Audiobook Sample
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- Title: According to Promise, or The Lord’s Method of Dealing with His Chosen People
- Author: Charles H. Spurgeon
- Narrator: LibriVox Volunteers
- Length: 04:31:43
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01/01/2017
- Publisher: LibriVox
- Genre: Religion & Spirituality, Christianity
- ISBN13: SABLIB9786583
As I settled into my favorite armchair with a cup of oolong tea, the familiar crackle of a LibriVox recording transported me back to my graduate school days at Harvard, where I first encountered Spurgeon’s works in a seminar on 19th-century religious rhetoric. ‘According to Promise’ arrives to modern listeners through the dedicated efforts of LibriVox volunteers, preserving Spurgeon’s distinctive oratorical style that made him the ‘Prince of Preachers.’
What fascinates me most is how Spurgeon’s 19th-century theological treatise transcends its historical context. Through a cultural lens, we see his exploration of divine promises as both a product of Victorian England’s religious revival and a timeless meditation on faith. The central thesis – that God’s promises are irrevocable – resonates with surprising contemporary relevance, particularly in our era of uncertainty. This reminds me of when I taught a comparative literature course on covenant narratives across cultures, where students noted striking parallels between Spurgeon’s theology and certain Buddhist concepts of unwavering cosmic law.
The audiobook’s volunteer narrators handle Spurgeon’s dense theological prose with admirable clarity, though the varying recording qualities typical of LibriVox projects create an interesting auditory patchwork. Some chapters feature narrators who capture Spurgeon’s sermonic cadence beautifully, while others present more academic readings. This diversity actually enhances the listening experience, mirroring the communal nature of faith itself.
Key theological concepts like election and covenant theology receive thorough treatment. Spurgeon’s discussion of ‘the life of God within the soul’ particularly stands out in audio format, with certain narrators emphasizing the emotional weight of these passages. The book’s structure – moving from doctrinal foundations to practical applications – works exceptionally well in audio, allowing listeners to absorb complex ideas in manageable portions.
Compared to contemporary works like R.C. Sproul’s ‘The Promises of God,’ Spurgeon’s approach feels more poetic than systematic. His language blooms with metaphorical richness that academic theologians often lack. The chapter on ‘Faith and Assurance’ contains passages that rival the lyrical beauty of George Herbert’s religious poetry, particularly when read by the more skilled LibriVox volunteers.
For modern listeners, some Calvinist elements may require historical contextualization. Spurgeon’s absolute certainty about predestination contrasts sharply with today’s more pluralistic religious landscape. Yet even when disagreeing with his conclusions, one must admire his rhetorical craftsmanship. The audio format makes his persuasive power even more evident – hearing these words approximates attending one of his legendary sermons at London’s Metropolitan Tabernacle.
This audiobook will particularly appeal to:
1. Students of religious history seeking primary sources
2. Christians exploring Reformed theology
3. Lovers of Victorian rhetoric and oratory
4. Those facing life challenges who need spiritual encouragement
While the audio quality varies, the price (free) makes this an exceptional value. The very imperfections of the volunteer recordings add a layer of authenticity, reminding us that profound truths often come through human vessels. For academic listeners like myself, it’s fascinating to compare these amateur readings with professional audiobook productions – the earnestness of the volunteers often conveys Spurgeon’s passion more effectively than polished actors might.
In scholarly appreciation and shared curiosity,
Prof. Emily Chen
