I have long loved these gorgeous Banner of Truth biographies and this one stands out. Spurgeon spoke highly of Stuart and I can see why. I’ve even used a few of his commentaries and they strike the perfect balance between being weighty and warm. This humble servant of Christ is worth knowing.

The biographer is the subject’s son. Often that is a disaster. He, however, never allowed the hyperbole to start rolling. His respect is through the roof, but this isn’t a work of hagiography. Though Stuart lived an exceptional Christian life, his weaknesses though not serious were clear to me in this work. He was gentle and I don’t think he enjoyed conflict even if he got drawn in to it. He never completely dodged anything, but he didn’t perhaps dig in his heels like some of his contemporaries did.

His early life is brief and the story really takes off in his college days. His conversion wasn’t spectacular, but incredibly interesting to read. Quickly, he jumps into serving the Lord. He begins his ministry in Edinburgh and marries. A love of missions soon takes shape. Later he becomes passionate for mission to Jewish people. Along the way, there’s thrilling exposure to revival.

You’ll cross other names as his life seemed to intersect with other awesome servants of Christ regularly. There’s devotion throughout as well as he is an encouragement toward prayer, service, impact and holiness. He is the kind of man I’d like to be.

Banner publishes or reprints one or more biographies a year. Making them part of my reading for the year has richly blessed me over several years. Count this one in that exalted company!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.