Review of Jeremiah Burroughs--Gospel Fear

Author: Jeremiah Burroughs

Pages: 142

Publisher: Soli Deo Gloria

Price: 14.40 USD

Genre: Puritan/Christian Living


Quick Summary:

One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 66:2, “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” In this work, the Puritan, Jeremiah Burroughs, concerns himself with teaching on the heart that trembles at God’s Word. Would a man who can turn having a kidney stone into a means for preaching the gospel, disappoint in expositing one of my favorite verses?

Burroughs does not disappoint. The book is an offering of seven classic Burroughs sermons on a heart that trembles at the Word of God. There is always a little something to be desired in a book of sermons. The sermon is different than a typical printed work. A book of sermons is like looking at a section of row homes. They are all going to look relatively the same, yet each will have a few things that make it stand out as different. A typical printed work looks like an exquisite mansion, with each piece building upon the other. Therefore, the book of sermons always leaves a little something to be desired. Yet, there is also something that a book of sermons can have that a typical work will not; a passionate preaching of God’s Word. Burroughs offers that passionate preaching. In typical Puritan fashion, each sermon leaves the hearer either over the pits of hell or embraced in the arms of the Almighty.

What I Liked:

Burroughs preaching (and writing) style is very easy to follow. It is straightforward and easily outlined. Yet, it is not dull. Burroughs has a way of passionately encouraging the believer and pleading with the unbeliever in the same breath. Of all the Puritans Burroughs is one of the best at giving a visual picture and illustration of what he is discussing. Therefore, he is a very enjoyable read. At the same time, his work is not light. You will be convicted. If Burroughs words are heeded the saint will tremble at God’s Word. Even the unbeliever is given reason for trembling. His writing style and communication of vital doctrine makes Burroughs stand head and shoulder above the rest.

What I Disliked:

Again, a book of sermons always leaves a little something to be desired. There are major topics that will not be addressed in this particular work. Another disadvantage of a book of sermons is that looking at row homes can get a little monotonous. Even though Burroughs is a phenomenal writer, the reader will still find himself getting a little bored at times because of the lack of novelty. The best way to read this book would be devotionally over a long period of time. Read one chapter (sermon) and then read another a month or two later. Let the truths sink in, and then come back to another chapter/sermon at a later date.
Should You Buy It?

If it has the name Jeremiah Burroughs on it, and you love Jesus, then it is worthy of your money. As mentioned earlier, Burroughs is a wonderful writer and is solid theologically. It may be a little monotonous at times, but if you space out the reading of each chapter you will find it a highly profitable work.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars