HOW TO BUILD A BASIC LIBRARY AND GET THE MOST OUT OF IT A HANDBOOK FOR PREACHERS AND OTHERS WHO ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THE STUDY AND MINISTRY OF THE WORD OF GOD By C.R. Curtman Valiant For Truth P.O. Box 67 Wildwood, Missouri 63038

"Give attendance to reading."           - II Timothy 4:3   © 1999 By C.R. Curtman All Rights Reserved

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction     7 Chapter One     11 ACQUIRING THE SELECTION OF BOOKS YOU NEED FOR A BASIC LIBRARY Chapter Two     46 ARRANGING THE SHELVES AND SET- TING UP THE BOOKS IN YOUR LIBRARY Chapter Three     49 ADOPTING A SYSTEM FOR MAXIMIZING THE USE OF YOUR LIBRARY Chapter Four     52 ADVICE ON SUPPLEMENTING THE BOOKS IN YOUR LIBRARY Chapter Five     55 ABOUT SHARING THE BOOKS IN YOUR LIBRARY Conclusion     57

INTRODUCTION    Every preacher needs a good, functional personal li- brary, and the quicker a preacher can set up a basic li- brary, the better off his ministry will be.   Sadly, in the process of building a basic library, many preachers, espe- cially young preachers, waste a lot of time and money ac- cumulating the books they need or think they need. There are veritable mountains of worthless tripe and trash offered by the religious book market today.   There is also an innumerable treasure of good books, books that will make all the difference in the world in the quality of your preaching and the overall success of your ministry.    What you want to do is avoid the tripe and trash and recognize the treasure there is available as you collect the books you want for your library.   This booklet has been designed to help you save your precious time and stretch your money as you build your own basic library.    I have always appreciated good books, and I've learned a lot, not only from books, but about books in nearly thirty years as a Pastor, Evangelist, Bible confer- ence speaker, writer and college professor.   Many years ago, while teaching in Bible college I prepared a small handout entitled "Building a Basic Library" for those who were asking for my recommendations regarding books.   Now I have expanded and elaborated on this handout to produce the booklet you now have before you. My motive for this is the same as it was when I prepared 7

Building a Basic Library the original handout.   I want to encourage preachers, Sunday School teachers and other Christians to build the best basic library possible.    In the following pages I will give you some suggestions as to titles that I think constitute wise choices with which to start your library.   I'll also give you some proven sugges- tions on how to get the maximum, practical use from the books that you will have in your library.   This information will be worth much more to you than the price that you have paid for this little volume.   Furthermore, with this booklet comes my personal invitation to you to contact me if I can help you in any way in building and using your li- brary.   Call me at 314.271.7706 or fax 314.257.2269. 8

Building a Basic Library It is a vast advantage for improvement of knowledge and saving time, for a young man to have the most proper books for his reading, recommended by a ju- dicious friend.                                                           --Issac Watts 9

Building a Basic Library "We learn six percent of what we hear, but eighty-six percent of all we learn, we learn from books." 10

CHAPTER ONE ACQUIRING THE SELECTION OF BOOKS YOU NEED FOR A BASIC LIBRARY    "It is a man's duty to have books.   A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessaries of life."                                                  - Henry Ward Beecher What to Look For: Some Recommended Titles    Getting and reading books is like getting and eating fish.   I am very fond of fish.   I like to catch and eat them. However there are some fish I do not care about catching, and I am even less interested in eating them!   Some fish simply have too many bones in them, and others are not edible for other reasons.    Some books are mentally and spiritually poisonous. Others are simply not worth reading.   They are like certain species of fish--too full of bones to justify the time you have to spend with them relative to what little bit of good you may derive from them.   Remember however, that the best of books, like the best of fish, will have a bone in 11

Building a Basic Library them here and there, but it is worth sorting through the "bones" to glean all the good that is available in these books.   There is only one "boneless" book in the world, and that is the Bible.    "Building a Basic Library" does not purport to offer an exhaustive list of the titles you need in your library. These are my recommendations of books with which to be- gin building your library.   Neither are the recommenda- tions herein meant to be construed as a complete endorse- ment by myself of everything that has been written in these books or any particular author.   You'll be able to say "Amen" to most of what you read that is recommended in this booklet, but once in a while, something you read may evoke an "Oh my!"   Overall, however, these books will con- stitute a worthwhile part of your library, and they will be profitable to you.    With the above disclaimers in place, here is my short list of suggestions for building a basic library.   It has to be short for this booklet.   It's meant to be short.   "Short" is all you need to get started, and get started right.   (I can give you some help with the long list later).   However, in the process of building your basic library (with the help of this book) you'll probably learn enough about books and authors to write your own booklet on the subject.   You'll definitely be in a position to build your own library bigger and better without much help from me or anybody else. Know the difference between a "collection" and an "accumulation" of books.   The former comes about by deliberation, choice and thought and is valued and appreciated.   The other is the result of haphazard happen- stance.   The former is the result of thoughtful reflection--it is a library.   The other comes about by little more than accident, and repre- sents little more than a "bunch of books." 12

Building a Basic Library Commentary Sets    I suggest going light on the purchase of sets of com- mentaries as you begin to build your library.   The follow- ing are old, trustworthy standbys, read, loved, profited from, and highly recommended by God's choicest servants past and present.   Abridged and unabridged, single vol- ume commentaries are available on some of these.   Get the multi-volume complete works if at all possible.   (Make it possible). Barnes Notes on the Old and New Testament Matthew Henry's Commentary [off on baptism] Individual Commentaries on Individual Books of the Bible    The wisest thing to do in purchasing commentaries is to get the best single authors on a given commentary that you can, rather than buying multi-volume sets by a single author.   Where there are no recommendations for com- mentaries on certain books of the Bible, you will have to refer to one or more of the recommended sets above.   The following titles will not disappoint you: Genesis Gleanings in Genesis, by Arthur Pink [CB] Exploring Genesis, by John Phillips Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, by James M. Boice *The Genesis Flood [ASV], by Whitcomb and Morris [B] *The Genesis Record, by Henry M. Morris [B] Exodus Gleanings in Exodus, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] Notes on Exodus, by George Bush 13

Building a Basic Library Leviticus Commentary on the Book of Leviticus, by Andrew Bonar [ok] Numbers Notes, Critical and Practical on the Book of Numbers, by George Bush Deuteronomy The Book of Deuteronomy, by Peter C. Craigie Joshua Gleanings in Joshua, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] Victorious Christian Living, by Alan Redpath [B] Joshua in the Light of the New Testament, by William     Scroggie [B] *Joshua--Victorious by Faith, by Theodore Epp [ok if KJV] Judges Distressing Days of the Judges, by Leon J. Wood [B] Practical Truths from Judges, by Luke H. Wiseman Hearts of Iron, Feet of Clay, by Gary Irving Ruth Rubies from Ruth, by William G. Heslop The Romance of Ruth, by George C. Gardiner Ruth: The Romance of Redemption, by J. Vernon McGee [ok if KJV] 14

