Jeremiah Burroughs was a peace-loving Puritan. Without sacrificing the truth, he sought unity among those who professed it, and prayed, preached, and pleaded to that end. Indeed, Richard Baxter, who felt keenly the need for peace but struggled himself to promote it, once remarked that if all the Episcopalians had been like Archbishop [James] Ussher, all the Presbyterians like Stephen Marshall, and all the Independents like Jeremiah Burroughs, then the breaches of the church would soon have been healed. Article read this week: – James Davison, 'The Irenic Jeremiah Burroughs', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 559 (April 2010). Further reading: Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment (paperback, 232 pages.) This week's episode art features a detail from William Bell Scott (1811–1890), Bernard Gilpin making Peace among the Borders, takes down the Glove in Rothbury Church, circa 1570 (One of a series of eight oil paintings illustrating the history of the English Border). Public domain: see file on Wikimedia here. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
In Psalm 31, David prays the following about those who fear the Lord: 'In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.' In a world in which deception so often seems to prevail, and good reputations are tarnished by falsehoods, we need to realise afresh the power (and danger) of the tongue. We must lay hold of the God who can deliver us both from sinning with our tongues, and from 'the strife of tongues' when they are turned unjustly against us. Featured Resources: – Maurice Roberts, 'The Strife of Tongues', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 460 (January 2002). – Arnold A. Dallimore, Spurgeon: A Biography (1984, repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1985, 2014), p. 69. Further reading: John Flavel, Sinful Speech (Pocket Puritans) N.B. the text of this Pocket Puritan is taken from 'A Caution to Seamen: A Dissuasive against Several Horrid and Detestable Sins' in The Works of John Flavel, Vol. 5 and 'The Reasonableness of Personal Reformation' in The Works of John Flavel, Vol. 6. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
The system of false teaching known as Socinianism proved a thorn in the side of the Reformed churches for more than two centuries. Even today, the essential tenets of Socinianism are still with us, and aspects of it pop up in the teaching of such movements as Unitarian Universalism, 'Oneness' Pentecostalism, Christadelphianism, and among the Jehovah's Witnesses. As such, it is well for us to take a closer look at this movement, its key commitments, and how it emerged in the context of Reformation-era Europe. Banner resources relevant to Socinianism: – The Works of John Owen, Volume 12: The Gospel Defended (Clothbound, 639 pages) – The Works of Andrew Fuller (1 Volume, 1012 pages) – William Cunningham, Historical Theology (Clothbound, 1408 pages) John Owen's (tragically amusing) presentation of John Biddle's Socinianism, in the form of a satirical catechism, can be found on pages 588 to 590 of The Works of John Owen, vol. 12: The Gospel Defended. This week's podcast artwork features an image of a plaque in the Sozzini's palace in Siena which depicts Fausto and Lelio Sozzini. The etching on the plaque claims that 'During ages of fierce despotism, with their new doctrines they awoke the free thought'. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
As summer turns to autumn in the northern hemisphere, we do hope this note finds you doing well. This week we bring you an audio recording of Iain H. Murray speaking on 'John Knox' at the 2003 Youth Conference in Leicester, England. More resources on John Knox: – The Select Practical Writings of John Knox (Clothbound, 336 pages) – The Works of John Knox (6 Volumes, 3824 pages) – D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John Knox and the Reformation (paperback, 144 pages) Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
This week we bring you a conversation with Rev Jim McCarthy of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Statesboro, Georgia. Jim is the author of a new exposition of the two (yes, two) minor prophets who were sent by God to Nineveh, a leading city (and later capital) of the Assyrian empire. Join us as we consider what these two biblical books have to say to us today. The Two Prophets To Nineveh (paperback, 120 pages) will be released on October 6. You can join the waitlist to be informed when the title is available for purchase. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
