Spurgeon's Autobiography

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Miss Margaret T. Srer
H.
SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
COMPILED FROM
HIS
DIARY,
LETTERS, AND RECORDS,

BY
HIS WIFE,
AXI)
HIS
RIVATK SKCKKTARV.
VOL.
I.
1834-1SS4.
LONDON
PASSMORL AX I) ALABASTER,
1897.
PATERNOSTER
BUILDINGS,
E.G.
(All rights reserved.}
\J
CONTENTS OF
VOL.
I.
CHAPTER
I.
IXTRODUCTIUX
II.
ANCESTRY AXD GEXFALOGY

I
...
...
...
...
...
...
III.
IAITY
CHILDHOOD AT STAMIJOTRXK
...
...
...
...
...
i^
I\".
STAMnoruxi: MEETIXG-HOUSE
...
...
...
...
...
25
V.
A MEMORABLE
IxriDKXTs OF
VISIT TO STAMBOURNE.
MR. Kx ILL
...
PROPHECY
...
...
33
VI.
HOME AXD SCHOOL
LIFE
...
...
39 47
57
VII.
MEMORIES OF MAIDSTOXE AXD NEWMARKET
...
...
...
VIII.
IX.
A HOLIDAY
LARLY
PASTIME.
ESSAY ox POPERY
...
...
...
...
...
I\Ei.ic,iors
IMPRESSIONS
TRIBULATION"
...
...
...
...
67
75
X.
"THROUGH
MUCH
...
...
...
...
...
XI.
Tin;
GREAT CHANGE.
CONYERSION
...
...
...
...
...
97
117
XII.
LETTERS TO FATHER AND MOTHER, JAXUARY TO JTXE, 1850

DIARY, APRIL TO JTXE,
1850...
...
...
NIll.
...
...
...
...
127 147 157 167
XIV.
A Goon
COXFESSIOX.
BAPTISM
...
...
...
...
...
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
KXPERIEXGES AFTER CoXYERSION
...
...
...
...
...
I)
EFFACE OF CAEYIXISM
...
...
...
...
...
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BEGIXNING TO SERYE THE LORD
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179
185
XVI
1.
CAMBRIDGE LIFE AXD LETTERS, 1850-1851

"TiiE
...
...
...
...
XIX.
BOY-PKEACIJER OF THE FEXS
"
...
...
...
...
199
XX.
NX1.
FIRST OFTEIXES OF SERMOXS,
1851-1852
...
...
...
...
213 227
THE YOUNG
SOUL-\\ IXNER AT WATER. BEACH
...
...
...
CH A
KR
XXII.
XXIII.
THE LORD
HAND
.EIIIXD
THE MAID
MISTAKK
REMINISCEXCES AS A VILLAGE PASTOR

ME.MORAISLE SERVICES AWAY FROM
LATI-:R
XXIV.
WATERBEACH
...
XXV.
XXVI.
XXVII.
XXVIII.
SERMOXETTES
...
GLIMPSES OE LSSEX AXD CAMBRIDGESHIRE LlEE,
1853
...
THE LAST YEAR

DR.
AT
WATER MEACII AXD CAMBRIDGE

ITS
RIITOX
PRAYER AXD
AXSWER
...
XXIX.
IMRST SERMOXS AT XEAV PARK STREET CIIATEE
XXX.
XXXI.
XXXII.
XXXIII.
LETTERS COXCERXIXG SETTEEMEXT

Di\
ixi-;
ix
LONDON
AND IlrMAN ORDINATION

PASTORA
I
...
Tin
LO.NC
E IN
COMMENCED,
1854...
THE
CIIOEERA
\ I:AR
LONDON
ILLUSTRATIONS
IN
VOL.
I.
PACK
OUR
KENT ROAD, LONDON) HADDOX HALL, BFRMONDSFY XFAY ROAD, LONDON ... Tin: OLD MANSK AXD M FETINO-! IOUSF, STAMPOURNE
FIRST
(Xo. 217, XFAY
HOMK
...
...
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...
5
11
... ... ... ...

...
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...
13
15
APPLES
C.
II.
IN
BOTTLES
S
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...
SPUROEOX
GRANDFATHER
STAMP.OURNE
...
... ...
... ...
17
Tin-:
VFAV
HI-:DC.F,
...
...
19
21
C.
... ... ... ... ... II. SPURO EON S GRANDMOTHER ... ... ... ... BACK YIFAY OF THE OLD MFFTINC-! lorsi-:, STAMIIOURNF. ... ... ... PRESENT MEETIN(;-HOUSE AND GRAVEYARD, STAM P,OU RNF ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... REY. RICHARD KNII.L ... Tin-: HOUSE AT KFLYFDON, FSSFN, WHERE C. II. SPUKCEON WAS BORN TO S II. \YENT C. SPURC-EOX AUOUSTINE MAIDSTONE ST. COLLEOE, (WHERE ... SCHOOL, 1848-9 SruROF.ox s FATIIFR AND
25
29
33
39
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...
...
... ...
... ...
47
67
107
C.
II.
MOTHER
...
...
KNTFRIOR OF PRIMITIVE
SAT, JANUARY
IsLF.iiA.M
;
l
i:i-;i^\",
CHAPEL, ARTILLERY STREET, COLCHESTER INTERIOR OF CIIAPFL, SIIOWINO TAP. LET OVER PEW WHERE C. II. SIH/RCFON
frni,
",Ri
:
M ETIIODIST
1850
II.
...
...
...
...
... ...
...
...
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107
147
\\iii
C.
SITRCI- .ON \\AS
PJAITI/F.D
FNTFRIOR
INTFRIOR
I
r
OF COTTAC;K PRFACIIFD ...
AT
...
TEVERSIIAM,
...
1
WHERF
...
C.
...
II.
SITRCFON
...
...
FIRST
...
1
...
99
OF
COTTA<;E
AT
FA I:RSIIAM,
\\III
,RF
C.
II.
SITRCFOX
FIRST
201
PREACHED
ACSI.MILE OF TlTLE-I ACJE
()!
XÔLTMI-:
I.
OF Ol TLINFS OF Sl-RMOXS OF OUTLINES OF SERMONS

... ...
... ... ... ... ...
...
215
FACSIMILE OF TITLE-PACE OF VOLUME

... WATERREACII CHAPEL, 1851 REV. CORNELIUS FLYFN, OF BURY MR. THOMAS OLNF.Y, SENIOR ...
II.
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217 227
ST.
FDMUND
... ... ... ... ...
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249 299
MR. BENJAMIN ... DR. GILL MR. RHTON

IN
KI-.ACII
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35 39
312
... YOUXOER DANS ... ... METROPOLITAN TAMERNACLE ALMSHOUSFS AND SCHOOLS
ins
...
... ... ...
314
... ,..
X FAY PARK STREET CHAPEL,
SOUTIIYVARK
...
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...
319
367
XFAY PARK STREET CHAPEL PULPIT STAIRS
...
,,.
C.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
CHAPTER
SntvflbttcttoiL
I.
Biographies are generally interesting if they are biographies; that is to say, if the events oi life are truly told but I think that the most interesting biography to any man is his own ]l ê It would have been impossible for me to quote the experiences of other men if they had not been bold enough to record them, and I make an honest attempt to acknowledge my debt to my greater predecessors by writing down my own. Whether this arises from egotism or not, each reader shall decide according to the sweetness or acidity of his own disposition. A father is excused when he tells his sons his own life-story, and finds it the readiest way to enforce his maxims; the old soldier is when he "shoulders his and shows how
the person s
; ^
fields
were
won;"
beg
that the
to
me.
C. H. S.
forgiven crutch, license which tolerates these may, on this occasion, be extended
ME
by
publication of this
work
In
carries
out a plan
lon<r
<!_>
aô formed
<"!>
the occasional intervals of comparative Spurgeon. leisure! that he was able to snatch from his busy life s labours, and mainly in the bright sunshine at Mentone, he recorded many of the principal incidents in his wonderful career. As each one
Mr.
was completed, he used joyfully to exclaim, There s another and had he been spared long enough, he would chapter for my Autobiography doubtless have given to the church and the world a full account of his life as it
"
"
This he has virtually done from the commence though not in the connected form in which it is nowissued. His preaching was always so largely illustrated from his personal experience that his true is enshrined in the whole of his Sermons, series biography delightfully
his
appeared from
own
standpoint.
ment of
his public ministry,
Sword and the Trowel was confessedly auto the entire His many other biographical during period of his unique editorship. published works abound in allusions to the Lord s gracious dealings with him, and these are now for the first time gathered together into a continuous narrative. The
"his
"-
while
own Magazine
-The
given entirely in Mr. Spurgeon s own words, except here and there where an explanatory sentence or two had to be inserted, or where letters written to him, and references made by others to the incidents he described, seem to be necessary
is
record
to the
completeness of the history.
c.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOP.TOGRAPTTY.
many Mr. Spurgeon s writings are enriched Mr. Arnot s Life of Dr. James In the year ,870, after reading beside his own. its subject The value of a biography depends far less upon Hamilton, he wrote smothered and Carey by his : Milton mutilated by Ivimey, tli m upon its author. murder. James heJ Eustace, are mournful instances of literary his own familiar friend Arnot, William be embalmed by the singular good fortune to m same fair mould, a genial genius wealthy and acquaintance, a spirit cast in the for an earlier end to one s car,: and wisdom. It were worth while to pray
: 1
with
references to other biographies
grace baskets its record. Apples of god n we could be sure of an Arnot to produce neither setting, the golden apple being silver are precious things in an appropriate nor shamed by comparison dishonoured by contact with a basket too homely, should not be marrethe memorial of a good .nan s life costlier metal than its own should it be overshadowed by excessive authorship. by poor writing, neither the apples of gold the subject is also the author, so this
, ;
Autobiography,
matched by the golden basket
in
which they are displayed.
18 in The Saint and his Saviour, published Few men would dare to read their own autobiography, Spunreon wrote career without few can look back upon their entire their deeds were recorded in it; of God. All have sinned, and come short of the glory a blush In his early
volume,
:-"
lay claim to perfection.
bids us ex True, at times, a forgetful sell-complacency awakes, how instantly she the virtue of our lives; but when faithful memory s She waves her magic wand, and in the king palaces frogs the illusion! become blood the whole land is multitudes; the pure rivers at her glance are Where we imagined purity, lo, imperfection with loathsomeness. nectared bowl melts before the sun of truth, the
;
of
snow-wreath of satisfaction while, under the glass emulation is embittered by sad remembrances;
the deformities and irregularities of a
visible.
I
ol
life,
are rend, apparently correct,

n
i
ct the Christian,
life-Ion* storv.
will
He
history, begone dark spot Lord. because then he knew not the fear of the
whitened by the sunlight of most upright and moral may have been one of the shed the tear oi pen,, in his upon which he will
whose
hair
is
Let yon heroic warrior
recount his deeds

in
of but he, too, points to deep scars, the offspring

one."
wo
the service of the evil
*
Speaking- in the Tabernacle, marvel at William Hunting-ton s
many years ago, Mr. Spurgeon Bank of Faith* strange enough book, by
I
said :-
"
used to
C.
H.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
write a far
I
-,
but am sure I could, from my own history, way, Bank of Faith than William Hunting-ton has penned.
I
more remarkable
told you, dear
have often
possessed the powers of a novelist, novel concerning- the events of any one day in my
friends, that,
if
I
might write a three-volume

so singularly strikino- has
life,
my
as
I
should never need to describe things from the experience been. outside, should have plenty of material from within. life seems to me like a
I
My
fairy
dream.
How
saints
its mercies and its love. I used to think that I should sing amono- the good God has been to me above as loudly as any, for owe so much to the grace of God and I said so
I
!
am
often
both amazed and dazed with
once
in
a sermon, long ago, quoting those

"
lines,
I ll
Then
loudest of the crowd

s
sing,
While Heaven
resounding mansions ring

of sovereign grace.
With shouts
"
thought that
its
;
loudest to
woman who
I
Divine grace, and would sing the but when I came down out of the pulpit, there was a venerable praise said to me, You made a blunder in your sermon this evening. I said,
I
was the greatest debtor
to
what was that particular one ? Why, you said that you would sing the loudest because you owed most to Divine grace; you are but a lad, you do not owe half as much to grace as I do at eighty years of 1 owe more to grace than you, and I will not let you age! sing the loudest. I found that there was a general conspiracy among the friends that to me
daresay
I
made
a dozen,
good
soul, but
night
;
put
in
the background, and that
is
where
meant
to be,
and wished
to lie
who sing the grace of God in so

those
In
loudest, long to be, to take the lowest place,

doin."
where and praise most the

that
is
exactly describes the abiding influence of his and He wrote long gracious ministry. "Hone, in his Year Book, gives a letter from a correspondent in Raleigh,
; :
T/ic Sword and the Trowel for 1869, Mr. Spurgeon turned to account a popular superstition. was He too humble to apply to himself the closing sentences in the following paragraph but all who read it must see how it
Nottinghamshire,, which states that,
many
centuries since, the church and a whole
village were swallowed up by an earthquake. Many villages and certainly shared a similar fate;, and we have never heard of them more.
towns have
The times have been
When
"but
the brains
were
out, the
man would
die
at Raleigh, they say, the old

in earth
;
church bells
still
deep, out into the valley, and put their ears to the ground to listen to the mysterious of the subterranean temple. chimes This is sheer superstition but how it illustrates
it
;
and that
was a Christmas morning custom
ring at Christmas time, deep, for the people to go
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
clear
the truth that those preachers,

hie,
whose voices were

graves
!
and mighty
for truth
;
continue to preach
in their
men
their tombs or not, put their ears to * ^
Being dead, they yet speak them." they cannot but hear
*
*
during and whether
ever revised, that remarkable In the last sermon but one that Mr. Spurgeon of the shall not die, but live, and declare the works I discourse upon the text, fulfilled these words, which have already been to a large extent Lord;" he uttered him birth to new of Often, the death of a man is a kind with regard to himself: and from his -rave there when he himself is -one physically, he spiritually survives, () worker for God, death cannot shoots up a tree of life whose leaves heal nations. Be thou content to die if the truth shall live the better touch thy sacred mission He thou content to die, because death may be to thee the because thou diest.
"
enlargement of thine influence.

abideth not alone.
Good men
die as dies the seed-corn
which thereby
When
to
and
rise
and mount
the earth, saints are apparently laid in the, earth, they quit No, when the Heaven-gate, and enter into immortality.
mortal frame, sepulchre receives this
we
shall not
die;,
but
live."
The
far as
I
portrait,
which forms the frontispiece
to this
It was a lover s gift know, been published. in the glamour of "love s young dream," to become his bride, and I recall how, could look halt so used to gaze on the sweet boyish face, and think no angel I massive oaken frame, and it Afterwards, the picture was enshrined in a lovely! honour on the. walls of the house in the Xew Kent Road, occupied the place of our first home. Many a where we began our life s journey together, and founded ceaseless almost his when fulfilling time, during my husband s long absences, has this portrait comforted me; its expression of calm preaching engagements, to think the up-raised linger confident faith strengthened my heart, and I used in my loneliness. to the source whence I must draw consolation
volume, has never before, so to the one who was very soon
pointed
sacred influence Something of the same soothing and

at
it
steals over
me
as
look
of longwith "tear-filled eyes it speaks to me, even as it did in those days and both us ; Do not fear, my beloved, God is takuig care of ago, and it says, we are still separated for a little while, we shall meet again at home
now
"
though
"
by-and-by
the inter There have been many representations of my dear husband during then it the young face changed into that of a strong, energetic man, vening years knew sorrow and suffering, and again it changed grew into the semblance of one who because his departure into the grave and noble features which we remember best,
;
C.
II.
SPURGKON
AUTOBIOGKAl HV.
has stamped them for ever on the tablet of our loving heart. can be traced the sweet humility, the gentle kindness, the
characterized his glorious and blameless
life
;
Throughout them all mighty faith in God which

it
but
think
is
reserved to this early
portrait to depict the intense love
the secret of his
and unfailing devotion power both with God and man.
to his
Master which was
life
In the early portion of the present volume, Mr. Spurgeon s reminiscences of his at Stambourne are given at considerable length, partly because they present such
C.
11.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
at his
a charming picture of his
happy childhood
grandfather
s,
but also because they
are of special value to his
many
friends from the fact that this
was the
literary
work
his long and terrible illness in 1891. They just before in his boyhood him in taken interest of the inimitable also contain his description the remarkable prophecy uttered by that godly at Stambourne, when Knill by Mr. lad, its literal fulfilment, and the head of the little
upon which he was ensured
man
over
the
ten-years-old
influence of the incident

of his after history.
itself,
and the circumstances that followed
it,
upon the whole
Most
first
time,
of the letters, written by Mr. Spurgeon, which are here published for the his direction specially with a view to his Autobiography. were
copied by
a few had disposal by various friends s dear husband of my been printed before. There are, doubtless, many thousands be served by the publication of even letters still extant; but no useful purpose could
Some
of the others have been placed at
my
a tithe of them.
his
pen that
therefore, to
if
There must, however, be a very large number of the products of I shall be glad, the press. ought to have an enlarged ministry through and of special epistles of public permanent interest or, receive
copies
;
the originals are lent to me,

for
will
have them copied, and returned

Kirs. C. II.
at once,
"
communications
Beulah
Hill,
me
should be addressed,
Spurgeon,
Westwood,"
Upper Norwood, London.
CHAPTER
Sucrstru anb
sing of the noble Refugee, Who strove in a holy faith, At the altar of his God to bo\\
I
II.
When
When
1
the road
was marked with
death.
s torcli
the despot s sword and the bigot lad driven him forth to roam,
,
and
farm,
and
1
city,
and town,
le souiiht
our Island
lome
And
1
store of wealth
le
and
brought
in his
a rich reward open hand,
or
many
a peaceful art he taught. Instead of the fireman s brand
$
1
l\.
SMILES, one of the ablest authors of otir time, lias produced a work upon the Huguenots*, which is not only intensely interesting
the: utmost It should importance in its subject. be read carefully by statesman in every Europe, especially by those
in its style,
but
of
who
for
entertain a lingering love to persecution for righteousness sake, beyond anything else in print it illustrates the great fact that the
were not aware that the asylum of the banished, had received so great a reward for the entertainment of the Lord s exiles. \Ve knew that they had brought with them many of our most lucrative trades, but we had no idea of the great extent of the boon. England must have been a poor land until, in entertaining strangers, she entertained \Ve are certainly a very singular race; the angels unawares. Huguenot blood has
our
little
isle,
oppression of the conscience is an injury to the State, mental and moral health, but to its material prosperity.
an injury not only to
its
We
had more
to
do with us than many suppose
let
us
hope
that,
by God
of the characteristics of these

drifting utterly to
good men may be found among
grace, enough us to keep us from
and perdition. If England s opening her gates to receive Protestants of the Continent may be rewarded, in our day, by a revival of the brave spirit which from the they brought with them, it would be a
the hunted
Rome
blessing
Lord
own
right hand.
:
The Huguenots
their Settlements, Churches,
and Industries in England and Ireland.
By SAMUEL SMILKS.
John Murray.
C.
II.
STURGEONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
Many
of the Flemish, Dutch, and French Protestants, driven by persecution out
of their native country, found a haven of refuge in Finland; and. naturally, great numbers of them settled down in the Southern and Fastern Counties, though others
and West of England, and some went as journeyed to the Midlands, and the North Mr. Smiles says that "Colchester became exceedingly far as Scotland and Ireland. In 1609, of the Flemish arti/ans there. prosperous in consequence of the settlement it contained as many as 1,300 Walloons and other persons oi foreign parentage." He also mentions that, in many towns, where the refugees fixed their abode, the
"
artizans set
and began to work at the manufacture of saves, bayes, and other kinds of cloth, which met with a ready sale." This information is very deal about interesting to me, for in my early days in Fssex I used to hear a great
up
their looms,
"
the bay and
far
all
daresay our fathers were poor weavers, but I had rather be descended from one who suffered for the faith than bear the blood ot
say
industry."
I
the emperors within

right
my
veins.
tell
remember speaking with

of Alva, and
I
a Christian brother,
who seemed
happy
to
me
that he spr-ing of a family

felt
which came Irom
Holland during the persecution of the Duke him in claiming a like descent from Protestant forefathers.
a brotherhood with
One namesake, and perhaps

suffer both in purse
an
ancestor, Job Spurgeon, of
Declham, had
to
and
it.
in
person,
"for
the testimony of a
good
conscience,"
as the
Quaker record puts

L>
was levied upon him, and some ot his o-oods were seized, because he had committed the atrocious crime oi attending a Nonconformist meeting at Declham! Six years later, for a similar ojjciicc, he and
In 1677, a distress
were required to give sureties for their good behaviour, which refusing to do, they were re-committed to prison, where three of them lay upon straw about fifteen weeks in the midst of a winter remarkable for extremity of cold
three other godly
"
men
but the fourth, Job Spurgeon, being so weak that he was unable to lie down, sat up In my seasons of suffering, I have often in a chair the most part of that time."
God that bore pictured to myself this modern Job in Chelmsford gaol, and thanked So far as I the same name as this persecuted Spurgeon of two hundred years ago. can make out the genealogy, it appears to me that this Fssex Quaker was my great
I
brim come grandfather s grandfather, and I sometimes feel the shadow of his broad bless to a to Grace is not tied to families, but yet the Ford delights over my spirit.
There is a sweet thousand generations. from grandsire to father, and from father
"from
fitness in
to son.
the passing on of holy loyalty like to feel that I serve God I
my
fathers."
can cast
God
has been pleased to supplicate with Gocl that his children might live before
eye back through four generations, and see that hear the prayers of our grandfather s father, who used to
my
Him
to the last generation
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
and God has never deserted the house, and has been pleased to bring first one and then another to fear and love His name. I was amused when I read that a friend in China wrote concerning my name: "The Chinese cannot pronounce Spurgeon so we call him in this Szecorrectly, the successor or Pah-no-, quarter, i.e.,
continuator of a hundred virtues.
indefinite
number."
The word hundred

possessed
in
Chinese stands
for
an
My
godly ancestors
many more
than a hundred
virtues
and
am
very
grateful to
God
for the
grace which has enabled
me
to
be
the continuator of an
of them.
confounded with a bad one.

.
the
is that a good man should not be when one of the twelve, says, mentioning "Judas not Iscariot" (John xiv. 22). There were two of the name of apostles Judas one who betrayed our Lord, and the other who wrote the of Epistle Jude, who
I
notice
how
very particular the Holy Ghost
He
should properly have been called Judas. Ah it was that traitor might have said,
"
Some
of us, in reading the

Iscariot
to
name
Judas,
But the Holy

us that
it
Spirit
would not allow
this
Judas mistake
seek
who asked
the
question."
be made.
This should teach
is
not an idle wish for us to desire that our
name should be handed down

;
to have an unblemished character ought have that promise fulfilled, "The memory of the just is blessed." I would not like my name to be mistaken for that of some criminal who was hanged. I would not wish to have my name written even by mistake in the calendar of However much infamy. may now be misrepresented, it will one day be known that have honestly striven for the glory of my Master.
all
to posterity untarnished.
We
to
we ought
to desire to
My
ancestry.
second Christian name
Haddon
has often reminded
me
of
When
I
my
godly
have had
to
endorse a great heap of cheques
for the
College
and Orphanage,
I
have wished that
took care that
my own
of
"
are simply
"Charles"
had not given me so many initials, and sons should not have the same cause for complaint, for they and "Thomas." Yet there is such a associated
my
father
pleasing story
with the
that,
name
before
my
was given to me. It appears very glad grandfather became a minister, he had several years of business life
that
I
Haddon
"
am
it
as a country shop-keeper.
Amongst
in
buy of a wholesale dealer
other things, he sold cheese, which he used to that useful article of commerce. One dav a friend J
*
cheese )erby and Leicester, and buy what you want at first hand you would get a much larger profit if you did Oh replied grandfather, I could not do that, for I have not sufficient to "You need not have money spare for such a
"Mr.
named Haddon,
fairs at
1
said to
him,
Spurgeon, you should go

"
down
;
to the
"
"
so."
purpose."
"if
any
difficulty
on that
score,"
said the generous
man
you
tell
me when
the next
IO
fair is to
r.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAI
IIY.
be held,
will let
I
have sold the cheese.

be glad to aid
me back when you you have the money, and you can pay have such confidence in your Christian integrity, that I shall
way."
you
e!>
in this
t!?
Accordin<dv,
-
grandfather bought the cheese, sold them at a good

lent
profit,
and
went
to his friend
who had
parts of the story.

interest
When
him the money. This is one of the most remarkable the amount was repaid, grandfather asked how much
not
my done me
cent,
a<>-ain,
was due from him; but the lender replied, "Oh, Mr. Spurgeon, that is had that money lying idle, and you have I way of transacting business
!
great
service in
putting
it
to
such good use, so
mean
to
give you five per
hat very buy another lot of cheese on the same terms." singular arrangement was continued until there was no further need of the good man s help and, afterwards, when grandfather had a son born to him, he gave him That son was my the name of "Iladdon" in remembrance of his generous friend.
to
I
;
for your I want you
trouble in laying
it
out
for vie; and
when
the season
comes round
Uncle Haddon, who, in my childhood clays, used to give out the hymns at Stambourne him the name of Meeting-house and when my father also had a son, he gave Charles HADDON Spurgeon; and now, without any wish on my part, Mr. William
1 , ;
Olney and
his
friends in
Bermondsey have perpetuated the name by
calling their
It always seems to me that this chain splendid mission premises "Haddon Hall." of circumstances is a fresh illustration of the inspired promise, "The righteous shall
be
in
everlasting remembrance."
GENEALOGICAL TAHLE,
CO.MI ILF.D
FROM AX ANCIENT
FAMILY
REGISTER.
Clement.
(1767.)
John.
(1768.)
William.
Sarah.
(1807.)
HADDON Rudkin.
(1808.)
"
JOHN. (Bom, July

15,
Samuel.
1810.)
Obadiah.
(1813.)
Eli/a.
(1815.)
Ann.
(1818.)
James.
(1820.)
Susannah.
(1823.)
(1811.)
Uncle
Haddon."
Charles HADDON.
(Born,
Eliza.
Jamas Archer.
Emily.
Louisa.
Charlotte.
Eva.
Flora.
June
19, 1834.)
Charles.
Thomas.
(Born, Sept. 20, 1856.)
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
1 1
v;.
HADDON HALL, HKRMONDSKV NEW ROAD, LONDON.
CHAPTER
u
Cljilbljooii
III.
at
Stambotttne.
THE OLD MANSK AM; MEK UNO-HOUSE, STAMHOU R.NE.

Oh, the old house at home! \vho does not love it, the place of our childhood, the o!d roof-tree, the old cottage? There is no other village in all the world half so good as that particular village! True, the gates, and stiles, and posts have been altered; but, still, there is an attachment to
those old houses, the old tree in the park, and the old ivy-mantled tower. It is not very picturesque, like to see the haunts of our boyhood. There is something perhaps, but we love to go to see it. pleasant in those old stairs where the clock used to stand; and in the room where grandmother was wont to bend her knee, and where we had family prayer. There is no place like that house after all. C. H. S.
We
HIS
lor
drawing of the old Manse
at
Stambourne has
;
far
more charms
than for any of my readers but I hope that their generous kindness to the writer will cause them to be interested in it. Here
me
my
venerable grandfather lived for more than
fifty
it
years,
and reared
his rather
numerous
family.
In
its
earlier clays
must have been
a very remarkable abode for a dissenting teacher a clear evidence that either he had an estate of his own, or that those about him had large hearts and
;
\Af
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
s
pockets.
It
was
in
all
respects a gentleman
I
mansion of the olden times.

doubt
not,
is
The
to the
house has been supplanted by one which,

excellent minister
most acceptable
It
is
who occupies
in
it
but to
me
it
can never be one-half so dear as the

earliest
revered old
home
which
spent some of
my
years.
true the old
parsonage had developed devotional tendencies, and seemed inclined to prostrate its venerable form, and therefore it might have fallen down of itself if it had not been
I wish it had kept up for ever and ever. removed by the builder; but, somehow, Touch not a single tile, or bit of could have cried, Builders, spare that home. its hour was come, and so the earthly house, was happily dissolved, to but plaster;" The new house;, as Smith told me, was be succeeded by a more enduring fabric. It stood near the chapel, so that the pastor was on the same: destruction." "built
I
"
close to his work.
but at least looks a very noble parsonage, with its eight windows in front three, and I think four, of these were plastered up, and painted black, and then marked out in lines to imitate glass. They were not such very bad counterfeits, or
It
;
Some of us can remember the window tax, which the photograph would betray this. seemed to regard light as a Latin commodity lux, and therefore a luxury, and as
such to be taxed.
So much was paid on each aperture lor the admission of light; but the minister s small income forced economy upon him, and so room after room of the manse was left in darkness, to be regarded by my childish mind with reverent Over other windows were put up boards marked DAIRY, because by being labelled with these names they would escape, the
awe.
or
CIIKKSK-KOO.M,
tribute.
What
!
have been who queer mind must meant to be a fair way no doubt, was,
his
first
It invented taxing the light of the sun of estimating the si/e of a house, and thus
;
but, incidentally, it led occupiers of large getting at the wealth of the inhabitant houses to shut out the light for which they were too poor to pay.
Let us enter by the front door.

carpet.
There is a great fireplace, painting of was and The, hall-Moor Giant Goliath. brick, and Philistines,
it
\Ye step and over
into
a spacious
of
hall,
innocent of
the
David, and
carefully sprinkled
in
with fresh sand.

house.
We
see this
"the
in
the country
s"
still,
but not often
the minister
In the hall stood
child
could be ridden astride or side-saddle.

1889, a
It was a grey horse, and rocking-horse. When I visited Stambourne, in the year
man
claimed to have rocked
me upon
This was the so sadly do we forget the better, Living animals are too eccentric in their only horse that I ever enjoyed riding. movements, and the law of gravitation usually draws me from my seat upon them to
the man, a lower level
;
remembered the and remember the baser.

it.
I
horse, but not
therefore
am
not an inveterate lover of horseback.
can, however.
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
it
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
testify of
my Stambourne
steed, that
was a horse on which even a member

with
the.
of
Parliament might have retained his seat. How I used to delight to stand in the
rain run off the top of the
hall,
door open, and watch the

better to catch the
!
door into a wash-tub!
How much
olt
overflow of the rain

but do not
fresh
in
now
think.
So I thought; a tub than to have a gutter to carry it What bliss to iloat cotton-reels in the miniature sea! How
seemed
to
and sweet that

in a
rain
be
The
fragrance of the water which poured
clown
thunder-shower conies over me now. Where the window is open on the right, was the best parlour. Roses generally o-rew about it, and bloomed in the room if they could find means to insert their buds between the wall and the window-frame. They generally found ample space, ior
There had evidently been a cleaning up just before; my photograph was taken, for there are no roses creeping up from below. What Vandals people are when they set about clearing up either the outsides or the
nothing was quite on the square.
insides of houses
!
On
the sacred walls of this
"best
parlour"
hung
portraits of
my
stood the, line, large basin which grandparents and uncles, and on a piece of furniture In my heart of hearts, I believe it grandfather used for what he. called "baptisms."
was originally intended for a punch-bowl but, in any case, it was a work of art, is the room which contained the worthy of the use to which it was dedicated. This
;
marvel to which
have often
referred,
AN APPLE
I
IN
BOTTLE.
remember
well, in
in
my
early days, seeing
upon
my grandmother s
to
mantel-shelf
I
an apple contained
a phial.
This was a great wonder
me, and
tried
to
investigate
bottle?"
it.
My
question was,
"How
came the apple
to get inside
so small a
round as the phial; by what means \vas it apple was quite as big laced within it? Though it was treason to touch the treasures on the mantel-piece,
The
c.
11.
STURGEON
AUTOHIOGRATIIY.
youthful mind that the apple never passed to unscrew the bottom, I became
I
took clown the bottle, and convinced

its
my
through
neck
and by means of an attempt
equally certain that the apple did not enter from below.
held to the notion that
by some occult means the bottle had been made in two pieces, and afterwards united in so careful a manner that no trace ol the join remained. I was hardly satisfied
with the theory, but as no philosopher was at hand to suggest any other hypothesis, 1 let the matter rest. One day, the next summer, I chanced to sec upon a bough another phial, the first cousin of my old friend, within which was growing a little
apple which had been passed through the neck of

"
was extremely small. Nature well known, no prodigies remain." 1 he grand secret was out. I did not cry, "Eureka! Eureka!" but might have done so if I had then been versed in the Greek tongue.
the;
bottle while
it
This discovery of my juvenile days shall serve for an illustration at the present moment. Let us get the apples into the bottle while they are little which, beingtranslated, signifies, let us bring the young ones into the house of God, by means of
:
the Sabbath-school, in the
hope
that, in after
days, they will love
the.
place where
His honour dwelleth, and there seek and find eternal lite. By our making the Sabbath dreary, many young minds may be prejudiced against religion we would do the reverse. Sermons should not be so long and dull as to weary the young folk, or
:
mischief will
come
of
them
but with interesting preaching to secure attention, and
loving teachers to press home; the truth upon the youthful heart, complain of the next generation, that they have "forgotten their
we
shall not
have
to
resting-places."
In this best parlour grandfather would usually sit on Sunday mornings, and I was put into the room with him that prepare himself for preaching. might be quiet, and, as a rule, Tlic Evangelical Magazine was given me. This contained a
1
portrait of a reverend
divine,
requested me, to bet I did not at the time perceive the full force of the argument to be magazine." derived from that fact; but no doubt my venerable relative knew more about the
I
often
and one picture of a mission-station. Grandfather "had the quiet, and always gave: as a reason that
sedative effect of the magazine than
did.
cannot support his opinion

"the
from
personal
effectual.
experience.
I
Another means of
that
stilling
child"
was much
more
I
was warned
to
distracted him, and then,

learn the
station
way
Heaven?
perhaps grandpa would not be able to preach if ah then, what would happen, if poor people did not This made me look at the portrait and the missionary!
once more.
Little did
dream
that
some other
child
would one day see
my
face in that wonderful Evangelical portrait-gallery.
II.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
was a very small boy, I was allowed to read the Scriptures at family Once upon a time, when reading the passage in Revelation which mentions prayer. the bottomless pit, I paused, and said, The Grandpa, what can this mean ?
1
"
"
When
, /-
//,.
<//,
answer was kind,
but
"
unsatisfactory,
Pooh,
pooh,
child,
go
on."
The
child,
however, intended to have an explanation, and therefore selected the same chapter
morning after morning, and always halted at the same verse to repeat the enquiry, hoping that by repetition he would importune the good old gentleman into a reply.
B
,3
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
The
in the for it is by no means the most edifying thing process was successful, beast with sex-en heads, world to hear the history of the Mother of iarlots, and the of included, with no sort of alternation either every morning in the week, Sunday therefore capitulated at Psalm or Gospel the venerable patriarch of the household
I
;
discretion, with,
"Well,
dear,
what
is
it
that puzzles
you?"
Now
"the
child"
had
often seen baskets with but very
frail
bottoms, which
in
course of
wear became
;
here, then, to drop upon the ground bottomless, and allowed the fruit placed therein all those people was the puzzle, if the pit aforesaid had no bottom, where would out at its lower end ? a puzzle which rather startled the
fall
to
and had to be laid aside for explanation at some more propriety of family worship, unusual stamp would convenient season. Queries of the like simple but rather
of a miscellaneous length the, Bible-reading of frequently break up into paragraphs license allowed to the assembled family, and had there not been a world of love and
who dropped
As it his office. the inquisitive reader, he would very soon have been deposed from and were probably quite as was, the Scriptures were not very badly rendered,
interesting as
with original and curious enquiries. they had not been interspersed when my dear grandfather told me. what I can remember the horror of my mind There is a deep pit, and the soul is Jailing was. his idea of "the bottomless pit Then-.! the last ray of light at the top has down, oh, how last it is falling!
if
"
disappeared, and
it
"
falls
thousand years!
the cry
is,
"On
"
Is
it
on
on."
goes on falling on -on on for a Won t it stop?" No, no, not getting near the bottom yet? am I not near the I have been falling a million years
on
on -on, and so
it
"
It bottom yet? No, you are no nearer the bottom yet it is the bottomless pit." on on, and so the soul goes on falling perpetually into a deeper depth still, is on on on on into the pit that has no for ever into "the bottomless
"
"
falling
pit
bottom
Woe, without
termination, without
hope
of
its
coming
to a conclusion
of considerable garden there was a fine old hedge of yew, Behind and trimmed till it made, quite a wall of verdure. length, which was clipped was the fields looked upon the it was a wide grass walk, which kept mown, grass so as to make Mere, ever since the old Puritanic chapel was built, walking. In
my
grandfather
pleasant had walked, and prayed, and meditated. divines godly

to
My
grandfather was wont
use
it
as his study.
Up
and down
it
and always on Sabbath-days when it To me, it seemed to be a perfect paradise and being forbidden to stay preaching. there when grandfather was meditating, I viewed it with no small degree of awe. but I was once shocked 1 love to think of the green and quiet walk at this moment and even horrified by hearing a farming man remark concerning this sanctum
; ;
he would walk when preparing his sermons, was fair, he had half-an-hour there before
C.
II.
sanctorum,
ud grow a many taturs if it wor ploughed up. What cared he for holy memories ? What were meditation and contemplation to him ? Is it not the chief end of man to grow potatoes, and eat them? Such, on a larger scale, would be
"
It
an unconverted
man
tells
Alphonse Karr
estimate of joys so elevated and refined as those of Heaven. a story of a servant-man who asked his master to be allowed to
s
leave his cottage, and sleep over the stable. What was the matter with his cottage? the "Why, sir, nightingales all around the cottage make such a J J ^ jiuo- at I that cannot bear them." man with a musical ear would be charmed with night
iu<>-,
^>
^"
iu<>- *
^~~>
THE YEW HEDGE, STAMBOURN E
the nightingales song, but here was a man without a musical soul who found the sweetest notes a nuisance. This is a feeble image of the incapacity of unregenerate
man
for the
is
them, so
enjoyments of the world to come, and as he he incapable of longing for them.

*
*
is
incapable of enjoying
grandfather was preacher at the meeting-house, Mr. Hopkins was Rector at the church. They preached the same gospel, and without surrendering their principles, were The Bible Society held its meetings alternately great friends. in connection with the church and the At times, the leading resident meeting-house. went to church in the morning, and to chapel in the afternoon and, when I was a
While
my
boy,
have, on
Monday, gone
to
the
Squire
to
tea,
with Mr. Hopkins and
my
20
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
The glory of that tea-party was that we four, the three old gentlemen, grandfather. and the little boy, all ale sugared bread and baiter together for a treat. The sugar was very brown, but the young boy was very pleased, and the old boys were merry
also.
Yes, Stambourne had
its
choice pleasures
men of God they It is pleasant to read of the harmony between these two As Mr. Hopkins had more increased in mutual esteem as they increased in years. of the meat, and Mr. Spurgeon more of the mouths, the Rector did not forget to
:
such as a five-pound note for a sick daughter to help his friend in divers quiet ways On one occasion, it is said of comforts in illness. go to the sea-side, and presents of beef on the Rectory table, the clergyman cut it in halves, and a that,
;
having
joint
sent his
man on horseback
hot,
was yet
Independent Parsonage, while it a kind of joke not often practised between established and dissenting
with one half of
it
to the
ministers,
*
left,
In the front of the house, towards the
important window, for

and, best of
all,
it
it
let light into
the
room
nearly hidden by a shrub, is a very wherein were the oven, the mangle,
trough; for
child
/"
often have I gone to that kneadingthe kneading-trough. had a little shelf in it, and there would be placed something for the
"
How
bit
of pastry, which
little ears,
rabbit,
which had
shrine,
by me, according to its sixe, a pig or a and two currants for eyes, was carefully placed in that
was
called
sacred
Dear grandmother, how much you Yet your memory is more dear to him than that of laboured to spoil that Do you now look down from your wiser folks, who did not spoil "the child." mansion above upon your petted grandson ? Do you feel as if he would have; been Not a bit of it. Aunt Ann, who had a finger better if you had been sour and hard ?
like
the
manna
!
in
the
ark.
"child"
in
it all,
would
spoil
"the
child"
again
if
she had a chance.

as
I
have put
it
in
such an
approach
to a portrait of
my grandmother
could find
was taken by some
travelling artist
who
visited the district, and took off several of the family.
means a bad place for a cheese dairy at the back of the house was by no It makes one think of the hymn, cake, or for a drink of cool milk.
The
"I
have been there
and
still
would
go."
The cupboard under

be a
it
real
where they kept the sand for the floors, would Old Curiosity Shop nowadays but there it was, and great was the use of
the
stairs,
;
to the cottagers around.
There was a sitting-room

meals.
at the
In that which looks like
back of the house, where the family met for a blank side in our picture there certainly was a
;
window looking out upon

picture goes.
the garden
perhaps
it
was a
little
further back than the
very pleasant outlook there was from that window clown the green
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOUIOGKAI-IIY.
"
21
When I last saw the keepingroad. garden paths, and over the hedge into the room a bit of ivy had forced its way through the lath and plaster, and had been but in my childish days we were not so verdant. trained along the inside of the room remember a mark on the paper which had been made by the finger of one of my told me, when one year the flour was so bad that it turned into a uncles, so
",
they
paste,
or pudding,
inside
the
loaf,
and could not be properly made
into
bread.
MY GRANDMOTHER.
History has before this been learned from handwritings on the wall.
the old
The
times of
Napoleon wars, and of the Corn Laws, must often have brought straitness of bread into the household and a failure in the yield of the little farm made itself felt
;
in
the family.
I
There was a mysterious jack over the fire-place, and with that fire-place itself was very familiar for candles were never used extravagantly in grandfather s house,
;
anyone went out of the room, and took the candle; with him, it was just a and if one wished to read, the fire-light was the only little, darker, not very much now and then in the best room, but that was only candles There were mould resort.
and
if
;
on very high days and holidays. My opinion, derived Irom personal observation, was that all every-day candles were made of rushes and tallo\v. Our youno- readers in London and other large towns have probably never seen
a pair of snuffers,
much
less the llint
and
steel with
which
a light
had
to be; painfully
What a job on a cold obtained by the help of a tinder-box and a brimstone match. raw morning to strike, and strike, and see the sparks die out because; the tinder was
compare; our incandescent Ami yet the; gas-burners and electric lights with the rushlights of our childhood. change is not all one; \vay for if we; have; more; light, we; have; also more; fog ami
damp
We
are indeed living in an age of light
when
we.
smoke,
at least in
London.
it
Our
"keeping-room"
was a very
e
nice, large;,
comfortable
the
dining-room, and It only came out on state occasions, but best china!
large; store;-close;t at erne
"
had a
liel.
You should
have: seen
in
it
was very marvellous

The: last time
e>f
"the
chilel s
eye
s.
I
quaint old winding stair leel to the: upper e:hambers. the be:st beelroom, the floor appeare-el anxious 10 go out
incline:el
occupied
it
the window, at least,
that way.
I
The:re:
secmeel to
be:
a chirping of birels very ne-ar
my
pillow in
the:
morning, ami
eliscove-reel that
swallows
hael built outsiele the plaste:r,

inside:
lie:
ami sparrows
the:ir
I
had
founel a hole
It
is
which
aelmitteel the-in
e>ne:
of
be-el
it,
that there they
might lay
young.
that
I
not always that

this rural
life,
can
in
ami
stuely ornithology.
confess
like:el all
and
the:
e>ld
chintz bed-furniture, ami the paper round

elahlias,
the loe)king-glass cut in

olel
the:
form of horse-chestnut leaves and

*
ami the
totte-ry
mansion altogether.
*
*
*
THE Bov AMONG

I
Tin:
Be>oKS.
am
afraid
am amusing
this
myse-lf rather than

bit
my
reader,
ami so
will
not weary
him with more than
one
more of rigmamle
just now.
But there was one
wearisome. Opening place upstairs which I cannot omit, even at the risk of being window had the of which chamber of was a little: the bedrooms, there out of one
been blocked up through that wretched window-duty.
the original founder of Stambourne Meeting qtiitteel the Church of England, to form a separate congrega tion, he would seem to have been in pe)ssession of a lair estate, and the house
When
was quite a noble one

operation, that
little
for
those times.
mom
In
Before the light-excluding tax had come into was the minister s study and closet for prayer and a very
;
nice cosy room, too.
my
time:,
it
was a dark den

fulfilled
but
it
contained books, and this

"
made
it
a gold mine to me.
Therein was
the promise,
will
give thee the
C.
II.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
treasures of
darkness."
Some
of these were
enormous
folios,
such as a boy could
hardly
"Old
lift.
Here
first
Homier",
who
struck up acquaintance with the martyrs, and specially with burned them; next, with Hunyan and his "Pilgrim"; and
the great masters of Scriptural theology, with whom no moderns Even the old editions of their works, with are worthy to be named in the same day. It is easy to tell a real their margins and old-fashioned notes, are precious to me.
further on, with
I confess that I Puritan book even by its shape and by the appearance of the type. harbour a prejudice against nearly all new editions, and cultivate a preference for the in sheepskins and goatskins, or are shut originals, even though they wander about
up
will
in
the hardest ot boards.
number
of these old books
in
made my eyes water, a short time ago, to see a the new Manse I wonder whether some other boy
It
:
love them, and live to revive that grand old divinity which will yet her balm and benison.
be, to
England
Out
into
of that darkened
I
and never was
room I fetched those old authors when I was yet a youth, Out of the present contempt, happier than when in their company.
fallen,
many brave hearts and true will letch it, by the Those who have daubed up the windows have passed. help of God, ere many years will yet be surprised to see Heaven s light beaming on the old truth, and then
which Puritanism has
breaking forth from
it
to their
:
own
confusion.
-X-
/?
&
s
it
(The
the
following incident in Air.

his
i
"
was related by
Aunt Ann
of
"
days is here given as on the occasion when he visited Stambourne
Spurgeon
childhood
in
summer One of
of
887.
the
members
the church at Stambourne,
habit of frequenting the public-house to have his

pipe, greatly to the grief of his
named Roads, was in of beer and smoke "drop

,
the
his
godly pastor,
who
often heaved a sigh at the thought
of his
his
unhappy member s
inconsistent conduct.
Eittle
Charles had doubtless noticed
grandfather s grief on this account, and laid it to heart. I ll exclaimed, in the hearing of the good old gentleman,
"
One day he suddenly

kill
old Roads, that

t
will!"
"Hush,
hush!
my
dear,"
said the
<>
"
good
pastor,
j
"you
mustn
*
talk so;
^
it
very J
wroni>-,
<
"
wrong."
et taken up vou know, and vou ll bv the police;, it vou do anything 1 O shall not do anything bad but I ll kill him though, that I Well,
*
will."
good grandfather was pu/xled, but yet perfectly sure that the child would not do anything which he knew to be wrong, so he let it pass with some halt-mental remark about "that strange child." Shortly after, however, the above conversation was killed old Roads I ve brought to his mind by the child coming in and saying,
the
"
he
"
ll
never grieve
my
dear grandpa any

"
"
more."
My
"
clear
I
child,"
said the
good man
what have you done?

said the child
;
Where have you

I
been?"
haven
been doing any harm,

s
all,"
grandpa,"
ve been about the Lord
work, that
:?4
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
from
AUTOISIOCRAPIIV.
Nothing more could be

was cleared
up.
"Old
elicited
little
Charles
but, before long, the
Roads"
called
to see his pastor, and, with
mystery downcast looks
and evident sorrow of

in this
heart, narrated the story of
how he had been
killed,
somewhat
fashion
"
very sorry indeed,

I
my
;
grief
It was very wrong, d only thought." Encouraged by the good pastor s kindly Christian I was words, he went on with his story. a-sitting in the public just having my pipe and mug of beer, when that child comes in, to think an old man like me should be
and
trouble.
it
know
dear pastor, to have caused you such but I always loved you, and wouldn t
have done
if I
"
took to task, and reproved by a

his finger, just so,
bit of a child like that
Well,
?
and
says,
What
eloest
thou here, Elijah
points at me with sitting with the ungodly

he:
I m and you a member of a church, and breaking your pastor s heart. ashamed of And then he walks away. I wouldn t break my pastor s heart, I m sure. you
!
Well,
eliel
feel
angry
but
kne:\v
it
was
all
true
and
was
guilty
so
put clown
my
I
pipe,
and
diel
not touch
my
beer, but hurried
away
to a lonely spot,
and
cast
myself down
elo
before: the Lord, confessing
know and
to forgive
be: saiel
believe the Leml in
and begging for forgiveness. mercy pardoned me and now I ve: come
my
sin
And
to ask
you
not
me
and
I ll
never grieve you any more
my
it
dear
pastor."
It
need
that the penitent
was
freely forgiven,
in
and owned a brother

which
in
the Lord,
and the Lord was praised
for the
wonderful way
had
all
come
about.)
(The genuineness of the backslider s restoration is evident Irom the testimony of Mr. Houchin, the: minister at Stambourne who succeeded Mr. Spurgeon s grandfather, and who has also ascertained from official records the correct way of
spelling
"Old
"Thomas
little:
Roads name. Mr. louchin writes: Roads was one of the old men of the: table-pew,
"
an active,
lively,
not much above: a labourer, but he: kept a pony and man, but quite illiterate, I found him cart, and diel a little buying and selling on his own account an earnest and zealous Christian, striving to be useful in every way possible to him
especially in the:
fe>r
prayer-meetings and among the young people, opening his house Christian conversation and prayer. lie: only lived about four years of my time, with a cheerful and was sustained When near death, on my confidence to the end.
taking up the Bible to read and pray with him, he said, I have counted the leaves, sir. I said, Why! what did you do that for? and he replied, I never could read This was a word of it, and thought I would know how many leaves there were.
very pathetic, and revealed much.
greatly.")
We
had a good hope of him, and missed him
CHAPTER
Stambournc
]
IV.
was a rare old chapel.

I
wish
used
I
to
know
it
let
me
could have remained for ever as see if I can sketch it with my pen.
it
I
When
was a boy of
twelve;,
made
this
drawing of the back
of
have been welcomed at a farmer s table I the old meeting-house. I am rather on the promise of making a picture; of his house.
memorial was preserved by glad that this pencil
my
dear Aunt
Ann
but
must m,w,
after, use; the; forty-live years
pen on
the;
same
subject.
R.NE. BACK VIEW OF THE OLD MEETING-HOUSE, STAMBOL
huge of become would what as to grandfather it it sounding-board: I used to speculate and hoped that my I thought of my Jack-in-the-box, ever dropped clown upon him. in such a fashion. dear grandpapa would never be shut down and shut up hat inside, there was room for back of the pulpit was a peg to hold the minister s but I gues a little boy for I have sat there with grandfather when quite
The
pulpit
was glorious
as
"
the tower of the
flock.
Over
it
hung
two,
26
C.
II.
it
two grown-up people would have found

friend puts
it.
"quite
too small
enough,"
as
my Hutch
was the table-pew, wherein sat the elders There Uncle congregation, gracious "light and leading;" H addon generally stood, and gave out the hymns and the notice s; and from that semi-sacred region was raised the block ot wood by which to the singers upst;n rs the
just below,
and
in front ot
the pulpit,
ot
of
the
the
men
metre; of
the
hymn was made known,

forming
the:
Common, Long,
this
or Short.
There were big
tomb-stones
containing
they
bottom
ol
large
iJic
table,
on which
:
I
we:re
spread
its name from pew, the: bread and wine on elavs illicit
which
took
had
the ordinance
"the:
intended
"the:
communion."
;
ordinance/."
but
the: correct phrase when our good folks re-member hearing them stvle infant baptism suppose they thought H to be one. A few had qualms upon
think that was

I
don
and were baptized quietly at some Haptist Chapel. pews in the middle were mostly square: in form, ami roomy. Those on either side: were aristocratic, and lined with green bai/e, for the most part very faeleel. In some case s, brass rods carrieel up little curtains, which maele: the: family pew ejiiite
the question,
The:
private,
and shut out

to us the \\
all
sights
e)l
but that of
the:
grave and reverend senior who
There were flaps inside the: pew so as not to lose: dispensed the space: where the: door opened, and Baps for the poor to sit upon in the: aisle: outside: of these: pews and when the time came: to go home-, there was such a lifting up and down of letting flaps, and flap-seats, within the pew, and without the pew, as one
ord
Lite-.
;
these degenerate days. A little: boy on a hassock on the: lloor of one: of these holy loose-boxes ought to have been and no eloubt was as ood gooel there as anywhere, especially if he: had a peppermint to suck, and nobody to
never
eloe;s
see:
in
<>
play with.
cannot lorget the big clock which had a face outsiele the: chapel as we:ll as one \\ hen his long body had be-en ne-wly graine-d, he.: se:eme:el a very suitable; If I am piece of lurniture: for a nice;, clean, old-fashioned Puritan me-eting-houst:. the veteran was the and is informed, now rightly miller, bought by time-keeper upon
I
inside:.
one
ot
his sheds.
pee)j)le
To what
strange: uses
real
we may
come: at last
The
as
if
were mainly
Kssex: they
talke:d of places
down
in
"the:
Shires"
they were quite parts; ami young fellows who went down into "the Hundreds" were explorers of a respectable order of hardihood. They loved a ood Mr. Spurgeon, I heard you well this morning." sermon, and wenild say, I thoii dn
fe>re:ign
"
"
the gexxl
man had
preacJied well, but their idea was not so
much
to his creelit
thev
judged that they had heard him well, and there s something in the different way of putting it; at any rate, it takes from the preacher all gmund of glorying in what he has done. They were a people who could and would hear the gospe:!, but I don t think they would have put up with anything else. They were as apt at criticism as
C.
II.
SPURGEONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
2;
them were very wise, in their remarks, and some remember an occasion upon which the preacher had treated "the tares" after the manner of the Kast, and was altogether right in so but lie wouldn if t know a tare he saw one:. said, It was doing; they painful to
:
here and there one
some
of
were otherwise.
Well do
"
hear a
man
talk
so ignorant.
To
say that yeni couldn
tell
whe
at
from
tare>s
when
;
The rustic critics were wrong for once but they were a-growing was ridiculous." on matters ol doctrine or experience, you would have founel them quite a match
for you.
I
do not think our

I
folks
were anything
after in
like,
so superstitious ami
weak
as the
peasants and witches
came: to
heard enough of them juvenile mind though when my age was between sixteen ami twe:nty. Them one: of my best workers told me that a witch had dragged a cat down his naked back by its iail he did not show me
;
know ten years were unknown to my
Cambridgeshire.
I
Tales of white wi/arels
the marks, but he fully believed in the ieline operation. cannot forget that in the: of which is not more than five miles from Stambourne, a village Hedingham,
We
murder was committed so

craft.
late as
1805,
which grew out of popular belief
in
witch
I talked with, as a little: child, were, I am sure, far above all and upon many a Biblical, or political, or ecclesiastical, or moral subject, they would have uttered great and weighty thoughts in their own savoury Kssex dialect.
The
old
men
such nonsense
here we
ot
re
no doubt,
;
in
any place
worship and the plain, practical, common-sense sermons which majority, they heard had lifted them out of that dense superstition which still benumbs the brains of too many of the Kast Anglian peasantry.
but those
Stambourne a few rough fellows who did not go to who came to the meeting-house were the: great
Tin-:
SIXGIXG AT
STAMIJOURNE
MEETING-HOUSE.
;
The prayer-meetings during

seasons
upon.
of
It
the
week were always kept up

few old
to
but at certain
the year grandfather and a
women were
ask
all
that could be relied
occurred to
me:, in
"
riper
years,
my
I,
venerated relative
how
the
singing was maintained.
\Vhy,
grandfather,"
said
"we
always sang, and yet you

"
don
know any
s
"there
and certainly the old one Common metre tune which is

tune-,,
"
ladies didn
all,
t."
Why,
child,"
said he,
I
Hum
to
s,
la,
Hum
I
la,
and
could
manage
hymn?"
that very
"Why,
well."
But how
if
then,
either put in
happened more Hum Ha

it
be a Long or Short metre

or else
left
some out; but

!
Ah, shade of my dear old grandsire your praise the Lord." no means more as to crotchets and quavers than you were, and grandson by gifted to this day the only solo he has ever ventured to sing is that same universally useful
to
is
we managed
28
C.
II.
SrURGEON
;
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
for
tune *
!
Even
that
lie
has abandoned
audiences
are
growing either more
intelligent or less tolerant than they
used to be.
My grandfather once ventured upon publishing a volume of hymns. I never heard anyone speak in their favour, or argue; that they ought to have been sung in In that volume! he promised a second, if the, first should prove the congregation.
acceptable.
We
We
forgive
him
the;
first
collection because; he did not inflict another.
The meaning was
to the mere; triviality good, but the dear old man paid no attention It may be. among the joys of Heaven dare not quote even a verse. of rhyme. for my venerated grandsire, that he can now compose and sing new songs unto the
Lord.
doctrine
When we
:
say
in
that
we dare not quote, we do not refer to the meaning or the could quote every line before the Westminster respect, we
fear that a solitary objection
Assembly, and never
would or could be
trouble;
raised.
I
The Stambourne style of singing led home. The notion had somehow entered my
me
into
little
when
the;
returned to
last
my
head that
line
of the
hymn must always be

that
I
instilled into me as a sale rule repeated, and grandfather had be so, when I went to the must never be afraid to do what I believed to right
;
chape;!
diel
where
my
It
so or not.
repeated parents attended, of punishment to convince; a deal great required

I
the, last line
whether the congregation
me
that a
little-
boy must do what

mistake
his parents think to

I
in that particular instance,
be right and though my grandfather made; a have always been grateful to him lor teaching
;
me
it
to act according to
I
my
belief
I
recollect,
when
first
left
whatever the consequences might my grandfather, how grieved I was
be
to part
from him
was the great sorrow of my little life. Grandfather seemed very sorry, too, Xow had a crv together; he did not quite know what to say to me, but he; saiel, child, to-night, when the; moon shines at Colchester, and you look at it, don t forget and that it is the, same moon your grandfather will be looking at from Stambourne
"
"
and we
for years,
as
a child,
used
to love the;
moon because
thought that
my
grand
father
eyes and
my own somehow met
there on the moon.
Meeting, near that long side;, which was really the; front, there stood a horsing-block. Ladies went up the; steps, and found themselves on a platform of It was a commendable invention: how often the same height as their horse s back.
Outside;
the;
have
wished
To
and when these were swept up, the old chape.lWhen I had kecper would ram a large quantity of them under the horsing-block. and there lie hidden pulled out about as many as fitted my size, I could creep in
trees
in profusion,
;
me, this shed their leaves
something of the horsing-block was dear

for
sort
when
have had
to
climb
my
Rosinante
for quite another reason.
The grand
old lime
* Those
I
who heard
it
sung
in the
ug^l
Tunes,"
are never likely to forget the enthusiasm evoked by the beloved Pastor
Old Metropolitan Tabernacle, June 4th, 1889, on the occasion of Mr. Spurgeon s address on s solo, which was rapturously encored.
"
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
friend,
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
beyond
fear of discovery.
My
Mr. Manton Smith, has written a book called
he has entitled More Stray Leaves; I entered into Stray Leaves, and another which So good was the hiding-place, that it remained a his work before he was born. The child would get alone but where he went the child could be. marvel where but none on earth could tell. Only a little while ago, to, his guardian angels knew, did you get to when you were my dear old Aunt Ann said, But, Charles, where we never found you such a little child? We used to look everywhere for you, but The horsing-block was the usual haunt all by yourself." till you came walking in did when there were leaves, and an old tomb would serve at other times. No, I but it had a sort of altar tomb above it, and one of the side not get into the grave the slab of stones would move easily, so that I could get inside, and then by setting
"
"
"
stone back again
was enclosed
I
looking for me.
went
to
box where nobody would dream of the aforesaid tomb to show my aunt my hiding-place
in a sort of large
;
111
III
IS
ill
10
PRESENT MEETING-HOUSE AND GRAVEYARD, STAMBOURNE.
the name of the deceased but the raised altar was gone, and the top of it, with Some of the side-stones, which formerly held thereon, was laid ilat on the ground.
up the memorial, were used
were put into door-steps when the buildings was made to occupy the same space, their present state of repair, and the top stone instead of being raised some two feet above it. only it lay ilat upon the ground, and what the tomb had formerly been. the
to
make
Still,
remembered
well
place,
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
!
often
have
to
listened to the
though the time for .vas gone. Dreaming of days to come befell me every now and then as a and to be quite alone ,vas my boyish heaven. Yet, there was a seventh heaven above that let me but hear the foxhounds, and see the red coats of their pursuers, had seen the climax of When the huntsmen did delight. come- down by Stambourne woods, it was a season of delirious excitement to others besides "the At other times, all the women and children were solemnly working at strawbut what they did when the fox went plait will not venture upon by gassing, for I don t remember what I did myself. The- woods at the back of the chapel hlicl a charming mystery about them to my little soul, for who could tell but a fox was As a child, when asked what I would be, was going to be a usually said A fine profession, truly! Many young men have the same ulea",f being parsons as I had of being a huntsman,- a mere childish notion that they would like the coat and the horn-blowing; the honour, the respect, the ease, and they are probably even fools enough to think -the riches of the. ministry. (Ignorant beings be if they look for wealth in connection with the
"lost",
: ;
my
den, but
good people calling- me by my name was wicked enough still to be
heard their
feet
of the preacher
Baptist ministry.)
I
The
s office
-cry great to
caution
all
young men not

I
to
mistake
whim
for
lor a call of the

I
weak minds, and hence earnestly inspiration, and a childish preference
loly Spirit.
while, thus
fox-hunting, which has been very useful to me since: the was sent to shop with a basket, gospel. day and purchased a pound of tea, a quarter-of-a-pound of mustard, and three pounds of and on my way home saw a pack of hounds, and felt it to follow
once learnt a lesson,

the:
a preacher of
Ever
and ditch
all
ome, that
them necessary was a boy), and found, when reached the goods were amalgamated, -tea, mustard, and rice, into one awful
(as
I
always did when
have understood the necessity of packing up my subjects in good stout Is, hound round with the thread of my discourse; and this makes me keep to and thirdly, however unfashionable that method may now be Voplc will not drink mustardy tea, nor will they enjoy muddled-up sermons in they cannot tell head from tail, because they have neither, but are like Air. s whose head Bright Skye terrier, and tail were both alike.
mug, and water, and an address but that high festival came: but once a year laving been on one occasion pressed into the service when I was still a boy but was in Stambourne on a visit, I felt myself a failure, and I fancied that some around
;
Somehow, I don t think our Sunday-school came to 1 day when every child brought his own and
so very, It was very much there was real cake, and tea
Still,
in
those early times, teaching children to read
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
31
and
Catechism by heart, were a good repeat verses of hymns, and to say the Dr. Watts s Catechism, which I learned myself, is so simple, so beoinnin"-.
to
t>
<~^
so suggestive, that a better condensation of Scriptural knowledge will never be written and the marvel is that such a little miracle of instruction should
interesting-,
;
have been
laid
aside by teachers.
:
"
While
am
writing,
one question and answer
come
"
"
to
me
with special freshness
Who
He
was Isaiah ? was that prophet who spake more
of Jesus Christ than
all
the rest/
me
I
At the distance of fifty-three years, I remember a little book which was read to about a pious child at Colchester I recollect Janeway s Token for Children, and
;
recall the
bad conduct of some juveniles of
a dust, but literally kicked the teachers. and in my case, the choice of things retained along
;
my own age, who not only kicked up Memory makes a selection as she goes
is
so miscellaneous, that
cannot discover
character by their guidance. The week-day school for the very juveniles was kept by old Mrs. Burleigh, and The only thing that I remember was to that fane of useful know-ledge I was sent. deal of her son Gabriel, and therefore asked, as a great favour, that I heard a
that
I
my own
good when he came home from
the town where he lived, he might
come and
see me.
had
my
desire
but after
I
all
these years,
I
To
see Gabriel
don
think
have not got over my disappointment. had absolutely reckoned upon the largest kind ol
I
To see only a young wings; but wings certainly, or something otherwise angelic. was too man, a youth in trousers, with no trace of cherubim or seraphim about him,
much
of a come-down.
will
"What s in
name?"
but no one
ever need to ask
me
now.
was a question not yet known to me Names are mere labels, and by no means
proofs that the things are there.
was the blessing which The dew of the Spirit from on high never rested on the ministry carried on within. Wherever my grandfather went, souls were saved under his left the ministry.
To come back
to the old chapel, the best point
about
it
sermons.
fresh
My own
beloved
father,
Rev. John Spurgeon, constantly reports to

s
me
instances of the old gentleman
usefulness.
"
When
first
of
all
preacher, there were persons
who
said,
my
foot.
shoes
off
Another
told
my feet any day to me that, to hear my grandfather
heard your grandfather, and I This was encouraging. hear a Spurgeon."

I
became a would run

grow
a
once,
made
his wing-feathers
"He could mount as eagles, after being fed with such Heavenly food. was always so experimental," was the summing-up of one of the most devout of
He
"You felt as if he had been inside of a man." Buildings may perish, working-men. o will accommodate a house no but and new shrines may succeed them earthly
;
sounder or more useful ministry than that of
my
grandfather.
CHAPTER
flUmorablt
isit
V.
10
Stambournt
JKt
Inill s
HE
in
story of Mr. KnilFs prophesying that I should preach the gospel Rowland Hill s Chapel, and to the largest congregations in the
world, has been regarded by many as a legend, but it was strictly true. Mr. Knill took the county ot Essex in the year 1844, and traversed the region from town to town, as a deputation for the
a
little
time at
London Missionary Society. Stambourne Parsonage. In his
In the course of that journey, he spent heart burned the true missionary spirit,
he sought the souls of young and old, whenever they came in his way. He was a He said to me, Where do you great soul-winner, and he soon spied out the boy.
for
"
c.
>4
n.
STURGEON
in
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
I
sleep
for
want
to call
you up
the
morning."
At six he took good note of it. made of yew trees, cut into sugar-loaf fashion. arbours two o-randfather s garden and the old chapel has gone Though the old manse has given way to a new one,
also, yet the
o clock he called
showed him my little room, and me up. There stood in my
yew
in
trees flourish as aforetime.
We
went
into the right-hand arbour,
and
me of the love of Jesus, and of the With many a blessedness of trusting in Him and loving Him in our childhood. and told me how good God had been to him, and story he preached Christ to me,
there,
the
sweetest way, he
told
He knelt down in that might know the Lord and serve Him. He did not seem content arbour, and prayed for me with his arms about my neck. He heard my childish unless I kept with him in the interval between the services.
then he prayed that
I
and repaid it with gracious instruction. On three successive me and before he had to leave, my grandfather days he taught me, and prayed with had come back from the place where he had gone to preach, and all the family were Then, in the presence of them all, Mr. Ivnill took me gathered to morning prayer.
talk with patient love,
;
on
his
knee,
it
and
"
said,
This child
I
preach
to great multitudes.
Hill,
am
one day preach the gospel, and he will persuaded that he will preach in the chapel of
will
I
Rowland
where
(I
think he said)
to
the:
am now
the
minister."
He
spoke: very
solemnly, and called upon all present sixpence as a rewarel if I would learn
"God
witness what he said.
Then he gave me
hymn,
mysterious \vay
to
perform."
moves
in a
His wonders
was made
to
promise
?
should be sung. than an idle dream
preached in Rowland Think of that as a promise: from a child

that,
when
Hill s Chapel, that
hymn
Would
it
ever be other
preach
in
sermon
to
had begun for some little time to by. London, Dr. Alexander Fletcher was engaged to deliver the annual but as he was taken ill, I was asked in a children in Surrey Chapel
Years flew
After
I
;
hurry to preach to the children
in
his stead.
"
"Yes,"
replied,
will,
I
if
you
will
God moves in a mysterious way. allow the children to sing, And so promise, long ago, that so that hymn should be sung."
in
have made a
:
preached and the hymn was sung. My emotions on that occasion I Still, I fancy that cannot describe, for the word of the Lord s servant was fulfilled. He)w was I to go to the Surrey was not the chapel which Mr. Knill intended. All unsought by me, the minister at \Votton-uncler-Ldge, which country chapel ? I wont on the was Mr. LI ill s summer residence, invited me to preach there.
it
I
was
Rowland
Hill s Chapel,
Gocl moves condition that the congregation should sing, a it was me To which was also done. very wonderful
"
in
a mysteriems
way,"-
thing,
and
no more
understood
at that time
how
it
came
to pass than
understand to-clay why the Lord
should be so o-racious to me.
C.
II.
so.
Did the words of Mr. Knill help to bring about their own fulfilment ? I think I believed them, and looked forward to the time when I should preach the
:
Word
felt
;
ministry
very powerfully that no unconverted person might dare to enter the this made me, I doubt not, all the more intent upon seeking salvation, and
more hopeful of it, and when by grace enabled to cast myself upon the Saviour s love, it was not long before my mouth began to speak of His redemption. How came that sober-minded minister to speak thus of one into whose future God alone
could see
truth of
?
How
that
came
so
it
that he lived to rejoice with his

?
all
he had spoken
We
as
has a right to his
own
let
it
rest,
all
young brother in the we know the answer but each reader but not till we have marked one practical lesson.
think
;
Would
beside
"
to
all
God
that
we were
Indians,"
wise as Richard Knill, and habitually sowed

in his
waters!
On
the day of his death,
the apostle of the

at
was occupied
"
in
eighty-seventh year, John Eliot, teaching the alphabet to an Indian
child
"
his bedside.
friend
said,
"
Why
now
not rest
from
Because,"
replied the
man
of
God,
have prayed
for
sphere, and
He
has heard
my
prayers
that
strength enough of usefulness, is a leading rule with those
me
to teach this
poor child his
letters."
God to am unable to preach, He leaves To despise no opportunity

Mr. Knill
your labours now ? render me useful in my

"
who
are wise to win souls.
might very naturally have

other duties of
left the minister s little grandson on the plea that he had more importance than praying with children, and yet who shall say that he did not effect as much by that act of humble ministry as by dozens of sermons addressed to crowded audiences ? At any rate, to Die his tenderness in must ever considering the little one was fraught with everlasting consequences, and
I
feel
that his time
was well
curious
laid
out.
May we
!
do good everywhere as we have

it
opportunity, and
results will not
be wanting
to
Those who
Mr.
P)irrell s
are
as
further evidence of this story will find

Knill,
in
biography of
biographer was likely to

are the same.
though scarcely so fully told. know so much about it as myself but yet the main
;
Richard
No
facts
following letter from Mr. Knill to my grandfather showing how the cmod man thought of the matter
:
The
is
very interesting, as
"Chester,
"
i/th April, 1855.
Revd. Mr. Spurgeon,

"
Dear
Sir,
"
Perhaps you have forgotten me but I have not forgotten my visit to you and your ancient chapel, and the fine trees which surround it, and your garden
:
36
with the box and
C.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
yew
trees,
whose head
"Two
placed
my
and your dear grandson with whom I conversed, and on hand, when I prayed with him in the arbour.
years ago, he wrote to me, reminding- me of these things, and of his feelings on the. occasion. Last week 1 was at Leamington, and dined with a young artist, who had
"
warm
come
His conversation was much about a popular young from London to see his parents. minister from the country, whom he had heard preach at Exeter Hall, whose name was Spurgeon. told him of my
I
said
knew him.
How
is
it
possible?
said the gentleman.
John Herridge s interest and rejoicing
and of your grandson s letter to me, and of his preaching to Oh, it was a fine season of people at Waterbeach, near Cambridge.
visit,
!
hardly slept the following night for joy. "A day or two afterwards I dined near Warwick with a party of friends. Their conversation was also about your grandson, not knowing that I had heard of him.
I
Two
One
of the party had been his hearers in London, and were very full of the subject. He mentioned your praying with him at his relative s in the of them said,
I
garden.
"
have prayed much for him and about him, that foot of the cross, that popularity may not puff him up.
Will you please give
five of
God may keep him

like
to
at the
me
I
his
address,
as
should
this
write
to
him
Forgive me have four or

1
for this intrusion.
feel
much about
our ministers
in this city
in
London, and
of
my
I dear youth, very much. heart goes out much after them.
have been settled
upwards
seven years, and have received more than
four
hundred members
is
into the church.
but
in
Matthew
"
the possession s old members,
of the
Matthew Henry s Chapel is still standing, Ours is an off-shoot from some of Unitarians.
all
who would have orthodox

your family
!
The Lord
bless you and
preaching. I have a distant recollection of
seeing some of them at your house.

