In an age when many Christians either dismiss the Lord’s Day as optional or reduce it to a “church hour,” Spurgeon’s Forgotten Sabbatarianism by Brandon Rhea offers a compelling, biblically rooted vision of Sabbath observance deeply aligned with Reformed Baptist conviction. Underappreciated in much evangelical literature, this book recovers Charles Spurgeon’s view that the Fourth Commandment remains life-giving, not burdensome—richly woven into his theology, ministry, and personal rhythms.
Brandon Rhea, pastor and historian, mines the sources to show that the Prince of Preachers lived out Sabbath convictions with intentionality. This is not mere academic reconstruction: rather, Rhea traces how Spurgeon believed the Sabbath shaped his sermon preparation, evangelistic visits, pastoral care, family worship, and even church scheduling, all to reflect gospel rest and obedience.
Drawing a clear line between Spurgeon’s teaching and the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689, Rhea demonstrates that Spurgeon aligned fully with its view of the moral law and upheld the Lord’s Day as a Christian Sabbath. He affirmed that the Fourth Commandment remains binding and is to be observed in joyful service, not mere passivity.
Yet this is not a work of dryness or legalism. Instead, Rhea echoes Spurgeon’s conviction that Sabbath rest means resting from secular labor in order to labor for the Lord—with worship, Scripture, prayer, evangelism, gospel-centered fellowship, Sunday School, and intentional acts of mercy. Works of necessity, mercy, and piety are not forbidden but encouraged when lovingly ordered by the Spirit.
The tone is scholarly yet pastoral. Rhea writes with warmth and clarity, avoiding academic obscurity while offering robust theological grounding. It is perfectly suited for pastors, elders, Sunday school teachers, and serious laypeople in confessional Baptist churches seeking to recover a faithful approach to the Lord’s Day. He carefully avoids adding to Scripture, instead inviting readers to see how a historical evangelical giant embodied a Sabbath theology grounded in the gospel.
Endorsements from respected Reformed Baptist leaders underscore the book’s value. Sam Waldron calls it “a great service” to the church; Curt Daniel praises Rhea’s deep knowledge and clarity; T.C. Milton affirms its potential to reignite proper Sabbath observance.
This book reinforces the 1689 Confession’s teaching on the Law and the Lord’s Day, making it an ideal resource for churches committed to historic Baptist doctrine. It offers concrete, gospel-shaped guidance for how families and congregations can rest, worship, and serve on the Lord’s Day—not in legalism but in delight. Spurgeon’s convictions are drawn not from reactionary nostalgia but from faithful engagement with Scripture and confession, offering a timeless model for today’s church. Rich in theological insight yet eminently readable, this volume is apt for personal devotion, pastoral reflection, or small-group study.
Spurgeon’s Forgotten Sabbatarianism offers a doctrinally precise, spiritually enriching, and historically compelling resource. It invites readers to recover a Lord’s Day lived not under law, but under gospel rest.
Order today from Broken Wharfe and rediscover what it means to keep the Sabbath joyfully, reverently, and faithfully.