Thomas Charles Spiritual Counsels

by Edward Morgan

The North of Wales in the 1770s was one of the least Christian parts of Britain. The next three decades brought a transformation akin to that of the apostolic era and at the centre of the change was Thomas Charles.

Genres: Christian Living

477 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1994

Reviews

[Reid Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and accessible counsel via essays and letters from a preeminent Welsh pastor in the late 18th and early 19th century. I found everything helpful but his counsel to young men and teachers in Wales was particularly helpful. Highly recommend this book as an insight into the heart and mind of a leader in the Welsh revival some centuries ago, refreshingly simple in his lack of self-confidence and dogged trust in the sufficiency of Christ for all things.

[Joshua Schwisow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich treasury of quotations from Pastor Charles the Welsh Methodist leader of the 1800s. Much wisdom on practical religion, and the Christian experience.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banner of Truth has a knack to introducing us to choice servants of Christ that we’ve never heard of before. After we meet them, we are so glad that we did. Thomas Charles falls especially in that category. Actually, BOT had a joint release of this volume and a new biography of Charles. At first, I was conflicted over which one to read first. I finally decided to meet him through his writing so I’d feel more bought in when I read the biography. It worked. I’m on board for sure.

Fortunately for me, this volume opens with a biographical sketch penned by Iain Murray. If you’ve read Murray before, you know what to expect. Biography on any scale is Murray’s gift. Charles didn’t seem, then, like a stranger when I got to his writings.

The first chapter on spiritual pride blew me away. It’s like it peeled several layers and at the deepest level I’d ever been in that regard I saw the hideous grotesque mess that is the spiritual pride in me. The next chapter on humility stayed in the same vein. Let’s just say that it was nothing like the pablum found in the usual run of Christian books today. No, it was much more penetrating.

Reading on, the subjects changed but the depth did not. At one point, I stopped and asked myself why is this writing so good when he really didn’t come across as a wordsmith, and at times would use the most common expressions to explain himself. I finally figured it out. There was something tangible of the Spirit in it. It is clear that he knew God, he knew people, and he knew the task that God had given him to minister to people. It was like we were seeing a master physician of the soul with both the knife and the balm of the Word of God in hand.

I personally liked the writings on the Bible subjects better than the letters, but all were good. The printing quality and the beauty of the volume that we have come to expect from a hardback volume from Banner of Truth was on full display too.

When I read a book like this, it strikes me that there must be so many of the most wonderful servants of Jesus Christ that we know absolutely nothing about. It reminds me too that the goal is not fame, but God‘s will. We will not all be famous, but we can be in the center of God‘s will and serve Him.

This book is a jewel, and now I’m ready to tackle that biography.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across an old copy of this book in the library at Theological College over 30 years ago. It helped me over the issue of assurance of salvation. Thomas Charles was a leader among the 18th century Calvinistic Methodists, whose genius and legacy was the combination of the experiential (experimental) calvinism together with the organising strength of methodism. Howell Harris was the powerful evangelist who preached the gospel like thunder, breaking up the fallow ground, and Thomas Charles was the theologian and organiser who established the "class meetings" to gather and organise the new converts, enabling them to meet to discuss their spiritual experience and learn from one another and from older believers.
This volume is so rich in practical, experimental, biblical, Christianity. And it is actually very readable still.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most edifying books I’ve read this year. True spiritual insight on virtually every page.

[Ben Hegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding work. D. Martyn Lloyd Jones knew of Thomas Charles and read his work. I was recommended this book by a minister in my denomination here in Northern Ireland and I’m so glad to say that it’s a marvelous book. It is his writings on various spiritual topics, letters to his fiancée (latterly his wife) and friends as well as minutes from Sunday Schools (sounds dull but it’s far from it). The best way that I can describe his writing is that it’s much like the Puritans in their heart searching application. We have here a deep intertwining of theology and the application of that same theology. Surely this is the best type of writing? It’s exceptional, heart warming, and reassuring. It has enflamed my love for my Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and greatly increased my sense of urgency to tell others of what Christ has done for my soul. Now to read the biography of him, also published by Banner of Truth! Highly recommended!

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that should be on every pastors night stand. Full of profound spiritual wisdom and insight, it burns with a love for Jesus in simple, ordinary ministry. Thomas Charles will be a spiritual father and guide to many ordinary pastors who, much like him, yearn to be faithful and fruitful in the places God has set them. I think the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists - of whom Thomas Charles is one of the chief examples - have a great deal to teach contemporary pastors. This little book is the best entry point into this forgotten but rich heritage of grace. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, especially the letters section - full of rich pastoral advice.