Cleaning The Stash

The Christian In Complete Armor by William Gurnall

One of the very first books I ordered from 2017 after hearing Leonard Ravenhill recommend it. Two volumes in one book make for a massive read of priceless insight from the puritan era. 

"Arguably the most significant spiritual and biblical theology ever penned from the English Puritan era, the presentation of William Gurnall's (1616-1679)The Christian in Complete Armour in an accessible single volume is certainly a landmark, and much welcomed, event."

"According to the Apostle Paul, the world is at war. Not a "hot war" but a war in the realm of the spirit. This war, paul warns, requires special armament, and he explains that armament in Ephesians 6. Anglican cleric Gurnall began to explore Paul's exhortation in sermons and lectures, which he published under the title The Christian in Complete Armor. A perennial best-seller in Gurnall's own lifetime, these teachings became his legacy, influencing well over three centuries of Christians and eliciting praise from the likes of Richard Baxter, John Flaven, John Newton, Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards. "

"Historical theologians and Church Historians should benefit greatly from this volume, as should anyone who stands in the Reformed tradition. It sheds much light on the pre-critical puritan view of the world, as well as illuminating a subject matter both theologically and spiritually that us moderns either ignore or take for granted."
From Christian Book dot com

George Whitefield, The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the 18th Century Revival by Arnold Dallimore

I read through this within a month and was awed with many instances of his life, one of which he was traveling by sea on a ship with two other ships alongside. What began as a crude relationship with the pagan crew ended in Mr. Whitefield standing on the bow of the center ship preaching to the passengers of all three ships. This too is where I read about Howell Harris, the itinerant preacher who became close confidant of Whitefield. Harris is someone whom I would identify myself with today. 

Also recorded here is the beginning of Mr. Whitefield's friendship with the Wesleys. John Wesley's seemingly disappointing ministry, and how he was entrusted with Whitefield's congregation as they parted ways.

"The period 1741-1770, covered by this second and concluding volume, was not one of cloudless sunshine. It opened with the doctrinal conflict with the two Wesleys and with a serious division in Methodist ranks. But this was quickly followed by a visit to Scotland in which revival reached its high watermark. Then came years of unwavering effort to evangelize the people of the English-speaking world and to consolidate the gains. Multitudes of 'the humble poor' believed, and members of the aristocracy heard the message of grace. An outstanding biography, popularly written, and with an urgent message for the present day." - Paul Brunning

George Whitefield's life was absolutely amazing. He is a man remarkably used by God in the 18th century. From his early twenties to his death at age 55, he preached 30,000 sermons! That's an average of 20 sermons a week for his entire adult life! There were times when he would be speaking 40-60 hours a week--that's speaking time, not including any personal study or travel time. We must also remember the sizes of the crowds he would speak to. Benjamin Franklin estimated he could be heard audibly by a crowd of 30,000 people. He is reported to have spoken to crowds of at least that much, crowds filling 3 acres.

Here was a man of unique eloquence in speaking, unique passion and zeal for the Lord, unique energy for sacrificial, and unique effectiveness in preaching. God used him for the revival of religion not only in England but also in America. Read this book to get excited about what God did during that time, and excited about what God might do again at any time he may so please!

This is a wonderful biography of this man's life. The author (Dallimore) has also written a two-volume biography of Whitefield, each volume running about 600 pages! He has condensed this full work into this short 200-page abridged version." - Matt Hauck