For nearly Forty-five years the Banner of Truth Trust has been reprinting or publishing many books of lasting worth, and Christian's owe a debt of thanks to God for this ministry. In this review we draw together five articles from different periods that deserve to be read or reread today.

In 1966 Ian Murray's The Forgotten Spurgeon (£4.75) made its first appearance in book form, from articles printed in the Banner magazine. Among matters dealt with in the book are the nature of Spurgeon's belief in Calvanistic theology, the contrast with Arminianism and its consequences, his concerns about Roman Catholicism and the doctrine of baptismal regeneration, and the Downgrade controversy, where Spurgeon saw so clearly what would happen, and has happened, in the years following his life. As an introduction to Spurgeon and his influence this book is unrivalled in showing his continuing relevance to the issues of today.

Walt Chantry's The Shadow of the Cross (1981 price £2.95) comes next. This small book of 79 pages presents a real challenge to every believer, and ministers in particular. The basic theme is the Lord's call to his disciples to deny themselves and take up their cross. Several areas of application are looked at, including marriage and prayer. One section emphasises the joy of the Lord experienced in taking up the cross. Our churches would be very much healthier if the spirit of this book was more in evidence.

A Heart for God (£3.75) by Sinclair Ferguson appeared in 1987 with the aim of encouraging and helping people to know God better. This, the author says, is the most important thing in the world to every Christian. Here you will find sound biblical theology set out in a practical and readable way that can warm your heart and draw out your love, It is a deepening knowledge of God that can transform our worship in the right way, where He, and not man, is at the centre.

The Godly Man's Picture. (£4.50) by Thomas Watson was first published in 1666 – but not by the Banner! This edition came out in 1992. Watson has a wonderfully direct and illuminating way of writing, and his subject matter could hardly be more relevant to us as individuals. After a short exposition of godliness, and a reproof to pretenders, the major part of the book deals with 24 characteristics of the godly man. Practical helps conclude a book which must have done much good in the past and can help us now become what we ought to be.

Finally, I would wholeheartedly recommend everyone to buy a copy of Edward Donelly's Bible Teaching on the Doctrine of Heaven and Hell (£4.95) or Heaven and Hell for short, which was published in 2001. This is vital teaching for our day, when thoughts of eternity seem so far away from many minds, including, sadly. A lot of Christians. The chapters on hell are harrowing, humbling, and challenging, and those on heaven glorious, making vividly real how wonderful it is going to be. No-one should miss reading this.