Majesty in Misery is volume 1 of a proposed three volume set containing C.H. Spurgeon's best sermons on the theme of our Lord's Passion. The present volume contains 16 sermons on Christ's Gethsemane experience. The publishers note that, in keeping with Spurgeon's own wishes, the sermons are published complete and unabridged. However, very helpful headings have been added, the type-set is so arranged as to facilitate easier reading, and various archaic words have been updated. The book carries us in a spirit of devotion to the very heart of the Christian message.

Spurgeon writes in sermon 11 of the volume:

"Since it would not be possible for a believer, however experiencee4 to know for himself all that our Lord endured in the place of the olive press, when he was crushed beneath the upper and nether mill stone of mental suffering and hellish malice, it is clearly far beyond the preacher's capacity to set it forth to you. Jesus himself must give you access to the wonders of Gethsemane: as for me, I can but invite you to enter the garden, bidding you put your shoes from off your feet, for the place whereon we stand is holy ground. I am neither Peter, nor James, nor John, but one who would gladly like them drink of the Master's cup and be baptised with his baptism. I have hitherto advanced only so far as yonder band of eight, but there I have listened to the deep groanings of the Man of Sorrows. "

This book is ideal to give to anyone who may be new to Spurgeon's writings. It is certainly the sort of book to be circulated and read widely if we would preserve the vital truths of the Gospel in our churches. It is a spiritual gem, a devotional feast of good things for believers of all ages, and with its clear headings, ordered, engaging, applicatory and urgent style, a model for all preachers.

Some of the sermon titles are as follows: The Blood Shed for Many (Matt. 26:2); The Sorrow at the Cross Turned into Joy (John 16:20-22); Christian Resignation (Matt. 26: 39); `I Will', yet `Not as I Will.' (John 17:24); Christ's Pastoral Prayer for his People (John 17:5,10); The Captive Saviour Freeing His People, (John 18:8,9). These sermons not only teach and encourage, but also stir the reader to a greater devotion to the Saviour and greater sacrifice and effort in His cause. This book is highly recommended.

Roland Burrows