Around the Wicket Gate


Read by MaryAnn

(4.8 stars; 134 reviews)

Millions of men are in the outlying regions, far off from God and peace; for these we pray, and to these we give warning. But just now we have to do with a smaller company, who are not far from the kingdom, but have come right up to the wicket gate which stands at the head of the way of life. One would think that they would hasten to enter, for a free and open invitation is placed over the entrance, the porter waits to welcome them, and there is but this one way to eternal life. He that is most loaded seems the most likely to pass in and begin the heavenward journey; but what ails the other men? He who does not take this step of faith, and so enter upon the road to heaven, will perish. It will be an awful ting to die just outside the gate of life. Almost saved, but altogether lost! A man just outside Noah's ark would be drowned; a manslayer just outside the wall of the city of refuge would be slain; and the man who is within a yard of Christ, and yet has not trusted hi, will be lost. Therefore am I in terrible earnest to get my hesitating friends over the threshold. Come in! Come in! is my pressing entreaty. May the Holy Spirit render it effectual with many who shall glance at these pages! May he cause his own almighty voice to be heard creating faith at once!

To God this book is commended; for without his grace nothing will come of all that is written. (2 hr 8 min)

Chapters

Preface 4:56 Read by MaryAnn
Awakening 9:06 Read by MaryAnn
Jesus Only 10:28 Read by MaryAnn
Faith in the Person of the Lord Jesus 14:49 Read by MaryAnn
Faith very Simple 15:43 Read by MaryAnn
Fearing to Believe 11:24 Read by MaryAnn
Difficulty in the Way of Believing 10:13 Read by MaryAnn
A Helpful Survey of Christ's Work 12:23 Read by MaryAnn
A Real Hinderance to Faith 9:08 Read by MaryAnn
On Raising Questions 8:55 Read by MaryAnn
Without Faith no Salvation 7:00 Read by MaryAnn
To those who have Believed 14:27 Read by MaryAnn

Reviews

Right on time


(5 stars)

I have been entertaining the vice of envy. Been obsessing about what I'm entitled to. That causes a lot of self-focus. I prayed for deliverance and strong faith. Chapter 11 was where I left off at some time ago, but picking it up tonight was right on time. It was beautifully read, and the words came to life. I am renewed, and I must drive on.

Excellent!


(4.5 stars)

A delightful, useful, and biblical read! Although written to unbelievers (those who are somewhat informed about the gospel), I learned a lot as a believer—both regards to myself and the unbelievers I’m praying for/witnessing to. The chapter “A Helpful Survey of Christ’s Work” was my least favorite, as it focused almost entirely on Christ’s passive obedience (paying the penalty of sin), specifically in reference to the cross (as opposed to the other times of his passive obedience and all his active obedience). This is my least favorite part—but I don’t discredit him too much, as this is normal (then and now). A strength is Spurgeon’s emphasis on Christ. He reminds us early in the book how salvation is through Christ! Faith, grace, the gospel...these are all important, all biblical ideas (when defined biblically). But the focus of our faith is Christ. He’s the Way, the Truth, the Life. He’s the Savior. I found this book to be otherwise biblically faithful, with lots of direct Scriptural and theological support. Also plenty of appropriate anecdotes; some of these made me cry as I thought of my sister. I recommend this for believers who want to be encouraged in their own salvation, and also for believers who are engaged in witnessing, especially to family and friends who know the gospel, have not come to Christ, yet are still engaged in the conversation.

Another thot provoking literary work.


(5 stars)

To those who have an ear to hear & be encouraged into active belief, this work is available. The Reader also provides her excellent skill that one is not distracted in trying to understand the author.

Great


(5 stars)

as always MaryAnn is a wonderful reader and C h Spurgeon's preaching rings pure and true with the heart of Jesus Christ desire to save sinners


(5 stars)

this book really helped me understand where my faith is right now and truly self evaluate what I believe about Jesus

great read, great reading


(5 stars)

encouragement for the Christian, urgent pleadings and warnings for the unsaved. great reader made it very enjoyable


(5 stars)

Excellent reading! Thank you Marianne, whoever you are, you have blessed me with this reading of the Spurgeon book

confirming and comforting


(5 stars)

very well read, easy to understand, a text that's hardly dated and fully with your time.