A Pastor's Sketches - Two Volumes in One: Conversations with anxious inquirers respecting the way of Salvation

by Ichabod Smith Spencer

These Sketches are taken from real life. They are facts, not fancies. They are the experiences of some whom the Author has known in the course of his ministry. The particular religious experiences of individuals are not guides for other people. They are only illustrations of divine truth, by its application. The Sacred Scriptures are the only just guide. Still, religious history and religious biography, though often abused, have some signal advantages, and, fitly used, may be of peculiar benefit. The Author has hoped, that these Sketches might be useful, not on the ground of their marvelousness, so much as on the ground of their applicability. He has hoped, that they might be instructive, by showing the application of divine truth to human hearts by leading some anxious inquirers after salvation to see what it is that hinders them from peace with God and by leading private Christians and young Ministers of the gospel to study more carefully what they shall say to those, who inquire what they shall do to he saved. And if this, by the divine blessing, shall be of any assistance to young Ministers, on a very delicate and important part of their duty, or of any assistance to inquirers after salvation, its purpose will be accomplished. Taken from the original author's preface 1850

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Theology, Church Ministry, Evangelism

562 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1855

Reviews

[Martyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five star rating is actually for John Angell James's lengthy introduction, which is brilliant and, I would say, a must-read for every minister, full packed full of wisdom and advice and food for thought. It stands alone and doesn't need to be read in conjunction with Spencer's Sketches.

Spencer's Sketches themselves didn't impress me so much, and I would perhaps only give them four stars. They started out well enough, and I did really enjoy some of them. Maybe the novelty just wore off and they began to feel very same-ish. That being said, the whole volume was engaging and interesting, but I was just glad I was reading this edition, where only a selection of the original Sketches was presented. This edition contained 42 sketches in total - 23 selected from the first series, 19 from the second.

This edition greatly benefited by john Angell James's sparse but judicious editorial comments (in the form of footnotes) which didn't alter Spencer's own words, but added a few observations or cautions where necessary.

There is also a brief sketch of Spencer by Rev. Dr. Spring. Spencer seems to come out of this volume very favourably with all his wisdom and discernment regarding revivals and revivalism Overall a commendable and potentially useful book.

If it were shorter I rather wonder whether it wouldn't be a good evangelistic tool. Some of the narratives might stand alone as tracts to get non-Christians interested in Christianity. And church-goers who have never made a profession of faith might find sketches in here which paint their own cases accurately, and it could be just what they require to get them past whatever stumbling blocks are in their way.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing collection of stories from a Presbyterian pastor in the early 1800s concerning his conversations with lost people who need Jesus. I was inspired, instructed and encouraged as I read through theses conversations. For anyone wanting to grow in fervor for evangelism, this is a very helpful book to read.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshingly different from most spiritual/religious books I've read. It did feel like Spencer kept repeating some stories in only a bit different ways but that could also just be the human mind working in similar types of ways; the problems and hindrances to faith tend to repeat themselves in seeking people, or already believing ones. Spencer had a unique gift of dealing wisely with people, something I believe is rare - especially in these days.

[Pig Rieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I only listened to this one on Spotify.

Ichabod Spencer’s book is as series of conversations between himself and individuals concerned about their eternal estate. These exchanges from the middle of the 19th century were direct and pastoral. While you likely won’t find anyone talking in this manner today, readers (and listeners) may do well to do so.

[Nick Rolland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! All pastors should read.

[Tim Hazelbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would that every pastor were a little more like Ichabod Spencer.

[Andrew S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the top three books I’ve ever read and one of the most helpful books to me spiritually. What a treasure.

[Christopher Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for not only pastors but anyone wishing to help Christians who are struggling in some area. Each case study is named applicably and offers amazing insight into the nature of sin, redemption and forgiveness.

[Adam Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ichabod Spencer has a great heart for the lost and his understanding of theology and the human soul is enough to encourage everyone to evangelize more. Great read even in a society over 150 years removed from the original.

2010-11-08...I finished reading Volume 2 and found the sketches to be extremely thought provoking and theologically strong. The author's original preface is true in that volume 2 is much different than volume 1. This book should encourage any Christian to evangelize more.

[Timothy Fluegge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 19th century Pastor's first-hand accounts of dealing with the souls of men over the course of his ministry. It is without doubt one of the best books I have ever read. My approach to pastor work will never be the same.

[Victor B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sketches of many different religious / spiritual conversations.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! The Bible comes first, then Pilgrim's Progress, then this book...it is that important!

[Logan Almy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for the Pastor. Spencer's sketches teach us by example how to minister to the various kinds of persons and conditions encountered in gospel ministry.