"
Yours very
truly,
"
RICHARD
KNILL."
After that,
went
to
!
preach for Mr. Knill himself,
who was
then at Chester.
a meeting we had He was preaching in the theatre, and consequently I had His preaching in a theatre took away from me to take his place at the footlights. all fear about preaching in buildings of doubtful use, and set me free for the
What
campaigns
Exeter Hall and the Surrey Music Hall. with other theatre services many know.
in
"
How much
this
had
to clo
God moves
in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform."
After more than forty years of the Lord s lovingkindness, I sat again in that arbour in the year 1887. No doubt it is a mere trifle for outsiders to hear about, but
C.
H.
In July of the year 1887,
like
I
37
to
present minister of Stambourne Meeting-house, and the members of his family, including his son and his grandchildren, were in the garden, and I could not help calling them together around that arbour, while I praised the Lord for His goodness to me. One irresistible
it was to impulse was upon me pray God to bless those lads that stood around me. Memory begat prayer. He who had blessed me, would bless others also. I
:
was an overwhelming moment. Stambourne, and walked about the place

it
me
went down
to
one
in a
dream.
The
wanted the lads

to
me.
remember, when they grew up, my testimony of God God has blessed me all my life long, and redeemed me from all
to
evil,
goodness and I
pray that
He may
following
be the
is
God
of
all
the
young people who read
this story.
The
the letter mentioned by Mr. Knill on page 35

"
Xo.
9,
Union Road,
"
Cambridge,
"
Feb. 7/53.
11
Rev. R. Knill,
"
My
Dear
"
Sir,
feel
it.
the occasion of
confident that you will pardon the liberty I take when you read to write, to you, but could not find I have for some, time wished
you
out, until in the
Banner
observed a
notice, of
your preaching
in
the theatre of
Chester.
"
Eight or nine years ago, you were travelling, as a deputation from the London
grandfather s You kindly noticed me I read at family prayer you took (Rev. Jas. Spurgeon). me by your side, and talked to me in a very affectionate manner. You told me a
little
;
Missionary Society, in the county of Essex. the village of Stambourne. I was then a
Among
other places, you preached at

at
boy staying
my
tale of a little
boy
in
Colchester
I
we went
into an arbour in the garden, there

I
you
asked
in
me
s
to sing,
and
joined
in as well as
which you
tried to lead
me
to the Saviour.
never forget the way Your conversation and spirit were all
could.
I
shall
a father
could have been, and that one interview has
made my
heart yours.
My
eyes rejoice to see your name, and the mention of it brings up emotions of gratitude. In fact, unknown to you, a few words you then spoke have been a sort of star to my You existence, and my friends look on them with half the reverence of prophecy.
meant them not perhaps to last so long, but now they are imperishable they were to this effect, and were heard by more than one / think this little man will one
;
:
day
in
in a
be a
preacher of the gospel,

&c.
Rowland Hill s Chapel ;

mysterious
way,"
and I hope a successful one. I think you will preach and when you do, tell the people this verse, God moves
"
You
perhaps unlikely^ but Providence
told me to learn the hymn, and said it seemed had wrought wonders, and you thought it would
38
be
so.
c.
ir.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
;
This
is
often mentioned by
superstitious,
it
my
enough from being
grandfather and somehow, though I am far holds me fast, and I do confidently, and yet,
somehow (and paradoxically), shall come to pass.

"
distrustfully, look
forward to the time when the whole
sixteen and a half years old, I was persuaded to preach in the villages, having for some time been often called to address children in Sabbath Schools, and Once always gaining attention, perhaps from my youth as much as anything.
started in lay-preaching around Cambridge,
school,
I
When
where
was and am
still
assistant in a
Having been invited to supply, for one put my soul into the work. at the Church Waterbeach, I did so I was invited to continue, Sabbath, Baptist and have now been the minister of the congregation for one year and four months.
;
The
chapel
is
always
full,
many
profess to have
is
felt
the
power of Divine
I
grace, and
;
residents in the neighbourhood say that there
a visible reform manifest
God
has
used things that are not, to bring to nought things that are. the Sabbath and often, indeed, almost constantly, five times
;
preach thrice on
the week-nights. the congregation
in
My
is
salary being insufficient,
still
remain
in
the school.
Though
though being poor, or men of small property, are unable to do much, their kindness may be judged of from the fact that I have been to sixty-two different
large, they
are your words in part realized. Though I do not say that your conversation did then lead to my conversion, the yet thought of what I conceived might be my position one clay ever worked in me a desire to gain true religion, which even then I knew was the great essential
houses to dine on the Lord s-day.

"
Thus
in
a minister.
might.
"
My
The
long for nothing more earnestly than to serve God with all my education is amply sufficient for my present station, and I have means
I
and desires
improvement. have given are perhaps too lengthy, but you will excuse it. particulars I could not refrain from letting you know what is no doubt more interesting to me than to you. I pray that, while standing on the polluted ground (in Chester
I
for further
you may consecrate it conversion. Your words spoken

theatre),
any use in
enlisted in
in
by being the means of their in season have been good to me and if I am of in the army of the living God, I owe it great part to you that I ever it. I am not nineteen yet and need, and trust I shall have, a mention
in
many
a heart
your prayers.
"
With
the greatest respect,

"
am,
"
Yours
"
truly,
CHARLES
SPURGEON."
"
P.S.
I
but
if
Since you are much engaged, I shall scarcely expect a line from you should be happy enough to receive one, I shall be rejoiced."
CHAPTER
incidents
of
VI.
lame
anii
Scljonl
life.
ft IP
til
O man
I biography. suppose, if the history of a man s thoughts and words could be written, scarce the world itself would contain the books, so wonderful is the tale that
can write the whole of his
own
might be
told.
Of my
I
life
at
home and
at school,
can only give a
few incidents as
fifty
am
able to recall
years.
One
of the earliest,
them after the lapse of forty or and one that impressed itself very
deeply upon
my
childish mind, relates to
MY
When
I
FIRST AND LAST DEBT.
was a very small boy, in pinafores, and went to a woman s school, it so happened that I wanted a stick of slate pencil, and had no money to buy it with. I was afraid of being scolded for losing my pencils so often, for I was a real careless
4O
little
C.
II.
SPURGEON
to
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
fellow,
little
and so did not dare

shop
in
ask at
home
and
what then was
to
do
There
was a
the
place;,
where
nuts,
I
tops,
and cakes, and
balls
were sold
had seen boys and girls get trusted by the I old lady. argued with myself that Christmas was coming, and that somebody or other would be sure to give me a penny then, and perhaps even a whole silver I would, therefore, go into debt lor a stick of slate pencil, and be sure to sixpence.
by old Mrs. Pearson,^ and sometimes
did not feel easy about it, but still I screwed my courage up, I pay at Christmas. and went into the shop. OIK- farthing was the amount, and as I had never owed anything before, and my credit was good, the pencil was handed over by the kind
dame, and / was in

wrong, but
I
debt.
It
did not please

1
me much, and
it.
felt
as
if
had done
How
some
little
knew how soon my lather came to hear

little
should smart for

little
of this
stroke of business,
never knew, but
bird or other whistled
it
to him,
it
;
right earnest.
God
;
bless
him
for
children-spoilers
he did not intend
to
and he was very soon down upon me in he was a sensible man, and none, ot your bring up his children to speculate, and play at
what big rogues call financing, and therefore he knocked my getting into debt on the He gave me a very powerful lecture upon getting head at once, and no mistake.
which people were ruined by it and how a boy who would owe a farthing, might one day owe a hundred pounds, and get into prison, and bring his family into disgrace;. It was a
into debt,
like
it
and how
;
was
to stealing,
and upon the way
in
lecture,
indeed
think
can hear
it
now, and can

oft to
feel
my
ears tingling at the
recollection of
it.
Then
was marched
the shop, like a deserter
marched
into
barracks, crying bitterly

I
all
7
down
I
the street,
in
thought everybody knew
was
debt.
The
and feeling dreadfully ashamed, because farthing was paid amid many solemn
How sweet warnings, and the poor debtor was set free, like a bird let out of a cage. it felt to be out of debt! How did my little heart vow and declare that nothing should ever tempt me into debt again It was a fine lesson, and I have never
!
forgotten boys were inoculated with the same doctrine when they were young, it would be as good as a fortune to them, and save them waggon-loads of trouble in after life. God bless my father, say I, and send a breed of such fathers
it.
If all
England to save her from being eaten up with villainy, for what with companies, and schemes, and paper-money, the nation is getting to be as rotten as touchwood Ever since that early sickening, I have hated debt as Luther hated
into
!
old
the Pope.
* Extract from The Essex Telegraph, February 8th, 1881
:
Interments at Colchester Cemetery for the week ended February 7th, 1881 February 2nd. Emily Florence Norman, St. Mary, 7 weeks. 2nd. Ruthford Dickerson, St. Botolph, 4 months. ,,
,,
3rd.
5th.
,,
Elizabeth Bantock, St. Giles, 91 years. Esther Pearson, f St. Leonard, 96 years,
I
t Esther
Pearson
is
the old lady at whose shop
had
trust for a farthing.
C.
II. S.
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
41
Long after Another occurrence of those early days is rather more to my credit. an my own sons had grown to manhood, I recalled to my father s recollection he had never had an explanation. My brother, experience of which, until then,
consequence frequently fell down, and so o-ot into trouble at home. At last, hoping to cure him of what father thought was only carelessness, he was threatened that he should be whipped every time he came back showing any signs of having fallen down. When I reminded my father he said quite triumphantly, Yes, it was so, and he was completely of this
as
child,
suffered
from weak ankles, and
in
"
regulation,
cured from that
time."
"Ah!"
answered,
;
he had
to
many
a tumble afterwards
but
all
you thought, yet it was not so, for always managed to wash his knees, and
"so
brush his clothes, so as to remove

^ *
traces ot his
tails."
*
i
*
LD
ILLUSTRATIONS FROM C n
I
n o OD
D A Y s.
a child, seeing on the mantel-piece a stone apple, wonderfully I saw that apple years after, but it was like an apple, too, and very well coloured. It had been in favourable circumstances for softening and sweetening, if it no riper.
recollect,
when
ever would have
shone on
to
it,
or
become mellow but I do not think, if the dews of Hermon had fallen on
;
if
it,
the sun of the Equator had

it
would ever have been
fit
hard marble substance would have broken a giant s It was a hypocritical professor, a hard-hearted mocker of little children, a teeth. mere mimic of God s fruits. There are church-members who used to be unkind, covetous, censorious, bad-tempered, egotistical, everything that was hard and stony
be brought
to table.
Its
are they so
No they not mellowed with the lapse of years? and in the house for snapping worse, if anything, very dogs snarling, rending and devouring great men at hewing down the carved work of the sanctuary with their
now?
Have
they are
axes, or at filling
devil
up
wells,
wants a stone
to
and marring good pieces of land with stones. fling at a minister, he is sure to use one of them.
little
When
the
When we
our seeds into
were small children, we had a

well recollect
plot of garden-ground,
I it. how, the day after I and scraped the soil away to see if it was not growing, as I been after a day or so at the very longest, and I thought the time amazingly long That before the seed would be able to make its appearance above the ground. was childish," you say. I know it was, but I wish you were as childish with regard to your prayers, that you would, when you have put them in the ground, go and be not childish in refusing to wait see if they have sprung up and if not at once, till the always go back and see if they have begun to sprout. appointed time comes, If you do not expect, If you believe in prayer at all, expect God to hear you. hear you; you will not have. God will not hear you unless )ou believe He will
had put
and we put my seed, I went expected it would have

in
42
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
but
if
you believe
He
will,
you
to
think better of
He will be Him than He
as
is;
good
as your faith.
will
be;
He
will
never allow
He
come up
to the
thoughts, and according to your faith so shall
mark of your
it
clone unto you.
used to go to school, we would draw houses, and horses, and trees and I slates, remember how we used to write "house" under the house horse" under the horse, for some persons might have the horse was thought a house. So there are some people who need to wear a label round their neck-,
When we
on our
to
show
that they are Christians at
all,
or else
we might mistake them
for sinners,
their actions are so like those of the
ungodly.
I
thought gentleman, however, to whom I told it, said Now suppose the Duke of So-and-so "who was a great man in the neighbourfor the would you dog, I you give it to him?" think answered, Basked So the gentleman said, Then would." are you just like all the world you would give to those who do not need."
it
remember once, when a lad, having a dog, which some man in the street asked me to give him the dog;
I
very
I
much
prized
mpudent, and
said
as
much.
and was pretty
have seen, when I was a boy, a juggler in the- street throw up half-a-dozen or knives and balls, plates, and continue throwing and catching them, and to me it seemed marvellous; but the religious juggler beats all others hollow. He has to keep up Christianity and worldliness at the same time, and to catch two sets of balls at once. To be a freeman of Christ and a slave of the world at the same time, must need fine acting. One of these days you, Sir Juggler, will make a slip with one of the balls, and your game will be over. man cannot always keep it up, and play so cleverly at all hours sooner or later he fails, and then he is made a hissing and a by-worcl, and becomes ashamed, if any shame be left in him.
I
be so good as the old sort, made of pure tallow but I daresay I may be wrong. I have no Nevertheless, liking for composites in theology, but prefer the genuine article without compromise.
to
;
can never forget the rushlight, which dimly illuminated the sitting-room of the old house; nor the dips, which were pretty fair when there were not many them to the pound nor the mould candles, which came out only when there was a party, or some special personage was expected. Short sixes were very respectable specimens of household lights. Composites have never seemed to me
I
"too
;
night-light
is
a delightful
invention for
in
the
sick.
It
rushlight,
which would frequently be set
has supplanted the
a huge sort of tower, which, to me, as
c.
H.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
things.
a sick
child
at
night,
used to suggest dreadful

at
With
it
its
it
light
shining
through the round holes

staringly
;
the side, like so

ring
many
the
ghostly eyes,
looked at
think
me
of
and
with
its
round
on
ceiling,
made me
Nebuchadnezzar s burning
Once,
I
fiery furnace.
tallow candles on a clothes-horse. thoughtlessly hung a pound of This construction was moved near the fire, and the result was a mass of fat on a lesson to the floor, and the cottons of the candles almost divested of tallow
;
us
fear I not to expose certain things to a great heat, make that many a man s good resolutions only need the ordinary fire of daily life to them melt away. So, too, with fine professions, and the boastings of perfection
all
lest
we
dissolve them.
which abound
I
in
this
age of shams.
have a
distinct
remembrance of a mission-room, where
my
father frequently
in tin sconces which hung on the wall. preached, which was illuminated by candles These luminaries frequently went very dim for want of snuffing, and on one occasion an old man, who wanted to see his hymn-book, took the candle from its original
a candlestick his finger and thumb he used as place out of his hand he made use of a pair of snuffers and, finding it needful to cough, he accidentally made Thus the furniture of a candle was all contained his mouth as an extinguisher. 3
:
in
his
own proper
had
person.
;
We
too practical fun with candles,
for
we would scoop out
a turnip, cut
This could be judiciously then put a candle inside;. eyes and a nose in the rind, and used to amuse, but it might also be injudiciously turned to purposes of alarming who ran away, under the apprehension that a ghost was youngsters and greenhorns, it Other things besides turnips can be used to frighten foolish people but visible.
;
is
shame
to use the light of truth with
such a design.
*
I
had a varied experience which I am not likely to forget. My clear grandfather was very fond of Dr. Watts s me to learn them, promised me a penny hymns, and my grandmother, wishing to get I found it an easy and pleasant for each one; that I should say to her perfectly. fast that grandmother said she must method of earning money, and learned them so not reduce the price to a halfpenny each, and afterwards to a farthing, if she did mean to be quite ruined by her extravagance. There is no telling how low the amount per hymn might have; sunk, but grandfather said that he was getting I found, at overrun with rats, and offered me a shilling a dozen for all I could kill. the time, that the occupation of rat-catching paid me better than learning hymns, No but I know which employment has been the more permanently profitable to me.
During one of
my many
holidays at Stambourne,
c.
n.
SPURGEON
I
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
matter on what topic I quote some verse of a
am
preaching,
in
hymn
can even now, in the middle of any sermon, harmony with the subject the have remained
;
hymns
with me, while those old rats for years have passed away, and the shilling by killing them have been spent long ago.
earned
Many memories were awakened, one day, when I opened Natural History of Sclborne, and read the following inscription
STOCKWELL SCHOOL, COLCHESTER.
Adjudged
to
my
:
copy of White
MASTER
as the
at
C.
SPURCKON,
English Prize,
First Class
the
Half-yearly Examination,
1844.
December nth,
T.
W.
in
DAVIDS, Examiner.
gaining
After
had once succeeded

to
one particular period, when I made except up my mind down to the bottom. right teacher could not My understand my unusual stupidity, until it suddenly occurred to him that I had purposely worked my way om the head of the class, which was opposite a draughty door, down to the foot
it,
was careful
t
my
position at the top of
the;
class
retain
at
to the stove.
He
and
also
,t
was not long before I had again climbed the enjoyment of the heat from the tire.
*
therefore reversed the position of the scholars to the place of honour, where I had
*
in
(Writing
I
to
The Christian World,
larrogate,
who had been
February, 1892, Mr.

1 1.
R D
Cheveley of
a fellow-scholar with C.
Spurgeon
at Colchester, said :-
occurred Eeeding, Mr. Eeeding was the classical and mathematical tutor his teaching was very thorough, and in Charles he a Spurgeon possessed pupil of a very receptive mind, especially with Latin and Euclid. I remember well that in both these subjects he was very advanced, so that he left Stockwell House a thoroughly well-educated youth in fact, quite as much so as it was for him to
ily
and commercial school. Mr. Henry Lewis, the principal, was whose literary attainments were of a superior order, and for years he was assisted by a very scholarly man in the person of Mr. whose death
very
recently.
;
Stockwell House, Colchester, where Charles Haddon Spurgeon was being lucated from the age of eleven to fifteen [ten to fourteen], was a thoroughly good
die-class classical
possible
attain
outside the
Universities.")
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
^5
(Iii The Sword and the Trowel, October, 1890, Mr. Spurgeon kind reference to the home-going- of his old tutor )
:
made
the following
at
The Norwood papers contain the following death LEKDING September i, the Academy, West Norwood, Edwin Sennit Leeding, aged 77 years. This Mr. Leeding was usher at the school of Mr. Henry Lewis, of Colchester,
:
in
1845, an d
(C.
teacher
who
really
I
H. Spurgeon) was one of the boys under his care. He was a taught his pupils and by his diligent skill I gained the foundation
;
upon which
years.
built in after years.

I
Cambridge, and
his school,
to go, first
Colchester to open a school of his own in to Maidstone, and then to Newmarket for some two
left
He
Then we came together

and
in
again
for
return to be helped in my did not think that there was need for me to go to any of the Dissenting J o Colleges, o since I had mastered most of the subjects studied therein and his impression that I
">
joined him at Cambridge to assist in studies. He has left on record that he
might, while with him, have readily passed through the University if the pulpit had not come in the way. His school did not succeed, for he was not well enough to attend to it and in after years I found my old tutor struggling at West Norwood
;
against the difficult circumstances which Board Schools have created for private ventures. He was a good man and true, a man of prayer, faith, and firm principle. His life was full of trials, and I have seen him greatly depressed, but he has
honourably finished his course, and has gone to his reward. to him, among the many of whom I have gathered help, as
tutor has
follow.
have always looked

tutor.
my
Thus
the
will
gone home, and the scholar must not forget that
in
due course he
CHAPTER
VII.
Jftnnortcs of fftaiOstonc nub
rlumarlut.
ff
ST.
AUGUSTINE S COLLEGE, MAIDSTONE (WHERE
c.
H.
SPUKGEON WENT TO SCHOOL,
1848-9).
RECOLLECT
to school at
that,
when
first
I
came
to
London
as a boy, to
go
the coach, ready to start, a man came along selling knives with a great number of blades. He put one in at the window, and stuck it right before my face.
sitting in
Maidstone, while
was
Why
did he want to intrude on

;
me
like that?
He
had no business
to poke a knife into my eye but he had never studied that kind of had which us If he some of have. modesty kept that many-bladed knife in his pocket, and quietly said, If there should be a person in the coach who would like to look at
"
a knife with ever so
many
blades,
have one
in
my
pocket,"
he would not have sold
c.
n.
SPUROKON
but he picked me out as a likely customer, and opened the blades he knew that such a knife would be wonderfully fascinating to a boy going to school. That man s energy taught me a lesson which I have often turned to good account when I have been trying to induce people to the truth." "buy
one
in
a century
as
if
*
I
#
I
*
to
was about the age of fourteen when
was sent
school,
now
seem
who came by
did not
Augustine College, Maidstone. turns to teach us their doctrines but, somehow or other, the pupils to get on much, for when one of them was asked how by a
s
;
called St.
We
a Church of Knp-land had three clergymen
many sacraments
"
there were, he said,
"Seven,"
Oh,
sir,
there
s
is
one that they take

I
at
saying,
"That
hanging,
should
think,"
clergyman and when that was denied, he said, the //altar upon which I could not help which suggestion made even the reverend
"
I was bidden not to be so rude as to interrupt of the sons of the again. many gentry in that establishment were more ignorant of Scripture than the boys in some of our Ragged Schools.
gentleman smile, although, of course,

I
am
sure
One oi the clergy was, I believe, a good man and it is to him I owe that ray of light which sufficed to show me believers I was at the head of baptism. usually the class, and on OIK; occasion, when the Church of England Catechism was to be
;
repeated, something like the following conversation took place:
Clergyman.
What
is
your name
Spurgeon. Spurgeon, sir. C. no what is your name ? No, S. Charles Spurgeon, sir. -No, you should not behave so,
;
for
you know
t
only want your Christian
name.
S.
If
you
please,
is
sir,
?
am
afraid
haven
got one.
C.
S.-
Why, how
Because
I
that
do not think
am
a Christian.
?
C.
What
are you, then,

;
a heathen
S. No, sir but we may not be heathens, and yet be without the grace of God, and so not be truly Christians.
C.
S.-
Well, well, never mind

Charles.
what
is
your
first
name
C.
S.
Who
I
sir I know no godfathers ever did anythino- for never had any. Likely enough, my mother and father did. -Now, you should not set these boys a-laughing. Of course, I do not wish you to say the usual answer.
;
am
gave you that name sure I don t know,
me,
for
C.
H.
Sl
URdKON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
49
always to have a respect for me, and gave me The Christian Yea)-, in calf, as a reward for my threat proficiency in religious knowledge. Proceeding with the Catechism, he suddenly turned to me, and said,
He seemed
is
Spurgeon, you were never properly baptized. S.- Oh, yes, sir, I was my grandfather baptized a minister; so I know he did it right
;
!
me
in the: litile
parlour,
and he
C.
to
Ah, but you had neither

!
faith
nor repentance, and therefore ought not

with
All
infants
to
have received baptism

S.
Why,
sir,
that
has
nothing to do
?
it
ought
be
baptized.
the Prayer Book say that faith and And this is so Scriptural a doctrine, that repentance are necessary before baptism on to show that all the persons spoken o( it. he went no one ought to deny (Here
C.
How
do you know that
Does not
J
.
the Bible as being baptized were believers which, of course, was an easy task, and then said to me, ) Xow, Charles, I shall give you till next week to find out
in
;
whether the Bible does not declare

before baptism.
faith
and repentance
to
be necessary qualifications
sure enough of victory for I thought that a ceremony my grandfather and I was but I could not tind it, father both practised in their ministry must be right
I
felt
beaten,
C.
S.
and made up
my mind
as to the course
would
take.
Well, Charles, what do you think now ? Why, sir, I think you are right but then
;
it
applies to you as well as to
me
C.
It
is
wanted
without
to
show you
this
for this
is
the reason
why we appoint
to
I had no more right than you You have no was my sponsors accepted by the Church as an equivalent. doubt seen your father, when he-, has no money, give a note-of-hand tor it and this is regarded as an earnest of payment, because, as an honest man, we have reason to Now, sponsors are generally good expect he will honour the note he has given.
that,
faith,
sponsors. but the holy baptism

;
promise of
As the child people, and in charity we accept their promise on behalf of the child. which promise cannot at the time have faith, we accept the bond that he will
;
he
fulfils at
confirmation,
when he
it is
takes the bond into his
own
hands.
S.
C.
a very bad note-of-hand. Well, sir, I think I have no time to arûe that, but 1 believe it to be good.
will
only ask
have the greater regard to Scripture, I, as a Churchman, He baptizes in the very teeth of Scripture; or your grandfather as a Dissenter? and I do not, in my opinion, do so, for I require a promise, which I look upon as
you
this,
Which seems
to
an equivalent of repentance and

S.
faith, to
be rendered
like
in
;
future years.
Really,
sir,
think you are
more
right
but since
it
seems
to
be the D
cjo
c.
u.
STURGEON
AUTOUIOGKANIV.
I
truth that only believers should be baptized,
think you
arc;
both wrong, though you
seem
think
to treat the Bible with the greater politeness. We;ll, then,
Q
it
you confess
in
that
you
were; not properly baptized
and you would

to
your duty,
?
if
your power,
to join with us,
and have sponsors

ought
1
promise on
next time
your behalf
S.
till
I
()h,
fit
no!
it.
have been bapti/ed once,
before;
will wait
am
C.
!
for
God
Ah, you are wrong; but Seek from Him a new heart and Divine
(Smiling.)
I
see you keep to the Word of direction, and you will see one truth
like, to
after another,
and very probably there

in
will
be a great change
in
those opinions which
now seem
I
so deeply rooted
you.
that
I
resolved, from that

I
moment,
if
ever Divine grace should work a change

"
afterwards told my friend the clergyman, would be baptized, since, as had nothing to do with it the never ought to be blamed for improper baptism, as error, if any, rested with my parents and grandparents."
in
me,
*
I
was greatly pleased to receive the Mentone, on one occasion, as it enabled me to identify the esteemed followino& note from a laclv I met there, in my welfare while at Maidstone clergyman who had shown himself so interested and sat - wrote me, the; other Mrs. S day, that she had been dining out, The conversation turned upon Mr. of llawkhurst. next to Canon
When
at
>
"
Jeffreys,
The Canon said that he Psalms. Spurgeon and his valuable Commentary on the once examined at some Grammar School where the boy Spurgeon was, and that he was the only boy out of, forget how many, who could answer most of the questions. Some boys could not clo any, while young Spurgeon did all excepting those on the Church Catechism."
1
had the opportunity of attending the to say services of the Established Church, and therefore was able, long afterwards, There is an ecclesiastical twang which is to the students of the Pastors
It
was while
was
at
Maidstone that
"
College
much admired
in
the
aristocratic, theologic,
Establishment, a sort of steeple-in-the-throat grandeur, an infra-human mouthing ot language and parsonic, supernatural,
It
rolling over of words.
may be
illustrated
is
by the following specimen,

if
He
that
hath yaws to yaw, let him yaw, which Who does not of a Scripture- text.
a remarkable;,
know
not impressive, rendering the hallowed way of pronouncing
It rolls in my divers places ? Scripture moveth us in 1 he ears now like Big lien, coupled with boyish memories of monotonous peals of Amen. Prince Albert, Albert Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family.
Dearly-beloved brei.hren,
the;
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
5!
unnaturally does not get bronchitis, or some other At disease, I can only say that throat diseases must be very sovereignly dispensed. the Nonconformist hobbies of utterance I have already struck a blow, and I believe
Now,
if
man who
talks
so
by them that larynx and lungs become silence and the grave."
it
is
delicate,
and good men succumb
to
had a variety of experiences while at that Church school. One piece of There was a large jar of ammonia in a certain mischief I remember to this day.
I
cupboard, and I used to lead the new boys to it, and tell them to take a good sniff, the usual result being that they would be quite overpowered. Once, when a boy fell clown in a dead faint, I was really frightened, and I diet not want to play the same trick on anyone else. Perhaps I took the more liberty as the master (Mr. David
Walker) was
fact
helped
my uncle at any rate, was me out ol many a difficulty.

;
a great favourite with
my
aunt,
and
that
Mr. Walker
as
much
usual plan of punishing his pupils was to make the sentence bear For instance, resemblance as possible to the offence they had committed.
s
;
the boys
had gone one night, and borrowed a boat from the river so, the next night, they were roused from their slumbers, and made to go at once to return it to its They would probably be all the: more careful not to repeat their proper place.
wrong-doing when they found how much discomfort
It
it
brought
to
themselves.
often
happened
I
my
and
uncle would send

I
noticed that
when corporal punishment was to be administered, out to find a cane for him. It was not a very pleasant task, never once succeeded in selecting a stick which was liked by
that,
me
the boy
I
who had
I
to feel
it.
Lither
it
was too
thin, or too thick
was threatened by the
sufferers with
condign punishment
if
and, in consequence, I did not do better
learned from that experience never to expect God s children to like the next time. particular rod with which they are chastened. I greatly offended my uncle, on one occasion, by pointing out an error in an
arithmetical
problem he was working on the blackboard.

to
He
said
that
it
was
derogatory to his dignity
was not
rio-ht o
for
me
I
to
be corrected before his pupils, but I maintained that it without mentioning it after I had let the mistake pass l
I
could employ my he judged that and by myself beneath time to the O greatest advantage by taking studying J O m\- books, an old oak-tree by the river Medway at all events, he showed his appreciation of my mathematical progress by allowing me to make the calculations which are,
detected the blunder.
think, after that incident,
<
"
*"
believe,
still
used by a certain Life Insurance Society

* *
July,
in
London.
*
visit to
(In the
month of
1889, Mr.
Spurgeon paid a short
the town of
5--
c.
iJ.
si
Ri;i:ox s
AUTouuniUAi MV.
at the
Sabbath evening alter his drive into Kent, lie preached ) Metropolitan Tabernacle a sermon upon Psalm Ixxi. 17, in which he said
Alaidstone.
(
)n the
went down,
last
week,
to
I
Maidstone,
left
in
Kent.
It is
"
as near as possible to the

"
day,
that
river
1
forty years ago,
when
the school called a
down and look Medwav. Under that

must
140
j
at the spot,
tree
many weeks, reading
all
da}
long.
thought which stands by the and even many hours, and manv spent davs, L J J J "In school-time?" say you. Yes, my master
College
I
there.
and specially
at a tree
thought that I should do better under that tree than man. lie gave me my book, and left me to myself
that tree,
in
;
the class
I
and he was a wise
and as
I
stood last
week under
with
the smoothly-flowing river at
my
lect,
could thank (jod ior His

"
mercy
to
me
for all
me
from
my
youth
these forty years, and I could say, God, Thou hast taught and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works." There
may be some young people here to-night, just come back Irom school, bovs and would to God that they would girls who are, just finishing their school days. spend some time in holy, quiet thought about their future, about whom the} will serve, who shall be their 1 eacher, lor whom they will become teachers, and how the life which has now become more public than before shall be spent.
1
As
lelt
lile
;
stood there,
last
week,
to
could not help praising

in
Go
that, not
long alter
that school, lie led
me
faith
Christ,
I
and
to
to rest in
Him, and
find eternal
and
could not but thank

of
Cod
that
I
went
that school for twelve months.

of
It
was a Church
England
;
school.
had never seen anything of Church
to
Englandism till that time but there was a turning in my life, through being there, which 1 owe my being here. The Church of England Catechism has in it, as
of
"
"
some
What is required of persons to be you may remember, this question, and the: answer was taught to give, and did give, was, baptized?" Repentance, whereby they forsake sin and faith, whereby they steadfastly believe the promises ol God made to them in that sacrament." looked that answer up in the Bible, and
I
;
found
it
to
be
1
course,
when
is
and of strictly correct as far as repentance and faith an! concerned afterwards became a Christian, and here also became a Baptist
;
am, and
it due to the Church of Kngland Catechism that am a Baptist. Having been brought up amongst Congregationalists, had never looked at the matter in had thought myself to have been baptized as an infant and so, when my lile.
I
I
was confronted with the question,

and
I
"What
is
required
I
of
persons to be
"
baptized?"
1
found that repentance and

;
not been baptized that I ever have repentance and

that there
hen I have said to myself, were required, and please God that infant sprinkling of mine was a mistake
faith
;
faith,
in
will
be properly
baptized."
did not
;
know
was one other person
the world
who
held the same opinion
lor so little
C.
11.
little
53
I
do Baptists make any show, or so

their existence.
did they do so then, that
did not
know
ot
So
what
feel grateful
to the
Church
I
Catechism,
for
learnt at Maidstone.
in
and grateful to the Church do not know that I have any vivid
school,
;
gratitude for any other question
the Catechism
it
particular one, for it led me where It led me, however, as wrote it.
very thankful for that was never intended to lead me by those who
I
but
am
believe, to follow the Scriptural
teaching that
repentance and
faith
are required before there can be any true baptism.
TIIF,
Ynrxr, USHER
TKACIIKR
i\
THEOLOGY.
school at
read 1 he
The first lessons ever had in theology were from an old cook in the Newmarket where was an usher. She was a good old soul, and used to
I
She liked something very sweet indeed, good strong Calvinistic Gospel Standard. but she lived strongly as well as fed strongly. doctrine Many a time we have gone over the covenant of grace together, and talked of the personal election of the saints, their union to Christ, their final perseverance, and what vital godliness meant; and I should have learned Irom any six learnt more from her than do believe, that
;
doctors of divinity of
who
taste,
and
of
see,
we have nowadays. Then; are some Christian people and enjoy religion in their own souls, and who get at a deeper
the;
sort
than books can ever give them, though they should search The cook at Newmarket was a godly experienced woman, from days. learned far more than 1 did from the minister of the chapel we. attended.
knowledge
it
all
their
I
whom
I
asked
is
her
do you go to such a other place of worship to which I can

once;,
"Why
place?"
I
She
replied,
it
"Well,
there
no
go."
said,
so,"
"But
must
be better to stay
"but
I
nt
home
than to hear such

I
stuff."
"Perhaps
she answered;
like
to
go
You sec; a hc.i sometimes scratching out to worship even if get nothing by going. she does not get any, but it all over a heap of rubbish to try to find some corn
;
shows
that she
is
looking for
it,
and using the means
to get
it,
and then,
too, the
exercise;
old lady said that scratching over the poor sermons she heard was a blessing to her because it exercised her spiritual faculties and On another occasion I told her that I had not found a crumb in warmed her
warms
her."
So the
spirit.
the whole sermon, and asked

belter to-night, for to
talk into real
gospel."
-:;=
how
"
she had fared.

I
"Oh
all
the preacher said,
just put in
got on a nol, and that turned his
she answered,
"
";
*
home,"
=::
Professor]. I). Everett, F.R.S., of Oueen s College, Belfast, wrote to The Christian World: "In the summer of 1849, went to Newmarket to assist in a school kept by a when I was not quite eighteen,
(After Mr.
Spurgeon was
"called
54
c.
ii.
sruRGEOx
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
Mr.
Swindell/"
who had been an
old friend of
my
father
s,
and who had
my
brothers,
There were two other assistants, but not lono- after mv Percy and John, as pupils. I arrival they went off, and was left for a week or so as the sole; assistant. I was
then relieved
of
part of
my
duty by a lad
of
fifteen,
who came
as an articled pupil.
This was Charles H. Spurgeon, and for the next three months \ve shared the work between us. \Ye boarded in the: house, occupied the same bedroom, took our walks He was together, discussed our common grievances, and were the best of friends.
a keen observer of
men and manners, and
very shrewd
in
his
judgments.
He
He had a enjoyed a joke, but was earnest, hard-working, and strictly conscientious. for wonderful memory passages of oratory which he admired, and used to pour forth to me with great gusto, in our walks, long screeds from open-air addresses of a verv
rousing
description,
which
Congregational minister,
had heard delivered at Colchester Fair, by the Mr. Davids. His imagination had evidently been greatK
he;
impressed by these; services, at which, by-the-by, his father was selected to give out the hymns on account of the loudness of his voice, a quality which would appear to
have run
friend.
I
in
the family, but which had not at that time shown itself in my youno have also heard him recite long passages from Bunyan s (/race Abounding.
He
a
was a
delightful companion, cheerful
and sympathetic
a
a good listener as well as
good
talker.
And he was
not cast
in
common
conventional
mould, but had a
strong character of his own.
As
to the early history of his
theological views,
s
has been already published. In Mr. Swindell a big, sturdy woman, who was well servant,
I can add something to what household there was a faithful old
known
to
me and
all
the inmates as
Calvinist.
She was a woman Spurgeon, when under deep

cook.
of
strong
religious
feelings,
and a devout
religious conviction, had conversed with her, and been her with of Divine truth. views He explained this to me, and told deeply impressed
terse fashion, that it was cook who had I taught him his theology. not his confidence in mentioning this fact. It is no discredit to hope violating the memory of a great man that he was willing to learn from the humblest
me,
in his
I
own
am
sources.")
(\\
hen
the;
above
article;
appeiarcel
in
print,
Mr.
Robert Mattingly, of Great

with
the;
Cornarel, Sudbury, wrote; to the same; paper:

"About
twenty-live; ye:ars ago,

Sin:
be;came
acejiiainteel
person referred
to, s
Mary King by name.
was then
I
living in cottage; loelgings,

nie::u i-ial
facing St.
Margaret
Copy of
card.)
JOHN
Aêd
Wl NDKLL,
Si years. I lived as nsher at
Died at Jeffries Road, Clapham, iSth September, iSSj,

:is
T>
is
the person
iîtli
whom
Xeu
II.
mcirhet.
Si
C.
(;iJKON.
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
55
close by. Church, Ipswich, and was a member of the Bethesda Strict Baptist Church, wonderful a knowledge ot She was a staunch Calvinist, logical, clear-headed, and had the account of her intercourse with the I have; often heard from her lips the Bible. was naturally not a little proud, as he had then youthful Spurgeon, of which she, Professor Everett says she was of his marvellous popularity. attained the
height
housekeeper and as the inter course between Mr. Spurgeon and herself seemed to be quite within the order of the a menial position. During household, she probably occupied something more than learned that she had outlived all, or nearly all, of a my acquaintance with her, I wrote to Mr. Spurgeon, do not remember from what source). small income
known
as
cook.
She always spoke of
herself as
(I
acquainting him with

for
the; facts,
my
letter,
sending a hearty greeting
and received from him a prompt reply, thanking me to his old friend, and with characteristic
with a request that I would minister to her generosity he enclosed a cheque for ,5, immediate necessities, pay her 58. a week, and generally use; my discretion in
This 1 did, and reported to Mr. Spurgeon dispensing the amount in his behalf. from time to time, always receiving a fresh cheque when the fund in hand became exhausted, and this was continued until her death about three years later.")
transcribed from his journal all the entries relating (Professor Everett has kindly Most of the matters mentioned are not of to Mr. Spurgeon while at Newmarket. two following items are worthy of preservation in this general public interest, but the
volume
missionary meeting began. -Monday, Sept. m (1849). In the afternoon, a was meeting of the boys, in the school Mr. Spurgeon was made chairman. [This He spoke ever made a speech. I believe it was the first time Mr. Spurgeon room.
the
fluently.]
took Percy and tour other boys to see the After dinner, Tuesday, October 9. saw the Cesarewitch, the most celebrated race at Newmarket; thirty-one races. saw quite enough to gratify my I also saw four other races. horses ran.
"
We
We
curiosity,
any more races. as he thought he should be doing wrong if he went.")
and did not wish
to stop to see
Mr. Spurgeon did nor go,
CHAPTER
fUolfoag IDastimc.
I
VIII.
(s$au on
a
o(
knew a lad in Christ, who adopted the principle of Diving a t.-ntli to God When he won money prize for an essay on a religions subject, he felt lhat he could not give less than one-iilth
it
He had
God had wonderfully

of luxuries,
never after that been able to deny himself the pleasure of having a fifth to give blessed lhat lad, and increased his means, and his enjoyment of the luxury the luxury ot cluing good. C. H.S.
the library at
"Westwood,"
very carefully preserved,
is
bound
volume containing 295 manuscript pages,
lettered on the back,-
STURGEON
POPERY UN.MASKKD.
On
the front outside cover

it
is
upon
in
a red leather label, with the following words printed
gold letters thus,
ANTICHRIST
AND
OR,
HER
BROOD:
POPERY
C.
II.
UNMASKED.
7UTAT.
XV.
STURGEON,
c.
IT.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
c.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
59
On
name
is
the opposite page the
origin of
made
a fac-similc of Mr. Spurgeon s own account of the volume, and of its appreciation by Mr. Morley, whose Christian known in the second letter from Mr. Smith, who was at that time
is
Congregational minister at Poplar, and who, on August i6th, 1859, met the younghim in the services held in connection with the laying essayist, and took part with of the first stone of the Metropolitan Tabernacle:
"
Poplar,
"
Dec. 30, 1851.
"
My
dear
"
Sir,
is
Enclosed
an
order
for
which
I
my
brother-in-law,
Mr.
Arthur Morley,
of Nottingham,
of
the;
presents
to
you.
shall
be obliged by your
acknowledgment
"
same.
It
gives
I
me
(iod
will,
trust,
pleasure to hear of your success in preaching the gospel of Christ, continue to bless you. Depend on Him, and use all the means
within your reach for the cultivation and
improvement of your mind.

"
remain,
"
Yours
truly,
"
G.
SMITH.
"
Mr. C. Spurgeon, No. 9, Union Road,

"
"
Cambridge."
A
to
letter of the
same
period, written by C.
further particulars concerning the Essay,
H. Spurgeon to his father, gives and also explains how the writer proposed
It
use most
of
the
money
that
had thus unexpectedly reached him.
furnishes
besides an interesting glimpse of the young preacher s early services at Waterbeach, of which more will appear in a later chapter, and also of the way in which he was
preparing
for his great life-work
"
Cambridge,
"
Dec. 3ist, 1851.
"
My
Dear Father, Your Christmas

"
you
no good action is I people, and so did not receive your letter till my return. preached twice on Christmas [day] to crammed congregations, and again on Sunday quite as full. The Lord gives me favour in the eyes of the people they come for miles, and are
;
was quite as welcome to me as [mine was] to I ever forgotten. was at Waterbeach staying among my
letter
60
vvondrously attentive.
reputation
"
c.
ii,
STURGEON
AUTOT.IOGRATIIY.
am
is
invited [to preach at
Waterbeach]
for six
months.
My
in
Cambridge
rather great.
is
This
I
letter
from Mr. Smith

essay on
an honour.
in
have now more money

upstairs,
s
I
for books.
\\
hen
wrote
my
my
I
knees
the
littleit
room
give two
the
I
tithes of
is
anything
might gain by
to
the Lord
cause.
solemnly vowed to I have written,

wi:>h,
money
come
that
My
MS.
will arrive
will
be exactly as you please---! do not know yet how much am to pay Mr. heeding. have enough. Mr. h. has given me a fivemean to keep that money shall not touch except lor clothes. ! pound note, which lor earn on Sunda\s is my own for books, expenses, &c. clothes; what only
to
send you ,/, you and dear Mother

I
[five-sixths of
shall
here shortly. Now, it you the amount received as a little present
.1
hope.
am
sparing, but
1
This week
reasons
in
have bought several books, which I could not do without. have purchased a good Septuagint, which is a Greek translation of the
I
Old Testament; you

i.
will
see
it
mentioned by commentators.
2.
This
did for two

I
To improve my
(ireek.
i
To
assist
me
it
in
is
studying the Bible.
got
it
two volumes, unbound, tor 2s. od. "Now and then you must give
al
-at that price
reckoned exceedingly cheap.

I
have; done; so
it
lour times,
I
leave to preach three times, not often. was not at all tired. shall never do so if 1 have
I
me
had a hard day. When feel myself in time and not at all tired, I may do so; but I must say, however, I always get the best congregation in the only now and then.
evening, or at least just as good, for sometimes it is best all day and you would not have me give up so good a place. I have prayed earnestly that prosperity and fame and I not believe More than one me;, may injure; strength will be. equal to my day.
:
in
Waterbeach
the.)"
have; declared
themselves on the hord
side
the.
church
is
praying-
hard, and
I
seem very
I
united.
take every
improvement.
information
;
opportunity of improving myself, and seize; every means ol have lately attended three lectures in the Town 1 1 all to get
1
do."
trust
(The conclusion
of
the letter
is
missim>.
In order that readers C.
may be
able to form some; idea of the Essay written by
H. Spurgeon when
here
given,
fifteen
are
with
one.
years of age, the headings of the seventeen chapters That chapter as a specimen of the other sixteen.
particular portion of the
work"
was selected
to
show how the

It
writer,
is
even before his
conversion, had very should have quoted in

a few
file,
clear ideas as to spiritual matters.

this part of the
the;
remarkable that he
weeks afterwards,
Kssay (see page 63) the very passage which, hord used as the means of his salvation Look unto
"
ami
be yc sai cd, all the cuds of
tlic earth"
C.
II.
Sl
R(iEe>\
AUTuilKHikAI HY.
(>
ANTICHRIST AND HER BROOD; OR, POPERY UNMASKED

HEADS OF CHAPTERS.
Chap.
I.
II.
,,
Popery, the Apostate Spirit. Popery Established by Cunning.

Popery, a Spiritual Darkness. Popery, a Mass of Superstition.
III.
,,
IV.
>,
V.
Popery, a Ravenous \Volf.
-,
VI. VII. VIII.

IX.
Examination
of
the Claims of Popery.
,,
,,
The Worship of the Virgin Popery, a Complicated Idolatry. a of Saints. Popery, Polytheism. Worship
Poperv, the Worship of Cast Clouts and Rotten Ra^s. O Popery, a Violation of the; Second Commandment.
*
Mary
,,
X.
XI.
,,
XII.
,,
XIII.
Popery Teaches the Adoration of a P>readcn God. Popery Perverts and Destroys the; Sacred Ordinances of Christianity Popery Surrounds Itself with Rites and Ceremonies.
Popery, the Inventor of a Ealse Purgation. Popery, a Gigantic Horseleech.
,,
XIV.
,,
XV.
XVI. XVII.
,,
Popery, the Religion of Eools, Popery, the
who make
Mock
at Sin.
,,
Enemy
of Science, and the
Bane of the
Human
Race.
ClIAI Tl.K
HI.
Poi KKV,
I
Sl IKHTAI,
DARKNESS.
he Bible withheld.
in
because
of
an unknown
-Ealse statement of a priest. The Scriptures unintelligible Council tongue.-- Bible burnt round the necks of heretics.
its
Trent.
Blasphemy of
decrees.
Case
in
point.
Testimony of Dti Moulin.
Bible mystified by notes. Bible the Word of God.- Popery unchanged. of Xicc burns Bibles in Declaration of Bishop 1841. Sermons omitted. Ignorance of t hePopish Bishops. -Duty to read the Bible.
Priests.
-Bible Societies.
Bull of Pius VII.
-Sermons nothing but
ribaldry.
Immense
service of Ignorance.
he three most powerful and most apparent means used by Rome: to retain her over the minds ol her votaries are power Ignorance, Superstition, and Persecution. Hrst, then, let us look at Ignorance which, though not "the mother of
1
devotion," is
certainly the favourer of superstition.

;
This has been one

ol"
of
the grand
men have been so agents Popery ever since her establishment by it, the eyes blinded that they can scarcely discern between good and evil, and follow implicitly
of
anv guide even

I
until
they
fail
into the ditch of perdition.

is
he
grossest
ignorance
spiritual
ignorance;
and
the
greatest
spiritual
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOIJKJGRATHV.
it
darkness
is
to
he ignorant of the only way of salvation as

withholds the Bihle from
its
is
revealed alone-
in
the Scriptures.
The Church which
members, or takes away from
them the genuine Word of Ciod, is guilty of bringing the most dreadful famine upon This charge the minds of men, and will be; in a gre-at measure guilty of their blood.
is
one; of the;
most weighty ever brought against the Church of Rome, and one which
in
can be very easily substantiated. The Rev. A. Scott, of (ilasgow,

versial
a letter against The Protestant, a contro

"
work published about 30 years
since, says
can publicly declare
without
that it or censured by my superiors, danger of being contradicted by my brethren, should be that the Church never was a principle of the Roman Catholic Scriptures withheld from the, laity, and there never was any law enacted by the supreme legis
lative;
authority
If
in
it
the Catholic
Church by
which, the reading of the Scriptures

to
was
was indeed a principle of the Roman Catholic Church deprive and search them to read Word Divine her members of the use of the by forbidding the Scriptures, she would indeed be cruel and unjust."
prohibited.
Here, then, is a distinguished great bulwark of Romanism.
Roman
Catholic priest publicly disowning this

cruel
We
hold the
that cordially agree with the rev. gentleman,
it
is
and unjust
to
with
Bible
but
we;
and hope, to be able to disprove his barefaced falsehood,

into the
convince the world to the contrary.
The
Scriptures were translated
Latin
tongue by Jerome
but that
it was language becoming dead, and the Church neglecting to supply translations, but it was of no only intelligible to the learned it was not forbidden to the people, more use to them than a scroll of hieroglyphics. This state, of things continued from
;
the eighth to the thirteenth centuries when, at tures were forbidden to the laity both in the
the;
Council
of
Toulouse, the Scrip

\\ e all
Latin and
vulgar tongues.
Pope was enraged against Wycliffe tor his undertaking to Had the Pope had his will, the translator and translate the; Scriptures into Lnglish. his version of the: Bible would have-, been burnt in the: same fire; indeed, it was no
violently the
know how
uncommon
The
thing, previous to Luther
Re-formation, to burn heretics with the Bible
about their necks.
was understood invariably there were many who suffered ele-ath for no other crime.
reaeling of
the:
Bible;
to produce-
heresy; and
In the decisions of the Council

is
manifest, by experience, that if where, withenit difference, in the: vulgar tongue, more-
Trent, 1564, this clause occurs Seeing it the Ib)ly Bible be permitted to be: read every
:
e>f
through the rashness of men,
let
it
gooel results thence, therefore be at the pleasure of the: bishop or
harm than
to grant the reading of the inquisitor, with the advice of the parish clerk or confessor,
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
who,
in
let
6j
thereby
by Catholic authors, receive an increase of faith and piety.

Bible,
translated
to those-
their opinion, will
This license
them have
in
writing,
and
not
whoever shall presume, without permission, to read or possess such Bibles, receive the absolution of sins till he has returned them to the ordinary."
may
Abominable blasphemy!
So, then,
the;
Church of Rome permits the Almighty,

\\.
under certain circumstances, to speak to His own creatures! miserable men sometimes to hear the Word of their Creator
!
permits
fallen
and
In the Bible, the Almighty addresses us as by a voice from Heaven Look The Church of Rome: stands unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth."
"
by,
and presumes
to
decide
who
shall
and who
at all
shall not
hear these words of the

it
Almighty Saviour; and it any person Surely, then, this Church of Rome
exalts itself
shall
is
hear them,
is
by her permission.
that
that Antichrist,
is
that
opposing power
worshipped. assume the power of permitting creatures to hear what God shall speak, is to control or regulate assuming o o o an authority at least equal to that of God, and a riidu
above
all
that
is
called
God, or that
To
manner of His communicating His will to His creatures. \Ye will suggest a case somewhat similar. Suppose that, in the; City of London, and there were a number of traitors who had openly rebelled against the Queen
the
;
that she, out of her gracious disposition, anel aversion to destroy those traitors, should issue a proclamation promising a free pardon to those: who would submit
themselves to the authority of the laws. Xow suppose: that the Lorel Mayor anel Aldermen were to sit in Council, anel consider whether or not they would permit this proclamation to be published in Lonelon anel suppose that they should even come
;
to a resolution to
permit
this
proclamation to be published, woulel not
this lead
you
strongly to
suspe:ct their loyalty for

the:
presuming
to
"
put their authority on. a looting

permit"
with that of
?
Sovereign, anel presuming to
her proclamation to be
order
anel
published Gexl addresses

believing
it,
His gospel
to
;
sinners
as
such,
of
in
that,
hearing
he:r
sinne-rs
may
she
be:
is
save:el
but the Church
to prevent, as far as
able, the \Vorel of

te)
She allows
faith
it
to be:
"
addressed only
is,
authority Goel from re-aching the ears of sinners. such as will thereby receive an increase of
"
Rome
exercises
anel
pie:ty
1
that
to
persons
who
in
are:
degree.
hus, she
proves herself to be
to
the-
already faithful anel pious in some league with Satan, for the purpose of
the-ir souls.
keeping men under the bondage: of

But,
to
sin to the everlasting ruin of
return
history,
the
learneel
anel
excellent
"That
)u
Moulin, a French
Protestant divine; of
anel
seventeenth century, says,
the:
people:
may
be:
blinded
out
e>l
deceived without understanding so much, the: Pope hath wrested the Scriptures their hands, anel take:n order that they should not be translated inte) a known
tongue.
Within these few years, the Scriptures were no more known
to the
people
64
than
tin-
C.
H.
SFURGKON
AUT<
H!l<
KlRAI
l I
V.
Alforan
there were only
some Latin
Bibles in monasteries and clergymen s
houses."
In
1824,
Pastures,"
the Scriptures in the vulgar tongue, "Poisonous In a Hull of and exhorts the clergy to turn the ilock away from them.
Pope Leo XII.
style s
"We have been truly Pope Pius VII., against Bible Societies, in 1816, he says: shocked by this most crafty device by which the very foundations of religion are undermined. The Bible printed by heretics is to be numbered among- other pro
hibited
books,
conformably
to
the
rules
of the
Index;
for
it
is
evident,
from
when circulated in the vulgar tongue, have experience, that the Holy Scriptures, harm than benefit. It is therefore through the temerity of men produced more
in the vulgar tongue, be permitted except necessary that no versions of the Bible such as are approved by the- Apostolic see, or published with annotations extracted
from the writings of

Here-, then,
it
the:
is
fathers ot the
Church."
declared that the circulation and reading of

is
the:
Scriptures
undermine the foundations of religion, which

true religion.
There
is
Popery be the only another Church, however, which has its foundations laid
certainly true
if
more
with
firmly than the

its
Church
best
of
Rome
and
this
is
the
Church of
Christ,
which embraces
is
the Scriptures as
itself.
ally,
finds in
them nothing but what

because
in
harmony
The Church
foundations of
its
of
Rome
is
afraid to trust the Bible alone,
it
destroys the
as Scriptures were given to the people simply it would soon be able to stand against them they are, Romanism would never be known that Rome is the very Antichrist. She therefore mystifies the Word of God she puts her own perversions side by side with by means of the words of men can interpret them, whatever is said to be Scripture and declares that, as she alone
religion.
If the
;
;
the
meaning
ol
them must
really
be
so.
It may Is it not now proved that Popery withholds the Bible from the people? statement the serve as an illustration of the- character of Popery if we bear in mind
of the priest
who
declared that
it
never was a
principle:
;
of
Romanism
to
deny
the:
will deny or assert, just as Popery is a system of lies sheHowever, we will readily believe his assertion that, in denying it suits her purpose. the Scriptures to the people, Popery is "cruel and unjust." But many Papists will endeavour to justify this prohibition of the Scriptures, and say that it is not the will of God that His Book should be read by common
Scripture
to the people.
Such men, when they hear it said that the Bible contains a complete people. revelation of the Divine will for the salvation of our fallen race, and is a proclamation
nonsense! of grace and pardon to the very chief of sinners, will exclaim, "What Such was actually the case in a celebrated discussion at Glasgow. But we will leave them to laugh and jeer we know that it is the only Book which can cheer the
;
c.
fi.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
65
to
penitent
rely.
it is
God s Word, and
that alone
upon which a trembling sinner dares
But what argument can be of

"
avail with those
who
said,
Some the very essence of truth ? the Bible is the Word of God ?
Amonof o other reasons w hich
r
among them have
"
reject truth, who despise How do you know that
will readily suoro-est themselves, one alone will y oo that the Bible is the Word of God. Christian suffice. knows, experimentally, Every When a sinner becomes seriously concerned about his character, state, and prospects,
he reads the Bible, he finds at first that it is God he is convicted and condemned and he
if
;
the
is
Word
of condemnation that
makes
it
against him. By the holy law of is conscious of a power and dignity in him feel that it is the Word of God. There
all
;
a power in the Word that proves influence will never doubt its truth.
All
Divine
and he who has once experienced
its
the Popish arguments do but prove that they love darkness rather than Bible is a light unto our feet, and a lamp unto our path. Man by nature light. is blind, he runs the downward road with he would alacrity, he sees not the end
The
still
continue to follow the road which leadeth to destruction had not God,
in
His
mercy, given him a sure guide to bring him from this treacherous way to the straight and narrow path, which leads to His right hand.
infinite
Popery could never have been what it is if men had been allowed to read the Bible the light of truth would have been too strong for her she would have
;
;
What an awful account will hen* great perished prematurely. of the blood of thousands perishing for lack of knowledge
!
men have
to give in,
But you
is
will say,
"
Popery
is
changed now
She has not yielded a point
much improved." more than she could help The true spirit
;
surely, she
is
of
not allowed to develop itself in Protestant countries. Here, in England, it Popery would seem that the Catholic is under little restraint. The Bible is printed for his
use in England, though always with explanatory notes as if it could not be trusted alone. But on the Continent of Europe, and in other parts of the world, the system has
full
In Rome, very few of the people know what you mean by a Bible. scope. In 1841, the Bishop of Nice burnt all the Erench Bibles he could collect. Can
flagitious
any more
wickedness be conceived than
for a creature of the dust, invested
with the holy character of a bishop of the living God, and a minister of Jesus, to dare, with sacrilegious hands, to cast into the flames the blessed Book of God,
inspired by the
will
this
Holy Ghost? In the great dread day of judgment, what excuse apostate Church and her Bible-burning priesthood have to prefer before
the heart-searching God in justification of these things ? Dr. Doyle, an Irish Roman Catholic bishop, when asked whether he had ever
seen a translation of the Scriptures

"
brought up, answered,
No,
the language of Portugal, where he was have not." Dr. Murray, another bishop, did not
in
66
C.
II.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
know
whether there was a Spanish version of the Bible. They both stated that they would refuse the Sacrament to an}- person who should persist in reading
for a fact
the Bible.
The
in
reading of the Scriptures, then,
opposition to
read"
Lord, and
condemned by the Romish Church, Seek ye out of the Book of the the Word of God, which says, for in them ye think "Search the Scriptures; (Isaiah xxxiv. 16)
is
still
"
and take v. 39) ye have eternal life and they are they which testify of Me" (John of God is Word the the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which (Ephesians vi. 17) and numerous other exhortations. But this prohibition of the Bible might not have been so great an evil, if the
"
"
churchmen had preached the Word of Life to the people. The first triumphs of the mouth of the Christianity were accomplished by the preaching of the gospel, by and, therefore, some amount of religious apostles, and not by the written Word
;
even in the knowledge might have been communicated to the people by preaching, But the prohibition of the Bible, together with the absence of the Scriptures. sermon into disuse, or only on special ignorance of the priests, soon brought the
occasions were any discourses delivered. "the About the ignorance of the priests J o o f the sixteenth centurv, o mass in an unknown muttered was extreme." Numbers could not read, most only
be<>-innino-
the very best seldom saw the Bible. tongue, and read a legend on festival days the It was held by many that the doctrines of religion were so properly expressed by asked was eminence; One of schoolmen, that there was no need to read Scripture.
;
There is no such book in the he replied, what were the ten commandments Many doctors of the Sorbonne declared, and confirmed it by an oath, library." had never known what a that, though they were about fifty years of age, yet they New Testament was. Luther never saw a Bible till after he was twenty years old, and had taken a degree of arts. Carolstadt had been a doctor of divinity eight years
"
before he read the Scriptures
and
yet,
when he stood
for a
degree
in
the University
records of Wittemberg, he obtained an honour, and it was entered in the University Pelican could not procure one Greek Testament in that he was sufficicntissimus"
"
all
Germany
the
first
he got was from
Italy.
Who
When
can wonder at the superstitions and
errors of the
Church of Rome
sermons were delivered, they were a collection of forced interpretations, The people would have been legends fabricated on the spot, and base ribaldry. the better without them, many of these mock sermons were only calculated to excite and to furnish them with amusement for the week. Ignorance audience to
laughter,
held
dark reign, with scarcely a spark of light, and must have been of immense service in the establishment of the kingdom of darkness, and the support of the
its
dominion of Antichrist,
(Oftrlg
Ixcltgtotts
fonprrssicns,
MY FATHER AND MOTHFR.

It would not be easy for some of us to recall the hour when we first heard the name of Jesus. In very infancy that sweet sound was as familiar to our ear as the hush of Our earliest lullaby. recollections are associated with the house of God, the family altar, the Holy Bible, the sacred song, and the fervent prayer. Like young Samuels, we were lighted to our rest by the lamps of the sanctuary, and were awakened by the sound of the morning hymn Many a time has the man of God, whom a
hospitality has entertained, implored a blessing on our head, desiring in all sincerity that we call the Redeemer blessed; and to his petition a mother s earnest "Amen has solemnly responded. Perhaps the first song we learned to sing was concerning the children s best Friend. The
parent
might early
"
first
book that we began
to
read contained His sweet name, and
many were
to
the times
C. H. S.
when we were
pressed by godly ones
to
think of Jesus, and to give our
young hearts
Him.
WAS
the
privileged
with godly
parents,
watched with jealous eyes,

questionable
associates,
scarcely ever
permitted to mingle
with
warned not
to listen to
way
of
God
from
anything profane or licentious, and taught my youth up. There came a time when the
solemnities of eternity pressed upon me for a decision, and mother s tears and a father s supplications were offered to
when a Heaven
on
I
my
behalf.
left
been
not been helped by the grace of God, but had alone to do violence to conscience, and to struggle against conviction, I
I
At such
a time, had
might perhaps have been
at this
moment
a course of vice brought myself to ringleader amongst the ungodly as I
my
dead, buried, and doomed, having through grave, or I might have been as earnest a
desire to be an eager
now
champion
I
for Christ
and His
I
truth.
do speak of mvself with many deep regrets of heart,
hid as
it
were
my
68
face from
C.
II.
SrURGKON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
Him, and
let
the years run round

I
-not
I
not without rebukes,

warnino-s which
when
knew how much

1
without twinges of conscience, needed a Saviour not without the

;
came from others whom
saw happy and rejoicing
Christ, wh,
from day to day it off, as others are doing, had no "share in Mis salvation. Still, 1 put and Christ might come in some odd hour, and month to month, and thought that of Him whose blood could cleanse me. when I had nothing else to do, I might think
could lay this rod about should have rolled over my head, and heart to think that weeks and months Lo. in wilful neglect of my clear have hid as it were my lace from Christ
O my
soul,
could fain smite thee
now
Truly,
my own
should
heart had bled for me.
Often and often have spoken Children are often very reticent to their parents. thento talk not could and they have told me they with youn-- lads about their souls, When 1 was under concern with me. 1 know it was so such .natters.
fathers
of soul
would should have elected to speak to upon religion on thenlove ot love to them, nor absence been my parents, not through want of soul and A strange feeling of diffidence pervades a seeking but so it was. part owe to the solemn Yet I cannot tell how much drive s it Iron, its friends. on Sunday evenings, whi e we we words of my good mother. It was the custom, we sat round at home with us, and then her to
the last persons
-
upon
yet
little
children, for
stay
the Scripture to us. and read verse by verse, and she explain,,! there was a little piece of Alleme s Alarm, done, then came the time of pleading and this was read with pointed observations of Baxter s Call to the Unconverted, how we sat round the table and the question was asked,
<
made
it
to each of us as
how long would be before we would think about our state, the words of that prayer we Then came a mother s prayer, and some of the Lord. on one occasion h 1 remember, even when our hair is grey. never
before
shall
we wo
forget,
"
praying thus
Now, Lord,
against ignorance that they perish, of a mother That Christ." thought of the day of judgment if they lay not hold conscience, and stirred my bearing swift witness against me, pierced my not need anybody to t 1 did When I was a child, if 1 had done anything wrong, to sleep many a time with me of it I told myself of it, and I have cried myself
;
my children go on in and my soul must bear a

if
their sins,
,t
will
not be from
swift witness
them
at
s
know the had done wrong and when 1 came to Me had given me a tender conscience. very grateful to Him because for God to use in the salvation Fathers and mothers are the most natural agents no teaching ever mad, I am sure that, in my early youth, children.
consciousness that
I
;
of their
impression upon
that
to
my mind
as the instruction of
any
child, there
can be one
who
will
mother; neither can I co have such influence over the yo
my
heart as the mother
who has
so tenderly cared for hen- offspring.
A man
with a
so dead as not to
be moved by the sacred name of
"mother"
is
creation
blot.
it be possible for any man to estimate what he owes to a godly mother. the powers of speech with which to set iorth my valuation of have not Certainly the choice blessing which the Lord bestowed on me in making- me the son of one
Never could
I
who prayed for me, and prayed witli me. How can ever forget her tearful eye when she warned me to escape from the wrath to come? I thought her lips right
I
How eloquent others might not think so, but they certainly were eloquent to me. can I ever forget when she bowed her knee, and with her arms about my neck, Nor can her frown be effaced Oh, that my son might live before Thee prayed,
;
"
"
from
my memory,
;
iniquities
loving frown, and her smiles have never faded from
that
solemn,
when she rebuked my budding
my
recollection,
her countenance
when she
rejoiced to see
~>
some
father
<_)
q-ood tiling o in
beaming of me towards the Lord
the
God
of Israel.
Well do
remember hearing my
He used to impressed him. time, as he was on his way to

his
speak of an incident that greatly be frequently away from home preaching, and at one a service?, he feared that he was neglecting his own
family while caring for the souls of others.
He
therefore turned back, and went to
home.
;
On
but,
arriving there,
he was surprised
to find
no one
in
the lower rooms of
the house
prayer.
on ascending the
On
listening at
stairs, he heard a sound as of someone engaged in the bedroom door, he discovered that it was my mother,
pleading most earnestly for the salvation of all her children, and specially praying for Charles, her first-born and strong-willed son. My father felt that he might safely go about his Master s business while his dear wife was caring so well for the spiritual
interests of the
at
boys and
girls at
home, so he did not disturb

"
her, but
proceeded
preaching engagement. mother said to me, one clay, I often My Ah, Charles prayed the Lord to make you a Christian, but I never asked that you might become a Baptist." I could
!
once
to fulfil his
not resist the temptation to reply, "Ah, mother the Lord has answered your prayer with His usual bounty, and given you exceeding abundantly above what you asked
!
or
thought."
Up
when
I
age of fourteen, I had not even heard of people called Baptists and did hear of them, it was not at all a favourable report that was given to me
to the
;
concerning them. were bad people
do not suppose
I I
my
but
somewhere
should
I
I
or other,
cannot help feeling must have heard some calumnies against them, or else
certainly did
;
parents meant think so and
me
I
to believe that
Baptists
that,
how
I
have had that opinion
remember seeing a baby sprinkled within

to hear
"
less than
an hour of
its
death
and
seem
even now the comfort which a certain O q- () od

a mercy the child was baptized
!
man
q-ave to the bereaved O

it
parents,
What
What
a consolation
must be
"
This was
minister.
111
an Independent family, and the words were spoken by an Independent
instance of an aged minister, of the same persuasion, who sprinkled The child was running- about in a little boy, although the father was averse to it. He was caught up, the hall of the minister s house, and his mother was looking on.
I
knew an
and the pious man exclaimed, live like a heathen any longer." boy was put
It
is
"
Come
So
along, Mrs. S the conjuration
the poor child shall not

little
was performed, and the
into the Paedo- Baptist covenant.

;
lie was
his
but forced to come

said
religion.
way some that children understand cannot by \Ve even know some Sunday-school teachers
!
and, doubtless,
went on
not only sullered to come, rejoicing to think it was over.

the great
who
mysteries of cautiously avoid
mentioning the great doctrines of the gospel, because they think the children are not prepared to receive them. Alas the same mistake has crept into the pulpit for it
;
is
currently believed,
among
a certain class ol preachers,
that,
many
of the doctrines
of God, although true, are not lit to be taught to the people, since they would pervert them to their own destruction. Away with such priestcraft Whatever
of the
Word
God
is
has revealed ought to be preached.

it, I
capable of understanding
capable of receiving.
will
no doctrine of the \\ord of

I
God
has revealed, if I am not still believe and preach it. do hold that there which a child, if he be capable of salvation, is not
Whatever
UK
would have children taught
all
the great doctrines of truth
without a solitary exception, that they may in their after days hold fast by them. for I I can bear witness that children can understand the Scriptures
;
am
sure that, when but a child, I many a knotty point of contro versial theology, having heard both sides of the question freely stated among my In fact, children are capable of understanding some things father s circle of friends.
could have discussed
which we hardly understand afterwards. Children have eminently a faith is akin to the- highest knowledge indeed, simplicity of faith, and simplicity of of a child and the between the distinction much is there not that I know simplicity
in
earl}
life,
genius of the profoundest mind.

often have ideas which the
He who
never attain unto.

to
If
man who is you wish to know whether

in
receives things simply, as a child, will prone to make a syllogism of everything will children can be taught,
many
in
our churches, and
pious families,
point you not prodigies, but such as we

I
Timothys and Samuels, and little girls, too, who have early come to frequently see, know a Saviour s love. As soon as a child is capable of being lost, it is capable As soon as a child can sin, that child can, if God s grace assist of being saved.
it,
believe and receive the
Word
of
God.
As soon
as children can learn evil, be

Spirit, to learn
assured that they are competent, under the teaching of the Holy
good.
In the household in which I was trained, no cooking was ever clone on the Sabbath and if in the winter time something hot was brought on the table, it was a
;
C.
il.
/I
pudding prepared on the Saturday, or a few potatoes, which took but little trouble Is not this far better, far more Christian-like, than preparing- a to warm. great
and compelling servants to slave in the kitchen ? If the horse was taken out because the distance to the meeting-house was too great, or the weather Christians of the O too rough o-avc the animal its crood old school alwavs O O for walking, CD Sabbath on the Saturday or the Monday and as to the coach. man, when they
Sunday
feast,
>
employed one, they always took care to give him time to put up the horse, that he might come in and worship with the family, and they were content to wait till he
could
come round
it
for
them
after
service, for they did not
want him
to lose
even
the Benediction.
Ouq-ht
not to be so evervwhere
"
Our
of the family, and

reason,
certainly,
we should study
their comfort as well as our

;
servants should be regarded as a 1 part O if for no other own,
because they will then study ours but, above all, we should remember their souls, and give them every opportunity to enjoy the means of grace. How can they do this if we make the Lord s-day as much a work-day as any in the
week
\Ve are not of those who think
it
wicked
to
boil
a kettle for tea on a
Sunday, nor can we yield to the demands of some, that everybody, however feeble, or however distant his abode, should walk to the place of To some, such worship. a walk would be working with a vengeance, and to many an absolute deprivation
not allow unnecessary labour in or about our habitations on the Lord s-day, and must devise means to make the necessary work as light as possible. Is a hot joint preferable to a servant s soul ? Is it fair to
;
of the
means of grace
but,
still,
we must
keep a
girl at
home merely
for
our
own
needless gratification
?
Especially,
is
this
justifiable in
the case of those
who
fare
sumptuously every day
was a boy, hearing a minister preach from this text, Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." The opening of that memorable discourse was somewhat in this fashion: Who can find a virtuous
I
recollect,
when
"
"
woman ? Why, anyone who chooses to look for her and the only reason why Solomon could not find her was because he looked in the wrong Virtuous place.
;
kept clear of a king who had such a multitude of wives. But," said the if Solomon were here preacher, now, and were made truly wise, he would not longask,- Who can find a virtuous woman ? He would join the church, and find himself
"
women
a band of holy women, whose adornment is a meek and quiet spirit. If he were to look in the Dorcas he would see many of the permitted upon meeting, sort of whom he once said, She stretcheth out her hand to the poor yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. If he would to the
at
once
among
adjourn
say,
Sunday-school,
he would there meet with others of

with
whom
he would
wisdom
and
in
her tongue
is
the law of kindness.
She openeth her mouth We, who serve the Lord
7~
/
->
C.
11.
STURGEONS AUTOIilOGRAL llY.

of
Tesus. inee.t
the wise
many a time Her price; king,

of
with virtuous women,

is far
I
each
of
whom we
could say with

"
above
rubies.
The preacher
above
rubies"?
whom
have; spoken,
interested
me by
the remark,
is
\Yhy
Why
not above;
diamonds?
My
brethren, the
diamond
and sickly stone, which needs the glare of candle-light or gas to set it is beautiful by daylight. Lovely is the ruby is a ruddy, healthy gem, which whose face is full of the glow of activity in domestic life. That is the kind of
but a pale off; but the
woman woman
of
who makes the housewife in whom the heart of her husband safely trusteth." Whatever one may think of the correctness of the exposition, the sentiment
the preacher
was sound and

all
practical.
tised of the preachers of my boyhood. pleasant reminiscences about a dozen sentences, ol to hear a divine who had a habit, after he had uttered I repeat what I before remarked." As I have already observed," or, saying, in what he had said, the repetition Well, good soul, as there was nothing particular If it was very good, and the nakedness of the land. only revealed the more clearly exhibit it again ? And if it was a feeble affair, why you said it forcibly, why go over of a few sentences may be it a second time ? Occasionally, of course, the repetition
I
have not
"
"
very telling
anything
may be good
occasionally,
and yet be very vicious as a

time
habit.
Who
when they know it is all to once heard a most esteenred minister, who mumbled sadly, come over again ? humble bee in a pitcher," a vulgar metaphor, no doubt, but so compared to to my mind the droning sound at this instant exactly descriptive, that it brings
wonders that people do not
I
"a
listen the first
most
distinctly,
and reminds
me
all
of the parody
upon Gray
Elegy
And
the air a sleepy stillness holds,

his droning flight,
Save where the parson hums
in a pity that a man who from his heart delivered doctrines of undoubted value, commit ministerial suicide by harping on one language the most appropriate, should him an instrument of many strings to play upon when the Lord had
What
string,
given
Alas
alas
for that
dreary voice,
it
hummed and hummed,
like a mill-wheel, to the

hell,
same unmusical
wrath. lasting ?
<^>
tune,
It
whether
be,
<^>
its
*
owner spake of Heaven or
eternal
life
or ever
bv accident, a little louder or softer, according to the but its tone was still the same, a dreary waste of sound, a lenoth of the sentence there was no possible relief, no variety, no howling wilderness of speech in which When the wind blows through the /Eolian music, nothing but horrible sameness.
might
;
harp,
it
swells through
itself
all
the chords
men, spends
of the whole.
upon one string, Grace alone could enable hearers
but the Heavenly wind, passing through some and that, for the most part, the most out of tune
;
to edify
under the drum
drum
C.
II.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
73
drum
of
some
divines.
in
able slumbering many to sleep by its reiterated note.