Building a Basic Library I and II Samuel The Life of David, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] The Making of a Man of God, by Alan Redpath [B] I and II Kings Gleanings from Elisha, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] Gleanings from Elijah, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] Nehemiah *Victorious Christian Service, by Alan Redpath [B] A Passion for Faithfulness, by J. I. Packer [Neo] Esther The Romance of Providence, by J. Vernon McGee [ok if KJV] Job The Analyzed Bible - Job, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] The Book of Job, by E. W. Bullinger The Remarkable Record of Job, by Henry Morris [B] Job, by Jeff Adams Psalms *The Treasury of David, by Charles H. Spurgeon [B] Exploring the Psalms, by John Phillips A Guide to the Psalms, by W. Graham Scroggie [B] Commentary on Psalm 119, by Charles Bridges    Someone said, "I milk a lot of cows, but I make my own butter."   In preparing your ser- mons, get all you can from books written by gifted men. 15

Building a Basic Library Proverbs Proverbs, by Charles Bridges Exploring Proverbs, by John Phillips Studies in Proverbs, by William Arnot Proverbs, by George Lawson Book of Proverbs, by Ralph Wardlaw Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes, by Charles Bridges *The Art of Staying Off Dead-End Streets [NSRB],     by R. W. De Haan [B] Song of Solomon Exploring the Song of Solomon, by John Phillips The Song of Solomon, by John Gill [CB] Isaiah The Book of Isaiah, by Edward J. Young [B] Exposition of Isaiah, by W.A. Criswell [SB] The Prophecy of Isaiah, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] Jeremiah Commentary on Jeremiah, by Charles L. Feinberg Studies in Jeremiah, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] Ezekiel Exposition of Ezekiel, by W.A. Criswell [SB] The Prophecy of Ezekiel, by Charles L. Feinberg Commentary on Ezekiel, by Patrick Fairbairn 16

Building a Basic Library Daniel Expository Sermons on the Book of Daniel, by W.A.     Criswell [SB] The Prophecies of Daniel, by Lehman Strauss [B] Daniel, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, by John Walvoord [Neo] Daniel, An Expositional Commentary, by James M. Boice Major and Minor Prophets An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets, by     Hobart Freeman The Minor Prophets, by James M. Boice Exploring the Minor Prophets, by John Phillips Books on the Ten Commandments The Ten Commandments, by Thomas Watson [ok] Law and Liberty, by Alan Redpath [B] The Ten Commandments, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] The Eleven Commandments, by Lehman Strauss [B] Now a Word from Our Creator, by Leslie Flynn [Conservative B] Books on the Types and the Tabernacle Going Places With God, by Stephen Olford [B] The Tabernacle, Camping With God, by Stephen     Olford [B] The Tabernacle, Priesthood and Offerings, by I.M.     Haldeman Books on Old Testament History Old Testament History, by Alfred Edersheim [17]

Building a Basic Library Matthew Commentary on Matthew, by John Broadus [B] The Gospel According to Matthew, by G. Campbell     Morgan [ok] Commentary on Matthew, by J.C. Ryle [ok] Matthew, by W.A. Criswell [SB] Commentaries on the Sermon on the Mount The Beatitudes, by Thomas Watson [ok] Studies on the Sermon on the Mount, by Martyn L. Jones [ok, have V. 1] An Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, by Arthur     W. Pink [CB] A Commentary of the Sermon on the Mount, by James     M. Boice Mark The Gospel According to Mark, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] Commentary on Mark, by J.C. Ryle [ok] Luke The Gospel According to Luke, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] Commentary on Luke, by J.C. Ryle [ok] John Exposition of the Gospel of John, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] Exploring the Gospel of John, by John Phillips The Gospel of John, by James M. Boice The Apostle John, by Griffith Thomas [ok] The Gospel According to John, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] 18

Building a Basic Library Commentaries on John 17, Our Lord's High Priestly Prayer Saved in Eternity - Verses 1-5, by Martyn L. Jones [ok] Safe in the World - Verses 6-19, by Martyn L. Jones [ok] Sanctified Through the Truth - Verses 17-19, by Martyn     L. Jones [ok] Sanctified in Eternity - Verses 17-24, by Martyn L. Jones [ok] Listen, Jesus is Praying, by Warren W. Wiersbe [Neo B] Our Lord Prays for His Own, by Marcus Rainsford Commentaries on the Miracles and Parables Exposition of the Parables, by Benjamin Keach [B] The Miracles and Parables of Our Lord, by Charles H.     Spurgeon [B] Notes on the Miracles of our Lord, by R.C. Trench *The Miracles of Jesus, by Leslie Flynn [Conservative B] Meet Yourself in the Parables, by Warren W. Wiersbe [Neo B] The Seven Sayings of Our Lord from the Cross *The Seven Sayings of the Savior on the Cross,     by Arthur W. Pink [CB] Christ's Words from the Cross, by Charles H. Spurgeon [B] Books on the Life of Christ A Harmony of the Gospels, by John A. Broadus [B] The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, by Alfred     Edersheim The Crisis of the Christ, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] *The Life of Christ, by James Stalker The Days of His Flesh, by David Smith 19

Building a Basic Library Acts Exploring Acts, by John Phillips The Acts of the Apostles, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] Acts, an Exposition, by W.A. Criswell [SB] Commentary on Acts, by James M. Boice Outline Studies in the Book of Acts, by W.H. Griffith     Thomas [ok] Acts, an Expositional Commentary, by Donald Barnhouse Romans Exploring Romans, by John Phillips Exposition of Romans, by Martyn L. Jones [ok] Romans, by Donald Barnhouse Romans, The Gospel of God's Grace, by Alva J. McClain *Romans Verse by Verse, by William R. Newell [RV] Romans, by James M. Boice I Corinthians The Royal Route to Heaven, by Alan Redpath [B] First Corinthians, Where Life Matures, by Roy Laurin First Corinthians, by Geoffrey Wilson *Studies in First Corinthians, by M. R. De Haan [B] II Corinthians *Blessings Out of Buffetings, by Alan Redpath [B] I and II Corinthians I and II Corinthians, by Charles Hodge *The Corinthian Letters of Paul, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] 20

Building a Basic Library Galatians Expository Sermons from Galatians, by W.A. Criswell [SB] Galatians, by Geoffrey Wilson An Exposition of Galatians, by John Brown Galatians and Ephesians, by Lehman Strauss [B] Flesh and Spirit, by William Barclay Ephesians An Exposition of Ephesians, by Martyn L. Jones [ok] Exploring Ephesians, by John Phillips Ephesians, by Geoffrey Wilson Galatians and Ephesians, by Lehman Strauss [B] The Christian in Complete Armour, by William Gurnall The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of a Christian,     by R. Paxon [ok] Philippians Devotional Studies in Philippians, by Lehman Strauss [B] The Life of Joy-Chapters 1 and 2, by Martyn L. Jones [ok] The Life of Peace-Chapters 3 and 4, by Martyn L. Jones [ok] An Expository Commentary on Philippians, James M.     Boice Colossians Crossing the Border, by Guy King Colossians Thru Philemon, by Geoffrey Wilson I & II Thessalonians The Thessalonian Epistles, by David E. Hiebert [MB, W&H] The Thessalonian Epistles, by John F. Walvoord [Neo] 21

