'Endeavour with all your might to make a conquest of all those enemies that be within you.' So wrote the Puritan Thomas Brooks (Works, vol. 6, p. 385). 

This week we take a closer look at the virtue of self-control, without which we are left vulnerable to all of the predations of Satan and sin. Heaven-bound saints cannot afford to neglect self-control. 

Featured resource: 

Mark J. Larson, 'The Virtue of Self-Control,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 515–516 (August–September 2006). 

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org 

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In this Friday Extra, the Chair of the Banner board, Rev. Jeff Kingswood, recommends one of our more obscure biographical titles, Faith Cook's William Grimshaw of Howarth. 

Buy the book: https://banneroftruth.org/store/history-biography/william-grimshaw-of-haworth-2/ 

The subject of health, and what is now called 'mental health,' comes up a great deal today, even in connection with ministry. While the treatment of the subject may sometimes leave much to be desired—biblically, theologically, or medically—it is at least firmly on the agenda. 

That was not the case when Dr Brian Beardsworth was asked to speak on the topic of 'The Pastor and His Health' at the 1992 Leicester Ministers' Conference in England. 

The substance of this address was published in two parts in Issues 358 and 359–60 (July and August–September 1993) of the magazine. Rather than read these, we have included Dr Beardsworth's address in its original form in this week's instalment of Magazine Mondays. 

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org 

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In this Friday Extra, we explain a little bit about some exciting new podcast developments at the Banner of Truth.

Following that 'service announcement' we hear from the Chair of the Banner board, Rev. Jeff Kingswood, about a little-known but highly significant title published by the Trust. 

More info. on T. J. Crawford's The Mysteries of Christianity: 

— Short review by David Campbell

— Excerpt: 'The Mystery of God's Oneness'

— Excerpt: 'The Mystery of the Trinity'

Buy the book: https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology/the-mysteries-of-christianity/ 

We readily accept that preachers need to be familiar with the Scriptures and with theology. But church history? Surely it is a matter of indifference whether or not a preacher has much knowledge of the often-complicated history of the church? 

Featured Resources: 

Peter Barnes, 'The Use of Church History in Preaching,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 287–8 (August–September 1987). 

Books noted in the article:

J. C. Ryle, Five English Reformers

J. C. Ryle, Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org 

Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine 

Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

This week we read a gripping article on a man whose ministry, despite sorrow and ill-health, was faithful and blessed—in Perth, Scotland, as well as Calcutta, India. 

Featured Resources: 

David Campbell, 'John Milne: "A flower of rare beauty and sweetness of odour"' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 754 (July 2026). 

Buy the book: 

Horatius Bonar, The Life of John Milne of Perth

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org 

Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine 

Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

A title which many have appreciated and which is, for the moment, still out of print, is the The Diary of Kenneth A. MacRae, edited by Iain H. Murray. MacRae had a long ministry in the highlands and islands of Scotland.

This week we read a collection of his candid and spiritual reflections on the topic of preaching. We trust they will be helpful to preachers and hearers alike. 

Featured Resources: 

'Thoughts on Preaching from 'The Diary of Kenneth MacRae,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 415 (April 1998). 

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org 

Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine 

Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Daniel Funke highlights the unique opportunities of the morning, and the value of sanctifying our waking hour for the glory of God. 

Featured Resources: 

Daniel Funke, 'Waking the Dawn with Praise,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 752 (May 2026). 

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org 

Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine 

Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Featured photo in episode artwork by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash. 

This week we read a reflection on the unique, powerful ministry of A. W. Pink, particularly as it was expressed through his periodical, 'Search the Scriptures.' His writing combined great profundity with clarity and spiritual authority. This combination is shown in the second piece we read, a short meditation on 'The Godhood of God.' 

Featured Resources: 

(Presumed to be by Iain H. Murray), 'The Written Ministry of A. W. Pink,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 10 (February 1958). 

A. W. Pink, 'The Godhood of God,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 10 (February 1958). 

Banner Resources by or about A. W. Pink:

A. W. Pink, Gleanings from Paul: The Prayers of the Apostle

A. W. Pink, The Life of Elijah

A. W. Pink, Profiting from the Word

A. W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God

Iain H. Murray, The Life of Arthur W. Pink

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org

Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine

Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Featured episode artwork of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis by Sergey Konstantinov on Unsplash

Does seriousness matter in a pastor? Rev. Daniel Dana, an American Presbyterian writer of the 19th century, argued that it does—profoundly so. This week we read his meditation on the subject which was featured in the eighth issue of the magazine. 

Featured Resource: 

'The Importance of Seriousness to the Christian Minister,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 8 (August 1957). 

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org

Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine

Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast