Morning and Evening, Based on the English Standard Version

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

For over one hundred years, Christians have gotten up and gone to bed with Charles Spurgeon's devotional Morning and Evening as a companion. With a reading to begin and end each day throughout the year, you will come to appreciate Spurgeon's emphasis on the importance of abiding in Christ and meditating on God's Word. His wisdom and counsel provide a timeless guide through the trials and triumphs of the year. The richness of his biblical understanding offers readers a look into the heart of one of England's foremost pastors and enduring Christian authors.

His lasting message is even more accessible with Alistair Begg's careful modernizing of Spurgeon's English. Begg, who has a deep love for Spurgeon's preaching and especially for this work, has maintained Spurgeon's clear passion and commitment to Christ. Using the English Standard Version as the scriptural text provides an accurate, understandable accompaniment to Spurgeon's lessons.

This updated version of a devotional classic is a timely and much-needed encouragement for today's Christian.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, Christian Living

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1866

About the author

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.

Reviews

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly superb! Spurgeon's language is approachable yet lofty. The daily format is ideal to accomplish a major impact a little at a time on multiple fronts in the reader's life. Spurgeon comes across as insistent on Christ's best for the reader's life but in a jovial, fatherly way that will have the reader looking forward to the next visit.

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've run out of annual superlatives. I'm a guy who doesn't typically reread. I'm a guy who doesn't typically need, he thought, commentaries to chew his spiritual food for him. I'm a guy who tended to think more is more, anyway, when commenting on Scripture. What could a paragraph or two on a sliver of Scripture, injected steadily every day do?

Four or five years later, I'm still finding out. Spurgeon would never settle for any comparison that the splendor of his language is near to that of Scripture, but let's just say his love of Scripture and Scripture's God glows through his own word choices. And as much as he clearly loves the Word itself and weaves it into his entries, Spurgeon's analogies show a man who also sees God's glory, subtle and grand, unbound by any book's pages.

He would be the last to center on man's affection or approval. Yet by this very freedom does his shepherding heart comes through. His confrontations are not dulled by the years that have intervened since this book was written. His exhortations still ring clearly. His love for the reader in the current day is as clear as that love for the people who sat under his teaching as he preached.

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exquisite. Spurgeon takes a verse of Scripture, even a phrase, and dotes on it to see the character of God behind it. Spurgeon's own words of reflection are resplendent, and he is one of those rare writers who can expand the vocabulary even without interrupting the reader's captivation with the subject.

ANOTHER YEAR (fourth I think) and the above words can be doubled, squared, compounded. Eventually, the whole book will make it into my bloodstream and out my mouth and my pen. When I highlight something I haven't on previous trips, it's like buried treasure or, as Francesca Battistelli sings, new words in a favorite song. When I squirrel something away and then find out I've put it in my quote bank three other times, so much the better. Some routines and habits grow dull with time. I can't imagine this ever being one of them.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to avoid daily devotionals because so many are so trite and devoid of any depth and meaning. But I don't know that anything of Spurgeon's could be accused of being trite. Morning and Evening is a wonderful twice-a-day devotional (though I would generally cheat and read both of the day's sections in the morning). I hardly know how to sum up the book, except to say that many days, it was exactly what I needed to read, and I highly recommend it.

[Christine Dattilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read through more or less fit at least the last ten years. Always refreshed, challenged and encouraged.

It's been fun to look at some of my highlights and notes from year to year. Every year, I am captivated by new insights I did not see the year before.

Hope to read through for the next ten years!

[Jim Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this over the years. I like to original readings a bit better. I have an app for those.

[MC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morning & Evening is perhaps the seminal book Charles Spurgeon's career. Despite how prolific his writings and statements were, this is what folks think of when it comes to a devotional of his. It's one of the best-loved devotional works ever.

Certainly it's easy to see why. I greatly benefitted from the optimism of Spurgeon. None of the negative stuff that so many have at times espoused. Yes, there is suffering, as Spurgeon well knew, but there is also joy.

If it were not for the values dissonance (not in terms of morality but in terms of certain activities like recreation being bad or what not) this book would have been near perfect. Great book and I really recommend it.

Rating 3.5 Stars.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you spend your days and nights? Does your mind dwell on Christ? Is your heart set upon heaven? In Morning & Evening, C. H. Spurgeon provides daily devotional readings for quiet times to guide you to God throughout your busy days.

Considered a Classic

Morning & Evening is considered a classic. Spurgeon takes on one verse at a time, giving you a fresh meditation to start and end your day. There are readings for every day of the year, making it easy to have a plan for your quiet times with God. Spurgeon spends time in both the Old and New Testaments, giving you a broad range of the Biblical text.