Building a Basic Library I Timothy Studies in First and Second Timothy, by Dean Fetterhoff A Leader Led: A Devotional Study of I Timothy,     by Guy H. King First Timothy, by David E. Hiebert [MB, W&H] II Timothy Second Timothy, by David E. Hiebert [MB, W&H] To My Son: An Expositional Study of II Timothy,     by Guy H. King Titus *Titus and Philemon, by David E. Hiebert [MB, W&H] The Pastoral Epistles Pastoral Epistles, by Patrick Fairbairn The Pastoral Epistles: Studies in I and II Timothy and     Titus, by Homer W. Kent The Epistles to Timothy and Titus: Faith and Conduct,     by William E. Vine [W&H] Philemon Studies in Philemon, by William G. Scroggie [B] Hebrews An Exposition of Hebrews, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] Exploring Hebrews, by John Phillips Hebrews Verse by Verse, by William R. Newell [ok] An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, by John     Owens 22

Building a Basic Library Books on the Life of Paul The Life and Letters of Saint Paul, by David Smith The Life and Epistles of Saint Paul, by Coneybeare     and Howson Epochs in the Life of Paul, by James Stalker James James, by Thomas Manton James Your Brother, by Lehman Strauss [B] The Epistle of James: Tests of a Living Faith, by David E.     Hiebert [MB, W&H] Expository Sermons on the Epistle of James, by W.A.     Criswell [SB] I and II Peter I Peter, by John Brown I Peter: An Exposition Commentary, by David E. Hiebert [MB, W&H] A Pilgrim Priesthood, an Exposition of I Peter, by Paige     Patterson An Exposition of the Epistle of I and II Peter, by W.A.     Criswell [SB] *How to Tell the Truth [NSRB], (II Pet.) by R. W. De Haan [B] I, II, and III John An Exposition of First John, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] An Exposition of I John, by R.S. Candlish The Epistles of John, by Lehman Strauss [B] The Epistles of John, by D. Edmond Hiebert [MB, W&H] Jude An Exposition of the Epistle of Jude, Thomas Manton Jude: The Acts of the Apostates, by S. Maxwell Coder 23

Building a Basic Library Revelation Exploring Revelation, by John Phillips Revelation, by Donald Barnhouse The Revelation Record, by Henry M. Morris [B] Expository Sermons on Revelation, by W.A. Criswell [SB] Revelation, by Lehman Strauss [B] The Revelation, by William R. Newell [ok] Letters to the Seven Churches in Asia The Letters of our Lord: A First Century Message to     Twentieth Century Churches, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia, by William M.     Ramsay They Overcame, by Marcus Loane The Final Call, by Steven Lawson Other Books on Prophecy *Things to Come, by Dwight Pentecost [ok] Prophecy Made Plain, by Carl Johnson Reference Books    Listed below are the three major reference works you want to have in your library.   Get the very best, most com- plete English dictionary you can, and a good thesaurus.   I use and recommend The Random House Thesaurus, but there are other good ones.   Also, try to have a set of ency- clopedias.   It doesn't matter how old or worn they are. You won't use them that often, but they are important to have for reference purposes.   You can get these absolutely dirt cheap if you look for them in garage sales, book fairs, etc. 24

Building a Basic Library English Dictionary (American Heritage) Thesaurus Encyclopedia Bible References King James Study Bible-- The Old Scofield,     Thompson Chain are good choices. Bible Concordance--*Cruden's, Strong's [some W&H] or Young's. Bible Dictionary Bible Handbook, Halley's or Unger's [Info only: SB, ok if KJV] Bible Atlas--A good reference Bible will have this. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge Lincoln read the Bible through six times during his youth    You will also need a book like one of the following, es- pecially to help you in dividing passages of Scripture prop- erly for expository preaching.   The first one listed is the best.   If I could only have twelve books in my library, The Unfolding Drama of Redemption would be one of them. Knowing Your Bible is an abbreviated, less expensive ver- sion of The Unfolding Drama. The Unfolding Drama of Redemption, by William G.     Scroggie [B] Knowing Your Bible, by William G. Scroggie [B] Exploring the Scriptures, by John Phillips Explore the Book, by Sidlow Baxter [B] Word Studies Vincent's Word Studies of the New Testament, by     Marvin Vincent Word Studies in the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth     Wuest 25

Building a Basic Library *Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament     Words, by W.E. Vine [W&H] *Wilson's Old Testament Word Studies Teach Yourself Greek Learn New Testament Greek, by John H. Dobson Books on Theology A Systematic Study of Bible Doctrine, by Thomas     Simmons Hodges Systematic Theology, by Charles Hodge Systematic Theology, by Loraine Boettner The Attributes of God, by David Charnock *The Attributes of God, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] The First Person, by Lehman Strauss [B] The Second Person, by Lehman Strauss [B] The Third Person, by Lehman Strauss [B] *Knowing God, by J. I. Packer [Neo, non-KJV] The Doctrine of Salvation Is Salvation Forever, by R. Gromacki [B] Lordship, What Does it Mean, R. Alan Day Practical Christianity, A.W. Pink [CB] Rediscovering Holiness, by J. I. Packer [Neo] Salvation, by H.D. McDonald Shall Never Perish, by J.F. Strombeck The Doctrine of Salvation, by A.W. Pink [CB] Other Doctrinal Issues    Following are some good, but inexpensive books and booklets on various doctrinal subjects.   Most of these can 26

Building a Basic Library be purchased from the Tabernacle Book Store in Lubbock, Texas, Wilderness Book Store, or Book Heaven (see pages 44-45 for contact information). Defending the King James Bible, by D.A. Waite [B] Heresies of Westcott and Hort, by D.A. Waite The King James Version Defended, by Edward F. Hills [ok] Which Bible?, by David O. Fuller [B] True or False, by David O. Fuller Why I am a Baptist, by J.M. Pendleton [B] Fifty Lessons on the Church, by Louis Entzminger Myth of the Universal, Invisible Church Theory Exploded,     by Roy Mason [B] The Church that Jesus Built, by Roy Mason Ordinances of the Church, by Davis Huckabee [B] *Alien Baptism and the Baptists, by William M. Nevins [B] The Terms of Communion at the Lord's Table, by R.B.C     Howell Bible Wines, by William Patton An Apologetic of Premillenialism, by M.L. Moser [B] Premillenialism or Amillenialism, by Chester Tulga [B] Books on Prayer *The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer [ok] The Practice of Prayer, by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] *The Power of Prayer, by R.A. Torrey [ok] Gleanings from Paul, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] Effectual, Fervent Prayer, by Arthur W. Pink [CB] The Lord's Prayer, by Thomas Watcon Let Us Pray, by Watchman Nee [ok] *The Ministry of Intercession, by Andrew Murray [ok] The Return of Prayers, by Thomas Goodwin Expository Studies on Prayer, by Ray Stedman The Ministry of Intercession, by F.J. Huegel If Ye Shall Ask, by Oswald Chambers [B] The Hidden Life of Prayer, by D.M. M'Intyre *With Christ in the School of Prayer, by Andrew Murray [ok] 27