I
think an impartial jury would bring in a verdict of justifi cases where the sound emanating from the preacher lulls
have a very lively, or rather a deadly, recollection discourses on the Hebrews, which made a deep impression on
undesirable kind. themselves, for
it
I
ol
a certain series of
of the most
my mind
wished frequently that the Hebrews had kept the Epistle to sadly bored one poor Gentile lad. By the time the seventh or
:
eighth discourse had been delivered, only the very good people could stand it these, of course, declared that they never heard more valuable expositions, but to those of
Paul, in appeared that each sermon increased in dulness. that Epistle, exhorts us to suffer the word of exhortation, and we did so. I also recollect hearing in my younger days long passages out of Daniel, which might have been exceedingly instructive to me if had obtained the remotest conception of what
more
carnal
judgment
it
they meant. I remember hearing a sermon from these words, "Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well." Certainly, the preacher did not make his sermon
a well, lor
it
was as dry
it
;
as a stick,
and not worth hearing.
There was nothing
like
cheerfulness in
way through a flood ol declamation against hopeful Christians, against people going to Heaven who are not always grumbling, and murmuring, and doubting; fumbling for their evidences amidst the exercises of their
all
but
the
own
hearts, ever reading

fit
and striving
to
rival
Job and Jeremiah
in grief,
taking the
Lamentations as the
vexing
their
poor
hearts,
the perpetual habit of
poor brains, and and smarting, and crying, and wearying themselves with complaining against God, saying, My stroke is heavier than
lips, troubling their
"
expression of their
own
my
"
groaning."
I
Do
used to hear a minister whose preaching was, as far as I could make it out, this, and clo that, and do the other, and you will be saved." According to his
;
was a very easy thing to make yourself a new heart, was a thing of few instants, and could be done at almost any time and I really thought that I could turn to Christ when I pleased, and that therefore I could put it off to the last
theory, to pray
LI
;
part of
my
I
life,
when
soul
it
Lord gave
pray
;
my
its
might be conveniently done upon a sick bed. But when the I went to first shakings in conviction, I soon knew better.
but
it
seemed to me that I did not. What, / approach the throne ? Such a wretch as / lay hold on the promise ? / venture to hope that God could look on me? It seemed impossible. A tear, a groan, and
did pray,
God knoweth,
sometimes not so much as

not utter more.
It
that,
an
"
Ah
it
"
"
Would
"
that
"
But,"
the lip could

is
was prayer, but
did not
seem so
!
then.
Oh, how hard
Where was the power to lay prevailing prayer to a poor God-provoking sinner hold on God s strength, or wrestle with the angel ? Certainly not in me, for I was weak as water, and sometimes hard as the nether millstone,
y._l
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGKAI
IIV.
Once, under a powerful sermon, my heart shook within me, and was dissolved I in the midst of my bowels thought I would seek the Lord, and I bowed my knee, and wrestled, and poured out my heart before Him. Attain I ventured within His
;
sanctuary to hear Ills Word, hoping that in some favoured hour He would send a that wretched afternoon, I heard a but, ah precious promise to my consolation
;
!
sermon wherein Christ was not

that fountain, but
I
I would have had no longer any hope. sipped at was driven away I felt that I would have believed in Christ,
;
and sighed for Him. But, ah! that dreadful sermon, and those terrible things that were uttered my poor soul knew not what was truth, or what was error; but I thought the man was surely preaching the truth, and I was driven
and
1
long-cd
back.
dared not go, I could not believe, shut out, if no one else was.
I
could not lay hold on Christ;
was
CHAPTER
mudj
1
X.
(tribulation*"
My heart was fa low, and covered with weeds; but, on a certain day, the great Husbandman came, and began to plough my soul. Ten black horses were His team, and it was a sharp ploughshare that He used, and the ploughers made deep furrows. The ten commandments were those black horses, and the justice of God, like a ploughshare, tore my spirit. I was condemned, undone, destroyed,- lost, I thought hell was before me. Then there came a cross-ploughing, for when I helpless, hopeless, went to hear the gospel, it did not comfort me; it made me wish. I had a part in it, but I feared that such a boon was out of the question. The choicest promises of God frowned upon me, and His threatenings thundered at me. I prayed, but found no answer of peace. It was long with me thus.
C. II
S.
HE
ot
abundant benefit which we now reap from the deep ploughing

our heart
is
enough
is
ot itself to reconcile us to
is
the process.
of
Precious
that wine
which
is
is
the severity of pressed in the winefat the mines of
conviction; pure
;
-that gold which
dug from
repentance and bright are those pearls which are found in the caverns of deep distress. We might never have known such deep
humility
fleshly
if
the
L<,rd
had not humbled
us.
We
had never been so separated from
heart.
trusting had He not. by His rod, revealed the corruption and disease of our \\ e had never learned to comfort the feeble-minded, and confirm the weak,
had
He
not
power
to
suffered,
made us ready to halt, and caused our sinew to shrink. If we have any console the weary, it is the result of our remembrance of what we once for here lies our power to sympathize. If we can now look down with
scorn upon the boastings of vain, self-conceited man, it is because our own vaunted It we can strength has utterly failed us, and made us contemptible in our own eyes. now plead with ardent desire for the souls of our fellow-men, and especially if we
passion for the salvation of sinners, we must attribute it in no small degree to the fact that we have been smitten for sin, and therefore, knowing the terror of the Lord, are constrained to persuade men. The laborious
feel
a more than
common
pastor, the fervent minister, the ardent evangelist, the faithful teacher, the powerful
intercessor, can
sin,
all
trace the birth of their zeal to the sufferings they
and the knowledge they thereby attained of its evil nature. the sharpest arrows from the quiver of our own experience. blades so true in metal as those which have been forged
soul-trouble.
endured through e have ever drawn

find
We
in
no swordfurnace
of
the
-6
C.
11.
SrUK.GEOi\ S
AUTomoGUAI ilY.
A
but
it is
spiritual
is
sense of sin
experience which is thoroughly ilavourecl with a. deep and bitter It is terrible in the drinking, of great value to him that hath had it.
in the
most wholesome
bowels, and in the whole of the

arises
after-life.
Possibly,
much
attain to
of the flimsy piety of the present day peace and joy in these evangelistic clays.
from the ease with which men
We
converts, but
we
certainly prefer that form of spiritual

it
would not judge modern exercise which leads the soul
by the way of Weeping-cross, and makes

it is
"clean
every
whit."
of the Saviour.
He who
blackness before assuring it that Too many think lightly of sin, and therefore think lightly has stood before his God, convicted and condemned, with
see
its
the rope about his neck,

evil
is
the
man
to
weep
for joy
when he
is
pardoned, to hate the
which has been forgiven him, and whose blood he has been cleansed.
to live
to the
honour of the Redeemer by
Our own experience

for
recalls us to the. period
when we panted
ior the Lord,
even
Him, our only want. Vain to us were the mere ordinances, vain as bottles Vain were ceremonies, vain scorched by the Simoom, and drained of their waters.
as
empty
wells to the thirsty Arab.
Vain were the delights of the
ilesh,
bitter as
Vain the waters of Marah, which even the parched lips of Israel refused to drink. were the directions of the legal preacher, useless as the howling of the wind to the
benighted wanderer. about our ears like
Vain,
worse than
vain,
were our
rei uges
of
lies,
which
fell
Dagon s temple on
the heads of the worshippers.
One
only
hope we had, one sole refuge for our misery. Save where Save where South, East, and West was one broad expanse of troubled waters. Jesus, that star burned, the sky was one vast field of unmitigated darkness. He alone, He without another, had become the solitary hidingJesus, JESUS! As the wounded soldier, lying on the battle-field, with place against the storm. wounds which, like fires, consume his moisture, utters only one monotonous cry
of thrilling importunity,
"Water,
that ark floated,
North,
water,
water!"
so did
we
perpetually send our
prayer to Heaven,
"Jesus,
Thou Son
of David,
have mercy on me!
Jesus,
come
to
me
"
to the throne of grace in hope, many a time enjoyed nearness did such a prayer escape our lips as that which we prayer but, perhaps, never have often offered in the bitterness of our spirit when seeking the Saviour. with more delight, with stronger faith, poured out our hearts with greater freedom, but never, never have we cried with more vehemence in more eloquent language There was then of unquenchable desire, or more burning heat of insatiable longing. of no sleepiness or sluggishness in our devotion we did not then need the whip command to drive us to labours of prayer but our soul could not be content unless to our with sighs and lamentations, with strong crying and tears, it gave vent
We
;
have,
we
We
c.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
77
Then we had no need to be dragged to our closets like oxen to bursting heart. and when there, the slaughter, but we flew to them like doves to their windows ot waters, a fountain of desires, but they gushed forth like we needed no
;
although
at times
pumping up we felt we could

the
;
scarcely find
them a channel.
but I do not recollect prayed had I in that petition. words the words I used surely, there were few enough At last, I had been in the habit of often repeated a form continually repeating it. and then I saw myself standing before God, in the immediate I came really to pray I have heard of and I said within myself, presence of the heart-searching Jehovah, I abhor wherefore Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth Thee I felt like Esther when she stood before the in dust and ashes." and
I
remember
first
time
ever sincerely
"
myself,
repent
king, faint
and overcome with dread.
His majesty and
thing like these, merciful to me, a
my sinfulness. Ah Oh
"
of penitence of heart, because of think the only words I could utter were some
I
was
lull
"
And
the only complete
sentence was,
of
"God
be
sinner!"
The overwhelming splendour

justice,
greatness
of
His holiness, and I fell clown
His power, the severity of His and all His dreadful grandeur,
in utter prostration of spirit;
His majesty, the the immaculate character of
these things overpowered my soul, but there was in that prayer a true
and
real
I
drawing near to God. have not many relations
in
Heaven,
but
have one
whom
who, I doubt not, often prayed for me;, for she nursed me. when I and brought me up during part of my infancy, and now she sits before the I throne in glory, fancy she looked upon her darling suddenly called home. of sin, waywardness, and folly, she could grandson, and as she saw him in the ways she not look with sorrow, for there are no tears in the eyes of glorified ones
;
dearly love, was a child,
could not look with regret, because they cannot know that moment when, by sovereign throne of Gocl but, ah
!
such a feeling before the

grace,
I
was con
knee and wrestled, methinks I see Oh I can picture her behold, he prayeth." her as she said, Behold, he prayeth She seemed to have two Heavens for a moment a double bliss, a countenance. Heaven in me as well as in herself, when she could say, Behold, he prayeth."
strained
to
pray,
"
when
all
alone
bent
my
"
have known some who have suspended prayer through the idea that the abomination to the Lord, and that therefore it was but petitions of the wicked are an Well can I remember, when committing sin to attempt to offer their supplications. and found it not. Often, coming to Jesus myself, that for years I sought pardon, in the deep anguish of my spirit, did I stay my petitions, because I thought them
I
and when again the Holy Spirit drew me to the mercy-seat, a deep hopeless horror rested on me at the recollection of my repeated, but unanswered cries.
;
be unworthy, and therefore I conceived that Divine justice would I not allow an answer to come to me. thought that the heavens were brass above I me, and that if I cried never so earnestly, the Lord would shut out my prayer. I did dare and when to twas durst not pray, I was too guilty pray, hardly prayer,
I
knew myself
to
for
had no hope
of
being heard.
"
Xo,"
said,
"it
is
presumption
must not
plead with
choked
all
and when, at times, I would have prayed, I could not something utterance, and the spirit could only lament, and long, and pant, and sigh
"
Him
to be able to pray.
Yet
recollect,
it
even as a
child,
God
hearing
a
my
prayer.
;
cannot
tell
what
it
it
was about,
may have been concerning
mere
trifle
but to me, as a child,
was
as important as the greatest prayer that
Solomon ever
oiiered for himself,
and God
heard that prayer, and it was thus early established in God. And afterwards, when I came really to know Him,
I
my mind
for, like
that the
Lord was
did not then

to
know
the Lord,
only
I
felt after
Him
in prayer,
Samuel afterwards, when

the child
I
came
cry to
Him
intelligently,
had
this
prayer answered, and that petition
am only telling what any who know the I granted, and many a time since then Lord could also say, many a time since then He has answered our requests. I cannot tell all about this matter for there is many a secret between us and our
;
clear
would not be prudent, proper, or even possible, to mention all the answers to prayer which we have received, lor there are love-passages between Christ and the soul, which never must be told, unless it be: in choice company, and Some of our communings with the Lord Jesus are too sacred, on rare occasions.
Lord.
It
but too spiritual, too heavenly, ever to be spoken of this side the gates ol pearl the bulk of the Lord s replies to our petitions are such as might be written athwart
;
It is beginning to be questioned, the skies, that every eye might read them. many quarters, whether there is any real eltect produced by praver, except that
in
"it
This is a pretty excites certain pious emotions in the breasts of those who pray." statement! \Ve ought, to be extremely obliged to those superior persons who allow
that even so
much may
result
from our
visits
to the
throne of grace
wonder
Their they did not assert that prayer was ridiculous, or hypocritical, or immoral! I look when under And know moderation puts us again obligations yet I do not Do at their admission, I thank them for nothing, for they as good as call us fools.
! :
they think that
emotions?
function.
we perform a useless exercise merely lor the sake ol exciting pious \Vemustbe grievous idiots if we can receive benefit from a senseless
are not willing to whistle to the wind for the sake of the exercise. \\ e, should not be content to go on praying to a god who could be proved to be both
We
deaf and dumb.
We
I
have
still
some
little
common
sense
left,
judicious friends consider to be fanaticism.

prayer.
We
I
are sun; that
we
despite what our obtain answers to

I
Of
this fact
am
as certain as that
am
a living man, and that
prench
in
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
79
I solemnly declare that I have received of the Lord that which His hands, and I am not alone in such testimony, for I am associated with multitudes of men and women who bear witness to the same fact, and declare that they also sought the Lord by prayer and and He heard them, and supplication,
I
the Tabernacle.
have asked
at
delivered
them out of
in the
their distresses.
Church militant nor in the host triumphant is there one who received a new heart, and was reclaimed from sin without a wound from The Jesus. pain may have been but slight, and the healing may have been speedy but in each case there has been a real bruise, which required a Heavenly Physician to heal. With some of us, this wounding commenced in life for, as soon as
Neither
;
early
infancy
gave place
to
childhood, the
sin,
rod
was exercised
upon
us.
We
can
remember
early convictions of
awakened conscience
in
and apprehensions of the wrath of God on its account. our most tender years drove us to the throne of
spirit,
An
mercy.
we "bear the yoke in our youth." How many were the tender buds of hope which we then put too soon to be withered forth, alas by youthful lusts how often were we scared
yet did
"
Though we knew
!
not the hand which chastened our

"
with visions and terrified with dreams, while the reproof of a parent, the death of a or a solemn sermon made our hearts melt within us playfellow, Truly, our good ness was but as the morning cloud and the dew but who can tell how much
!
"
"
early
each of these separate woundings contributed toward that killing by the law, which to be the effectual work of God ? In each of these proved arousings we discover a gracious purpose we trace every one of these awakenings to His hand who watched over our path, determined to deliver us from our sins. The small end of that wedge, which has since been driven home, was inserted these during youthful hours of inward strife.
;
Let none despise the strivings of the let not Spirit in the hearts of the young boyish anxieties and juvenile repentances be lightly regarded. He incurs a fearful amount of guilt who in the least promotes the aim of the evil one by trampling upon a tender conscience in a child. No one can guess at what age children become capable of conversion. I, at least, can bear my personal testimony to the feet that grace operates on some minds at a period almost too for recollection. When
;
but
young
in years,
all
felt
with
much sorrow
early the evil of sin.
My
bones waxed old
with
I
my
roaring
for
fell
the day long.

for
Day and
night
God
hand was heavy upon me.

I feared lest the very law had laid hold upon dreamed of the bottomless
hungered
deliverance,
my
soul fainted within me.
skies should
upon me, and crush
my
I
guilty soul.
slept at night,
God
I
I
me, and was showing

pit
;
me my
I
sins.
If
and when
I
house
went
seemed awoke, my song was but a

I
to
feel
the misery
had dreamed.
I
Up
and
to
God
sigh.
To my chamber
retired,
there, with
c.
IT.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
tears
for and groans, 1 offered up my prayer, without a hope and without a refuge, God s law was flogging mc with its ten-thonged whip, and then rubbing me with with pain and anguish, and my brine afterwards, so that I did shake and quiver sorrowful. soul chose strangling rather than life, for I was exceeding was sent for this reason, that I might then be made to cry to That
misery
Jesus.
till
Our Heavenly Father does

has whipped us
after
not
all
usually
cause us
to
seek the Saviour cannot
He
clean
till
out of
our confidence;
us
feel
He
make
us
in
something of the intolerable when I remember, of hell. tortures of an aching conscience, which is a foretaste or s used to awake in the morning, the first thing I took up was Alleine Alarm, I read and I Oh, those! books, those books s Call to the Unconverted.
earnest
Heaven
He
has
made
Baxter
devoured them
foot
when under
For
five
sense
as
of
guilt,
but
it
was
like;
sitting
before,
at
the
of
Sinai.
guilt
;
years,
child,
there
was nothing
my
eyes
but
and though I do not hesitate to say that those as I looked upon myself, there life would not have seen any extraordinary sin, yet sins against was not a day in which I did not commit such gross, such outrageous is a Sickness been born. God, that often and often have I wished 1 had never with pain, when the. poor terrible thing, more especially when it is accompanied the spirit fails within us, and we are dried body is racked to an extreme, so that that sickness, however agonizing, is nothingup like a potsherd but 1 bear witness rather pass through seven years of the I had like the discovery of the evil of sin. would ever again most wearisome pain, and the most languishing sickness, than It was my sad lot, at that of the evil of sin. pass through the terrible: discovery
my
who observed my
time, to feel
greatness of world upon God s mercy. I had to walk through this world with more than a far exceeds all other griefs as a moun my shoulders, and sustain a grief that as
the greatness of
my
sin,
without
a discovery
of
the
tain
exceeds a mole-hill
and
often
wonder,
to
this
clay,
how
it
was
that
my
hand was kept from rending my own body in pieces through which I felt when I discovered the greatness of my transgression. but heart sins were laid than others been, openly and publicly, a greater sinner may and then I knew oh, that bare, sins of lip and tongue were discovered,
;
the awful agony Yet, I had not
never have to learn over again

iniquity of
in
such a dreadful school

is
this terrible lesson

I
!-
"the
soul as
I
Judah and of Israel salvation, I dreamed that
exceeding great." Before my sins were very few. All
thought upon my my sins were dead,

of
But that trumpet the graveyard of forgetfulness. imagined, and buried in of eternal things, sounded a resurrectionconviction, which aroused my soul to think more counties and, oh, how they rose up in multitudes note to all my sins to damn Now, I saw that my very thoughts were enough the sands of the sea and as for my acts of the lowest hell me, that my words would sink me lower than
;
!
C.
II.
SL
URGKOX
in
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
nostrils, so that
I
hi
sin,
[
they
>
now began
^>
to be: a
stench
mv
could not bear them.

;
thought I had rather have been a frog- or a toad than have been made; a man reckoned that the most defiled creature, the most loathsome and contemptible,
for
I
was a better thing than myself, Almighty God.
had so grossly and grievously sinned against
Through
forms of sin
of myself,
I
the.
Lord
restraining grace,
and the
s,
I
holy
influence of
my
early
home-life, both at
in
my
father s
and
my
which others indulged

thought
I
I
grandfather and, sometimes,

;
was kept from
certain
outward
when
really
was quite a respectable

like other boys,
lad,
began to take stock and might have been half

I
inclined to boast that
was not
untruthful, dishonest, disobedient,
But, all of a sudden, I met Moses, carrying swearing, Sabbath-breaking, and so on. in his hand the law of God and as he looked at me, he seemed to search me
;
through and through with his eyes of

the ten
lire.
He
bade me read
"
God s Ten Words
"-
read them, they all seemed to join in accusing 1 hen, like Daniel, and condemning me; in the sight of the thrice-holy Jehovah. and comeliness was turned in me: into corruption, and I retained no strength "my
commandments,
and as
;"
understood what Paul meant when he wrote,

saith,
all
it
"
Now we know
the:
that
what things
soever the law
saith to
them who are under
law
that every
God."
be
stopped, and
the
I
world
may become
in
guilty be-fore
mouth may \Yhen I saw
myself
in this condition,
I
could say nothing
self-defence, or
extenuation.
I
confe:sseel
my
coulel
speak no word of
transgression in or apology, for self-justification,
by way of excuse or solemn silence unto the Lord, but

1
fe:lt
that
was
in
verily
guilty of grievous sins against the:
Holy One
even
if
I
of Israel.
trie:d
At
that time,
a dreadful
silence reigned within

favour,
be:
I
my
I
spirit
had
to
say a word
my own
should have: been self-condemned as a
applied to
;
me,
"
so clean
me:.
yet shalt
is
I liar. felt that Job s words might wash myself with snow water, ami make my hands never Thou plunge me: in the ditch, anel mine: own clothes shall abhor
If
For He
law.
not a man, as
am, that
should answer
the:
Him."
The-n there came: into

sality of
I
my
startled conscience
saiel
remembrance of the univer

that, uneler the
thought of
a
what was
of
the: olel
Roman empire
the:
rule of Caesar,
if
man
once: broke: the
law of Rome,
whole: world
was one vast
prison to him, lor
come
eliel
So eliel it not get out of the reach of the: imperial power. to be in rny aroused conscience. Wherever I went, the law had a demand upon
he: coulel
.my thoughts, upon

I
my
worels,
upon my
the;
rising,
upon my
the:
resting.
;
What
then
I
did,
and what
not do,
all
came: uneler
I
cognizance of
law
anel
founel that this
law so surrounded me: that

1
seemed
as
if
spoke amiss.
was always running against it, I was always breaking it. was a sinner, and nothing e-lse: but a sinner. If openeel my mouth, remember that, when If I sat still, there was sin in my silence.
1
I
32
Spirit of
I
C.
II.
Sl
UKCKOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
I
th<>
God was
in
thus dealing with me,

I
use*! to fed
that,
;
myself
1
to
I
be a sinner even
when
was
the house of God.
thought
when
il
I
sang,
prayed, which I did not (eel, and confessions lim in by uttering sinning my prayers, insulting but only another form of asking for mercies with a faith that was not true at all,
I
1
Lord with a solemn sound upon a
false;
tongue
and
was mocking the feared that was
seem to hear my chains word conviction, Was there; ever a bond-slave who had more bitterness oi soul than I, anew. five vears a captive in the dungeons of the law. till my youth seemed as it it would turn into premature old age, and all the buoyancy of my spirit had vanished ?
unbelief.
At the very mention
oi
that
rattlin<>
()
God
all
of the spirits of
1
all
men, most of
the;
ill
ought
law
!
to hate
sin, for
surd}- most
of
have
smarted beneath
lash of
Thy
While
Alas
!
was
;
did sin
I
the custody of the law, 1 did not take any pleasure in evil. but my sense: of the law of God kept me back from many iorms
in
of iniquity.
version,
have thanked
God
1
a thousand times
in
my
liie that,
;
beiore
my
con
had no opportunities of sinning and, on the other when I had ill desires, had no desires towards evil. \\ hen desires had the opportunities, hand, when and opportunities come together, like the Hint and the steel, they make the. spark
1
that kindles the fire
but neither the one nor the other, though they
may both be
dangerous,
can bring about any very threat amount of evil so long as they are could not, as others did, plunge into profligacy, or indulge in any 1 kept apart. sinned enough without of the grosser vices, for that law had me well in hand.
i
acting like that.
Oh,
!
used
felt I should do wrong to die rather than commit any more.
tremble to put one loot before another, lor lear that my old sins seemed to be so many, that it were well
to
I
could not rest while

little
in
die grip of the law.

careless,
If
wanted
to
sleep a while, or to be a
indifferent
and
some one
or other of those ten
I me." frowning face, said, m the making. I works broke works but, somehow, the law always my good fancied that, if my tears flowed freely, 1 might make some recompense tor my but the law held up the looking-glass, and I soon saw my face all
;
commandments roughly aroused me, and looking on me with a would do some good I "You have broken thought that
wrong-doing smeared and made more unhandsome by

;
my
all
tears.
The
"Cursed
law
is
seemed
also
to
blight
my
in
hopes
all
with
its
stern
sentence,
written
I
every one that the book of the law to do

continued
1
continueth
them."
I
not
things
!
which
are
that
in
Only too
well did
know
had not
in all
those things, so
had not committed

;
one
sin,
If saw myself accursed, turn which way I might. had committed that made no difference if I
another
tongue?
mi
"-lit
was under the curse. Yet, if I had coveted,

"
What
1
had never blasphemed God with my He who breaks a chain had broken the law.
if
I
link."
say,
did not break that link, and the other
No, but
if
you break one
C.
H.
;
!
83
Ah, me how I seemed shut up then I had oliended against the justice of God I was and and used to impure; polluted say, If God does not send me to hell, He I sat in judgment ought to do upon I myself, and pronounced the sentence that I felt would he just. could not have
link,
you have broken the chain.
"
it."
gone
for
in
let
I
Heaven with my sin unpardoned, even if had had the- offer to do it, knew that it would not he right that should do so, and justified God own conscience while condemned myself. my The law would not even
to
I
I
me
despair.
If
go and drown my there is no rest lor you

sin
in
all
thought conscience
in
would give up
sin,
all
desire
"No,
to
do
right,
and
just
in
the
law
said,
you
cannot do
that;
sinning.
You know
an iron
the blindness of a seared points

;
conscience."
law too well to he able to So the law worried and troubled me.
the
at
it
shut
me up
as in
cage-,
and every way of escape was

I
effectually blocked up.
me up dreadfully was, when knew the spirituality Thou shall not commit adultery," said to myself, have never committed adultery." Then the law, as Well, interpreted by Christ, \\ hosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with said, her already in his heart." The law said, "Thou shall not and said, "Well.
of
the.
If
One
things that shut

the law said,
"
of
the law.
I
"
steal,"
never
not
I
my
anything own, was guilt.

of
stoic;
;"
but then
The
found thai even the desire to possess what was what hope could spirituality of the law astounded me
I
;
eluding- such a law as this which every way surrounded from which I could not possibly escape? atmosphere
have;
me
with
an
twenty, or thirty years, without a

1
kept the law perfectly, and kept it for ten, the end of that lime, I should break if, at must sutler its dread penally. Those; words it, spoken by the; Lord to the prophet K/ekiel came to my mind If he trust to his own righteousness, and commit
I
Then
remembered
that,
even
if
fault,
yet
"
iniquity,
all
his righteousnesses shall not

he;
I
be;
I
hath committed,
law, shut
up."
"
shall die for
it."
So
remembered but for his iniquity that he; saw that was, indeed, "kepi under the
;
had hoped
"
to escape, this
I
Was
not
christened
1
when
way, or that way, or some; other way. was a child? Had I not been taken to a place of
I
worship? not my prayers regularly? Had been an honest, upright, moral youth ? Was all this nothing? "Nothing," said the law, as it drew its sword of lire Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the; law to do them." So there was no rest for
"
Had
not been brought up to say
my
spirit,
nay, not even for a
moment.
What was
to
do
was
in
the hands of one
who showed no mercy

nothing
to
whalever, for Moses never said,
"Mercy."
The law has
do with mercy. That comes from another mouth, and under another Hut before; faith came;, I was dispensation. under the; law, shut up unto the "kepi faith which should afterwards be revealed."
r.
n.
STURGEON
bold to say that, if a man be- destitute; of the; grace; of God, his works are came- into the: I know, before forced to do them. only works of slavery; he feels went because went to God s house, thought of the children of God, if
I
am
liberty
must do
feared some misfortune: would happen in the; prayed, it was because: thought ever thanked God for a mercy, it was because; day if I did not if it was a deed, if righteous should not get another if I were not thankful performed should be winning with tht: hope that very likely God would reward me at last, ami was a poor slave, a mere; Gibeonite, hewing wood and drawingleaven. a crown in II could should have: love-el to do so. I it. If I could have left off water!
it
;
if
doing been no chapel-going for me-, no religion for have have had my will, there would mc I would have; lived in the world, and followed the; ways of Satan, if could have As for righteousness, it was slavery sin would have been my done: as I pleased. there: is none Vet, truth to tell, of all bondage and slavery in this world,
I
, ;
liberty.
more
with
horrible:
than
the:
bondage
full
1
of sin.
Tell
;
me
tell
of Israel
me: ol
straw, yet preparing the
tale of bricks
it
Egypt, unsupplied the negro beneath the- lash

;
in
of his cruel task-master, and

one:
far
worse,
the:
;
burden
of his guilt
a
hounds about
shoulder,
in
bondage when the- burden of sin is on his weary stag the bondage of a man a burden which will sink him a burden too heavy for his soul to bear.
;
but there is a bondage fearful to be borne is brought to led the bondage of a convinced sinner when he of a man when once: his sins are- bavin- him, like theconfess
is
Methink; the depths of everlasting torment, unless he: doth escape from it. clouds have lie; hath ne er a smile; upon his face;; dark such a person. se-e: I stands his very words are sighs his gathered on his brow solemn and serious he;
; ; ; ;
seems most happy, hot drops Ask him what of grief roll in burning showers, scalding furrows on his cheek. Ask him how he is, and he a wretch undone-." he is, and he- tells you he: is Ask him what he shall be, and he: says, incarnate-." confesses that he is
songs are groans
his smiles are- tears;
and when
he;
"
"misery
"I
shall
be:
lost
in
hell
for
ever;
there
convince-d sinner under bondage-.

that, of
all
no hope for been in Such have

is
1
me:.
Such
is
the;
poor
my
bondage,
this
is
the most painful,
the bondage: of
the-
days, and I law, the bondage.
declare
of corruption.
My
less.
the-
impression
is,
that
this
is
the
history of
all
the:
people
of
God, more; or
;
\Ye; are not all alike- in
every respect.
children of
YYe: differ greatly in certain particulars

will be:
yet
main features of
all
the-
God
found
to be: the
same, and their
s family, Ghristian experience will resemble that of the: other members of the Lord but this did as do not say that all have felt the apprehension of coming judgment
I
;
is
knew was guilty, knew that how it came to me. did and knowledge, and knew that had transgressed against light God mio-ht call me to account; but did know this, when awoke;
I
1
1
that
had offended God,

not
know when
morning,
in the;
c.
IT.
STURGEON
I
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
85
the
first,
thought
had was that

soul of me.
had
to deal with a justly-angry
suddenly require
sin,
my
Often, during the day,
when
God, who might had a little time for

I
quiet meditation, a great depression of spirit would

sitt,
six
had outlawed
I
me
from
my
God.
come upon me because felt that wondered that the earth bore up
fall
such a sinner as
was, and that the heavens did not
and crush me, and the

I
stars
had perpetually to I the tortures of the never-dying" worm of conscience that was gnawing at my heart. no went to the house of God, and heard what I supposed was the gospel, but it was My soul abhorred all manner of meat I could not lay hold upon a gospel to me.
I
;
in their courses did not fight against such a wretch as indeed, did I seem as if I should go down to the pit, and
felt
myself to be.
Then, endure
If anyone had asked of salvation. promise, or indulge a well-grounded hope I am what would become of me, I must have answered, going clown to the pit."
"
me
If
anyone had entreated

refused
cell.
me: to
hope
hope.
that
I
mercy might come

used to
feel
to
me,
should have
to
entertain
that
such
that
was
in the
condemned
;
dungeon, the man writes bitter things against himself he feels he wonders the stones absolutely sure that the wrath of God abideth on him him beneath his feet do not open a grave to swallow up he: is astonished that the
In
;
;
walls of the piison do not (-. impress and crush him into nothingness; he marvels that he has his breath, or that the blood in his veins does not turn into rivers of
ilame.
1 1
is
it
spirit is in
is
a dreadful state
he not only
feels that
he
shall
be
lost,
I
but
he
thinks
is
told,
just
in
scaffold.
\\ ell
am The condemned cell in Newgate, going to happen now. such a corner that the criminal can hear the putting-up of the: do I remember hearing my scaffold built, and the sound of the
law as piece after piece was put together!
hammer
It appeared as if I would witness my eternal heard the noise of the crowd of men and devils who execution, all of them howling and yelling out their accursed things against my Then there was a big bell that tolled out the hours, and I thought that spirit.
of
the
very soon the

cast
last
moment would
that of a
arrive,
and
must mount
!
the:
fatal
scaffold to
be
away for ever. Oh, state more wretcheel than
that conde-.mneel cell
Next
to
Tophet, there can

!
be no
man who
in
When
and
the:
was
for
many
a month
when I diel read them, I type I There," but the: threatenings were all my own. did not believe they were mine Me: that believeth not shall be damned, that means me!" said I, "when it says,
;
threatenings were all printed in could not for a long time make: them out; and
brought there this state, I used to read the Bible through, capitals, but the promises were in such small
is
But when
"
it
said,
lie
is
able also to save

I
them
to the uttermost that

"lit-
come unto God
found no place of was shut out. When I read, by Him, "then I thought I thought, "Ah! that is repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears;" That which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, myself again." And when I read,
"
86
C.
li.
STURGEON
is
I
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
"
and
is
nigh unto cursing

letter."
me
to the very
it
whose end And when

"Ah!"
to
be burned
"
Ah my
"
said,
ll
"that
describes
heard the Master say,

I,
"that
Cut
it
down; why
have
cumbereth
the
ground?"
thought
is
text;
He
will
me
I
down
read,
before
"Ho!
long,
and not
let
me cumber
;
the
ground any
"Come
"
more."
I
lUit
when
everyone
I
that thirsteth
sure."
conn- ye to the waters

1
;"
said,
all
"That
does
not belong to me,
am
And when
read,
I
;"
unto Me,
ye that labour
"
That belongs to my brother, knew round about me; (or the} were all heavy laden," to my sister," or those I was not; and though, (iod knoweth, I would weep, and cry, and thought, but lament till my heart was breaking within me, any man had asked me whether never had any true: sorrow ior I should have told him, sorrowed for sin, Xo, But you really are a No Well, do you not feel the burden of sin ?
and
arc:
heavy laden, and

I
will
give you rest
said,
it
"
"
"
"
"
sin."
convinced
"
sinner?"
Xo,"
should
have
said,
"I
am
not."
Is
it
not strange
when they are coming to Christ, are so much in the dark thai see them they cannot see their own hands? They are so blind that they cannot selves; and though the Holy Spirit has been pleased to work in them, and give:
that poor sinners,
them godly fear and a tender conscience, they will stand up, and declare that they have not those blessings, and that in them there: is not any gooel tiling, and that God has not looked on them nor loved them.
have learned by report, when say of the: that there: is a chamber in the: experience: of some men where the temptations Read John lUmyan s Grace Abounding, if you would under devil exceed all belief. mean. The: devil te:mpte-el him, he says, to eloubt the existence of God, stand what the manhood of Christ, the:n His Deity; and once:, he says, he the truth of
I
speak what
do know, and not what
Scripture-,
tempte:el
him
to say things
which
he:
will neve:r write:, lest he:

I,
should pollute others.

to
Ah
recollect a elark
hour with myse:lf when
who do
not
remember
have even
hearel a
blasphemy in my youth, much less to have uttere:el one, found rushing the through my mind an almost infinite number of curses and blasphemies against a in and crooked narrow lane-, Most High God. country specially recall a certain
1
was seeking the Saviour. On a was walking, one day, while: town, along which sudden, it seemed as if the: floodgates of hell had been opened my head became a ten thousand evil spirits seemed to be holding carnival within very pandemonium should give utterance to the words of mouth lest held brain and
I I
;
my
my
blasphemy
Things I had never heard or thought of before came rushing impc-tuously into my mind, ami I could scarcely withstand their These things sorely It was the devil throwing me down and tearing me. influence.
that we
re
poured
into
my
ears.
beset
me
for half-an-hour together, the
most
fearful
imprecations would dash through
my
brain.
Oh, how
groaned and cried before
God
That temptation passed
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
;
away but ere many days, it was renewed again and when was in prayer, or when I was reading the Bible, these blasphemous thoughts would pour in upon me more:
;
than at any other time.
consulted with an aged godly

"
man about
it.
He
said to
many of the people of God have proved before you! But/ he I do," I asked, "do you hate these thoughts "Then," said he, truly answered. are not serve them as the old parish officers used to do with "they yours vagrants, and send them on them, to their own parish. whip So," said he:, "do with those
me,
"Oh,
all
this
?"
evil
thoughts.
Groan over them, repent of them, and send them on
to the devil, the
lather of them, to
I
knew
they belong, for they are not yours." have never been thoroughly an unbeliever but once, and that was not before I the need of a Saviour, but after it. It was just when I wanted Christ, and
whom
panted after Him, that, on a sudden, the thought crossed my mind which I abhorred but could not conquer, that there was no God, no Christ, no Heaven, no
my prayers were but a farce, and that I might as well have whistled to the winds or spoken to the howling waves. Ah! I remember how my ship drifted along through that sea of fire, loosened from the anchor of my faith which I had
hell
;
that
all
received
from
I
my
said
fathers.
to
Revelation;
no longer moored myself hard by reason, "Be thou my captain;" said to

I 1
the
coasts
of
my own
sailin<>-
brain,
Be thou my rudder;" and over now; but will tell you

I
started on
its
my mad
I
brief history.
the
tempestuous ocean of free thought. began to darken but to make up for that
;
Thank God, it is all was one hurried over went on, and as went, the skies deficiency, the waters were gleaming
voyage.
It
I
with coruscations of brilliancy.
saw sparks
it
and
"
felt,
I
If this
be
free thought,
is
gems, and
scattered stars with both

I
my
Hying- upwards that pleased me, a happy thing." My thoughts seemed hands but anon, instead of these corus
;
cations of glory, as I dashed on,
saw grim
fiends, fierce
and
they gnashed
their teeth,
horrible, start up from the waters and and grinned upon me they seized the
; ;
ship, and dragged me on, while I, in part, gloried at the: rapidity of my motion, but yet shuddered at the terrific rate with which I passed the old landmarks of my faith. went to the very verge of the realms of unbelief. I went to
prow of
my
the very bottom of the sea of infidelity. began to doubt if there were a world.
I
As
I
dreary hurried forward at an awful speed,

until
doubted everything,
at
last
the
I by making me doubt my own existence. thought I was an idea lloating in the of nothingness vacuity; then, startled with that thought, and feeling that I was substantial flesh and blood after all, I saw that God was, and Christ was, and Heaven was, and hell was, and that all these were absolute
devil defeated himself
tilings
the very extravagance of the: doubt proved its absurdity, anil there came a voice which said, "And can this doubt be true Then awoke from that clealhdream, which, God knows, might have damned if soul, and ruined !;ael
truths.
?"
my
my
body,
S8
not awoke.
r.
11.
SPURdKON
AUTOHlOdRAI
;
liY.
When
arose, faith
;
took the helm

"
from that moment,

"
doubted
not.
;
Faith steered
I
me hack
faith
;
cried,
Away, away
cast
my
anchor on Calvary
1
Therefore, and here I am alive, and out of hell speak eye to (iod land. come safe to I have have sailed that perilous voyage I what I do know. Xo 1 have tried it it was sweet at first, but bitter Ask me again to be an infidel afterwards. Now, lashed to God s gospel more firmly than ever, standing as on a know whom I move me, for rock of adamant, defy the arguments of hell to
lifted
my
"I
have believed, and

mitted unto
Him."
am persuaded
I
that
He
is
able to keep that which

if
have com
believe,
should not be astonished
many
others,
who now
have also been upon the very borders of atheism, and have doubted almost every his own It is when Satan finds the heart tender that he tries to stamp thing-. soul but, blessed be God, he never accomplishes it impress of infidelity upon the Now, whenever I hear the sceptic s in the sinner who is coming to Christ
;
truly
stale attacks
upon the
of
Word
of God,
smile within
trilling
s
myself, and
I
think,
felt,
"Why,
you simpleton!
contentions
who greater difficulties. Gordon Gumming and contended with horses are not to be wearied by footmen. stood other lion-killers are not to be scared by wild cats, nor will those who have
ten
time
how can my own unbelief,
you urge such
objections?
have
in
the.
We
have
foot to foot with

evil
Satan resign the

servants.
it
field
to
of the pretentious sceptics, or any other
one
I
s inferior
do think
conflict, a
of
desperate Satan into the kingdom of
often proves a great blessing to a man that he had a terrible encounter, a hard-fought engagement in passing from the empire
God
dear Son.
Sooner or
darkness
;
later,
each saved
man
will
it
have his hand-to-hand a great mercy to have

to feel, "Whatever
of fight with the. prince

it
and, as a general rule,
is
over
at the- outset of
I
one
career,
and
to
be able afterwards
I
seeking Christ. insinuations, even of suicide
was never can suffer as 1 suffered when comes upon me, Whatever staggering doubt, or hideous blasphemy, or ghastly
itself,
may
assail
my
feeble heart, they cannot outdo the
after horror of great darkness through which my spirit passed when I was struggling I do not say that it is desirable that we should have this painful ordeal, a Saviour." but when we have less that we should seek it as an evidence of regeneration
much
we, may may be a perpetual armoury passed through it victoriously, cannot be so If we can now defy all doubts and fears that come, because they to us. in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour, we have potent as those which already, not equally well use overthrown, shall we not use that fact for ourselves, and can we
so use
it
that
it
it
for others?
in
Full often
have
found
it
good,
when
have talked with a young
convert
him something more of his anxious plight found it, though he than he knew how to express and he has wondered where much deeper would not have- wondered if he had known where I had been, and how
deep distress about
his sin, to
;
tell
C.
11.
S1
URGKUN
Ab TOlUOliKAPUY.
89
in
the mire than he.
When
he
lias
talked about
some
horrible thought that he has

I
had, with regard to the impossibility of his
own
salvation,
have
"
said,
\\ hy,
have
thought that a thousand times, and yet have overcome it through the help of God s ! know that a man s own experience is one of the very best weapons he Spirit! and can use in iVhtinoOften, their misery J o o with evil in other men s hearts.
despondency, aggravated, as
it
commonly
is,
by a feeling of
solitariness,
will
be
greatly relieved before it is effectually suffered the same, and yet lias been able to overcome.
the Saviour
is
driven out when they
find that a brother has
Do
show him how precious

will
to
my
1
soul?
He
glorifies
;
God
in
me.
Right soon
he look into
the same: dear face and be lightened
and then he
will
magnify the Lord with me,
and we
shall exalt
is
name
together.
Multitudes
ol
persons are
sailing
in
what they think
to
be the good ship of
they are expecting that they shall get to Heaven in her. self-righteousness she never did carry a soul safely into the iair Haven yet, and she never will.
is
But
Self-
may righteousness as ol ourselves the Christ by opposing by transgressing the destroy righteousness law of God. Self-righteousness is as much an insult to God as blasphemy is, and God will never accept it, neither shall any soul enter Heaven by it. Yet this vessel
for, often, keep on her way against all the opposition ol Scripture men have a soft South wind blowing", and things go easily with them, and they
as rapid a road to ruin as
outward
sin itself.
We
as certainly
manages
to
own doings they shall assuredly find the Port of Peace. I am glad, therefore, when some terrible tempest overtakes this vessel and when men s hopes rejoice when through their own doings and their own feelings are utterly wrecked. the old ship parts timber from timber, when she goes aground and breaks to pieces, and men find safety in some other way for whatever seeming safety they may have
believe that through their
;
It must end in destruction, and it is therefore a only delude them. thousand mercies when they find it out soon enough to get a better hope of recollect very well I being saved than this, which will certainly deceive them.
to-day
will
It was as good a ship as Euroclydon blew on my vessel. Her any others have, although I have no doubt they would vindicate their own. sails needed mending, and here and there she wanted a little touch of paint but, for and entered Al at Lloyd all that, she was sea-worthy, and Ik to be registered
when
that
terrific
"
s,"
in
the
first class,
at least, so
to pieces,
and
bless
if
1
God
I
The storm blew over her, and she went thought. that she did, for I should have been kept on board to
I
very to the last plank, but
this
mimne
had not been washed
oft.
tried
to
cling to the old
hulk
was obliged
I
to give
it
up,
and look somewhere

surely cannot be that,
else for help
and
safety.
Before
came
to Christ,
said to myself,
"
It
if
believe
9U
in
I
C.
11.
Sl
URCJKO.N S
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
feel
Jesus, just as
am,
shall
be saved
must
something
must do
something"
I
!
could pour scorn upon myself to think of SOUK; of the gooel resolutions made blew them up, like children with their pipes and their soap, and line bubbles thcv
all
were, reflecting
1
the:
colours of the rainbow

-----
But a touch, and thev dissolved.

e-ternai
hey
were:
good
lor
!
nothing,
poor stuff
it
to
builel
hopes upon.
Oh,
that
!
working it slavery produced was a spinner and weaver of the poorest sort, yet dreamed that I should be able This was the by my own spinning to make a garment to cover myself withal. trade ol father Adam and mother Kve: when they first lost their innocence sewed leaves and made themselves It is a verv they fig togethe:r, aprons."
I
I
1 ;
"
lor salvation
What
was, but what small results
laborious business, and has worn out

its
the:
lives of
many
with bitter bondage, but

all
worst
feature:
"
is
that the
Lord has
shall
declarer! concerning
who
follow this
shall
the:v
se:lf-
righteous
craft,
Their we:bs
not
become garments, neither
cover
themselves with
the:ir works."
I
to
If
t/o
Oh, the mr.ny times that have wished the preacher would tell me something that be saved! have done it, if it had been possible:. might Gladly would he had said, Take oft your shoes and stockings, and run to John o (Croat I
I
1
"
s,"
would not even have gone: home

that
I
first,
but would have: started off that verv night,

I
he>
How olien have: thought that, if had might win salvation. back to se the anel take would have- said, your ourge:, titty lashes;" I ome: with and beat as harel as your whip, along you please, so long as
I
said,
He-re:
-
"
Bare-
"
am
an obtain
pe:ace: anel rest, anel ge:t riel

(
of
my
sill."
Ve:t that simple-st of
all
matte-rs
be-lie-ving in
accepting His finished salvation, be-ing nothing, anel letting Him be: could not ge-t a hold everything, eloing nothing but trusting to what He: has done:,ol it. Once thought there was salvation in good works, and Laboured hard, ami
hrist crucified,
1 I
1
strove diligently to pre:se:rve: a character for integrity and uprightness; but die-el." That whie h Spirit of Goel came into my he-art, "sin re:vive:el, and
1
when
I
the
thought
I
had been
myself
tears
to
gooel, proveel
to
be:
e:vil
whe:rein
fancie:el
had been
holy,
sinful,
founel
needed
be unholy. 1 discovered that my very be-st actions were: to be wept ove:r, ami that my very praye-rs m-edexl (iod s
that
my
1
forgive-ness.
discovered that
eloing
all
my
was seeking gooel works from a

I
afte-r
salvation by
motive:,
I
the:
works of
the:
law, that
was
se lfish
namely, to
I
save: myse:lf, anel there-fore:
thev could not
works
any.
for
two
the-y
found out that coulel not be- save-el by gooel acceptable to God. hael reasons hael not first, ve:ry good got any, ami secondly, it could not save me-. After that, thought, sure-ly salvation might be:
be;
so I laboured harel obtained, partly by re-formation, and partly by trusting in ( hrist and it a fe:w ami a tew adeted here tears oi penitence:, the-re, again, praye-rs thought,
;
anel a
k:w vows
ol
improvement,
all
would be
we:ll.
But alter fagging on

the mill,
I
for
many
a weary day, like a poor blind horse: toiling
mund
founel
hael
geme no
C.
If.
9!
farther, for there
was
still
an aching void
in
my
hang-ing over me, and there was still heart, which the world could never till,- -a void of distress
the curse of
I
God
and
care, ior
was sorely troubled because
could not attain unto the rest which

heart waited against sin When did 1 know ol the precious blood
!
my
God
soul desired.
What
the
a struggle that was which
my young
Holy Ghost
first
which has put
my
1
sins away,
quickened me, little and drowned them

I
in
the depths ior ever.

I
But
did
know
I
tiiis,
that
could not remain as

better,
was
that
I
could not rest happy unless
became something
something purer than
was
and, oh,
how my
spirit
with groanings, I groamngs that say it without any exaggeration, in dark I could not be uttered and, oh, ho\v my poor way, to overcomesought, then another, and so to do battle, in God s strength, against first one sin and
cried to
!
God
the enemies that assailed me, and not, thank God, altogether without success, though still the battle had been lost unless He had come who is the Overcomer of sin and
the Deliverer of His people, and had put the: hosts to flight. to improve myself, but I never did make much of it; I found
tried
along time
devil within
had a
me when
I
began, and
I
had ten devils when
left off.
Instead of becoming better,
became worse;
had now got the
devil of self-righteousness, of self-trust,
and
self-
conceit, and many others that had come and taken up their lodging within my heart. While I was busy sweeping my house:, and garnishing it, behold, the one I sought to get rid of, who had only gone for a little season, returned, and brought with
him.
seven other
spirits
more wicked than

It is
1
himself,
and they entered
in
and dwelt
it
there.
Then
I
laboured to believe.
to believe,
I
a strange
It
When
I
wished
found
could not.
way seemed
of putting
to
it,
yet so
was.
to
me
that the
way
leaven by Christ s righteousness was as difficult as by my own, and that I could as soon get to Heaven by Sinai as by Gal vary. I could do nothing, I could neither
repent nor believe.
gospel,
I
fainted with despair, feeling as
if
must be
lost despite the
and be
for
ever
driven
from
Jehovah
presence,
even though
Christ
had died.
I
must confess that

as ever
I
I
never would have been saved
if
could have: helped
it.
When could, rebelled, and revolted, and struggled ag.ajnst God. He would have me pray, I would not pray when He would have me listen to the sound of the ministry, would not. And when I heard, and the: tear rolled down my
As long
:
cheek,
wiped
;
it
away, and
elid
1
elelieel
Him
to
melt
my
heart.
There came: an
ele:ction
sermon
but that
;
powerlessness
but
not please: me. There came: a law sermon, showing me eliel not believe it, I thought it was the whim ol some
my
olel
experimental Christian, some elogma of ancie-nt times that woulel not suit men now. Then there came another sermon, concerning death and sin but I elid not believe
;
was dead,
for
thought
was
alive
enough,
anel
coulel repent
and make myself
02
riL -ln
C.
H.
SrilKOKOX
AU
<
)BH KiKA
V.
bv-anel by.
in
Then
there
came
I
a strong exhortation sermon

as well as
I
but
fc.lt
could
did
I
set
When my heart was a little touched, continually trust in my self-sufficiency. have been saved, until tried to divert it with sinful pleasures; and would not then
I
my house
order when
liked,
could do
it
at once.
So
God gave me
effort
the effectual
blow, and
was obliged
to
submit
to
that irresistible
me bow myself It conquered my depraved will, and made His grace. When the Lord really brought me to myself, He sent before His gracious sceptre. found myself utterly ollc .rreat shot which shivered me to pieces; and, lo, than the angels, and could accomplish I defenceless. thought I was more mighty all things; but I found myself less than nothing. not remember Can "Make haste, and come down, Jesus said to Zaccheus, One of the first steps had to take was to also told me to come down ?
of
I
when He
right &
stood down from my good works; and, oh, what a fall was that! Then have pulled you and Christ said, "Come down! upon my own self-sufficiency, from your selfdown will pull you down from your good works, and now
i
o-o
had another fall, and felt sure I had gained the bottom, but again fell on some point down till Christ said, "Come down!" and lie made me come .Down, sir! come But still the command was, at which I felt I was yet salvable. And down came until, in despair, had to let go every bough down further
sufficiency."
So
yet."
of the tree of
am ruined. I can do nothing I said, hopes, and then shut out from the light of day, waters were wrapped round my head, and I was lint Christ said, of Israel. and thought myself a stranger from the commonwealth was Then sir! thoti hast too much pride to be saved." lower
"
my
down brought down

"Come
yet,
to see
humbles the sinner

"
my whom
for God always filt mnes corruption, my wickedness, my While I was in this stale, trying to lie means to save.
wouldst believe, make myself believe, a voice, whispered, "Vain man, vain man, if them Then the [oly Spirit led me by the hand to a solitary place, and come and see there appeared be-fore me: One upon His cross while I stood there,
!
looked up;
still
suddenly had then no faith.
flowing; I His miseries unutterable
saw His eyes suffused with tears, and saw His enemies about Him, hunting Him to His grave
I
;
the:
I
blood
marked
and as
heard the groaning which cannot
be-
described
of man is come- to seek looked up, He opened His eyes, and said to me-, "The- Son that gracious word. and to save that which was lost." Yet I needed more: than see on a The general call of the: gospel is like: the sheet lightning we: sometimes struck summer s evening, beautiful, grand, but who ever heard of anything being somewhere. is the- forked Hash from heaven; it strikes by it? But the special call The call which saves is of the harnes It is the arrow shot in between the: joints when He saiel, "Mary," and she said unto Him, Rabboni." like that of
"
Jesus,
not recollect the hour
when He whispered my name, when
He- said in
mine
ear,
c.
ii.
spuur.F.nx
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
;
93
it.
I
"
Come
unto
Me"
That was an
;
effectual call
;
there was no resisting

!
know
I would not come. but oh, that call I despised, I abhorred it laughed at religion All that the Father givelh Me shall come to But Christ said, "Thou shall come. But thou shall," said Jesus. I have gone up to God s Me. Lord, 1 will not." house, sometimes, almost with a resolution that I would not listen, but listen I must.
1
"
"
"
Oh,
ho\v
the
in
remainin^
1
Word came into my soul! Was there any power was thrown down; each bone seemed to me? No;
1
<>i
resistance
be broken.
bewail to think then; never

a trench
!
would be a
!
Out my soul of rubbish my knowledge, my good resolves, and my self-sufficiency When this digging-out was completed, the By-and-by, out went all my strength. Such a it seemed like my grave. went down into ditch was so deep that, as this that seem own did not sinfulness, that it rief it was for me to know my possible ihe Lord Yet, so il is, that could help my upbuilding in comfort and salvation.
What
was dug Out wenl
in
of anything built up in my heart. \\ hat a heap went my supposed merits

trace;
! !
it,
if
always digs deep; and it lie means to give great grace, le gives deep consciousness oi need of it. Long before I began with Christ, He had begun with me; but when began with Him, it was, as the law-writers say,
means
1
to build high, lie
"
///
forma
paupcris,"
after the style of a
wretched mendicant,
a pauper
who had
I know, when I iirst cast nothing of his own, and looked to Christ for ever) thing. my eye to lis dear cross, ai.d rested in Him, I had not any ineril of my own, il was
1
all
demerit.
was not deserving, excepl

virtue; that
I
that
in.
felt
was hell-deserving
all
had not
even a shade of
to
I
could confide
It
was
over with me.
had come
could not have found a farthing s worth of goodness in myself ii an extremity. seemed to be all rottenness, a dunghill of corruption, had been melted down.
1
I could truly join with Paul at nothing better, but something a greal deal worse. he used a slrong that time, and say that my own righteousnesses were dung I counl them but expression, but I do not suppose; he; felt it to be; strong enough
;
"
dung, that
elo
may win
Christ, anel
be;
founel in
Him."
not
know what may

I
be;
ihe peculiarity of
I
my
constitution,
but
have;
ahvavs loved safe things.

nature*.
the;
have; not, that
know
be;
I
of,
Safe things things that I can see to of -I test time,lay hold of with avidity.
:
one grain of speculation in my made of rock, and that will bear

in
was reasoning thus
my
boyish
spirit
if
I
Scripture; te;Hs me;

in
believe
)esus,
Chrisl shall never perish. The-n, There, will be no shall be safe for time; and for eternity, too.
that
he;
that
be:lie;ve-th in
fear of
my
ever be-ing
1
in hell
shall run
no
risk as to
secure for ever.

shall
shall
see the
face;
have the certainty of Christ, and behold
that,
my e;te;rnal when my eyes an;

in
state, that will
be
I
closed
1
ir
death,
Him
glory.
Whenever
heard the
water to
doctrine of the
final
preservation of the saints preached,
my mouth
useel to
94
:
<"
n.
SPURGEON
to
AUTOWOGUAI
HY.
sing- that
;i
child of
God.
When
used
hear the old saints
hymn
of
Toplady s,
thought
should never
l
;
lie
able to sing
it
myself,
it
was too high doctrine, too
sweet, too consoling-
)U t
when they came,

".My
to the climax, in the last verse,
name from
the palms of His hands

;
Eternity will not erase Impressed on His heart it remains In marks of indelible grace
:
Yes,
to the
end
shall endure,
As sure as the earnest is given; More happy, but not more secure,
The
glorified spirits in Heaven;"
would leap out of my body, and I would cry to God, "Oh, I that had a part and lot in such a salvation as that distinctly remember Xow I should not like to be a thief, or a having a meditation something like this had such a training that had an abhorrence of murderer, or an unclean person."
my
heart was as
I
if
it
"
"
sin of
is
every sort. no reason why
"And
I
yet,"
thought
to
"
myself,
;"
may even be hanged

I
there-
should not turn out a thief

I
because
recollected then; were
some, of
my
;
schoolfellows, older than
was,
I
who had
dishonesty
spirit,
and
I
thought,
I
"Why
may
not
?"
Xo
already become proficient in one can tell the rapture of my

if
1
when
thought
saw
in
my
Bible the doctrine that,
gave;
1
my
heart to
I lived. was not would keep me from sin, and preserve; me: as long as thought so but quite certain whether that truth was revealed in the Bible, though heard the minister of some small remember, when Hyper chapel utter the that kind of gospel. alter I of same doctrine, my heart was full panted rapture
Christ, lie
"
"
if 1 might but know myself to be thought, For the enchanting part of it was that, if I were so loved, lie; would keep Ilis me to the end. That made me so in love with the gospel that, boy as I was"Oh
!"
"if
God would
but love me,
"
knowing nothing savingly about the truth, I was all tin; more earnest in desiring to hat made the be saved, because, if saved, God would never turn me out of doors. showed me my guilt, and gospel very precious to me so that, when the Holy Spirit led me to seek the Saviour, that doctrine, was like a bright star to my spirit.
I
;
The
Bible
seemed
save you from all keep you in a life of integrity and holiness while I felt that I could not here, and lie will bring you safe to Heaven at the last." if I trust man, for I had seen some of the very best wandering far from the truth
;
me to be evil; He will
to
full
of this truth,
"
If
you
trust
Christ,
He
will
trusted
Christ,
it
I
was not a chance as

learned that,
if
I
to
all
whether
should get to Heaven, but a
certainty; and
rested
my
weight upon Him,
He
would keep
c
me,
for
I
ii.
SPURGKON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY,
g^
found
it
written,
clean hands shall
The righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath wax stronger and stronger." found the apostle saying, "He
"
which hath begun a good work in you will perform and such-like expressions. I have found an Insurance Ofiice, and a good OIK;, too reasoned, "Why," \viil
it,"
"
am, for lie bids me do so; go lo Jesus as will trust had listened to the Arminian theory, mysel! should never have been converted, for it never had any charms for me:. A Saviour who casts away lis people, a God who leaves His children to perish, is not worthy of my worship; and a salvation which does not save outright is neither worth preaching nor worth
soul in
it;
I
insure
my
will
1
with
Him."
If
listening
I
to.
recollect the time

feel
in
when
was
afraid that Jesus

if
used to
my
heart that, even
He
did not,
would never save me, but I must love: Him for what
I
He
say,
had done
for
other poor sinners.

if
It
seemed
I
to me, as
read the wondrous

lie
story of His
"Thou
life
and death, that
He
refused me,
would
still
at
;
His
feet,
if
and
mayest spurn me, but Thou art a blessed Christ for all that dost curse me, yet I can only say to Thee that I well deserve it at
what Thou
her out
wilt with
;
and
me, yet Thee, but
Thy me but Thou didst save the. dying thief, and Thou didst of whom Thou didst cast seven devils, and if Thou dost not deign to Thou art a blessed Christ, and cannot rail at Thee:, or find fault
I
hands.
Thou Do
save save
with
lie
if
clown at
Thy
feet,
once, that, even

others.
I
He damned
me,
and worship Thee." I could not help saying, would love God because He was so to
One
text of Scripture especially cheered
me
lived
upon
it
for
gracious months.
the weight of sin, and I did not know the Saviour I feared God would blast me with His wrath, and smite: me: with His hot displeasure! From chapel to chapel I went to hear the Word preached, but never a sentence: did I gospel hear; but this
ielt
;
one text preserved

shall call
me
from what
believe
should have been driven

It
to,
the:
com
mission oi suicide through grief and sorrow.
was
this
sweet word,
I
"\Vhosoever
I
upon the name of the Lord

I
shall
be
saved."
Well,
I
thought,
I
cannot
could wish, cannot find pardon; but know call upon His know pray, ay, and pray with groans, and tears, and sighs, day and night am ever lost, will plead that Thou God, saielst, Whosoever promise, shall call upon did call wilt Thou cast me away? My name shall be saved! diel plead did lift up my heart in prayer canst Thou be Thy promise just, and yet condemn the sinner who did really call upon Thy name ?
I
believe on Christ as
I 1
name, and if
"O
"
My
say.
I
heart was greatly impressed by something which I heard my mother had been some years seeking Christ, and I could not believe that He would
She. said she
had heard many people swear and blaspheme: God, but one: she had never heard a man say he had sought Christ, thing she had never known, and Christ had rejected him. she: added, do not believe that God
me:.
"And,"
"I
save
]i.
SPUROEOX
AUTOIHOr.RAHIY.
1
would permit any man to live to say that." had sought Him, and He. had 1 thought
1
thought
that
could say
1
it
cast
1
me
away, and
determined
1
ln;it
would say
truth.
it;
even
1
if
it
destroyed
"1
my
will
was the
Master,
Hut
said to myself,
would speak what soul, thought went to the and once more;" try
1
1
on Mis mercy; and nothing of my own, casting myself simply never shall be His holy name, believed that He died for me, and now, blessed As the result of personal experience, me away be. able to say that lie has cast I have heard many wicked can add my own testimony to that of my mother. 1 have e till I also have heard men swear and blaspheme God, things in my life, think God never did hear a man say yet, and trembled; but there is one thing never knew even a I a lie would scarcely permit any man to utter such with full purpose, of heart, vet Me drunken man sincerely sought God
with
I
!
say,
"I
has not heard me, and
1 scarcely away. that wicked, can be almost infinitely any think it possible., although 1 know that men can I At that. rale, as say any man could utter such an abominable falsehood
will
not answer me, but has cast
me
have never heard
it.
CHAPTER
(0>rtat
XI.
Cijamv
Cou&crsi0m
that
began brighten and they listened, because they were hearing something which the speaker himself felt^md which they recognized as being true to him if it was not true to them. Can yon not remember, dearly-beloved, that day of days, that best and brightest of hours, when first you saw the Lord, lost your burden, received the roll of promise, rejoiced in full salvation, and went on your way in peace ? My soul can never lorget that day. lying, all but dead, diseased, pained, chained, scourged, bound in fetters of iron, in darkness and the shadow of death, Jesus appeared unto me. My eyes looked to Jinn; the disease was healed, the pains removed, chains were snapped prison doors were opened, darkness gave place to light. What delight filled my soul what mirth, what ecstasy, what sound of music and dancing, what soarings towards Heaven, what heights and depths oi meltable delight Scarcely ever since then have known joys which surpassed the rapture of
;
I have heard men tell the story of their conversion, and of their spiritual life, in such a way that heart hath loathed than and their story, too, for they have told of their sins as if they did boast in the greatness of their crime, and they have mentioned the love of God, not with a tear of gratitude, not with the simple thanksgiving of the really humble heart, but as if they as much exalted themselves as they exalted God. Oh when we tell the story of our own conversion, I would have it done with great sorrow, remembering what we used to be, and with great joy and gratitude, remembering how little we deserve these things. I was once conversion and preaching upon salvation, and I felt within myself, as preachers often do, that it was but dry work to tell this story, and a dull, dull tale it was to me but, on a sudden, the thought crossed my mind, "Why, you are a poor, lost, ruined sinner yourself; tell it, tell it as you received it begin to tell of the grace of God as you trust you feel it yourself." Why, then, my eyes began to be fountains of tears those hearers who had nodded their heads to
my
up,
lirst
hour.
C. H. S.
crowd sonnets within the compass of a word let our hours of melody into a single syllable let our tongue utter in one letter the essence of the harmony of ages for we write of an hour which as far excclleth all other days of our life as
1
our
lips
voice
distil
gold
to
exceedeth dross.
As
the night of Israel
passover was a night
be remembered, a theme for bards, and an incessant fountain of grateful song, even so is the time of which we now tell, the never-to-be-forgotten hour of our emancipation from guilt, and our Other days have justification in Jesus. mingled with their fellows till, like coins worn in circulation, their image and super but this clay remained! new, fresh, scription are entirely obliterated as dis
;
bright,
were but yesterday struck from the mint of time. Memory shall drop from the palsied hand full many a memento which now she cherishes, but she shall never, even when she tottereth to the grave, unbind from her heart the token of the The thrice-happy hour of the redemption of our spirit. emancipated galley-slave may forget the day which heard his broken fetters rattle on the ground the pardoned traitor may fail to remember the moment when the axe G
all its
tinct
in
parts as
if
it
of the
headsman was averted by a pardon and the long-despairing mariner may not him from the hungry deep but recollect the moment when a friendly hand snatched
; ;
our soul shall never forget thee () hour of forgiven sin, moment of perfect pardon, Fach day of our life hath had while within her life and being find an immortality
!
its
us. but on this day, like Jacob at Mahanaim, hosts of angels met attendant angel had the he light of The sun hath risen every morning, but on that eventful morn As the days of Heaven upon earth, as the years of immortality, as the seven days. as the bliss of Heaven, so were the hours of that thrice-happy day. of
;
ages
with
glory,
Rapture
all
divine,
and ecstasy inexpressible,
filled
;
our soul.
Fear, distress, and grief, place joys
their train of woes, lied hastily
away
and
in their
came without
number.
had a of sin, Holy Spirit, under conviction Sin, whatever it might be to other clear and sharp sense of the justice of God. feared hell, It was not so much that to me an intolerable burden. people, became for the concern had upon my mind a deep and all the while, feared sin as that
When
was
in
the hand of the
honour of God
felt that it name, and the integrity of His moral government. lUit then there could be forgiven unjustly. would not satisfy my conscience; if had been and "How could God be justify me who
came
so
the question,
I
just,
yet
guilty?"
anyânswer to have satisfied
would or of the surest proofs of the Divine inspiration of Holy Scripture. rebel ? This is no teaching could have thought of the just Ruler dying for the unjust This method of expiation or dream of poetical imagination. of human
^
my
see I was worried and wearied with this question; neither could have invented an answer which would it. Certainly, I could never The doctrine of the atonement is to my mind one
conscience.
Who
mythology,
is
because only known among men

ordained
it
;
it
is
a fact: fiction could not have devised
it.
God Himself
I
it
is
not a matter which could have been imagined.

;
had heard of the plan of salvation by the sacrifice of Jesus from my youth up than if had been born but 1 did not know any more about it in my innermost sotil was blind: it was of necessity and bred a Hottentot. The light was there, but me. It came to me as a newthat the Lord Himself should make the matter plain to that Jesus was declared to be revelation, as fresh as if I had never read in Scripture believe it will have to come as a the propitiation for sins that God might be just. I mean that glorious revelation to every new-born child of God whenever he sees it;
I I 1
doctrine of the substitution of the Lord Jesus.

;
came
to
understand that salvation
been made in the was possible through vicarious sacrifice and that provision had was made to such a substitution. first constitution and arrangement of things for the Father, had of see that He who is the Son of God, co-equal, and co-eternal with that He might in that old been made the covenant Head of a chosen people,
I
capacity suiter lor them and save them.
Inasmuch
as our
fail
was not
at the first a
our federal representative, the first Adam, it became possible for us to be recovered by a second Representative, even by Him who has undertaken to be the covenant Head of His so as to be their second Adam. people,
personal one,
for
tell
we
in
saw
that, ere
actually sinned,
had
in
fallen
by
my
first
father s sin
to rise
and
rejoiced
that, therefore,
it
became possible
point of law lor

left
and Representative. The fall by Adam could undo the ruin wrought by the first.
by a second Head a loophole of escape another Adam

;
me
was anxious about the stood and saw by faith that He who
I
\\hen
possibility of a just God pardoning- me, is the Son of God became man, and in
under
His own
blessed person bore my sin in His own body on the; tree. I saw that the chastise ment of my peace was laid on Him, and that with His It was stripes I was healed. because the Son of God, supremely glorious in His matchless person, undertook to vindicate the law by bearing the sentence; due to me, that therefore God was able to
pass by
my
s
sin.
My
sole
hope
for
Heaven
that
I
lies
in the full
I
Calvary
cross for the ungodly.
On
firmly rely.
atonement made upon have not the shadow of a
hope anywhere else. Personally, I could never have overcome tried and tailed. for me:, My evil propensities were too
I
my own
in
sinfulness.
many
till,
the belief that
Christ died for me,

principle by which
to slay sin,
I
cast
my
guilty soul on
Him, and then
overcame
my
sinful self.
The
received a conquering doctrine of the cross can be used

I
even as the old warriors used
their
is
huge two-handed swords, and mowed

:
down
it
their foes at every stroke.

all evil.
I
overcomes
I
as
am, then
serve
Him who
-
nothing like; faith in the sinners Friend Christ has died for me, ungodly as I am, without strength cannot live in sin any longer, but must arouse myself to love and
If
I
There
Friend
save
hath redeemed me. I cannot trifle with the evil which slew my best must be holy for His sake. How can live in sin when He has died to
it ?
me
from
There was a day,

ever engraven upon Friend, murdered.
I
as
took
my
walks abroad, when

I
came hard by
a spot for
my memory,
for there
in
stooped down
Friend, my best, my only sad affright, and looked at Him. I saw that
feet
saw
this
His hands had been pierced with rough iron nails, and His same way. There was misery in His dead countenance so dared to look upon it. His body was emaciated with
the
had been rent

I
in
terrible that
scarcely
with bloody scourges, and His brow had a circle one see that these had been I pierced by thorns. shuddered, for I had known thi* Friend full well. He never had a fault He was the purest of the pure, the holiest ot the Who could have injured Him? For He never holy. injured any man: all His life long He - went about doing good;" He had healed the sick, He had fed the hungry, H e had raised the dead for which of these works did they kill Him?
;
hunger, His back was red of wounds about it: clearly could
100
C.
11.
Sl
UKGEONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
;
as I looked into the poor had never breathed out anything else but love and I wondered who could have sorrowful face, so full of agony, and yet so full of love,
He
been a wretch so
vile as to pierce
hands
like His.
said within myself,
"
Where
can
"
Who are these that could have smitten such an One as this ? these traitors live ? slain one Had they murdered an oppressor, we might have forgiven them had they had it been his desert who had indulged in vice or villainy, it might have been we would have said, a murderer and a rebel, or one who had committed sedition, at last given him his due." Uut when Thou wast slain, Bury his corpse justice has where lodged the traitors ? Let me seize them, and they
; ;
"
my
best,
my
be put endure them

shall
only-beloved, If there be torments that to death.

all.
what revenge jealousy And as I looked 14)011 that them these murderers, what would ! not do with I listened, and I clearly and wondered where it was. heard a I
Oh! what
footstep,
can devise, surely they shall If I might but find 1 felt!
corpse,
perceived that the

find him.
1
murderer was
that,
close: at
hand.
It
was dark, and

I
groped about
I
to
found
for
somehow
"
or other, wherever
put out
my
go.
hand,
could not
I
meet with him,
hand upon my the murderer was hiding within

inmost
soul.
he was nearer to I have thee breast.

then
me
than
my hand would
I
;
At
in
last
put
my
;
now,"
said
tor lo
he was
my own
heart
my own bosom,
dwelling
in the recesses of
my
I
wept indeed, that 1, felt myself most guilty while and Master, should be harbouring the- murderer; bowed over His corpse, and sang that plaintive hunn,
!
Ah
in the very presence of

I
my murdered
""I
was you,
my
sins,
my
cruel
;
sin>
His chief tormentors were Each of my crimes became a
nail,
Amid
the rabble rout which
hounded
the:
Redeemer
some gracious souls whose bitter anguish sought vent in march of woe-. When my soul fit music to accompany that
His doom, there were wailing and lamentations,

to
can, in imagination, see
she joins the godly women, and weeps the Saviour bearing His cross to Calvary, cause lying deeper than those with them for, indeed, there is true cause for grief, bewailed innocence maltreated, goodness perse mourning women thought. They more about to die but my heart has a deeper and cuted, love bleeding, meekness which lacerated those bles sins were the mourn.
; ;
bitter
cause to
My
scourges
brows my sins cried, shoulders, and crowned with thorns those bleeding and laid the cross upon His gracious shoulders. Him Crucify Him but my having been led forth to die is sorrow enough for one eternity
:
"
murderer,
one poor fountain of tears can express. hard to guess but they could Why those women loved and wept, it were not xain s widow than my heart has. not have had greater reasons for love and grief Peter s to newness of liie. saw her son restored but I myself have been raised
is
more,
infinitely
more
grief than
C.
H.
SPURGEOX
;
AUTOIUOC-RAPIIY.
TOT
but I of the greater plague of sin. Out oi seven devils were cast but a whole of out me. and Martha Magdalene legion Mary were favoured with visits from Him but He dwells with me. liis mother bare
wife
s
; ;
mother was cured of the fever
His body; but

holy
He
is
formed
in
me,
"the
hope of
glory."
In nothing behind the
women
in debt, let
me
not be behind them in gratitude or sorrow.