Originally written as a way to encourage his fellow Christians, Spurgeon’s words are also inspiring and filled with exhortations. What I appreciate most is how Spurgeon writes directly to his readers. In one reading, he asks and assures, “Have you but one desire, and is that after Christ? Then you are not far from the kingdom of heaven.” Spurgeon’s words are personal, and he writes from the perspective of a friend who is pointing you toward heaven.

Daily Devotions

The morning devotions are a great way to give attention to God before the work day. While the evening devotions can be read at bedtime, I would recommend reading them after returning home from work. It will give you a sense of renewal as you prepare to spend time with your family. You might even consider reading these devotions with your family! There are many ways to use this book, and you know you will get quality insights from Spurgeon’s writings.

The book I received was a blue “flexisoft” edition. The 768 pages fit nicely in the book’s 4.5 x 7 inches, making it comfortable to hold and easy on the eyes. It will look attractive on your desk, but also sit beautifully at your bedside. You can even put it in your purse, bag, or backpack for on-the-go reading. The NIV translation is perfect for a daily devotional, giving a contemporary reading to the Biblical text. A blue ribbon is included for easy place-keeping.

Meditations for Day and Night

These readings are a simple yet sure way to devote your day to the Lord. And it is a beautiful book to bless you and your family before bedtime. Morning & Evening is the perfect help to keep you meditating on God’s Word during the day and night.

I received a media copy of Morning & Evening and this is my honest review.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this version for my wife since english is her second language. Spurgeon's original words are obviously to be preferred over "updated" versions when possible, but this was most readable for her. We haven't actually read the entire year of devotions, but we've read a lot of them. Spurgeon's words are encouraging and speak powerfully into the life of the believer. He lived up to the title "Prince of Preacher", and that shines through in his writing! Though I must admit, his exegesis of the text can be difficult to follow and from time to time rather baffling. Though, since he was a much more gifted theologian and preacher than I could ever hope to be, I'll chalk it up to my ignorance rather than has capability. Warmly recommended.

[Kristina]

I haven't picked this up for almost a month and am not keen to get back to it. Some daily readings were certainly worth the high praise, but I wasn't a fan of all of the non-cited referenced to Pilgrim's Progress and lyrics to hymns. Maybe these were considered standard knowledge when Spurgeon wrote this devotional, but I wish there was more context provided in many cases.

[Kirk Metzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly a better daily devotional than I anticipated!

[Courtney | Lasting Joy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another devotional that I read during the year. There was so much wisdom in here. I started to read Spurgeon’s devotions online years ago and decided that I needed to have the book. I loved this particular edition! There language was updated and I loved the cover too. There’s two readings per day. One in the morning and one in the evening. This one would make a great gift. A timeless classic.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only took my 6 years or so. (My version was the KJV version.)

I haven't read very many devotionals, but this was my favorite - drawing my heart to God many times.

[Sara Fukuda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess I didn’t 100% finish this book, but I’ve done most of the readings for 6mo so I went ahead and “counted” it.
It’s my first Spurgeon, and it’s an excellent way to meet!!

Very short, succinct morning and evening prayers. A short verse, and then Spurgeons meditation on it, every day for a year. Makes an excellent devotional to do with a spouse, since they’re so brief you can do it in less then 5min which most of us can definitely find time to do no matter how busy one is. (My husband has worked 60-70hr weeks this year, it’s possible). We did the strategy of not worrying about catching up, if we miss a prayer just leaving it be and doing the day we are on.

Anyway! Highly recommend for personal or shared devotions.

[Kysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may not have read this book exactly cover to cover, but I’ve been reading its daily devotionals in a scattered manner for the last year and a half at least so I’m calling it read. 😉 Every morning and evening provides something to ponder, to challenge, to convict, and to encourage.

[Šarūnė · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visų metų kelionė per šiuos mano vakarinius skaitymus - kaip aš džiaugiuosi, kad tai tapo mano visiška priklausomybe<3 Gilios ir nenušlifuotos mintys iš 19amžiaus tokia pat tikra ir šiandien - wow.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best yearly devotional I have read to date.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morning and Evening is a classic devotional by Charles H. Spurgeon that was originally published in 1866.

There is a devotional for every morning and every evening.

Each devotional begins with a bite-sized portion of Scripture.

Spurgeon "feeds" his flock from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

He speaks directly to readers and addresses matters of great importance. His works are ever-relevant.