Building a Basic Library Church History History of the Christian Church, by Phillip Schaff (Liberal) History of the Baptists, by Henry Vedder Baptist Heritage: Four Centuries of Baptist Witness,     by Leon McBeth (Protestant view) A General History of the Baptist Denomination,     by David Benedict [B] History of the Baptists, by Armitage [B] A History of the Baptists, by Robert Torbet (Protestant view) Jones' Church History [B] A Concise History of Baptists, by G.H. Orchard [B] A Brief History of the Baptists, by Edward Overby Christianity Through the Ages, by Earle Cairns The Reformer's and their Stepchildren, by Leonard     Verduin Notes on the Principles and Practices of Baptist Churches,     by Francis Wayland History of the Evangelical Churches of the Valleys of     Piemont, by Samuel Morland Foxes Book of Martyrs, by John Foxe Books on Fasting The Power of Prayer and Fasting, by Ron Floyd Fast Your Way the Health, J. Harold Smith [B] Devotional Books Read the books of A. W. Tozer [ok], Andrew Murray [ok], J.C. Ryle [ok], James Stewart (available through Revival Literature Cru- sade), and the many fine books by the various Puritan writers. Books on the Holy Spirit and Charismata The Holy Spirit, by W.A. Criswell [SB] 28

Building a Basic Library Joy Unspeakable, by Martyn L. Jones [ok] The Sovereign Spirit, by Martyn L. Jones [ok] Emblems of the Holy Spirit, by F. E. Marsh *19 Gifts of the Spirit, by Leslie Flynn [Conservative B] Dynamics of Spiritual Gifts, by William McRae The Modern Tongues Movement, by Robert Gromacki [B] How to Obtain Fullness of Power, by R.A. Torrey [ok] The Baptism and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, by Merrill     Unger [Info only: SB, ok if KJV] Signs of the Spirit, by Walter Chantry [B] Be Filled With the Spirit, Lehman Strauss [B] Books on The Spirit World and the Occult Angels, Elect and Evil, by Fred Dickerson The Strategy of Satan, Warren W. Wiersbe [Neo B] Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, Thomas     Brooks Occult ABC, by Kurt Koch The Invisible War, by Donald Barnhouse Books on Cults and Catholicism *The Kingdom of the Cults, by Walter Martin [Neo B] *Roman Catholicism, by Lorraine Boettner *The Two Babylons, by Alexander Hislop *A Woman Rides the Beast, by Dave Hunt [ok if KJV] Masters of Deception, by F.W. Thomas Theology of the Major Sects, by John H. Gerstner General Denominations Handbook of Denominations in the United States, by     Frank S. Mead 29

Building a Basic Library    "Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and con- sider.   Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not curi- ously.   And some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention." Francis Bacon--Of Studies         Books on the Ministry A Word to Those Who are Not Preachers    If you are not a preacher, of what interest are books on preaching and the pastorate to you?   May I say that it would be an extremely profitable thing to the cause of Christ and the fellowship and work of the local church in particular if every church member had more than a cur- sory understanding of what is involved in the Gospel min- istry.   If you will read some of the books that are listed here, I have no doubt but that you will enjoy them, and you will have a better knowledge of, and appreciation for, your pastor's work, his goals and his needs.    Speaking of your pastor's needs, make sure your church provides your pastor with a monthly book allow- ance.   The church treasurer could reimburse your pastor from this accumulating fund as the pastor presents him with his receipts from the bookstore. A Word to Preachers    I have always had a special fondness for books on the ministry.   I have derived tremendous help from reading 30

Building a Basic Library books about preaching and the pastorate, and I encourage preachers to get and read as many books on these subjects as possible.   Since, as I have already stated, this material has been prepared primarily for the sake of preachers, it should come as no surprise that I have included a gener- ous list of titles dealing with the ministry.   (The first four in this list are "must have" and "must read" books for every preacher).    Develop a system for reading these books and others like them.   Give some time regularly, however little it may be, to this particular reading.   It will serve to give you in- sights into the work of the ministry such as no amount of seminary training can provide.   This kind of reading will help "fire you up" daily for the work of the ministry.   It will help you "stir up the gift of God which is in thee..." (II Tim. 1:6). *Lectures to My Students, by Charles H. Spurgeon [B] The Christian Ministry, by Charles Bridges The Reformed Pastor, by Richard Baxter The Minister as Shepherd, by Charles Jefferson The Preacher, His Life and Work, by John H. Jowett [ok] Preaching and Preacher, by Martyn L. Jones [ok] *Preacher and His Preaching, by Alfred Gibbs [ok] An Earnest Ministry, by John Angell James An All Round Ministry, by Charles H. Spurgeon [B] *The Glory of the Ministry, by A.T. Robertson [B] Ministerial life and Work, by W.H. Griffith Thomas [ok] A Minister's Obstacles, by Ralph G. Turnbull A Minister's Opportunities, by Ralph G. Turnbull Prepared to Preach, by A.N. Martin    "The true university these days is a collection of books." 31

Building a Basic Library Preaching, by James S. Stewart *A Practical Guide to Sermon Preparation, by Jerry Vines [SB] A Practical Guide to Sermon Delivery, by Jerry Vines [SB] Pastoral Leadership, by Sugden and Wiersbe [Neo B] *Spiritual Leadership, by Oswald Sanders [Info only: NASB perversion] Criswell's Guidebook for Pastors, by W.A. Criswell [SB] *The Growing Minister, by Andrew Blackwood [PTS] Building Today's Church, by Leslie Parrott God's Word Through Preaching, by John Hall Dabney On Preaching, by Robert L. Dabney Pastoral Theology, by Patrick Fairbairn The Normal Christian Worker, by Watchman Nee [ok] God's Work, by Watchman Nee [ok] The Preacher's Portrait, by John Stott The Mystery of Preaching, by James Black The Minister as Prophet, by Charles Jefferson *Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be, by LeRoy Eims [Neo on Bibles] Be a Motivational Leader, by LeRoy Eims [Neo on Bibles] Autobiographies and Biographies    Read as much about the great preachers, missionaries and Christian workers of days gone by as you possibly can.   You will get a tremendous amount of both inspira- tion and instruction if you do this.   For starters, I suggest especially to preachers, that you read about such men as George Whitfield [neo] (The biography by Dallimore is my all time favorite, and in my opinion, should be required read- ing for all preachers), John Bunyan [ok], Charles Spurgeon [B], Hudson Taylor [ok], D.L. Moody [ok], Charles Finney [?], Adoniram Judson [B], Praying Hyde, Arthur Pink [CB], T. Dewitt Talmadge, Robert Murray McCheyne, Martyn Lloyd Jones [ok], Jonathan Edwards [ok], Sam Jones--and the list could go on and on.   To really whet your appetite for this kind of reading, I sug- gest that you have two books by Warren Wiersbe [Neo B] which will help you to become familiar with the lives and minis- tries of many of the great preachers of the past.   These two books are: 32

