We Wanted to Know

The first large order for THE MOURNER'S COMFORTER was by phone from a Reformation university and seminary bookstore. The publisher said:  "Then you liked our advance copy packet?"

The buyer said, "I don't know anything about a packet."

"How did you know about this book?" the publisher wanted to know.

"Somebody saw a copy lying on the checkout counter and asked for copies. We only had that one," he said. "I don't know where it came from. I got your phone number, and called for more." 

Opine Publishing's newest treasure, a comfort classic by C H Spurgeon, caught the attention of a book shopper. The bookstore ordered a large number, as a result, and ordered again at Christmas.

Is your book important? Then be sure to send advance copy packets of it to key reviewers and other places where book lovers, reviewers, and buyers hang out. That's how they learn about special new books...whose copies even might get separated from the publisher's packet and end up in plain sight at the checkout counter.

(c) Opine Publishing 2007-2010-"Early Days of the New Edition of our Treasured Book"

From the writer of the Foreword

There is spiritual uplift and strength on the pages of THE MOURNER'S COMFORTER for many, including those who are spiritually hungry or suffering spiritual depression. Here is the cure. Its truths comfort the mind and restore the soul. 

This book became a valued companion and help during an uncertain time for me, many years ago. I treasure the copy I saved, full of underlines and highlights from that memorable time. I still return to this book.

Jane Bullard [pen name]

Writer, Foreword, The Mourner's Comforter new edition

The Names Behind the Newest Edition

Gerald C. Primm of Greensboro NC made possible the newest edition of this treasured book, THE MOURNER'S COMFORTER. As a 20 year old in early days of WWII, Mr. Primm "completed more than 60 fighter-pilot combat missions in his P-38 Lightning and had his share of crash landings as well. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat aviation prowess."* After the war, he became aware of God's call to him to preach, a direction he had never anticipated. He felt unable to speak in public, a fear he determined to overcome. As a young pastor, he began to read and collect books and articles by C. H. Spurgeon. He immediately admired Mr. Spurgeon's teaching, humble beginnings, and determined faith. There were life experiences he shared with the London preacher, as well, although separated by two generations and different nations and continents. Mr. Primm's book collection grew beyond expectations, to become the largest known personal collection of original and early C H Spurgeon books and articles. Opine Publishing greatly appreciates and is indebted to Mr. Primm for his help for its edition of THE MOURNER'S COMFORTER-and his Acknowledgments, prepared for the Opine Publishing edition.

Carolyn J. Hesson gave countless days and months to co-edit and format this new edition, a labor or loving care and respect for the work and its effects. Along with Mr. Spurgeon and Mr. Primm, Mrs. Hesson's name is "behind the newest edition."

* "Ask Veterans to Share Their Stories," Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, Greensboro News & Record, Harry Thetford

From The Mourner's Comforter Preface

Heavy Heart,

This book is meant for you. He who sends forth this volume knows the heart of a mourner by a kindred experience, and is most anxious to be a "son of consolation" to the sorrowing. This little book is meant to scare the night-raven, which Milton tells us sits "where brooding darkness spreads his jealous wings." Most men know it as Religious Melancholy, but we call it by the older and more scriptural name of Mourning in Zion. By whatever name it is called it is none the more pleasant....

Jesus Christ Himself is anointed to comfort the distressed in heart, and fulfills His office by giving Himself to them to meet all their needs. The pages of this book are full of Christ Jesus, the consolation of Israel; and if, in any degree, they cheer the despondent, it will be entirely due to Him, their object and their theme....

No heart, however broken, needs any balm but Jesus to work its perfect cure. Sorrows, which like Noah's flood drown all, are soon assuaged by a word from His lips. Get Him and keep Him, O bruised and bleeding heart, and you are healed. For broken hearts the broken-hearted Saviour died, and for them He lives and pleads. Look to Him, mourner, and the black horror of despair shall end.

Yours heartily,
C H Spurgeon