I've been sharing quotes from Morning and Evening since the first week of January when I began reading the devotional.

I'll share my top twenty or so with you now.

From December:

The night of affliction is as much under the arrangement and control of the Lord of Love—as the bright summer days when all is bliss. Jesus is in the tempest! His love wraps the night as a cloak—but to the eye of faith the sable robe is scarcely a disguise.
His presence will be most realized—by those who are most like Him. If you desire to see Christ, you must grow in conformity to Him.
Christian, God has not left you in your earthly pilgrimage to an angel’s guidance—He Himself leads the van. You may not see the cloudy, fiery pillar—but Jehovah will never forsake you.
Christ is the great Peacemaker; but before peace, He brings war. Where the light comes, the darkness must retire. Where truth is, the lie must flee; or, if it abides, there must be a stern conflict, for the truth cannot and will not lower its standard, and the lie must be trodden under foot.

From November:
The past is gone; the future has not arrived; we never shall have any time but time present. Then do not fritter away your life in thinking of what you intend to do tomorrow, as if that could recompense for the idleness of today. No man ever served God by doing things tomorrow.
Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it—or else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of mere creed—are like bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the body.
Be content with such things as you have, since the Lord has ordered all things for your good. Take up your own daily cross; it is the burden best suited for your shoulder, and will prove most effective to make you perfect in every good word and work to the glory of God.
To have one foot on the land of truth, and another on the sea of falsehood, will end in a terrible fall and a total ruin. Christ will be all—or nothing.
From October:
“I will love them freely.” Hosea 14:4 This sentence is a body of divinity in miniature. He who understands its meaning, is a theologian; and he who can dive into its fullness, is a true spiritual master. It is a summary of the glorious message of salvation, which was delivered to us in Christ Jesus our Redeemer. The meaning hinges upon the word “freely.” This is the glorious, the suitable, the divine way by which love streams from heaven to earth—a spontaneous love flowing forth to those who neither deserved it, purchased it, nor sought after it. It is, indeed, the only way in which God can love such as we are. The text is a death-blow to all sorts of fitness, “I will love them freely.”
We ought to muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them. Hearing, reading, and learning—all require inward digesting to complete their usefulness, and the inward digesting of the truth lies for the most part in meditating upon it.
When we repent of sin, we must have one eye upon SIN—and another upon the CROSS! It will be better still—if we fix both our eyes upon Christ—and see our transgressions only in the light of His love.
Each believer must, when filled with a sense of Jesus’ love—be also overwhelmed with astonishment, that such divine love should be lavished on an object so utterly unworthy of it. Jesus must have found the cause of His love—in His own heart. He could not have found it in us—for it is not there!
From September:
Wherever Jesus may lead us—He goes before us. If we know not where we go, we know with whom we go. With such a companion, who will dread the perils of the road? The journey may be long—but His everlasting arms will carry us to the end.
Scripture is a never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace. It is the bank of heaven; you may draw from it as much as you please, without price or hindrance. Come in faith and you are welcome to all covenant blessings. There is not a promise in the Word which shall be withheld.
A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week, without knowing the gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he serves; and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions.
From August:
My Lord is more ready to pardon—than you to sin; more able to forgive—than you to transgress. My Master is more willing to supply your needs—than you are to ask for them!
Do you dread sin? He has nailed it to His cross! Do you fear death? He has been the death of death! Are you afraid of hell? He has barred it against the entrance of any of His children; they shall never see the gulf of perdition!
Let a Christian begin to boast, “I can do all things,” without adding “through Christ who strengthens me,” and before long he will have to groan, “I can do nothing,” and bemoan himself in the dust. When we do anything for the Lord, and He is pleased to accept of our doings, let us lay our crown at His feet, and exclaim, “Not I—but the grace of God which was with me!”