Building a Basic Library Walking with the Giants, by Warren W. Wiersbe [Neo B] Listening to the Giants, by Warren W. Wiersbe [Neo B]    Read autobiographies and biographies constantly. Some of my recommendations follow.   Even if you find them authored by men other than those listed below, read them.   The main thing is to become and remain a reader of autobiographies and biographies. David Brainerd [ok], by Jonathan Edwards [ok] Jonathan Edwards [ok], by Iain Murray Martyn Lloyd-Jones [ok], by Iain Murray Robert G. Lee [B], by John Huss [ok] The Life of D.L. Moody [ok], by William Moody Memoirs of Robert Murray McCheyne, by Andrew     Bonar [ok] The Life of George Mueller [ok], by A.T. Pierson [ok] Charles Haddon Spurgeon [B], by Lewis Drummond Charles Spurgeon, The Early Years and The Full Harvest     (2 Vols.) [B] The Life of J. Hudson Taylor [ok], by Dr. and     Mrs. Howard Taylor The Life of Charles Wesley [ok], by Arnold Dallimore The Life and Times of George Whitfield, by Arnold     Dallimore Fair Sunshine, by Jock Purvis The Scots Worthies, by John Howe Books on Soul Winning and Discipleship Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, by J. I. Packer [Neo] The Secret of Soul Winning, by Stephen Olford [B] Words to Winners of Souls, by Andrew Bonar [ok] *The Soul Winner, by Charles H. Spurgeon [B] 33

Building a Basic Library *Personal Work, by R.A. Torrey [ok] Jesus as a Soul Winner, by A.T. Robertson [B] Christ's Call to Discipleship, by James M. Boice Books on Church Discipline    There is more written on church discipline than one might think.   Besides the following titles, there is infor- mation to be found in the Works of Richard Baxter, Jona- than Edwards [ok] and John Owens to name only a few.   Mate- rial on this subject is also found in most of the older sys- tematic theologies. A Guide to Church Discipline, by Carl Laney Disciplining the Brother, by Martin Jeschke The Call for Church Discipline, by Paul R. Van Gorder [B] Harmony in the Church, by Warham Walker Biblical Church Discipline, by Daniel Wray Books on Giving The Gift of Giving, by Wayne Watts The Grace of Giving, by Stephen Olford [B] God's Miraculous Plan of Economy, by Jack Taylor My Money and God, by Robert Hastings Giving and Living, by Samuel Young Books on the Marriage, the Family and Divorce The Christian Family, by Larry Hubbard Lifetime Guarantee, by Bill Gillham Strengthening Your Marriage, by Wayne Mack The Divorce Myth, by Carl Laney Meant to Last, by Paul E. Steele and Charles C. Ryrie [Neo on Bibles] Divorce and the Christian, by Robert J. Plekker Jesus and Divorce, by William A. Heth and Gordon J. Wenham 34

Building a Basic Library Books on Controversial Subjects On Capital Punishment, by William H. Baker Grand Illusions, by George Grant (abortion) The Zero People, by Jeff Hensley (abortion) H*m*sexuality, A Biblical View, by Greg Bashsen The Lie, by Ken Ham (evolution) [Neo B] Many Infallible Proofs, by Henry Morris (evolution) [B] The Beloved Enemy, by J. Van Impe [Neo] and R. Campbell (Alcoholic beverage). Sermon Sets Spurgeon's Expository Encyclopedia [B] The Westminster Pulpit    "Except a living man, there is nothing more wonderful than a book!   A message to us from the dead--from human souls whom we never saw, who lived perhaps thousands of miles away and yet these, on these little sheets of paper, speak to us, teach us, comfort us, open their hearts to us as brothers." Books about Books The Minister's Library, by Cyril J. Barbe The Best Books, by W.J. Grier Treasury of Books for Bible Study, Wilbur M. Smith Commenting and Commentaries, by Charles H. Spurgeon [B]    "The books that help you the most are those that make you think the most."                                      - Theodore Parker 35

Building a Basic Library WHERE TO LOOK New Books    The best place to buy new books for your library is through discount Christian book stores, where, for the most part, you will be doing business via mail order.   Why pay full retail price for books at the neighborhood Chris- tian book store when you can buy them at substantial (sometimes very substantial) discounts?   Then, with the money you save you can buy more books!   Once in a while you will have to bite the bullet and pay full price for a book because you need it immediately or because you know or suspect that it will be difficult to find later.    Later I will give you a list of sources for buying new books at discount through the mail.   There are other sources out there, find them, and get on their mailing lists to receive catalogues, etc.   Compare their prices, factor in what they charge for shipping etc., and see where the best deals are.   You can get on the Internet and find oodles of opportunities too! Used Books    You don't have to buy all of your books new.   If you are determined, for some weird reason, to buy only new books for your library, you are going to wind up with a pretty de- ficient library, because some of the very best works are no longer being printed.   The sad fact is that the number of really good Christian authors today is pretty slim com- pared to what was once the case.   Let me give you two good reasons to develop some real savvy and discernment where obtaining used books for your library is concerned:    First, "used" is the only way you are going to be able to get some of the books you need.   Some titles, as I've al- 36

Building a Basic Library ready mentioned, are out of print.   It's used or nothing! Secondly, and most obviously, used books are significantly cheaper than new.   And cheap is good when you're build- ing your library.    Later in this section I'll give you some names and ad- dresses of book sellers who deal in used religious books. Right now however, I'll suggest some other places (some of them are real odd ball places) where excellent acquisitions for your library can be found.   Some of the best, most use- ful books I have in my library have been found in: book fairs, fleas markets, Salvation Army [Neo] stores, Goodwill and thrift stores, and garage sales.   You can also find ads in religious periodicals or regular newspapers offering relig- ious books for sale.   You may be surprised at how often you'll find retired ministers offering their libraries for sale and how happy they will be to sell them to you at almost give away prices    One word of advice: Call an advertiser first, and ask some qualifying questions before you drive across town. Otherwise, you are liable to find the "religious books" be- ing offered to be a disappointing pile of cult, New Age, or Catholic books, etc. for which you have absolutely no use. Time Saving Tips or "How to Snag Worthwhile Books as Fast as You Can"    Book fairs are great places to get good books at great bargains.   You can get books at book fairs from a dime to just a few dollars each, and the books will get even cheaper because in most cases they will be marked down even more as the time to end the fair approaches.   The main thing about book fairs is to move fast!   There are two 37

Building a Basic Library reasons to move fast: Number one, you don't want to spend any more time than necessary looking for books. Number two, you definitely don't want anyone else to snatch up the best books at dirt cheap prices before you can get to them. Tip #1 - Watch for Certain Publishers!    You need to learn how to recognize anything that is a possibility for your library as you move quickly along the racks or stalls, scanning books for particular publisher's names and titles.   Identifying the names of some publish- ers is a signal that says, "Move on, don't waste your time here!"   The sight of other publishers will send an instanta- neous message to the brain that says, "Whoa!   This book may have real possibilities.   Check it out now!"    Bear in mind that when you can buy books for a dime or a dollar, you can afford to take some chances.   If, after you get your bargain books home, you find out that some of them are just not your "cup of tea," remember, they may be somebody else's "cup of tea."   These books can be sold to other preachers or traded for books that they have that you want.   They can also be sold to, or traded in at, a used book store which buys, sells and trades used books. Another option is to simply give these books away.    Here are some publishers you want to watch for.   Your chances of getting something good will be multiplied if you can remember to look for these names.   You'll become fa- miliar with the names of other good publishers as time goes by and you become more and more of a connoisseur of books. 38

