"It cannot be that the people should grow in grace unless they give themselves to READING".
In his book on Christian Perfection, John Wesley gave a vivid description of how he was influenced by the writings of Thomas Kempis, William Law, Taylor, Arvid Gradin,etc. Many other saints of old do give account of the impact of earlier writings on their life and ministry. A Christian who long to grow and to be useful in this generation, must give himself to the writings of saints that have impacted their generation.
Some books in my library which have greatly influenced my life and ministry are:
THE PREACHER AND PRAYER- E.M. BOUNDS
THE PERSONAL DIARY OF DAVID BRAINERD
THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN- JOHN OWEN
THE MAN GOD USES- OSWALD J. SMITH
THE REFORMED PASTOR- RICHARD BAXTER
THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOUR- WILLIAM GUMBALL
SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP- J.OSWALD SANDERS
THE PRICE AND POWER OF REVIVAL- DUNCAN CAMPBELL
REVIVAL FIRE- HOMER DUNCAN
SPIRITUAL HUNGER- JOHN G. LAKE
