This two-volume set is based on the lives and ministries of the Apostle Paul and Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Volume One describes the preacher's struggles and pain (which the minister may anticipate in considerable measure) and includes a detailed biography of Spurgeon. Volume Two identifies the principles that enable the preacher's endurance and perseverance in ministry and concludes with a literary interview with Spurgeon about his beliefs, pastoral ministry, counsel, and practice gleaned from his lectures to students at the Pastor's College, sermons, books, and the monthly magazine, The Sword and the Trowel.

The two-volume set provides invaluable footprints in the sand (those of Paul and Spurgeon) for effective Christian service and navigating difficulties and trials successfully in ministry.