This week we read some words of comfort and counsel suitable for all weary believers, and especially for pastors who feel stretched beyond what they can bear. Featured Resources: – C. H. Spurgeon, 'The Minister's Fainting Fits,' in The Minister's Self-Watch & The Minister's Fainting Fits (booklet), (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2025), p. 40–42. This lecture also appears in Lectures to My Students by the same author. – Robert Murray M'Cheyne, 'To the Rev. Dan. Edwards' in Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1966, 2024), p. 282. – Robert Murray M'Cheyne, 'To the Rev. W. C. Burns' in Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1966, 2024), p. 216. – Robert Murray M'Cheyne, 'To the Rev. W. C. Burns' in Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1966, 2024), p. 289. New from the Banner: The Minister's Self-Watch and The Minister's Fainting Fits (booklet) Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Arnold Dallimore's name has long been associated with the Banner of Truth. Noted for his biographies of Spurgeon and Whitefield, Dallimore (d. 1998) was an Ontarian 'small-town pastor' whose writing labours took place against a backdrop of financial pressure and ministerial responsibility, and without the advantages of local research facilities. We take time this week to go 'behind the scenes' and find out more about this patient servant of the Lord, and his beloved wife May (d. 2015). Featured Resources: – Michael A. G. Haykin, 'Remembering Arnold Dallimore and His Books,' The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 707–708, August & September 2022. – Ian Hugh Clary, 'Remembering Arnold and May Dallimore,' The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 621, June 2015. – Walter Chantry*, 'Supporting Arnold Dallimore', The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 510, March 2006. *Author unknown. Walter Chantry was magazine editor at the time. Books by Arnold Dallimore: George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the 18th Century Revival (2 volumes) Spurgeon: A Biography Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
This week on the podcast we focus on the contents and impact of one particular Banner book: Iain H. Murray's The Forgotten Spurgeon. First published in the Banner of Truth Magazine, and then in paperback in 1966, it has proved valuable in teaching many about the central importance of the doctrines of grace, and underscoring the need for a theologically rich gospel witness. Featured Resources: – Ian S. Barter, 'The Forgotten Spurgeon', You Must Read: Books That Have Shaped Our Lives (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2015, 2025), pp. 251–256. – Iain H. Murray, The Forgotten Spurgeon (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1966, 2023), pp. Of note: Spurgeon's Catechism: https://www.princeofpreachers.org/uploads/4/8/6/5/48652749/apuritancatechism.pdf Iain H. Murray, Spurgeon vs. Hyper-Calvinism: The Battle for Gospel Preaching: https://banneroftruth.org/store/history-biography/spurgeon-vs-hyper-calvinism/ Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
4 August 2025 marks three-hundred years since the birth of John Newton: pastor, author, and hymnwriter. This week we depart from our usual format to supply an audio recording of Iain H. Murray speaking on 'The Life of John Newton' at the 2007 Ministers' Conference in Leicester, England. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
To learn the backstory of a hymn can be a richly rewarding exercise. The same applies with hymnwriters. This week we consider the life and faith of two wonderful hymnists of yesteryear: Isaac Watts (1674–1748) and Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879). Featured Resources: – Mark S. Shuttleworth, 'Isaac Watts: The Man Behind the Hymns', The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 221, February 1982. – Pamela D. Bugden, 'Sweet Singer and Poet of Worcestershire', The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 503, August–September 2005. Worthy of note: The Havergal Trust has been set up by David Chalkley to make the complete works of Frances Ridley Havergal available to the body of Christ in our own day. To date, a number of the titles have appeared as paperbacks, and there is a strong desire to see all volumes published in due course. If you would like to browse the books, or find out more about the project, see below: https://www.havergaltrust.com/about/about-the-havergal-trust/ Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
There is, writes the Preacher of Ecclesiastes, 'a time to die' (Ecclesiastes 3:2). The believer in Christ is called to be mindful of this time, to prepare for it, and then, when it comes, to commit his or her soul to a faithful Heavenly Father. Featured Resources: - Toni Saad, 'Life at all Costs?', The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 738, March 2025. - Excerpt from Iain H. Murray, David Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith 1939–1981 (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1990, 2024), Chapter 35, 'Dying ... He Worshipped', pages 746–748. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