Building a Basic Library Baker Broadman [SB] Banner of Truth Cornerstone Christian Literature     Crusade Christian Publications Eerdmans Harvest House InterVarsity [Neo] Judson Press [B] Klock & Klock Kregel Loizeaux   MacDonald Navpress Nelson [asv, nkjv] Pilgrim P&R (Puritan and      Reformed) Revell Sovereign Grace [CB] Sprinkle Publications Tyndale [living bible] Victor Westminster [Neo] Word Zondervan [niv] Tip #2 Watch for Certain Authors!    Intelligent browsing also requires familiarity with good authors.   This is to some degree a matter of personal taste.   You will learn who the good authors are in time, and your taste in authors will change as time goes by. One way to familiarize yourself with good authors is to check out the bibliographies in the books you are reading with profit.   Find out who the authors you like are read- ing.   Doesn't this make sense?   Another way is to ask other preachers whom you respect and who have significant li- braries themselves, what authors they would recommend to you.    For those who would like to shorten the learning proc- ess regarding authors and publishers, my best advice to 39

Building a Basic Library you is to become familiar with the authors and publishers of my recommended titles.   The sight of any of these names on a book's cover will identify that book as a "must- grab" at a book fair, etc. A Really Audacious Place to Find Books for Your Library    Another place to "shop" for books for your library is in other people's libraries.   The key here is to be observant, willing to ask some questions, and ready to make an offer and do a little wheeling and dealing.   Always, at every op- portunity, ask to see other people's libraries.   There are some basic reasons for doing this: First, it will almost al- ways be a compliment to them.   (In some cases it will be an embarrassment.   For instance, when you find that the minister's library will fit in a shoe box).   Secondly, you will get to see what he is reading, and get his recommendation regarding those books; and, thirdly, you might have the chance to obtain one or more books for your own library from his collection.    For example, if you are looking at someone else's li- brary, and see a book or books that you have reason to suspect may not be being used or wanted, casually ask the owner a question like: "What do you think of this book?" Or ask: "Have you gotten much out of this?   Do you get much help from this?", etc., etc.   The responses you get can be:    "Nope, don't get much out of that."    "Not really.   The author's too dry, too wordy, refers to the original languages too much."    "To tell you the truth, those books were given to me by someone, and I've never had them off the shelf." 40

Building a Basic Library    Simply say something like: "I might be interested in buying these from you, or making a trade.   What do you think?"   Then go from there.    I have gotten some tremendous books for my library in this way.   I've gotten some good buys and made some trades that were mutually satisfying.   Occasionally men have given me books outright, and refused to take any- thing for them.   It is always best in these cases, to try to pay for the books, but if payment is simply refused, al- ways send a note of thanks after you get back home. A Further Word About Authors    In the early part of my ministry, in the providence of God, the first books I read were by men like A.W. Pink [CB], Alan Redpath [B], William Graham Scroggie [B], T. DeWitt Tal- madge and a few of the puritans such as Thomas Brooks, John Bunyan [ok] and William Gurnall.   Some of these were loaned to me and others were recommended to me to buy. Almost thirty years have gone by since then, and I will be forever grateful for having "cut my teeth" on, and having had my appetite for books formed by men of such piety, intelligence, and seriousness about the Christian ministry and spiritual things in general as these particular authors were.   It is very, very important who you read after.    Some variety is important in your reading if you are going to have the balance in your thinking and in your ministry that you must have to be a good minister.   For example, T. DeWitt Talmadge, mentioned above is not in the same league with an Arthur Pink [CB] or a C.H. Spurgeon [B] where depth of exposition is concerned.   But Talmadge had a depth of imagination and a mastery of oratory that is thrilling.   Reading Talmadge's sermons will stir your own imagination and give you an appreciation for delivery 41

Building a Basic Library that you might not otherwise get.   I love to read his ser- mons!   You need to read authors who will make you delve deep in your thinking theologically, and you need to read authors who will set your soul on fire!    Books that you don't think are worthwhile or that you find hard reading now, may not carry the same assess- ment by you later on as you mature in spiritual things. For example, early on in my ministry I bought the books, Exploring Genesis, Exploring Romans, Exploring Hebrews and Exploring Revelation, by John Phillips, all in hardback.   I had no idea who Phillips was, and after merely thumbing through the books, decided I didn't care for his writing.   I noticed the alliterated outlines throughout these books, associated this with shallow- ness, and decided that I wasn't going to get anything out of them, etc. so, I got rid of them all.   Within a few years, my reading tastes and comprehension had changed.   It had matured somewhat; at least enough for me to realize that the person with the shallowness problem was not John Phillips, but yours truly.   I bought the same Phillip's books again (this time they were only available in paperback), and read them, and still read them, with great profit.   John Phillips is one of my very favorite and most recommended authors today.    Much later I bought Martyn Lloyd-Jones' [ok] set on Ephesians, decided he was too "wordy", and that I would- n't get much out of these books.   But I didn't get rid of them.   I let them set untouched on my shelves.   I had at least learned enough by now to keep from being too hasty in unloading these books.   I kept them around--just in case.   A few years later while preaching a series of mes- sages from Ephesians, I began to read Lloyd-Jones' [ok] expo- sitions on Ephesians, and fell in love with his writing. What had changed, the books or me?   The answer is obvi- ous, and so is the lesson. 42

Building a Basic Library    Don't be too hasty to pass over tried and proven authors. Just because you can't handle them now doesn't mean you never will be able to handle them.   Remember the "milk of the word"--"meat of the word" principle.   Some books are like power tools; passed over for hand tools until the user learns how to handle the power tool, and begins to appreciate more and more what it can do. "Sell your coat to buy books." Alexander Whyte Your Library and the Puritans    The Puritans saturated themselves in the Scriptures, and it would be profitable beyond measure for you to seek out their books, and saturate yourself in them.   Spurgeon [B] did, and attributed his growth as a Christian and his abil- ity as a minister to their influence on him.    If at first you have a hard time with the Puritans, be patient.   Your patience will pay off.   Again, let me assure you that your reading appreciation will change.   Watch for books by and about the Puritans.   A good one by Martyn Lloyd-Jones [ok] is, The Puritans: Their Origins and Succes- sors.   Addresses Delivered at the Puritan and Westminister Conferences.   The Classic set on this subject is The History of the Puritans by Daniel Neal in three volumes.   Three of the best sources for books by these particular authors are Banner of Truth, Cumberland Valley and Trinity Book Service.   A list [of] the names of some of my favorite Puritan authors follows: Issac Ambrose Thomas Boston William Bridge   Thomas Gouge William Guthrie William Gurnall 43

Building a Basic Library Thomas Brooks John Bunyan [ok] Jeremiah Burroughs Stephen Charnock David Clarkson Jonathan Edwards [ok] Richard Fairclough [ok] John Flavel Thomas Goodwin   Thomas Manton John Newton [ok] John Owen Richard Sibbes John Trapp Robert Traill Thomas Watson [ok] Octavius Winslow "A real library is a collection of books, not an accumulation of them.   Know the difference." Where to Buy Them    A list of sources for buying new and used Christian books follows.   I Suggest you take advantage of the toll free numbers and call each of them for a catalogue.   Many of the books you will want will be out of print.   If a used book seller doesn't have a title you want, many of them will provide a service whereby they will find the book for you. Ask them about this. **very best buy   * = best buy u = used   n = new   n/u = new and used Bhd = Baptist History and Doctrine ABC Books, 417-831-2523, u. Advanced book Exchange, 800-201-7575, n/u Amazon 800-201-7575, n/u [Secular] Baker Book House, 800-877-2665, n/u Baptist Standard Bearer, Number 1 Iron Oaks Dr., Paris, AK 72855, Bhd Bible Baptist Church Publications, 360.675.8311, Bhd Bibliofind, admin@bibliofind.com, u Book Heaven, 610.965.4700, Bhd Christian Book Distributors, 978-977-5000, n** [Neo] 44