Love and
Constant
,;rief
my
heart dividing,
feet
I
With my
tears
His
ll
lave
Weep
heart abiding, for Him who died to save."

still in
William
Huntingdon
says,
felt,
in
his
sensations of pain that he

this,
"He
after
such pity for God." expression elsewhere, but it is a very striking one although might prefer to sav that I have sympathy with God, and grief that le should be treated so ill. Ah, then:
felt
I
;
autobiography, that one of the sharpest he had been quickened by Divine orn.ce, was I do not know that ever met with the
I
are
many men
; !
that are forgotten, that are despised,
and that are trampled on bv
their
fellows
but there never was a
man
\rho was so despised as the everlasting
God
has
been
man abused as have been treated cruelly and ungratefully, but never was one Many treated as our God has been. He knocked at the door I, too, once despised Him. of my heart, and refused to open it. He came to me, times without number,
Many
man
has been slandered and abused, but never was
God
has been.
morning by morning, and night by night He checked me in my conscience, and spoke to me by His Spirit, and when, at last, the thunders of the law prevailed in my conscience, I thought that Christ was cruel and unkind. Oh, can never fonnve should have thought so ill of Him But what a loving reception did I myself that have when I went to Him I thought He would smite me, but His hand was not
;
anger, but opened wide in mercy. would dart lightning-flashes of wrath upon me
in of tears.
clenched
diought
full
sure that His eyes

full
but, instead thereof, they were
and kissed me; He took off my rags, and did upon my clothe me with His righteousness, and caused my soul to sing aloud for joy while in the house of and in the house of His Church, there was music and my heart, because His son that He had lost was found, and he that had been dead dancing, was made alive again.
fell
He
neck,
a power in God s gospel beyond all Once I, like Mazeppa, description. lashed to the wild horse of my lust, bound hand and foot, incapable of resistance, was
There
is
galloping on with hell

their just
wolves behind me, howling
for
my body
and
my
soul as
and lawful prey.
There came a mighty hand which stopped

brought
that wild
horse, cut
my
bands, set
me down, and
me
into liberty.
Is there
it.
the gospel ? a time when
Ay, there is, and he who has felt it must acknowledge I lived in the strong old castle of my sins, and rested in
power in There was

works.
mv own
iO2
c.
ii.
srrur.Fox
ATTOIUCJCK. \TIIV.
There came a trumpeter him from the porch, and
to
the door, and bade
said he ne er should
;
me open Then (Miter.
it.
with anger chid there came; a goodly

I
His hands were marked with scars where nails Personage, with loving countenance He lifted up His cross, using it had been driven, and His feet had nail-prints, too.
as a
hammer
at the first blow,
the gate of
He said, "Arise, trembled more; at the third, down it fell, have loved thee with an everlasting love." 1 he gospel and stand upon thy feet, for a thing of power Ah that it is. It always wears the dew of its youth it glitters
1
; !
!
prejudice shook and in lie came: and
my
at the
second,
it
have felt its with morning s freshness, its strength and its glory abide tor ever. have the witness of the Spirit within my spirit, and power in my own heart know it is a thing of rnkdn, because; it has conquered me. and bowed me down.
1
1
;
In
my
conversion,
the
very
point
lay
I
in
making
the discovery that

1
had
had should be saved. nothing to do but to look to Christ, and been a very good, attentive hearer; my own impression about mysell was that For years, as a child, I tried to learn did. nobody ever listened much better than did not hear it set forth, which 1 think cannot and either of salvation the
believe that
I
I
way
quite have been the case, or but the it and could not hear it
;
eke
was
spiritually blind
I
and deaf and could not

sinner, to look
to
sec-
from myself ever heard
to Christ, as
in
was, as a good news that much startled me, and came as fresh
away
1
my
I
life.
Had
never read
my
Bible?
me, as any news Yes, and read it earnestly.
never been taught by Christian people? Yes, I had, by mother, and father, Had not heard the gospel ? Yes, think had and yet, somehow, and others.
Had
it
was
like a
new
revelation
to
me
;
that
was
to
"believe
and
live."
confess to
sleep by with line upon line, precept upon precept, here much and there much, yet, when the Word of the Lord came to me with power, it was as new as if I had lived among
have been tutored in piety, put into my cradle by prayerful hands, and lulled to songs concerning [estis but after having heard the gospel continually,
the
unvisited
tribes
of Central
cleansing fountain
filled
and had never heard the tidings with blood, drawn from the Saviour s veins.
Africa,
I
of
the
When,
that
I
for the first time,
received the gospel to

it
my
soul
salvation.
thought
had never
1
really
heard
before,
and
began
to think that the
preachers to
whom
But, on looking back, I am inclined had heard the gospel fully preached many hundreds of times before, to believe that and that this was the difference, that 1 then heard it as though I heard it not and
had listened had not

1
truly
preached
it.
when I did hear it, the message may not have been any more clear in itself than it had been at former times, but the power of the Holy Spirit was present to open my heard, scores have no doubt that ear. and to guide the message to my heart.
1
C.
H.
SPURGEON
"
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
TC\3
"
of times, such texts as these,

"
baptized shall be saved "As Moses lifted Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth up Son of man that even must the be lifted so in the the serpent wilderness, up whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life yet 1 had
that believeth
is
;
Me
and
;"
;"
no intelligent idea of what faith meant. When I first discovered what faith really for with me these two things came together, I believed was, and exercised it, then I thought I had never before as soon as ever 1 knew what believing meant,
heard that truth preached. But, now, I am persuaded that the light often shone on thought that the light had never my eyes, but I was blind, and therefore
I
The light was shining all the come there. receive it the eyeball of the soui was not
;
while,
but
there
sensitive to
was no power the Divine beams.
to
could not believe that

I
do not know why, but catalogue was made out,

been
left out.
;
was possible that. ;//; sins could be forgiven. seemed to be the odd person in the world. When the
it
I
If
if
appeared God had saved me,

it
to
me
that,
for
some
I
reason,
must
have;
and.
not the world,
should have wondered
indeed
to
"
but
He
had saved
all
the world except me, that

I
would have seemed
cannot help saying, me to be but right. And now, being saved by grace, some oi us who fire believe that of the out am indeed a brand plucked were kept by God a long while before we found Him, love Him better perhaps
1
!
than
we should have done if we had received Mini directly; and we can preach better to others, we can speak more of His loving-kindness and tender mercy. John Bun van could not have written as he did if he had not been dragged about
bv the devil
for
many
years.
when
read The Pilgrim s felt so interested in the poor fellow, that carrying the burden on his back, should jump with joy when, after he had carried his heavy load so long, thought
I
first
love that picture of dear old Christian. know, Progress, and saw in it the woodcut of Christian
I
he
I
at last
got rid of
it
and that was how
felt
when
the burden of guilt, which
had borne so long, was for ever rolled away from my shoulders and my heart. can recollect when, like the poor dove; sent out by Noah from his hand, 1 ilew over the wide expanse of waters, and hoped to find some place where I might ilew and my eye looked keenly rest my wearied wing. Up towards the North
I
the mist and darkness, through &
if its
perhaps
loot,
it
might
<~
find,
some
across
floating substance
on which
its
my
sou!
might
it,
rest
but
it
found nothing.
as
before;,
rest.
Again
that
it
turned
wing, and
flapped
shore.
;
but
not
so rapidly
that
knew no
but
still
there
was no
Hie raven
deep water had found its
resting-place
upon a floating body, and was feeding itself upon the carrion o! flew on some drowned man s carcass but my poor soul found no rest, and it was the ship of the law fancied 1 saw a ship sailing out at sea thought I would put my feet on its canvas, or rest myself on UF; cordage for
I
;
C.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBlOiikAl HY.
it
:i
lime,
and
find
;
some
refuge.
foot
Hut, ah
was an
rest
last
could not rest
for
my
I
had no right
to
phantom, on which had not kept I on the law

airy
;
it.
and the soul that keepeth it not, must die. that happy ark and thought I would
;
At
fly
thither
;
saw the barque Christ Jesus, but my poor wing was weary,
as
could
ily
no
further,
and
down
sank
but,
flagging, a nd I was fallingthe roof of the ark, and I saw a hand put out from it, and just One took hold of me, and said, I have loved thee with an everlasting" love, therefore
when my wing s were

below
providence would have it, into the Hood to be drowned,
me was
"
have not delivered the soul of

in,
My
turtle-dove unto the multitude of the wicked

I
come;
come
in
!"
Then
found that
had
in
my
mouth an olive
leaf
ol
peace
earth
with God, and peace with man, plucked oft by Jesus mighty power. Once, God preached to me by a similitude in the depth ol \vintcr.
<
The
had been black, and then; was scarcely a o green thing- or a Slower to be seen. As I looked across the fields, there was nothing but barrenness, bare hedges and leafless trees, and black, black earth, wherever I gazed. On a sudden, God
>
*>
spake,
tin -re
It
and unlocked the treasures of the snow, and white (lakes descended
\vas
until
no blackness
lime that
to
i
be seen, and
all
was one sheet
of
dazzling whiteness.
was
at the
I
Him; and
"Come
was seeking the Saviour, and not long before 1 found remember well that sermon which 1 saw before me in the snow:
let
now, and
us
reason
together, saith
the
Lord: though your
sins
be
as scarlet, they shall be as white as

shall
snow
[hough they be red
like crimson,
they
be as
wool."
Personally,
i
have
f\ise
;
to
bless
God
for
many good books;

I lie
thank
for
Him
s s
for
)r.
lo
; fames of not most all is to for due books, but for God, my gratitude Enquirer the preached \\ orcl,- and that too addressed to me by a poor, uneducated man, a man who had never received any training for the ministry, and probably will never be heard of in this life, a man engaged in business, no doubt of a humble- kind,
the
)oddridge ( ncouvcrtcd
;
and
J^rogress of /\c/igioji in
/lla; in
to
Son
and
Baxter
Call
for
A Heine s
Sinners
for
Anxious
but
Look during the week, but who had just enough of grace- to say on the Sabbath, and unto Me, be ye saved, all the cauls of the earth." The books were good, but the man was better. The revealed Word awakened me but it was the preached
"
attach peculiar value to tile hearing of the truth, for by it 1 received the joy and peace in which my soul delights. While under concern of soul, resolved that I would attend all the places of worship in
;
Word
that saved
me
1
and
must
eve*
the town
1
where
to
set
lived,
in
order
that
might o
if
find
out the
wav
j
of salvation.
forgive
1
was willing
1
sin.
off,
do anything, and be: anything, determined to go round to all
God would
the
chapels,
only
my
and
did go to
C.
II.
I
I0 5
I
every
place of worship blame the ministers.
but for a long time
went
in vain.
do
;
not,
I
One man preached Divine

what was that sublime
Sovereignty
to
however, could hear
him
with
pleasure,
but
truth
wished to know what he must do to be saved? man who always preached about the law but what was
;
poor sinner who There was another admirable

a
the use of ploughing
much like a commanding officer teaching the manoeuvres of war to a set of men without feet. What could do ? All his exhortations were, lost on me. I knew it was said, Believe on the Lord Jesus thou shalt be saved;" but Christ, and did not know what it was to believe on Christ. These good men all preached truths suited to mam in their congregations who were but what wanted spiritually-minded people to know was, How can I get my sins forgiven and they never told me; that. desired to hear how a poor sinner, under a sense of sin, might find peace with God and when I went, Be not deceived, God heard a sermon on,
but
it
up ground heard him,
that
needed
to
be sown?
Another was a
practical
preacher.
was
very
"
"
?"
"
is
I
not
mocked,"
which cut
me up
still
worse
lout
did not bring
me
into rest.
day, and the text was something about the glories of the righteous; nothing for poor me! I was like a dog under the table, not allowed to eat of the children s food. I went time after time, and I can
went again,
another
honestly say that I do not know that I ever went without prayer to God, and I am sure there was not a more attentive, hearer than myself in all the place,
for
I I
panted and longed sometimes think

not been
I
had
it
for
might be saved. I might have been in darkness and despair until now the goodness of God in sending a snowstorm, one Sunday
to
understand
how
was going to a certain place of worship. When I could go morning, while no further, I turned down a side street, and came; to a little Primitive Methodist
had
how they sang so loudly that they made people s heads ache but that did not matter to me. I wanted to know how be and if could tell saved, me I did not care how might that, they much they made my head ache. The minister did not come that morning; he was snowed up, I suppose. At last, a very thin -looking man,* a shoemaker,
;
In that chapel there Chapel. may have heard of the Primitive Methodists,
been a do/en or
fifteen
people.
or tailor, or
it
something of that
sort,
went up
instructed
lor
into
;
the;
pulpit to preach.
Now,
stupid.
else
is
well that preachers should be
but
this
man was
really
He was
to say.
"
obliged to stick to his
text,
the simple reason that he had
little
The
text was,
Ml-,
LOOK UNTO
AND
I1K
VK SAVED,
ALT,
Till-,
ENDS OF THE
EARTH."
C.
II.
srUKfiKOXS
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
He
was,
did
1
There not even pronounce the words rightly, but that did not matter. The preacher beo an text. thought, a glimpse of hope for me in that
"My
thus:
dear
friends,
t
tin s
is
very simple text indeed.

pains.
It
It
says,
Look.
your
to
t
\o\v lookin
fmo-er
look.
;
don
take
deal
of
ain
t
liftin
your foot or
College
to
it
is
just,
IK:
Look.
the
a
\\V11.
man needn
ô
to
learn
You may
a
bluest
fool,
and yet you can
look.
man needn
be worth
child
thousand
P>ut
can
look.
broad
there.
Essex,
"many
ll
Anyone can look; even a year to be able to look. Look unto Me! then the text says, Ay! said he, in on ye are lookin to yourselves, but it s no use; lookin
find
You
never
look
any comfort
by-and-by.
in
Father.
Xo,
to
Him
yourselves. |esus Christ
Some
says,
look
to
God
the
Look unto Me.
You have no business Some; on ye say, \Ye must wait for the Spirit s workinV Look to Christ. The text says. Look unto Me. with that just now. Then the ôod man followed up his text in this way: "Look unto Me;
I
am
sweatin
Ljreat
;
Look unto Me
unto
ri^T.t
Look unto Me drops of blood. Look unto am dead and buried.

;
am hangin
on the cross.
aâin.
Me
rise
Look
Father
s
Me;
hand.
ascend to Heaven.
()
Look unto Me;
\Yhen he
minutes
or so,
poor sinner, look unto Me! look had o-one to about that length, and managed to spin out ten Then he looked at me under he was at the end of his tether.
I
am sittin unto Me!

I
at
the
the gallery,
Just
and
his
daresay, with
so
if
few
present, he
knew me
heart,
I
to
be a stranger.
said,
fixing
eyes
on
me,
from
as
he
knew
I
all
;
my
but
he
Youn^
man, you very to have remarks made
look
miserable."
\Yell.
did
had not been accustomed
However,
al
it
was a
<mod
wax
will
be miserable
text;
obey mv
Then,
"
but
if
my personal appearance before. He continued, "and you home. blow, struck riidn miserable in life, and miserable in death,- if you don t you obey now, this moment, you will be saved."
the
pulpit
on
could up his hands, he shouted, as only a Primitive Methodist Look! \ ou have Look! Look! do, Yoiin^ man, look to Jesus Christ. saw at once the way of salvation. I know nothin to do but to look and was so possessed I not what else he said. -I did not take much notice of it, lifted was Like as when the bra/en serpent with that one thought. up, the people had been waiting to do fifty onlv looked and wen; healed, so it was with me.
lifting
live."
I I
what a charming word it seemed There looked until I could almost have looked my eyes away. Oh to me and then the cloud was ône, the darkness had rolled away, and that moment and I could have risen that instant, and sun^ with the most saw the sun enthusiastic of them, of the, precious blood of Christ, and the simple faith which
things, but
!
when
!
heard that word,
"Look!"
looks
alone
to
Him.
Oh,
that
somebody had
told
me
this
before,
"Trust
r.
n.
siTkr.F.ox
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
F XT El P o
f
IOS
Christ,
C.
II.
SPURGKON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
was, no
I
now
and you can say,
shall
be
saved."
Yet
by
r
it
(loiil)t,
all
wisely onk.Ted, and
"
Iver since
faith
sa\v the strcair
Thy
llmvin;,
Redeeming
supply, love has been my thenn

\vmm<ls
And
I
I
shall
be
till
die."
do from
my
soul confess that
never was satisfied
till
came
to Christ;
when
1
was vet a child, 1 had far more, wretchedness than ever 1 have now; I will even may add, more weariness, more care, more heart-ache than I know at this day. Since be truth. the to know it and make it, in this confession, but be
singular
1
that dear hour
when my
all
soul cast itself on Jesus,
have iound
solid joy
those supposed gaieties of early youth, all the. Thai happy day, but vanity and vexation of spirit to me. joy of boyhood, were when 1 found the Saviour, and learned to cling to His dear feet, was a day never
but before that,
and peace; imagined ease and
to
be.
foro otten
;
bv me.
An
obscure
child,
unknown, unheard
of,
listened to the
1
can testily that and that precious text led me to the cross of Christ. could have leaped, I could have the joy of that day was utterly indescribable. danced; there was no expression, however fanatical, which would have been out ot
\Yordof (iod
experience Many clays keeping with the: joy of my spirit had the lull has one which have passed since then, but there has never been could have thought exhilaration, the sparkling delight which that first day had. sat, and have: called out with the wildest of those sprung from the seat on which am forgiven! am forgiven! Methodist brethren who were present, its chains broken to saw A sinner saved by blood monument of My spirit
at that
I
hour.
of Christian
"1
"
grace
that
an heir of Heaven, a forgiven one, out of the miry clay anil out of the horrible pit, accepted in Christ Jesus, plucked could dance I thought with my feet set upon a rock, and my goings established. could understand what John liunyan meant, when he declared all the way home.
pieces,
I
felt
was an emancipated
soul,
he wanted to
too
full
tell
the crows on the ploughed land

felt
all
about his conversion.
He
was
to hold,
he
he must
tell
somebody.
;
not everyone who can remember the very day and hour of his deliverance At such a time of the day, clang went every harp in but, as Richard Knill said, The clock of for Richard Knill was born again," it was e en so with me/
It is
"
Heaven, mercv struck in Heaven the hour and moment of my emancipation, for the time had come. Between half-past ten o clock, when entered that chapel, and half-past twelve I was back again at home, what a change had taken place in me o clock, when
1
!
Simply by had passed from darkness into marvellous light, from death to was into such a 1 and from despair, brought looking to Jesus, I had been delivered
life.
* It is definitely known that the date of Mr. Spin-icon s conversion was January 6th, 1850, for preaching at New Park Street xlv. 22, lie said that, six years before, that very day. and at that Chapel, on I.ord s-day morning. January 6th, 1856, from Isaiah a sermon fro in ih.at text. very hour, lie had been led to look to Christ, by
C.
11.
STURGEONS AUTOUlOGRAI
V.
when they saw me at home, they said to me, Something joyous state of mind that, and 1 was eager to tell them all about it.- Oh wonderful has happened to you that the eldest son had there was joy in the household that day, when all heard with which found the Saviour, and knew himself to be forgiven, bliss compared Yes, I had looked to Jesus as are less than nothing and vanity. all earth s
"
"
joys was, and found in

it
;
Him my
the
Saviour.
Thus had
the eternal purpose of Jehovah

I
decreed
so,
and
as,
moment
before, there
was none more wretched than

It
was,
took no longer time than I been undone. looked, it was done, and never has it does the lightning-Hash the great and lived, and leaped in joyful liberty as I beheld my sin punished upon tree that bled He as I looked unto Him, upon Substitute, and put away for ever. in a moment, His eyes darted a glance of love unutterable into my spirit, and had suffered were was saved/- Looking unto Him, the bruises that my soul wound-, were cured, the broken bones rejoiced, the rags that the
within that second, there was none
;
more joyous.
healed,
gaping snows ot had covei-ed^me were all removed, my spirit was white as the spotless 1 was saved, washed, cleansed, I had the far-off North melody within my spirit, for Him that did hang upon the tree. My Master, I cannot under forgiven, through a death as the death of stand how Thou couklst stoop Thine awful head to such brow the- coronet of stars which Thou couklst take from
;
the cross,
how
Thy
shouldst permit the from old eternity had shone re-splendent there; but how Thou That Thou shouldst more. thorn-crown to gird Thy temples, astonishes me far I the mantle of Thy glory, the azure of Thine everlasting empire, cast
away
but how Thou shouldst have become veiled in the igno cannot comprehend who bowed to minious purple for a while, and then be mocked by impious men, naked to Thy Thee as a pretended king and how Thou shouldst be stripped this is still more die a felon s death shame, without a single covering, and this for But the marvel is that Thou shouldst have suffered all incomprehensible. Was ever me! Truly, Thy love to me is wonderful, passing the love of women! Was ever love like Thine, that could open the flood-gates of o-rief like Thine ? fount from which such an such grief? Was ever love so mighty as to become the
:
ocean of grief could come rolling down ? There was never anything- so true to
bleeding hands, and that lost their lustre Home, friends, health, wealth, comforts-all thorn-crowned head. hidden that day when He appeared, just as stars are by_lhe Jightôf _the_sun.
me
as
those
of Mr at Bexhill-on-Sea in ever-loving memory of the foundation stones of the School-Chapel erected the passage of S salvation reading find through in the hope that passers-by may following inscription has beer, cut, was blessed to his conversion:-
On one
Spurcon
the
^ ^ SpuRGEQN FOUND CH RIST.

I
He
And
\ve
looked to Him; looked on me
were one
;
for
ever."
Lo*
unto Me, and
he
the earth ye saved, all the ends of
for I
am
C. H. S. God, and there
is
none
C /, C ."-Tsaiah
xlv. 22.
IIO
C.
II.
SPURCKONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
ot
life s
was
the:
only
Lord and Giver
best
bliss,
the
one well
ot
living
water
As I saw Jesus on springing up unto everlasting- lite. as I mused upon His sufferings and death, methought
love upon
llis cross before

I
me, and
saw Him
cast a look of
me; and then
looked
at
Him, and
cried,
Him, and clasped Him and when He let me go wondered where my burden was. It was gone! There in the sepulchre, again, it telt could lly over mountains of lay, and light as air; like a winged sylph, trouble and despair; and oh! what liberty and joy had! could leap with was freed from sin. With the spouse in the had much forgiven, and ecstasy, tor
said,
I
"
Me
Come,"
and
tlew to
Canticles,
could say,
"/
joiDid
///;//,-"
I,
a lad, found the
Lord of glory;
I,
I,
slave to sin, found the great Deliverer;

lite;
I,
I,
the child of darkness, found the Light of

;
the uttermost ot the
lost,
found
desolate, found
my
riend,
my
Beloved,
my Saviour and my God my Husband. Oh, how

I
I
widowed and wondered that
/should be pardoned! It was not the pardon that wondered at so much; the wonder was that it should come to me. marvelled that He should be able to
pardon such
sins as mine, such crimes, so
numerous and so black

still
and
that, alter
such an accusing conscience,

spirit,
It
He
should have power to
every wave within

quiet",
my
and make
my
to
soul
like the surface of a river, undisturbed,
and
I
at ease.
mattered not
me whether
the dav itself was o or gloomv y

*
brio-lit.
had found
all;
Christ; that was enough for me. I can heartily say, that one day
lor the
He was my
ot
I
Saviour,
He
was
my
and
whole
five
years
night,
ot
conviction.
tor for
pardoned sin was a sufficient recompense have to bless God for every terror that
It
ever scared
me by
and
;
made me happier ever

I
since
every foreboding that alarmed me by day. now, it there be a trouble weighing upon
has
soul,
my
God it is not such a burden as that which bowed me to the very earth, and made: me creep upon the ground, like: a beast, by re:ason of heavy distress and affliction. know never can again sufte:r what have suffered never can, except
thank
I
I
I
;
to hell, know more of agony than I have known and now, that ease, that and in "no condemnation that which joy peace believing, belongs to me: as a child of God, is made: doubly sweet and inexpressibly precious, by the recollection of my past clays of sorrow and grief. Blesse:d be Thou, () God, for ever, who by
I
be sent
"
those black
elays, like
!
and the sweeter

afraiel ot
is
a dreary winter, hast made these summer days all the fairer need not walk through the earth fearful of every shadow, and
every
it is
I
man
meet, tor sin
pure,
holy.
The
Irown of
smiles,
see
I
His eyes,
no more guilty it God no longer resteth upon me but my Father are it is full of they glancing love; I hear His voice,
is
;
washed away
my
spirit
is
sweetness.
am
forgiven,
am
forgiven,
am
forgiven
c.
H.
STURGEON
I
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
one:
111
\\
hen
I
look hack upon

it
it,
can
set;
reason
why
the \Yorcl
was blessed
;
to
Primitive Methodist Chapel at Colchester I preached had been up betimes crying to God tor the blessing. As a lad, when I was seeking- the Saviour, I used to rise with the sun, that I might get time: to read gracious books,
in that
me
as
heard
and
to
seek the Lord.
can recall the kind
of pleas
"
used when
took
my
arguments, and came before the throne of grace
Lord, save
me;
I
it
will
glorify
to all
Thy
grace to save such a sinner as
am
Lord, save me, else
am
lost
Save me, () Lord, for Jesus died! perish, Lord By His and agony often proved that bloody sweat, by His cross and passion, save me!" the early morning was the best of the liked those of which the part day
!
eternity; do not let
me
prayers
psalmist said,
"
In the
morning
shall
my
prayer prevent
Thee."
he Holy
ot
Spirit,
ielt
as sure: that
been certain
my
same
to believe, gave me peace through believing, was forgiven as before. felt sure of condemnation. I had condemnation because the Word of God declared it, and mv
I
who enabled me
conscience bore witness to

certain
it
but
by
the
witnesses.
when the Lord justified me, The Word of the Lord in

condemned,"
was made equally
lie that believeth

that
of
I
on
Him
God
is
not
in
and
my
the Scripture saith, conscience bore witness

I
believed, and
that
the
Holy
Spirit
and also of
Thus had the witness pardoning me was just. my own conscience, and these two agreed in
7 hat great and excellent man, Dr. Johnson, used to hold the opinion that no man ever could know that he was pardoned, that there was no such thing as assurance of faith. Perhaps, if Dr. Johnson had studied his Bible a little more,
one.
and had had a
little
more of
the enlightenment of the Spirit, he, too, might have

Certain!}-,
come
to
know
his
own
I
pardon.
he was
no
very
reliable
judge
to
is
of
theology, any
more than he was of
and never succeeded.

little
porcelain, which he once attempted think both in theology and porcelain his opinion
make:,
of very
value.
I
low can a man know that he is pardoned? There is a Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved." Lord Jesus Christ is it irrational to believe that am saved ?
"
text
I
which says,
believe on the
that believeth
I
He
on the Son hath

Christ
;
everlasting
in
lite,"
saith
Christ,
I
am
absurd
believing
that
in John s Gospel. have eternal life ? I find

"There
is
believe on
the apostle
speaking condemnation
Paul
by the Holy Ghost, and saying, to them that are in Christ Jesus.
God."
therefore
Being
is
justified
now no by faith, we
only,
for
have peace with that I have faith
If
know
it
that
my
trust
fixed on
Jesus
and
in
Him, were
not ten thousand times
more absurd
me
not to be at peace,
taking
God
at
than for me to be tilled with joy unspeakable? It is but His \\ord, when the soul knows, as a necessary consequence of
ii2
its faith,
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
that
it is
saved.
I
took Jesus as
my
Saviour, and
was saved
and
I
can
tell
the reason
that
I
why
did
took
Him
I
for
my
Saviour.
To my own
;
humiliation,
must
confess
it
because
stern law- work

fifty
!
had hammered
I
That I was shut up to it. could not help it had been me into such a condition that, if there
I
other saviours,
could not have thought of them,
was driven
to this
One.
wanted a Divine Saviour, I wanted One who was made a curse for me, to expiate wanted One who had died, for I deserved to die. I wanted One my guilt. who had risen again, who was able by II is life to make me live. I wanted the exact Saviour that stood before me in the Word, revealed to my heart and I could
I
;
not
help having Him.

full
"O
could realize then
the
language
of Rutherford when,
being
said,
of love to Christ, once
my
at
Lord,
if
upon a time, in the dungeon of Aberdeen, he there were a broad hell betwixt me and Thee, it I could
it,
I
not get
Thee except by wading through

it
would not think
twice,
but
would go through
all,
how
for
loved
Him!
If,
might but embrace Thee, and call Thee mine!" which Passing all loves except His own, was that love
if
I
Oh,
I
felt
Him
then.
beside the door of the place

blazing faggots,
I
had been a
to
strike of
met with Him, there would have stood upon them without chains,
in
which
glad to give
love,
my flesh, and blood, Him. Had He asked me
and bones,
to
be ashes that should

all
testify
my
I
then to give
my
substance to the poor,
would have given all, and thought myself to be amazingly rich in having beggared Had He commanded me then to preach in the myself for His name s sake. could have said, midst of all His foes,
1
"There s
I
not a lamb in all Thy flock would disdain to feed, There s not a oe, before whose face
i
d fear Thy cause
to
plead."
know He Has Jesus saved me ? I dare not speak with any hesitation here has. His Word is true, therefore I am- saved. My evidence that 1 am saved does
I
;
not
lie in
the fact that
preach, or that
do
this or that.
All
my hope
lies in this,
that Jesus Christ

to
came
I
to
save sinners.
;
am
a sinner,
trust Him, then
He came
save me, and

it
am
saved
I
and
to
is
lon<>-
o since
faith.
sustain
all
my
enjoyment of this blessed fact, have doubted the truth of it, for I have His own Word a thing to be marvelled at It is a very surprising thing,
I
live habitually in the
know that it is to me even to this day the I by those who enjoy it. I feel ever heard of, that Cod should ever justify me. greatest wonder that a heap of sin, myself to be a lump of unworthiness, a mass of corruption, and I am justified that apart from His almighty love; yet I know, by a full assurance,
most of
1
by
faith
made
take
Christ Jesus, and treated as if an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ
which
is
in
had been perfectly

though by nature
just,
I
and
must
my
place
among
the
most
sinful.
1,
who am
altogether undeserving,
am
C.
II.
SPURGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
13
I am loved with as much love as if I had had been deserving. always been godly, whereas aforetime I was ungodly. I have always considered, with Luther and Calvin, that the sum and substance
treated as
if
of the gospel lies in that

If
I
word
Substitution,
:
understand the gospel, it is this I why I should not be damned is, that Christ was punished in my stead, and there is On the other hand, I know I cannot no need to execute a sentence twice for sin.
;
Christ standing in the stead ot man. deserve to be lost for ever the only reason
enter
absolutely certain I shall but then Christ had a perfect never have one of my garment, and put it on; righteousness, and He said, "There, poor sinner, take you shall stand before God as if you were Christ, and I will stand before God as if
unless
I
;
Heaven
have a perfect righteousness own, for I find I sin every clay
am
My
had been the sinner
I
;
will suffer in the
sinner
I
stead,
for
works which you did not
do, but
which
did for
and you I hnd you."

"
shall
it
be rewarded
every day to
come
to Christ as a sinner, as
if
I
came
at the
lirst.
very convenient You are no saint,"
says the devil.
Well,
am
all
not,
am
I
world to save sinners.

looking
grace
;
Sink or swim,
a sinner, and Jesus Christ came into the go to Him other hope I have none. By
;
to
Him,
in
received
and the word that
the faith which inspired me with confidence in His Look unto Me," still rings its lirst dre.w my soul
-"
clarion note
my
ears.
There
once found conversion, and there
shall ever
find relreshing
and renewal.
I
my personal testimony of what have seen, what my own ears have heard, and my own heart has tasted. First, Christ is the only-begotten of the He is Divine to me, if He be human to all the world besides. He has Father. clone that for me which none but a God could do. He has subdued my stubborn
Let
me
bear
will,
melted a heart of adamant, broken a chain of
steel,
opened the gates of
brass,
and snapped the bars of iron. and my desolation into joy

;
He hath turned for me my mourning into laughter, He hath led my captivity captive, and made my heart
rejoice with joy
Him,
holy
to
me He
!
Let others think as they will oi unspeakable, and full of glory. must ever be the only-begotten of the Father: blessed be His
"
name
1 could now adore Him, Like the Heavenly host above, Who for ever bow before Him, And unceasing sing His love!
Oli, that
Happy
When
shall
songsters your chorus join

!
?"
Again, I bear my testimony that He should never have beheld His glory.
is full
I
was
of grace. Ah, had He not been, I full of sin to overflowing. I was
condemned
last
I
already, because
I
believed not upon Him.
He
drew me when
to
wanted
at
not to come, and though
struggled hard,
all
He
continued
still
draw
and when
came
to
His mercy-seat,
trembling like a condemned
culprit,
He
ii
said,
j]l
"
C.
II.
STURGEON
AUTOIJIOe RAI
;
V.
which are many, are all forgiven thee be of good witness that He: is full of grace-. despise Him; but I bear
Thy
sins,
cheer."
Let others
Finally,
bear
my
witness that He,

I
is
full
of truth.
True: have
for
His promises
been; not one has

never failed me,
1
failed.
have often doubted Him,

rejoice.
that
blush;
He
has
in
this
must
His promises have be-en yea and amen.

1
do but speak
the:
it
personally to a Master as
make
I
put it thus testimony of every believer in Christ, though bear witness that never servant had such I the more: forcible:.
have:; never brother
had such a Kinsman as

soul
He
;
has been to me:;
never sinner a better never spouse had such a Husband as Christ has been to my never mourner a better Comforter than never soldier a better Captain Saviour 1 want none beside Him. In life, He is my life: and Christ hath been to my spirit.
;
in
death,
sickness,
He shall be: He makes my

faith
I
the:
death
;
of death
in
is
poverty, Christ
is
my
riches
in
bed
in
darkness, lie
my
Star; and
in
brightness,
my
with
Sun.
By His own
pit
understand that the blessed Son of

blood
I
;
Cod redeemed
He is my soul
from the
is
know that lie: raise-el me: up ami by sweet e-.\perie:nce: He elieel for me. This on rock. the: of dark despair, and set my feet
heart
s
I
the:
root of e:very satisfaction
have:.
He- put
all
cleansed me: with His precious blood; He: covered He: has promised to keep me:, while lie wrapped me- up in Mis own virtues. ness and when I depart from this in this world, from its temptations and snares I abide
; ;
my transgressions away. He me with His perfect righteous
world, He:
has already prepared forme
a mansion
in
the:
Heaven
away.
little:
of
and a crown of everlasting joy that

days or years of
shall never,
never
taele
unfading bliss, To me, then, the
my
mortal sojourn on this earth are of
moment.
is all
Nor
is
the
to
manner of my decease of much consequence.

martyrdom, or physicians declare that
I
Should foemen sentence me

this
life:,
must soon depart
it
alike,-
What more
be:
can
wish than
that,
while
my
brief term
on earth
shall
last,
I
should
the servant of
Him who became

s religion,
if
I
the;
Servant of servants
for
me?
can say,
concerning Christ
immortality,
if
I
had
to die like
wanted
to
lead a
happy
life,
a dog, and had no hope whatever of let me: serve my Cod with all my
If there were no he-art; let me be a follower of Jesus, and walk in His footsteps. Christian minister, hereafter, I would still prefer to be a Christian, and the: humblest
more, delights in Christ, of His face: than is to be: found in all the praises of yea, more joy in one- glimpse: this harlot-world, and in all the delights which it can yield to us in its sunniest and And 1 am persuaded that what lie has been till now, He will be brightest days. In the a work, He will carry it on. and where He hath to the end
to
being a king or an emperor,
for
am persuaded
there
are:
begun
good
religion of J lesus
^>
Christ, there:
are clusters even on earth
too heavy for one
man
to
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOlilOGKAl HY.
115
there are fruits that have been found so rich that even angel hp s have never been sweetened with more, luscious wine there are to be had here so fair that joys even cates ambrosial and the nectared wine of Paradise can scarcely excel the sweets of satisfaction that are to be found in the I have earthly banquets of the: Lord. seen hundreds and thousands who have their hearts to given Jesus, but I never did see one who said hi: was with I never met Him, with one who said disappointed
carry
; ;
When first my eyes beheld Him, Jesus Christ was less than He was declared to be. when the burden slipped from off my heavy-laden shoulders, and I was free from condemnation, I thought that all the preachers I had ever heard had not half preached, So they had not told half the beauty of my Lord and Master. so
!
so gracious
so willing to forgive
they painted His likeness, smudge compared with the matchless beauties of His face.
;
Him
good generous! seemed to me as if they had almost slandered doubtless, as well as they could, but it was a mere
!
It
All
,
who have
ever
seen
cannot preach
I go back to my home, many a time mourning that I Master even as my myself know Him, and what I know of Him is \Youltl that I knew more very little compared with the matchlessness of His grace. of Him, and that I could tell it out better
Him
will
say the same.
CHAPTER
letters to Jfatijtr anb fHotijct
XII.
Samrarg
to
3uuc, I860.
A man s private letters often let you into the secrets of his heart. Read Rutherford s letters and you see the man at once or those of Kirk White, or Newton. A man s writing-desk should be used to make his biography. C. H. S.
;
"
Newmarket,
"January
3Oth,
1850.
V Dear
Father,
"
am most happy and
comfortable,
could not be more
so whilst sojourning on earth, like a pilgrim or a stranger, as There are but four boarders, and about all my fathers were.
twelve
day-boys.
have a nice
little
mathematical
class,
and
I can get have quite as much time for study as I had before. good religious conversations with Mr. Swindell, which is what I most need. Oh, how unprofitable has my past life been Oh, that I should have been so long time blind to those celestial wonders, which now I can in a measure behold Who can
!
!
refrain
from speaking
of
the marvellous love of Jesus which,

I
hope, has opened mine
can hrmly trust to Him for my eternal salvation. Yet am sorrowful again faith appears, and I become I feel no\v as if could do everything, and confident of my interest in Him. give up everything for Christ, and then I know it would be nothing in comparison
eyes!
I
Now
see Him,
;
soon
doubt again
then
with His love.

is
I
am
hopeless of ever making anything like a return.
How
sweet
would be always engaged in it. How beautiful is the Bible! I prayer! never loved it so before I it seems to me as feel that I have necessary food. not one particle of spiritual life in me but what the Spirit placed there. I feel
;
that
I
cannot
lest
live
if
He
of
dread
sloth
or
depart; I tremble and fear lest pride should overcome me, and I
prayer,
should
should grieve Him. dishonour the

against
gospel
by
neglect
or
the
Scriptures,
or
by
sinning
God.
Truly, that will be a happy place where we shall get rid of sin and this depraved, When I look at the horrible pit and the hole from which I have corrupt nature.
been digged,
the
tremble
I
lest
should
will
fall
into
it,
and yet
rejoice that
am on
King
highway.
;
hope you
about myself
but at present
my
forgive me for taking up so thoughts are most about it.
much space
IItS
C.
H.
SPURGEOXS AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
the Scriptures, is it not apparent that, immediately upon receiving the I Lord Jesus, it is a part of duty openly to profess Him? firmly believe and consider that baptism is the command of Christ, and shall not feel quite comfortable of such things, but so am I unworthy of I am if 1 do not receive it.
"
From
Jesu
love.
hope
unworthy have received the blessing of the one,
and think
ought
to take the other also.

I seem to love you more than very best love to you and my dear Mother I ever, because you love my Lord Jesus. hope yourself, dear Mother, Archer, and Lottie, are well love to all Eliza, Emily, Louis,
"
My
>,
"
May we
all,
after this fighting

"
life is
of
over,
meet
delight,
in
That Kingdom
\\ here health,
immense
and peace, and joy
unite,
Where underlining pleasures rise, And every wish hath full supplies;
and while you are here, may the blessings of the gospel abound toward you, and May all blessings be upon may we as a family be all devoted to the Lord
!
us,
and may
"
ever remain,
"Your
dutiful
and affectionate son, ClIAS. H. SrURGKOX."

"
"
Newmarket,
"
Feb.
TQth,
1850.
"My
Dear Mother,
"
assure
you
be excused, as hope the long space between my letters will read French exercises every night with am fully occupied.
I
have? comes once every week for an hour. I happened to take a district formerly 33 houses at present where I leave tracts, in this house, and Miss Anna Swindell. supplied by Mrs. Andrews, who last lived
Mr.
Swindell,
Monsr.
Perret
go to a meeting of the tractOn afresh. distributors. They have been at a standstill, and hope now to start me upon the most important Thursday, Mr. Simpson intends coming to talk with Tractof all subjects. Oh, how I wish that I could do something for Christ
Next Wednesday,
mean to-morrow,
am
to
distribution
less
is
it
when
"
so pleasant and easy that it is a nothing, nothing of is compared with the amazing debt gratitude I owe.
to grandfather,
in
itself,
much
have written
the
I
I
been
that
in
miry Slough
what
want?
pray as
Ought
if
I
and have received a very nice letter. I have he sends me strong consolation, but is of Despond not rather to be reproved for my deaclness and I
;
coldness?
did not pray, hear as
if
did not hear, and read as
ii
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOT.IOGRAPHY.
I
119
did not read,
such
on Saturday and Oh, what a horrid state
my deadness and coldness. can do anything, When Sunday.

is
I
!
had a glorious revival
It
seems as
if
no
real child of
am not quite so dead. God could ever look
so coldly on, and think so
Why
still
the love ot Jesus, and His glorious atonement. Is it not because of my own sins? I is not my heart always warm? I have tear lest this deadness be but the prelude to death, spiritual death.
little of,
a sense of
my own
I
in
if
and of myself,
left
weakness, nothingness, and utter inability to do anything I am sure I must pray God that I may never lose it,
then,
to
myself, and
lieth,
I
when
am
cut
oft
from
in
Him,
Pray
in
whom my
wicked
me,
great
strength
shall
be
taken by the Philistines
my own
for
heart,
and
deal
have mine eyes for ever closed to all spiritual good. Father and Mother! Oh, that Jesus would pray
delivered,
for
O my
I
me!
Then
shall
be
and everlastingly saved.
should like to be always reading

by the help of the Spirit.
in
my
I
Bible,
and be daily gaining greater insight into it but very little time, as Mr. S. pushes me on
"
can get
Greek and French.

help,
I
have come
as
to
a resolution that, by
if
I
God s
will profess the
name
earth.
of Jesus
It
is
grandfather encourages me to do so, and I hope trust that I shall then feel that the I and to do so both as a duty privilege. bonds of the Lord are upon me, and have a more powerful sense of my duty to Conscience has convinced me that it is a duty to be buried walk circumspectly. I am with Christ in baptism, although I am sure it constitutes no part of salvation.
very glad that you have no objection to
"
soon as possible no difficulty, an honour,
may be admitted
into
His Church on
my
doing
so.
Mr. Swindell
the
is
a Baptist.
fell
You must have been

the
I
terribly
!
frightened
when
chimney
down
what a mercy that none were hurt

from
worse.
little
wind.
My
the:
cold
care
I
is
There was a great deal of damage here about the same as it was at home, it has been
I
take
?
all
can,
ones
get on?
my love to Accept my best love
Give
suppose it will go away soon. them, and to Archer and Kli/a.

for yourself
"And
How are all the How does Archer

well,
and Father.
hope you are
remain,
"
Your
affectionate son,
"
CHARLES HADDOX
STURGEON."
"
Newmarket, March
"
I2th, 1850.
"
My
.
Dear Father,
"
My
thanks to you for your kind, instructive, and unexpected very best love to dear Mother I hope she will soon be better.
Many
letter.
I2O
"
c.
ii.
SPURCKOXS AiiTomodKArm
,
No one has been to see me yet. was proposed. church-meeting How could a and doubly prayerful. hope that now I may be doubly circumspect, Christian live happily, or live at all, if he had not the assurance that his life is in
At our
last
I
I
I am sure I would not have dp red undertaking ? to take this great decisive step were it not that I am assured that Omnipotence will be my support, and the Shepherd of Israel my constant Protector. Prayer is to me
Christ,
and
his support, the
Lord
now what
always
feel
the sucking of the milk
was
I
to me,
in
1
my
infancy.
live
Although
it.
clo
not
the
same
relish for
"
it,
yet
am
who
sure
cannot
without
When
I
by
sin
ovcrwhelm
look unto Jesns,

call
on His name
plucks
And He
me
d, shame covers my lace, saves by His grace from the gulf of despair, from hell in answer to prayer.
;
Prayer, sweet prayer! 15e it ever so feeble, there s nothing like prayer.
Despond can be passed by the supports of prayer and Blessed be the name of the Lord, despondency has vanished, like a mist, faith. before the Sun of righteousness, who has shone into my heart Truly, God is
"
Kven
the Slough of
good
to
Israel.
In the blackest darkness,
resolved that,
I
if
never had another
would love Jesus, and was everlastingly lost, yet from the time that I was endeavour to run in the way of His commandments fear not to meet enabled thus to resolve, all these clouds have lied. If they return,
ray of comfort,
and even
if
them
what
in
the strength of the Beloved.
One
trial to
me
is
that
have nothing
to give
;
for Christ,
I
nothing wherein
do,
is
to
show my love
says,
to
DO
less.
The tempter
Him. What I can do, is You don t leave anything
little
up and
for Christ;
Then I Where are your evidences? you only follow Him to be saved by it. Yes, but not tell him that I have given up my self-righteousness, and he says, All I have to answer is, that my sufficiency is not till you saw it was filthy rags!
of myself.
("
Thursday afternoon.)
Many have just now received a very nice note from my dear Mother. what know do not I money obligations are thanks to you for the P.O. order. imposed upon members I must do as you tell me.
"
"
(Here a piece of the letter has been cut out.) am glad brother and sister are better. Again my best love
"
to
you
all.
am,
"
Dear Father,
"Your
affectionate son,
"
CHARLES."
C.
II.
SPUKGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
"
121
Newmarket,
"
April 6th, 1850.

"
INIy
Dear Father,
"You
will
be pleased
I
to
hear
that, last
Thursday
!
night,
was admitted
Oh, may henceforth live more lor the glory of Him, by whom I feel assured that I shall be everlastingly saved Owing to my scruples on account of baptism, I did not sit down at the Lord s table, and cannot in To one who does not see the necessity of conscience do so until I am baptized.
as a
member.
that
baptism,
it
is
perfectly right
I
were /
it
to
do
s
so,
and proper to partake of conceive would be to tumble over the

of professing Him. detest the idea that
I
this
blessed privilege
I
but
wall, since
feel
persuaded
is
Christ
I
I can do a single thing towards the corruption of my own heart to of doing one iota to forward my own salvation, my old corrupt heart would impede it, were it not that my Redeemer is mighty, and works as He
which
appointed way I have of baptism.

I
am
sure this
is
the only view
my own salvation. know that, instead
trust that
feel sufficiently
pleases.
Thursday, I have been unwell in body, but I have been able to see my has been almost in Heaven.
"
Since
last
may
say that
my
to
soul
title
clear,
and
know
ones shall perish, Gocl Himself will cease to be, Satan will conquer the King of kings, and Jesus will no longer be the Doubts and fears may soon assail me, but I will not dread to Saviour of the elect. meet them if my Father has so ordained it He knows best. Were I never to
and believe
that,
sooner than one of
God
s little
have another
death,
yet
of grace, and be always doubting from now until the day ol my the foundation of the Lord standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord
visit
knoweth them
that are
His.
all is
see
now
the secret,
how
it
was
that
you were
of us
enabled to bear up under deserve all beyond hell

;
your
late trials.
This
is
faith is
far
more than any
sovereign,
God
I
says,
Were it not all of a mighty one. never hope to be saved. electing, almighty grace, I, for one, could You shall, and not all the devils in hell, let loose upon a real Christian,
mercy, but this
little
can stop the workings of

will.
Oh, how
sovereign grace, for in due time the Christian cries, love have I for One who has thus promised to save me by
s
!
God
so great a salvation, and who will certainly perform His promise 1 trust that the Lord is working among my tract people, and blessing my I have had most little effort. interesting and encouraging conversation with many
"
of them.
I
Oh, that
time
could sec but one sinner constrained to
come
to Jesus
How
May
Your
long- for the
when
it
may
!
please
God
to
make me,
like you,
my
Father, a
I almost successful preacher of the gospel envy you your exalted privilege. the dew of Hermon and the increase of the Spirit rest upon your labours!
unworthy son
tries to
pray
for
you and
his
Mother, that grace and peace
may be
122
II-
SPURCEOX
of
AUTOlilOGRAI H V.
with
you.
Oh, that the

the;
God
make him
of the
a partaker of Ilis
mercy would incline Archer s heart to Him, and Ask him if he will believe me when I say that grace
!
one drop of
experience.
thousand oceans ot the pleasures pleasure of religion is worth ten he is not willing to prove the lact byif him unconverted, and then ask
Give
my
love to
s
my
dear Mother.
season
will
.....
come,
As Mr. Cantlow
humhlv
to bc
baptizing
I
round
this
much
are
all
like to
will not act against your will, g your consent, as have no doubt of your permission. month. next commune
I
have month, and should very

I
We
us
one
in
Christ
Jesus
forms and
ceremonies,
trust,
will
not
make
divided
"With
my
best love and hopes that you are

"
all well,
remain,
"
our affectionate
"
x<w,
Not only
as to the llesh, but in

"
the: faith,
CIIARLKS
HADDON
STURGEON."
"
Newmarket,
"
April 2oth.
"
My
;
Dear Mother,
"
have every morning looked for a letter from Father, long for an Do, if you please, send have had one from him. answer it is now a month since have been kept in painful suspense. me either permission or refusal to be baptized e This is the 2Oth, and Mr. Cantlow s baptizing day is to be the latter end of the
1
I
month
should be so sorry to lose another Ordinance Sunday as to and with my present convictions, hope: I shall never so violate my conscience When requested, I assured the members at the church-meeting sit clown unbaptized.
;
think, next week.
that
I
"
would never do
I
so.
for the bony you poor starving creatures, following Mr. What a mercy that you are not dependent rhetoric and oratory which he gives you. soon give; up following that empty upon him for spiritual comfort! I hope: you will cloud without rain, that type-and-shadow preacher, for I don t think there is much Hut. my dear Mother, why elo you not go and hear my friend, Mr. substance. no doubt will receive you Langford ? He is an open-communion Haptist, and I have and my without baptism. Perhaps his preaching may be blest to Archer, Khza,
often think of
sisters,
as well as to myself;
would
it
not be worth giving up a

will,
little:
difference of
persuasion for? but I think Mr.
God
-
can save
whom He
when He
will,
and where
He
will,
Mount
L Sinai roarings & are the last things to
do
it,
to
all
human
appearance.
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
123
"
think
air
the
warm
"
might date this letter from a place in the Enchanted Ground, with One drop of the pleasures I have felt is of Beulah blowing- upon me.
I
worth a
life
My
I
Lottie.
I am afraid of of agony. becoming- satisfied with this world. very best love to yourself, dear Father, Eliza, Archer, Emily, Louisa, and hope you are well. I am very much better thanks for the prescription
;
and with
my
love to you again,

"
remain,
"
Dear Mother, Your

"
affectionate son,
"
CHARLES.
"
P.S.
If baptized,
I
others
am, with some trust the good confession before many witnesses will be a
it
will
be
in
an open river; go
in just as
bond betwixt me and
my
Master,
my
Saviour, and
my
King."
"
Newmarket,
"
May
ist,
1850.
"
My
Dear Mother,
"
In this instance, my very happy returns of your Birthday wish will certainly be realized, for in Heaven you are sure to have an eternity of happy days. May you, in your coming years, live beneath the sweet smiles of the God of peace may joy and singing attend your footsteps to a blissful
Many
haven of
rest
and
tranquillity
Your birthday
will
now be doubly memorable,
for
on the third of May, the boy for whom you have so often prayed, the boy of hopes and fears, your firstborn, will join the visible Church of the redeemed on earth,
and
You, my me what I hand of s in means God the have been hope rendering Mother, great I am. Your kind, warning Sabbath-evening addresses were too deeply settled on my heart to be forgotten. You, by God s blessing, prepared the way for the If I have any preached \Yord, and for that holy book, The Rise and l^rogrcss.
will
bind himself doubly to the Lord his God, by open profession.
courage,
prepared to follow my Saviour, not only into the water, but should He call me, even into the lire, I love you as the preacher to my heart of such Impossible, I think it is, that I should courage, as my praying, watching Mother. ever cease to love you, or you to love me, yet not nearly so impossible as that the Lord our Father should cease to love either of us, be we ever so doubtful of it,
if
I
feel
hope you may one day have cause you see me, the unworthy instrument of God, preaching to
or ever so disobedient.
I I
to rejoice,
should
others,
yet
have
vowed
in
the strength
of
to
my
only
Strength,
in
the
name
it
of
my
Beloved,
to
devote myself for ever
His cause.
Do
you not think
would be a bad
124
IK
SPURGEON
to
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
beginning were
If
I,
knowing
it
I
be
I
you are now as happy as

I
"
am,
I
duty to be baptized, to shrink from it ? can wish no more than that you may continue
my
so.
am
I
the happiest creature,
think,
upon
this globe.
hope you have enjoyed your visit, and that it will help much to establish I dare not ask you to write, for I know you are always so busy your health. 1 that it is quite a task to you. hope my letter did not pain you, dear Mother my best love to you, be assured that I would not do anything to grieve you, and
I
am
sure that
remain,
"
Your
affectionate son,
"
CIIARLKS
HADDON."
"
Mr. and Mrs. Swindell
respects to you and dear
Father."
"
Newmarket Academy,
"
June
"
ith,
1850.
My
Dear Mother,
"
and
far
thanks to you for your valuable letter. between, and are such a trouble to you, that one
Many
Your notes are so few now and then is quite

Lord,
a treasure.
"Truly,
indeed,
have much
for
which
to bless the
when
contem
and see that my salvation is entirely of His free plate His Divine Sovereignty, He has chosen me to be one of His vessels of mercy and, electing love. from within, He will surely accomplish despite all opposition from without and
;
His own work.

to
I
up myself entirely me with an and me has Him who everlasting redemption. purchased bought am now enabled to rely upon His precious promises, and to feel that I am as
I
"
have more than
sufficient to induce
me
to give
safe,
though not so holy, as the greatest saint in Heaven. I have had two opportunities of addressing the Sunday-school children, and am bound to 1 have endeavoured to do so as a dying being to dying beings. Newmarket by holy bonds. I have 70 people whom I regularly visit on Saturday.
I
do not give a
tract,
attention to spiritual the people are so kind, and so pleased to see me.
and go away but I sit clown, and endeavour to draw their have great reason to believe the Lord is working, I realities.
;
cannot bear
to leave
them.
We
are so feeble here that the weakest cannot

at
good attendance called upon

"
prayer-meetings
-
We have a pretty be spared. I am that but so few praying men, constantly

,
One
of our Deacons, Mr.
he
is
rather
an Arminian
but so
constantly inviting me to his house are the majority of Newmarket Christians.

is
Grandfather has written
to
me
he does
not
blame
me
for
being a
Baptist,
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOP.IOGRAPIIY.
125
sort.
but hopes I shall not be one of the I that, we are agreed. certainly think s Lord table. when we come to the
I
tight-laced,
strict-communion
In
we ought
I
to forget
I
such things
shall
in
others
can,
and hope
be,
charitable
It is not a great think they are mistaken. to unbaptized Christians, though matter; men will differ; we ought both to follow our own consciences, and let I think the time would be; better spent in talking upon others do the same.
vital
godliness than
in
disputing about forms.
trust the
Lord
is
weaning me
daily
from
I
all
self-dependence, and
that
will
I
nothing.
know
am
teaching me; to look at myself as less than I His work am it is perfectly dead without Him
; ;
confident that
He
accomplish
it,
and that
shall
see the face of
my
Beloved
in
His own house

"
in
glory.
My
enemies
are
many,
and
Jehovah Jesus on
my
side,
why
they hate should I fear?

I
me
I
with
will
cruel
hatred,
in
yet
with
march on
His almighty
is called, strength to certain conquest and victory. that two of us in OIK; household at one time should thus openly profess the Saviour s name. \Ye are brother and sister in the Lord may our Father often give each of us Would I feel as if I could say with Paul, the refreshing visits of His grace!
am
so glad that Sarah, too,
that
were;
!
even accursed, so that
saved
in
a joy if God the covenant of grace
What
brethren according to the flesh might be should prove that they are redeemed ones included
my
long to
sen;
your
of
face,
and
let
my
heart beat with

life.
yours,
whilst
we;
talk of the glorious things pertaining to eternal
My
best
love to you
and
Father
may
the;
Angel
the;
enchant you by the visions of His grace;! returns to him), Fmily, Lottie, and Louisa
;
Love
covenant dwell with you, and to Lli/a, Archer (many happy
may
they become;
I
members
of the
church
for
in
our house
am
very glad you are so well.
am
so,
but hard at work
the
Examination, so allow
me
te>
remain,
"
Your most
affectionate son,
"
CHARLES."
"
Master
I
Hne)
shall
be attended to
it
be;
ye always ready for every good
work.
have
time, but
shall
be
clone;."
CHAPTER
Diatu,
I
XIII.
Slpiil
to
3uut, 185 n.
have sometimes said, when I have heroine the prey of doubting thoughts, "Well, no\v, I dare whether there be a God, for can look back in my Diary, and say, On sneli a day, in the depths of trouble, bent my knee to God, and or ever I had risen from my knees, the answer was inven me. C. H. S,
not doubt
"
INTRODUCTION, BY MRS. C.
II.
SPUROKOX.
OT
very long after our marriage, rny husband brought to me, one day, a small clasped book, and putting it into my hand with a
air,
grave and serious
he
said,
"That
book contains a record

;
of
I
some
of
my
past spiritual experiences, wifie

to sec;
it
I
take care of
to
;
it,
but
never want
sealed
again."
b;
never
to
did,
and
me
also
it
it
was a
lain,
book,
for
did
not
dare
as I look upon tin: boyish and to read the handwriting, begin thoughts of my dear one s heart in the bygone can undertake the duty of years, I wonder whether transcription, whether my eyes will see through the; tears which must come, and my fingers will hold the pen without much trembling, and my heart, which loved him so well, will be able to thank God that the past is past* and the and sorrows of earth are for ever
I
unrevealed, tor certainly forty years since; the day I reverent hands, I take; it from its hiding-place, and,
first
open it saw
and
lias
it.
lint
now, with
forgotten
I
struggles the ecstasies of eternal Lord, strengthen and help me glory. he contents of the little book prove; to be a continuous Diary of nearly three
in
!
months duration, commencing April

year.
in
6th,
of
1X50, anil ending on |une 2Oth
in the;
same
As
its
page
the;
cover
it
theis
season
full
service for
Lord,
baptism, ami the; young convert s first efforts of deep interest ami pathos to all who afterward
I
knew and loved
the-
long-kept secret of
the-
feel that I am justified in at last great preacher. revealing the for a perusal of its soul-confessions and book, holy resolutions
le;aelin<>-
can only redound to theglory of God, ;mel show how He; was servant by a way which he knew not. Ar-el I believe Goel would have;
I
is
venimthis.
me do
the dear boy of sixte-e-n are very touching when read in the; light marvellous career. As the; trunk and branches of the- future; tree: subsequent may, in some; cases, be seen faintly outlined in the; fruit it bears, so we can here discern something of the form and beauty of the fair character which the Lord was
he;
words
of
of
his
preparing for a glorious service.
128
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
How
.stirrings
"
Forgive
myself,"
even though he must have felt within him the and throes of the wonderful powers which were afterwards developed. if have ever had high thoughts ot me, Lord," he says, in one place,
marked
is
his humility,
"
so early did the Master implant the precious seeds ot that rare grace ot meekness, which adorned his after life. After each youthful effort at public exhorta
tion,
whether
to
it
be engaging
in
children, he prayer, or addressing Sunday-school
seems
be surprised at his own success, and intensely anxious to be kept from his own utter weakness, and pride and self-glory, again and again confessing What deep foundations were laid in this chosen pleading for God-given strength. did God construct the spiritual soul, upon what massive pillars of truth and doctrine his consciousness of the man who was to do so great a work in the world tor
and he grew into building fitly framed together," So young in habitation of God through the Spirit." holy temple in the Lord," so old in grace, and possessing an years, when lie wrote these thoughts, yet broader than most Christians attain to at experience in spiritual matters richer and revealed in these pages are the workings and How an advanced
Master!
He
was
truly a
"a
"a
plainly age! clear are the; docility, and earnestness, Divine of the Spirit, and how equally teachings and humility of the pupil! Many of the sentences in the Diary are strangely
prophetic of his
faithful servant,
future position and work,
O my God
to
consecrated for ever to

servant of Thine, and
"
Thy
Make me I hy notably these two, and be may I honour Thee, in my day and generation, "Make me to be an eminent And service!"
again,
like
be blessed with the power to serve Thee,
Thy
great
servant Paul
In these; breathings, too,
we
believed and trusted

fashion.
God
absolutely,
He see where the secret of his great strength lay. and his faith was honoured in a God-like
Deeply
realizing his
dependence on his Lord. His whole heart was arms and God s Spirit dwelt in him, to teach him all things. He s promises were verities to him; and as given to God and His service, God He heaped abideth faithful, He cannot deny Himself," it was with both hands that His dear servant until the time came; to receive him into glory. gifts and grace upon book the of things which this little
;
"
own weakness, he rested with child-like and complete And God carried him, as a father bears his little one in his
precious greatest price among Perhaps, He. intense love to the Lord Jesus. and s beloved author is the reveals, personal Hie. s bosom. like; the apostle John, his head leaned on Jesu lived in His embrace were not empty words endearing terms used in the Diary, and never discontinued, God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy they were the overflowings of the love of One of the last things he said to me at Mentone, before unconsciousness Ghost. O wine, I have had such a blessed time with my was had sealed his clear
;
;
"
lips,
this,
Lord
!"
And
it
was always
so,
the Saviour was as real to
him as
if
his eyes could
c.
ii.
SFURGEON
Arrnp.mr.R. \PIIY.
129
in his
look upon Him, and

daily,
it
was
his delight to dwell in the
very presence of God,
hourly
life.
I
Full of a sweet pain has been the task
set myself to write out these details of
months but if anyone shall be the gainer bv it. through being drawn nearer to God, and having clearer views of Divine truth, shall deem the pain a pleasure, and the sorrow will bring me joy.
my
dear one
s life
for three short
THE
Born,
DIARY.
1850.
January
to
6,
1850.
Admitted
Baptized,
Fellowship,
April
4.
;
<)
Mav
Communed first, Commenced as S.S.
May
Teacher,
,,
5.
Joined Church at Cambridge, Oct.
2.
CONSECRATION.
who knowcst my heart, and triest all my ways ; witJi a humble dependence upon t te support of Thy Holy Spirit, I yield up myself to 1 /ice ; as Thy own reasonable sacrifice, I rctui-n to Thee Thine own. 1 would be for ever, unreservedly, perpetually Thine ; whilst I am on earth, J would serve Thee and may 1 enjoy Thee and praise Thee for ever ! si men.
unsearchable God,
O great and
Feb.
i,
1850.
CHARLES MADDUX SPURGEOX.

1850,
BLESSED YEAR OE JUKILEE.
April 6. glory ot His

people.
I
have had a blessed day of refreshing from the Lord, and from the face. Went round my Station District, and had a talk with several trust the Lord is working here!. Had some serious thoughts about
I
1
baptism.
he:
Lord
is
my
April
Gen.
does not
scarcely icasted
I
7.
;
Xot
well; the
strength and my song; He also is body bears the: soul down.

it
become my salvation." Heard Mr. S. from

let
xxii. 8
could not take
in to heart,
headache would not
me.
Arminianism
suit
live.
all
If I we:re long to be so heavy as I now am, I could could not to theattend sermon; was happier without it. Lvening, the time on
me
now.
"When
I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ai;es! cleft for me,
I
.1/1
ill
hide myself
in
Thee."
130
C.
II.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
Cannot think how Mr. the Lord says, Esau have

"
S.
I
could say that Esau, he trusted, was converted, when

haled"
.//>///
8.
Walked out
after breakfast,
never saw more plainly the sovereignty
of
God
will.
Me
ol
has called
me
J
;
feel
sure that lie will carry

plcasest
i
me
"
to glory.
Not
,
well.
Goel
grace, take; me.
home when Thou

if
?
It is,
Mercy, mere)
mercy,"
from
9.
;
iirst to last.
April
be but one
I
Happy again to-day; but what have I written

to
be,
like-
such days continue:, earth and Heaven will I know I have sinned this day in Heaven,
;
!
cannot.
hour,
be holy, to blest abode, when I
Oh,
God
trust
shall
be one day.
Jesus,
glorious
1
am
near,
and
like
my
God.
how can
e er
Hold Thou me by Thy free Spirit, and forget Thee, Thou life of my delights? Can hardly pray, yet, O my God, pour down upon me more love to Thee! could do more lor God remember A )h, that By grace ye are saved." Much better in health. All more than hell, is mercy. How small April 10.
"
sphere, yet what a great Being condescended to fix my state,- before I had a All things arc ordered by God. Blessed be His name, though He slay me, being Doubts and fears will Sin is all cleansed by Jesu s blood. trust in Him. yet will
is
my
soon come.
"
Desire of
my
I
soul,"
prepare:
me
te>
meet them.
The: Lord
presence
has not departed yet; hael
the:
enough
of
Me."
for this.
"
hope
all is
tongue of an archangel, I could not praise Him I must expect well at home with my clear mother
;
the cross soon.
He
that taketh not his cross, and followeth alter
Me,
is
not worthy
am the good Shepherd, and Have had sweet thoughts upon, He know My sheep, and am known of Mine." How can one of His sheep be lost knows all is own ?
Îpril
IT.
"I
if
have: read to-day of the iniquities of
them, and grant that Beloved, sooner may

desire of
my
the:
!
heart
Father, forgive high places. O my not be blasphemed through them! I perish everlastingly than thus dishonour Thee, Thou soleHeard Mr. S. from Psalm Ixviii. 18 20. I love to hear him
some
in
Thy name may
give
into
all
all
honour of our salvation

(
to
God.
love
Shepherd
ot
Israel, guide!
hy flock
I
truth
)uicken me, and
Apj-il 12.
Earthly things
to fix
1 1
Thee more- and metre: have engaged too much of my thoughts

upon my Saviour.
I
make me
this day.
have not been able

but not overcome
my
(ace:
it
attention entirely
Lord has not hidden

;
is
from me.
Though tempted,
s
am
Yet, even yet, the not cast down tried,

;
truly
is
of the Lord
sovereign mercy.
would
desire:
again
this day to make: a fresh application to the sin-atoning blood ot Jesus to cleanse
O Thou keep me down, and then need fear no fall let her yet shine forth in glory visit Zion, and preserve Thy Church April His does not showers have been coming down to-day; the Lord promises. forget
away my
sins.
Goel, elo
C.
II.
SPURGEON
I
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
1^1 \J
Jesus took m\
Ammi-nadib."
heart
"Tell
"
or ever
was aware,
noon
"
my
me,
O Thou whom my soul

;
made me like loveth, where Thou

soul
the chariots of
feedest,
where
Thou makest Thy

less,
ilock to rest at
!
fairest
Beloved
Daily meet me,

to
for
would he ever with Thee, O my spot Thy embrace is Heaven sanctify me.
I
;
prepare me, help
me
bring forth fruit,

feel
and
to
be Thine
of
for
ever!
is,
April
13.
Did not
so tired at
the;
end
this
week; one reason
that
Blessed be the Shepherd, I walk now beside every day has been Sunday with me. the still waters. What events are transpiring- in the world Things are quite at a
!
Church of Fngland. love my little- work the Lord, be with me Trust in Him, my depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God soul follow hard after Him.
crisis in the
I
;
"O
"
April
justification
14.
-Heard Mr.
faith.
;
by
price
could not
it,
the great subject ol morning, from 3 John 4, Who could dare to hope of going to Heaven, if works are the it would be like offering me a possession in the sun, if I could
S.,
this
jump up
I
to
and take
it
in
my hand
I
Afternoon,
some
of last
Sunday over
again.
Esau does not give us a very interesting sermon.
Evening
subject was, Decision.
am
quite encouraged.
Hope
shall
soon
have an answer from home upon

lead,
baptism.
"Through
I ll
floods
follow
and Humes, if Jesus where lie goes."
would not desert

.
Him
in
any
OIK; point,
but keep close to Him.

First
-Ipnl
15.
-Ouite well to-day, and tolerably happy.

to differ
!
day of the
"Also
races.
O
()
God, Thou makest me;
Had
else
nic<;
prayer-meeting.
to trust
unto Thee,
in
Lord, belongeth evening, and talked
mercy."
till
What
have
I
to
Mr.
P.
I
came
this
past eleven, so that

"What
lost
some
of the time
should have
spent
in
devotion.
various hindrances we meet coming to a mercy-scat Yet who that knows the worth of prayer, But wishes to be often there?"
In
!
6. This evening, the friends at the Hythe will be assembled. April Grant Thy gracious blessing Read of the land Beulah. have been there, and before that, too, Comfort we must not always have, coming to Giant Despair.
1
!
or
am
afraid
should go to sleep.
keep my eyes open! My Lgypt, and that after eating Heavenly manna
Deliverer,
getting drowsy in spirit. Strong soul seems to long after the flesh-pots of
I
;
am now
help and forgive me,
April
is
17.
Read some
!
of
"
I would desire to gulf love God, and to be as holy as my Father-God Himself. There is a little cloud betwixt me and my Sun of righteousness, but I doubt not that Lie still shines upon
near
me
think
can say that
Fuller upon Antinomianism." I hate this religion
O my Saviour! My God, what a
13
C.
H.
SI
URGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
me.
1
He
has not
all
;
left
me.
am
a living miracle, a walking

on.
wonder of grace
this
that
am
to
much more, following is name more! Him, and honour

alive at
1 1
May
I
from
time live nearer
18.
--I
trust
I
the
cloud
has hurst.
in
sunshine to-day.
or not.
will
walk on
have seen some few gleams ot His strength, whether it he through clouds
Went
;
to
1
chapel,
strength
may
!
now
;
has not written
;md revive
h\
o.
begin he has good reason, no doubt. Lord, strengthen hme enlivening grace! hurch by
!
I have very le\v there. run in the ways ol the Lord
been enabled
1
to
to renew my wonder why father
Thy
people,
April
servant
I I
do not
in
and indifference
in
near enough to Clod. () (iod the ways ol the Lord.

live
o!
have
to
lament
my
coldness
ot
1
restoring grace,
visit
Thv
the mids!
the days!
will
trust
Him,
cannot doubt His power or
is
1<
>ve.
shall
yet
have another
in
visit,
shall
.
ask the Father

Iprtl
2O.
I
My
and see again name, lie will give

with
is
smiling face.
feel
"
Whatsoever ye
it
you."
Went round
to
for
1
my
tracts
could not
the Spirit of the Lord
upon me.
deserved
seemed
and
in
this,
have a clog upon my feet and have not prayed, or studied my

sin
is
my
it
tongue.
as
1
have richlv
I
P>ible
ought.
confess
mine
anew,
iniquity,
Saviour,
my Thv
ever before me.

!
Mercy
is all
mercy
Wash me
sin-atoning blood
cannot perish
if
April
great
hope,
21.
ol
(iod protects me. I can do nothing. Weak and sinful worm am I. Mr. S. preached from 2 Thess. iii. 3. This is the a Christian, the main comfort of my life, the Lord will do it.
This morning,
ix.
Afternoon, Matt.
could not do
3
it.
22.
Here again
it
is
the Saviour
working
earthly physicians
!
Blessed art Thou,

not very
()
God,
John
the
4.
am
I
On
whole,
all.
much interested have enjoyed much this dav
great salvation Evening, with these twice-preached sermons.

tor
this
;--
little
have
vile,
deserved
not at
Xo
to
merit in me,
am
sure
\dlest of
the
for
it, nay, so long shutting
great salvation and glorious state ol God s people. April 22. The Lord has not forsaken me. Went this evening to the prayerfear to speak of my only Friend ? I meeting engaged in prayer. Why should
mine eyes
this
shall
in
not be
timid
another time,
other things. The spirit is with that Saviour who is the life of
hope the Lord has helped me in this He will more brisk to-day, more soaring, and more enchanted
I
;
all
my
joy.
first
Faith
to
is
the precious gift of
Gocl>
and love
is
His
gift;
it
is
all
of (iod from
last.
C.
II.
in
133
;
April
I
23.
My
prayer
is
some measure answered

;
trust
the
work has
again revived.
feel
that
I
grace.
No desert is there in me tis all ot mercy, must acknowledge. am dependent on the Lord tor all, lor growing grace, and for living do not have two days portion have my daily supply, and sure enough,
1
at a time.
Tis a mercy to
all.
teel
one
own dependence, and

for
to
be able
to
trust
the Lord for

art safe
!
Sing,
O my
soul,
sing,
the
Lord has redeemed
thee,
thou
April
help
24.
Letter from
Mr. Cantlow.
Baptism on Thursday week.