From July:
It is impossible for any human speech to express the full meaning of this delightful phrase, “God is for me.” He was “for us” before the worlds were made. He was “for us,” or He would not have given His well-beloved son. He was “for us” when He smote the Only-begotten, and laid the full weight of His wrath upon Him—He was “for us,” though He was against Him. He was “for us,” when we were ruined in the fall—He loved us notwithstanding all. He was “for us,” when we were rebels against Him, and with a high hand were bidding Him defiance. He was “for us,” or He would not have brought us humbly to seek His face. He has been “for us” in many struggles; we have been summoned to encounter hosts of dangers; we have been assailed by temptations from without and within—how could we have remained unharmed to this hour—if He had not been “for us”? He is “for us,” with all the infinity of His being; with all the omnipotence of His love; with all the infallibility of His wisdom; arrayed in all His divine attributes, He is “for us,” eternally and immutably “for us”; “for us” when yon blue skies shall be rolled up like a worn out vesture; “for us” throughout eternity!
Blessed is the fact that Christians can rejoice even in the deepest distress; although trouble may surround them, they still sing; and, like many birds, they sing best in their cages. Trouble does not necessarily bring consolation with it to the believer—but the presence of the Son of God in the fiery furnace with him fills his heart with joy. He is sick and suffering—but Jesus visits him and makes his bed for him. He is dying, and the cold chilly waters of Jordan are gathering about him up to the neck—but Jesus puts His arms around him, and cries, “Fear not, beloved!
From June:
“Help, Lord!” will suit us living and dying, suffering or laboring, rejoicing or sorrowing.
After conversion our God is our joy, comfort, guide, teacher, and in every sense our light—He is light within, light around, light reflected from us, and light to be revealed to us.
If you are not humbled in the presence of Jesus—you do not know Him. You were so lost that nothing could save you—but the sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son. Think of that, and as Jesus stooped for you—bow yourself in lowliness at His feet.
The Scriptures reveal Jesus, “The Scriptures point to Me!” No more powerful motive can be urged upon Bible readers than this—he who finds Jesus finds life, heaven, all things. Happy he who, searching his Bible, discovers his Savior!
From May:
There is no need for God to create a new thing upon the earth in order to restore believers to joy; if they would prayerfully rake the ashes of the past, they would find light for the present; and if they would turn to the book of truth and the throne of grace, their candle would soon shine as aforetime.
Christian, what have you to do with sin? Has it not cost you enough already? Burnt child—will you play with the fire? What! when you have already been between the jaws of the lion—will you step a second time into his den? Have you not had enough of the old serpent? Did he not poison all your veins once—and will you play upon the hole of the viper, and put your hand upon the cockatrice’s den a second time? Did sin ever yield you real pleasure? Did you find solid satisfaction in it? If so, go back to your old drudgery, and wear the chain again—if it delights you. But inasmuch as sin did never give you what it promised to bestow—but deluded you with lies—do not be snared a second time by the old fowler!
What a comfort to know that we have a great Physician who is both able and willing to heal us! Let us think of Him for a while tonight. His cures are very speedy—there is life in a look at Him. His cures are radical—He strikes at the center of the disease. And hence, His cures are sure and certain. He never fails, and the disease never returns. There is no relapse where Christ heals—there is no fear that His patients should be merely patched up for a season. He is well skilled in all diseases. Jesus Christ is thoroughly acquainted with the whole of human nature. He is as much at home with one sinner as with another, and never yet did He meet with an unusual case which was difficult to Him.
Oh, do not think, believer, that your sorrows are out of God’s plan; they are necessary parts of it.
The gospel is a very bold gospel, it fearlessly proclaims the truth, whether men like it or not. We must be equally faithful and unflinching.
From April:
Banquet your faith upon God’s own Word, and whatever your fears or needs, repair to the Bank of Faith with your Father’s hand-written note, saying, “Remember the Word unto Your servant—upon which You have caused me to hope.”

