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A pastor's sketches: Conversations with anxious souls concerning the way of salvation
Known as "The Bunyan of Brooklyn" Ichabod Spencer gives us the fruit of his years of laboring with troubled souls in this remarkable book. When it appeared in 1850 it went through dozens of editions in the US and UK but has been unavailable for 100 years. Jerry Bridges, Maurice Roberts, Joel Beeke, Geoff Thomas and many, many others have given highest praise of this volume. Life changing and ministry altering book.
285 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1855
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 21, 2017
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.
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.
July 26, 2010
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.
June 27, 2025
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.
September 13, 2025
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.
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.
November 23, 2020
Excellent! All pastors should read.
April 22, 2025
Would that every pastor were a little more like Ichabod Spencer.
May 28, 2025
One of the top three books I’ve ever read and one of the most helpful books to me spiritually. What a treasure.
November 22, 2019
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.
January 20, 2016
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.
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.
June 1, 2015
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.
July 25, 2012
Excellent sketches of many different religious / spiritual conversations.
December 13, 2012
A must read! The Bible comes first, then Pilgrim's Progress, then this book...it is that important!
May 9, 2013
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.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews