"Around the Wicket Gate" is one of "The Prince Of Preacher's" enduring classics. It was not written for those who are far from the Kingdom of God (professed atheists, agnostics or——as Spurgeon puts it—-those who have more concern for their dogs and cats than their souls). It is written for those who are "Near the Kingdom" (Matthew 7:13 "Enter ye in at the strait gate"). Those who are "Around the Wicket Gate" are at the gate, but they have not entered in.

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These sermons by Jeremiah Burroughs, published a couple of years after his departure to be with his Lord, are an exposition of Philippians 4:11, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." This godly Pastor, who was one of the members of the Westminster Assembly, believed that "The Doctrine of Christian Contentment" was—". . . the very life and soul of all practical divinity." To be content, in all of the varied circumstances of this life, is part of "The Mystery of Godliness." It is not something that comes without effort on the believer's part—". . .

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A.W. Pink has been called by some, "A modern day Puritan." One of the reasons for this is because his writings were greatly influenced by the Puritans——he quotes from the Puritans frequently. During his lifetime, many libraries were discarding Puritan books. There was little to no interest in their godly writings or their doctrinal positions. Much of what they believed was not in vogue. I believe Pink's influence, primarily through his written ministry, was a significant factor in promoting a renewed interest in the writings of these men (who Spurgeon believed were spiritual giants).

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"Walking With God" is an abridged version of J.C. Ryle's 19th-century work "Practical Religion." Some think Ryle is among the most helpful Christian writers on practical Christianity. The Anglican Gospel Minister, in the chapter Effort, is looking at Luke 13:24, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate . . ." He comments on one of the ways in which the gate is narrow——"It is narrow for those who love sin and are not willing to part with it."