I
God
me to live worth} of Him, and that my open confession of Him may make me more diligent had thought. Truly, Letter from Mr. Leeding belter than in lot is and have a am to do as Lord, my pleasant places, goodly heritage.
!
Never do please about baptism. close walk with my Saviour; rather,

1
lose
anything by zeal
for
the
truth,
and
lite;
guide me, and and love

!
allot
my
to
portion
on
Lord, Thou art gain everything. lime own this earth according to
1
my
wisdom
children.
April
[education
25.
is
I
Went
1
P>urwc11.
Heard
this
the
examination
a weight of
to
11 is
1
ot
the-
indeed a talent from the Lord.

trust
shall
is
What
more
responsibility rests
upon me!
father
;
one day employ
honour.
A
my
letter
from
in
truth,
he
rather hard
upon
me.
When
followed
conscience,
and did
Church,
not
I
presumptuously break through the fences of the might have expected this. My business is to follow
Lord about His
my
Saviour, and
not to pick out smooth paths tor myself. It in any measure I have walked I would desire to all the of to the; Author worthily, give great glory my salvation. now led so bold that, it the devil were to reproach me, could answer him. Lord, 1 would ascribe it all to Thee, that have not yet turned back, and that
I
I
no enemies have yet made
me
to
quail
with terror!
entirely
Onuard may
in
press, with
Heaven
itself
in
in
view,
all
!
trusting
my
s
salvation
the
hands of
my
Jesus.
my
soul
life,
my
all
April
!
26.
How my
this
lather
fears lest
My
I
God, Thou knowest
that
hate;
should trust to baptism such a thought No, I

!
stir
up my
that,
know
could
past
at
from
sin. s
sword
could not atone; for day be as holy as Goel Himself, yet I have had a pretty gooel day. Fear, Mistrust, and Timorous are yet length. May I be; Valiant-tor-Truth, and live and die in my Master s
I
!
glorious war In the; name of the Lord of Doubts, fall back April 27. Fear, begone; hosts I would set up my banner. Come on, ye demons of the pit, my Captain is more than a match for you in His name, armed with His weapons, and in His strength, dare defy you all. How glorious luould be. to die; by the; side
!
!
of such a
Leader
am
a worm,
and no man, a
vanity,
nothing
yet hath
c.
>4
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
I have been His love upon me, and why should I tremble or fear? I haveagain round with my tracts may the good seed prosper, and take root Blessed be the name to lament that I do not live so near to God as I ought. trust of the Lord for that measure of grace which He has given me; 1 can
He
set
Him
I
for the rest.
addressed us both morning and evening from John 5. Afternoon, could not fix upon the subject, so as to see the train of his thought. to the and a to Sunday-school boy how I did rejoice when I brought a man chapel,
April
28.
Mr.
S.
i.
It
is
the
Lord
for
By
this
encouragement,
in
Thy
strength,
pledge myself
to live
yet
more
!
me up
though
Hold Thou Thee, to fight more constantly, and to work harder. me to-day, with been The Lord has Support me, lor 1 can do nothing.
heart has not been
in
I such transports as heretofore. Thine Saviour, dwell with me through shade as well as sunshine. me to serve Thee, and adore Thee, world without (Mid
my
will
I
follow
am, help
Thought upon Matt. viii. 20. When April 29. Went to prayer-meeting. would love I I have the presence of the Lord, nothing is a hardship to me. Let not my first love to lodge with my Master, and to endure all things for Him. have no fire within to keep it alight, Thou alone canst do this, my Lord I chill.
and and
my
in
God.
would anew devote myself
to
Thee, and glory only
in
Thy
cross,
Thy shame.
1
;
time rolls away, I am nearer home. April 30. Another month has passed, This month has brought me much holy enjoyment, much privilege how little have done when compared with what Jesus has done for me! What a slothful Roll on, ye months; bring joy or sorrow servant am I of so good a Master!
as ye
will,
if
God be
!
with me,
all
is
mine!
How much
I
;
like
Vanity Lair
to
is
this
place take
on,
It is crowded with visitors (Newmarket) them to London. Lord, give me strength, guided by Thee, my great Conductor
!
saw two engines required

the engine,
to
like
go
straight
Another month now dawns upon me. I have lived through one, I will bless the Lord for it, and trust Him for this also. Help me to live more to Thy Thee in my daily walk and conversation. The time of my glory, and to honour I would May I die to the world, and live alone for Thee baptism approaches. a law working against this law, and O Lord but I feel a serve
]\ja
:.
Thee,
weight,
holding
me
2
.
in
partial
bondage
let
Thy
withholds grace break every fetter that
my
heart from
Thee
May
Lord,
I
Went
to the lecture,
in
revive
Thy Church
to
very few there, not enough for a church-meeting. far happier day than I deserve Newmarket
!
have been able
soar a
little,
and see the Canaan which
desire,
though
C.
11.
Sl
UKCKON
will
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
155
with a feeble eye.
To-morrow
than usual to pour out

I
my
have been enabled more I be a solemn day. I need support now, and I feel that heart in prayer.
all
Not one of the least of them people! Tis a sin to can be lost, the oath and promise of the Lord cannot be broken. is a shame, a it think that God, a God of truth, will ever desert His people
shall
have
it.
How
safe
are
God
"
blasphemy.
"
Lear thou
not, for
am
with thee
be not dismayed,
for
am
her,
thy
God."
will
,
never leave thee, nor forsake
thee."
Mav
,-
\J
*.
MY
mother
it
birthday.
May
*
the sun of heaven shine

this
upon
and
revive her, even as
privileged
has done upon the natural world Mr. Cantlow at eleven, reached Isleham at one o clock. to follow my Lord, and to be buried with Him
!
day
Started with
I
In the afternoon,
in
was
baptism.
Blest pool!
May I, henceforward, live alone for my death to all the: world a poor sacrifice, tie me unto Thee; in Thy Acce-pt my body and soul as Jesus! shrink from now devote myself to Thy service for ever never may strength
Sweet emblem of
I
owning Thy name
"Witness,
ye
men and
angels now,
If
forsake the
Lord!"
vow
to glorv alone in Jesus
and His
cross,
and
I
to
spend
my
life
in
the extension
of His cause:, in whatsoever

profession, having but
way He
in
pleases.
desire to
be:
sincere in this solemn
one object
view, and that to gle)rify God.
Thy
that
name: that
Thou
this.
hast supported
me
through the day

wilt.
it
is
Thy
Blessing upon strength alone:
could do
Thou
to
hast,
Thou
Thou
hast enabled
profession, and
me
to
profess
Thee, help me: now Christ on earth

!
honour Thee, and carry out

at 9
feel
my
live the life of
May
my
tracts
4.
;
Reached Newmarket
help
high
!
in spirit,
have been round with
that Mr.
S.
will
Mr. H.
There is a report in the church Thee, O my Lord and I have been on the heath. Mr. A. told me of it very gruffly. not commune because so many have: been to the races. My Master
me
to serve
knows,
have no need
to
tell
Him
am
innocent.
Though
be:
cast out
I
and
rejected of the disciples,

this respect,
the:
Lord
will
not cast off one of His chosen.
can, in
wash
Mav
people of
5-
A
!
God
innocency. but third, very strong sermon, from John i. to be a peculiar people, zealous for good works
;
my
hands
in
5.
!
How
ought the
Lord, help
me
to
This afternoon, partook of the Lord s supper a royal feast for me, Mr. S. addressed me before all the people. Sunday-school worthy of a King s son. like my newI M. friend with the went and first quite for the time, people visiting
honour Thee
work.
Teachers
in
engaged
family prayer, past
five of us from 8 to 9 prayer-meeting after evening service, Went to Mr. B. s to supper, talked with young- C., stopped to prayer. have been too excited to-day, amidst the busy I 10 o clock
;
!
whirl of constant action, to feel myself so solid as
could wish.
All
is
Rock
ol
bind
me
to
Thyself!
can
feel
the bad law working yet.
of God,
A He
will
perform His promise.
]\Iav 6.
Went
to
s
prayer-meeting.
Mission-try meeting
in
the afternoon, upon
the
glory
of Christ
kingdom.
"He
must
reign."
Saviour,
come and extend

!
Thy Thy
over all hearts kingdom over all the world, sway Thy sceptre me an instrument of good in temple, and honour me by making
Make me
Thy hands
that
i
Lord, save
me
from pride and from

I
sloth,
my two
great enemies
keep me,
oh,
I
keep and preserve me!

trust,
am
an
I
erring
right
upon Thy strength hand

!
rely;
am
in is It sheep. hold than less nothing,
Thy power me by Thine own

1
j\/a v
j.
haveagain to confess

to
my lukewarmness
be natural to
fear
am
losing
my
lirst
love.
it
Coldness and deadness seem
me
have no inward warmth,
all
comes from
the
Sun of righteousness, by
rich,
free,
What
in
my
a mercy that 1 have not been altogether fro/en to Lord, help me to follow Thee, sinful distance from God!
1
and sovereign grace. death, and lelt to perish and may

1
hv
right
would not fear, but trust need! hand uphold me! Strength, O Lord, in Thine omnipotence. Mav 8. Teachers business meeting. Too much joking and levity to agree Lord, keep me with mv notions of what a Sunday-school teacher should be.
1
from the
help
evil
of the world,
let
me
not be led away
but
if
these are
Thy
!
people,
me
to serve
Thee
better than they, and to be

to
I
God, keep me ever near honour Thee: more than

spend and be spent
in
Thee, help me to have hitherto done,

service
!
O my more like: my Master and to to live more Thy glory,

to
live
alone
(or
hee,
and
!
to
Thy
Preserve, perfect, keep, and bless
me
o..
Prayer-meeting.
cannot,
Mr.
not
S.
has
us.
resigned.
Well,
I
we have
bettet
;
Pastor,
who
who
will
leave
Truly,
have sunk very low

it
my
lamp seems going out

that
1
in obscurity.
;
Lord, fan
can never perish and uphold me, so that

servant Paul
j\l a
yet be pleased,
I
my
it, keep God, to
burning yet
know-
visit
may honour Thee more
make:
me again, to revive me to be an eminent

Thee,
like
servant of Thine, and to be blessed with the power

!
to serve
Thy
great
Blessed be the name of the Lord, He has not left His servant, or y have often sinned, and neglected the turned away from His chosen Though
I0
.
!
sweet
privilege,
of prayer, yet
He
hath not deserted me.
Had
a letter from Mr.
c.
ii.
him,
137
hope
I
that the
Lord
will
bless
hire.
wonder how they are at Lord, grant me Thy Holy Spirit

"
and give him many souls as seals for his home. Time Hies away. Seasons come and go
to
enable
me
to
improve each moment

the
am
the
bought with a
Jlfay
ii.
price."
\Yent round
It
is
my
district.
trust
;
Lord
it
is
!
moving upon
I
face of this
people.
Thy
work,
O
!
Lord
to
accomplish
feel
encouraged
to o-o on in the ways of the Lord, and Prosper Thou the work of my hands
still
spend
my
spare time in His service.

is
My
own
of
soul
encouraged,
my
life
is
revived,
and
hope soon
!
to
enjoy the presence
the Lord.
May
shall
12.
never
>
One of the days of the Son Went to Sunday-school at end

at 1.45, service 3
till
of man,
9,
happy day when Sabbath

till
stayed
till
service at 10.30, out at
12.15
Sunday-school
4,
visiting
5.
The day
has thus been
closely occupied.
The morning s
have nothing which I Had the Lord not chosen me,
discourse was upon i Corinthians iv. 7. Truly, I have not received I can boast of no inherent righteousness.
;
should not have chosen
Him.
Grace!
;
Grace!
Grace
Tis
all
a difference,
I can do nothing, 1 am less than nothing of grace. yet wha! once a slave of hell, now the son of the God oi Heaven! Help
me
I
to
walk worth} of
my
for
lofty
and exalted vocation

;
Afternoon, Psalm
xlviii.
14,
"This
God
is
iu\
God
ever and ever
HK
WILL be
my Guide even unto death.
can wish
for
no better Guide, or more lasting Friend;
He
shall
lead
me
in
His own way.

Lord,
permit
;
me
not
to
choose
the
road,
!
allow
me
not
to
wander
n.
grant
!
into
meadow rather carry me straight to glory Word of God is my chart. Lord, give me more to search the Scriptures, and to become Thv
Dy-path
"Tace
Evening, Acts
of
P>erean
xvii.
;
The
nobility
life
me
to
wise unto
I
eternal
Thine
Let
is
the
;
gift,
cannot do
it
without Thee.
Again would
give myself anew

!
Thee
bind
<>
Thou
the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of Thine altar

;
me
"
not
awav from Thee
hold
me
firmly in
Thy
gracious arms
Let Thine
salvation.
omnipotence be
my
;
protection,
Thy wisdom my
"
direction,
Thy
grace
my
Lord, I believe help Thou mine unbelief! A day of great, unmerited mercy. J\[ av i^).
Happiness cannot
exist here with
out
Letter sweet the joys of religion, of communion with God! bless me, even I thank Thee, Father, for such good tidings from home. All well. I would devote me also, O my Father myself to Thee it is my highest privilege
some
cloy.
How
to
be able
to give
;
*~~>
imtirino5
delight
Thy myself would, more than ever, wear

to
Thee.
service
is
the greatest pleasure, the most
Thy
livery,
be known as Thy
servant, and
become one
of
Thy
peculiar people.
May
and able
14.
to lly
I seemed In the evening, enjoyed an ecstasy of delight. transported, realities of this poor atom of an earth. bounds the Spiritual beyond
C.
II.
SPUKGKOX
were: present to view, while
the flesh,
!
like
Abraham
little
servant, tarried at the foot of

I
the mountain.
low much do
owe
how
good do
deserve, yea, none at
all
hy name lor evermore and Him. love serve lim

Blessed
l>e
Bless the Lord, ()
my
soul
follow hard after
am am not able to keep myself near confess how greatly compelled to acknowledge my own deadness. from Thee, Thou great Fountain of living waters but,
Men
1
15.
-How
feeble
to
I
God.
am
have strayed
"Since
ve not forgot
Restore
Thy Thy wandering
law,
sheep."
Revive
me
I
in
much do
the midst of the years, and deserve eternal damnation!

I
make Thy
face to shine
is
upon me
How
But salvation
not of desert, but ot free
This is the plank whereon hope to lloat to glory, grace. a wreck, and perish in the vast abyss.
when
this
world shall be
May
mine."
I
16.
Went
!
to chapel.
Sermon on Psalm
it,
I
xxiii. 3.
"
How much
;
do
need
(his restoration
If
the Lord does not do

to
cannot.
Turn out Thine enemy and

will
would be passive, submitting
Thy
sovereign
;
right.
Lord, keep
me
will
wait
Thy
time of revival
teach
Thou wilt do what is me both to work and
wait, expecting and hoping that Thou wilt soon come, and restore unto me the joy I am in a low condition, yet I am eternally sale. He will of Thy salvation!
lead me:.
May
17.
It
devoted myself to myself to Thee.
now Thee
is
!
a fortnight since
I
my baptism. How solemnly have would now repeat my vows, and again solemnly devote
I
"Witness,
If
ye men and angels now, forsake the Lord.
His strength can do all things. Thou cannot thwart Thine: everlasting purpose:.
In
I
hast,
sworn
me-!
to save,
and death and
hell
Ilolel
I
Thou alone canst it. If Thou dost not me, Thou hast showed me: a portion of the
de>
save-,
must
Thou hast blessed me, Thou wilt not leave pe:rish.

lace.
I
glory of
first
Thy
May
8.
Station District.
When
set out,
was
all
but
dumb
!
concern
Blesseel
ing spiritual things.
Soem
felt
the working of the Lorel in

let
all
!
be His holy name
for
ever anel ever, and
the
some degree. redeemed say, Amen
His
is
Thou art glorious to behold. the power. Beloved, Thine is eneluring beauty me more of the- entrancing visions of Thy face, the looks of Thy love, and
communion with Thee Lord, move Thou upon Thine elect from among the condemned sinners of the world
constant
! !
Give
more
the earth, and bring in
May
19.
Went
to
the Sunday-school.
Mr.
S.
preached, this morning, from
C.
IT.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
139
2
of
Cor.
iii.
8.
stone,
27.
when
glorious is the ministration ot life, how beautiful the tables O enclosed in the blessed ark of the covenant! Afternoon, E/ek.
"What
is
truth?"
How
xxxvi.
Evening-,
As
to interest,
the sermons to-day have

visiting with Mr. M., six
been a
failure.
Addressed the children upon Prayer.
Went
To Engaged prayer at his family altar. The Lord has visited me from on high. day has been a sunny day with me. run, run, in the name of the Rejoice, O my soul, leap tor joy, renew thy strength Lord! He is with me, He has been with me. Weakness He has made strength!
fresh children.
Evening
at
Mr. B.
s.
in
Mighty
to
to save,
Thou
shalt
have
!
all
1
love Thee, and live for
Thee
my noblest am buried
!
songs
with
Let
my
grace constrain me Lord and Saviour may I
Thy
be crucified to the world, and die daily How sure is it that Thy yoke burden is I can do all Thy light things through Christ Jesus.
!
is
easy,
and
I\Iay
20.
is
Went
inexhaustible
store from
prayer-meeting, and engaged the source from whence my life proceeds!

to
the
in
prayer.
How
the
How
boundless
undertaken
the
whence my provision comes must be saved, tor Omnipotence has Another O another visit ot His reviving it. da\ glorious grace, blessed be O O name ot the Lord The service of the Lord were a happy service, even if such
!
enjoyment as
was the only reward. sweeter than honey and the honey-comb
this
How
!
sweet are the
visits
ot
His grace,
May
as sure,
21.
Glorious
clay,
happy were
any saint
I
all
like this
Oh, the safety of a Christian,

Lord,
but not so
blest,
as
in
Heaven!
centre ot
how can
leave
Thee?
in
I
To whom, or whither should

one,
go
Thou
my
love, all glorious
names
Thou brightest, sweetest, tairest One, that eyes have seen or angels known, trust to Thee for salvation can do nothing-. am utter weakness, without Thee, Thou must do it all, or shall perish Love of loves, all love excelling, fix my wandering heart on Thee
1
May
when
trust,
I
22.
My
weakness
is
my
greatest strength, for then

I
trust alone,
on Jesus,
feel
my own
;
dependence.
;
am
an earthen vessel,
have been among the

!
pots ot the
I
unn generate am washed who

folds
make me now a vessel for Thy use Thy blood shall now blacken me so as not to leave me spotless
rapture divine,
I
1
is
my
my
at the
last?
Joy, joy unspeakable,
fly
beyond the bounds
of earth,
Husband
me
!
in
His arms,
am
Llis,
and
He
"
is
mine,
my
^
Prince, glorious o
Redeemer, Love
May
23.
Went
!
to
chapel,
same subject again
How
my
lie
very few there. true is this, how has
He He
restoreth
revived
my me
!
soul."
The
but
Short,
glorious, are. the. days of
my
Beloved, did
1
my way
worthy of years ot sorrow and distress. O over the embers of hell all my life, didst Thou but show
refreshing,
lire
Thyself,
would rush through the
to
meet Thee
s
ecstatic as for
some
clays
past.
am
the Lord
for
have not been quite se ever, how much do I owe to

!
C.
Ii.
STURGEON
AI TOIIIOCKAI IIV
Him!
My
Keep me and
Advocate, Brother, Husband, preserve in Thy hands

!
let
not
my
first
love chill and
grow
cold
am not altogether banished from the May 24. day of undeserved joy. cannot but trust Him, since have presence of the Lord. Though lie slay me,
I
I
had such tokens

is
of
His
love.
Lord,
when
in
darkness and distress, when
mv
!
head
bowed down, then
return unto
Thy
servant to encourage and support him

1
Lor
ever, oh, for ever,
lashed to the Ark, and sale from the floods,
shall
get at last
I
upon the terra firma of glory! Oh, let me not dishonour Thee! Never may bring a disgrace upon the cause of Christ! Keep me, and shall be infinitely sate. and rest securely.
1
May
shall
25.
keep
to
me
bree grace, sovereign from consecrating all

with
tracts,
love, eternal security are

to
my
safeguards
what
Thee, even
the
to
Went
Work,
my
district
woman gave me
that
the last drop of my blood? fear Mr. T. is 24 new ones.

I
doing much harm by

Lord,
the
telling the
1
people
Lord
supper
not
will
save
them.
work!
(
)
hou
hast
"Bless
Lord,
my
soul."
encouraged me; may 1 The Covenant is my trust,
be disappointed!
shall
the agreement signed

"None
between my Lldcr Brother and the Almighty standeth them out of My hand."
sure.
pluc
<
Mr Sunday-school in the morning. preached Irom, ".All these things are against me." Staxed in the chapel the dinner-time, had a sweet season of prayer and communion with (iod. Afternoon,
May
26.
Went round
for the
children.
S.
Jacob
to
consecration of himself at Bethel.
would give myself

s
in
the
same manner
Oh, could
1
Thee,
my
27.
best-loved King.
I
Evening
subject. Paul
great labours.
!
emulate; such a man,
should be the greatest on
this earth
I
May
Life of
my
soul, forgive
me when
!
am
so blind as to look upon an
earthly object, and forget Thine- own Divine beauties! Oh, for a love as strong as death, fierce as hell, and lasting as eternity May 28. 1 hou hast hedged me about with thorns so that 1 cannot get out
:
this
is
my
in
comfort.
desert?
All beauties joined in

Thee."
no spot
love
is
devise for Thee, one perfection, "Thou art Thou didst die for me, and shall not
I
What name
can
()
all
I
Beloved, equal to
fair,
Thy
is
my
Love, there
live for
Thee?
What
1
that of Jesus to me, surpassing

!
knowledge
I
can do nothing
in return,
but
What shall dare to doubt Thy love? Can con give Thee my worthless self. ceive that Thou wilt leave me ? Yes, may sin so as to distrust Thee but Thou
I
;
wilt
never
I
let
me
go.
No
thief can steal
away Thy precious

then,
purchase;
I
never, never,
can
be
is
!
lost.
Redeemed and purchased;
how can
How
be snatched away?
but
my
soul a battlefield
between the corruptions of nature and the principle of
grace They tear up the earth of cannot be destroyed.
my
soul with the trampling of their armies
C.
II.
141
]\Iay
29.
To
the Lord belongeth strength,
He
I
has given
I
me my
portion.
He
puttcth His treasure in earthen vessels.
How
!
happy am
to
be one of His chosen,
His
elect,
;
in
whom
His soul delighteth

at all
But
calling
could not
without the Lord,

arc;
I
my me Thy
comfort.
His everlasting promises

;
faithful servant,
O my God may
!
do not live; up to my Heavenly He has helped, He will help, this is my rest, my bread, my support. Make honour Thee in my clay and generation,
for ever to Thy service The May 30. stormy commotion has somewhat passed away the sun is still desire more constant communion with shining, though a cloud may pass between. God. Went to church-meeting, had some nice cheering conversation with old Mrs. A. Two candidates proposed we shall have no Ordinance next Sunday. The Lord He has kept me, and lie will. The strife in my can and will leed us without it. soul is now hushed, peace returns as a river upon the dry places. in every point, cannot keep myself in the; least. Weakness am Mav 3 now would have tried it come, naked, stript, exhausted, dead. Forgive me that would cry, Lash me tighter, firmer, to Thy free-grace raft of life Mercy is all
;
and be consecrated
"
!"
ask
Those whom le once loves, He loves to the end He continued mercy. has once loved me, I am now secure. May the live: coal within be shown to the
for,
1
;
world by the burning llames
ol
love to
hee
May
that Jove burn
up the stubble
and
sin
June r. A new month time soon glides away. How much more ought I to Desire ot my heart, keep me nearer to Thy bosom do this month than last Talked with a woman who says there are District. South Went to this month!
;
!
contradictions in the
Bible.
work; and who

time,
is
shall
hinder
Some good may Him? In the Lord

of
best.
?
Arise,
Sun
the
be doing. He that can work, will s time it shall be accomplished His righteousness, why should this people lie in
;
darkness
/mic
deserve;
i
2.
Heard Mr.
of
J.
first
part of the day.

12.
Num.
xxi. 4.
Interesting,
but rather too weak.
Afternoon, Rev. xix.
Many
crowns indeed does
my
Lord
"
glory shall be: around His sacred, blessed head. Evening, the Lord has sent the manna down this evening. John Strong meat Overcometh the world!" Glorious victory, amazing conquest, triumph Divine;
crowns
v. 4.
;ind shall
I,
with such a promise, dare to doubt the power
of
God
to keep,
and guide,
and preserve
me
gave an address upon Death, -- the dreadful sword flanging by a single hair above the head of the ungodly. Had tea at Mr. B s, and combated with him lor what consider the form of sound Seven present, six of us engaged in words." Prayer-meeting after evening service.
Had
a large
class
at
Sunday
school,
"
14prayer.
C.
II.
;
Bless the Sunday-school, great King! Honour thy Master, O my soul Live Jor 1 am a prince ought not to be a good soldier, and lim, live /// Him tor Lord? lend me a sword, () God, and strength to wield it let Give me, light my
I
! ;
my
toes
and Thine be as furious as

3.
lions,
in
Thy
sword
shall destrov
them
ho
June
Prayer-meeting, engaged
prayer.
Lord,
when
shall
"
Thy
set time to
favour /ion
come:
When
shall
Thine
elect be
gathered in?
\\
shall separate
us from the love ot

soul,
Christ?"
I/or ever, yes, for ever, safe.
Rejoice, rejoice,
O mv
for
and
let
thy joy constrain thee io

I
work more earnestly and more xealouslv
llim!
Redeemed and purchased,

glad
I
am
this
not
my
own.
Letter from
<>Tandfather.
How
am
I
he does not
dilter
June
tilings.
4.
have had evidence

does
to
it
day of the changeablencss of
all
is
mortal
Mow
little
matter to me, so that
my
eternal inheritance
secure!
Lord, help
me now
the
always upon have ever had high thoughts of myself!

every part
the Lord!
;
mount my watch-tower against pride and look-out, lest an enemy should come; unawares
sloth!
;
Keep me
vc
lop>-j
m e,
jf
Thou makest me
to feel
my
weakness
in
may
now
trust
and
rely upon the
arm of Omnipotence, the mercies

!
oi
Give strength, Lord, strength!

5.
June
Awake;,
my
soul, record the
mercies of the Lord
Mercy,
breathe Another
air,
am
a tenant of this earth at
my Master s
now
rely.
will;
sovereign grace has kept sweet moments have had

I
me
in
hitherto,
upon sovereign grace

live in
What
rich
answer
!
to
prayer; blessed be the Lord

close
for
His
with
mercy thus bestowed upon
me
would now
communion
my
King, and teast upon the riches of His love. June 6. Prayer-meeting. Mr. S. spoke to us upon the Babylonian Captivity. Teachers meeting after tin: service. What a want of spirituality and vital godliness
Lord, give
me
I
life;
increase the
vital
spark, fan
it
to a
flame!
can never
perish, yet
would
keep upon
hatred.
my
1
watch-tower, for
to
my
hate
me
with cruel
Help me
hate
sin,
and pride
life
enemies are many, and they and sloth! I live

of
only as
if
Thou
of
is
moment. low manifold are Thy mercies toward me, O Lord When I think June 7. the great salvation which has been worked out for me, and remember that Heaven Yet do I now believe Thy promise mav I secure, it seems too good to be true.
1
!
Thou
givest desert me for one
me
life.
have not one atom of
my
own,
must perish
now be
entirely Thine,
I
honoured should
;
happy how can I seen His glorious face?
Could but be like Paul, how Thy glory my only aim be! is the man whom Thou teachest, O Lord! am Happy be otherwise, since my Beloved has looked upon me, and have
!
C.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
I
143
June
and
8.
Could not burn with

let
zeal as oft
have done.
When,
Lord, wilt
Thou
arise, Thy power be known and felt? How sweet to flap Heaven, with others following" me; then lay my crown beneath His
my
feet,
wing s to and call
Him Lord
Worthy
is
of
all
are Llis due, and
the
9.
dominion and power He is deservingall honour and praise He shall have them. Many honours on His ever-blessed head! Lamb who has died for me. All glorious is my Beloved.
!
<>t
June
Mr.
that
S.
preached.
Acts
xvi.
19.
Did not hear

"
to profit.
Afternoon,
cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her Beloved?" not hear enough about the Beloved. Prepare to meet Thy God." Evening what a mercy to be prepared
"Who is this
,
!
Did
Oh,
"So
whene er the Us from earth
signal s given,
to call
away,
Borne on angels wings to Heaven, Glad the summons to obey,
We
Reign with Christ
shall surely in endless
day!"
Felt rather hurt by Mr. C., he does not act quite rightly but I hereby forgive him. 1 desire to look alone to J His glorv onlv. I am too proud, 1 am Jesus, and regard O weak in every point keep me, for I have no strength I would look up to Thee,
;
c"">
"
the Strong,
for strength.
fuuc
meeting.
to-day.
10.
Thine, keep me Letter from dear mother. Mr. S.

I
am
made her
I
his text at the prayer-
Engaged The joy of my Lord, however,

If
I
in prayer.
Have
not been able to be

is
mv
-
salvation.
ever forget Thee, o

for
let
I
has
He
done so much
me, and
"
shall
prayer can yet trust in the (iod ol hand forget her fellow. What! mv right o o ever leave Him? No,
not gone.
/
much
in private;
While a breath,
/ will
a pulse remains,
Thee!"
remember
Prayer seems like labour to me, the chariot wheels drag heavily yet will still rely upon almighty strength I and, helpless, throw they are not taken off. I will Leave, ah, leave me not alone!" myself into the arms of my Redeemer.
June
IT.
"
"
never leave
shall yet see
before.
I
Thee;."
shall yet
face.
walk the golden street of the
New
Jerusalem,
oi
His beauteous
He
loved
me
before the foundations
the earth,
was created or called by grace. The Lord is my Helper, f line 12.

I
to record the gratitude
feel lor the;
plead of mercies sparing
He
shall
my
the;
cause.
would desire
Lord, but especially for
His great grace in electing me, by the sovereign councils of His love, to be one of His redeemed ones. What shall I not live for Him, shall I keep back a single
!
particle
of
my
"
heart,
Husband,
Brother,
!
and of myself, from Friend ? No oh, give

;
my me
charming
strength
Redeemer,
to
"
my
will
say,
King. never
dishonour Thee
141
C.
TT.
SPURGEON
ArTOBTOGRAriTY
June
13. in
Dangers are around me,

the
Satan stands
in
the
way
have no
hope
road.
but
In
Lord, no
safety but
the
eternal love are

to
Lord Jehovah is mine; the Lord

leave
keeping straight on in the Heavenly everlasting strength, and inexhaustible mines of

in
reserves
them
Lord
for
in
His chosen
prayer.
people.
.\Vent
Thou
prayer-meeting. art ever mine;

!
Tried to address
my
Come, my Beloved,
me
not,
do not forsake me,
my
King,
my
Saviour
Saved everlastingly
Mr. M. gave me TOS. for the Missionary Society. Examination. /nne 14. would thank the Lord for thus opening his hand to do good, Gave a Missionary fo\v prone, am Lord, keep Thy servant low and humble at Thy feet! speech.
1
to pride
and vain-glory
;
Keep
me; always mindful
that
have nothing which
have! not received
should
be.
grace, free, sovereign grace that has ma.de chosen an elect vessel J Not that I deserve it, I
tis
.
me am
to differ.
Why
it
sure
but
is
rich love.
fit nc
15.
Went round my
S.
District,
and divided
my
stock
;
people, and now, Lord, I desire: to commend them to Thy keeping with pity, let them not be as sheep without a shepherd Let Thy work go on aad I this can do how is it that 1 have lived so lo ig people! nothing prosper among
! ;
amongst tie look upon them
in
my
spiritual
"
life?
It
is is
by sovereign power
sufficient for
thee." I
stand,
trust in
by Omnipotence
shall
>
he
!
supported. own work.
My
grace
Him
He
will
perfect
is
Old Mr. W. preached could not hear him, he spoke so set upon by him and Mr. S. Lord, help me to take firm hold of the never yield an inch! Addressed the Sunday-school children. Oh, may
June
16.
;
low.
truth,
I
Was
and
be kept
humble
ever.
Pride dwells in
my
heart.
is
!
am now
world
!
to leave,
Newmarket
perhaps, for
What
fiuic 17.
a scene of changes
this
How
blest to
have a house above
the skies, eternal in the
quite well.
that
I
Heavens Reached Stambourne about 12. Grandfather Left Newmarket at 6. have had journeying mercies to-day. This life is a journey; I know
in bliss,
shall
one day reach the blessed end,
unfading
bliss.
What
can
It is a miracle, a perfect miracle, that write equal to the theme ol sovereign grace? God should so love man as to die for him, and to choose him beiore the foundation
of
the world.
June
19.
My
birthday.
Sixteen years have

!
lived
upon
this earth,
and yet
am
Yet how much very young in grace. time have I wasted, dead in trespasses and sins, without life, without God, in the What a mercy that I did not perish in my sin! How glorious is my world! regenerate calling, how exalted my election, born of the Lord, Help me more
only
scarcely six
I
!
months old
am
than ever to walk worthily, as becomes a saint!
C.
II.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
45
June
I
20.
Truly
my
now
lot is
cast in pleasant places,

;
and
can love religion

!
in
the sunshine
may
love
it
have a goodly heritage. and prize it under all
circumstances
%<%?%%?
closes,
ensuin<>*""
giving only the brief intimation that the dear writer goes immediately to Cambridge, as usher in Mr. Leeding s school. There remain but three or four fragmentary entries clurinoO J O the
(The continuous Diary thus abruptly
months,
loyal
faith,"
or years,
his
but these serve to show the young soldier

s
still
busy
at his drill,
to
Lord
colours,
till
and already
bravely
fighting
that
"good
fight of
which censed not

s
his
Captain called him from the
bnttlefield, to receive the

I
victor
the
of his is precious in these days, four succeeding paragraphs, though unable, to ascertain the dates
in glory.
reward
As every word
transcribe
when they
were written.
S. S.)
Storms have raged around
me
yet, blessed
be
I
my
Father
name,
have now
some pence!
ovcrhead."
"But
more
the treacherous
left
calm
;
dread, than tempests breaking
Let
me
not be
even here
let
Thy
grace
!
still
flow into
my
heart
King, reign in me, and be glorified by me May it please Thee to such a bramble-bush as I am, so that, though burning, I may not be consumed Ordered in all things and sure is the everlasting covenant of redeeming
()
Lord,
in
my
!
dwell
or ever settled and eternally complete in Him is my salvation. May it be completed in myself, mid may I grow up to be a man in Christ Jesus, a perfect man, prepared for the inheritance of the saints in light! Oh, that my spirituality may be
love.
I
1
revived
My
matchless Immanuel,
I
let
me
see once more
my
free
heart!
May
know
the joy, and have the faith of
Thy face in the temple God s elect may I rejoice

;
!
of
in
and sovereign grace, saving

above;
me
from the guilt and power of sin
Grace
is
the loftiest flights of the most soaring angel, or the most glorious theme, exalted conceptions of one of the joint-heirs with Jesus. All power is God s, and
all is
engaged
!
to protect
and preserve me.
Let
comfort, zeal
and
love, give me:
some work,
me have my daily grace, peace and and give me strength to do it to Thy
glory
Heard Mr.
Afternoon,
"I
C.,
am
of Bumpstead. Morning, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" the door." Went to the prayer-meeting before and after chapel,
read the hymns, and addressed the children. What an honour it is to be but a d in the of house the Lord to be Oil, jor-keeper humble, and to be Then should I grow more in grace, and increase in the always at the feet of Jesus
engaged
in prayer,
knowledge of the Lord.
He
The Lord is able to keep me from has promised never to leave one of His called children.
falling,
and lie
will, for
46
Fair Day.
vanities,
all
Spoke
to
Mr. R.
How
can a child of
God go
there?
"
Vanity
!
of
I, Forgive him, Lord, for so forgetting- his high calling of have the seeds of in God. I all evil my too, should be there, but for the grace it off. shake O I cannot is heart Lord, own Awake, my yet my darling sin, pride the mighty, for I shall die by his hand if Thou do not help me, and lead me
is vanity."
against
to
on
triumph
;
received
it is
I have nothing but what Leave me, ye vain thoughts I have even that s the Lord goodness my reason.
! !
have
How
could
live
!
them to the throne removed from me that which

Lord as
in
I low blessed to carry without prayer when troubles come ? will now say that the Lord heareth prayer, for He hath I
I
feared.
!
But,
oh
could
feel
the presence of the
Could I enjoy His face, and least upon Llis days gone by, how joyful Yes, Thou art mine, my love, then would it be a sort of Heaven below the skies. own dying love, not Thine am bound to Thee by love, by I Saviour and my King
;
mine
Fairest of beings, best-beloved,
come,
let
me
yet see
Thy
smiling face
CHAPTER
?Dofc
XIV.
Confession.
Baptism.
ISEETTAM FERRY,
WHERE
V/AS BAPTIZED.
REMEMBER
wished
before
to join
the difficulty that
had,
when
the Christian Church in

I
was converted, and the place where I lived

I
(Newmarket).
I
called
;
could see him

;
upon the minister four successive days each time there was some obstacle in the
I
way
him
myself as a member.
I
of an interview
that
I
and as
could not see him,

to
wrote and told
would go clown
the church-meeting, and propose
said
God.
to
looked upon me as a strange character, but I meant what for I felt that I could not be happy without fellowship with the people; or I wanted to be wherever they were and if anybody ridiculed them, I wished
He
be ridiculed with them
and
ii
people had an ugly name
for them,
wanted
to
be
I4 g
called
C.
II.
I
by that ugly name;

I
for
felt
that,
unless
suffered with Christ in
His
humiliation,
When
Newmarket,
I
could not expect to reign with Him in His glory. had been accepted as a member of the Congregational Church at I I had not been baptized. I was invited to the communion table, although
it
did not appear to me to be according" to the New Testament and the same day order "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized And they continued there were added unto them about three thousand souls. doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in stedfastly in the apostles s table as one who had believed, I waited until I could go to the Lord
refused, because
: :
prayers."
and who had been baptized.
my
to
grandfather
but
I I
thought,
had attended the house of God with my father, and when I read the Scriptures, that it was my business
judge
for myself.
knew
that
my
father
and
my
grandfather took
little
children
;
and said they were baptized arms, put a few drops of water on their faces, I but I could not see anything in my Bible about babes being baptized. meant learned a little Greek; but I could not discover that the word "baptize" so I said to myself, to sprinkle They arc good men, yet they may be wrong and though I love and revere them, that is no reason why I should imitate them."
in their
"
And
they acknowledged,
when they knew
of
my
honest conviction, that

I
it
was quite
"
right for
me
to act
is
according to
my
conscience.
consider the
"
baptism
;
of an
for there of a ship or a bell just as foolish as the "baptism" Therefore I left my relations, and is as much Scripture for the one as for the other. became what I am to-day, a Baptist, so-called, but I hope a great deal more a
unconscious infant
Christian than a Baptist. Many a man will go to chapel, because his grandmother see that she ought to influence did. Well, she was a good old soul but I do not do not like to leave the I That does not says one,
;
" "
your judgment. church of my fathers."
signify,"
No more
I
;
do
for
would rather belong
to the
same
would not wilfully differ from any of my friends, or leave their sect and denomination but I must let God be above my parents. Though our parents are at the very top of our hearts, and we love them, and reverence them, and in all other matters render them strict obedience, yet, with regard to religion, to our own Master we stand or fall, and we claim to have the right of judging for
denomination as
my
father,
ourselves as men, and then

conscientious convictions.
we
think
it
our duty, having judged, to carry out our
man who had been forty years a Christian, and believed it to be his him about it, he said, He that bcheveth duty to be baptized but when I spoke to After forty years delay, he talked about not making haste. shall not make haste." made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy I I quoted to him another passage,
I
once met a
"
"
commandments,"
and showed him what the meaning of his misapplied passage was. his very first sermon at person who was present when John Gill preached
C.
II.
London, more than fifty years after. After his death, she joined the church over which he had presided, relating-, at some length, a truly interesting experience, which gave universal pleasure to all who heard Her name w as Mary Bailey, and it is to be hoped that none will imitate her by it.
Kettering, also heard
him
deliver his last in
postponing the confession a century in disobedience
of
to
She lived half her Lord, and even when she avowed His name it must
their faith in Jesus for so long a time.
in
have caused her deep regret that she had lingered so long
neglect of the
Redeemer s
ordinance.
I
was a boy of fifteen, I believed in the Lord Jesus, was baptized, and joined the Church of Christ and nothing upon earth would please me more than to hear of other boys having been led to do the same. I have never been sorry for what I did then no, not even once. I have had plenty of time to think it over, and
;
;
When
temptations to try some other course and if I been deceived, or that I had blundered, I would have
many
had found out that
hud
made
a change before now,
and would do
my best to prevent others from falling- into the same delusion. The day I gave myself up to the Lord Jesus, to be His servant, was the very best day of my life then I began to be sale and to be happy then I found out the secret of
;
and had a worthy object for my life s exertions, and an unfailing- comfort for life s troubles. Because I would wish every boy, who reads these lines, to have a bright eye, a light tread, a joyful heart, and overflowing spirits, I therefore plead
living,
with him to consider whether he will not follow

experience, and
my
example, for
speak from
know what
say.
Once, as
with
my
my
stood musing- at a window, I saw a ily upon it, and made a brush hand to catch it. When I opened my hand, the Ily was not inside, but still
I
in the
same place on the
glass.
I
with
hand, and thought
Scarcely thinking what I did, I made another rush had captured the insect, but with the same result,
there was the creature, quietly retaining his place in spite of me. // zvas on the otJier side of the glass ; and when I saw that it was so, I smiled at my own folly. Those
who attempt
to find pleasure while out of Christ, will
experience a like
failure, for
When we are on the side of Jesus, they are seeking on the wrong side of the glass. believed in cleansed and are and, having Him, forgiven, then our pursuit of joy will be successful but till then we shall labour in vain, and spend our strength for noiio-ht. O
;
t>
Baptism
is
is
the
mark of
world
distinction
between the Church and the world.

and he
rises
It
very
beautifully sets forth the death of the baptized person to the world.
Professedly, he
no longer
of the
he
is
buried to
it,
again to a
new
life.
No
symbol could be more significant. In the immersion of a believer, there seems to me to be a wondrous setting forth of the burial of the Christian to all the world in the burial
of Christ Jesus.
It is
the crossing of the Rubicon.
If Ca:sar crosses the
there will
never be peace between him and the
Senate again.
He
Rubicon, draws his
STURGEON
sword, and he throws
It
is
AUTOISIOGRAPII V.
away
to
his scabbard.
:
Such
as
is
the act of baptism to the believer.

as to say,
I
I
;
"
the burning of
;
the boats
it
is
much
cannot come back
ao ain to vou
you
prove that have nothing more to do with the world

I
am dead
you
and
to
am,
am
absolutely buried to Christ s, and Christ s for
am
ever."
sets forth the dis supper how beautifully that ordinance his hie is tinction of the believer from the world in his life and that by which Me eats the flesh of Christ, and drinks His blood. Both these nourished.
Then, the Lord
I was noting. ordinances bring a cross with them to some degree, especially the first. when reading the life of good Andrew Fuller, that, alter he had been baptized, some him how he liked of the young men in the village were wont to mock him, asking I could arc common enough nowadays. being dipped, and such like questions which but notice that the scoff of a hundred years ago is just the scoff of to-day. the This is the way of salvation, worship, prayer, faith, profession, and be obedient, if they would follow the Bible, must be profession, if men would the done in Christ s way, by a baptism in water, in the name of the Father, and of men are saved without Son, and of the Holy Ghost. God requireth this and though who are never plunged in the stream any baptism, and multitudes lly to Heaven not be dis if men would be saved, they must though baptism is not saving, yet, the command, it is mine to enforce it. Jesus And inasmuch as God
; ;
obedient.
said to
gives
His
"
disciples,
Go
that believeth,
damned."
and
is
the gospel to every creature he ye therefore, and preach he, that believeth not shall be immersed, shall be saved
:
;
It only says, England Prayer-book approves clipping. and it is marvellous how many if children be weak, they are to be sprinkled born lately. The dear little ones are so tender, weakly children there have been their own Church endorses. that a few drops suffice instead of the dipping which if they would be more consistent I would that all churchmen were better churchmen would be more consistent with Scripture and of
The Church
of
with their
if
own
articles
faith,
they
more consistent with some of the rubrics of their own Church, I became a Baptist through with themselves. they would be a little more consistent and was strengthened in especially in the Greek, reading the New Testament Catechism, which declared my resolve by a perusal of the Church of England
they were a
little
as necessary to baptism, repentance
and the forsaking of sin. the soul and God, Mr. Doddridge has recommended a solemn covenant between and most fervent prayer. Many of to be signed and sealed with due deliberation method of devoting the most eminent of the saints have adopted this excellent from the deed unto the Lord, and have reaped no little benefit in
themselves
very
act of solemn document when they have afresh renewed the re-perusal of that more Scriptural I conceive that burial with Christ in baptism is a far dedication. brethren the and expressive sign of dedication but I am not inclined to deny my
;
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
if
it
151
seem good unto them, as I myself to my reading of Holy Scripture, the did soon after my and so enter upon his open believer in Christ should be buried with Him in baptism, failed to I therefore cast about to find a Baptist minister, and 1 life.
that act liberty of confirming
by the other, conversion. According
Christian
discover one nearer than
Isleham,
in
the
Fen
Mr.
W.
\V. Cantlow.
My
parents wished
me
a certain country, where resided to follow my own convictions, Mr.
Cantlow arranged
to baptize
me, and
my employer
gave
me
a day
holiday for the
purpose. and I I can never forget the 3rd of May, 1850; it was my mother s birthday, was up early, I of being sixteen years of age. myself was within a few weeks Then I had to God. to have a couple of hours lor quiet prayer and dedication some eight miles to walk, to reach the spot where I was to be immersed into the \\ hat What a walk it was Triune Name according to the sacred command. It was by soul during that morning s journey thoughts and prayers thronged my and therefore all the better for the two or three hours of quiet no means a warm
!
!
day,
foot-travel
which
enjoyed.
The
I
reward
for that
country tramp.
sight of Mr. Cantlow think I see the good
smiling face was a full man now, and the white
ashes of the peat-fire by which exercise which lay before us.
we
stood and talked together about the solemn
had not degenerated to but used the ampler baptistery

friends
went together to the Ferry, lor the Isleham indoor immersion in a bath made by the art of man, Isleham Ferry, on the River of the flowing river.
We
a very quiet spot, half-a-mile from the village, and rarely disturbed by traffic The river itself is a beautiful stream, dividing Cambridge at any time of the year. The navigation of this little River shire from Suffolk, and is dear to local anglers.
Lark,
is
Lark
it is
is
possible between Bury St.

in its infancy.
Edmund s and
the sea at
Lynn
but at Isleham
more
The
opened
barge
is
the trees, is freely ferry-house, hidden in the picture (on page 147) by Where the for the convenience of minister and candidates at a baptizing.
hauled up for repairs, the preacher takes his stand, when the baptizing is on But on Lord s-day, when great a week-day, and there are few spectators present. numbers are attracted, the preacher, standing in a barge moored mid-stream, speaks
the
Word
to
the crowds on both sides of the river.
This can be done the more
easily, as the river is
not very wide. \Vhere three persons can be seen standing, is the The right depth, with sure footing, may soon be usual place for entering the water. No found, and so the delightful service proceeds in the gently-flowing stream. In the course of seven or accident or disorder has ever marred the proceedings.
five Baptist churches, and they would on eight miles, the Lark serves no fewer than no account give up baptizing out of doors.
The
first
baptizing at
Isleham
is
recorded thus
:"
Sept.
13,
1798.
John
152
c.
11.
Webber, sen., John Webber, jun., William Brown, John \Vibrow, and Mary Gunstone were baptized by Mr. Fuller, of Kettering, at Islehani Ferry." To me, there seemed to be a o Dressed, I great concourse on that week-day. service believe, in a jacket, with a boy s turn-down collar, I attended the previous tc the ordinance but all remembrance of it has gone from me my thoughts were in
*
:
the water, sometimes with
my Lord
in joy,
awe at making so public a confession. Diana Wilkinson and Funice Fuller, the water to the minister; but this I most timidly declined. to me, never having seen a baptism before, and I was
mistake.
and sometimes with myself in trembling There were first to be baptized two women, and I was asked to conduct them through
was a new experience afraid of making some

It
The wind blew down

;
wade
into the ilood
but after
the river with a cutting blast, as my turn came to had walked a few steps, and noted the. people on
the ferry-boat, and in boats, and on either shore, I felt as if Heaven, and earth, and for I was not ashamed, there and then, to own myself hell, might all gaze upon me
;
a follower of the
into
the sea,
Lamb. My timidity was washed away it and must have been devoured by the fishes,
;
iloated
for
I
down
the river
felt
have never
Baptism also loosed my tongue, and from that day anything of the kind since. River Lark, and found that I lost a thousand fears in that it has never been quiet. It was a thrice-happy day keeping His commandments there is great reward." God be praised for the preserving goodness which allows me to write oi it to me.
"in
with dehVht so loni/ afterwards
In the Isleham Vestry, in the extremely gentle and cordial companionship ol the pastor, I spent a very happy evening, which I recollect was very cold, so that a
peat-fire,
whose white appearance I still remember, was needed to warm the room. Mr. Cantlow was for some time a missionary in Jamaica, and is mentioned three For thirty-two years, this excellent man resided times in Hinton s Life of Knlbb. at Isleham, and was pastor of the church till age enfeebled him, and he welcomed He was great at giving the "soft our worthy student, Mr. Wilson, as his successor. he was beloved by his people, and universally answer which turneth away wrath His death serves as a landmark in my life, reminding me respected in the village.
"
the boy-preacher. that the days are long past since I was generally spoken of as the infirmities oj under One correspondent kindly trusts that I shall be "strengthened
"
my
declining years" which kindly wish
Mr. Stevenson,
that
I
joined the
The Rev. Baptist Church

in
C. II.
gratefully acknowledge. Spurgeon, his Life and Work,

I
a year before
was baptized
s
but
;
it
makes was not

I
it
out
I
so.
never dreamed of entering the Church except by Christ
own way
and
wish that
C.
II.
SrURGEONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
all
a serious point of commencing their visible con nection with the Church by the ordinance which symbolizes death to the world, burial 1 hat open stream, the crowded \vith Christ, and resurrection to newness of liie.
;
other believers were led to
make
but have often banks, and the solemn plunge, have never faded from my mind From henceforth let no man operated as a spur to duty, and a seal of consecration.
trouble me, for
as
body, wave.
He who first saved me, afterwards accepted me, spirit, soul, and His servant, in token whereof this mortal frame was immersed beneath the The outward sign has often served to bring vividly before mind and heart the
for
spiritual
meaning, and therefore, is it dearly loved, the ordinance and Himself submitted to it.
I
His sake who both ordained
indebted to Mr. Wilson for the following note, which reminds excellent companion I had almost forgotten
:
"
am
me
of an
Cantlow, a worthy Baptist deacon at Ipswich, well remembers, when a boy at school, walking with Mr. Spurgeon from Newmarket to Isleham, a
Mr.
W. H.
I He says often think of the distance of eight miles, to be at the baptism. earnest talks he had with me, and always remember one remark he made, on our way
:
to the
as
it
week-night service, about the need of obtaining spiritual food during the week, The recollection of was so long to have to wait from one Sunday to the other.
is
the service at the river-side

that they
several cherished by fondly J J
still
livinp",
who
rejoice J
But the most precious memory of that clay is the prayermeeting in the vestry, in the evening, where Mr. Spurgeon prayed, and people One may be excused for wondered, and wept for joy, as they listened to the lad.
were
there.
envying those who were there.

chapel,
is
In front of the
:
new school-room,
adjoining the
the following inscription
THIS STONE WAS

BY MR.
G.
LAID ON
IN
SEPTEMBER 19,
MEMORY OF THE LATE
loss,
APTHORPE,
REV.
W. W. CANTLOW,
OF THE
WHO, WHILE
PASTOR
CHURCH,
BAPTIZED THE
REV,
C.
H.
SPURGEON,
SRD.
AT ISLEHAM FERRY, ON MAY
105O.
"
Mr. Cantlow
grave
is
only a few yards
off."
154
<
Mr. \Yilson also explains our picture, and adds an amusing story: "In the view of tii: Terry, tin- chaise and cart are waiting to cross the river by the ferry-boat. One old lighter is rotting away in the water, and another lies high and dry under
repair.
pole
for
is
it.
and the long for crossing O the river in the small boat, which is also to be seen if you look The laic vicar of Isleham, a very solemn man, meeting a deacon of ready
The box
is
lor
keeping
eels until they can
be sent
to
market
</
wit at the Ferry,

I
began
to find fault with a recent baptizing there.
Said the
vicar,
suppose
1
this is
little
showing the
the place where the people came crowding, the other Sunday, There was, indeed, a respect they had for the Sabbath-clay.
all
great crowd, replied the deacon, but they were house of God. Is it true that the man, J. S
as
still
and attentive as
?
in
the
Yes, quite true, said the deacon,
was bapti/ed and he seemed to be hill

,
enquired the vicar.
YYhat
exclaimed the
I
vicar,
word!
low much can
man who he know about the

a
joy at the time. never went to school, and cannot read a

of
religion
he came here
to
profess?
Well, answered the deacon, with a smile, very likely the poor man knows little as in His love. yet; still, he told us how he found the Saviour, and became happy do not you, sir, chrislen little children, declaring that you But, added the deacon,
make them
nothing
If
children of God, \\hile you are perfectly aware that the children
?
know
at all
any
ask-,
Why
was
thus bapti/ed
answer, because
with faith
believed
it
to
be an
"He ordinance of Christ, very specially joined by Him had no superstitious idea that I that bclievcth and is baptized shall be saved," did not seek to have sin washed away I baptism would save me, lor I was saved.
in
His name.
believed that my sins were forgiven me through faith in Christ Jesus. by water, for Yet I regarded baptism as the token to the believer of cleansing, the emblem of his
I
burial with his Lord,

it ;
and the outward avowal of
his
I
but,
because
trusted in Jesus as
Lord, and follow the example which Jordan, in but to a to ordinance did not fulfil the outward party, and to become a Baptist, join be a Christian after the apostolic fashion for they, when they believed, were baptized.
;
my Saviour, He set us in
new birth. felt bound
did not trust in
to obey Him as my I His own baptism.
now questioned whether John Bunyan was baptixed but the same question who scarcely belong to any sect, am, can never be raised concerning me. I, nevertheless, by no means willing to have it doubted in time to come whether or no
It
is
;
followed the conviction of
my
;
heart.
read the
New
to
found believers baptism there
and
I
had no mind
Testament neglect what
for myself,
I
and
saw
to
be the
;
Lord
for
life,
order.
If others see
not as
me, the perceptions of
my
but they stand or fall of my understanding in spiritual things were the law
do, to their
own Master
and
hope they
will
always be
so.
C.
II.
a Br.ptist, I should give it up, and become, what thought it wrong to The particular doctrine adhered to by Baptists is that they believed to be right. acknowledge no authority unless it comes from the Word, of God. They attach no
!i
I
1>c
they care not fnr the authority of the if what they say does not agree with the teaching ot the Evangelists, mothers, If Apostles, and Prophets, and, most of all, with the teaching of the Lord Himself. we could find infant baptism in the Word of God, we should adopt it. It would
importance
to the authority or
the Fathers,
from us that reproach which help us out of a great dii iicultv, for it would take away But we have is attached to us, that we are odd, and do not as other people do.
looked well through the Bible, and cannot find it, and do not believe that it is there nor do we believe that others can lind inlant baptism in the Scriptures, unless they themselves first put it there.
;
were called Ana-baptists, because it was said by their opponents Of course:, they did that they re-baptized those who had been already baptized. but they immersed, on profession of their faith, those who had of the kind
Our
forefathers
nothing
There was no ana-baptism or previously been sprinkled as unconscious iniants. I could tell a good many re-baptism there, the two things were altogether distinct. of the Tabernacle elders one of the There was stories of that kind of ana-baptism.
Church who was as the word is usually understood "baptized" four times. The first time the babe was sprinkled, he was so ill that he was only hall-done, according When he got better, he to the ritual provided ior that purpose in the Prayer-book.
was taken
girl s
be properly finished off, but the parson gave the child a name instead of the one which had been selected for him. His lather and
to the
church
to
mother did not

<nven
boy running the risk of being called by the name that had and the clergyman then to him, so they took him for the third time been he was When he converted, and I baptized him grew up, gave him his right name. after the Scriptural order; but the Church of England had made three attempts to
like their
;
baptize him, and had failed every time
CHAPTER
<0):perinms
XV.
after
Con&tvsion.
times has to fight for its very existence. The old Adam within us rages mightily, within us, like a young lion, disdains to be vanquished; and so these two strong ones contend, till our spirit is full of agony. Some of us know what it is to be tempted with to be vexed with horrid temptations which we have blasphemies we should not dare to repeat, h \ve almost cost us resistance unto blood. In such inward grappled with and overcome, but which They cannot tell their feelings to others, they would not dare and conflicts, saints must be alone. would not if they did, their own brethren would despise or upbraid them, for the most of professors even know what they meant. Even those who have trodden oilier fiery ways would not be able to but would answer the poor troubled soul, "These are points in which we cannot go in
Our
faith at
and the new
spirit
all, sympathize with you." Christ alone was tempted in all points like as we are, though without sin. No one man is one has certain trials in which he must stand tempted in all points exactly like another man, and each alone amid the rage of war, with not even a book to help him, or a biography to assist him, no man ever having gone that way before except that one Alan whose trail reveals a nail-pierced foot. He alone knows all the devious paths of sorrow. Yet, even in such byways, the Lord is with us, helping C. H. S. the close. us, and giving us grace to conquer at us,
sustaining
^:-:^;; II
E N my
a very real Christ to me eyes first looked to Christ, He was and \vhen my burden of sin rolled from off my back, it was a real
;
pardon and a
Christ to me.
real release
"Jesus
I
from
sin to
me
for the first time,
Christ
is mine,"
and when that day I said it was a real possession of
was a prayer,
it,
went up to the sanctuary in that early dawn of youthful piety, every song was really a psalm, and when there And so was It was prayer indeed oh, how I followed every word
When
too, in silent quietude,
when
drew near
to
God,
it
was no mockery, no
routine,
no matter of mere duty; it was a real talking with my Father who is in Heaven. I would have given all I had for And oh, how I loved my Saviour Christ then
!
Him!
and
How
felt
towards sinners that day!

"Tell
Lad
that
was,
wanted
to preach,
to sinners round,
I
\Vhr.t a dear Saviour
had
I
found."
of the greatest sorrows certain persons with whom I
One
had,
when
first
knew
I
the Lord,
was
to think
about
knew
right well that

;
had tempted to sin an one might not be lost through offered,, when I prayed for myself, was that such This was the case also with George Whitefield, sins to which I had tempted him.
and sundry others
I
whom
had held ungodly conversations, and one of the prayers that I always
who never
forgot those with
he had the joy of
whom, before his conversion, he used Saviour. leading every one of them to the
to play cards,
and
[58
I
C.
II.
think about five clays after I first found Christ, when my joy had been such that I could have danced for very mirth at the thought that Christ was mine, on a I can tell now why it was so with me. sudden I fell into a sad fit of despondency.
When
iirst
believed
in
Christ,
am
not sure that
but certainly I had a kind of notion that IK; not disturb me. And then I also fancied that
received
its
thought the devil was dead, was so mortally wounded that he could
I
the
corruption of
my
nature had
death-blow.
read what
Cowper
said,
but,
thought that the poet knew what he was saying; whereas, never did anyone blunder so terribly as Cowper did when he said that, lor no man, 1 think,
and
has
really
However, up by the roots. were, I felt persuaded they would never sprout again. and lo, 1 found an intruder I fully calculated upon it,
all
his follies thus cut
fondly dreamed that mine
was going to be perfect, had not reckoned upon, an
evil
heart of unbelief in
departing from the living Cod.
So
went
to that
same
Primitive Methodist Chapel where I first received peace with God, through the The text happened to be, "() wretched man that I simple preaching of the Word.
am: who
I from the body of this death?" "There," thought, 1 that I knew \\eek. in the as far as that had "that s the text for me." just got had put my trust in Christ, and I knew that, when I sat in that house of prayer, my But 1 had a faith was simply and solely fixed on the atonement of the Redeemer. I could weight on my mind, because 1 could not be as holy as I wanted to be.
shall
deliver
me
I
thought 1 would abstain from every hard word, from every evil thought and look; and I came up to that chapel 1 he groaning because, "when I would do good, evil was present with me."
not live without
sin.
I
When
rose in the morning,
minister began by saying,

I
"
Paul was not a believer

it
I
when he
said
this."
Well now,
knew
was a
believer,
too.
and
seemed
to
me
from the context that Paul must have
The man went on to say that no (Now, So I took up my hat, and left the child of God ever did feel any conflict within. They are very good chapel, and I have very seldom attended such places since. for children of God. use of little but for people who are unconverted to go to, very
been a believer,
am
sure he was.)
but a a noble; thing to bring in strangers It is like the terrible thing for those that are brought in to sit and feed there. but there is parish pound, it is a good place to put sheep in when they have strayed,
That
is
my
notion of Methodism.
It is
no food inside
they had better be let out as soon as possible to find some grass. I saw that that minister understood nothing of experimental divinity, or of practical A good man he was, I heart theology, or else he would not have talked as he did.
;
do not doubt, but utterly incompetent to the task of dealing with a case like mine. Oh, what a horror I have had of sin ever since the clay when I ielt its power
c.
H.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
!
159
over
my
soul
sin, sin,
more than a moment s

of
Thou didst never bring me have had enough of thee seeming joy, and with it there came a deep and awful bitter
I
ness which burns within
me
to this
day
Well do
called
it
recollect
"morbid
when
was the subject

1
excessive
tenderness,
some people
sensibility.
very thought of sin, which then appeared exceedingly The first week after I was converted to God, I felt afraid to put one foot sinful before the other for fear I should do wrong. When I thought over the day, if there had
shuddered and shivered

!
at the
been a
be
failure in
1
clone amiss,
my Lord s
or something temper, or if there had been a frothy word spoken, Had I, at that time, known anything to did chasten myself sorely. to me it would not hesitated to do it will, I think I should not have
my
have mattered whether

according to
have
me go
was a fashionable thing or an unfashionable thing, if it was Mis Word. Oh, to do His will to follow !im whithersoever He would It seemed then as though I should never, never, never be slack in
it
!
keeping His commandments. but I do not know whether UK; experience of others agrees with mine;
say
this,
can
that the worst difficulty
ever met with, or
think
I
can ever meet with,
knew the weight happened a little time after my conversion to God. but when, the second time, of sin, it was as a burden, as a labour, as a trouble
first
;
When
In
uiti!,
and
lov
and every
Il:>
UT;H
ek
more earnestly
all
lace;"
upon me, they appeared more half so bad as the I thought the Egyptians in Egypt were not frio-luful than before. the sins I knew before, though they were cruel Egyptians out of Egypt; I thought were not half so much to be dreaded as those soldier-sins, armed
and when lie answered
<^>
me by
letting
my
sins loose
task-masters,
with spears and axes, riding
with scythes upon their axles, hastening neverthe It is true, they did not come so near to me as heretofore to assault me. The even than when I was their slave. less, they occasioned me more fright doubt I not, singing Israelites went up harnessed, marching in their ranks, and, from the cruel and task from the delivered daily as they went, because they were but suddenly they turned their heads while they were marching, for they bondao-e
in iron chariots
; ;
heard a dreadful noise behind them, a noise of chariots and of men shouting for and at last, when they could really see the Egyptians, and the thick cloud battle
;
of dust rising behind them, then they said that they should be- destroyed, they I remember, after my conversion (it shoukl now fall by the hand of the enemy. to all, but it did to me), there came a time when the enemy may not have
happened
1
"
said,
will
;
pursue,
I
will
overtake,
will divide the spoil
my
lust shall
be satisfied
to
upon them
will
draw
it
my
sword,
my hand
will
shall destroy
it
them."
So
;
S.itan, loth
leave a soul, pursues
hot-foot.
He.
have
back
if
he can
and
often,
soon
l6o
after conversion, there
it
C.
II.
SrURHEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
conflict,
comes a time of dreadful
when
in
the soul seems as
if
could not
live.
"Was it
because there were no graves
Egypt
that the
Lord
brought us into this condition of temporary freedom, that we might be all the more distressed by our adversaries?" So said unbelief; but God brought His people final one stroke. out Miriam knew it when she took her timbrel, and went by right
forth with the
women, and answered them

;
Lord, for
the
sea."
He
I
in the song of Moses where he says, "The have covered them." "There remained not so much as one of them." depths What gladness must have been in the hearts of the children of Israel when they knew that their enemies were all gone I am sure it was so with me for, afier
!
love best of
hath triumphed gloriously all that note
the jubilant song, Sing ye to the the horse and his rider hath He thrown into
in
"
my
conversion, being again attacked by sin, I saw the mighty stream of redeeming love roll over all my sins, and this was my song, "The depths have covered them."
"Who
shall lay
anything to the charge of

?
God
elect?
It
is
God
that justifieth.
Who
who
foul
I
is is
he that condemneth even

at the right
It is
hand of God, who

child,
Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, also makcth intercession for
us."
was brought up, as a

times,
in
with such care that
knew but very
little
of
or profane language,
having scarcely ever heard a

Christian days,
man
swear.
remember
my
earliest
thoughts so evil that I clapped This give utterance to them.

has
delivered
my
is
hand
to
when there came into mouth for fear I should be my

which Satan tortures those
Yet do I my mind
led to
one way
in
whom God
molested.
my
I
hand. Many of the choicest saints have been thus had been grievously assailed by the tempter, I went to see dear old grandfather. I told him about my terrible experience, and then I
out of his
I
Once, when
"
wound up by
the
Grandfather, I am sure I cannot be a child of God, or else should never have such evil thoughts as these." Nonsense, Charles," answered
saying,
"
good
old
man
"
it
is
just because
you are a Christian that you are thus

;
tempted.
These blasphemies
are no children of yours
they are the devil
s brats,
which he delights
give
to lay at the
door of a Christian.
heart-room."
it
I
Don t you own them

felt
as yours,
them neither house-room nor

said,
greatly comforted by what
my grandfather me when I was

great
especially as
in
confirmed what another old saint had told

I
tempted
a similar manner while
was seeking the Saviour.
many people make
fun of that verse,

Tis
a point
it
Oft
I long to know, causes anxious thought,
Do
If
Am
love the Lord, or no ? I His, or am I not?"
they ever find themselves where some of us have been, they will not do believe it is a shallow experience that makes people always I so any more. confident of what they are, and where they are, for there are times of terrible
C.
II.
SrURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
l6l
trouble, that
is
make even
in
the most confident child of

It is
on
his
head or on his heels.

times
ot
the
God hardly know whether he who has done business on great mariner
waters who,
unusual stress and storm, reels to and fro, and staggers like a drunken man, and is at his wits end. At such a time, if Jesus whispers that I am His, then the question is answered once for all, and my soul has received
a token which
it
waves
in
the face of Satan, so that he disappears, and
can go on
my way
I
rejoicing.
have found, in my own spiritual life, that the more rules I lay down for myself, the more sins I commit. The habit of regular morning and evening prayer is one which is indispensable to a believer s life, but the- prescribing of the length ot prayer,
and the constrained remembrance of so many persons and subjects, may gender unto bondage, and strangle prayer rather than assist it. To say I wiH humble
myself at such a time, and rejoice at such another season, is nearly as much an affectation as when the preacher wrote in the margin of his sermon, Cry here," Smile here." Why, if the man preached from his heart, lit: would be sure to
"
"
and when the spiritual cry in the right place, and to smile at a suitable moment life is sound, it produces prayer at the right time, and humiliation ot soul and sacred
;
1 he kind oi religion spring forth spontaneously, apart irom rales and vows. which makes itself to order by the Almanack, and turns out its emotions like bricks
joy
machine, weeping on Good Friday, and rejoicing two days afterwards, measuring its motions by the moon, is too artificial to be worthy of my imitation.
from
Self-examination
is
a very great blessing, but
have known self-examination

;
in tact, I have so carried on in a most unbelieving, legal, and self-righteous manner carried it on myself. Time was when I used to think a vast deal more ot marks, and be signs, and evidences, for my own comfort, than I do now, for I find that I cannot
a match
for the
devil
when
be-nn dealing o o
"
in
these things. o
am
obliged to go
*
day by day with this cry,

I,
the chief of sinners am,
But Jesus died

\\ hile
is
I
for
me."
my
can believe the promise of God, because it is His promise, and because He God, and while I can trust my Saviour because He is God, and therefore
to
mighty
save,
all
myself about
virtue of
faith
is
this
life
goes well with me but I do and that perplexity, thus taking

;
find,
my
every pore. but practice, especially that kind of self-examination which would take us away from the cross-foot, proceeds in a wrong direction. I used, when I first knew the Saviour, to try myself in a certain manner,
my
seems oozing out
at
begin questioning eye off Christ, that all the Any practice that detracts from
I
when
an
evil
and oiten did
throw stumbling-blocks in my path through it, and therefore ! can warn any who are doing the same. Sometimes I would go up into my chamber,
I
62
of
c.
IT.
STURGEON
I
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
and by way to die? II
used to ask myself this question, "Am I afraid I should down in dead can I that I should room, drop my say joyfully close my eyes?" \Yell, it often happened that I could not honestly sav so. I used to feel that death would be a very solemn I have "Ah, then!" said, thing.
self-examination,
"I
never believed
in Christ, for if
I
had put
my
trust in the
afraid to die, but

"
is
saying,
should be quite confident." I cannot follow Christ, because I am afraid to die
Lord Jesus, I should not be do not doubt that many a person

;
cannot believe that
Jesus Christ will save me, because the thought of death makes me tremble." Ah, there are of God s blessed who fear soul, of death have ones, poor many through been much of their lifetime subject to bondage I know precious children of God
!
die, they triumphantly but I know this, never pleasing to them. And this is accounted for, because God has stamped on nature that law, the love of life and self-preservation and it is natural enough that the man who has kindred and friends should scarcely
:
now
believe that,
when they
is
will die
that the thought
of death
like to leave
behind those who are so dear.

the thought of death
;
I
I
he
will rejoice in
but
know that, when he ts more do know that there are many quite
"X
<>Tace
sale;,
who
will die rejoicing in Christ,
who now,
in
the prospect of death, feel afraid
of
it.
My
gotten,
lie
aged grandfather once preached a sermon which was preaching from the text, "The God of
the;
"
have not yet for r all and he race,"

I
L.
somewhat
interested
God
that
"
gave,
by saying
assembly, after describing the different kinds of grace that at the; end of each period, But there is one kind of
grace
you do not want." After each part of his theme, there came the like sentence, But there is one kind of grace you do not want." And then he wound up by "You don t want in but shall moments, have saying, dying grace living you dying grace when you need it. When you are in the condition to require it, you shall have
grace enough
if
you put your

I
trust
if
"
in
Chnst."
discussing the question whether,
the days of
we were martyrdom should come, we were

In a party of friends,
must fr.mkly tell you that, speaking as I feel but I do believe that, if there were a stake to-day, I am not prepared to be burned at Smithfield, and I knew that I was to be burned there at one o clock, I should have grace enough to be burned there when one o clock came." I was much impressed, in my younger clays, by hearing a minister, blind with
said,
I
;
prepared to be burned.
to us who had just joined the come; to put our trust in a faithful God and as the good man, with great feebleness and yet with great earnestness, said to us that he had never regretted having given himself to Christ as a boy, I felt mv heart leap within me with delight that I had such a God to be my God. Ilis
age, speak at the
communion
table,
and bear witness
church, that
it
was well
for us that
we had
testimony was such as a younger man could not have borne he might have spoken more fluently, but the weight of those eighty years at the back of it made the old
:
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
163
man
For twenty years he had not seen the light of the eloquent to my young heart. sun. His snow-white locks hung from his brow, and floated over his shoulders, and
he stood up at the table of the Lord, and thus addressed us I shall soon be taken from you in a few more; months,
;
"
:--
Brethren and
gather up
sisters,
shall
my
feet
have not the mind of the learned, nor I bed, and sleep with my fathers. the tongue of the eloquent but I desire, before I go, to bear one public testimony
in
my
my God. Fifty and six years have I served Him, and have never once found Him unfaithful. I can say, Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life, and not one good thing hath failed of all the Lord God has
to
I
promised.
light
There stood the dear old man, tottering into his tomb, deprived ot the of heaven naturally, and yet having the Light of Heaven in a better sense
;
shining into his soul

us,
and though he could not look upon

"
us, yet
he turned towards
for
I
and he seemed
to say,
Young
people, trust
I
God
to
in
early
life,
have not
to
regret that I sought Him too soon. ran to waste." There is nothing that
believer than to hear the veteran
testifying that the service of his
of my years of the young more tends to strengthen the faith scars from the covered with battle, Christian,
that so
have only
mourn
many
happy service, and that, if he could have served any other master, he would not have done so, for His service is pleasant, and His reward everlasting joy.
Master
is
a good man, who has now gone to his reward, who do not mean I was the means of producing, under G-od, a library of useful lives. books in paper, but books in boots Many young men were decided for the Lord
In
my
early days,
knew
by his means, and became preachers, teachers, deacons, and other workers one would wonder that it was so, if he knew the man who trained them.
ready for every good word and work
;
and no
He
was
but he gave special attention to his BibleWhenever any one class, in which lie set forth the gospel with clearness and zeal. would be sure to he of his young men left the country town in which he lived, There was a wide-spreading oak clown in the fields arrange a parting interview.
and there he was wont

or William
;
to
or Thomas, keep an early morning appointment with John,
and that appointment very much consisted of earnest pleading with the; Lord that, in going up to the great city, the young man might be kept Irom sin, and made; useful Under that tree several decided for the Saviour. It was an impressive and
left its
act,
influence
upon them;
teacher
s
for
many men came,

in
in
after years, to see the
spot,
first loved the boyhood, when I was far Saviour. away from father and mother, and all I loved, and I thought my heart would burst for I was an usher in a school, in a place where I could meet with little sympathy or help. Well, I went to my chamber, and told my little griefs into the ears of Jesus. They were great griefs to me then, though they are nothing
!
made sacred by their Oh how my young

