This is a collection of two sermons, broadly covering the theme of depression. The first sermon reads as encouragement, but more in combating insecurity amongst new believers. Nonetheless, it is a good read. Spurgeon is a skilful preacher and he squeezes every drop he can from Zechariah 4:10.

The second more explicitly focuses on depression and has some beautiful passages. My experience of Spurgeon has been a mixed bag, but I feel this may be the most poetic I have seen him. Perhaps this is because of how close the subject is to his own experience. The short preface at the start of this edition gives some startling context for his earthly struggles. The man had good reason to be low in spirit.

A good read overall. Occasionally veers on the side of being so specific as to not be broadly applicable, but it is a short read with plenty of gold to be found. ( )

From Daniel Christensen