL MEANT?, AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?, ON WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU?, MAY I?, AND WHY NOT ME?, and THE QUESTION OF QUESTIONS.

Jessica, an inquisitive barefoot girl, took an interest in the coffee stall run by Daniel. Following Daniel into a strange building she began an adventure that will change her life. Jessica knows little about God's love, but has an inquisitive mind showing that a person who seeks eventually finds God. This is one of Hesba Stretton's most popular tales, a touching story first published in 1867. This edition includes 9 illustrations.

When Margery Bede stayed at home to care for her father and brother Stephen, she sacrificed all hope of marriage. Her father died, Stephen went off to Australia, and Margery moved to London where she poured her life into raising Cor, a street boy. Broken-hearted Margery gave her life to others but was left alone and unappreciated. The story's theme is maintaining faith and joy in the midst of disappointment. A quote from the book: "I cannot be anything but happy," I said, "because I believe the Lord Christ has given me the right and the power to become one of the daughters of the Lord God almighty; and there never was a father, even a king upon his throne, who cares for his children as my heavenly Father cares for me. Could I be anything else but happy and at peace."

Rachel Trevor was released from prison and went looking for her child, Rosy, at the workhouse. They were desolate and cold as they searched for food and work, and had no luck. A chimney sweep took them in and offered domestic employment. When they met Rachel's husband accidentally, she did not want to fall back in her old wicked ways with him, but she must be his wife. She showed unusual strength while she tried to resist evil. The story is an encouraging message of hope that God sees us in the midst of severe trials. An important quote is "Christ loves me, God loves me. Thou God seest me."

Twelve year old Mabel shows how her faith in God affected her life. Mabel prayed not to be ill during the coach ride and she enjoyed a refreshing sleep; but also God awakened her fellow passengers in their faith. Mabel gives little Christian books to her friend Alice and God uses them to build her faith. Mabel's simple faith is an example how to approach life's difficulties.