;
prayers. heart once ached
64
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOIJIOGKAHIY.
now.
When
on
my
knees
me
and
with an everlasting love,

told
whispered them into the ear of Him who had loved If I had told them to others, they oh, it was so sweet
just
! ;
would have
them again
again.
but He,
my
blessed Confidant, knows
all
my
secrets,
He
never
is
tells
one verse of Scripture which, as a young believer, I used often to Bind the sacrifice with cords, even me it is this repeat, for it was very dear to In the did feel then that I was wholly Christ s. I unto the horns of the altar."
There
"
when the Husband put the ring- upon marriage covenant of which the Lord speaks, He said to her, "Thou hast become Mine;" and I remember His bride s
finger,
upon my finger the ring of infinite, everlasting, covenant love that Christ Oh, it was a joyful day, a blessed day Happy day, happy clay, when put there. That blessed rest His choice was known to me, and lie fixed my choice on Him! be to imitated, but it is of soul, which comes of a sure possession of Christ, is not I know that some good people, who I believe will be saved, greatly to be desired. nevertheless do not attain to this sweet rest. They keep on thinking that it is some
when
felt
or when they arc; about to die, but they thing that they may get when they are very old, look upon the full assurance of faith, and the personal grasping of Christ, and saying, I Beloved is mine," as something very dangerous. began my Christian life in
"
My
I believed fully and without happy fashion as a boy fifteen years of age and when 1 went to see a good Christian hesitation in the Lord Jesus Christ woman, I was simple enough to tell her that I believed in Christ, that He was mine, and that He had saved me. I expressed myself very confidently concerning the I forsake His people, nor leave His work undone. great truth that God would ne er for was it so to no was at once chid, and told that I had confidently, speak right
this
presumptuous. The good that," and then she added,
woman
"
said to me,
"Ah
don
like
such assurance as
;
I but I hope so you are believing in Christ, old Bless the old woman." am an have never got beyond a hope or a trust, and I woman, she was no example for us who know whom we have believed we ought to
trust
rise
The man who begins right, and the above that grovelling kind of life. will begin by saying, "God hath boy who begins right, and the girl who begins right, He that believeth on Him is not condemned. I believe on Him, therefore said it
far
:
am
not
condemned
Christ
1
is mine."
Before
my
conversion,
was accustomed
to read the Scriptures to
admire their
grandeur, to feel the charm of their history, missed the Lord s intent therein. but I a! together laiieuao-e o o o came with His Divine life, and quickened all the Book to
; *
and wonder
at the
majesty of their
Spirit
But when the
my
I
;
soul, the inner
meaning shone forth with wondrous glory.
was not
I
newly-enlightened in a frame of
did not venture
mind
to
judge
to sit in
God s Word, but I accepted it all judgment upon my Judge, and become
without demur
the reviser of the unerring God,
c.
IT.
SPURGEON
I
AUTOBIOGRAHIV.
165
Whatever
I
found to be
in
His Word,
received with intense joy.
From
that hour,
bless
God
to
tendency
that, being not exempt from trouble, and especially not free from a despondency which is always with me, I yet rejoice and will rejoice, and
am
happy, unspeakably happy in resting upon Jesus Christ. Moreover, 1 have found that those points of my character which were most weak have been strengthened,
while strong passions have been subdued,
evil
new
was
I am principles have been implanted. as a man could be who had been annihilated, and I
and propensities have been kept under, changed I am as dilierent from what I
;
claim any of the credit for this change, things for me, but lie has done the same for others, and is willing to do it for any soul that seeks Mis face through Jesus Christ and His great atoning sacrifice. I have known some men who were almost idiots before conversion, but they
Nor do
had then been made over again. God has done great far from it.
Some time ago, there was a afterwards had their faculties wonderfully developed. man who was so ignorant that he could not read, and he never spoke anything like
grammar
in his life, unless
by mistake
and, moreover, he was considered to be

"daft."
what
Skit when he was converted, the the people in his neighbourhood called first thing he did was to He stammered out a few words, and in a little time pray. Then he thought he would his powers of speaking began to develop themselves.
read the Scriptures, and after long, long months of labour, he learned to read. And what was the next tiling? lie thought he could preadi and he did preach a must read a few Then he thought, little, in his own homely way, in his house.
like to
;
"I
more
books."
And
so his
mind expanded,
until,
believe he
is
at the present
day a
useful minister, settled in a country village, labouring for God. An idea has long possessed the public mind, thai a religious
man
can scarcely
deists, as
be a wise man.
It
has been the custom to talk of
infidels,
atheists,
and
men
of deep thought and comprehensive intellect; and to tremble lor the Christian lint this is purely controversialist as if he must surely fall by the hand of his enemy. an epitome of knowledge, a is the sum of wis.lom, a mistake; for the
gospel In it we see howtreasure-house of taith, and a revelation of mysterious secrets. here we behold inexorable law entirely satisfied, justice and mercy may be married
;
and sovereign love bearing away the sinner in triumph. Our meditation upon it Hashes of glory, we enlarges the mind and as it opens to our soul in successive: have often said that, I stand astonished at the profound wisdom manifest in it.
;
before
had gathered up a heterogeneous mass of all kinds of a bit of botany, a knowledge from here, there, and everywhere, a bit of chemistry, I bit of astronomy, and a bit of this, that, and the other. put them all together, in one confused chaos but when I learned the gospel, I got a shelf in my head to
I
knew
the gospel,
great
It seemed to me as if, when I had put everything upon just where it should be. discovered Christ and Him crucified, I had found the centre of the system, so that I
C.
II.
SrUKGKON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
1
rom the earth, the planets CO uld see every other science revolving in due order. they are. progressive, retrograde, or appear to move; in a very irregular manner, but if you could get upon the sun, you would see them marching round stationarv
;
in their
constant, uniform, circular motion.
other science you like, Christ crucified, and you
with knowledge. Begin with any and truth will seem to be all awry. Begin with the science of
is it
So
will
begin with the sun, you
moving round
it
in
complete harmony.
evolved by beginning at the right end. nature s God;" but it is hard work going
every other science The greatest mind in the world will be The old saying is, Go from nature up to
will see
"
go from nature s God down to nature; ;md if you once get to nature s God, and believe Him, and love Him, it is surprising how easy it is to hear music in the waves, and songs
up-hill.
The
best thing
is
to
in
the wild whisperings of the winds, to
sec;
God
everywhere,
in
in
the stones, in the
rocks, in the rippling brooks, and to hear
Him
everywhere,
the lowing of cattle, in
Christ is to me the wisdom of the rolling of thunders, and in the fury of tempests. I can learn evervthing now that I know the science of Christ crucified. God.
CHAPTER
21
The
XVI.
Scfmct
of
Calbhmm.
;
old truth that Calvin preached, that Augustine preached, that Paul preached, is the truth must preach to-day, or else be false to my conscience and my God. I cannot shape the truth I know of no such thing as paring off the rough edges of a doctrine. John Knox s gospel is my gospel. That which thundered through Scotland must thunder through England again. C II. S.
that
I
.
doctrine.
a great thing to begin the Christian life by believing good solid Some people have received twenty different gospels in as many years how many more they will accept before they get
is
"
"
to their
journey
end,
it
would be
difficult to predict.
;
thank
God
that
He
early taught
it,
me
I
the gospel
and
to
satisfied with
that
do not want
know any
have been so perfectly other. Constant
a tree has to be taken up two or three times a When year, you will not need to build a very large loft in which to store the apples.
is
change of creed
sure
loss.
If
people are always shifting their doctrinal principles, they are not likely to bring forth
the glory of God. It is good for young believers to begin with, a firm hold upon those great fundamental docrines which the; Lord has taught in His Word. \\ hy, if I believed what some preach about the temporary, trumperv salvation which
fruit to
much
but only lasts for a time, I would scarcely be at all grateful for it that those whom God saves He saves with an everlasting salvation,
;
when when
know know
that He gives to them an everlasting righteousness, when I know that He settles them on an everlasting foundation of everlasting love, and that He will bring them to His everlasting kingdom, oh, then I do wonder, and I am astonished that such a
blessing as this should ever have been given to me;

"Pause,
my
soul!
adore,
and wonder!
Ask, Oh, why such love to me? Grace hath put me in the number Of the Saviour s family:
Hallelujah!
Thanks, eternal thanks, to Thee

I
suppose there are some persons whose minds naturally incline towards the doctrine of free-will. can only say that mine incline.-* as naturally towards the
I
doctrines of sovereign grace. Some-timers, when I see some of the worst characters in the stre;et, I fe:el as if my heart must burst forth in tears of gratituele that God has
never
let
me
act as they
have clone
have thought,
if
God had
left
me
alone,
and
68
c.
ii.
ma; ICON
AUTOIIIUOK. \NIY.
gre-at
had not touched UK; by His

I
grace-,
what a
sinner
shoulel
have been!
evil,
should have run to the utmost lengths of sin, dived into the very depths of should have stopped at any vice or lolly, if God had not restrained me.
I
nor
feel that
should have been a very king ol sinners, if God had let me alone. I cannot understand the reason why I am saved, except upon the ground that God would have it so. cannot, it I look ever so earnestly, discover any kind of reason in
I
[
If am not at this moment myself why I should be a partaker of Divine grace without Christ, it is only because Christ Jesus would have His will with me, and that will was that I should be with Him where He is, and should share His gleny.
.
can put the crown nowhere but upon the head of Him whose mighty grace: has saved me Irom going down into the pit. back on Looking my past life, I can see
I
that the
dawning
1
of
it
all
was
of
God
of
God
effectively.
I
took no torch with
did not commence, my spiritual but the sun enlightened me. rather kicked and struggled against the things of the Spirit life, -no, when lie drew me, for a time did not run after lim there: was a natural haired in my soul
to light the
which
sun
of everything holy and good. \Yooings were lost upon me, the wind, thunders were despised and as for the whispers
;
of
1
warnings were cast to is love, the} were

I
1
rejected as being less than nothing and vanity.
But,
sure
am,
speaking on behalf of myself, "He only is my salvation." my heart, and brought me down on my kneej before Him.
with Doddridge and Toplady,
"Grace
1
It
I
was
can
can say now, lie who turned

I
in
very deed, say
taught
my
soul to pray,
"
And made my
eye.s o erflovv
and coming
to this
moment,
can add,
\\ ell
can
remember
Born, as
the
all
manner
in
which
learned the doctrines of grace

1
in a
single instant. old things

\\
I
of us are by nature, an Arminian, still believed the had heard continually from the pulpit, and did not see the grace of God.
was coming to Christ, I thought I was doing it all myself, and though I the Lord earnestly, I had no idea the Lord was seeking me. I do not think sought the young convert is at first aware; of this. I can recall the: very da}- and hour when
I
hen
first
received those truths in
my own
,
soul,
;
^-
when they
I
were:, as
John Bunyan
I
says,
I
burnt into
my
heart as with a hot iron
and
can recollect
I
how
felt
that
had
grown on a sudden from a babe into a man,

knowledge, through having found, once
week-night,
for
that
all,
hael maelc
progress
in Scriptural
the clue to
I
the-
truth of
God.
One
did
when
s
was
sitting in the
for
I
house of Goel,
it.
was not thinking much about

struck me,
"How
the preacher
sermon,
eliel
not be-lievc
The thought
C.
II.
STURGEON
I
AVTO!!I<
XJKAl
IIY.
09
yo?i
come
to be
a Christian
?"
sought the Lord.
"Hut
Jiow did von conic to seek

I
the
Lord?"
The
truth
Hashed across
my mind
in
a moment,
should not have
sought Him unless there had been some previous iniluence in my mind to make me but then I asked myself, How came I to pray? I seek Mini. prayed, thought I I was induced to pray by reading the Scriptures. How came 1 to read the Scrip
;
tures ?
them but what led me to do so ? Then, in a moment, I saw and that God was at the bottom of it all, and that lie was the Author of my faith so the whole doctrine of grace opened up to me, and from that doctrine I have not I ascribe departed to this day, and I desire to make this my constant confession,
I
did read
"
my change
I
wholly to God." once attended a service where the text happened to be,
for
us;"
"He
shall
choose
our inheritance
than
ci
and
the,-
little
of an Arminian.
good man who occupied the pulpit was more Therefore, when he commenced, he said, "This
passage refers entirely to our temporal inheritance, it lias nothing whatever to do said he, "we do not want Christ to choose for us with our everlasting destiny or hell. in the matter of Heaven It is so plain and easy, that every man who has a
;
for,"
grain of
to to
common
hell.
sense: will
choose Heaven
and any person would know better than
choose
have no need of any superior intelligence, or any greater Being, choose Heaven or hell for us. It is left to our own free-will; and we have
us,
We
enough wisdom given

therefore, as
1 ,
sufficiently correct
he very logically inferred,
means to judge there was no necessity
for for
ourselves,"
and
We anyone to make a choice: for us. without any assistance. "Ah!" I thought, "but, my good brother, it maybe very true that we could, but I think we should want something o more than common sense
before
Jesus Christ, or could choose the inheritance for ourselves
we should choose
aright."
rirst, let me ask, must we not all of us admit an over-ruling Providence, and the appointment of Jehovah s hand, as to the means whereby we came into this world? Those men who think that, afterwards, we are left to our own free-will to choose this one or the other to direct our steps, must admit that our entrance into
the world was not of our
own
in
will,
but that
God had
then to choose for
us.
What
circumstances were those
our parents?
Had
our power which led us to elect certain persons to be we anything to do with it? Did not God Himself appoint our
Could He not have caused me to be born with parents, native place, and friends? the skin ol the Hottentot, brought forth by a filthy mother who would nurse me in her "kraal and teach me to bow down to Pagan gods, quite as easily as to have
",
given
me
prayer on
a pious mother, who would each morning and night bend her knee in my behalf ? Or, might He not, if He had pleased, have given me some
profligate to
have been
my
parent, from
whose
lips
might have early heard
fearful,
170
filthy,
C.
IT.
Sl
UKOEONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
and obscene language? Might lie not have placed me where I should have had a drunken lather, who would have immured me in a very dungeon of ignorance, and brought me up in the chains ot crime? Was it not God s Providence that I had so happy a lot, that both my parents were Mis children, and endeavoured to train
me up
in the: fear
of the
Lord?
to tell
it,
John Newton used
woman who have loved me

love
a whimsical story, and laugh at said, in order to prove the doctrine of election, "Ah
!
too, of a q-ood
sir,
the Lord
in
must
before
I
was born, or
sure
it is
if
else
afterwards."
I
am
I
true in
He would my case
;
not have seen anything

I
me
to
believe the doctrine of election,

I
because
chosen
am would have chosen me

to
am quite Him; and
certain that,
sure
He
chose
God had me
not chosen me,

before
I
should never have

else
was born, or
myself why
He
never
afterwards; and lie must have elected

in
me
for
reasons
unknown
me, lor
never could find any reason
He
should have
with special love. So I am forced to accept that great Biblical doctrine. I recollect an Arminian brother telling me that he had read the Scriptures through a score or more times, and could never find the doctrine of election in them. He added that he was sure he would have done so if it had been there, for he read
looked upon
me
Bible in a very uncomfortable posture, and ii you had read it in your easy chair, you would have been more likely to understand it. Pray, by all means, and the more, the better but it is a piece of superstition to think there is anything in the posture in which
I
1
the
Word on
his knees.
said to him,
"
think you read the
puts himself for reading and as to reading through the Bible twenty times without having found anything about the doctrine of ejection, the wonder is that you
:
man
you must have galloped through it at such a rate that you have any intelligible idea of the meaning of the Scriptures." If it would be marvellous to see one river leap up from the earth full-grown, what would it be to gaê upon a vast spring from which all the rivers of the earth
found anything
at all
:
were not
likely to
should at once come bubbling up, a million of them born at a birth ? What a vision would it be Who can conceive it ? And yet the love of God is that
!
fountain, from
all
which
all
the rivers of mercy, which have ever gladdened our race,
the rivers of grace in time, and of glory hereafter, take their rise. soul, stand thou at that sacred fountain-head, and adore and magnify for ever and ever In the very beginning, when this great God, even our Father, who hath loved us like unborn forests in the acorn cup long ere the universe lay in the mind of God,
My
echoes awoke the solitudes
beiore the mountains were brought forth and long ere Beiore there the light Hashed through the sky, God loved His chosen creatures. was any created being, when the ether was not fanned by an angel s wing, when space itself had not an existence when there was nothing save God alone even
; ;
then, in that loneliness of Deity,
and
in that
deep quiet and profundity, His bowels
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AirroBiOGUAriiY.
171
moved
with
love: for
His chosen.
Their names were written on His heart, and then
were they dear to Ill s soul. Jesus loved his people before the foundation ol the even from eternity! and when He called me by His grace, He said to me, world, I have loved I lice with an everlasting- love therefore with loving-kindness have I
"
drawn
thee."
Then,
run out
first
in
the fulness of time,
le
purchased
for
me
with
I
is
blood
le let
His heart
in
one deep gaping wound

to
me
long ere
loved Him.
ea,
when He
When He knocked at the door, and asked not spurn Him? Ah! I can for entrance, did 1 not drive Him away, and do despite to His grace ? remember that I full often did so until, at last, by the power of His effectual grace,
came
me, did
I
He: said,
"
must,
will
till
love
Him.
But even
come now
in
I
;"
and then
He
turned
my
heart,
it
and made
does
me
not
J
.
should have resisted Him, had
not been for His

it
grace.
Well, them, since
lie purchased
me when
was dead
in sins,
follow, as a
Did
my
consequence necessary and logical, that Saviour die for me because I believed on
;
He must have loved me lirst was not then in Him? No;

I
had then no being. Could the Saviour, therefore, have died because I had faith, when I myself was not yet born ? Could that have been possible ? Could Oh no my Saviour that have been the origin of the Saviour s love towards me?
existence
I
!
died for
me
long before
faith
;
believed.
"But,"
says someone,
you."
"
would have
faith?
and,
therefore,
that
;
He
loved
What
did
He He
foresaw that you

foresee about
I
my
Did Ih- foresee

of myself?
on
will
Him
Xo
I should get that faith myself, and that Christ could not lore-see that, because no Christian
should believe
man
ever say that faith came: of itself without the gift and without the working of 1 have met with a great many believers, and talked with them the Holy Spirit. about this matter but I never knew one who could put his hand on his heart, and
;
"
say,
I
believed
in
Jesus without the assistance
ol the
Holy
Spirit."
am bound
to the doctrine of the

in heart,
depravity of the
human
heart,
because
find
and have daily proofs that in my llesh there dwelleth no good thing. If God enters into covenant with unlallen man, man is so insignificant a creature that it must be an act of gracious condescension on the Lord s part; but if
myself depraved
enters into covenant with sinful man, he is then so offensive a creature that it must be, on God s part, an act of pure, free, rich, sovereign grace. When the Lord entered into covenant with me, I am sure that it was all of grace, nothing else but
God
grace.
remember what a den of unclean beasts and birds my heart was, and how strong was my unrenewed will, how obstinate and rebellious against the room in of the Divine rule, always feel inclined to take the very lowest
When
sovereigntv
my
Father
house
and when
enter Heaven,
it
will
be to go
among
the less than
the least of
all saints,
and with the chief of sinners.
The
late
lamented Mr.
Denham
has put, at the foot of his portrait, a most
172
C.
IF.
STURCIKOX
of the of
it.
AUTOmnCKAI
That
is
UV.
admirable
it
text, "Salvation
is
Lord."
just an epitome of Calvinism
is
the
sum and substance

I
If
anyone should ask

says,
tin s.
S<i/\
me what
is
mean by
a
\
Calvinist,
should reply,
in
"lie
is
one who
(i/ioii
is
cannot find
truth, anything be a heresy tell me a heresy, and I shall find its essence here, that it has departed from this great, this fundamental, this rock-truth, "God is mv rock and my salvation." What is the; heresy of Rome, but the addition of something to the
He
only
will
is
Scripture any other doctrine than my rock and my salvation." Tell

;
It
of I lie Lord." the essence of the

contrary to this
I>ible.
me
and
it
perfect merits of Jesus Christ,

in
our justification
to the
And what
the bringing n of the works of the flesh, to assist is the heresy of Arminianism but the addition of
j
something
thing- as
work of the Redeemer?

I
Every heresy,
unless
if
brought
to the touch
is
stone, will discover itself here.
have
my own
it
private opinion that there
no such
is
preaching Christ and

It
I
Him
crucified,
we preach what nowadavs

;
called Calvinism.
is
a nickname to call
Calvinism
Calvinism
is
the gospel,
and nothing
justification
else.
by faith, His dispensation of grace
do not believe we can preach the gospel, if we do not preach without works nor unless we preach the sovereignty of Cod in
; ;
nor unless
we
;
exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal,
nor do I think we can preach the immutable, conquering love of Jehovah gospel, unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of Ms elect and chosen
I
people which Christ wrought out upon the cross; nor can comprehend a gospel which lets saints fall away after they are called, and suffers the children of Cod to be
I
burned
gospel
I
in
the fires of damnation after having once believed in Jesus. abhor,

"
Such
II
ever it should come to pass, Thai sheep of Christ miht fall away,
Sickle,
My
If
feeble soul, alas!

fall
Would
thousand times a
day."
one dear saint of Cod had perished, so might all if one of the covenant ones be and then there is no gospel promise true but the IJible is a lie, lost, so may all be and there is nothing in it worth my acceptance. I will be an infidel at once when can believe that a saint of God can ever fall finally. If Cod hath loved me once,
;
then
He
it.
will love
me
for ever.
God
has a master-mind
it;
His gigantic
alters
intellect
long before lie did
arranged everything in and once having settled it, He never

;
He
"This
it
shall
be
done,"
saith
"
down, and
rend
it
is
it.
brought
"This
to pass.
is
He, and the iron hand of destiny marks it This is My purpose," and it stands, nor can earth
saith
or hell alter
My
ever."
decree,"
He,
if
"promulgate
down from
it
the gate of Heaven, ye devils,
ye can
decree,
shall
stand for
God
altereth
not
ye holy angels. but ye cannot alter the His plans; why should He?
it,
;
lie
is
Almighty, and therefore can perform His pleasure. the All-wise, and therefore cannot have planned wrongly.
is
Why should He? Why should He?
lie
He
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRM
IIY.
173
the everlasting God, and therefore cannot die before His plan is accomplished. a day, ye Why should lie change? Ye worthless atoms of earth, ephemera
is
<>t
creeping insects upon tin s bay-leaf of existence, ye may change your plans, but Has He told me that His plan is to save me? shall never, never change His.
so,
I
He
If
am
lor
ever
sale.
.My
1 name from the palms is hands Ktcrnity will not erase Impri ss d on His heart it remains,
<>l
do not know how some people, who believe that a Christian can fall from It must be a very commendable thing in them to be grace, manage to be: happy.
I
It I did not believe the doctrine of the able to get through a day without despair. linal perseverance of the saints, think I should be of all men the most miserable,
I
because
heart
I
should lack any ground ol comfort. I could not say, whatever state of came into, that should be like a well-spring ot water, whose stream fails not
1
I
comparison ol an intermittent spring, that might stop which had no reason to expect would always be lull. on a sudden, or a reservoir, believe that the happiest ot Christians and the truest of Christians are those who
to take: the
1
should rather have
Ms \Vord simply as it stands, and believe it, and ask no questions, just feeling assured that il (iod has said it, it will be so. I bear my willing testimony that I have no reason, nor even the shadow ol a reason, to doubt my Lord and leaven, and earth, and hell to bring any proof challenge
never dare to doubt (iod, but
take
I
;
who
that (iod
call
is
untrue.
From
the depths of hell
call
the fiends, and Irom this earth

I
the tried and afflicted believers, and to
Heaven
appeal, and challenge the long
experience ol the: blood-washed host, and there is not to be lound in the three realms a single person who can bear witness to one fact which can disprove the faithfulness ol (iod, or weaken His claim to be trusted by His servants. There are
man} things
that ma}- or ma}- not happen, but this
know
shall happen,
All
the purposes of
ol
man have been
defeated, but not the purposes of (iod.
The
promises
promises of
man may be broken, man}- ol them are made to be broken, but the God shall all be fulfilled. He is a promise-maker, but le never was a
I
promise-breaker; prove it to be so.
He
is
a promise-keeping God, and every one

is
of
This
my
grateful, personal confidence,
"The
His people shall Lord will perfect
that which concerneth
Die"-
unworthy vu\
[lie
lost
and ruined
inc.
He
will
yet save
me
and
blood-vvash d throne;,
i/4
I
<"
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOI .IOCRAIMIY.
go go
to
a.
1,-nul
than earth
1
which the plough of earth hath never upturned, where it is greener best pastures, and richer than her most abundant harvests ever saw.
<>|
to a building
more gorgeous architecture than man hath ever builded

it
it
is
not ol mortal design

in the. Heavens."
is
"a
building of God, a house not
made
with hands, eternal
All
shall
know and
at last
I
Lord; and
shall say,
when
leaven, will be given to enjoy appear before Him,

in
I
me
by the
know
I
there arc
some who think

blood of Jesus
it
it
necessary to their system of

if
I
theolo;>-\-
to
limit
the merit of
the:
my
theological
I
system needed such a
limitation,
find a
would
cast
to the winds.
work
shore.
it,
lodging in my mind, it see an ocean of merit
dare not, allow the thought to cannot, seems so near akin to blasphemy. In Christ s finished
;
my plummet
finds
There must be
sufficient efficacy in the

all in this
no bottom, my eye discovers no blood of Christ, if Cod had so willed

all
to have:
saved not only
world, but
in
ten thousand worlds,
had thev
Once admit infinity into the matter, and limit is transgressed their Maker s law. out of the question. I laving a Divine Person for an offering, it is not consistent
to conceive
of
limited value
bound and measure

of the
are
terms inapplicable to the
Divine purpose fixes the application of the infinite offering, but does not change it into a finite work. Think of the numbers whom Cod has bestowed His grace already. Think of the countless hosts in upon
sacrifice.
Divine
The
intent
thou wert introduced there to-day, thou wouldst find it as easy to tell the stars, or the: sands of the sea, as to count die multitudes that arc: before the throne even now. They have come from the Kast, and from the \Yest, from the
if
Heaven:
North, and from the South, and they are sitting down with Abraham, and with Isaac, and with Jacob in the Kingdom of God; and beside those in Heaven, think
of
the saved ones on earth.

I
;
Blessed be God, His elect on earth are to be counted
shall
believe and the days are coming, brightenby millions, clays than these, when there be multitudes upon multitudes brought to know the: Saviour, and to rejoice in
Him.
"A
not for a few only, but for an exceeding great company. man great multitude, which no man could number," will be found in Heaven.
s
1 he Father
love
is
can reckon up to very high figures; set to work your Newtons, your mightiest and can count numbers but God and God alone: can tell the calculators, great
the-)"
;
multitude of His redeemed.

If
believe there will
be:
more
in
Heaven than
in hell.
is
"have:
anyone: asks me: why I think so, I answer, because: Christ, in everything, the pre-eminence," and I cannot conceive how He- could have the
if
I
to
pre
eminence
Moreover,
there
have:
arc:
to
be:
more
in
the dominions of Satan

is
than
in
Paradise.
never read that there
to
be
in
hell a great multitude,
which no
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
all
175
infants, as
man
die,
could number.
their
rejoice to
know
that the souls of
soon as they
!
Think what a multitude there is of them speed Then way there are already in Heaven unnumbered of the of men made just myriads spirits the redeemed of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues perfect, up till
to
Paradise.
now; and there universal when

;
are
better
times
of Christ coming, o when the religion o
shall
be
"He
With
shall rei^n from pole to pole, illimitable sway

"
before Him, and nations shall be born in a thousand of the day years great millennial state there will be enough saved to make up all the deficiencies of the thousands of years that have gone before. Christ shall be Master everywhere, and His land. praise shall be sounded in
shall
;
when whole kingdoms

and
in the
bow down
every
Christ shall have the pre-eminence at last; His train shall be far larger than that which shall attend the chariot of the grim monarch of hell.
is
persons love the doctrine of universal atonement because they say, so beautiful. It is a lovely idea that Christ should have died for all men
"to
Some
"
It
;
it
commends
the instincts of humanity; there is something in it itself," they say, lull of I admit there is; but beauty may be often associated with joy and beauty." falsehood. There is much which I admire in the of universal
might
theory
redemp
tion,
but
will
Hist
show what the supposition

to
necessarily involves.
If
Christ on
His cross intended

lost
before
He
died.
in
save every man, then lie intended to save those who were If the doctrine be true, that He died for all men, then He died
hell
for
some who were
before lie
came
into this world, for doubtless there were:
even then myriads there who had been cast away because of their sins. Once again, if it was Christ s intention to save all men, how deplorably has He been disappointed, for we have His own testimony that there is a lake which burneth with fire .ami
brimstone, and into that pit of woe have been cast some of the very persons who, according to the theory of universal redemption, were bought with His blood.
a conception a thousand times more repulsive than any of those consequences which are said to be associated with the Calvinistic and Christian doctrine of special and particular To think that my Saviour died for redemption. men who were or are in hell, seems a supposition too horrible for me to entertain.
1
hat seems to
me
To
imagine for a moment that He was the Substitute for all the sons of men, and that Cod, having first punished the Substitute, afterwards punished the sinners seems to conflict with all my ideas of Divine themselves, That Christ justice. should offer an atonement and satisfaction for the sins of all men, and that after
wards some
of
those very
men should be punished
for the sins for
which Christ had
already atoned, appears to me to be the most monstrous iniquity that could ever have been imputed to Saturn, to Janus, to the goddess of the Thugs, or to the most
176
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTomor.RArnv.
diabolical heathen deities.
God
!
forbid that
we should ever
think thus of Jehovah,
the
and wise and good is no soul living who holds more firmly to the doctrines of grace than do, and if any man asks me whether I am ashamed to be called a Calvinist, I
]iist
There
but if you ask me, do I hold wish to be called nothing but a Christian I the doctrinal views which were held by John Calvin, reply, 1 do in the main hold But far be it from me even to imagine that Zion them, and rejoice to avow it.
answer,
I
;
contains none but Calvinistic Christians within her walls, or that there are none
Most atrocious things have been spoken about the character and spiritual condition of John \\ esley, the- modern prince ol detest many of the I can only say concerning him that, while Arminians.
saved
who do
not hold our views.
doctrines which he preached, yet for the man himself I have a reverence second to no Wesleyan and if there were wanted two apostles to be added to the number of the
;
twelve,
do not believe that there could be found two men more

John Wesley.
I
lit
to
be so added
than George \\hitelield and
lie
character
of
John Wesley stands

"of
beyond
lived far
all
imputation for
self-sacrifice, zeal, holiness,

)
and communion with
above the ordinal

."
level of
common
in
Christians, and
was one
God whom
he
the
world was not worth}

truths,
or,
believe there are multitudes ol

see
way in nevertheless have received Christ as their Saviour, and are as dear the God of grace as the soundest Calvinist in or out of Heaven.
at
least,
I
cannot
them
the
men who cannot see these which we put them, who

to
the heart of
do not think
;
differ
from any of
in
little
my H\ pcr-Calvinistic
I
brethren
I
in
what
do
less
believe
but
differ
I
from them
what they do not believe.

think, a little
do not hold any
than they do, but
hold a
more, and,
more of the
truth revealed
in the Scriptures. Not only are there a few cardinal doctrines, by which we can but as we study the Word, we shall steer our ship North, South, Kast, or West
;
begin
to learn
something about the North-west and North-east, and

points.
all
else that lies

is
between the four cardinal
The system
;
of
truth revealed in the Scriptures

will
ever get a right view of the not simply one straight line, but two For instance, I read in gospel until he knows how to look at the two lines at once.
and no man
one Book of the Bible,

heareth say, Come. take the water of life
"The
Spirit
and the bride

is
say,
Come.
And
let
him
that
And
let
him
that
athirst
come.
in
And whosoever
will, let
him
Word,
I
that
"it
is
another part of the same inspired Yet I am taught, freely." not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that
I
God in providence presiding over all and yet cannot help seeing, that man acts as he pleases, and that God has left see, and were to declare that his actions, in a great measure, to his own free-will. Now, man was so free to act that there was no control of God over his actions, should be should declare that God so driven verv near to atheism and on (he other hand,
sheweth
mercy."
I
see, in
one
pla.ce,
if
if,
c.
IT.
SPURGEON
is
AUTomoriRAriiv.
177
over-rules
all
things that
driven at once into
enough to be responsible, I should be Antinomianism or fatalism. That God predestines, and vet that
man
not free
responsible, are two facts that few can see clearly. inconsistent and contradictory but they are not. The fault
is
;
man
They
is
are believed to be
in
I
Two
truths cannot be contradictory to each other. part of the Bible that everything is fore-ordained,
If,
then,
is
our weak judgment. find taught in one

;
that
true
and
if
;
find,
in
another Scripture, that

only
my
I
folly that
man is responsible leads me to imagine that
for all
his actions, that is true
and
it is
these two truths can ever contradict each
do not believe they can ever be welded into one upon any earthly anvil, but they certainly shall be one in eternity. They are two lines that are so nearly that the human mind which parallel, pursues them farthest will never discover that but they do converge, and they will meet somewhere in they converge; eternity,
other.
;
close to the throne ol
God, whence
all
truth doth spring.
believe have a tendency to lead us to sin. I have heard it asserted most positively, that those; high doctrines which we love, and which we find in the Scriptures, are licentious ones. I do not know who will
It is
olten said that the doctrines
we
have the hardihood
to
make
that assertion,
I
say that Galvinism a licentious religion, what lie thinks of the character of Augustine:, or Calvin, or Whitefield, who in successive ages were the great exponents of the system of grace or wh.it will he say of the Puritans, whose works are luil of them? Had a man
is
;
men have been
believers in them.
ask the
when they consider man who dares to
that the holiest of
been an Arminian
breathing; but
in
now
those days, he would have been accounted the vilest heretic we are looked upon as the heretics, and they as the orthodox.
to the old school
;
We
It is
have gone back
trace our descent from the apostles. that vein of free-grace, running through the sermonizing of Baptists, which has
we can
saved us as a denomination.
are to-day.
Were
it
not for that,
we should
not stand where
we
can run a golden line up to Jesus Christ Himself, through a holy succession of mighty fathers, who all held these glorious truths and we can ask
;
We
concerning them,
doctrine
is
"Where will
you
it
"a
find holier
and better men

did not
in
the
world?"
No
so calculated to preserve a
called
man from
knew
sin as the doctrine of the grace of
God.
about
Those who have

it.
licentious
little
doctrine"
Poor ignorant things, they
that their
most licentious doctrine under Heaven. If they knew the would soon see that there was no they preservative from lying like a knowledge that we are elect of God irom the foundation of the world. There is like a in belief my eternal perseverance, and the immutability of my Father s affection, which
nothin<>c">
know anything at all own vile stuff was the grace of God in truth,
from a motive of simple gratitude. Nothing makes a man so virtuous as belief of the truth. A lying doctrine will soon beget a lying practice.
near to
M
can keep
me
Him
178
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
A man
1
cannot have an erroneous belief without by-and-by having an erroneous life. Of all men, those have the most believe the one thing naturally begets the other.
disinterested piety, the sublimest reverence, the
most ardent devotion, who believe that they are saved by grace, without works, through faith, and that not of themselves, Christians should take heed, and see that it always is so, lest it is the gift of God.
by any means Christ should be crucified
an open shame. In my early Christian days, I remember seeing a man about to enter a place of Though he was a professing Christian, he was going to spend worldly amusement. the evening in a dancing booth at the village fair, drinking and acting as other men
afresh,
and put
to
did.
called out to him, just as he

"Why
was
at the entrance, "What doest

that?"
thou there,
Elijah
?"
do you ask
"
me
such a question as
said he.
"
going in there? I with some sort of blush, am, but I can do so with impunity I am a child ol if I went God, and I can go where I like, and yet be safe." "/could not," said I It is a place; of danger, and I could not go there there, I know I should commit sin.
"What
doest thou there, Elijah?
Art
l/ioit
asked again, Yes," he replied,

I
"
"
"Ah without great risk of sinning against God." before, and I have had some sweet thoughts there.
!
said he,
I
"
could
1
;
have been
You
treat,
are narrow-minded
I
assure you;
for
dangerous
is
me
you do r.ot would go if I were you." from what I hear, the name of Jesus
;
enlarges the intellect. It is a rich appreciate these good things.

find
it
"No,"
said,
"it
would be
;
is
altogether contrary to the religion I attend there are none of the best, and it will surely be said that birds ot a feather men had better keep he flock Ah, well "perhaps you young
said that
is
"
much
profaned then; and there 1 he believe. persons who
"
together."
I
replied,
a strongman, I can go;" and off he went to the place of amusement. away; My soul revolted from the man ever afterwards, for I felt that no child of God would ever be so wicked as to take poison in the faith that his Father would give him the or thrust himself into the fire, in the hope that he should not be burned.
am
antidote,
That man was an apple of Sodom, and I guessed that there was something rotten and I found by experience that it was so, for he was a downright at the core lie wore a mask, for he was a hypocrite, and had none of the sensualist even then.
;
grace
of
God
is
in his heart.
(This
"
evidently
the;
man mentioned
Roads"
in
the Diary, on page 146, and
is
quite
a different person from the

child"
"Old
see pages 23 and 24,
who was rebuked by
and who, through that frequenting the Stambourne public-house, rebuke, was restored to a consistent Christian liie.)
for
CHAPTER
Beginning
;
XVII.
to
5ntc
tljt
lorit.
"As Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom, and He saith unto him, Follow -Me and he arose, and followed Him." This is a little bit of autobiography. Matthew wrote this verse about himself. I can fancy him, with his pen in his hand, writing all the rest of this Gospel but 1 can imagine that, when he came to this very personal passage, he laid the pen down a minute, and wiped his eyes. He was to a most memorable and
;
coming
incident in his
that
to
I do not be Matthew, and to have to write this story; and I am sure that, Matthew was, I should never have done it so beautifully as he has done
own life, and he recorded know how to communicate
pathetic
it
with tremulous emotion. This verse reads to me so tenderly to you just how I feel about it. I have tried to imagine myself
if
it,
1
had not been inspired as
that
is
upon me, and vanity but I believe that He did say to Himself cor!C( ruing me, whom I can teach My truth, and who, when He gets a hold of it, will grip it fast, aid never let it So the Lord saw go, and one who will not be afraid to speak it wherever he what use He could make of me. There is an adaptation in men, even while they are unconverted, which God has put into them for their future service. Luke was qualified to write his Gospel because he had been a physician; and Matthew was qna iiicd to write the particular Gospel which he has left There may be a something about your habits of life, and about us, because he had been a publican. your constitution, and your condition, that will qualify you for some special niche in the Church of God in the years to come. () happy day, when Jesus shall look upon you, and call you to follow Him! when He did look upon some of us, and saw in us what His love meant to put there, that Happy He might make of us vessels of mercy meet for the Master s use! C. II. S.
I
Me;"
it is so full of everything touching, tender, timid, true, and gracious. I know another man, not named "Matthew," but "Charles," and the Lord said to him, "Follow and he also arose, and followed Him. I do not know all that He saw when He looked
for
fear that
He saw
"I
nothing in see one to
me
but
sin,
and
evil,
is."
<!ay,
DO
not see how our sense of oneness to Christ could ever have been perfected if we had not been permitted to work for Him. II He had been pleased to save us by His precious blood, and then leave us with nothing to do, we should have had fellowship
with Christ up to a certain point, but (I speak from experience) there is no fellowship with Christ that seems to me to be so vivid,
so
to
I
real
to
the soul, as
when
try
to
win a soul
to
for
Him.
Oh, when
s
battle
with that
to
soul s
difficulties,
begin
I
set
in
the
arguments
of
weep over that soul Divine mercy before it, and

and
feel that
I
hardness
come when
;
when
am
a very
;
agony
I
of
spirit,
myself foiled could die sooner than that
find
Him whose llowing tears, and and bloody sweat, dying wounds showed ho\v much He loved poor fallen mankind. I think that, when I was first converted to I have God, if the Lord had said, taken you into My house, and I am going to make use of you, and shall be a you
soul should perish
then
get to read the heart of
"
door-mat
for the saints to
wipe their
feet
on,"
should have said,
"Ah,
happy
shall
180
I
c.
ii.
sruRGEONs AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
off their blessed feet, for
I
be
if
may but
come
if
I
take the
filth
love
God s
delight
people
"
and
if
it
may
minister to
into
them
in the slightest
decree,
I
it
shall
be
my
know
did not
my
head, at that time, that
should be a leader
in
God
s Israel.
might but sit in the corner of 1 1 is house, or be a door-keeper, it had been of His mercy, enough for me! If, like the: dog under the table, I might get a crumb were it but flavoured by His hand, because He had broken it off, that v.;as all I
Ah, no
;
wanted.
body,
In that day
soul,
I
when
I
;
surrendered myself to
I
my
I
Saviour,
gave
Him my
shall have for time and for had, and all gave Him all my spirit gave Him all my talents, my powers, my faculties, my eyes, my ears, my eternity. limbs, my emotions, my judgment, my whole manhood, and all that could come of
my
it,
whatever fresh capacity or new capability
might be endowed with. Were I, at this o-ood hour, to change: the note of gladness for one of sadness, it would be to wail out my penitent confession of the times and circumstances in which I have failed to
I
observe
the:
strict
I
re<>Tetting
what
if if
it
I
and unwavering allegiance then did, I would fain renew
promised
to
my
Lord.
So
far
Irom
pray God,
away; and would have
have a drop of blood in my there be one hair in my head which

plucked
out.
vows, and make: them over again. body which is not His, to let it bleed
my
is
not consecrated to Him,
The
hope
very
first
of tracts in
that,
youthful heart rendered to Christ was the placing I might send them, with the envelopes, and then sealing them up, that
service which
my
by choosing pertinent
tracts,
applicable: to persons
knew,
God would
bless them.
And
well
certain districts in the

in
remember taking other tracts, and distributing them in town of Newmarket, going from house to house, and telling,
of God.
I
might have done nothing for Christ if I had not been encouraged by finding myself able to do a little. Then I and I do not doubt sought to do something more, and from that something more:, that many of the servants of God have been led on to higher and nolêr labours I for their Lord, because began to serve Him in the right spirit and manner.
humble language, the things of the Kingdom
they look upon the giving away of a religious tract as only the first step, not to be not for the first compared with many another deed done for Christ but were it
;
to the second but that being attained, we are encouraged step, we might never reach to take the next, and so, at the last, God helping us, we may be made extensively
;
useful.
I
think
I I
never
felt
so
much
earnestness after the souls of

s
my
fellow-creatures
as
when
>
first
loved the Saviour
name, and though
thouo-ht
should be able to
testify to the multitude,
could not preach, and never used to write texts on little
that some poor creatures might pick them scraps of paper, and drop them anywhere, I could of mercy to their souls. scarcely content up, and receive them as messages
mvself even
for five
minutes without trying
to
do something
for Christ.
If
walked
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOHIUGRAI
with
;
IIY.
181
I
along the
carriage,
I
street,
must have a few

tract out of the
;
tracts
me
I
if
went
into
a railway
must drop a
window
if
had a moment
I
be upon my knees or at my Bible if I were in company, conversation to Christ, that I might serve my Master. It
s leisure-, I must must turn the subject of
may be
that, in the
young
dawn
Christ
of
;
my
but
its
I
Christian
still
did imprudent things in order to serve the cause of say, give me back that time again, with all its imprudence and
liie,
I
with
all
hastiness,
if
may
but have the same love to
my
s
Master, the same
overwhelming influence it was a pleasure to me
in
my
spirit,
making me obey my Lord

to serve
commands because
between
pallet
!
to
do anything
my
God.
stars looked
Mow
the
tiles,
and hear
did then delight to sit in that upper the heavenly conversation
room where
which,
Irom
miserable:
surrounded by ragged hangings, an enfeebled saint of the Lord did hold with me Like divers, I valued the: pearl, even though the shell might be a broken one nor did I care where went to win it. When those creaking stairs trembled beneath my
;
weight,
when
that bottomless chair allorded
me
uneasy
rest,
and when the heat and

I
effluvia ol
that sick
room drove my companion away,
did
not
feel
more than
doubly repaid while that friend of Jesus told me of all II is love, His faithfulness, and His grace? It is frequently the case that the most despised servants of the Lord are made the chosen instruments of comforting O distressed souls, and building O
them up
I
in
the
faith.
love to see persons of
some
schools.
One
great fault in
many
;
standing- in society take an interest in Sabbathof our churches is that the children are left for the:
young people
to take care of; the older
members, who have more wisdom, taking
but very little notice of them and very often, the: wealthier members of the church stand aside as if the: teaching of the poor we re: not (as indeed it the special is) business of the rich. I men of Israel shall be for the the wlu:n mighty hope day
found helping in this great warfare against the enemy. In the United States, we have heard ot presidents, juelges, members of Congress, and persons in the for I scorn to use such a term, but honour highest positions, not condescending,
He who teaches a ing themselves by teaching little children in Sabbath-schools. class in a Sabbath -school has earned a wood decree. I had rather receive the title o
<
e)r any othe.-r honour that ever was conferred by men. work like the first hours of the day and there is no time for serving the Lord like the I recollect the joy I had very earliest days of youth. in the little service was able to render to God when first I knew Him. I was
of
S..S. I.
than M.A.,
is
15.
A.,
There
no time
for
engaged and though

it
but I had the Saturday afternoon at libertywas but a boy myself, and might rightly have used that time: for rest, was given to a tract-district, and to visiting the very poor within my reach and
in
all
a school
the
we:ek
82
c.
11.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
the Sabbath-day was devoted to teaching a class, and later on, also to addressing the Sunday-school. \\ hen I began to teach, I was very young" in grace then,
I
said to the class of
believed
in
liim.
was teaching, that Jesus Christ saved all those who boys One of them at once asked me: the question, "Teacher, do vou
1
whom
believe in
Him?"
"
I
?
replied,
1
"Yes,
hope
I
do."
Then he enquired
I
"
"
again,
ISut
are you not sure
had
to think carefully
"
what answer
should give.
The
lad
was not content with
If you have hope so." lie would have it, repeating, And I lelt at that time that I could not teach believed in Christ, you arc saved." I know that it is so. I must be able to until could say positively, effectually
my
"
speak
life."
ol
what
have heard, and seen, and

;
tasted,
and handled of the good
Word
1
ol
there can be no true testimony except that which right assured conviction ol our own safety and joy in the Lord. If was springs irom ever a ittle dull, my scholars began to make wheels of themselves, twisting round on the forms on which they sat. That was a very plain intimation to me that I must give
The boy was
them an
is
illustration
tell
or an anecdote
and
I
learned to
in
tell
stories partly
by being
obliged to
very
it
them.
One
t
dull,
teacher; can
the class, used to say to me, "This us a Of course lie was a naught} bov, you pitch yarn?"
boy,
whom
had
and
not at
in
might be supposed that he went all sure that he did but I tised to
;
to the
try
bad when he grew up, though am and pitch him the yarn that lie wanted,
I
order
to
get his attention again.

of
At one
the teachers meetings,

in
the suggestion
ot
was adopted
that
the
male
teachers should,
turn, give a
lew words
address on the lesson
at the close ol
the teaching, alternating in so doing with the superintendent/" My turn came in due Alter I had spoken, the superintendent requested me to take his place in course.
had done addressing the school on the following Sabbath, and when me, as I did so well, to speak to the children each Lord s-day.
1
this,
he asked
to
lUit
this
demurred, not deeming it week, I shall expect you

instituted soon
fair
to the
other teachers.
"
Well,"
stead."
he
said,
"on
to give the
address
;
in
my
The precedent
it
Sundaythus
became
a kind ot usage
so that, for a time,
was usual
for
one
of
the teachers and myself to speak on alternate Sabbaths. Speedily something else I followed. he older people also took to coming when I spoke; and that, ere long, in such numbers that the auditor} looked more like that of a chapel than a school,
a circumstance which the old pastor, jealous of the seeming invasion of his province,
IN
LOVING REMEMBKANCE
OF R01SF.RT
I5ROWX,
HORN, JULY
1805; DIED, MARCH 2yd, 1881. Interred in Xen inarket Cemetery.

5th,
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
I
did not quite

subject.
like.
always spoke as best

"
could,
I
after carefully
preparing
my
unto
Though
only a youth,
said,
think
am bound
to give myselt
to grieve the Spirit reading, and study, and prayer, and not hearers appreciated what effusions;" and I soon found that my
by
I
unthought-ot
said.
Oh,
but,
how
earnestly
I
did
it
all
often think that
years, for
spoke so tremblingly, but my in the to talk a little in the villages on the Sunday, and afterwards every night There week, I know that I used to speak then what came fresh from my heart. much from books my chief library was the Word of was little time for
gathering
;
spoke better then than I did in later And when I began heart went with it all.
I
no doubt with from my very soul, experience, but I spoke out but oh, with such much blundering, and much weakness, and much youthful folly, I often felt that I could cheerfully laxan intense desire to bring men to Christ! but be the means of saving a poor old man, or bring a boy lite if I down
God and
my own
my
might
of
mv own
^
ao-e to the t5
Saviour
feet.
feel
it
a great joy to have been called to

;
my life s clay and I hope by-and-by to be () God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have able to say, Now also when am old and grey-headed, O God, declared Thy wondrous works.
work
for
my Lord
"
in the early
hours of
forsake
have shewed Thy strength unto this generation, and I hy do not think my Lord will turn His old I power to every one that is to come." servant off; when I get old, men may become tired of me, but He will not; He will
me
not; until
hear
my
I
prayer,
"
Dismiss
me
not
Thy
service.
Lord."
can truly say, that I never did anything which was a blessing to my fellow For instance, before thought ot going creatures without feeling compelled to do it.
I
to a
Sabbath-school to teach, someone called,

I
to take his class.
could not refuse to go

to
the superintendent, and was compelled

the children
;
asked me, begged me, prayed me and there I was, held hand and foot by go on. Then I was asked to address
and stammered out a lew words. thought I could not, but I stood up, I attempted to preach to the people, It was the same on the first occasion when am sure I had no wish to do it, but there was no one else in the place who could,
I
I
and the
a single word of warnmg congregation must have gone away without How could suffer it? I felt forced to address them and so it has or invitation. have always felt a kind of impulse I hand to. been with whatever I have laid
little
I
;
my
which
could not resist
a position that I not have: helped myselt.

I
moreover, I have felt placed by Providence had no wish to avoid the duty, and if I had desired it,
;
but,
in
I
such
could
never forget standing by the bed-side of a youth \\ho had been m my at home, and though Sunday-school class; he had received very little good training he was but a lacl of seventeen, he became a drunkard, and drank himself to death at
shall
c.
ii.
sruK( IKON
to
AUT
one debauch.
saw him, and talked
him, and tried to point him to the Saviour,

I
and heard
the death-rattle in his throat; and as went downstairs, I thought a lor fool I everybody doing anything except preparing- to die. began to look upon the men who drove the carts in the street, those who were busy at their shops, and those who were selling their wares, as being all foolish for attending to anything except
at last
and myself most of a.ll foolish (or not pointing dyhv sinners a living Christ, and inviting them to trust in His precious blood. And yet, in an hour or so, all things took their usual shape, and I began to think that I was not
their eternal business,
to
dying
after
all,
and
could go away and be as unconcerned as before.

all,
could
be<n
to think that
men
I
were, after
really
wise; in
so,
mean
not that
thought
but
thinking of this world, and not the next; I ! iear acted as if I thought so the
I
;
impression of the death -bed was so soon obliterated.

Christian will
It
is
sadlv true, that even a
grow by degrees so
\Yhen
first
I
callous, ihat the sin

in
made
his blood
run cold, does not alarm him

I
which once startled him, and the least. I can speak from my own
experience.
myself;
yet now,
still
if
heard an oath, I stood aghast, and knew not where to hide hear an imprecation or blasphemy against God, though a
shudder
runs through
I
my
veins, there
I
is
not that solemn feeling, that intense

evil
]>y
anguish, which
felt
I
when
I
first
heard such
familiar with sin.

elfect
am
fearful that
utterances. degrees we get even preaching against sin may have an injurious
is
upon the preacher.
frankly confess that there
a tendency, with those
of
who have to speak upon these themes, to treat them professionally, rather than to make application of them to ourselves and thus we lose our dread of evil in some
us
;
degree, just as
room.
We
young doctors soon lose their tender nervousness in the dissectingare compelled in our office to see ten thousand things which at first are
heart-breakers to us.
In our young ministry, when we meet with hvpocrisy and are inconsistency, ready to lie down and die but the tendency in after years is tc take these terrible evils as matters of course. Worldliness, covetousness, and
we
carnality,
shock us most
at the outset of
our work
is
not this a sad sign, that even
the hardening effect of sin ? 1 may daily feel that the atmos of earth has as much a to harden heart as to harden plaster phere tendency my
feel
God s
ministers
which
is
of God,
newly spread upon the wall and unless I am baptized anew with the and constantly stand at the foot of the cross, reading the curse of sin
;
Spirit
in the
crimson hieroglyphics of
insensible as
my
Saviour
dying agonies,
shall
become
as steeled and
many
professors already are.
CHAPTER
Cnmbrfogt lift nnb
XVIII.
letters.
1850-1851.
regularly If that were at appointed hours. we as partook of our meals just In for us. the rule in all households, it would be a grand thing
the old Puritanic times, a servant
Sir,
at eight Cambridge, to live in a house where, have o clock, every person, from the servant to the master, would her his or been found (or half-an-hour in prayer and meditation in as the time came round, that was done, chamber. As
WAS
my
privilege, at
did was then looked upon as a recognized fact that Christian men engaged." and society respected the interval set meditate, and study the Word, and pray if you had walked It is said that, in the days of Cromwell, apart for devotion. blinds down Cheapside at a certain hour in the morning, you would have seen the I lear down at every house. Alas where will you find such streets nowadays ?
It
;
!
my
master
is
at
prayers,"
would as often answer one who enquired lor him, as he would nowadays reply, "My master is
that
what was once the
rule, is
now
the exception.
at Cambridge,- one of the most respectable joined the Baptist Church one of the most churches that can be found in the world, one of the most generous,
When
intelligent
to
this
was a good many years ago, when

I
was young
nobody spoke
me.
On
the Lords-day,
in
it,
sat at the
communion
table in a certain
"
pew
there
was one gentleman
I hope you and when the service was over, I said to him, I answered, me." of the He said, "You have advantage are quite^well, sir?" don t quite know what you I brothers." I are and don t think I have, for you in "when I took the bread and wine, just now, I said he.
"I
"
mean,"
"Well,"
replied,
"
token of our being one in Christ, I meant it, did not you in the street; he put both his hands on my shoulders,
old then
right,
?
I
were by that time was about sixteen years

"You
I
We
and he
said,
"Oh,
sweet
simplicity!"
;
Then he added,
are quite
afraid I dear brother, you are quite right come in I went to tea should not have spoken to you if you had not first addressed me." and when 1 left, he asked me to go again the next Lorcl s-day, with him that
my
to tea with me.
am
evening that Sabbath day he said to me, "You will come here every Sunday and so 1 went, That dear friend used to walk with me into the villages evening, won t you?"
;
]86
c.
n.
SPURGEON
ArTonior.KAPiiV.
afterwards went out to preach, and he re-mains to this day one of the truest Christian iriends have, and often have; we looked hack, and laughed at the fact that
I
I 1
when
should have dared to assume that Christian

that he said to
to
remember
me
at the time,
"
am
fellowship was really a truth. rather id ad you spoke to me;, for
if
you had gone
some
I
of
as friendly a reply as
our deacons, I am afraid you would not have received quite have given you."
*
*
to
Cambridge, to assist his old tutor, (In August, Mr. Leeding, who was conducting a private school in the University town. On page 44, Mr. Spurgeon has recorded his recollections of Mr. Leeding the following
II.
;
1^50, C.
Spurgeon went
is
the
tutor s
account
in
of
his
pupil,
as furnished by
him
to
Mr. Spurgeon
for this
Autobiography,
"
March, 1890:
My
acquaintance with the Rev. Charles

I
Haddon Spurgeon commenced
in
was engaged by Henry Lewis, Esq., of Colchester, having just passed the Degree Examination at St. John s College, Cambridge. I was to conduct his school for boarders and day-pupils, and it was agreed that the course of studies
1845, wh.en
should be designed to ground and advance: them in the course of a first-class Besides the usual English subjects, some began Latin and Erench education. Spurgeon began Latin at this time. \Ye worked together for four years, and left
;
at the
left
same
time, he to proceed to another school (at
merely because the terms of the increase of
my
Maidstone), and myself (who salary were: said to absorb all
Cambridge, where some friends desire:d that I should and of my own, several pupils being ready for me. conduct a school remain, Spurgeon had made gooel progress with me: at Colchester in mathematical studies,
the profit) to return
to
;
home
he was
far
ahead
e)i
the rest,
and generally took the
first
prize
in
the
general
examination.
had been many months at Cambridge, I received a letter from his father, begging me- to take him as an assistant with no salary, but only to receive such help in his studies as would contribute to qualify him for public
Before
I life."
(Mr. Spurgeon had preserved

father s letter
;
among
his
papers Mr. Leeeling
reply to his
it
was as follows
"
.Academy,
"
L mon Road,
"
Cambridge,
"
Aug.
"
6th, 1850.
My
Dear
I
Sir,
morning.
hasten to reply to your most welcome letter, which I received this have more than once wished it possible that an arrangement could
c.
H.
SPURGEON
s
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
i^7
be made
for securing
your son
services in the event of an increase in
my
school
for I have but my partial success has appeared to me a bar to such an engagement, on such terms such an estimate of him, that I could never have started the proposal
as
have proceeded from you.

for
will readily
engage
studies,
to give
him
all
the assistance in
in
my power
making
for him,
the prosecution of his
own
and
I
his
board and washing
return for his assistance.

this proposition
You
clo
me
an honour, that
you could not

improving
I
when you have a premium at send him to anyone who feels so great an
may,
perhaps unworthy of, in your option, but I must say

interest in
am
and
affection
for nor to a situation where he could possibly have better opportunities with Mrs. S., rest assured of his domestic comfort, as You himself.
I
am
sure he will himself anticipate.
am
an engagement that shall bind

not differ in that particular
"
me
to give
it
at present to unwilling to pledge myself I am sure we shall hereafter. a
salary
when once
necessarily occurs.
Your
offer,
coming
to
me
at this particular juncture,
of the Providence of
God on my
behalf.
Through
a striking interposition a violent cold, I have for the last

is
from inilammation on the chest, which has rendered so much fortnight been suffering and now at length very dangerous so much ^so that speaktng extremely painful, to a person in the town for his assistance. of have been on the I
;
point
You
will
will at once see
how
applying acceptable Charles

if
be doing
me
a great kindness
now it will presence will be to me 1 he can be allowed to set out as soon as possible.
s
;
I will If you intended him to travel by third class, expect him on Thursday. London by second, and also any expense of carriage of any gladly pay his fare from to be sent alter him. that of his
part
luggage
may
require
"
\Yith
many
thanks for your united Christian regards and kindness, 1 am,

"
"
Dear
"
Sir,
Yours
faithfully,
"
E. S.
LEEUING.
;J
"Mr.
[.
Spurgeon."
assistant continues (Mr. Leeding s account of his young residence with me, he began preaching "After a few months
:
in
two or three
villages near
circuit
until
Cambridge
he,
whom (members
Rev. Robt. Hall
time,
it
he became popular among his hearers, and extended his excited much interest among the Dissenters of Cambridge, some of of the St. Andrew s Street Baptist Church, once the scene of
;
seemed
send labours,) proposed to to me that such a foundation

s
him to a Dissenting College. At the had been laid for his literary progress,
the time occupied in such a advantages to be thus acquired would not repay Soon after, some of his friends proposed course, and the scheme was abandoned.
that the
C.
11.
Sl
UKGKUX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
should compete for a sizarship at St. John s College (which would have reduced the expenses of a College course ^30 per annum), hut it seemed to myself and others that three years (the time of College work at Cambridge), would be too a to on studies whose bearing m ministerial work is so remote as long period expend that of mathematics, and this also was abandoned. lie now became more than ever intent upon besides the Greek preaching, reading, Testament, the Septuagint translation, Whateley s Logic, &c., and soon occupied constantly the pulpiT at Waterbeach, a large village a few miles from Cambridge. It must not be omitted
that
the
final
decision
as to
College studies was
made
after
what we deemed
Providential incident* which took place at
Cambridge.")
"
Cambridge,
"My
Dear bather,
[
"August
22nd, 1850.
till
10 o clock.
I
received your kind note this morning. do not have: our letters Mr. Leeding is very much better; has been in the school.
We
am
studying through
Romans
in
the Greek, with Barnes,
)oddridge,
and Chalmers
for
my
commentaries
Mr. Leeding gives
me
Our lecture to-night was on, progress rapidly. He loved them unto the end. Give my respects to Mr. and Mrs. L. desire their kind enquiries. respects to you.
hope
to
,
every attention, and I Having loved His own,

all
friends
making
1
My
love to dear
Mother, Lli/a, Archer, Emily, Lottie, and Louisa, and accept the same- yourself. again thank you for your kindness to me. I will do my best with my clothes, and hope ever to be
\ our aiiectionaie son,
"
#
"
CHARLES."
x
9,
No.
Union Road,
"
Cambridge,
"
I
"
My
s
Dear Father,
I
9 th Sept., 50.
received your kind letter in due time.
joined the
Church here
;
at
the
Lord
table last
Ordinance day.
shall write for
my
dismission
intended to
in
have done so before.
The
Baptists are by far the most respectable denomination

St.
Cambridge;
others.
I
there
arc:
three Baptist Chapels,-
Andrew
Street,
where we
attend,
Zion Chapel, and Lden Chapel.
There
is
teach in the Sunday-school all morning work. Last Sabbath-day we had a funeral sermon from
* See Chapter xxii.,
"
a very fine- \Yesleyan Chapel and some the afternoon, Mr. Leeding takes the
Hebrews
vi.
u,
12.
The Lord
Hand behind
the
thud
s Mistake."
C.
II.
SPURGEOX
AUTOr.IOGRAHIY.
;
We
have a prayer-meeting
at 7 in the
I
they are precious means of grace, fresh go out did not our mighty Lord supply
service morning, and one after the evening Mow soon would the lamps trust, to my soul.
oil
;
and
if it
were not
for
Mis unshaken
should
the fulness of His grace, poor indeed promise to supply our need out of
we
be.
I
wish He would reign where Jesus comes, He comes to reign: how of self, atom self-confidence, and more in my heart then I might hope that every 1 am sure I long for the out of my soul. self-righteousness, would be quite swept shall time when all evil affections, corrupt desires, and rebellious, doubting thoughts soul be overcome, and completely crushed beneath the Prince s feet, and my whole But so long as I am encaged within this house of clay, I be made pure and holy. know they will lurk about, and I must have hard lighting though the victory by is the best nothing else; will keep them down. is sure.
"Yes,
;
grace
Praying
lighting
1 poorly. sorry grandfather them? live old and not They are the; upon the promises now, and why may young bread-corn of Heaven, the meat of the Kingdom and who that has once tasted them comfort in them ? God s power will turn to eat husks without any sweetness and
"
have written a
letter
to
am
;
he
is
so
He
wants
will
keep
all
His children
while
I
He
says to them,
I
How
sin live
any longer therein?

I
feel
persuaded that
ye who are dead to shall never fathom the depths

shall
of
my own
love.
natural depravity, nor climb to the tops of the mountains ol God s eternal the promises, and leave feel constrained by day to fall Hat down upon
day
my
soul in Jesu s keeping.
It is
He
that
makes my
feet
move even
in
the
slov,
obedience which marks them
at
from
would go forth Heavenly manna, and live upon free-grace. Acid to all your great kindness and love
I
"
Him.
attainment of present, and every the Israelites, to gather by prayer, like

to
grace must come
up
this
me, through
my
life,
a constant
remembrance of me in your prayers. dear Mother have so often sent up to sisters and brother, and accept the same
are
all
and I thank you for those petitions which you the mercy-seat for me. Give my love to my
for yourself
and
clear
Mother.
Hoping you
quite well,
"
remain,
"
Your
obedient, affectionate son,

"
CllAS.
Sl
URGEOX."
"
Cambridge, October
" "
3rd, 1850.
My
Dear Mother,
"
am
generally so slack of news, that

in
it.
have been ashamed
to
send a
letter
with nothing
was
last
night admitted into membership with this
C.
IT.
RPURGEOX
AUTOTUOnRAPIIV.
church by dismission from Newmarket. May my future relation with them, whether I am very fond of be for the glory of Jesus Christ Mr. Roffe I like his preaching very much. There is to be a baptizing- this evening ... I trust that a year or two of study with Mr. Leeding will be of equal benefit to me
brief or protracted,
!
with a College education
.....
have; found a great

I
many
Christian friends
last
Sunday
it
had two
just like
invitations
the:
to tea.
went
to
the house of Mr. Watts, a coal
merchant, and spent
time very happily.

I
We
seemed
I
"
home-days.
have not had a
read round with the children, and letter from Stambourne, nor from
Aunt,
am
quite solitary.
Roffe preached a delightful sermon Irom I will lift up mine eyes unto the I trust 1 can look by faith to the hills, and hills, from whence cometh my help. think I learn more every day ol my own natural confidently expect the help.
Air.
1
depravity and love

If
ol
sin
how
stupid should
be
it
trusted to
my own
heart
my
salvation
I
depended upon
my
it is
continuance
to
in
the fervour ol devotion,

will
how
I
soon
should
perish!
to
How
joyiul
know
that Jesus
keep
that v\hich
have
committed
ones
!
"
Him, and that he
will at
length save every one of His redeemed
(iive
mv
:
best love to dear Fa .her, and accept the
same
yourself.
hope you
are both well
give
my
love to Eliza, Archer, Er.iily, a kiss to Louisa and Lottie.

;
thank you ever be

I
for
your many pravers
continue yet to
pie, id
lor
me, and
may
"
Your
affectionate son,
"
CHARLES."
"No.
9,
Union Road,
"
Cambridge,
"
Oct., 1850.
"
My
Dear Father,
1
have received your kind, interesting letter, and the P.O. enclosed. Aunt [Walker] has written to me, and with much sorrow has told me: her case:. Mr. \V. has promised to let me have I did any of his books that may be of use to me. not ask, but he sent that word himself. Truly, the Lord puiteih down one, and
low blest to feel assured up another, according to II is ancient decrees. that Heaven s treasures never can rust, nor can any thief rob us of our inheritance went to Mr. \\ atts s again last Sunday am quite a member of the
setteth
I
!
family.
am going
on Friday
to a party at his
house with Rev. Roffe, Rev. Keen, and Rev.
Edmonds, and other
iriends.
;
however, look unto the Lord
I would, anticipate much spiritual enjoyment. for vain is the help of man. I in my connect always
I
mind the deep depravity, and
utter disease of
my
soul, with the all-conquering
power
C.
II.
SPURGEON
will
AUTOBIOGRAriTY.
TQI
of
my
blessed
Lord,
who
save
every one of His
redeemed.
Mr.
Roffe
be saved; but, he is The Scripture says not, the believer beautifully says, him. Perfectly justified, and on the road saved, and has eternal life abiding- in
shall
to perfect sanctification,
in
though proceeding very slowly

in the skies,
I
who
shall refuse to rejoice
the Lord
Secure of an inheritance
would
desire to walk worthy
of
How blessed to feel our liberty in the Lord. reproachfully concerning How manifold are the mercies of the Lord to me sure that our sins are covered! Since I am persuaded of my interest in Jesus, all things work together for good hold on Him, I will not fear what man can do unto feeble faith and can
who speak
;
!
my
exalted calling, and live
down every calumny, and prove the error of those
by
lay
me.
"
Give
yourself,
my love to dear Mother, and all with my sincere gratitude, From

"
others at
home
accept
the
same
your affectionate son,

"
CIIAS.
II.
STURGEON."
"
No.
9,
Union Road,
"
Cambridge, Nov.
" "
2th, 1850.
My
Dear Mother,
"
have just received The Maidstone Journal, in which you will see an advertisement of Mr. Walker s sale, in one of my late letters to Aunt (having heard to works), I ventured, as a babe in grace, to you speak of her as somewhat trusting trust, with becoming prudence as well as boldness, touch upon the subject, a long one, too, containing much good and then received a letter from Uncle,
I
I
even religious advice; of course, speaking as (Oh, how I desire it!) a Christian Mixed up with it, there was a tincture of naturalism or reason. should speak. have therefore ventured on another letter, and have, I trust, said, though feebly, False fear should never prevent us from should say to a dying Uncle. what a
I
boy
being
to
faithful with
more the business

up
men walking on the confines of the of my life, how happy should I be
grave.
!
Could
make
I
religion
live
am
conscious
do not
my
duties or
my
privileges
and did
not feel sure that Jesus will certainly

;
I should never think of reaching Heaven complete what He. has begun, for it. might, I would look confidently
"
but,
by
Llis
work here. I have twice spoken to the Sunday-school, next and am to read an Essay on some subject connected with Sunday-schools at the I have do so just to fill up. meeting of the Teachers Institute for the town. I only
I
have found a
little
been driven to
it,
Mr. Watts and some others having taken their turns.
hope
yet,
19-
C.
II.
STURGEONS
AUTOi;ior;RAl>IIY.
one day,
to
;
comings
it
prove myself no Antinomian, though I confess my daily sins and short I desire to hate yet I would not wilfully sin, and I led some hatred to it.
more.
"I
hope you enjoy your health, and that, will* dear Father, you have much of marrow of the gospel as your daily meat. Give my love to all at home, and am pursuing my studies, hough I can accept the same for yourself and Father.
the
I
say little about progress. belore many weeks,
am most
happy, and
"
(juiie well
and hoping
to see
you
remain,
"
\ our
most
affectionate son,
"
CHARLES."
(The following are the

letter
;
letters to the
Aunt and Uncle
referred to in the
:
foregoin"
is
part of the one written to Mrs. Walker is missing The. body oi Christians, of which for some little- while have been a member, not distinguished for high standing in the world. trust I shall never be rich, lest I
the
iirst
) [
I
should by iorce oi additional temptation ever bring dishonour upon the name of Him with whom 1 have entered into solemn and covenant. Would that, as I have league been buried with Him in baptism, I might have the inward and be
spiritual grace,
dead
to the world, but
al
ve unto the service of

stir here,
it
tin;
Lord
I
There has been -nuch
seem
he
is
to be very anxious about

well.
lie is so very kind Paine s Elements of Mental Science and Porter s Lectures on studying Homilclics. I cannot in Creek We have; only thirteen boys. get further than the Testament.
;
the clergy opish Aggression, hope Uncle will not write to me until but he may tire himself Tell him I am now
I
about the
late
"Accept
my
best love and thanks to yourself and Uncle, and permit
me
ever to
subscribe: myself,
Your most
affectionate
nephew,
!
"My
Dear Uncle,
"Dumb
one think of the

disbelieve
men make no mischief. Your silence, and my neglect, make You have days when letters were costly, and not of penny postage.
doubtless heard of
it.
me
as a top-tree Antinomian.
trust
you know enough of
me
to
It
i:
one object of
my
Oh,
life to
body
of sin and corruption.

!
for the
disprove the slander. I groan daily under time when I shall drop this Ilesh, and be
from sin 1 become more and more convinced that, to attempt to be saved by a mixed covenant of works and faith is, in the words of Perridge, To yoke a snail with an elephant. I desire to forward for direction to my Master in all tilings press but as to trusting to my own obedience and should be worse than a righteousness,
free
;
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
193
fool,
and ten times worse than a madman.

for
Poor dependent creatures, prayer had

I
need be our constant employment, the foot of the throne our continued dwellingplace
;
the
Rock
of
ages
is
our only safe Hiding-place.

in
rejoice in an assured
knowledge by faith of my interest Vet what strivings, what salvation.
Christ,
conflicts,
and of the certainty of my eternal what dangers, what enemies stand in
my way sent me
"
The foes in my heart are so strong, that they would have killed me, and to hell long ere this, had the Lord left me but, blessed be His name, His
;
and savinqdcctine, o love has c? o redeeming, pluck me out of my Father s hand ? On

succour;
and, bless His name,
all
o-ot
<~>
fast
hold of
me
I
and who
have often
is
able to
my bended
knees,
to cry for
I
He
has hitherto heard
my
cry.
Oh,
if
did not
!
I people had soul-contention, I should give up all for lost for me, as well as for every saint rejoice that the promises left on record are meant Let the whole earth, and even God s of His, and as such I desire to grasp them.
know
that
the
Lord
professing- people, cast out
my name
as evil
my Lord
glory in the distinguishing grace of God, and will not, inch from my principles, or think of adhering to the
religion.
"
I and Master, lie will not. by the grace of God, step one
present fashionable sort of
Oh, could
become
like
holy
men
sweet communion with God,
weaned
fearless of men, of past ages, holding more from the world, and enabled to fix my
But when I would serve God, I find my old thoughts on spiritual things entirely! deceitful heart full of the very essence of hell, rising up into my mouth, polluting all I say and all I do. What should I do if, like you, I were called to be engaged about
thino-s o of
time and sense

But,
fear
fervent in spirit.
does
he cannot help
:
it.
(say you,) Self is too
in business, nor should be neither diligent o he keeps talking all about himself. True, he
much
his master.
am proud
of
my own
proud of what ignorance and, like a toad, bloated with my own venomous pride, I trust I have not you have greater got, and boasting when I should be bemoaning. freedom from your own corruptions than I have and in secret, social, and family
;
prayer enjoy more blessed, sanctified liberty at the footstool of mercy. The mansion for Heaven awaits us, and all the Lord s family Rejoice
"
is
ready the crown is made the harp is strung there are no willows there. May we be enabled to go on, brave as lions, and valiant for the truth and cause of King Jesus, and by the help of the Spirit, vow eternal warfare with every sin, and rest not
;
until the
sword of the
Spirit has destroyed

will
is
all
the enemies in our hearts

;
May we
be enabled to trust the Lord, for lie Lost ? Impossible For who lost.
!
"
cannot be help us we must conquer we able to snatch us out of our Father s hand ?
;
!
May
the Lord bless you exceedingly

"
Your
affectionate
nephew,
"
C.
H.
SPURGEON."
C.
IT.
SI
URGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
"
Monday.
"
My
Dear Mother,
"
acknowledge and thank you for a box from home. Dear to bless God for such parents Mother, you are indeed very kind how I ought to Mr. Leeding is very much obliged you for the ham, and Mr. Spurgeon, I wish you had not laid for a nice- cake, apples, &c. your son, desires to thank you Lo the ttible ; for, if I had had it, I should have been delighted hand on the
I
write to
vour
to
Key
have given it to my dear Mother. Perhaps I may take the credit for it now. We have no minister yet. Mr. Leeding said, the other morning, I need not ask have been, several times, I like some tree. you how you are; you are always well, She of our boys. goes to church, but I to see a lady in this town, mother of one She is all day in pain, never goes have; reason to think her an eminent Christian.
out,
She made me think of your rheumatics. She has four kind sort of man, but he is little children. They are rich her husband is a good, She has wave upon wave. She has no one to speak not, I fear, a renewed man.
and can hardly
sleep.
;
to.
think
them.
"
We
My
a privilege to talk to any of God s people, to comfort and console do not know how many need our prayers.
it
best love, dear Mother, to you and Father.