Building a Basic Library Christian Literature World, 800-47-9142, n Cumberland Valley Book Service, 800-656-0231, n** Evangelical Used Books, 703-522-0596, u Gospel Mission, 406-466-2311, n** Great Christian Books, 800-775-5422, n* Kregel Publications, 800.776.0988, n/u* Revival Literature Crusade, 828-681-0371, n Scripture Truth Book Co., 540-992-1273, n** [Neo] Shiloh Christian Books, 313-274-2484, n/u Stillwater Revival Books, 403-450-3730, n T&D Christian Sales, 423-476-8571, n Tabernacle Book Store, 806.744.4443, Bhd, n Trinity Book Service, 800-722-3584, n** Wilderness Book Store, 316.624.7601, Bhd, n "Books are friendly things.   Do not count as wasted the hours spent in selecting them."           --Ben Johnson 45

CHAPTER TWO ARRANGING THE SHELVES AND SETTING UP THE BOOKS IN YOUR LIBRARY A word of advice in this verse you will find, An impression, I trust, it will make on your     mind. I can speak for its worth, having proved it my-     self. That a book in the hand is worth ten on the     shelf    Where and how you shelve your books is almost as im- portant as having them.   Bookshelves can be very expen- sive, but there are ways to have adequate shelves without a lot of expense.   This is often an important consideration, especially with young ministers.    As a young preacher and pastor, I had practically no money to spend on bookshelves for my small, but steadily growing library, so I had to find economical ways to shelve my books.   Here are a couple of suggestions about how you can obtain the shelves you need with a minimum outlay of cash.    First, you can build your own shelves out of the cheap- est 3/4" plywood or particle board you can find.   Remember, the edges are basically all that will be seen of your shelves.   You can, if you want to, glue and tack decorative trim to these edges later on at minimal expense, and make your bookshelves look exceptionally nice.   Interested 46

Building a Basic Library in dimensions?   Go someplace where bookshelves are sold and take a measuring tape with you, and get all the di- mensions you need.    To prevent sagging, you do not want your shelves to be much longer than 30 to 34 inches.   The depth of each shelf needs to be from 8 to 10 inches.   As to the distance you place your shelves apart from each other, I would suggest using the metal strips and brackets available for just such purposes at your local hardware store.   With these, you can adjust the height of your shelves to suit your needs. Again, go to the stores where these things are sold to get ideas and information.    My first bookshelves consisted of concrete blocks turned upright with boards laid over the top of them. With all the different sizes, shapes and colors of masonry blocks available today, you could put together some very attractive, adjustable bookshelves very economically.    You will want to have your bookshelves as close to your desk as possible for easy accessibility.   And, speaking of your desk, that's the place to permanently keep your reference books, such as your concordance, dictionary, and thesaurus.   When you do put your books on your shelves, be sure to leave about six inches of unoccupied space at the end of each shelf to accommodate future acquisitions.    As to the actual placement of your books: I have ar- ranged mine as much as possible according to subject mat- ter, and then, within those categories, I have arranged them according to author.   A book entitled, The Dewey Deci- mal Classification is available from Forest Press which, un- der the section entitled "200 Religion Class", will tell you how the public libraries would arrange your books on the shelves.   You don't really need this.   You simply need to de- velop a system that works for you, and put it to work. 47

Building a Basic Library    You can get a pretty good idea of how to "group" your books by looking at the section in this book on recom- mended titles.   Again, the best system is whatever works best for you.   Basically, I have arranged my books as fol- lows: 1. Reference books: speaker's handbooks, books of illus-     trations, etc 2. Word studies, Bible encyclopedias, Bible atlas, etc. 3. Individual books on theological subjects 4. Multi-volume sets on systematic theology, etc. 5. Various doctrinal books 6. Various apologetics, etc. i.e., The Works of John     Owens, B.B. Warfield, Speaker's Bible. etc. 7. Church history 8. Individual volumes of Old Testament commentaries 9. Related Old Testament subjects. 10. Multi-volume sets of Old Testament commentaries 11. Individual volumes of New Testament commentaries 12. Related New Testament subjects 13. Multi-volume sets of New Testament commentaries 14. Autobiographies and biographies 15. Individual books of sermons and sets of sermons 16. Holy Spirit and all related books 17. Prayer 18. Devotional books 19. Ministry, preaching, counseling, etc. 20. Soul winning and Church growth 21. Marriage and home 22. Controversial issues "Bring...the books, but especially the parchments." -- II Timothy 4:13 48

CHAPTER THREE ADOPTING A SYSTEM FOR MAXIMIZING THE USE OF YOUR LIBRARY    "Many a library remains unpossessed by its owner.   It is one thing to buy books, and another thing to possess them." -- Alfred P. Gibbs    Many preachers have a good selection of books, but a poor method for using them.   You want to get the maxi- mum use out of your library, and the only way to do this is to have a system in place whereby you can accomplish this objective.   I'll share a system with you that I have used for many years.    First, one by one, you need to locate every book in your library that has anything to say on a particular Scripture text.   These books may be books of sermons, devotional material, essays--any book with chapters that begin with a Scripture text.   Next, you want to record the Scripture text, the book title, author, volume number and page or pages where the information is to be found.   An example follows: Book Ch. Vs. Reference Author Volume Page Genesis 1 1 The Westminister Pul- pit Morgan [ok] 2 128       Puritan Sermons   4 86       Winning the Invisible War A. Tozer [ok]   12   1 2 Spurgeon's Exp. Enc. [B] 9 117       True Fellowship J. Bridges   23 49

Building a Basic Library    Obviously, there is no need to include commentaries in this listing, but do include any other books which can be indexed this way.   I have my information printed out in a hard copy (81/2" by 111/2" typed sheets) within two binders, one for Old Testament references and the other for New Testament references.   It is also on a floppy disc so I can pull up the information I need on my computer and up- date it easily.    "Get books, and read and study them carefully."                                --Abraham Lincoln [ok]    If I am preparing a message on John 3:16 for example, I need only look at my index to find out what books or booklets I have that contain any information on this pas- sage, pull those books from my shelves, put them on my desk and glean everything, if anything, useful that I can from them.   I can do the same thing with any other pas- sage I study which is pertinent to the sermon I am prepar- ing, the article I am writing, etc.   I not only can read any commentaries I have on the passage at hand, but I can also glean rich thoughts or ideas from something written on the passage in a day by day devotional like Spurgeon's [B] *Morning and Evening or in the theological works of Jona- than Edwards [ok] or B.B. Warfield or in something that E.M. Bounds [ok] has said about the text in one of his excellent little books.   If I have a sermon by G. Campbell Morgan [ok] or T. DeWitt Talmadge on my sermon text I can read what they had to say in their completely different styles when they preached from the same passage of Scripture.    In short, you need to know what you have and how to get your hands on it so you can use it.   Feel free to copy 50