How can a Christian prepare for death? It is a question pertinent to us all, and yet it is asked earnestly by so few. This week we seek guidance on this question from the work of the seventeenth-century minister George Swinnock and the nineteenth-century pastoral theologian Archibald Alexander. Featured Resources: - Excerpt from 'The Fading of the Flesh' in The Works of George Swinnock, Vol. 3 (1672; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1996), pages 466–471. - Excerpt from Archibald Alexander, Thoughts on Religious Experience (1844; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1978, 2024), pages 277–280. Related resources: The Works of George Swinnock (5 volumes, 2526 pages, clothbound) The Works of George Swinnock, Volume 3 (source of today's excerpt from The Fading of the Flesh, a work contained in volumes 3 and 4 of Swinnock's Works) Archibald Alexander, Thoughts on Religious Experience Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
In this, the first of three episodes on the subject of dying in the Lord, we ask what the Bible teaches about death, and apply it to the case of the unbeliever and the believer. Featured Resources: - George Curry, Preparing Unbelievers for Death, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 317 (Ferbruary 1990). - Excerpt from 'The Christian Man's Calling' in The Works of George Swinnock, Vol. 3 (1672; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1996), pages 84–86. - Excerpt from 'The Christian Man's Calling' in The Works of George Swinnock, Vol. 3 (1672; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1996), page 46. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Meditating on the Lord Jesus Christ is a high privilege of the Christian. It strengthens his faith, deepens his love, and calibrates his hope. The Lord Jesus Christ is the One in whom we, by the power of the Spirit, see the glory of the Father. This week we take time not to pursue another aspect of Christian living, or another profile from church history, but to think about 'God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side' (John 1:18). Featured Resources: - Excerpt from John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (1541), (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2014). - Charles Hodge, Christ, the God of Christians, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 590 (November 2012). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
New this summer from the Banner of Truth is a unique collection of lectures on revival from nineteenth-century Scotland. In this brief bonus episode, we read a portion of the Publisher's Introduction by Banner trustee Donald John MacLean to see just why this collection warrants republication today. Read the entire Publisher's Introduction: https://banneroftruth.org/resources/book-excerpts/2025/the-revival-of-religion-publishers-introduction/ Buy your copy of Revival of Religion: https://banneroftruth.org/store/uncategorized/revival-of-religion/ Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Pastoral ministry isn't for everyone. Indeed, it isn't for the many. 'Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers', writes James, 'for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness' (James 3:1). This week's readings spell out and explore some bad reasons for going into ministry, hopefully serving men considering the pastoral office, as well as those who advise and support them. Featured Resources – Rebecca Vandoodewaard, Five Bad Reasons to Go Into Ministry, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 698 (November 2021). – Albert N. Martin, Wrong Reasons for Entering the Christian Ministry, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 208 (January 1981). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
'He did not get up to talk about his party, his cause, his interest or his office', wrote J. C. Ryle of George Whitefield. 'He was perpetually telling you about your sins, your heart, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the absolute need of repentance, faith, and holiness, in the way that the Bible presents these mighty subjects.' This week we turn our attention to a man who, by God's grace, became a means in the salvation of thousands of souls in the eighteenth century. Featured Resources: – David Campbell, 'George Whitefield: The Power of the Gospel', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 699 (December 2021). – Bob Thomas (collator, introduction), 'Encouragement from the Eighteenth Century: Extracts from Arnold Dallimore's Biography of George Whitefield', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 737 (February 2025). Resources on Whitefield: Dallimore, Arnhold, George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the 18th Century Revival (2 volumes, clothbound, 1232 pages, also available as single volumes) Philip, Robert, The Life and Times of George Whitefield (paperback, 588 pages) Vandoodewaard, Rebecca, The Man Who Preached Outside (board book) Select Sermons of George Whitefield, With an Account of His Life by J. C. Ryle (paperback, 200 pages) Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Last year the Trust