"Vour
affectionate son,
"
CHARLES."
"
Cambridge,
"Thursday,
"
Dec., 1850.
Miss Caroline Louisa Spurgeon,

"Your
name
is
have one young gentleman Baxter Tweed the boys tease him about his long name but he is a very good boy, and that makes his name a good one. Everybody s name is pretty, if they are good The Duke of Tuscany has just had a little son; the little fellow was taken people.
; ;
\Ve so long that it will almost reach across the paper. in our school whose name is Edward Ralph William
had some water put on his face, and then they named him you must get Eliza to read it, Giovanni Nepomerceno Maria Annunziata Pietro Allesandro Guiseppe Giovanbaptista Ferdinando Baldassere Luigi Gonzaga Zanobi Antonino. A pretty name to go to bed and get up with it will be a long
to the Catholic Cathedral,
;
while before he will be

the
in
able to say
is
it
all
the
all
way through
Christ.
If
:
anyone
it
is
called by
name
of Christian, that
better than
of our
these great words
is
the best
name
I
the world, except the
name
Lord Jesus
My
best love to you.

;
hope you
sure to
will enjoy yourself, and try to be happy yourself; whereas, if you only look out
make
others happy, too
for
then you are
to please yourself,
you
will
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
yourself happy.
95
of
make
others uncomfortable, and will not
make even
you of
it.
"
However,
to
course,
you know
that,
and
need not
tell
happy Christmas
brother,
"
you
Your loving
ClIAKLKS."
(Letter addressed to Master William Cooper, one of C. H. Spurgeon s former

pupils at
Newmarket
"9,
Union Road,
"
Cambridge,
"
T i
9o ^
T i
"My
Dear William,
"
You
see,
by
this address, that
am no
longer at Mr. Swindell
s,
but
am
I very comfortable here in a smaller school of about fifteen boys. suppose you are at home, but find farming is not all play, nor perhaps altogether so profitable or as do not know the value of our mercies till we pleasant study it is well said,
;
We
lose tlvm.
"
Knowing
bring
it
(in
some humble measure,
before your attention.

that
;
remember
and
recollect that
it
you must die you have a soul, and that soul

in
value of religion, let me also If you give yourself time to think, you will soon and if you meditate one more moment, you will
at least,) the
will
never
die,
but
will
live for
ever
you
die
your present
;
state,
it
must
live in
endless torment.
You
are an
accountable being
own
that
God, who made you, demands perfect obedience. have sinned you say not, I am not a great sinner, for one
;
sin only
But you must would
be sufficient to sink your soul for ever in the pit of perdition. The sentence ol death stands against you, and mercy alone stays its execution. Seeing now that you
are in such danger, how do you think to escape? Surely you will not be content tc die as you are, for you will one day find it no light matter to endure the hot
Do you imagine that, if you live better for the future, displeasure of an angry God. God will forgive your past offences ? That is a mistake see if you can find it in the
;
Bible.
think about religion after you have enjoyed sin a little longer; or (but surely you are not so foolish) possibly you think that you are toe young to die. But who knows whether that future time will be afforded, and who
"
Perhaps you intend
to
said
that
all
above
1
you can turn to Christ just when you please? Your heart is things, and your natural depravity so great that you will not turn
deceitful
to
;
God.
rust not, then, to resolutions
yourself,
1
who
are
your own strength, they are but wind nor tc but a broken reed nor to your own heart, or you are a fool.
made
in
here
is
no way of salvation but Christ
you cannot save
yourself,
having no power
196
C.
H.
STURGEON
;
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
even to think one good thought neither can your parents love and prayers save of the helpless, and I tell you that He you none but Jesus can, He is the Saviour
;
died for
part
Him for cleansing. a jot of merit on the sinner s not "You do not deserve salvation; well, there mentioned in the covenant. You have nothing you are nothing but Christ
all
such as
feel their vileness,
and come
to
is
is all,
must be everything to you, or you will never be saved. None reach Even a faint desire Heaven but by free-grace?, and through free-grace alone. after any good thing came from (iod, from whom you must get more, for He giveth
and
He
liberally,
"
and no poor sinner, begging

for
at
of
Look at the blessedness God. The believer is safe,

pearl
of real
His door, was ever yet sent empty away. child religion, no one is truly happy but a
has promised to preserve him cannot be taken from you.
this
faith
is
;
God
it
and
if
once
to
you have the
of great
price,
The way
is
Heaven
ol
is
faith,
looking unto Jesus;

it
the
gift
of God,
it!
and none
the earnest
but those
who have
know
its
value.
Oh, may you possess

"Yours
prayer
faithfully,
"
CHARLES
II.
STURGEON.
"
Cambridge,
"May
"
3,
1851.
My
Dear Mother,
"
Many happy
returns
of this day,
pray
;
for
have you gone journey of the vast howling wilderness the gates of nearer now and are arm of your Beloved,
has been,
1
Another year s you have leaned on the

you.
bliss.
Happy
as the year
do not think you would wish to traverse it over of the way. Glorious, wondrous, has been the grace again, or to go back one step shown to all of us, as members of the mystical body oi Christ, in preservation, restraint from sin, constraint to holiness, and perseverance in the Christian state. would And yet, if might speak, to a mother in Israel ? What shall a babe
trust,
to you, yet
say
s
say,
mercies as earnests of next year s blessings. has kept you so long, you may rest assured will never leave you.
Take
to
this
year
The God who

II
He
had not
meant
in
do good continually
in the
to you,
He would
to think,
not have clone
it
at
all.
His love
time past,
past year, forbids you

"
FORBIDS YOU
leave you
He
"
ll
at last in
trouble to sink.
the hallowed hours of communion, the rapturous moments of enjoyment, infallible glory. blest days of sunshine in His presence, are pledges of sure, certciin,
The
C.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
197
Mark
the providences of this year;

!
which others esteem chance
how clear!}- have you seen His hand in things God, who has moved the world, has exercised His own
All your
liie,
vast heart and thought for you.

;
your spiritual
for
life,
all
things have
God has directed, con worked together for good nothing has gone wrong, and O O trolled all. Israel, My way is hid from speakest, Jacob, \Yhy sayest thou, He who counts the hairs the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? of our heads, and keeps us as the apple of His eye, has not forgotten you, but still
loves you with an everlasting love.
hills
The mountains have
not departed yet, nor the

that we,
been removed, and

"
till
then
we may have confidence
His own people,
are secure.
But
you know
Well, dear Mother writing what to you are everyday meditations. us from Let where this comes from, only rejoice: together; your your boy.
I
am
prayers for us
know
will
give you a feast fatness, satiated with the dainties and luxuries
the
May God
be answered, they are sure to honey, wine, milk, may you be

of
be, for
God
has said
so.
satisfied with
marrow and
religion,
and
rejoice exceedingly in
that, a year ago, 1 publicly professed the name of Jesus by Pray for me, that I may not dishonour my profession, and break my solemn baptism. While I look back through the year, I can sec a Great Exhibition of love and vow.
Lord!
remember
Give my grace to me, more marvellous than even that now opened in Hyde Park. and accept the same doubly. 1 trust all love to dear Father, Archer, and sisters I Mr. and Mrs. L. desire respects. have nothing the matter with me. are well.
;
Many
thanks
for the postal order.

I
am,
Your
affectionate son,
"
CHARLES H.
SPURGEOA."
CHAPTER
Bouîtadjcr
XIX,
of
tljc
fens.
EXTERIOR OF COTTAGE AT TEVERSIIAM, WHERE
FIRST PREACHED.
MY
1<IRST
SERMON.
first
REMEMBER
well
the
gregation of adults, and It was not before my mind s eye.

great many, for Sabbath -school had afforded
;
place in which I addressed the illustration above sets it
a con
clearly
my first public address by a at Newmarket, and Cambridge, and elsewhere, the

me ample
scope for speaking the
but no regular set discourse to a congregation met for gospel Divine worship had I delivered till one eventful Sabbath evening, which found me humble villagers. in a cottage at Teversham, holding forth before a little assembly of The tale is not a new one, but it is worth telling again.
2OO
C.
H.
Sl
URGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
a Preachers Association in Cambridge, connected with St. Andrew s Street Chapel, once the scene of the ministry of Robert Robinson and Robert Hall.
There
is
of worthy brethren preach the gospel in the various villages surrounding In my clay, the presiding Cambridge, taking each one his turn according to plan. genius was the venerable Mr. James Vinter, whom we were wont to address as
number
His genial soul, warm heart, and kindly manner were enough to Bishop Yinter. keep a whole fraternity stocked with love and, accordingly, a goodly company of zealous workers belonged to the Association, and laboured as true yoke-fellows.
;
he not only preached himself, and helped his brethren, but that he was a sort of recruiting sergeant, and drew in young men to keep up at least, I can speak from personal experience as to the number of the host
My
suspicion
is,
that
one
case.
I
had,
one Saturday, finished morning school, and the boys were
all
going
to
home
for the half-holiday,
when
in
came the
"
aforesaid
"
Bishop
to ask
me
go
over to Teversham, the next evening, for a young man was to preach there who was not much used to services, and very likely would be glad of company. That was a cunningly-devised sentence, if I remember it rightly, and I think I do
for,
at the time, in the light of that

its
Sunday evening
s revelation,
turned
it
over,
m<
and vastly admired
request to go and preach, would have with a decided negative but merely to act as company to a good brother who did not like to be lonely, and perhaps might ask me to give out a hymn or to pray, was not at all a difficult matter, and the request, understood in that fashion, was
ingenuity.
;
cheerfully complied with.
Little did the lad

for the
doing when he was made to run

cajoled into
know what Jonathan and David were arrow, and as little did I know when I was
taken,
My
accompanying a young man to Teversham. Sunday-school work was over, tea had been
and
set
of
through Barnwell, and away along the Newmarket Road, with a gentleman some few years my senior. We talked of good things, and at last I expressed my
He seemed to start, hope that he would feel the presence of God while preaching. and could not attempt such and assured me that he had never preached in his life, This was a a thing he was looking to his young friend, Mr. Spurgeon, for that.
;
new view
even
in
if
I
of the situation, and
could only reply that
was no minister
and
that,
still
had been, I was quite unprepared. My companion only repeated that he, more emphatic sense, was not a preacher, that he would help we in any
but that there would be
I
other part of the service,

one.
no sermon unless
delivered
it
He
told
me
that, if
repeated one of
my
Sunday-school addresses,
would
just suit the poor people, and would probably give them more satisfaction than the do my best. I felt that I was studied sermon of a learned divine. fairly committee! to
I
walked along
quietly, lifting
up
my
soul to
God, and
it
seemed
to
me
that
I.
could
c.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
201
for
I
surely
tell
a few poor cottagers of the sweetness
and love of Jesus,
felt
them
in
make the attempt. My Praying for Divine help, I resolved to and I would trust He is should be, "Unto you therefore which believe precious," the Lord to my mouth in honour of His clear Son. It seemed a great risk and
my own
soul.
text
open
;
a serious
tell
but depending upon the power of the Holy Ghost, I would at least out the story of the cross, and not allow the people to go home without a word.
trial
,,,:,.,
TXTEKIOR OF COTTAGE AT TEVERSIIAM,
WHERE
MR. SPURGEON FIRST PREACHED.
entered the low-pitched room of the thatched cottage, where a few simpleminded farm-labourers and their wives were gathered together we sang, and How long, or how prayed, and read the Scriptures, and then came my first sermon. It was not half such a task as I had short it was, I cannot now remember.
;
We
feared
it
would
be, but
was glad
to see
my way
to
fair
conclusion, and to the
To my own delight, I had not broken down, nor giving out of the last hymn. stopped short in the middle, nor been destitute of ideas, and the desired haven was
in view.
I
made
finish,
"
and took up the hymn-book
but, to
my
astonishment, an
Bless your clear heart, how old are you?" very solemn is over before such service making any enquiries. reply was, "You must wait till the did sing, the young preacher pronounced the benediction, Let us now sing."
aged voice cried
out,
My
We
2O2
C.
II.
and then
there began a dialogue which enlarged into a warm, friendly talk, in which everybody appeared to take part. "How old are you?" was the I am under was the "Yes, and under sixteen," was the question. sixty," reply. old lady s rejoinder. Never mind my age, think of the Lord Jesus and His
leadin<>-
il
"
preciousness,"
was
all
that
could
say,
fit
after
to
promising to come again,

so.
if
the
gentlemen
at
Cambridge thought me
gentlemen
do
Very great and profound was
my awe
of
"the
at Cambridge:" in those days.
Are there not other young men who might begin to speak for Jesus in some such lowly fashion, young men who hitherto have been as mute as fishes ? Our Let them not villages and hamlets ofier fine opportunities for youthful speakers.
wait
they are invited an intelligent audience.

till
to a chapel, or
If
have prepared a
tell
fine essay, or
have secured
they has done for them, Jesus they will find ready listeners. want to commence their service for Christ by doing great
will
go and
out from their hearts what the Lord
Many
of our
young
folks
tilings,
and therefore do
nothing
at the
at all
let
none
is
of
my
readers
become
the victims of such an unreasonable
ambition.
He who
willing to teach inlants, or to give
away
tracts,
and so
to
begin
and sleeps
beginning, in a white necktie,
is lar
more
likely to
be useful than the youth who
is full
of affectations,
certain superior manuscripts

pulpit.
interest
who is aspiring to the ministry, and is touching up which he hopes ere long to read from the pastor s He who talks upon plain gospel themes in a farmer s kitchen, and is able to the carter s boy and the dairymaid, has more of the minister in him than the:
prating about being cultured, and means by that being use words which can make the understand. To taught nobody very poorest listen with pleasure and profit, is in itself an achievement and beyond this, it is the
prim
little
man who keeps
to
best possible promise and preparation for an
influential
it.
ministry.
If
brethren go
Association,
candles,
it
in ior cottage:
let
preaching, and plenty of
there
is
Let our younger no Lay Preachers
them work by themselves.

:
and a few forms
many
ot
The expense is not very great for rent, young man s own pocket-money would cover
be
is
all.
No
isolated
its
group
houses should
service.
left
without
its
preaching-room,
no hamlet without
at
evening
This
the lesson of the thatched cottage
Teversham.
at the
Royal Surrey Gardens, on Lord s-day morning, March 131)1, 1859, upon the words, "Unto you therefore which believe He is This text calls to my recollection the opening of my precious," Mr. Spurgeon said
(Preaching
Hall,
:
Music
ministry.
It
is
about eight years since, as a lad of sixteen,

to
for
stood up for the
first
time in
my
life
preach the gospel in a cottage to a handful of poor people,
who
had come together

take this text,
"
Unto you
1 felt worship. my own inability to preach, but I ventured to therefore which believe He is precious." I do not think I
C.
H.
203
could have said anything- upon any other text, but Christ was precious to my soul, and I was in the Hush of my youthful love, and I could not be silent when a precious I had but just escaped from the bondage of Lgypt, I had Jesus was the subject.
not forgotten the broken fetter
;
still
did
recollect those ilames

its
which seemed
as
if
to
burn about
my
path,
and that devouring gulf which opened
mouth
ready to
With all these things fresh in my youthful heart, I could speak of His preciousness who had been my Saviour, and had plucked me as a brand from the burning, and set me upon a rock, and put a new song in my mouth, and established What hath God wrought my goings. And now, at this time, what shall I say ? How hath the little one become a thousand, and the small one a great people And what shall I say concerning this text but that, if the Lord Jesus was precious And if I could declare, then, that Jesus was the then, He is as precious now ?
swallow
up.
"
me
"
object of
my
soul
die,
desire, that for

I
Him
hoped
to live,
and
for
is
Him
would be
more precious to me this clay than ever He was? In the recollection of His unparalleled mercy towards the chief of sinners, I must anew devote myself to Him, and afresh surrender my heart to Him who is my Lord and King, This remark is uttered by way I must of introduction, it may seem egotistical, but that I cannot help. give glory to God in the midst of the great congregation, and pay my vows to the Lord now
prepared to
can
not say,
witness, that
in the
God being my
He
midst of
all
His
saints, in the.
midst of thee,
Jerusalem
!)
live
Considerable weight is to be given to the judgment of men and women who near to God, and in most instances their verdict will not be a mistaken one.
this
Yet
appeal
is
not
final
nor
infallible,
and
is
only to be estimated
I
in
proportion to
I
the intelligence
and piety of those consulted.
remember
well
how
earnestly
was
;
I dissuaded from preaching by as godly a Christian matron as ever breathed endeavoured to estimate, with candour and patience, the value of her opinion but it If a man be was outweighed by the judgment of persons of wider experience.
;
the ministry, I will defy him to withhold himself from it. A man who has really within him the inspiration of the Holy Ghost calling him to he must preach. As fire within the bones, so will that preach, cannot help it, Friends may check him, foes criticise him, influence be until it blazes forth.
truly
called of
God
to
he must preach it he has the despisers sneer at him, the man is indomitable but he would preach to the barren call of Heaven. All earth might forsake him
; ;
mountain-tops.
If
he has the
call
of Heaven,
preach to the rippling waterfalls, and let He would become a voice crying be silent.
of the
Lord."
I
he had no congregation, he would lie could not the brooks hear his voice.
if
in the wilderness,
"
Prepare ye the way

if
no more believe
it
it
possible to stop ministers than to stop the stars

to
of heaven.
think
no more possible
make a man
cease from preaching,
he
20
is
c.
1
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOIHOGKAL HY.
rc;illy
called,
to catch the rushing-
than to stay some mighty cataract, by seeking, in an infant s cup, The man has been moved of Heaven, who shall stop torrent.
him
With an eagle s wing, s voice, he must speak who shall chain him to the earth ? hi: must lly who shall seal his lips? And when a man does speak as the Spirit gives him and when it is over, he that of Heaven utterance, he will feel a holy joy akin to Is not the wishes to be at his work again, he longs to be once more preaching.
?
I
It:
has been touched of God,

;
who
shall
impede him ? With a seraph
Lord
I
Word
was
like a fire within
me
Must
not speak
if
I years a Cambridge man, though Nonconformist a could not have obtained a degree, because I was
for three
has placed it there ? never entered the University.

;
God
and, moreover,
and was a better thing for me to pursue my studies under an admirable scholar I was, by my tutor s own expressed tender friend, and to preach at the same time. studies to have taken a good verdict, considered to be sufficiently proficient in my "You could win in a canter," said he to been open. place on the list had the way
it
me.
when I first began to preach, had, however, a better College course, for, was up in the morning early, praying and I this was my usual way of working. I was either teaching my scholars or studying all the day, reading the Word at five in the evening, I became a travelling theology as much as I could then, what 1 had learned. into the villages around Cambridge, to tell out preacher, and went to digest what I had read, and the My quiet meditation during the walk helped me fixed it on my rehearsal of my lesson in public, by preaching it to the people,
I
; ;
memory.
1
ever repeated a single sentence from memory, but while on my legs, and thus worked it into my thought my reading over again it and I can bear my testimony that I never learned so much, or learned very soul first what I so thoroughly, as when I used to tell out, simply and earnestly, had^ found that I derived greater benefit by 1 received into my own mind and heart.
I
do not mean that
all to myself. I had learned than if I had kept it proclaiming to others what must have been a singular-looking youth on wet evenings, for I walked three, I and back again on my preaching work and when it five, or even eight miles out
;
and a mackintosh coat, and a hat rained, I dressed myself in waterproof leggings carried a dark lantern to show me the way across with a waterproof covering, and 1 am sure that I was greatly profited by those early services for my Lord. the fields.
1
cottage, low many times I enjoyed preaching the gospel in a farmer s kitchen, or in hear me because I was then only a boy. or in a barn Perhaps many people came to blunders fear that I said man) odd things, and made many I In
1
!
my young days, but my audience was

so
I
dogged my not hypercritical, and no newspaper such a continual in which, by practice, 1 attained had a happy training-school,
writers
;
heels
degree
I
of
ready speech as
now
possess.
of experiences in this itinerating
had many adventures, and a great variety
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
s
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
205
evening, when I had engaged to preach at a village not far from Waterbeach but, before 1 could reach my destination, the sky darkened, and a severe thunderstorm burst over the district. Some people are terrified at had no fear in a lio-htninoo o but ever since I believed in the Lord lesus Christ, I have a lad, being I storm, however severe it might be. distinctly remember, while quite
work.
recollect
one summer
;
>
1 he older folks were house one night during a tremendous tempest. but I had really trusted myself with the Lord Jesus, and I did not dare to all afraid The baby was upstairs, and nobody was brave enough to fetch it down because fear. I went of a big window on the stairs. up to the bedroom, and brought the child to
in
my
uncle
;
its
in
mother, and then read a Psalm, and prayed with my relatives, who were trembling There was real danger, for a stack was set on fire a short distance away terror.
I
but
was
as calm as in the sunshine of a
summer s
I
day, not because

in
was naturally
I
courageous,
lightnings,
but because
had unshaken confidence
my
Lord.
love the
God
thunder
is
my
delight
never
feel
so well as
Then I feel as if I great thunder and lightning storm. wings of eagles, and my whole heart loves then to sing,
"The
when there is a could mount up as with the
God that rules on high, And thunders when lie please,

sky,
That rides upon the stormy
And manages "This awful God
the seas.
is
ours,
Our Father and our
love
He
shall
send down His Heavenly powers

above."
To
carry us
are by nature afraid of the heavens the superstitious dread the signs in the to tremble when the firmament is sky, and even the bravest spirit is sometimes made ablaze with lightning, and the pealing thunder seems to make the vast concave
;
Men
of heaven to
tremble and to reverberate
but
always
feel
ashamed
to
keep
indoors
the thunder shakes the solid earth, and the lightnings Hash like arrows from the sky. Then God is abroad, and I love to walk out in some wide space, and to look up and mark the opening gates of heaven, as the lightning reveals far beyond,
when
and enables
in
me
to
gaze into the unseen.
like to
hear
my Heavenly
where
I
Father
voice
the thunder.
On
this particular occasion, while

;
walking
to the; place
was
to preach,
was enjoying the storm but as I was passing a cottage on the road, I noticed a woman who seemed to be greatly alarmed and in sore distress because of the did not like to pass by, and leave a fellow-creature in trouble, so I I tempest. entered the house, read a few verses of Scripture, and prayed, and so comforted the
then proceeded to my destination, to fulfil my engagement. On entering the village, I took off my waterproof coat, because the smooth surface appeared to I found reflect the vivid flashes of lightning in a way that might alarm the timid.
woman.
C.
II.
SI
UKGKOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
because of the severity of the tempest, the people were not expecting thai there would be a service; so went round from house to house, and invited them
lh.it,
I
to
com;-
to
the;
regular
meeting
place.
This unusual
method of gathering
at its
a
I
congregation brought me many hearers; the service was held, and, walked back to my Cambridge home.-.
close,
Word in a country village, was do not know \\hat it walking home, all by myself, along a lonely footpath. was that ailed me, but was prepared to be alarmed when, of a surety, saw
night,
One
having
been
preaching the
something standing
Surely,
I
in
the hedge,
ghastly, giant-like,
and with outstretched arms.

;
thought,
ior
once
its
performing I deliberated with myself a moment, and wandering abroad. having no faith in 1 and determined to solve; the mystery. The monster ghosts. plucked up courage;,
pit
restless spirit
have come; across the supernatural here is some midnight march beneath the moon, or some demon of the
1
stood on the other side of a ditch, I right in the hedge. jumped the ditch, and found myself grasping an old tree-, which some waggish body had taken pains to cover with whitewash, with a view to That old tree has served frighten simpletons.
me
good turn
full
often, for
have learned from
it
to leap at difficulties,
and
find
them vanish or turn

Frequently,
indication that
in
to triumphs.
crowded with people.
those country places, when preaching in a low-pitched building I have: seen the candles burn dimly for want of air,- a clear
all
we
were; killing ourselves
vitalizing principle
had almost
gone.
by inhaling an atmosphere from which the I have been afraid of the lights going out,
and have thought it better to let the congregation depart rather sooner than usual. On one occasion, having a candle on each side of me in a small pulpit, 1 was somewhat vigorous, and dashed one of my luminaries from its It fell place. upon the bald head of a friend below, who looked with an can see up expression which at this moment, and it makes me smile still. 1 took no more notice of the accident
I
than
to
weave
it
it
considered
to
"
accompanied
In
it,
what was saying an d I believe most of my hearers have been a striking practical illustration of the remark which How soon is the glory of life dashed down
into
I
;
"
my
earlier
days,
read,
somewhere
or
other,
in
a volume; of
Lectures
;
evidently has not the capacity required for a minister." Now, as such had been very frequently my cross and burden, I enquired within myself whether I should resort to some form of secular labour, and leave the but I have not done so, for still have; the; ministry conviction that, although condemned by the sweeping judgment of the lecturer,
;
upon Homiletics, a statement which considerably alarmed me at the time If something to this effect any man shall find a difficulty in selecting a had better at once go back to the grocer s shop, or to the plough, for he
"
it
was
text, IK;
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOPJOORAPIIY.
207
has manifestly set His seal. I was so much in trouble of conscience through the aforesaid severe remark, that I asked my grandfather, who had been in the ministry some fifty years, whether he was ever perplexed in choosing
follow a call to which
God
lie told me frankly that this had always been his greatest trouble, with I remember the which, preaching in itselt was no anxiety at all. compared The difficulty is not because there are not enough texts, venerable man s remark, but because there are so many, that I am in a strait betwixt them." are some
his
theme.
"
We
thing like the lover of choice flowers, who finds himself surrounded by all the beauties of the garden, with permission to select but one. How long he lingers between the
rose and the
lovely
lily,
!
blooms
and how great the difficulty To me, still, I must admit,

cinbarras dc richcsse,
as
to prefer
one among ten thousand

is
my
text-selection
say,
a very
great
embarrassment,
the
of
French
poverty,
an embarrassment of
riches, very different
from the bewilderment
the most pressing of so
needing enforcing,
I
many truths, all and so many spiritual needs

sit
the anxiety of attending to clamouring for a hearing, so many duties all

of
the people
all
demanding supply.
I
hour praying and waiting lor a subject, and that this is the main part of my study much hard labour have spent in manipu lating topics, ruminating upon points of doctrine, making skeletons out of verses, and
confess that
I
frequently
hour
alter
;
then burying every bone of them in the catacombs of oblivion, drifting on and on over leagues of broken water, till I see the red lights, and make sail direct to the desired haven. I believe that, almost any Saturday in my life, I prepare enough outlines of Sermons, if I felt at liberty to preach them, to last me for a month, but no more dare to use them than an honest mariner would run to shore a cargo of
I
o oods. contraband O
always sure to have the most happy day when I get a good text in the morning from my Master. \Yhen I have had to preach two or three sermons in a day, I have asked Him for the morning subject, and preached from it and I
I
;
am
s topic or the evening portion, and preached s comfort, soul own not in the professional on it for meditating my Such simple food style of a regular sermon-maker, but feasting upon it lor myself. has done the people far more good than if I had been a week in manufacturing a
have asked
from
it,
Him
for
the afternoon
after
sermon,
for
;
it
has come
warm from
it
own
soul
and therefore
the heart just after it has been received in my has been well spoken, because well known, well tasted,
and well
felt.
Sometimes,
living at
village, to
my
texts
have come
to
me
While
Cambridge, I had, as usual, which I had to walk. After reading and meditating all day, neighbouring I could not meet with the Do what I would, no response came from the right text.
I
;
was
a very remarkable way. to preach in the evening at a

in
sacred oracle, no light flashed from the Urim and Thummim 1 prayed, I searched the Scriptures, I turned from one verse to another, but my mind would not take:
208
hold of a text;
I
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
say,
"much
was, as
I
Bunyan would
walked
to the
tumbled up and down
in
my
window, and looked out. On the other side thoughts." Just then, of the narrow street in which I lived, I saw a poor solitary canary bird upon the all pecking at it as if they slates, surrounded by a crowd of sparrows, who were
would tear
heritage
I
it
to
pieces.
At
that
moment
the
the verse
came
to
my
are
mind,
against
Mine
her."
is
unto
me
as a speckled bird,
birds round about
walked
off with the greatest possible
long and lonely walk, and preached of their enemies, with freedom and ease to myself and
composure, considered the passage during my upon the peculiar people, and the persecutions
I
believe with comfort to

it,
my
rustic audience.
The
text
was sent
to
me, and
if
the ravens did not bring
certainly the sparrows did.
His Cambridge, I once heard Mr. Jay, of Bath, preach. Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ." text was, remember with what dignity he preached, and yet how simply. He made one remark which deeply impressed my youthful mind, and which I have never forgotten You do need a Mediator between yourselves and God, but you do not it was this,
While
was
living at
"
"
need a Mediator between yourselves and Christ; you may come to Him just as you Another of his striking sayings was this, Popery is a lie, Puseyism is a lie,
"
are."
recollect also that, in the course of his sermon, I baptismal regeneration is a a Mr. Jay said that ladies were sometimes charged with dressing in too costly He told us that he did not himself know much about that matter but, if fashion.
lie."
;
they would let of silk, satin, lace, or ribbon, they could afford.
as
I
him hear what their income was, he would
My
them how many yards recollections of Mr. Jay were such

tell
when we listen to a venerable usually happens that, there is all the greater weight in his words because of patriarch, such as he then was, same sermon preached by a young man, I I his age. fancy that, if I had heard the in it should not have thought much of it but there appeared all the greater depth
would not like to lose.
It
;
because
it
came from an
old
man
In an early part of my desire to hear Mr. John Angell James
of the grave. standing almost on the borders a lad, I was seized with an intense ministry, while but
;
and,
though
my
finances were
somewhat
with meagre, I performed a pilgrimage to Birmingham, solely heard him deliver a week-evening lecture, in his large vestry, on that precious text, sweet discourse abides with me "Ye are complete in Him." The savour of that very
to this
that object in view,
the passage without associating therewith the day, and I shall never read Years afterwards, on that eminent man of God. quiet but earnest utterances of from Cambridge in Mr. James s company, I told him that I went all the way
being
to
Ah the text, he replied, Birmingham to hear him preach. On my mentioning not get on You would enjoy that but you would that was a Calvinistic sermon. of thanking him for that I was with me always." glad also to have the opportunity
"
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
209
>-
precious book of his, The Anxious Enquirer, which has been the means of brinp-m so many sinners to the Saviour, and which I had found exceedingly helpful when was seeking the Lord.
CRITICAL JUNCTURE IN THE
YOUNG PREACHER S HISTORY.

"
Cambridge,
"
May
15/51.
"
My
.
.
Dear Father,
.
".
My
choice of return
home
I
is
easily
made.
be so kind as to
let
has just called to Mr. RI guess
me go see me
I
to the Exhibition.
Mr. Cto his

;
am going
hope very much you will who was at Mr. Lewis s, house to tea, he lodges with
I
,
feel
gown
abouts.
are poor things to
no mercy for him sell one s principles

?
I
mean, Mr.
a cap and
Leedino;
Where
is
Mr. Walker
We
have no minister
yet.
Ycu have not written to Mr. cannot write, for I know nothing of his where We have had some excellent supplies. I am
for.
Were it not for my vile heart, I might very comfortable, and I may say, happy. I am the least of God s people, I am sure I am the worst. But rejoice. yet I am one I believe in Jesus and trust in Him, and this, I take it, is the evidence of life.
;
my own merits, for I have none. and alone is defence. I know I Jesus Je::us think I have my you pray for me. felt the answer to your earnest entreaties. Sometimes, I pour my heart out sweetly,
I
can
fall
into
His arms, though
cannot rest on
freely
at
I
another time,
paradox
am
can hardly bring up a petition. What ^ contrast, mixture, and dear Mother are well. Love to all. hope you
I
"
Your
affectionate son,
"CHARLES."
(The sentence
in the
above
letter" I *on
have not written
to
Mr.
Lccdm%"
implies that an important communication from Mr. John awaited at Cambridge by both tutor and pupil. When
\vrote
Spurgeon was anxiously
the following reply,

so,
Cambridge, and
it arrived, Mr. Leeding which was the means of retaining C. H. Spurgeon at affected the whole of his future life indirectly, )
:
"
Union Road,
"
Cambridge,
"June
"
ith,
1851.
My
Dear
:
Sir,
hasten to reply to your note, which I should have been glad to have received earlier. I did not to with Charles before the end of next week, expect part
I
TO
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
but a few days arc of
little
Cambridge by
"As
I
the
first train
consequence, and you on Monday n.:xt.
may
I
rest assured of his leaving
conceive you have written with candour,
shall think
myself criminal
if
I do not reply in the same spirit upon the subject of your son s future career. have been thankful unceasingly for that merciful Providential arrangement that first assistance he renders me, as for the brought him under my roof, as well for the wholesome influence of his piety and general character it will be a severe blow to I
;
account especially, gladly give him ^,5 per hallhe: shall have a lair addition in proportion to year for the: next two half-years, when that increase is slow at present, but I have still good the increase of the school of all the success 1 desire; I have had most malignant foes to contend with,
me; to lose him,
on the
latter
will
hope
but their violence has

"With
fallen
on
s
their
own
heads.
regard to Charles
improvement,
future life points which are directed to his a great deal, and has made excellent progress
can speak with confidence as to those He has read as a minister or a teacher.

I
in his facility in
reading Latin authors
he has done well in Greek, but he had much more to do in that department, and ^ ou in that since he Iclt Mr. Lewis s. appeared to have done nothing of service
may
rely
on
my
word, as a Christian man, that he

I
is
in
the clear path
of mental
improvement and eminence.
he is in as lair a way of preparation lor positive the ministry as he would be were he in a College with that view minds that lie is sate, for the ministry., and in a very make "You
am
may
up your
few years
he has
first-rate abilities,
a head adequate
to
the investigation of the
He is considered a most a lluency of utterance. deepest points, accompanied with kindness by one valuable- help in the Sabbath-school, and is treated with the greatest the highest esteem for him, and gentleman connected with it, who often expresses
indeed makes him his most intimate
friend.
That gentleman
is
man
of
sound
;
and the lather of a family judgment and genuine piety, in affluent circumstances, tell you I can whatever lack of honour Charles may experience in his own country, He has also regularly served at preaching-stations he is not without honour here.
connected with our church, and
in
is
universally acceptable.
has expressed to place the greatest confidence, church and has authorized me to say that he has no doubt, at seasonable time, the will properly estimate his talents for the ministry. this is sufficient to convince you that you will add to this but I I
I
"
whom
One me a
of the lay preachers, high opinion of him,
might
judge
I lay consult his interests by allowing him to remain here at least another year. be would interests his considered 1 if s matter in tin some claim to disinterestedness
;
it my duty best served by his seeking for a larger salary elsewhere, I should feel ^to He might get a little more money, but he would have far less opportunity advise it. The thought has several times occurred to me that, as he is for
self-improvement.
young, and has some years before him ere he could enter the ministry, lie might be able to pass through the Cambridge University course. This would be of great
advantage
pursue the
shilling
;
to
him as a student, and a good recommendation to him. He might same work that did, and pay his own expenses without costing you a
I
school increases pretty well, early enough to decide this.

il
my
it
can be done
a year hence will be
"
am, as you must perceive, anxious

ii
to retain
I
him, as
much
for his
sake as
I
my
own
will
but
you are desirous of
yield to the painful alternative
more money than of parting with him
offer for
the next year,

I
must
at the same; time,
am
sure you
be taking a wrong step. Hoping yourself, Mrs.

"
S.,
and your family are

"
well,
remain,
"
)ear Sir,
"
Yours most
faithfully,
"
K. S.
LKKDIXO."
"
Mr.
Spurgeon."
Spurgeon had his request concerning going Exhibition granted, and it also expresses his gratitude that he was shortly to return to Cambridge, though probably even he scarcely realized then howmuch was involved in his father s decision )
(The following
letter
shows
that Mr.
to
the Great
"
Colchester,
"June
"
25 (1851).
My
Dear Aunt,
"1
have much enjoyed I am London, and am now happy at home. very thankful that, if I am Of my progress there, I am not ashamed; spared, going back to Cambridge. it should and have been might greater, but still it is somewhat. My faults I have not learned there, I had the same at Maidstone, and I am not at all fond of having blame thrown on the place where Providence has me. I am all fault, but placed what God s grace has made right. I am content to be evil spoken of, if I can but in and serve God. Where I have most opportunity of telling sinners grow grace the way of salvation, and of trust I shall preparation for a future course- of labour,
in
s
enclose this
Uncle
note.
Is
he better?
my
three:
days
in
always
and
as
most happy. Human wisdom handmaid to spiritual knowledge, and

feel
I
desire:
to gain,
but only
in
subservience
Divine: instruction.
last
"Grandfather
is
now
with
us;
he preached
:
upon the Lord, and
lie shall sustain thee
He
shall
Cast thy burden night on never suffer the righteous to be:
212
C.
IT.
SITKflEOX
AUTODIOCzRAPIIY.
moved.
stay
in
blessed thing
lias a
it
must be
for the
new-born sons of God

left his
to
have such a
the hour ot trouble;
and he who, having

Mr. Merchant
s
own
righteousness, trusts
alone on Jesus,
"Mother is
perfect right to this promise.

to old
He 5ist anniversary at Layer Breton. is almost past preaching, and stands a monument of the unchanging love of God, The motto over his pulpit who, having once loved a person, will always love him. \Ye preach Christ, and Him crucified. I am sure you need all the comforts is,
gone
of the gospel now, and
successful]}-; that
I
wish
knew enough
to
be able
to give
them
faithfully
and
is reserved for future lessons of None who rely on experience. will Christ ever find their troubles too for all those who take Him as Jesus heavy; their whole Saviour, He is a God deal supporter. May kindly with you, and
support you
"
Love
to self
and Uncle from
all.
"I
am,
"\our
affectionate
"
C.
nephew, H. STURGEON."
CHAPTER
jfiist
XX.
Outlines of Smnons, 1851-1832.

the
v.MOXG
many
literary
treasures so carefully preserved by Mr.
his first briei Spurgeon, there are two sets of books containing" Outlines of Sermons, and the more lengthy manuscripts which he used to prepare until the claims of his London pastorate made
Probably, by that impossible to continue doing so any longer. time, he also felt that he did not need to write so iully as in his
it
early preaching days
and, shortly afterwards,
as he often told
his students,
the
revision of his printed
Sermons gave him
all
the advantages that he might have
derived from more elaborate preparation lor the pulpit. The first volume of Outlines must have been
commenced very soon

in
it
after
Mr. Spurgeon began to preach,
for the
second written
was only the fourth

xxi. 27,
discourse delivered by the youthful evangelist. and it was preached at Parton, near Cambridge, on February 9th, 1851.
fixes,
The
text
was Revelation
This
fact
approximately, the date of the
commencement
ol
that wonderful world-wide
He still continues ministry which the Lord so long and so greatly blessed, and which to these early attaches Such intense interest most graciously to own and use. unless it included at least a would be records, that the
incomplete Autobiography Mr. Spurgeon had few specimens of the beloved preacher s first homiletic efforts. in the Preface to 1 he himself intended, long ago, to publish a selection from them New Park Street Pulpit for 1857, he announced that he hoped shortly to issue a
;
volume of
Sermons, while Pastor at Waterbeach, but this was prevented by the pressure of his rapidly-increasing work. The Outlines are valuable, not only because of their intrinsic merits, but also as the first products of the mind and heart
his earliest
which afterwards yielded so many thousands of discourses to the Church and the It must be remembered that world, for the glory of God and the good of men.
At the the boy-preacher." a youth of sixteen literally, Outlines beginning of Vol. I. is a textual index, showing that the seventy-seven. ere based upon passages taken from fifteen Pooks in the Old Testament, and
they were
made by
"
sixteen in the
Xew
Testament
while at the end
is
a subject index, which bears a
remarkable resemblance
to those
////>//.
"
which
1
set forth the contents oi every
volume of the
Metropolitan Tabernacle / and concluded, the ministry

the grace of
God."
tippy preacher,
of
who commenced,
as he continued,
As
the Ford Jesus, to testify the gospel of indicating the character of the whole series, the first three
he;
received
Sermon-Notes
are given
in
the present work, together with one Outline from each
of the succeeding volumes, facsimile reproductions oi the-, highly-adorned title-pages of Yols. I. and IF, and the characteristic inscriptions written by Mr. Spurgeon at the commencement and conclusion ot most of the volumes.
OUTLINE
"
I.
ADOPTION.
of childi-en bv fesus Christ
to
Having predestinated
us unto the adoption

1
lliniselj,
according to the good pleasure of If is re / Common among Romans. of the term. Meaning"
//."--
Fphesians
i.
5.
Two instances in
Scripture,
Moses and Esther.

I.
Adoption differs from Justification and Regeneration. TlIE SENSE IX WHICH BELIEVERS ARE SONS OF GOD.
as Jesus.
Not
(i)
i.
In In
More so than creatures, some things spiritual adoption agrees with name and thing. 2. To an inheritance.
4.
civil.
3.
oluntary on
into
the-
part of
the Adopter.
6.
7.
Faking the Adopter

:
name.
5.
Received
the
Family.
Considered as children
food, protection, clothing, education, attendance provided.
Under
(ii)
I.
the control of the leather.
In
some things they
disagree.
2.
Civil
adoption requires the consent of the adopted.
Civil
adoption was
the adopted had intended to provide for childless persons. 3. a son nature oi could The not be to recommend him. 4. 5. The given. something 6. The Pontitex children did not inherit till their father s death. might make it void.
In civil adoption,
II.
1.
THE CAUSE
The Person The motive.
:
OF ADOPTION.
God.
Father.
Son.
Spirit.
2.
Free-grace, not works.

IT.
III.
THE
Till
;
OBJECTS OF
Fleet sinners, not angels.

IV.
i.
All believers.
IT.
Not
all
men, but
justified
men.
EXCELLENCY OF
2.
It
hi. an act of surprising grace. (i j.) exceeds all others. It makes men honourable. 3.
It
is
b>hn
Consider the persons.

4.
Prings
men
into the
relations. highest O Y. Fill-; EFFECTS OF

s.
*
Includes
IT.
all
things. O
6.
Immutable and
2.
everlasting;. O
i.
Share
in
the love,
ot
pit)",
and care
4.
oi
God.
Access with boldness.

5.
3.
Con
formity to the image
Jesus.
The Holy
to saints
Spirit.
Heirship.
Encouragement.
Appeal
and sinners.
%f?<2-<y
?i- JJ
zmez:
^^K^r
.LA.JXYiMx
VI
sTS
216
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOKIOGKAPIIY.
J
I
OUTLINE
"y///c/
II.
NECESSITY OE PURITY EUR AX EXTRAXCE INTO

in
I.AYEX.
there sJiall
no
iîse
enter into
it
any
tiling
that
de/i/eth,
neither
i^Jiatsoerer icorketh abomination, or
makcth a
lie:
but they lohicJi are written in the
Lamb s
I.
book oj
///i
."-
Revelation
xxi. 27.
THE
can
STRICTNESS OF THE LAW

Sin cannot.
....
"
any thing that
defileth."
Satan cannot.
IIo\\-
What
a matter of rejoicing to Christians
man
enter?
in part.
Not by ceremonies.
II.
Not \)\ the law. Not })y sincere obedience The heart must be purified. All past sin forgiven. low? free-grace. All present sin crucified. low? ]\y the Holy Spirit. All future sin aYoided. low ? the Spirit s help. THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF ENTRANCE .... in no wise."
I
I>Y
P>y
"
God
has said
so.
He
will
not allow
in
it
nor
will the
angels
nor the redeemed.
wicked man would not be happy
Heaven.
No
It
prayers,
cries,
man
is
not
in,
groans, strife, can get a dead, unholy sinner into Heaven. he is out for ever, no coming in, no change.
faith in
Call to enter in
by
Jesus Christ.
OUTLINE
"
III.
ABRAHAM JUSTIFIED
and lie counted
in the
Lord."
I;Y
FAITH.
Jiim Jfor righteousness" o
ud
lie
believed in
I lie
LORD ;
it to
Genesis
I.
xv. 6.
Tin: FACT
....
"
he believed
to him.
Leaving
Isaac
his country.
Life in Canaan.
Sodom.
s sacrilice.
s birth.
Promises
i.
Isaac
Two
II.
i.
sorts of faith
Historical, or
dead
faith.
2.
Living
.
faith,
THE RESULT
Sins forgiven,
it,
"lie
producing works. counted it to him for righteousness."

*_>
2.
P>y
he gained
God
Righteousness imputed, by favour and love. Heaven, and eternal
faith.
life.
These bring
Peace.
Love.
Joy.
low easy lies the head that does no \\ hen we are pure, we love God.
I
ill!
The
justified
person has true
joy.
work together for good. None can condemn, nor destroy. Security. As AllRAIIAM WAS SAVED, SO MUST WE HE. III. Not by works, or Abraham would have been. Not by ceremonies. Abram believed before circumcision. Reasons why sinners and Christians should believe God exhortations
Comfort.
All things
;
to faith.
C.
II.
SI
URGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
217
feW.^Po
FACSIMILE
OI
TITLK-l
AGE OF VOLUME
It.
218
FAITH JERICHO FEEE. were compassed about seven faith the walls of fericho fell down, after they brews xi. 30. days."-It must be inwrought, or else is theone grand essential in salvation. Faith It is necessary ever after in numberless ways. there will be no spiritual lite at first.
()i
TUNE CXXXI1I.
liv
"
/>v
\Ve cannot have, knowledge of gospel doctrines without faith, nor can we lay hold on The graces are all dependent on iaitli. He loves most the promises without it. who believes most. lie will have most zeal who has most laith. Humility is faith. In doing good to others, and produced by faith, and hope breathes through in combat with evil, let us have faith.
particularly
I.
1.
CRACE TO WHICH VICTORY The other graces are not decked with laurel,
FAITH
too
is
TIM:
is
<;I\EX.
lest
man should
for faith
is
steal their
crowns
but
faith
is
tall,
more
self,
to
do with
man cannot God than any

Internal.
reach
of
the:
its
head.
Faith has less to do with man, and

;
other graces
looking away from
and trusting the

2.
Faith gains the victory because: she-, engages the arm of the Almighty on her She has power with Mm, and therefore she prevails. behalf. That man is most able to bear with humility the joy of victory who endured 3.
1
God. by faith he will give all the glory to She is the only but faith does impossibilities. 4. Other graces do wonders, She is and under certain circumstances. grace that can act in certain places,
the conllict
;
intended for this very purpose. FAITH WINS HER VICTORIES i\ (ion II.
j.
APPOINTED WAY.
;
She uses no means of her own contrivance she waits upon God for guidance. she is not presumptuous. 2. She neglects not His appointments She ungirds the she uses the means, she does not despise: them. 3. When she hears the rams horns. sword, --she follows the: ark,
;
She is laughed at for seeming folly but in her turn she: smiles. She does her Maker s will, and she: expects the: blessing, but all in an 5. That is no faith at all which believes and does nothing. We may not orderly way.
4.
;
that faith pushes us on to run in expect to be saved by faith, unless Whether we seek salvation, the good of our friends, the: stopping of
God
way.
evil,
or the
destruction of our corruptions,
let
us seek
i\
it
in the:
S
Divinely-appointed way.
the:
HI.
1.
FAITH WINS HER VICTORIES

round and round
that,
she:
GOD
;
TIME.
She goes round Jericho She expects

is
thirteen times
she expects
wall will
come down
all
at last, so
2.
goes.
s
sins will appointed day, her this knows thrown, and she thinks her work well repaid when she
on the Lord
be over
happen.
will
Therefore
she persevering
in
the conllict.
219
Now
1.
let us
apply these thoughts

lofty wall
To the pulling down of /ericlio in our own- hearts. We want to slay all the old sinful inhabitants, but the
Let
LIS
stands linn. trumpets,
have
faith.
Let us follow the
ark.
Let us hear the sound
of the
Let us go round the wall all the seven even though they are only nuns horns. Let us inwardly groan, that is, all the week,- -all the clays of our life. days, and soon, when the ordained clay arrives, the walls but not Crumble with our lips
;
will
tremble,
2.
we
shall shout,
and our enemies
will
be gone.
To
the pulling
down of fen c ho
in the world.
The To\ver of Babel or Babylonish Rome, Sin has strong- and lofty towers. Let us continue let us yet believe that these will tumble to the earth. idolatry, etc.,
our rounds as minister, Sunday-school teachers, and Christian workers. Keep the poor rams horns going do your duty, and one clay Jesus shall reign universally.
t
3.
To
the pulling
down of fericlio
,
in tins village.
Dagon
stands fast here
but the ark of

;
God
is
come.
til
have long blown the trumpet
the
rams horns are
The: trumpeters of Gocl sounding a loud rough blast.
Many
come.
will
are following the ark, but the time for
the co nplete victory has not quite

all
Keep on, come the mighty The Lord help

,
brethren, and give a great shout,

walls.
at once,
by
to
faith,
and down
us to believe His
Word, and then
fulfil
us
His promises!
A in en
th ro u O idi
JESUS.
at the time that
(The following poem was written by Mr. Spurgeon

and preached the lore-going discourse
Tin-:
:
he prepared
FALL OF JERICHO.
The
Is
come, the seventh morn usher d in with blast of horn

clay
is
,
Tremble, ye tow rs of giant height, This is the day of Israel s might.

days ye mock cl the silent band, This hour their shout shall shake your land. Old Jordan s Hoods shall hear the sound,
vSix
Yon
circling hills with fear shall bound.

_>
Thou
palm-trce
cl
city, at
thy gates
;
Death in grim form this moment waits See, hurrying on the howling blast,
That
clreaducl hour, th}- last, thy last.
22O
C.
II.
SI
UKGEOM
s
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
sign,
Lo. at the leader
well-known
The
mighty voices join. With thund ring noise the heavens are rent, Down lalls the crumbling battlement
tribes their
;
Straight to the
The Xow, impious
prey each soldier goes, sword devours his helpless toes.

!
on your
idols call
Prostrate at Paal
s altar tall.
In vain your rampart and your pride,

\\ hich
once Jehovah
power
defied.
Xow
Israel,
In heart ol
spare not, strike the blade man, and breast of maid

;
Spare not the old, nor young, nor gay, Spare not, lor Justice bids you slay.
Who
shall describe that dreadful
cry?
These
\\ ar
they die. Pale terror shrieks her hideous note,

it
till
ears shall hear
bellows Irom his bra/en throat,

tears his 1 prev with
*
Death
Xor
earth
itsell
restrains a
main a O moan.
*
<>Toan.
banquet haste, and glut your taste Ho monsters of the gloomy wood, Here cool vour tongues in seas of blood. O
!
Ho
vultures, to the
least,
Here ye may
!
P>ut,
no
the llames
demand
the whole,
roll
;
In blazing sheets they

lire
upward
the heavens, and cast their light They \\ here Gibeon pales with sad affright
;
lurid glare o er earth
is cast,
nations stand, with dread aghast. 1 he shepherd on the distant plain
The
Thinks of old Sodom
s fiery
rain
He
Xor
Hies a sheltering O
hill
to find,
lini/erino" look behind. O O 1 he magian scans his mystic lore, Foretells the curse on Egypt s shore
casts
one
c.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
221
The Arab checks

Bends
his frighted horse,
his wild knee,
and turns
his course.
E en And
seas remote behold the glare,
hardy
sailors raise their prayer.
Now, in dim smoke, the flames That lit the city s fun ral fire,
expire
The
o-lowino" embers cease to burn o o Haste, patriot, fill the golden urn
!
In crystal tears her dust embalm, In distant lands, in strife or calm,

Still
And
It
press the relic to thy heart, in the rapture lose the smart
must not be
her sons are dead,

;
They with their mother burned or bled Not one survives the vip rish race Have perish d with their lodging-place.
:
Xo more lascivious maidens dance, Xo youths with lustful step advance, Xo drunkard s bowl, no rite unclean, Xo idol mysteries are seen.
warrior stands in martial state,

:
And
thus proclaims her changeless fate "Accursed city, blot her name
From mind
of man, from
lip
of fame.
Curs d be the man, and curs d his race, Who dares his house on thee to place
;
He
founds
it
on his firstborn
it
tomb,
s doom."
And crowns
with the brother
Thus God rewards

Great
in their sin
the haughty foe,
and overthrow.
;
ever reigns immortal King With Israel s song the mountains ring.
He
Yet mid the
justice dread, severe,
Where
pity sheds
no
silv ry tear,
gleam of golden mercy
strays,
And
lights the scene with pleasing rays.
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
One house e.scapes, by faith secure, The scarlet thread a token sure,
Rahab, whose seed
in ititure
s
time
Should bear
the.
virgin
Son sublime.
Thus, when the Thund rer grasps His arms, And fills our earth with just alarms.
I
is
hand
still
shields the chosen race,
And
midst
llis
wrath remembers grace.
(At
tin;
end of the hundredth Outline, Mr. Spurgeon wrote:

100,
I
For
this
bless
!
tin:
Lord,
for
the
good
is
llis.
Ma\ they be
the seed of
many
a plant ot the Lord
ol (inscription inside front cover
Volume
FINIS.
11
June
1
19,
My
iSth
birthday.
\Vilh
my
staff
crossed this Jordan, and
now
to
am become two
bands.
runs
faster
Lovintrkindness
than
time;
it
outstrips
me,
and then waits
be gracious.
end ol (Inscription at the

letter
is
Volume
the.
II:
beginning. Better the end of labour than the starling.

of the
the end of
life
than
These sketches are so many proofs

got them.
power of
faith
By
faith
They
are evidences of
God
s love,
for oft
have they come just
at the
moment
speak
when, had they tarried, I had been undone. Blessed be God for making men so much His darlings as
His
to let them,
Word
May
it
be
my
topmost desire
to live as
much
to
God
glory as possible
and
In health, contentment, and
peace, June
the thorns of sin 19/52, only feeling
and
sin s eilect
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTomooRAniY.
AT ANTIOCH.
223
OUTLINE CLXXII.
"And
THE CHURCH
it
came
Acts
to pass,
that a whole
church,
in
and taught much

xi.
people.
And
year they assembled themselves with the the disciples were called Christians first
Antioch."
26.
Kino-s arc
after
wont
is it
to chronicle their
death
in
the historic
page
mighty men expect to be; made to live but though these matters have a certain amount of
wars
;
interest,
what
compared with the

?
interest attaching to this inspired
Book
of
the
Acts of the Apostles

"
portion of the Bible. Book of voyages and It is a

Vol.
I.
The History Book It is a

"
of
England
Martyrs,"
is
not so important as this one:
of
Stephen, Paul, and
many more.
It
is
travels,"
of
"
The
Christian
Times."
It
of thrilling and permanent is a book of debates, speeches,
interest.
addresses,
sermons, &c. The church at Antioch has a history so interesting that
only pray that
may
be helped A I.
I give HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH. THE OF J5RIEF SKETCH Certain saints, driven by persecution from Jerusalem, lied to Antioch, and commenced there their labours of love. Their names are unmentiemed, but God knoweth them, and they are no\v receiving their reward. Let my name perish, but
to
make
it
so, as
let
Christ
name
s
last for ever.
hand helped them, and many believed, and turned unto the Lord. These were so pious that the church in Jerusalem heard of it, and for their further lie was full of faith and the edification sent down Barnabas to labour among them.
The: Lord
Holy Ghost, and under him the church grew so great

assist him.
that he
went
after Paul to
The
increase,
saints at
Antioch were a
liberal
people
and, by
God
grace, continuing to
and the Holy Ghost put it into their minds L hus, to send out, as missionaries elsewhere, two who became: eminently successful. Paul and Barnabas Antioch became a mother-church to many surrounding parts. used to return there:, after the:ir laborious missionary tours. They anchored at
thev
s
>on
had
five
pastors,
Antioch, as
1.
a haven of refuge:. Let us ne)te that the gospel

in
is
not of necessity a slowly-progressing

it
affair.
The
first
preachers were very successful, for
seems that
in
about two years the
church
Antioch was firmly established. That church grew amazingly, then why I he: should not ours, and why should not all others grow in similar fashion? conversion of the world will not always ge) on at snail-pace, and we ought to pray
at
that
it
may
not
in this place.
Goel, grant
it
to
Let us notice the principal elements of success in this case, believing them be the same in all. There were things from God, the ministers, and the people. Goel in Provielence shie-leleel this Gentile Jerusalem from persecution, an el gave
2.
224
c
to the people.
is
IL
peace
sent
lie sent
them
faithful ministers,
and with those ministers
He
1 1
Spirit.
The
ministers
preached the Lord Jesus.
Barnabas was a good, kind,
faithful,
Spirit-filled
man.
Paul also was a mighty preacher of the Word.
The people
another,
jewel called
II.
"
must have had much grace, a close cleaving to God and to one and abundance of that liberality and readiness to assist any work of faith,
all
prayer."
A
-"
FEW REMARKS UPON THE TITLE

CHRISTIANS."
ETRST
GAIXED
BY
THIS
CHURCH AT
AXTIOCII,-
Perhaps the name was given as a designation by the Gentiles, gladly adopted by the disciples, and sanctioned by Divine authority. They had hitherto styled the elect," the faithful," themselves The Jews called brethren." disciples,"
"
"
"
"
I he sect was so small that, doubtless, among the them Xazarenes, Galileans, c\:c. masses of the heathen, it was nondescript but, in Antioch, the talent, the zeal, the
;
number, the influence, and

church made
it
(in
it
some
cases) the wealth of the
members
is
of the
new
needful that
should have a name.
1 he
name
given
good
one,
CHRISTIANS.
1.
This intimate
to
!
that there;
was much unity among the
disciples, so that
one
be
name would apply

all
all.
Blessed time when this unity shall return, and
we
shall
gathered 2. This shows that the conversation, singing, worship, preaching, &c., of these men and women must have been much about Christ; else, how would the common
people;
3.
in
one
know
I
their
name
his
shows
;
that their
life
and conduct must have been according
to
the
example of Christ
otherwise, the
to the title.
./////
more knowing members
of the
community would
have denied their right
/ a/so aui called a Christian.
How
honoured
Paul,
honourable a name!
in
Manaen, the foster-brother of Herod, was more
bearing this name, than by his connection with an earthly prince. at one time a learned doctor in the Pharisaic school, owns this name of
title.
Christian as his highest
Surely,
?
tis
title
which an angel might almost covet.

a believer in His
implicitly,
But what does

1.
this
name show
Let
That
name,
am
a believer in the
Divine mission of Jesus,

cart
official
Christ."
me
then take
to trust in
Him most
and
never by
2.
my
doubts dishonour Him.

I
That That
am
;
generous Jesus
3.
I
let
professed imitator of the holy, harmless, undefiled, loving, me then really be so in all things.
a
am
lover
of
Jesus
then
let
my
conversation
and
talk
and
meditation be concerning Him.
C.
II.
SPURGEON
is
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
225
A
army
Christian
is
one who
anointed to be a priest unto God, to offer continual
prayer and praise
may
in the name of Jesus. Bearing- the one name which the glorious of martyrs, the great apostles of Christ, and the saints in all ages, have borne, we honour the name of Jesus, and on our shoulder bear the cross of Jesus
!
(Inscription at the
end of Volume
III
Praise, praise, unto Him who causeth some say, unfed by natural streams.
the river to run on
still,
though, as
God
paper, of
doeth good, and all the good herein is every atom His. my thanks for these instances of grace
!
Bear witness, oh.
(Inscription on Title-page of
Volume IV
In this volume,
may
have the pen of a ready writer!

:
(Inscription at the back of Title-page
By
faith,
begin
this volume.
(Xote
I
at the
end of Outline Xo. 200
desire to record thanks for this second

as well as for
100.
May God
receive glory
from
them
them
OUTLINE CCXII.
"A//
NOWISE CAST OUT.
1 will
2)t
that the Father giveth A/c shall come to A/c; no wise cast out"- John vi. 37.
ami him
that comelh to A/c
Upon
"
reading
I
this verse,
one
feels inclined to
break out with the angelic song,

this
bring you good tidings of great joy." are two sets of doctrine, the high and the low conjoined clown to the Primitive;. passage will suit all, from the Hyper"
Behold,
Here
I.
surely,
"
TlIE ETERNAL
TlIE ETERNAL
"
SHALL
"
"-
POSITIVE.
II.
I.
WILL
"-
NEGATIVE.
"SHALL."
"All
THE
Me."
POSITIVE ETERNAL
that
the:
Father
give:th
Me
shall
cemie:
tej
These words may be regarded

1.
as
2. 3.
4.
A A A A
prophecy of our Lord, the Prophet of His people. solemn oath of God the Son.
triumphant boast of Jesus the Conqueror. challenge to death and hell.
In these words,
i.
He
speaks like one

of His people
"
Who
knows the number
all."
226
2. 3.
C.
II.
"
4.
Who Who Who

this
regards past and present as one
giveth."
knows His
is is
rig-Ins are
good:
"shall."
And
has promised.
convinced of His
of no comfort to
But
j.
own power to perform what He us unless we can see
That
He
2.
That we
has given us the Holy Spirit. have given ourselves to Him.

clone so, them let us glory in these blessed words,
If
we have
and sing them
aloud,
"All
II.
gheth Me THE NEGATIVE ETERNAL

that the Father
out."
shall come to
Me."
"WILL."
"And
him that cometh
to
Me
will in
no wise cast
The Father has never our Lord Jesus Christ. Speaker, spoken thus in His absolute character it were an insult to try to go to Him except through Christ, when He has made His Son the only medium of access to Him.
Notice here
the
;
Notice the character addressed,
man
thai
that cometh, not the

cometh"
good man
not the Jew that cometh, not the king or rich Jiini that cometh, not the young or old, but
"
whosoever he
may
"
be.
"
Notice the words of Jesus. Christ means, the original

;
will
in
no wise cast
"
out."
will
not,
not,
not,"
or,
will
very strong in never, never, never

It
is
cast out any

1.
who come
to
Me."
Christ will not cast them out
2.
Ik-cause of their great sins. P>ecause of their long delays.

of their trying other saviours. Because of the; hardness of their hearts.
I>ecause
3.
4.
5.
Because of their
little faith.
6.
7.
Because of
their
poor and
dull prayers.
Because everyone else passes them by. When the\ are once in, they are in for ever.
1.
Christ will not cast
them out
Because; of their unbelief.
2. 3.
Because of
their old corruptions.
"
Because of their backslidings. Read, write;, print, shemt, ///;;/ that cometh to Me I will in
-
110
wise cast
out."
What
is it
to
come
"
to Christ
Men
do not know what

<&c.,
it
is
they fancy
it
is
to
reform themselves, to
to believe in Jesus.
Great Saviour,
that
&c. is, moral, honest, good, upright, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and tlion shalt be saved." thank Thee for this text help Thou me so to preach from
be;
it
;
But
to trust,
it
many may come
to
Thee, and find eternal
life
CHAPTER
XXI.
WATER HE AC H
Coming, one Thursday
CHAPE:., 1851.
to the top of the
in the late autumn, from an engagement beyond Dulwich, my way lay up Herne Hill ridge. I came along the level out of which rises the steep hill 1 had to ascend. While I was on the lower ground, riding in a hansom cab, I saw a light before me, and when I came near the hill, I marked that light gradually go up the hill, leaving a train of stars behind it. This line of new-born stars remained in the form of one lamp, and then another, and another. It
reached from the foot of the hill to its summit. I did not see the lamplighter. I do not know his name, nor his age, nor his residence; but I saw the lights which he had kindled, and these remained when he himself had gone his way. As I rode along, I thought to myself, Mow earnestly do I wUh that my life maybe spent in lighting one soul after another with the sacred flame of eternal life! 1 would myself be as much as possible unseen while at my work, and would vanish into the eternal brilliance above when my work is done." C. H. S.
"
II)
you ever walk through a village notorious for its drunkenness and profanity? Did you ever see poor wretched beings, that once
were men, standing, or rather leaning, against the posts of the
Have you ever looked ale-house, or staggering along the street? into the houses of the people, and beheld them as dens of iniquity, at which your soul stood aghast? Have you ever seen the:
poverty,
"Yes,"
and degradation, and misery of the inhabitants, and sighed over it ? we have." But was it ever your privilege to walk through that you say,
"
village again, in after years,
when
the gospel had
been preached there
It
has
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTor,iof;R.\rnv.
have pictured, perhaps, in some I once knew just such a village as I been mine. where many an illicit still was yielding- its in England, respects, one of the worst noxious liquor to a manufacture:!- without payment of the duty to the government, and where, in connection with that evil, all manner of riot and iniquity was rife.
There went
earnest
in
into that village a lad,
who had no
great scholarship, but
who was
pleased
seeking the souls of men.
He began
to
preach there, and
it
God to turn the whole place upside clown. In a short time, the little thatched of the village were: weeping floods oi chapel was crammed, the biggest vagabonds became its blessing. Where tears, and those who had been the curse of the parish there had been robberies and villainies of every kind, all round the neighbourhood,
there were none, because the
in
men who used
to
do the mischief were themselves

I
the house of God, rejoicing to hear of Jesus crucified. for it was exaggerated story, nor a thing that I do not know,
in that village.
It
am
my
not telling an delight to labour
was a pleasant thing to walk through that place, for the Lord when drunkenness had almost ceased, when debauchery in the case of many was the dead, when men and women went forth to labour with joyful hearts, singing God and when, at sunset, the humble cottager called praises of the ever-living read them some portion from the Hook of Truth, and then his children
;
together,
I can say, with joy and happiness, to God. together they bent their knees in prayer that almost from one end of the village to the other, at the hour of eventide, one
mi<>-ht
have heard the voice of song coming from nearly every roof-tree, and echoing s grace, that it pleased I do from almost every heart. testify, to the praise of God the He showed the Lord to work wonders in our midst. power of Jesu s name, and which can win souls, draw reluctant hearts, and made me a witness of that
gospel
mould
afresh the
life
and conduct of
sinful
men and women.

where Mr. Spurgeon
)
(The
first
preached
of course, WATI-: KFM-ACII, village here referred to is, in October, 1851, as the following letter proves
:
"
No.
9,
Union Road,
"
Cambridge,
"October
"
I5th (1851).
received your most welcome note, and beg pardon if you think me not I have been busily employed every Lord s-day negligent in returning thanks. Last Sunday, I went to a place at home once yet, nor do I expect to be this year. called Waterbeach, where there is an old-established church, but not able to support
"
My
Dear Father,
I
;
a minister.
have engaged
to
twenty years, a minister
who
go
to Tollesbury.
After that,
month. They had, for supply to the end of the went over from Cambridge in the same way as you but as they could not they tried to have a minister
;
C.
II.
SrURGEONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
!2Q
have to clo as they used to do. There is rail keep him, he has left, and they will there and back, and it is only six miles. I feel no doubt there is a I am great glad you have such good congregations. has seed have sown the unto the are fields harvest, the you work doing there ripe Give my us hope there will be abundance of wheat. yielded plenty of green, let I love to clear Mother you have indeed had trials. always like to see how you bear and all were so ill. How Mother I think I shall never forget that time when thcm. How cheerful you were You said, in a letter to me, you were supported When troubles, like a gloomy cloud,
"
"
Have gathered
He
-
and thundered loud, has always stood His lovingkindncss, O how good!
thick,
near
my side
well,
anything I thank you any.

"
and that the clouds are blown away. I am quite am happy to say. Where is Aunt? It is four months since I have heard from her, or about her. We have no settled minister yet, nor do we expect
trust that
you are
all
well,
for me. your sermon it will just do How greatly must I admire the love that could choose me to speak the gospel, I trust and to be the happy recipient of it my greatest concern is to grow in grace, and to go onward in the blessed course. I feel jealous lest my motive should How soon be my own servant instead of the Lord s. change, fearing lest I should seek objects below the sacrecl it, and begin to we turn aside without
much
for
may
knowing
office
"Mr.
and Mrs.
L. are well,
I
and send
their respects.
Grandfather has asked
me
Stambourne, but all at home, and dear Mother,

to to o-o 5
cannot afford to go his way.

"
With love
to you,
am,
"Your
affectionate son,
"GlIAS.
H.
SrURGEON."
(The
text of Mr.
Spurgeon
s first
Sermon
his This passage was also the subject of his last at New Park Street, though a different discourse was first Sermon as Pastor It is delightful to notice that JESUS was the key delivered on each occasion. his note of his ministry both in Waterbeach and in London, and that not one of 1 he with that opening note. thousands of Sermons was out of
Waterbeach was Matthew Sermon as Pastor there, and of

at
i.
21.
many
following
is
the Outline of the
first
Sermon
harmony at Waterbeach
OUTLINE XXXIII.
"Thou
sins."
SALVATION FROM SIN.
shalt call
i.
His name JESUS : for
He
shall save
His people from
their
Matthew
21.
The two
and Sanctification. parts of this Salvation are Justification
-3
I.
C.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAniY.
JUSTIFICATION, INCLUDING PARDON AND IMPUTATION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
1. Pardon, free, perfect, instantaneous, irreversible, bringing from the consequences of sin, which are
w ith
it
deliverance
God The
just displeasure.
curse of the law.
Incapacity for Heaven. Liability, yea, certain destination to eternal
piinishnr>nt.
Imputation of righteousness, causing a worthy of commendation and reward.

2.
man
to
be iegarded as holy,
sinless,
Its
accompaniments
are,
God
s love.
Blessing of the law.
Capacity
for
Heaven.
A right and title, yea, certain possession of Heaven. This Jesus effected. As to the first, by His sufferings and death; as to the second, by His holy obedience to the law.
II.
1.
SANCTIFICATION, INCLUDING DELIVERANCE FROM SIN, AND POSITIVE HOLINESS. Victory over (i) our natural depravity, (2) the habits of sin, (3) temptations,
(4) backslidings.
2.
Working
in
us
all
holy
affections.
(i)
Holy
nature.
(2)
Holy
habits.
(3)
Desires for holiness.

