The Banner of Truth is the publisher of The Works of Robert Traill, a two volume set. These volumes contain a treasure trove of sermons that are sure to help you along in the Christian life!
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The Works of Robert Traill
In case you’re unfamiliar with Robert Traill, let me give you a brief intro from the inside cover of the books: “Robert Traill was endowed with a first-class mind and had enjoyed a very complete theological education. Nevertheless, his sermons were not meant to appeal to the learned. He strove throughout to promote practical godliness. Every reader who shares his outlook will find him warm, instructive, and encouraging.” That description itself should make you excited to dive into these works. So what’s inside these volumes?
Volume One
This volume begins with an account of the life and character of Traill. That is followed up by 13 sermons on Hebrews 4:16 (the throne of grace). Next is a sermon on 1 Timothy 4:16 that is titled “By What Means May Ministers Best Win Souls?” There is then an incredible chapter on the defense of justification by faith alone. This is then followed by my personal favorite section of these volumes: sixteen sermons on John 17:24. I would literally pay the price of this series for just this section, “Concerning the Lord’s Prayer.” Oh, if only preachers today (including myself) could preach more like Traill! You will, in every sermon, fall freshly in love with the Lord Jesus Christ! These sermons are sure to stir your heart up to worship the Triune God! I’ll write more about his style below. But before that, let’s look at volume two.
Volume Two
This volume begins with twelve sermons on Hebrews 10:23 (steadfast adherence to the profession of our faith). There is then one sermon on the next verse, Hebrews 10:24, followed by four sermons on Hebrews 10:20 (having a great high priest over the house of God). Next is eleven sermons on 1 Peter 1-4, followed by six sermons on Galatians 2:21 (righteousness in Christ). Lastly, there are very nice letters written by Traill to his wife and children. Then volume two concludes with some additional sermons.
Conclusion
Traill was born in 1642, and this may tempt you to believe that you won’t understand what he’s talking about or that you couldn’t possibly find his sermons relevant today. Nothing could be further from the truth! These works contain sermons that the average Christian will no doubt be able to understand. This doesn’t mean that you can read them like a novel, however. You will need to go slow in order to truly benefit from what is being communicated. Nevertheless, the English is very understandable, and as mentioned above, Traill, though an incredible mind, communicates the glorious truths of the Scriptures so that the church can understand it. These volumes contain a treasure trove of sermons that are sure to help you along in the Christian life, to help the reader glorify God and to enjoy Him forever! I can’t recommend these highly enough. Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Banner of Truth for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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