The Art of Manfishing by Thomas Boston

The Art of Manfishing Reviews

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  Rafael Salazar

  Full of valuable insights on ministry and the heart of a preacher. I bought this book thinking it would be on evangelism only to find it to be on the nature of gospel ministry. But what a timely surprise! This is a soliloquy written by Boston when he was 22 as a licensed preacher waiting for ordination. Anyone aspiring ministry would profit to see such an earnest heart for the Lord.
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  Steven Evans

  The title of the book was enough to make me take the bait and read this ebook. Thomas Boston’s filling out of this Scriptural analogy was enjoyable. But what really endeared this little book to me were his diary notes and self examination. He wrote this to encourage and search himself. I was greatly challenged and encouraged by his open confession and self assessment. The dates of his diary entries to verify that he did indeed have a fire for God in him, and he did know his own rottenness- it just brings it all home. Primarily written for preachers seeking to catch men for God, but I think all would benefit in considering the souls of men and the need to skillfully and gravely approach our gospel witness.
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  Kenny Robertson

  Some v helpful comments on personal assurance & holiness for evangelism & preaching, but requires thoughtful historical interpretation to avoid over-spiritualising vocational ministry. Super helpful intro by Packer on the Puritan conviction, contra modernist ‘rally’ approaches, that conversion usually takes time.
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  Matt Crawford

  Short little booklet on the reasons for evangelism and outreach. Boston places the emphasis on self (similar to the first half of Baxter's The Reformed Pastor). Through providence and election once you submit to Christ, the opportunity for outreach will come with ease.
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  Brian

  Very good book by Puritan, Thomas Boston.
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  Alexandru Balaur

  Very humbling.
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  Cale Fauver

  Pithy. Wise. Lays bare the heart of the fisher, and encourages him to go fish.
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  Seth Meyers

  A stirring, practical call to evangelism and faithfulness in ministry. Not as lively as Baxter’s Reformed Pastor or Call to the Unconverted, but still gripping and helpful.
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  Logan

  I did like it, but Boston perhaps waxed a little too eloquent and got carried away with the analogy of fishing for men. He compares sinners to fish in all kinds of ways and talks about the sorts of nets we should use to catch them in, how the mesh of doctrine must not be too loose or they will slip away, etc. That type of stretching of the analogy doesn't appeal to me that much.
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  Jason Farley

  Helpful old book on evangelism. Will be rereading it for sure.