published W. Ross Blackburn's Unveiling the Cross: Beholding and Proclaiming the Whole Christ. Ross has a background in Old Testament studies, has pastored in the ACNA (Anglican Church in North America) and has been involved for many years with the pro-life movement in the USA. We sat down with Ross and found out a bit more about his own backstory, and also his burden in Unveiling the Cross. We trust you'll enjoy the conversation. Buy the Book: Unveiling the Cross: Beholding and Proclaiming the Whole Christ Online articles from W. Ross Blackburn: - Down Syndrome Day? (Human Life Review) 'Have you ever wondered why we see so few children with Down Syndrome today compared with past generations?...' Read the article - Keep Them From Idols: The Education of Children Takes Generations of Fidelity (Touchstone Magazine) 'Education is chiefly about God. If that sounds strange, it is because we have understood education to be a different endeavor than raising children to know God...' Read the article. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
There is no such thing as 'neutral' history. All history is written from a religious standpoint, reflecting either an awareness of and reverence for God and his purposes and dealings, or an ignorance of the same. Towards the end of the twentieth century, some Christian historians reacted to 'providentialist' history, that is, history that gives place to God, and sought to deal in strictly naturalistic terms, explaining and conjecturing on the sole basis of biological, social, and economic forces. It was thought that only this approach could make the work of Christian historians appeal to those with no faith. This framework was even brought to bear to 'explain' revival movements and the success of preachers. In 1994 Iain H. Murray engaged with such a group of scholars in a book review. His critique will continue to resonate while Christian scholars feel the need to operate according to a framework which allows no room for a free, sovereign God to work out his glorious purposes in the world. We read Mr. Murray's review article this week, alongside the Foreword to his book Heroes, which sets forth some of the blessings history offers to the attentive believer. Featured Resources – Iain H. Murray, 'Explaining Evangelical History', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 370 (July 1994). – Iain H. Murray, Foreword to Heroes (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2009, 2020), pages ix to xiii. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
In 1868 Pope Pius IX issued a call to those who, in his words, 'glory in the name of Christian, yet do not profess the true faith of Christ, nor hold to and follow the Communion of the Catholic Church.' He wanted them to submit to and join with the Catholic church, and hoped that the forthcoming First Vatican Council would catalyse this. Grasping the need for a concise and clear response, grounded in the biblical teaching recovered by the Reformers, Princeton theologian Charles Hodge penned a letter on behalf of the two General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church in the USA. His explanation of the non-attendance of Protestant clergy at 'Vatican I' is helpful to us as the Pope and the Catholic Church once again loom large in the headlines. Featured Resources: – Charles Hodge, 'Letter to Pope Pius IX', as re-published in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 415 (April 1998). – W. Robert Godfrey, 'The Lutheran–Roman Catholic Joint Declaration', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 436 (January 2000). Materials Referenced: Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification: The Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification in Confessional Lutheran Perspective (The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) Banner Resources on Justification: Buchanan, James, The Doctrine of Justification (Clothbound, 520 pages) Roberts, Maurice, Finding Peace with God: Justification Explained (Booklet, 40 pages) Traill, Robert, Justification Vindicated (Puritan Paperback, 96 pages) Venema, Cornelis P., Getting the Gospel Right: Assessing the Reformation and New Perspectives on Paul (Paperback, 112 pages) Venema, Cornelis P., The Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ: An Assessment of the Reformation and the New Perspective on Paul (Clothbound, 352 pages) Banner Resources on Catholicism and its Claims: Bennett, Richard, Catholicism: East of Eden (Catholicism for the 21st Century) (Paperback, 336 pages) Bennett, Richard, Far from Rome Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Catholic Priests (Paperback, 360) Pollitt, H. J., The Inter-Faith Movement: The New Age Enters the Church (Paperback, 224 pages) Webster, William, Salvation, the Bible & Roman Catholicism (Paperback, 184 pages) Webster, William, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History (Paperback, 256 pages) Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast