The paragraphs of this little book are not supposed to be an argument. It was not my aim to convince an opponent, but to assist a friend. How I have personally threaded the labyrinth of life thus far, may be of helpful interest to some other soul which just now is in a maze. I hope that by these pages some true heart may be assisted to "fight his doubts and gather strength." —from the Introduction

The Clue of the Maze is C.H. Spurgeon's shortest book, and one of his most simple and profound. In it, he writes on behalf of honest faith, in contrast to the "honest doubt" of the modern age—though Spurgeon reveals early on that he believes that "honest doubt" is too generous characterization of the spirit of modern skepticism.

With a straightforward discussion of the characteristics of faith, as well as the fruits it bears compared to the barrenness of doubt, Spurgeon could just as easily be addressing contemporary readers of the 21st century. He offers meditations on his own experiences of prayer, faith, and Bible reading to guide believers in the behaviors he believes will help them "thread the maze" of the challenges that doubt and skepticism pose to faithful living.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) converted to Christianity at the age of fifteen. By the age of twenty-two, he was the most popular preacher in England and remained so for the latter half of the 1800s. He frequently spoke to crowds over 10,000 in the days before electronic amplification. Known as the "Prince of Preachers," he delivered nearly thirty-six hundred sermons throughout his life. A prolific writer as well, many of Spurgeon's works remain in print to this day.