Charles Spurgeon was a popular Baptist minister in London in mid-Victorian times; his ministry was highly influential and had a significant effect on many families in London and further afield. It was difficult to find a hall large enough to accommodate the crowd who wished to hear him. At times the Royal Surrey Gardens' Music Hall was hired to accommodate the Sunday congregation; this could seat 10,000 but large numbers were unable to gain admittance.

His world-wide heritage is very much with us today through the many churches built, missionary work begun, children's charity founded and theological colleges established as a result of his ministry.

The sermons in this collection were preached during May 1898 and published immediately at one penny (1d.) each. These were widely circulated and remain one of the all-time best-selling series of writings. (Summary by Alan Chant)