Select Works of Charles Bridges (8 vols.)

Looking at Psalm 119—the longest Psalm in the Bible—under a microscopic lens, Charles Bridges takes the time to explain each verse and how it fits into the Bible. Rich with biblical knowledge and cross-references, this picture of Psalm 119 is a thoroughly researched compendium. Written when he was only 33 years old, Bridges composes a sermon for each of the psalm’s 22 stanzas.

Charles Bridges’ An Exposition of the Book of Proverbs exhorts and encourages believers to walk in the way of wisdom by considering the weight of the Proverbs’ instructions. Taking a chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse approach, this exposition on the Book of Proverbs offers insight into and wisdom on the words of Solomon, inviting the reader to explore the spiritual ramifications of each of the wise king’s admonitions. Bridges stresses that the purpose of Proverbs is that it be read and regarded in light of its relevance to daily life, in order that we might become “men of sound godliness.”

Offering an extensive commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes, Charles Bridges discusses authorship, transcription and transposition of the text, the inherent theopneustic nature, and the scope and focus of the text. Bridges provides critical notes for explanation of semantics, further reading, and doctrinal clarification. Bridges concludes that the text is undoubtedly the product of divine inspiration.

Gain insight into the timeless purpose of Christian ministry and the problems that every minister faces with Charles Bridges’ classic, The Christian Ministry. With evangelical passion, Bridges uses illustrations from his own and others’ ministry experience to demonstrate what slows down or altogether halts a minister’s progress. In volume 1, Bridges (1) defines Christian ministry, (2) identifies several general causes for a ministry’s failure and problems in a minister’s character that can slow ministry, and (3) analyzes the “public work” of ministry, focusing on preaching from the Bible.

Continue studying the timeless purpose of Christian ministry and the problems that every minister faces, with volume 2 of Charles Bridges’ classic, The Christian Ministry. With evangelical passion, Bridges uses illustrations from his own and others’ ministry experience to demonstrate what slows down or altogether halts a minister’s progress. In volume 2, Bridges (1) finishes his analysis of problems with Christian preaching, (2) examines stumbling points in a minister’s pastoral care for parishioners, and (3) provides a final reflection.

Composed of “conversations at a breakfast table,” Charles Bridges’ volume of scriptural studies makes a warm addition to any devotional library. Known as a dutiful, hard-working pastor and preacher, Bridges shares scriptural insights saturated with adoration for his creator and reverence for his Word. Each study features a passage of Scripture, followed by Bridges’ thoroughly cross-referenced analysis of its themes. Bridges closes each entry with a short prayer or set of reflective questions and remarks.

Believing the spiritual vitality of family units to be integral to God’s mission through the church, Bridges wrote this essay encouraging family prayer. “For as personal religion cannot exist or be sustained without personal prayer,” he writes, “so neither can we identify family religion without family prayer, or fail to number this daily privileged service as a most valuable ordinance of social godliness.” His essay is a stirring call for fathers and mothers to lead the charge in disciple making.

Filled with imagery of the battlefield and athletic endurance, Charles Bridges’ address to newly confirmed youth is a fiery call to diligent discipleship in “every future moment.” Bridges writes that we “are every moment assaulted by some of the enemies of [our] soul,” and that at “every moment either the faith you professed is encouraging you to resist them; or, in the neglect of this faith, you are tamely yielding to them.” This Scripture-filled document is an excellent reminder to any Christian of the importance of ongoing devotion and the scope of our fight.