Book Review: From the Library of A.W. Tozer

From The Library of A.W. Tozer: Selections From Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey

Compiled by James Stuart Bell

I was initially disappointed when receiving this book for review. I was in such a hurry when I “grabbed it up” because I saw “Tozer.” I naturally assumed it would be a winner. I thought I was receiving a compilation of Tozer’s writings. My disappointment did not last long when I realized the compilation of writings were from spectacular men and women of the past…some of the men who already had a place in our home library.

The book is divided into eight main sections: (1) Worship: The Chief End of Man, (2) Prayer and Contemplation, (3) Exhortations and Prophetic Words, (4) Our Counselor: The Holy Spirit, (5) Jesus Christ: Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King, (6) Practicing the Presence of God, (7) On Christian Doctrine, and (8) On Living the Christian Life.

The chapters in each section were short and would provide a good accompaniment to a daily devotion time. Excerpts from the writings of men such as St. Augustine, D.L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, Samuel Rutherford, Martin Luther, John Bunyan, John Milton, and of course, John Calvin. This is to name of few of the thirty-five writers whose writings were included in this book. I was a bit hesitant as many of the writers seemed to have connections or be a part of the Catholic Church. However, I was, again, not disappointed by the specific selections in the book. The selections appeared to be doctrinally sound and very thought provoking.

One of my favorite excerpts included was from Teresa of Avila, The Life of Saint Teresa of Jesus, “So, then, going from pastime to pastime, from vanity to vanity, from one occasion of sin to another, I began to expose myself exceedingly to the very greatest of dangers: my soul was so distracted by many vanities that I was ashamed to draw near unto God in an act of such special friendship as that of prayer…” And it continues on.

I would highly recommend this to those who love the taste of wisdom from the historical writers of Christianity. I’m a lover of quotes and so this book suited me very well and will remain a jewel on our shelf.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review of the book. There is no obligation for a good review. All opinions are my own.