Majesty in Misery, vol 2, The Judgment Hall, by C H Spurgeon, published by the Banner of Truth Trust, hardback, 311 pages, £14.50, available from F P Bookroom.
This is the second of three books of sermons on the trial and death of Jesus, under the general title, Majesty in Misery. This volume deals with the events which occurred between Gethsemane and Calvary. Interestingly a sermon by Thomas Adams, the Puritan, on Matthew 27:51 bears the same title, “Majesty in Misery, or the Power of Christ even in Dying”. The following excerpt from Spurgeon’s introduction sets the scene and raises expectations which the sermons themselves do not disappoint:
“What a descent His love to us compelled Him to make! See how He fell to lift us from our fall! Do not also fail to remember that at the very time when they were thus mocking Him, He was still the Lord of all, and could have summoned twelve legions of angels to His rescue. There was majesty in His misery. . . . Remember these things, and you will gaze upon Him with enlightened eyes and tender hearts, and you will be able the more fully to enter into fellowship with Him in His griefs. Remember whence He came, and it will the more astound you that He should have stooped so low. Remember what He was, and it will be the more marvellous that He should become our substitute.”
This series of sermons reminds one of the Interpreter’s House in Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Each successive scene of the Saviour’s suffering is faithfully depicted and commented on by a master of assemblies. The book is attractively produced and the print easy to read. Altogether a book worth having on a subject eminently worth pondering. (Rev) J R Tallach