Building a Basic Library my method.   You can probably improve on it.   The main thing is that you do something to make your library as functional as possible.    If you have a small library, the task of indexing your library will of course, not be as time consuming as it will be if your library is large.   I gave this task to one of my secretaries to complete.   This isn't the kind of thing that needs to be done all at once, and you can use volunteers to work on this project.    It will take some time to get this done, and the work is a little tedious, but the dividends for years to come in time saved, and the improvement in the quality of your ser- monic and other work will be well worth your efforts.   In- dexing your library like this is simply a matter of good stewardship.    "No book is worth anything which is not read much, nor is it serviceable until it has been read and reread and loved and loved again; and marked so that you can refer to the passages you want in it, as a soldier can seize the weapons he needs in an armory, or a housewife bring the spice she needs from her store."                                      -- John Ruskin 51

CHAPTER FOUR ADVICE ON SUPPLEMENTING THE BOOKS IN YOUR LIBRARY    "There are three school masters for everybody who will employ them--the senses, intelligent com- panions, and books."                                   --Henry Ward Beecher    The purpose for having your own personal library is to have immediate access to books that you need for your study.   There are, however, other ways to access books that you need even when you cannot afford to buy them. In fact there may be many books that you would like to use from time to time that you are not necessarily inter- ested in buying.   You can supplement your library with these books in different ways.    One way to supplement your library is to take advan- tage of the public library.   It is amazing to me how many ministers never darken the doorstep of their public li- brary.   Go to your public library and find out what is avail- able in the religious section.   Public libraries sometimes have more religious books available for lending than you might imagine.   The public library also carries several subscriptions to religious magazines.    Speaking of public libraries, now is as good a time as any to mention that ministers need to read widely.   When 52

Building a Basic Library you read the lives of the great preachers of the past, there is one thing that they almost all have in common, and that is their acquaintance with a wide range of sub- jects.   They had some healthy diversity in their reading, and you need this too.   I am going to suggest very strongly to you that preachers need to be students of his- tory.   Most great preachers, and extraordinary men in general, have been avid readers of biographies.   Certainly preachers need to be readers of and lovers of history-- especially American history.    What illustrations, anecdotes, and all-around good stuff you will get from the study of history to enhance your sermons, your mind, and your spirit!   One of my fa- vorite authors of American history is Robert Lecky.   Bar- bara Tuchman is another.   Start with Lecky's George Washington's [B] War.   After this, read everything else by him that you can get your hands on.   Then, read Tuchman's First Salute and do likewise regarding her other titles.   There is nothing in literature that is any more thrilling than the history of the United States, and these authors are among the most interesting and infor- mative that I have found.    As for world history, I highly recommend the writings of Will Durant in the multi-volume set, The History of Civilization.   There are multitudes of good history books available.   Become a reader and a student of history.   It will make you a better preacher, more imaginative, more conversant, more interested and more interesting--a fuller man. "Much reading doth make a man full" --Sir Francis Bacon 53

Building a Basic Library    Secular colleges and universities have wonderful libraries.   If you live near one of these, take advantage of whatever opportunities exist for you to borrow their books.   If you live near a Bible College or a theological seminary, you are especially fortunate.   Be sure and fa- miliarize yourself with their books and find out what poli- cies they have regarding letting non-students borrow from their libraries. 54

CHAPTER FIVE ABOUT SHARING THE BOOKS IN YOUR LIBRARY    "Never lend books--no one ever returns them.   The only books I have in my library are the ones people have lent me."                                               --A. France    Put your name, and if possible, your address and tele- phone number in all of your books.   Simply write this in- formation out by hand, or use a printed label or a seal that will give you a raised imprint, but by all means, identify your books as your personal property.   Be as consistent as possible in placing this information on the inside cover, a front fly page, or the title page of each of your books. Then, I suggest that you do this again on a certain page-- say page seven, twenty, or whatever--in each book you have.   This will further insure against the question of who owns your books in the case of a lost fly page or some other incident that could cause confusion in this area.    You may not follow the above advice to "never lend books," but you should make it a habit to lend them as lit- tle as possible, and then only to a chosen few in whom you are confident that they will be careful with your books, and careful to return them.   In my earlier years in the ministry I loaned out a good many books which I never saw again.   I have had books on two occasions returned to me by someone who had borrowed them more than ten years previously. 55

Building a Basic Library    I personally mark in my books.   I highlight passages in them, make notes in the margins and underscore para- graphs, etc.   This makes a book even more valuable. Sometimes I will make a note in the margin of my Bible at a particular passage of Scripture, referring myself to a book by title and page, where some pertinent and valuable commentary may be found.    If you have any qualms about marking in your books, get over them, and get in the habit of making such nota- tions in them and in your Bible.   Your books are tools, and they need to be made functional in every way possible. When you do mark in your books like this and then loan one of them out never to get it back again, you will wish you had never loaned it in the first place.   Not loaning your books is, again, a good habit to form.    If you do loan one of your books out, keep a record in your study of its title, the date it was loaned, and the name of the borrower.   And by all means, if at all possible, make it a point to let the borrower know you are recording this information.   Do it right in front of them.   You don't have to be rude about it.   Do it in a light-hearted way, but let them know that you have the record.   The likelihood of getting your books back will be increased a hundred fold if you will follow this advice.    When a book is returned be sure to make a notation of this.   It can be an embarrassing situation to insist on the return of a book that has already been returned. 56

Building a Basic Library CONCLUSION "If only I had three years to serve the Lord, I would spend two of them studying and preparing."                             --Donald Grey Barnhouse    Ministers are compared to builders in the Bible (Rom. 15:20;1 Cor. 3:9-15).   We who are called to minister to Christ's churches are in the business of building lives-- lives that will be solid and functional and lovely for the glory of God and the good of His people.   We are builders, and the Bible and our other books are our primary tools.    The best carpenters have the widest assortment of tools pertinent to their craft.   Some of these are used daily, others almost never, but when they are needed they are at hand.   To a carpenter, tools are not a luxury, they are a necessity, and he begrudges no investment that he makes in any of them.   Furthermore, the more a carpenter uses his tools, the more ability he develops in the use of them.   His appreciation for new and better tools grows as he experiences the advantages they give him in his work.    Good books are to the preacher what tools are to a car- penter.   They are time savers which enable the doing of better, more solid and beautiful work--and more of it. Blessed is the man who has his shelves full of them.    "Books are the quietest and most consis- tent of friends, they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."                                     --Charles W. Elliot 57

For a list of other titles and tapes by Pastor Curtman, write: VALIANT FOR TRUTH P.O. BOX 67 WILDWOOD, MISSOURI 63038

"The Man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them."    Know the difference between a "collection" and an "accumulation" of books.   The former comes about by delibera- tion, choice and thought and is valued and appreciated.   The other is the result of haphazard happenstance.   The former is the result of thoughtful reflection--it is a library.   The other comes about by little more than accident, and represents little more than a "bunch of books." PASTOR C.R. CURTMAN, preaching since 1969, is a revival and Bible conference speaker, known for his in-depth, expository preaching.