“Faith on Trial” by D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, Published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is the preacher at the Westminster Chapel in London. He is the author of several books which include: The Basis of Christian Unity; Studies in the Sermon on the Mount; Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cures; and The Flight of Man and the Power of God.

This book is collection of sermons on Psalm 73. In the Preface M. Lloyd-Jones states the problem and its resolution as follows:

The 73rd Psalm deals with a problem that has often perplexed and discouraged God’s people. It is a double problem. Why should the Godly frequently have to suffer, especially in view of the fact that the ungodly frequently appear to be most prosperous?

It is a classic statement of the Bible’s way of dealing with that problem. The Psalmist relates his own experience, exposes his soul to our gaze in a most dramatic manner, and leads us step by step from near-despair to final triumph and assurance. It is at the same time a grand theodicy. For these reasons it has always appealed to preachers and spiritual guides and counselors. Throughout the book he presents this great Psalm lucidly and simply. Even you young people can understand this book. For he writes in the second chapter, “Getting A Foot-Hold”:

Let us get our absolutes fixed, let us get certain things established irrevocably. Young people although it does not apply to you more than to anybody else, yet while you are young and are not guilty in these things put down your absolutes. If you cannot be helpful, say nothing. Never do God’s cause or your spiritual family any harm, page 30. Also in chapter three “Facing All The Facts” Mr. Lloyd-Jones addresses himself to young people as follows:

“The end of one is destruction, of the other, life. The trouble in life today is that people look only at the beginning. Their view of life is what we may call the cinema or film star view of life. It always attracts, and all those who live this life are apparently having a marvelous time. Alas that so many young people are brought up to think that that is life, and that always to live like that must be supreme happiness, page 51.” These are just two examples from a book that is filled with similar passages. From these you can readily see that Lloyd-Jones is not a vague, verbose, or confusing writer; he is the opposite. And he has his absolutes clearly spelled out for you.

Without a doubt, young people, you may add this book to your personal library.