Let us fight as if it all depended upon us—but let us look up and know that all depends upon Him!
We are not far from home—a moment will bring us there.
Remember that the same Christ who tells us to say, “Give us this day our daily bread,” had first given us this petition, “Hallowed be Your name; Your kingdom come; Your will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” Let not your prayers be all concerning your own sins, your own needs, your own imperfections, your own trials—but let them climb the starry ladder, and get up to Christ Himself, and then, as you draw near to the blood-sprinkled mercy-seat, offer this prayer continually, “Lord, extend the kingdom of Your dear Son!” Such a petition, fervently presented, will elevate the spirit of all your devotions. Mind that you prove the sincerity of your prayer by laboring to promote the Lord’s glory.

From March:
Great thoughts of your sin alone—will drive you to despair; but great thoughts of Christ—will pilot you into the haven of peace. “My sins are many—but oh! it is nothing to Jesus to take them all away. The weight of my guilt presses me down as a giant’s foot would crush a worm—but it is no more than a grain of dust to Him, because He has already borne its curse on the cruel tree. It will be but a small thing for Him to give me full remission, although it will be an infinite blessing for me to receive.
There is no road between my soul and heaven—but faith.
Look upon all sin as that which crucified your Savior—and you will see it to be “exceeding sinful.”
From February:
“He has said” must be our daily resort.
We would be abler teachers of others, and less liable to be carried about by every wind of doctrine—if we sought to have a more intelligent understanding of the Word of God. As the Holy Spirit, the Author of the Scriptures is He who alone can enlighten us rightly to understand them, we should constantly ask His teaching, and His guidance into all truth.
A daily portion is all that a man really needs. We do not need tomorrow’s supplies; for that day has not yet dawned, and its needs are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June—does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet.
Christian, meditate much on heaven—it will help you to press on, and to forget the toil of the way. This valley of tears is but the pathway to the better country! This present world of woe is but the stepping-stone to a world of bliss.
From January:
We must not cease to wonder at the great marvels of our God. It would be very difficult to draw a line between holy wonder—and real worship; for when the soul is overwhelmed with the majesty of God’s glory, though it may not express itself in song, or even utter its voice with bowed head in humble prayer—yet it silently adores.
Christ is not only “mighty to save” those who repent—but He is able to make men repent. He will carry those who believe those to heaven; but He is, moreover, mighty to give men new hearts and to work faith in them. He is mighty to make the man who hates holiness—love it; and to constrain the despiser of His name—to bend the knee before Him.
How different will be the state of the believer in heaven—from what it is here! Here he is born to toil and suffer weariness—but in the land of the immortal, fatigue is never known.
He who does not grow in the knowledge of Jesus, refuses to be blessed. To know Him is “life eternal,” and to advance in the knowledge of Him is to increase in happiness. He who does not long to know more of Christ—knows nothing of Him yet.

[Jennifer S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morning & Evening is one I've kept near for many years. I go through phases wherein his approach to Scripture and devotional reading is so poignant.
I've enjoyed this version with contributions from Alistair Begg to modernizing some of Spurgeon's wording. The updates don't take anything from the content, but rather make some of the language more accessible.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself sad to have finished this book, and wish that there was more of it. I had set it up to pop up on my computer, whenever I logged in, and often, it was the most encouraging "email" of my day. I have found Spurgeon's writings to be so comforting, encouraging, and challenging at times, perfect for this season of my life. He doesn't shy away from the tough aspects of life, but he doesn't delve into the technical details of a verse as many of today's pastors do. He compares them to heart issues. Some of these, I have sent friends to encourage them. You do have to be comfortable with old English to enjoy these. My favorites include: The Voice of Weeping shall no more be heard, Into Thine Hand I commit my spirit, Satan Hindered Us, The Cool of the Day, The Fire Shall Be Ever Burning on the Altar, The Lot is Cast, Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us, They Did Eat of the Fruit of Canaan, Serve the Lord with Gladness, Do As Thou Hast Said, Oh That I Knew Where I might Find Him, He Shall Gather the Lambs with His Arms, He Began to Wash the Disciples Feet. Too many favorite quotes for me to produce them all here. Just read the book.

[Michael Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morning and Evening is a fantastic devotional for the heart of every believer. I strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to begin and end their day with spiritual encouragement and instruction. Spurgeon, the "prince of preachers" delivers his depth and love for Christ.

Rev. Michael Duncan, Author
Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional offers short but powerful insights into the Word of God. Especially during those times when it seems like my own connection with the Word is running dry, this has really helped to pick me up and bring me to a place of repentance and restoration to God's grace and the joy of salvation.

[Ammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exquisite. I listened to the 35 hour audiobook over the course of my 21 day rental. It played in the background like Bach or Debussy, a serenade to my weary soul. I purchased the book and am now reading it daily as balm for the aches of this world. What a glorious Savior and remarkable God we love and serve.

[Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good devotional. Hit or miss like most devotional books. Still not used to his frequent allegorizing hermeneutical approach to Scripture. Inspiring for sure. Kind of nice to have one for the morning and one for the evening.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent devotional that has many nuggets of wisdom inside. It will encourage your heart daily!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through college I read one of these most mornings and some evenings. It really helped keep me focused on what really matters in life. Well written and thought-provoking.

[Dennis Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic. The updated language only enhances understanding but doesn't diminish Spurgeon's masterful phrasing.

[JM]

Keep it near, add it to your daily reading.

Keep it near, add it to your daily reading. It's part of my devotionals.
This is full of gems!!! You will be enriched.

[Mike Jorgensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some days are brilliant, some leave me scratching my head, most are just ok. Never been a devotional guy but this is as good as anything I've found.

[Darin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t generally like devotionals, but this is Spurgeon. What a blessing to my life this was each day! If you would like a daily devotion for your new year, I pray you will truly be blessed.