“A Bunch of Everlastings” by F. W. Boreham

Boreham, F. W. A Bunch of Everlastings. London: King & Jarrett, Ltd., 1920.

252 pages.

[xrr rating=5/5]

Dr. Andrew Corbett, who is currently preparing a documentary on the life of F. W. Boreham for the ABC, said this of A Bunch of Everlastings: “People have literally died clutching that book to their chests as they drew some last moments of comfort from the words Boreham had masterfully penned. I would rate this book as the one of the best books I have ever read.” I read this book on his recommendation, and it did not disappoint.

The concept of the book is unique. Each chapter presents a thumbnail biographical sketch of a notable spiritual leader, but the focus with each historical figure is a particular Scripture passage—an everlasting, if you will—that was influential in that person’s life. Characters addressed include Chalmers, Luther, Latimer, Cromwell, Knox, Cowper, Spurgeon, Carey, Wesley, and many others.

Some of the stories were familiar to me. For instance, the conversion of Spurgeon on a snowy day in that Artillery Street chapel. Or Andrew Fuller’s statement to William Carey: “You go down into the mine and we will hold the ropes.” Considering Boreham’s significant influence on the Evangelical world both in England and America, I suspect that this book is the reason these stories are familiar to me.

The combination of Christian biography, Scripture highlights, and Boreham’s style results in a read that is spiritually rich and profoundly charming. Few books, in my experience, run two hundred and fifty pages and finish too soon. A Bunch of Everlastings does just that. This Australian classic has been around for the better part of a century now. I wholeheartedly commend it to you for your joy and edification.

Grace to you.