Sanctification
is
(4)
Progress in Divine grace.

it
unlike Justification, in that

in
is
gradual, imperfect, progressional,
never consummated but
Heaven.
(i)
This
(2) by the
I
is
the
work
Spirit.
of
Jesus,
by showing us His example: and commands,
Holy
the beauteous salvation Jesus gives, complete deliverance from the guilt, consequences, and effects of sin.
his
is
The choicest happiness which a mortal can know

fellow-creature.
is
that of
doing good
to a
save a body from death, almost gives us Heaven upon earth. Some men boast that they have sent many souls to perdition, that they have hurled a great number of their fellows out of the world. meet, now and then, a
To
We
down many foemen, that battle;, he struck glories that, and cruel sword reached the heart of a host of his enemies but
soldier
in
;
who
his swift
I
count
thought should scarcely rest would ever seem to be staring at me.

glory.
I
I I
not
that
If
individual,
had been the means of the death of a single at night, for the spirit of that murdered wretch
I
should remember that
had
slain
him,
and perhaps sent
his soul unshriven
To
me,
it is
wonderful that
still,
I
men
and unwashed into the presence of his Maker. can be found to be soldiers, I say not if it be rio-ht
I
or wrong-
marvel that they can follow such an occupation.
know
not
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY,
231
their hands, wipe their swords, they can wash the blood from and put them by, and then lie down to slumber, and their dreams be undisturbed. the tears would fall hot and scalding- on my cheek at If I were in their
how, after a
battle,
place,
night,
and the shrieks of the dying and the groans of those approaching eternity To me, I cannot imagine how others can endure; it. would torture mine ear. a been I had it would be the destroyer of my very portal of hell, if I knew that
fellow-creatures.
But what
bliss
it
is
to
be the instrument of saving bodies from death
Those
monks on Mount St. Bernard, surely must feel happiness when they rescue men from The dog comes to the door, and they know what he means he has dis death. covered some; poor weary traveller who has lain down to sleep in the snow, and is dying from cold and exhaustion. Up rise the monks from their cheerful fire, intent to act At last they see him they speak to him, but the good Samaritan to the lost one.
; ;
he answers
his body, they They try to discover their to remedies hostel, him and him hastening he is dead. They take give up, chafe him, looking into his tace with kindly they lay him by the fire, and warm and When, at last, they creature! art thou dead?" anxiety, as much as to say, "Poor what joy is in the breast of those brethren, as perceive some heaving of the lungs,
not.
if
there
is
breath
in
and
fear
"
they say,
in
Ilis lite is
not
extinct!"
It
would be a privilege
to chafe
one hand of
that poor
is
house man, and so help to restore him. Or, suppose another case. A means escape. flames, and in it is a woman with her children, who cannot by any
come downstairs; the flames prevent her. She; has lost all how to act. A strong man comes, and says, presence of mind, and knows not And cooled by the genial Make way make way I must save that woman streams of benevolence, he marches through the fire. Though scorched, and almost
In vain she; attempts to
"
"
stifled,
stairs
he gropes his way. totter, he places the
lie ascends one staircase, then another
woman beneath
his arm, takes a child
and though the on his shoulder, and

;
down he comes,
more might than he ever possessed before. He has jeopardized his life, and perhaps an arm may be disabled, or a limb taken done to his body yet he claps his away, or a sense lost, or an injury irretrievably The crowd in the street hail have saved lives from death I hands, and says, him as a man who has been the deliverer of his fellow-creatures, honouring him
twice a giant, having
;
"
"
more than the monarch who has stormed a city, sacked a town, and murdered die But, alas! the body which was saved from death to-day, may myriads.
to-morrow.
is
Not
so the soul that
is
saved from death
it is
saved everlastingly.
It
saved beyond the fear of destruction. And if there be joy in the breast of a benevolent man when he saves a body from death, how much more blessed must he soul from death," be when he is made the means in the hand of God of saving
"a
and hiding a multitude of
sins
It
was Richard
Knill, that blessed missionary of the
C.
II.
whom I am personally so deeply indebted, who said that, if there were only one unconverted person in the whole world, and if that person lived in the wilds of Siberia, and if every Christian minister and every private believer in the world had to make a pilgrimage to that spot before that soul were brought to Christ, the
cross to
labour would be well expended if that one soul were so saved. This is putting the; truth in a striking way, but in a who the value of in which realizes everyone way immortal souls, will heartily concur.
When
began
concern was,
Would Cod
little
headed boy, and I preached for some:

else
preach in the little thatched chapel at Waterbeach, my first save any souls through me? They called me a raggedthink I was just that; I know I wore, a jacket. After I had
to
time,
will
somebody preached it; went and used to say over, Sundays finding the Lord under my ministry?
it
I
thought, "This gospel has saved me:, but then save anybody else now that I preach it?" Some
to the deacons,
"
Have you heard

"I
of
anybody
my preaching My good must have received the Saviour; body answered, "but I want to know it, want
through
?"
of anyone brought to Christ old friend and deacon said, am sure some
I
Do
you know
am
quite certain
it
is
so."
"Oh!"
to
How my heart leaped for joy when I my first convert! could never be satisfied with a full congregation, and the kind expressions of friends 1 longed to hear that hearts had been broken, that tears had been seen streaming from
I
prove that it is heard tidings of
so."
the eyes of penitents.
How
Sunday
your
left
afternoon,
when my
ministry in
this place,
sir."
one that findeth great spoil, one good deacon said to me, "Cod has set Ilis seal on Oh, if anybody had said to me, "Someone has
I
did
rejoice,
as
you twenty thousand

it,
"
pounds,"
I
"
should not have given a snap

felt
of
my
fingers
lor
compared with the joy which

!
when
was
told that
wife ho is it ? I asked. Oh, it is a through my ministry over at such-and-such a place She went home broken-hearted by your Sermon two or three Sundays ago, and she has been in great trouble of soul, but she has found
"
Cod had saved a poor labouring man s
soul
Will you drive me I said, peace, and she says she would like to speak to you." over there ? I must go to see her;" and early on the: Monday morning I was
"
driving
I
down
have- in
my
picturesque.
deacon had mentioned, to see my first spiritual child. eye now the cottage in which she lived believe me, it always appears I felt like the boy who has earned his first guinea, or like a diver
to the village
my
who has been down

each one
to
the depths of the sea,
and brought up a rare
pearl.
prize
Lord
Goel has given me, but I prize that has blessed me to many thousands of souls,
whom
woman
most.
.Since then,
my
who have found
the Saviour
I have had a great by hearing or reading words which have come from my lips. many spiritual children born of the preaching of the Word, but I still think that
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOISIOCJKAHIY.
233
woman was
find
the best of the

in
many
faults
home,
to lead the
way
to
she did not live long enough for me to After a year or two of faithful witness-bearing, she went her. I remember for a goodly number who have followed her.
lot.
At
least,
well her being received into the
was the
ever
first
full
seal
my
She church, and dying, and going to Heaven. No mother was ministry, and a very precious one.
at
Then could I sight of her first-born son. soul did have sung the song of the Virgin Mary, for my magnify the Lord for remembering my low estate-, and giving me the great honour to do a work for which
more
of
happiness
the
all
counted and still count the con so generations should call me blessed, for means of saving a soul from death than I would rather be the version of one soul.
I
I would rather bring the poorest woman in the be the greatest orator on earth. I world to the feet of Jesus than I would be made Archbishop of Canterbury. would sooner pluck one single brand from the burning than explain all mysteries. To win a soul from going down into the pit, is a more glorious achievement than
to IK;
crowned
in the
arena of theological controversy as/};-. Sufficient issimus
to
have: faithfully unveiled the glory of
the face of Jesus Christ will be, in the final judgment, accounted worthier service than to have solved the problems of the One Gorelian knot of Apocalyptic difficulty. religious Sphinx, or to have cut the is that, when I die, it shall be my privilege to enter into of
in
God
my
happiest thoughts
the:
rest in
bosom
of Christ, and
Thousands have already

ministry.
shall not enjoy my Heaven alone. know that entered there, who have been drawn to Christ under my
I I
Oh! what
bliss
it
will
be to
fly
to
Heaven, and
to
have a multitude of
"
converts before and behind, and, on entering the glory, to be able to say, Thou hast given me." I, Father, and the children
Here am
lie lives to should think, forget his earliest converts. see hundreds begotten unto Cod by his means, but of these who were the children of his youth he still treasures delightful memories, for are they not his first-born, his
minister will never,
I can recall an elderly woman who had might, and the beginning of his strength? recollect found peace with God through my youthful ministry, and especially do her wail of woe as she told of the days of her ignorance-, and the consequent godless
1
bringing up of her children.
them down
ones,
life
good of and provide them with

for
the
write Her words were somewhat as follows, and their dear love to of mothers who labour hard out
I
all
necessaries for this
life,
but never think
of
the
to come:
"
"
Oh,
sir
said she,
"
which keeps of them, and
me
I
very low.
for
should be quite happy now, only I have one se)re trouble am so sad about my clear children. I was left with eight
at the
I
worked hard
bread
nio-ht, to find
them.
other ways, morning, noon, and did feed and clothe them all, but I am sure I don t
wash-tub, and
in
234
;
know how I did it. I had often to deny myself, both in food and clothing- and times were very hard with me. Nobody could have slaved worse than did, to mend, and I cannot blame myself for any clean, and keep a roof over our heads.
I
neglect
about their bodies

I
but as to their souls,
never cared about
never thought of theirs. Two of them died. I but I can t forgiven me, forget my sin against my poor children The others are taught them a word which could be; of any use to them.
has but there
is
my own, and of course dare not think about them. God

;
never
alive,
all
not one of them in
the;
least religious.
saw how
for
their
mother lived?
;
It
troubles
me
could they be when they more a good deal than all the working
to destruction,
How
them ever did
for
afraid they are
going down
and
all through
the IT cruel
in oilier."
Here she burst into tears, and I pitied her so much she was cruel, for she was in ignorance, and would never
"
that
said
hardly thought
Don t anything that was for her children s good. used my common sense;, I might have known that my children were not like the sheep and the; horses which die, and there s an end of them. never thought about it at
I
intentionally have neglected excuse me," said she, "for if I had
all,
or
might have known better

their souls at
in
all.
and
feel that
all
was a
cruel
mother never
to
have considered
They
are
place of worship, year
blame them?
a large family,
and year out. I As soon as was converted,

I
I
worldly, and none; of them go to a never took them there, and how e an I
and
told
him what
;
the-.
I went down to my eldest son, who has Lord had clone for me, and entreated him to
come; here with me; to the services
but he said he wondered what next, and
he;
had
no time.
it
When
was no go,
he:
liked his
pleaded hard with him, he said he was sure; I meant well, but Sunday at home; too well to go to hear parsons. You
;
know, sir, you can t bend a tree: done it. Oh, if I had but led him
to He would have gone then, for he loved his mothe:r, and so he: does now, but not enough to go where I want him. So, you see, I can elo nothing with my son now. I was a cruel mother, and let the: boy go into the fields, or the streets, when he: should have been
!
ought to have bent the: twig when the: house of God when he: was little;
could have
the Sunday-school. Oh, that I could have my time: back again, and have all children around me as little- ones, that I might teach them about my my blessed
in
Saviour!
She:
They are; all beyond me: now. What can sat down and wept bitterly, and heartily
I
do?"
wish
all
unconverted mothers
to
could have: seen her, and heard her lamentations.

she:
It
was very pleasant
know
that
was herself
;
save-d,
still,
and
to see
repentance
well
suffer
if
but,
the evil
very sorrow the evide-nce of her genuine which she lamented was a very terrible one, and might
in
he:r
mother, do not, as you love your babe, grow up without Divine instruction. But you cannot teach your child do not know the Lord Jesus yourself. May the good Lord lead you to you
lifetime;
demand a
it
of mourning.
Young
to
C.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
to
235
o-ive
your heart to Christ

!
at once,
and then help you
train
your dear
little
ones
tor
Heaven
Waterbeach who bore among her neighbours the was told that, sooner or later, she would and reputation of being a regular virago, All right but that s a game; I said, give me a specimen of her tongue-music. sure whether I am not at which two can play." anybody reported to her my was passing her gate-, one morning, and there answer; but, not long afterwards,
There was one woman
in
I
"
stood the lady herself; and
must say that her vigorous mode of speech fully The typical Billingsgate fish-woman her. justified all that I had heard concerning made up my mind how would have been nowhere in comparison with her. 1 am to act, so 1 smiled, and said, "Yes, thank you quite; well, I hope you arc; the
I
I
;
same."
Then
I
which
think
I
replied,
came; another outburst of vituperation, pitched in a still higher key, to still smiling, "Yes, it does look rather as if it is going to rain; I
"
she exclaimed, "he s as deaf Bless the man had better be getting So 1 bade her, "(iood morning," as a post; what s the: use of storming at him and I am not sure whether she ever came to the chapel to hear the "deal preacher
on."
!"
?"
"
who knew
If
I
it
was no use
to give
any heed
to
her
mad
ravings.
could have had a hope: of eloing he-r any gooel, I would have: gone into her house, anel talked with her, for I certainly went inte) some quee:r places while I was useel to think that, whe-re my Master went, I ne:eel never lie I in that region.
ashamed
to
go
1
London, that
Sabbath-day.
have gone: into some persons house:s, belore I came to should have felt ashamed to enter if they had not invited me on a
anel
I I
have stepped in there for the purpose of giving them religious Yes, anel quite advice, some have said to me, "What! going into that house?" I The: whole: have: no ne:e:d of a physician, but they that are sick. ri dit, too. I have won their anel hearts of Israel," have gone: after "the lost sheep of the: house:
As
because
went
there,
and talked
to
them of
their sins.
"Stand
But had
by,
for
I
there would have been something of this
spirit,
am
stayed away, holier than
cannot enter your house, because you are: such an outrageous sinner." But when I go anel talk to a man, and lay my hand on his shoulder, anel ask him questions, he does not mind telling out his state of mind when I am under his own roof; and when I am gone-, he says, "That man is not ashamed to speak
you are
to his fellows,
like that
kind of
preacher."
at
(On the two following pages is given a facsimile of one of Waterbeach in the early part of the year 1852.)
the:
Sermons preached
236
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
LJ ~^C\sLS
P-v^l-
e/t^-^-e/V
T^C^C^ &^
fa<^^+^Ly* ^*~-<?tsi-isf
t^-*^-f
/
Jêî^-t-iJ f-f^~-~*^+^
~TL&
ti i/i
>L
&t.<^
^xV
~~^~
^2^
^~^^<^-/
C^2,
C.
11.
Sl
UKGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
237
238
c.
H.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
While
was
When
fellow,
first
Waterbeach, I had one man who caused me many bitter tears. knew him, he was the ringleader in all that was bad a tall, fine, big
at
;
him,
and one who could, perhaps, drink more- than any man for miles around a man who would curse and swear, and never knew a thought of fear. He:
;
was the terror of the neighbourhood there were many incendiary fires in the and most people attributed them to him. Sometimes, he would be drunk region, for two or three: weeks at a spell, and then he raved and raged like a madman.
That man came to hear me lie chapel when lie entered.

;
recollect the sensation that
went through the
little
sat there,
and
fell in
love with
me
think that was

lie had,
the only conversion that he experienced, but he professed to be converted.
apparently, been the subject of genuine repentance, and he became outwardly quite a changed character he gave up his drinking and his swearing, and was in many There was old respects an exemplary individual. All the parish was astonished.
;
was rumoured about that he felt impressed he: began regularly to attend the chapel, and was manifestly an altered man. The public-house lost an excellent customer he was not seen in the skittle-alley, nor was he detected in the drunken rows that were so common in the neighbourhood. After a while, he
1
om
So-and-so weeping, and
it
ventured to come forward at the prayer-meeting he talked about what he had I heard him pray it was rough, rugged experienced, what he had felt and known. language, but there was such impassioned earnestness, I set him down as being a He. held out six, nay, nine months he bright jewel in the Redeemer s crown.
;
persevered
there
there.
in
our midst.
If
there:
was rough work

in the
to be: elone, he:
would
elo
it
if
was a Sunday-school to be maintained, At any risk, he woulel be out to help
six or se:ven mile:s
Lord
of
work
away, he: would walk if he could but be

;
he rejoiced greatly. I remember seeing him tugging a barge;, with perhaps a hundred pe-ople: on board, whom he was drawing up to a place: where 1 was going to preach ami he was
of the
of service to the meanest
member
Church
Christ,
glorying
in
anybody moment, but knocked him ove:r. So he went on for a time: but, at last, the laughter to which he was exposed, the jeers and scoffs of his olel companions, though at first he bore them like a man, became too much for him. He began te) think he had be:en a little too fanatical,
;
the work, and singing as gladly anel happily as any one of them. If spoke a word against the Lord or His servant, he did not hesitate a
the place of worship instead of coming boldly in he: gradually forsook the week-night service, and then neglected the Sabbathday and, though often warned, anel often rebuked, he: returned to his old habits, and any thoughts of God e)r godliness that he had ever known, seemed te) die away. He:
little
;
too earne:st.
He
slunk up
te)
could again utter the blasphemer s oath once more he could act wickedly with the profane and he of whom we had often boasted, and said, in our prayer-meetings,
; ;
C.
II.
SPURGEON
by
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
239
!
"
Oh
how much
? "---to
is
God
glorified
this
man
"
conversion
What
cannot Divine
in
grace do
streets,
the confusion of us
it
all,
was
to
be seen sometimes drunk
our
was thrown in our teeth, This is one of your Christians, is it? one of your converts gone back again, and become as bad as he was before?" Before I left the district, I was afraid that there was no real work of grace in him. ile was a wild Red Indian sort of a man; I have heard ol him taking a bird,
and then
plucking
and eating it raw in the field. That was not the act ol a Christian man, it was not one of the things that are comely, and of good repute. Alter I left the neighbourhood, I asked after him, and I could hear nothing good of him he became
it,
;
worse than he was before, if that was possible seemed to be unreachable by any agency.
certainly,
he was no
better,
and
Among my
called
"
early hearers
I
at
feel
Waterbeach was one good old woman
whom
quite sure she has been many years in Heaven, She, but she was always fearing that she should never enter the gates of glory. of and a house was at the was very regular in her attendance God, wonderfully good
Mrs.
Much-afraid."
She used to drink in the gospel but, nevertheless, she was always She had doubting, and fearing, and trembling about her own spiritual condition. been a believer in Christ, I should think, for lilty years, yet she had always remained She was a kind old soul, ever ready to help her in that timid, fearful, anxious state. neighbours, or to speak a word to the unconverted she: seemed to me to have enough grace for two people, yet, in her own opinion, she had not half enough grace
listener.
; ;
for one.
One
at
all,
t
day,
when
was talking with
her, she told
me
that she
had not any hope

I
she had no faith; she believed that she was a hypocrite.

;
said,
"Then
don
come to the: chapel any more we don t want hypocrites come?" come because I can t stop away. She answered,
"I
there.
I
\Yhy do you
love the people of
God;
love the house of
God
;
and
are an odd sort of hypocrite
she sighed,
saved."
"
you arc: you may say what you please, but

said to her,
"
I said, love to worship God." "\Yell," "you a queer kind ol unconverted woman." "Ah
I
!"
have not any hope
of
being
Well, next Sunday, I will let you go into the pulpit, that tell the that you may people Jesus Christ is a liar, and that you cannot trust Him." "Oh she cried, would be torn in pieces before I would say such a thing as
I
!"
So
"1
that.
\Yhy,
for
He
cannot
it ?
I
lie!
"
do you not believe

believe
at all
"
Every word She replied,

afraid
He
"
says
for
is
true."
"Then,"
asked,
7
,
"why
do believe
is
me."
it
but,
somehow
I
do not
it
I I
myself;
"
am
here,
will
whether
;
"
it
I
Have you
purse, and
not any hope

said to her,
?"
asked.
No,"
she answered
it is
so
pulled out
;
my
Now,
have got
if
^5
you
all
it."
the
for
your hope
sell
money I have but I will give you that ^5 She looked at me, wondering- what I meant.
240
"Why!"
c.
it.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
it
she exclaimed,
that
she;
!
"I
would not
sell
for a
thousand
worlds."
She had
sell
it
just
told
me
I
had
not any hope of salvation, yet she would not
for
thousand worlds
fully
she
will
get to Heaven, and I am certain expect to see that good old soul when lived down there at when I was say to me, "Oh, dear sir, how foolish
I I
!
Waterbeach
o-o ne
went groaning
1
all
the
way
to glory
when
;
there singing.
\V
as always troubled
and
afraid
might just as well have but my dear Lord kept me

I
;
by His grace, and brought

as
me
safely
here."
She. died very sweetly
it
was with her
John Bunyan said it was with Miss Much-afraid, Mr. Despondency s daughter. Mr. Great-heart had much trouble with those poor pilgrims on the road to the
;
was only a straw in the way, they were; fearful that they would stumble; over it. Yet Bunyan says, "When the time was come for them to The last words of Mr. Despondency depart, they went to the brink of the river. is daughter went through the river singing." were, Farewell night, welcome day. Our Lord often makes it calm and peaceful, or even joyous and triumphant, lor His
Celestial City
for, if there,
1
departing timid ones.

they wake; up
in
le puts
some
of
lis
greatest saints to bed

the.
in
the dark,
and
the eternal light; but He; frequently keeps
candle burning for
Mr.
Little-faith,
Much-afraid.
Mr. Feeble-mind, Mr. Ready-to-halt, Mr. Despondency, and Miss in the land They go to sleep in the light, and they also wake up
is all
where
the.
Lamb
the
CD
for ever and ever. glorv J
CHAPTER
Hold
The
life
is
XXII
$antr
bcljhtii
;
tljc
filnib s ftlistalw.
will he s,, ill-written that it shall be you attempt it, clearly perceived that yon have tried to make bricks without straw, and that you have s u -lit to fashion a potters vessel without I believe- that, in a man s clay. life, the great secret of strength, and holiness and righteousness, is the acknowledgment of God. When a man has no fear of God before his eves is no wonder that he should run to an excess of meanness, and even to an excess ,,f ,-j ot l n proportion as (he thought of God dominates the mind, we may expect to lincl a life that shall be true and really worth living but in proportion as we forget God, we shall play the fool. It is the fool who says in his heart, No God," and it is the fool who lives and acts as if there were no God. In every godly life there is a set time for each event and there is no need for us to ask, "Why is the white here the black there; why this gleam of sunlight and that roar of tempest why here a marriage and here a funeral why sometimes a harp and at other times a sackbut?" God knows and it is a -real blessing lor us when we can leave it all in His hands. C. II. S.
"
of Jonah cannot be written without God take God out of the prophet s history, and there This is equally true of each one of us. Apart from God, there is no life nor ought, nor act, nor career of any man, however lowly or how. ver Leave out God and you high. cannot write the story ol anyone s career. If it
no history
to write.
"
IJOON
after
I
beach,
had begun to preach the Word was strongly advised to enter

I
j
in the
village of
Waters
Stepney,
now Regent
Park, College, to prepare more; fully lor the ministry. Knowing that solid learning s never an encumbrance, and is often a great means of usefulness, I felt inclined to avail myself of the oppor of it: I tunity that I attaining
without a College training,
although hoped might be useful consented to the opinion of friends that I should be
visited
more useful with it. Dr. Angus, the tutor of the College, was arranged that we should meet at the house of Mr.
Cambridge, and
the-
it
Macmillan,
Thinking and praying over the matter, I entered the house exactly appointed, and was shown into a room where I waited a
feeling too
publisher.
at
the time
much impressed
London,
to
patiently
couple of hours,
with
my own
tutor
from
venture to
unreasonably long delay.
At
last,
insignificance, and the greatness of the ring the bell, and make enquiries as to the patience having had her perfect work, and
school-engagements requiring me to attend to in motion, and on the arrival of the servant, the
the Doctor had tarried in another
oft to
my
set
my
duties as an usher, the bell
was
waiting
young man was informed

family
that
room
until
London by
train.
The
stupid girl
he could stay no longer, and had gone had given no information to the that
;
anyone had
called, and had been shown into the drawing-room and, consequently, the meeting never came about, although designed by both parties. was not a little
I
2_,2
C.
II.
SI
URCKON
AUTOIMOC.KAI
IIY.
but have a thousand times since, thanked the Lord disappointed at the moment, Providence which forced my steps into another path. very heartily for the strange Institution, I thought ol Still holding to the idea of entering the Collegiate That after but this was not to be. an immediate and
writing
making
application,
noon,
having to preach Preachers Association,
at
1
one of
the
village-stations
in
of
the.
Cambridge Lay
of
walked
slowly,
meditative
frame
mind,
over
Midsummer Common to the little wooden bridge which leads to Chesterton, and in was startled by what seemed a loud voice, but which the midst of the Common
1
may have been

things for
a singular
1
illusion.
Whichever
it
was, the impression was vivid to
an intense degree;
another point
(riven
Seekest ihou great seemed very distinctly to hear the words, look at me to led This not!" my position from thyself? seek them remembered of view, and to my motives and intentions.
challenge
I
the poor but loving people to
whom
ministered, and the souls which had been

anticipated obscurity did there and then solemnly renounce
I
me
in
my humble
charge; and, although

1
at
that time
and poverty as the
result of the resolve, yet
abide for a season at least with un the offer of Collegiate instruction, determining to Had had strength to do it. remain preaching the Word so long as people, and to
1
it
not been for those words,

1
in
all
probability
had never been where and what

monition, and
I
now am.
was conscientious
it.
in
my obedience
to the.
have never
seen cause to regret
Lord for direction will never fail to aflord us timely intima Waiting upon the for though the ephod is no more worn by a ministering priest, tion of His will and in love Lord still guides His people by His wisdom, and orders all their paths He makes them to hear in times of byways mysterious and remarkable,
the.
; ,
"
perplexity,
a voice;
the way, walk ye in it. Probably, if our of these; sacred monitions; hearts were; more tender, we might be favoured with more horse; and the; mule;, which have; no under but, alas! instead thereof, we are like the
behind them, saying,
This
is
standing, and
there-fore;
the;
bit
and bridle of
affliction
take;
the;
place
of gentler
more means, else might that happier method be Thou shah guide me with Thine alludes when he says,
"
often used, to
eye."
which the psalmist
(The following
course
:
letters give; further particulars
concerning the proposed College

"
Cambridge
"
Feb. 24, 1852.
"
us on Sunday, Mr. Angus, the tutor of Stepney College, preached for had no opportunity of seeing him, and was very Feb. i. P.eing at my own place-, I 1 was tolel that he wanted to see me. 1 assure you, surprised when, on Monday,
"
My
Dear Father,
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOmOGKAL
lIV.
never mentioned myself to him, nor to this came quite I anyone, unexpectedly. suppose the deacons of our church, hearing o f my doings at Waterbeach, had thought right to mention me to him.
the place of meeting but, by a very singular occurrence, missed each other; he waited in the was shown into the parlour, while
"Well,
I
went
to
we
sen-ant forgot to tell him had come. and could not wait, he. wrote the enclosed."
theI
room, and
As he was going
to
drawingLondon,
(On
Spurgeon
to
the;
envelope containing the following

Mr. Watts because he
Mr. Watts treats
for
letter,
there
is
this
note
in
Mr,
handwriting:
to
is
Sent
give
it
my
me.
me
)
like a
dear friend, and Mr. A. knew he would son he is well qualified to be. a father:
;
he
will
do anything
me,
know.
"College,
"
Tuesday, Feb.
3,
1852.
"
Dear
Sir,
"
occupy important posts, have them thoroughly furnished, especially with Hible know should lor friend to ledge. settle without thorough regret your He preparation. may be useitil in either case, but his usefulness will be very much greater, it will fill at all events a wider sphere, with preparation than without it.
;
sorry that I missed seeing Mr. Spurgeon yesterday, and now write, through you, in the hope that I cannot, o you will lay this note before him. in course;, any way pledge; our Committee in the matter but if, on prayerfully considering the whole case, he apply for admission here, I can assure him of a c :andid, friendly consideration of his There is a great need of heartv, application. levoted ministers and to form such, so that they and may
I
;
am
we ar
well,
[
we need
to
Applications
must be sent
Mr.
S.
to
us
before
it,
1
September
from him.
and
if
think further of
in May, our Session beginnin shall be glad in due time to he; ar

_
"
Yours
truly.
"
11
Mr. Watts,
"Wood
JOSEPH
Merchant,
"
ANGUS."
c.,
Cambridge."
(Mr. Spurgeon
I
letter to his father continues

(i)
I
have waited thus long because

to
wanted
to get a little
more
to
tell
1
2)
do not want
appear
to desire to
go
to College; at
your expense.
y ou do not
244
II.
S1TKGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
wish to go until I can pay for it \vith my own money, or until friends offer to help, because I do no: want to burden you. It is said by almost all friends that oughl to go to College. I have no very great desire: for it in fact, none at all. Yet
1
;
and trust, yea, I am confident, God will guide me. Of course, you are my only earthly director and guide in these matters your has been best must know best. But will allow you judgment always perhaps you me just to state my own opinion, not because shall trust in it, but only that you
have made
"
it
a matter of prayer,
think, then, (with deference to you,) that had better may my not go to College yet, at least not just now, for i. \\ hatever advantages are to be derived from such a course of studv, I shall
inclination.
I
see
all
be more: able to improve: when my powers are more developed than they are be \\ hen know shall more able to learn. more, present.
I
at
"
2.
Providence has thrown
me
into a great sphere of
usefulness,
a congre
gation of often 450, a loving and praying church, and an awakened audience. leaven. already own that the preaching has been with power from Now,
I
Mam
ought
I
to leave
"3.
them
In a few years
time,
at
hope
to
improve
all.
my
I
financial
position,
so as
to
be at no expense to you, or
least not for

I
should not like to
you were burdening yourself

as possible.
"4.
for me:.
should love to
know that work my own way as much
know you
like this feeling.

I
am
is
I
all
want
arranged.
have many opportunities of improvement now; more time; but even that, Mr. Lceding would give me-, if it were so have plenty of practice and do we not learn to preach by preaching ?
not uneducated.
;
You know what my style is. bad, God has blessed it, and
me, and the might
is
Let it be never so fancy it is not very College-like. believe lie will yet more. All I do right, He does in
I
of
Him.
me.
am now
shall
I
well off;
I
my
age, and
am
I
sure quite as happy.

for
If
were
in
think as well off as anyone of need, I think the people might

to
?
I
be able to raise more

as to
"
throw myself out, and trust Now, whether shall ever get another place as soon as I leave College no I have said enough, you are to judge, not I. 5.
I>ut,
;
Providence
leave
it
to
I
God and
have a
yourself; but,
will,
still,
and you now know
should like you to decide in this way. Of course, it but I say, Not mine, but your will, and
;
God s
"
will.
I
have just acknowledged the
letter,
it
and said that
could
if
make no
reply until
had consulted
my
friends.
think
is
might be as well,
you think
so, too, to let
Mr. Angus know favourable toward

1
as
much
excuse
as
right of
. .
my
.
present
position, that he
may be
Last
I
me
will
at an}- future time.
hope:
you
my
scrawl,
for,
believe me,
am
fully
employed.
I
night,
thought of writing; but was called out to see a dying man, and
thought
c.
ii.
STURGEON
-
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
like to get
;
245
dare not refuse.

leaving them.
"Give
I
The people at Wdo not know why they

love and
would not
even a hint of
is
my
love me, hut they do

to
it
the
Lord
doing-.
If at
I
my
many thanks
any time you think a letter from

write one.
(iocl
me
dear Mother, Archer, and sisters. would be useful, just hint as much, and
evil,
will
May keep me, in every place, from every and abide with you for ever and with my best love,
;
"
and dwell with you,
am,
"
Dear Father, Your affectionate

"
"
son,
CHARLES."
(Extract from C.
I
have
all
Spurgeon s letter to his father, March Qth, 1852 ) along had an aversion to College, and nothing but a feeling
II.
:
that
must not consult myself, but Jesus, could have made
me
think of
it.
It
appears
to
my
\\
friends at
;
Cambridge
that
it
is
my
duty
to
remain with
my
dear people
at
aterbeach
so says the church there, unanimously, and so say three of our deacons
at
Cambridge.
(Letter from Deacon
King
to C.
II.
Spurgeon
father
)
"
\Yatcrbeach,
"
March
20,
52.
"
Dear
Sir,
"Having
Stepney College, I connected with his ministry

least for a time.
"
at
heard, with deep regret, of your intention of placing your son write to say that, if you were aware of all the: circumstances
at
Waterbeach,
since:
think you would defer doing so, at
much coming, the congregation is very J increased, the aisles and vestry being often full, and many go away for want of room there are several cases of his being made useful in awakening the careless and we have known him about five months, the attachment is as although as only
his
<^
Allow
me
to
say that,
t>
t_>
strong
it
we had been acquainted

it
now,
Added
many years occasion of general Lamentation, Jl/oiiniiiio; and JToc. to which, he has no wish to and his friends in go, but rather the reverse
;
with him as
and
if
he were
to leave us just
would
be
the
Cambridge, who
previously recommended
If you, sir,
is
his going,
now
hesitate,
and
feel
disposed
to alter their opinion.
imd that
this
account
The
half
was not
told
over, and see for yourself, you would not exaggerated, but perhaps would be ready to exclaim, me. That we may be Divinely directed to act as shall be
could
come
246
C.
II.
SrURGEOJSi h
Al TOiaoc.KAl IIV.
the:
promotion of the Redeemer s glory, in connection with best interests of those around us, is the: sincere desire: and earnest prayer of
most conducive:
to the
"
Yours
respectfully,
the:
"
C. Ixixc,, on be-half of
Church and
Congregation."
at
"
.S.
--Our
frie-nds
are:
us very anxious that Mr. S. should continue- with
least a year.
Your
acce-ding to this would causeatte-nele-el

oblige:."
many
dc-vout thanksgivings to
God,
and
we: hope:
would be
with
lasting bene:lit to mail}
an.ongst
us.
line to
this effcrt
would much
-
=??
#
"April
6th,
1852.
"
My
De-ar leather,
"
It
was
should have: grieved you. sorry that anything I said in my letter oneit was only my thoughts of nothing you said that made: your le-tte-r a sad
1
am
leaving the people at
Beach.
thank you most

1
sincc-rcly lor
your very kind

I
oltcr,
and also
of
for
1
God
only
my
most affectionately
of
am at perfect liberty to act as think it is the- will your assurance- that am sure: ne-ver imagined that you would force: me,- it was should act. do now and the- blunder, poor way of expressing myself that caused said anything that had a shadow of you if entreat
I 1
I
forgiveness
wrong
in
it,
or
if
have-
thought
will
in
any wrong manne-r.

;
have: desired,
if
all
along,
sure:
to act the- part
of a dutiful son to an affectionate parent
and
fail,
led
that
of
vou and dear Mother
impute:
it
rather to
my weakness
muc
h in
in act,
than to a want
love.
"With
n-gard to
1
my
derision,
it
have- said so
to
my
last that
in the-
more would
I
be-
unnecessary.
for
do
really think
be
I
my
now occupy,
a short time: at
at
least.
pla -e which duty to continuehave: been assured that never were more:
I
1 hey only hinted at leaving. tears shed in Waterbeach, any time, than when One: pra\ er could not give me stronger tokens of their affection than they did give. am assured by Mr. King that the: I went up from all, Lord, keep him here! whom one lot were very pleased with, but there always people have: had ministers he has was a party opposed but now, though he has a good scope: for observation, The Lord gave me: favour with thepeople, not heard one opinion contrary to me:.
;
and
am
so
young
1
that they look over

I
many
faults
believe this
;
is
one
of the: facts
of the case.
the-
the
The worst is, am in a dangerous place the pinnacle is not so safe as know you pray that may be kept humble, and know do. Oh, quiet vale. When have been thinking shall feel clouds pass without rain, how sorrowful
I
it
on the many
gre-at
difficulties in
comfort
to
me.
of election has been a preaching the Word, the doctrine: do want men to be saved, and it is my consolation that a
multitude no
man can number
are by
God
immutable: decree ordained to eternal
C.
II.
STURGEONS
vain,
AUTOJJICKiKAl HY.
24;
the covenant
life.
So we cannot labour
"
in
we must have
sonic;
renders
that secure.
of your skeletons, for though I do not want them to make me laxy, yet they give some, hints when a passage does not open at It will be too much trouble for you to write them, but I have no doubt once.
I
shall
always be glad
of
some
I have bought a great many and books lately, for my constant work requires them, you know Mr. L. would not have many of the class of books I want. Yet I calculate on having ,15 in hand at Midsummer, or by God s blessing, more. I think that (of course, I mean, if God if not, it I shall be able to save enough to put myself to College, and
Archer
will
copy them
for
me
As
to
my
cash,
prosper me,) I should go, which, as you say, is not very certain, why then friends at Cambridge - taken the would help me if I could not manage it. Has positive steps yet with If not, tell her, / blush thai she should blush to own regard to joining the church ? Do not forget me in earnest prayer. .... My very best love to my her Lord. I am sure she: can tell all the mothers in the world that parents dear Mother.
worst first it you do I daresay you think God saved the prayers are not forgotten. have given you more trouble than any of the others, but I I I believe do. not, I still believe that I have given you joy, too, and hope the did not mean it; and
;
trouble,
me
big,
a comfort arising from seeing though not repaid, will yet be recompensed by The little ones are getting Remember me to Emily. walk in the truth. will be God s daughters. 1 suppose my love to them, I hope they
. .
"
remain,
"
Your
affectionate son,
"
CHARLES."
#
II.
*
to his
from C. (Part of undated letter

is
Spurgeon
mother; the
first
portion
missing
"
know I shall have them, and I I need your prayers doubly at this time. The Lord visit you both, believe I have felt the blessing of them more than once. and bear you up in His everlasting arms! Troubles you have had, but I believe cast down, but not in the comforts have always kept you joyful in tribulation
I
;
despair.
"
Hless the Lord,
must
say, for
making me His son

I
tis
of His
own sovereign
and the old
mercy.
Not one good thing has

strong,
failed.
have
felt
corruptions
rise,
man
is
but grace always comes

I
in
just at
the critical time,
and saves me
from myself.
power.
to
I
have no hope of going on well but by His The Lord keep me! know that His almighty arm is all-sufficient. Get everyone you can
pray
for
me
a prayer
is
more precious than
gold,
it
makes me
rich.
Lift
up
24^
c.
Ji.
SPURGEONS AUToinookArnv.
is
your arms,
intercedes
;
like
Moses
then-
a threat battle both
in
me and
out of me.
Jesus
sweet thought, to one who needs just such a Pleader. Jehovah-Jesus, His people s buckler, is near; an ever-present help in time of trouble, not afar oft. \\ e live in ihm, lie is all around us; who shall destroy His favourites, His
As the Father hath loved loved you: continue- ye in My love. Me:, so have Here is (i.) .Love without God never began to love Jesus. (2.) Love without limit God loves beginning. with an unbounded love. (3.) Love without clietuge. God always loved Jesus Jesus When will God leave off loving Jesus? alike, equally. (4.) Love without cud. Even so does Jesus love you and me.
darlings
.
have had
1
for
one
o!
my
sermons, John xv. 9
"
low are
I
all
Christian friends?
Love
to
Mr. Landlord, and

I
my
the
best respects;
tell
him
desire a special interest in his prayers.
want
to ieel
;
less than nothing,
but this
is
prosper
a very great attainment. his labours abundantly

!
Thank bather
for his letter
Lord of hosts
I
right, that
your hands are

!
well.
very best love to yourself Kiss the little ones, and give them
;
My
hope,
love.
if
it
is
my
May
I
they learn of Jesus

prayers ask her to
"
am
glad Archer gets on so well

!
may
your ten thousand

is
for us
be answered by Him that heareth prayer Emily think whether she loves Jesus with all her heart,
stronger,
hope,
should very
I
much
that
I
like
to
I
know where Aunt
lives.
have asked several
limes, but
is
have not learned
much engaged, am points in which

so
I
affairs are
"
your
affairs.
you want to know any not quite explicit enough, write and ask at any time. My hope: always to do that which you would approve of.
If
I
"
do not expect many yet. wonder I get so many.
letters from
home.
Eather
Love
to all
once more,
Erom your
*
affectionate son,
"
( "lIARLES."
#
II.
::
(Extract from letter from C.

"
Spurgeon
to his
mother, November, 1^52
God sends such sun glad that I never went to College. shine on my path, such smiles of grace:, that I cannot regret if have forfeited all my for it. I am conscious that God and His cause, held from love to back prospects
I
I
I
am more and more
and
had rather
;
be
poor
in
His
service tJian rich in iu\ own.
have
all
that heart
can wish lor
yea,
God
and
loving- as ever.
giveth more than my desire. My congregation is as great During all the time that I have been at Waterbeach, I have
had a
taken
different
house
1
for
my home
still
me
in
an
have
every Sabbath day. Eifty-two families have thus six other invitations not yet accepted. Talk about the
C.
II.
Sl
URGKON
AUTOmOGRAHIY.
249
dare
tell
people not caring for me, because they give
me
so
little
anybody under
:
Our anniversary passed oil grandly six they can. were baptized crowds on crowds stood by the river the chapel was afterwards both to the tea and the sermon." crammed,
heaven
tis
false
;
They do
all
At this anniversary, (in 1852.) my venerable friend, Mr. Cornelius I-Llven, of Bury St. lulmund s, as a man of mark in that region, was requested to preach, and right I met him at the well do I remember his hearty compliance with my request.
station as he alighted from a third-class carriage,
which he had selected
in
order to
250
put the friends
to
C.
11.
SPUKGEON
AUTOHlUGKArilV.
the
stupendous, and one soon saw that
baptismal service in that he could not go into the water with us, for if he got wet through, there were no He gave me much garments nearer than Bury St. Edmund s that would fit him.
"
His bulk was possible expense for his travelling. his heart was as large as his body. There was a the river in connection with the anniversary, but Mr. Elven said
least
sage and holy advice during his visit, advice which came to me with much the same He bade me study hard, and mind and weight as Paul s words came to Timothy/
said he, these keep abreast of the foremost Christians in our little church in their either o{ or their to the men, knowledge Scripture, power edify people, once outstrip you, the temptation will arise among them to be dissatisfied with
;
"for,"
"if
your ministry
difficult to
and,
however good they

it,
are,
they will
in
feel
their superiority,
and
others will perceive

hold."
too,
and then your place
felt
the
common
sense of the
become very observation, and the spur was

the church will
of the day were very homely in style, and pre-eminently remember his reading the narrative of Naaman the Syrian, and his practical. comments thereon. He seemed to have taken Matthew Henry lor his model,
useful.
I
pith\"
The sermons
and
of
course of one of the services he gave us Henry s inimitable description the Father receiving the prodigal, which occurs in the commentator s exposition
in the
When he; With a voice deep-toned and graciously tender, he said here were eyes of mercy ; and had was yet a great way off, his father saw him, here were /ccl of mercy ; here were bowels of mercy; and ran, compassion, here were here were arms of mercy ; and kissed him, and fell on his neck, But one thing above all others fixed itself upon it was all mercy lifts of mercy ; my memory, and when I heard of the good man s departure, it came before me with
of
Luke
xv.
"
"
great vividness
he told
me anecdotes
of the usefulness of addressing individuals one
by one about
and urged the duty upon me with great earnestness, Being busy with a quoting again and again from the life of a certain llarlan Page. thousand matters, I had never looked up the biography which he so strongly
their souls,
learned of his death, was, llarlan Page. Cornelius Elven completed an honourable ministry of fifty years in his native town, and passed away amid the respectful regrets of all the inhabitants, and the deep
;
recommended
but
my
first
thought,
when
affection of his church.
was a man of large and loving heart, with a vivacious He was not only the friend of my mind, and interesting manner of utterance. He used, with a youth, but he also preached for me in London in after days. Park Street, New me at merry laugh, to tell the story of a lady who came to hear
Have preached to-day at WaterMr. Elven delighted to tell the story of this visit. In his Diary, that evening, he wrote Mr. Elven used to lie will one day make his mark upon the denomination." lie is a rising star. for C. II. Spurgeon. That day, I preached for Mr. Spurgeon, and he gave out the hymns for me; I should be very glad to give out the hymns say: This service Mr. Spurgeon very cheerfully rendered to Mr. Elven at Bury St. Edmund s on for him if lie would preach for me." more than one occasion.
*
"
He
beach
C.
II.
Sl
URGEONS AUTOlUUGKAi IIY.
form ol Cornelius Klven, but putting her head inside the door, and seeing the vast much oi the flesh about him, she retreated, exclaiming, "No, no the man has too bulk It\vas a very unjust judgment, tor the dear man s great I cannot hear him." I weave no fading- wreath ior was a sore affliction to him. Peace to his memory of that immortal crown which the Master has his tomb, but I catch the
;
!
gleaming
placed
14)011
his brow,
lie was a
good man,
lull
of faith and of the
Holy Ghost.
(Professor Everett
this
see page 53
has preserved the following reminiscence
of
period
"In
:--
or about
at
Thorowgood s,
assistant!
I
was occupying a post in a high-class school, Mr. and there being a vacancy for another Tottericlge, near London,
1852,
1
wrote, with Mr.
He asked proposing that wrote declining, chiefly on the ground definitely! and then renounce the evangelistic work which he combined with He stated, then, or in a subsequent letter, that he had hundred times in the previous twelve months, and that
was not only
lull,
Thorowgood s he should come and fill it.
approval,
to
my
for a
old friend Spurgeon,
few days to
decide
to
that he
was unwilling
the position he then held. preached more than three
the chapel at YYaterbeach

windows.")
but crowded with outside listeners at the open
CHAPTER
lUmimscnucs
My
cast
XXIII.
as a tillage
witness is, and I speak it for the honour of God, that He is a good Provider. I have been and in all cases He has been my upon the Providence of God ever since I left my father s house, first income as a Christian minister was small enough in all Shepherd, and 1 have known no lack. My I had conscience, never exceeding ioity-five pounds a year; yet 1 was as rich then as I am now, for had no more care?, nay, not halt as many then as I have now; and when I breathed my cnoiudi and do now, for all things temporal and spiritual, I found Him ready to answer me prayer to God then, as at every pinch, -and full many pinches I have had. Many a pecuniary trial have I had in connection with the. College work, which depends for funds upon the Lord s moving IPs people to faith has been often tried, but God has always been faithful, and sent supplies in hours
I
;
liberality:
that praye: to God uas a mere piece of excitement, and that the idea ol should i.mgli the statement to scorn, for my experience is not absurd, that of one or two singular instances, but that of hundreds of cases, in which the Lord s interposition, for the necessities of His work, has been as manifest as if lie had rent the clouds, and thrust forth His own naked arm and bounteous hand to supply the needs of His servant. C. II. S.
my
1
of need
any
si;
on Id
tell
me
is
God answering human
cries
HEN
Waterbeach, the people could do very little for my support, and therefore I was an usher in a school at Cambridge at the same time. After a while, I was obliged to give
I
became Pastor
at
sufficient to
and was thrown on the generosity of the They gave me a salary of ^45 a year, but as 1 had to pay people. I2S. a week for two rooms which I occupied, my income was not had produce, support me; but the people, though they had not money,
up the
latter occupation,
and
do not think there was a pig killed by any one of the congregation without my market at having some portion of it, and one or other of them, when coming to the to pay my Cambridge, would bring me bread, so that I had enough bread and meat
I
,
rent with, and
often paid
old
after
Lip
my
landlady
at
in that fashion.
There was one

visits to the place,
man
1
he had a bed made
in
Waterbeach who was a great miser. On one of my had removed to London, I heard that, in his last illness, the sitting-room downstairs, and ordered his grave to be
reduce the cost
talking about
I
dug
just
outside the window, so as to
of his funeral as
"
much
as possible.
One
of the friends
who was
"
him
"
said,
He
was never
a
known
for,
to give
anything to
anybody."
Well,"
replied,
;
know
and as
better than that,

I
one Sunday afternoon, he gave

at the time,
I
me
three half-crowns
"Well,"
was wanting
"I
new hat
rejoined the friend, and that he must quite sure he never forgave himself for such extravagance as that, have I answered, have wanted his three half-crowns back again/ "Ah, but "you
got
it
with the
money/
am
!"
not heard the whole of the story yet,
for,
the following Sunday, the old
man
came; to
-54
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AtrromoGKATiiv.
he;
me
again,
and asked me
"for,"
to
pray for him that

"the
might
he:
saved from the
sin
l
of
]
covetousness,
ke])t
said he,
I
Lord
t
told
me
to give
you half-a-sovereign,
it."
)ut
hack half-a-crown, and

(Dr.
can
rest of a night for thinking of
interview with Mr. Spurge on at The Gospel Magazine for March, 892 Among othe; subjects brought up was that of Dr. Gill s Commentary. was asked by Mr. was led to reproduce it. Spurgeon how it was that Its truthful character was
D.
A.
Douelney,
in
describing
an
\Vest\vood,"
wrote:
"
urged as a reason, as well as

in
its
great price putting
general to possess
it.
My own
I
cost
me
find
IDS.
Moreover,
for
copy was anxious

of
beyond the power of ministers bound in plain canvas boards simply had
it
to
thus
occupation Mr. Spurgeon, did the
the
youths
the:
the
up an Industrial School, and In what parish. volume:, asked

set
I
names of
subscribers appear?
could not recollect,
but,
withdrawing
for a
moment
to his stud}/, he: quickly
volume of the Old Testament,
reappeared with the: fourth the last issued upon the completion of the work,
it
and, pointing to his own name, said, You published could not have taken it in. Here was a fair
-his
in
half-crown parts,
or
else-
and honesty. manner, amid such and as he to such a name-, and such a had, surroundings, having attained, popularity, would have maele- lhat frank statement, You published it in half-crown or
proverbial
simplicity
parts,
i
specimen of Mr. I!o\v few, in like
Spurgeon
character,
could not have takeni
"
it in.
The
following inscriptions,
Gill s
"
in
Mr. Spurgeon
handwriting,
are
in
his set of
/olumes of Dr.
In Vol.
I.
Commentary:
this,
subscribed for
and took
th"
monthly
"
parts.
I
C.
to
!.
STURGEON,
in
852.
lo
In Yol.
this
Author
Pulpit
was permitted
in
succeed
"C.
[854.
H.
STURGEON."
V.-
"
subscribed for these vols. of Gill
monthly
parts,
and had them
bound.
December, 1852.
"C.
"
H. .STURGEON,
living in
Cambridge,
"In
April,
once:
Pmptist Minister of YVaterbeach. 1854, unanimously elected Pastor of the same Church,
in
"
which
met
Carter Lane, under Dr.
Gill,
and then Dr. Rippon,

to
now New Park

"
Street, South wark. In the year 1861, this Church

lUitts,
migrated
far
the
the:
Metropolitan
space- of
Tabernacle, Newington Park Street Chapel."
having
outgrown
New
C.
11.
Sl
URCKON
Gill,
AUTOniOGKAl HV,
is
In Vol. VI.
"
Many
sneer at
hut he
not to be dispensed with.

is
In
some
respects he has no superior. In Vol. IV., as stated by Dr.

list
lie
alwa\s well worth consulting. 1886." H. S. "C.

s
of subscribers to
"Spurge-oil,
Doudney, Mr. Spur-con the work

:
name appears
in
the
C.,
Union Road,
Cambridge.")
have read against deacons, and no idolatrous reverence for their discussions as to their office, evidently suggested by rate them, others trembl Many of my brethren in the ministry bitterly persons. and prepare to do battle mention of their very name and a few put on their armour, of ministerial life, with them wherever they go, as if they were the dragons deacon is worse than a devil, for if you res been accused of saying that at you." if you resist a deacon, he will Hy devil, he will llee from you, but had any cause to speak so severely; and although, is no saying of mine; I never never had any experimental proof that it in some cases, it may be true, I have me are mine at all Not one in a hundred of the sayings that are fathered upon I pardon the man who and as to this one, it was in vogue before I was born. 6 before that drunken Solomon, James I. of England i.
Of
late
years,
have heard a great deal
"a
preached from James and VI. of Scotland,
but let the the temptation was too great to be resisted celebrated the decease wretch be for ever execrated, if such a man really lived, who to pass that the beggar died." of a deacon by a tirade from the words, "It came such an outrage to me, but I hope he will not try I forgive the; liar who attributed
;
his
infamous arts upon anyone else. My observation of deacons leads

as the pastors,
me
to say that,
as a rule, they are quite, as
good men
and the bad and good
in the ministry If there
and
the,
diaconate
are to be found in very
much
?
the
If
same proportions.
be lordly deacons,
deacons,
are there not lordly pastors
there be ignorant, crotchety
men among
The Church owes an immeasurable debt are there not their rivals in our pulpits ? her interests day and night, of gratitude to those thousands of godly men who study cheer her ministers, and in contribute largely of their substance, care for her poor, Whatever at their posts. times of trouble as well as prosperity, remain faithfully
there
there of mistake, infirmity, and even wrong, I am sure, are an honour to our wide and close observation, that the most of our deacons the glory of Christ." did his brethren, faith, and we may style them, as the apostle of the The deacons of my first village pastorate were in my esteem the excellent Hard-working men on the week-day, they earth, in whom I took great delight. them sincerely, and do love I loved on the Sabbath
may be here and
from
"
spared no
toil
for their
Lord
2^6
C.
II.
were as nearly the perfection of deacons of
a
them
still.
In
my
opinion, they
country church as the kingdom could afford. I Yet, good as my deacons were, they were not perfect in all respects. proposed to them, on one occasion, that I should preach on the Sunday evening by the river Ah I do not like it, it is imitating side, and the remark was made by one of them,
"
the
Methodists."
To
him, as a sound Calvinist,
it
was a dreadful thing
to
do
anything which Methodists were guilty of; to me, however, that was rather a recommendation than otherwise, and I was happy to run the risk of being MethoAll over England, in our cities, towns, villages, and hamlets, there are tens distical.
of thousands
I
rejoice
who never will hear the that God a/lows us to preach

apostolical
places.
I
gospel while open-air preaching is neglected. in churches and chapels, but I do not pretend
it,
that
we have any
precedent for
believe
that
for
certainly
none
if
for
it
ministry to such
we
are
permitted,
;
confining our promotes order
and
our worship but there is no warrant edification, buildings for calling these places sanctuaries and houses of God, for all places are alike holy where holy men assemble. It is altogether a mischievous thing that we should confine our preaching within walls. Our Lord, it is true, preached in the
to set apart
often spake on the mountain side, or from a boat, or in the court of a house, or in the public thoroughfares. To Him, an audience was
synagogues,
but
He
the
in their houses, and expect the fish to come to them to Did our Lord intend a minister to go on preaching from his pulpit to empty pews, when, by standing on a chair or a table outside the meeting-house, he might be heard by hundreds ? believe not, and I held the same opinion at the
only necessity. those who sit still
He
was a Fisher of souls
of
the true
sort,
and not
like
be caught.
very beginning of
my ministry, so I preached by the river side, even though my deacon was imitating the Methodists. good thought that, by so doing, Another of those worthy brethren, a dear old Christian man, said to me, one day, when I was at his house to dinner, My dear sir, I wish you would not preach
I
"
those invitation sermons.
You are too general in your appeals you seem to press the people so much to come to Christ. I do not like it for it is not at all consistent with my doctrinal views." "Well," I replied, "what would you have me preach?"
; ;
"Well,
sir,"
he
for
1
said, "though
Lord does
and when
my
such preaching, yet it is evident that the son-in-law was converted to God under one of those sermons
I
don
like
a Fullerite,
"don t
came home, the other Sunday, so angry with you there was my daughter crying fit to break her heart
like
"
for
;
being such
so,"
he added,
you take any notice of an old man in your own way." on I said to him, you go
if
me.
As long
as Gocl blesses you,

t
But,
my
dear brother, don
you
think,
God approves
"
he answered,
of this kind of preaching, that you ought to like it, too?" "Well," I an old I am but I have and man, ought always been perhaps
;
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
I
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
shall not get out of
;
257
brought up
in
those views.
am
I
afraid
take the slimiest notice- of what my own mind that I would do, so
say."
them but don t you That was exactly what I had determined in
I
One
of
we agreed after all. my Waterbeach deacons was named King.

in
;
man, and kept the accounts and the church -books calm, thoughtful, judicious brother but he had a full proportion of /eal and warmth. His wife was made to match, and the pair were second to none in the village tor
Mr. King was a miller and in his cottage by the mill I have often spent a happy night, and have met his excellent son, who was then the Pastor I remember our hearty laugh at of the Baptist Church in Aldreth, Cambridgeshire. the; junior King, for borrowing a horse to ride to a preaching engagement, and then
o-race
was a very methodical He was a admirable order.
He
and wisdom.
ridden him a very little way, appearing at the place leading the horse, having only and walked with him all the rest of the road because he seemed skittish. The elder He did not Mr. King once gave me a kindly hint in a very delicate manner. but when I left his house, tell me that I should speak more guardedly in the pulpit
;
one.
Monday morning,
found a pin
in
;
my
that
Bible, stuck
through Titus
ii.
Sound
of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." Nothing could have been in better taste. The wise rebuke was well deserved and lovingly taken. It was so deftly given that Mr. King was a deacon of deacons to increased its value was
speech, that cannot be
condemned
he that
is
thereby
indefinitely.
;
me, and to
the:
Waterbeach Church
and
his son
was worthy
of
such a father.
for
On one
work
;
occasion, there had been a meeting to raise
money
home-mission
the collection had just been made, and the deacons had brought all the plates lie could not help being late at to the table-pew, when an old gentleman entered. His feet would have carried the meeting, though his heart was there: all the time.
him down to the chapel two hours before, only duty forbade. he had concluded his business, off he walked, saying to
shall
As
soon, however, as
"I
himself,
afraid
be too
t>
late,
but
shall at least
hear
how
they have got on.

!"
The Lord
grant a
It was Father Sewell, on the meeting, good work in hand o and on the o the very image of Old Mr. Honest in Bunyan s Pilgrims an Israelite indeed, As soon as I caught sight of my aged friend, I said, Our brother who Progress.
blessin<>"
has just
blessino-
come
in will,
am
;
sure,
close the meeting

evening."
on the proceedings of
not shut
his
this
He
by offering prayer for God s stood up, but he did not pray.
but, on the contrary, he seemed to be looking lor eyes He did not clasp his hands, but put them into his pockets, and fumbled something. am afraid," I said, "that my brother did not there with much perseverance. Friend Sewell, I did not ask you to give, but to pray." understand me. Ay,
He
did
"I
ay!"
<>iven
bluff old saint, "but I could not pray till I had replied the straightforward, it would be hypocrisy to ask a blessing on that which I did not think worth
;
258
to."
C.
II.
SrURGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
;
There was not the least ostentation in the good man it was his honest giving heart pouring" out its true feeling s and, odd as his behaviour seemed, his conduct
;
preached the whole congregation such a

In
sermon
as they
would not readily

that
forget.
my
first
pastorate,
had often
to battle with
Antinomians,
is,
people;
held that, because they believed themselves to be elect, they might live as they liked. I hope that heresy has to a great extent died out, but it was sadly prevalent
I knew one man, who stood on the table of a early ministerial days. publichouse, and held a glass of gin in his hand, declaring- all the while that he was one of the chosen people of God. They kicked him out of the public-house, and when
who
in
my
heard of
it,
felt
that
"
it
served him right-
did not want any such
elect"
people there.
on,
Even those ungodly men said that they There is no one who can live in sin,
truly declare that
drinking, swearing, lying,
and so
who can
he
is
one of the
fellow,
people."
I recollect one such man, chosen people. I know that yet he had the hardihood to say,
Lord
and
I
lie
was a very bad

of
"
am one
God
dear
"So
you
are,"
said 1;
"dear
at
any
price,
it
either to be given or thrown
away!"
lie;
in
my plain speaking, but which he was one of God s dear people.

did not like
was true;
for that
was the only sense

I
From
in)-
very soul,
detest everything
that in the least savours of the
being secure in our good works, neither can we be saved without good works.
Antinomianism which leads people to prate about We: cannot be saved by or for Christ while they are. living in sin.
Christ never will
If save any of llis people /// their sins; lie saves His people from their sins. a man is not desiring to live; a hoi) liie: in the sight of God, with the: help of
the
Holy
te>
Spirit,
he
"
is still
in the: gall
of bitterness, and in
the:
bond of
"
iniquity."
used
know
the:
man
of this class,
life,
who
I
lie was notorious for his evil

faith, until
so
talked a great deal about saving faith" coulel not make: out what he meant by saving
I
how carefully he put his finger be a fourpenny should then nail piece Hut the idea of understood his meaning. saving faith apart from gooel works, is The saved man is not a perfect man but his he:art s desire is to become ridiculous. and the: day will come when he perfect, he is always panting after perfection,
collection
was taken, and

for
notice:el
le:st
it
roinul
a threepenny
fear
"
"
will
be perfected, after the: image: knowledge and true holiness.
e>t
his once crucified
and now
glorified Saviour, in
Waterbeach, I used to have a man sitting in front of noel his head when I was preaching what he con the gallery, sidered sounel doctrine, although he was about as bad an old hypocrite as ever lived. When I talked about justification, down went his head when I preached about
While
was minister
at
who would always
imputed righteousness, down

without doubt.
So
went again. good man in his estimation, thought I would cure him of nodding, or at least make his
it
I
was a
clear
C.
II.
SPURGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
"
259
head keep still for once so I remarked, There is a great deal of difference between God electing you, and your electing yourself; a vast deal of difference between God justifying you by His Spirit, and your justifying yourself by a false belief, or presumption this is the difference," said I, and the old man at once put me: down as a rank Arminian,you who have elected yourselves, and justified have no marks ol the Spirit of God yourselves, you have no evidence of genuine
;
;
"
piety, you are not holy men and women, you can live in sin, you can walk as sinners walk, you have the image of the devil upon you, and yet you call yourselves the children of God. One of the first evidences that anyone is a child of God is that he
hates sin with a perfect hatred, and seeks to live a The old holy, Christlike Antinomian did not approve of that doctrine but I knew that I was preaching what was revealed in the \Yord of God.
life."
;
There was another man, of that sort, who at one time frequently walked out me into the villages where I was going to preach. I was glad of his company till found out certain facts as to his manner of life, and then I shook him off, and believe he hooked himself on to somebody else, for he must needs be gadding abroad
with
I
lie had many children, and they grew up to be wicked and the reason was, that the father, while he was constantly busy at this meeting and that, never tried to bring his own boys and girls to the Saviour. He said to me, one day, I never laid my hand upon my children so I answered,
every evening
ol
the week.
men and women
"
;"
Then
"
think
it
is
very likely that

will
God
will
lay
His hand upon

"
"
you."
"
"Oh
he
said,
have not even spoken sharply
to
them."
Them,"
replied,
will
it
is
highly
probable that
God
speak very
sharply to
you
for
it
is
not His
that parents
should leave their children unrestrained
in their
sin."
I knew another man, in those early days, who used to travel a long distance ever\ Sabbath to hear what he called the truth." Neither his wife nor any of his
"
children went to any place of worship, and when I talked to him very seriously about the Lord would save His own them, he told me that to which I could not help
"
;"
replying that the Lord would not

statement,
so
I
"
"own
him.
"
He demanded my
If
authority for that
gave him
this
specially for those of his

infidel."
own
proof-text, any provide not for his own, and house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an
children of
One: ot his companions said to me, one day, that he knew how many God there were in the parish were he lived there were exactly five. I was curious to learn their names, so I asked him who the five were, and much to my
;
amusement he began by
I
stopped him at this point, with the query whether he was quite sure about the first one. Since then, his character has gone know not where, but certainly he will get on better without it than with it yet he was the first on his own list, and a few others of the same: black sort made
saying,
"There is
myself."
I
;
up the
five.
There were,
the other places of worship to which
he:
did not
<>-o,
,60
C.
11.
Sl
URdEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
and for spirituality and men, whose characters for integrity and uprightness, ay, with his; would have been degraded by being put into comparison prayerfulness, to know exactly how many set himself up as judge in Israel, and pretended yet Lord knoweth them that are: His. "The: in the village:. people of God were of the man have learned to have very little- respect for the: vision bless God that am glad enough but when se-e: an angel with it, with the measuring line:. When me a warrant from God, and show him that he: must
/<*
man me how he
I
see a
with
is
it,
te-11
give
to
know
ll
:
the elect by any other

their fruits shall
ye:
method than
them."
that laid
down by our
Lord Jesus Christ

I
By
know
to
young
used
for what it has done have sometimes been greatly obliged to a wicked world While 1 was Pastor at Waterbeach, a cert; inconsistent professors of religion. We thought he was a change-el character, but the church. man
joined
"to
bein the: village-,
once a year, a great temptation
in
the form
of
a least
an
when
was
the:
feast
in
the1
came round, this foolish fellow was there in very evil company. heard wh in the- evening, and when long room of a public-house-,
1
happened,
came
Why, you
to be- ashamed Spur-eon s lot, yet you are- he-re; you ought This is not Ik company for you. Put him out of the window, boys. yourself. him out of th the window on the: Friday night, and we put they did put him out of Where was door on the- Sunday, for we- removed his name from our church-book. him the- church would not haveto goto? The- world would not have him, and c he and of him had been all for the world, the world would have made something
<
in,
landlady of that place. are you and saw him there, she said, "Halloa, Jack So-and-so,
really
felt
intense
gratitude-
to
the-
are:
one- of
\\
il
had been
all
for Christ, Christ
would
have-
made
some-thing of him.
But as he
;
tried
to be- a little for each,
and so nothing
to either, his life
became
a wretched one
as
he:
The Christians walked the streets, people pointed at him with scorn. and the worldlings called fear he was thinking him a hypocrite-, as maele his name: a by-word and a proverb. had some-times to contend with the: 1 In those:
1
;
turned away,
preachers
as
early days, well as with
their people:.
company
that
of ministers and friends,

did
who
they
not believe:
"Gentlemen,
am
in the
gospel. presence of Christians?

said,
"We
the-
found myself in the midst were disputing whether it was a sin in Whilst they were
1
once:
of
men
Are you
believers
in
the
or are
because they believe not on Me believe: on Christ?" not the: damning sin of men, that they do not would be: so wicked have imagined, if 1 had not myself heard them, that any persons believe on Christ." is no sin for a sinner not to as to venture to assert that
doe-s not the: Scripture say,
you
not?"
They
are Christians, of course.
of
sin,
"it
c.
ii.
STURGEON
far
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
261
should have thought

they would not
tell
that,
lie
is
men
error.
really do.
Truth
they might wish to push their sentiments, to uphold the truth and, in my opinion, this is what such a strong tower, and never requires to be buttressed with
;
however
God
Word
will
it
stand against
is
all
man
devices.
would never invent

to believe, for
I
a sophism to prove that am sure it is. When I

that
light
I
no
sin
on the part of the ungodly not

"
am
taught in the Scriptures that

world,
is
is
come
"
into the
the condemnation, and men loved darkness rather than light,"

this
is
and when
believed
declares
read,
He
is
that believeth not
in
it,
the
name
of the
condemned already, because lie hath not only begotten Son of God," I affirm, and the Word
Surely, with
to
unbelief
sin.
rational
cannot require any reasoning
Word
of
its
Maker?
Is
it
Is it prove it. not a crime and an insult to the Deity,
and unprejudiced persons, it not a sin lor a creature to doubt the

for
me, an atom,
"
Is it not the very summit of a particle of dust, to dare to deny His Words? of Adam to God, say, even in his heart, arrogance and the height of pride for a son
I
doubt
that,
Thy grace; God, could we roll all sins
doubt
Thy
love; God,
doubt
Thy
power"?
feel
lust,
into
one mass,
could
we
take murder, blasphemy,
adultery, fornication,
and everything that is vile, and unite them all into one vast globe of black corruption, they would not even then equal the sin of unbelief. This is the, monarch sin, the quintessence of guilt, the mixture of the venom of all crimes,
the dregs of
chief
the;
wine of Gomorrah
work
of the devil.
the masterpiece of Satan, the it Unbelief hardened the heart of Pharaoh, gave license
;
it is
the
Al
sin,
to the
the
tongue of blaspheming Rabshakeh, yea, it became a deicide, and murdered Lord fesus Christ. Unbelief! it has mixed many a cup of poison it has
;
gallows, and many to a shameful grave, who have brought murdered themselves, and rushed with bloody hands before their Creator s tribunal, Give me an unbeliever, let me know that he doubts God s because of unbelief. Word, let me know that he distrusts His promise and His threatening; and with
thousands
to
the
unless there shall, by-and-by, be of the foulest and blackest is guilt} ama/ing restraining power exerted upon him, crimes. Unbelief is a Beel/ebiib sin like- Beelzebub, it is the- leader of all evil and it may It is said of Jeroboam that he sinned, and made Israel to sin spirits.
that for a premise,
I
will
conclude
that the
man
be said of unbelief that

all
not only itself sins, but it makes others sin it is the egg of in fact, everything that is evil and vile lies crime:, the seed of every offence
it
;
couched
In
in that
one word
unbelief.
striking contrast to those apologists for sin, I met in my first pastorate, as since, a number of persons who professed to be perfect, and who said that they had lived so many months or years without sinning against God.
I
have often done
One man, who
told
me
that
he was
perfect,
was hump-backed
and when
remarked
262
that
I
c.
H.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
to
thought,
if
he were a perfect man, he ought

if
"
have a perfect body, he became

"
so angry that I said to him, "Well, my friend, you are perfect, there are a great he exclaimed, Oh I shall feel it for many more as near perfection as you arc;."
"
having been betrayed into anger." Me said that he had not been angry for many years I had brought him back to his old state of infirmity, and painful as it might be for him,
I
have no doubt that

is
it
did him
ge>od
to see
himself as he really was.
thinks that he
to see.
He
it
pillow, for
of a poor boy I used had such a splendid head for his body that he had often to lay it on a was too weighty for his shoulders to carry, and his mother told me; that,
a full-grown Christian, he;
reminds
me
When whom
man
he often tumbled down, overbalanced by his heavy head. There are some people who appear to grow very fast, but they have water on the but he who truly grows in grace; does not say, brain, and are out of due; proportion Let s sing a hymn, m can feel that 1 am growing bless the; Lord Dear me
when
he;
tried to stand up,
"
growing!
is
it
m
is
a growing
,
have; often felt that

too.
If
was growing smaller

are
think
that
very probable
estimation,
to
and a good thing, because we have; a number

the;
we;
very great
in
our own
be
lance-el,
so as to let out
bre-thren
of cance-rs, or foul gatherings, that need bad matteT that causes us to boast of our bigness.
have a notion that they are going to be- pe;rfect here on should be very glael to see- them when the;y are; pe;rle;ct ami if any of them I earth. would be; happy to happe-n to be in the; position of se-rvants, wanting situations,
Our We-sleyan
give;
thc-m
any amount of
blessed
anel
wages
in
could
spare-,
for
;
should
feel
is
myself
more-,
if
highly
honoured
anel greatly
having
I
perfect se-rvants
and what
to cetme-
any
oi
them are masters,
need servants,
would undertake
anel
serve them
without any wages at all Master ever since; I first

perfect master,
I
I have had one if I coulel but find a perfect master. perfect knew the; Lord, and if I could be sure; that there is another
should be greatly pleased to have; him as an under-master, while; theOne man, who saiel he was perfect, called great Supreme- must ever be; chief of all. me; and see him, for I should re ce;ive; valuable go upon me once-, anel asked
te>
instruction from
him
if
did.
I
"
saiel,
I
have no doubt
be;
it
would
be-
so
but
should
not like to go to your house,

"
think
should hardly
"Well,"
rooms."
How
is
that
full
;
?"
he enquired.
able to get into one; of your suppose that your replied,

"I
house would be so
not like that remark
He did of angels that there would be no room lor me." anel when I made one or two other playful observations, he"
went
pc>rfe>ct
am as think, after all, We ll, friend," I saiel to him, towering rage. He denied that he was as you are but do perfect men eve;r get angry?" flash in angry, although there was a peruliar re-elne;ss about his che-e-ks, and a fiery At any rate, his eyes, that is very common to persons when they are in a passion. less satisfied much think I rather spoiled his perfection, for he evidently went home
into a
"
with himself than
when he came
out.
met another man who considered himself
C.
II.
SPURGEOX
;
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
263
perfect,
to perfection are better
but he was thoroughly mad and I do not believe that any of the pretenders than good maniacs, a superior kind of Bedlamites for, while
;
man
has
gett a spark of reason
left
in
him,
he
cannot,
unless
he:
is
the most
a
impudent of impostors, talk about being" perfect. must be insane for any man who examines himself
;
He who
for
live-
imagines such
minutes,
in
thing
the light of
(iod
Word,
will find
enough
in
thought about being perfect in blind people, and when 1 hear

others
1
heart to drive from him any shadow of a have little; patience with such wilfully this world.
his
I
own
of
some who
arc-
said
to
be perfectly holy, and of
who are utterly foolish, think the two classes are wonderfully alike. I have met with a few people who seemed to me almost perfect, but they have been the while those; with very ones who have groaned most over their own imperfections whom 1 have come; into contact, who have professed to be holy and without blemish,
;
have been the most imperfect individuals
have ever known.

I
My own
find in
experience
is
a daily struggle with the evil within.

;
wish
could
myself something friendly to grace but, hitherto, I have searched my nature At one time, there through, and have found everything in rebellion against God.
comes the torpor of sloth, when one ought to be active: every moment, having- so much to do lor God, and for the souls of men, and so little time in which to do it. At another time, there comes the quickness of passion; when one should be calm
and
cool,
there;
and play the Christian, bearing with patience; whatever has to be; enelured, come the unadvised word and the rash expression. Anon, am troubled with
I
conceit,
the devilish whisper,
can
call
it
no
le-ss,
"I
low
we:ll
thou hast done!

foul
The-n nobly thou hast playeel thy part!" faithless, suggesting that God does not regard the:
pose;
How
crawls
affairs of
I
out
distrust,
and
on
I
my
be-half.
if
e-t,
what would
s
not give:
el
if
times,
all
think that,
I
(iod
people: me-ntione
in
the-
men, and will not inter Some might but be perfect OKI and Ne:w Testaments had
!
should have despaired; the kind of faults I grie-vc: over in myself,

faults,
been perfect,
but
but, because: they see-m to have:

I
had
just
do not
fee-1
any more
le-nie-nt
towarel
my
elo re:joice:
that
also
may
say with e-ach of them,
"The:
Lorel will perfect

eloubt,
pe-rle-ct
that
whiYh
concerneth
me."
He
my
will
pe-rfection
my
faith,
my
fully
1
letve-,
hope:,
most assuredly, beyond a He will ami e:ve:ry grace:.

1
bring to
His own
purposes;
soul.
He
I
will pe-rfect
His promises,
He
will
pe-rlert
is
my
body, and
pe;rlect
my
While:
am
persuaded that
fe:el
pe:rlee:tion
absolutely impossible to any
man
bene:ath the sky,
certain
bette-r,
beyond a doubt.
equally sure- that, to e;very be:liever, future: perfection is The- day shall come- when the Lorel shall not enily make: us
;
but shall make: us pe-rfeelly pure: and holy when He- shall not merely subdue our lusts, but when He shall cast the: ele-mons out altogether when le: shall make: us
I
;
holy, and
unblameable,
anel
until
unreprovabk:
we:
in
II is
sight.
That day, however,

are:
believe, shall not
come
ente-r into the:
joy of
our Lorel, anel
glorified
264
together
\vith
C.
If.
Sl
URCKOX
AUTOIUOCRAI
till
IIY.
Christ
in
Heaven.
of
Then, hut not

Ilis
then,
shall
He
present us
"faultless
before the presence
glory with exceeding
joy."
going about the Cambridgeshire villages, preaching and visiting, me to see, especially in the houses of the poor, Roman CatholicI pictures hanging on the walls, suppose, because they happened to be rather pretty, and very cheap. Popish publishers have very cleverly managed to get tip
I
\\hile
\v;is
it
olten saddened
pictures of the \ irgin

all
sorts o!
at
low
I
Mary, and the: lying fable of her assumption to Heaven, and of and saintesses and being brightly coloured, and sold saints legends these vile productions have been introduced into thousands of price-,
;
houses.
have, seen,
to
my
horror, a picture of
Cod
the
Father represented as
yet the
picture
is
an old
man,
in
conception almost
Fnglanel
likeness or
too
;
hideous to
mention,
hung up
us not to
in
the cottages of
whereas the Lord has express!} commanded

I
image of lim, or to try to represent Ilis appearance any way, and any attempt to do so is disobedient and even blasphemous. It was grievous also to find what gross ignorance prevailed among many of the; villagers concerning the way of salvation. They seemed, somehow, to have got into their heads the notion that they could not be: saved because they could not read, and did not know much. asked anything about personal salvation, I Frequently, when
I
make any
received the answer,

be:
"
Oh,
sir,
never had any learning
a sufficient excuse for not having repeated of sin, Yet the: unlearned need not stay away from Christ. It was
philosopher, that he wrote over his door,
"None
and that was supposed to and trusted in the Saviour.

"
saiel
of an
olel
Creek
;"
but the learned

"
may
enter here
let
but Christ, on
in
hither."
I
the;
contrary, writes over His door,
He
that
is
simple,
him turn
the Saviour
can testify that great numbers of those humble country folk accepteel invitation, and it was delightful to see what a firm grip they afterwards
of
had
I
of
the:
ve:rities
the faith
many
if
of them
became
perfect masters in divinity.
used to think, sometimes, that

ofte:n be;
would
at
they had degrees who deserved them, diplomas transferred, and given to those who hold the plough-handle; or work
s
the carpenter
bench
for there
is
often
more
divinity in the;
little:
finger of a
"
Don t ploughman than thc:re is in the whole body of some; of our moelern divines. someone asks. Yes, in the letter of it; but as to the the:y understand divinity
?"
spirit
and
life:
of
it,
D.l). often
that
I
means
Dour.r.v
at
DKSTITUTK.
\Vaterbeach
furnished
An
family,
lor
incident
once
witnessed
me
with
an
illustration
concerning death.
to
company
of villagers, the younger branches of a
were about
emigrate
to
another land.
The
ageel mother,
who had
I
not
some years left her cottage fireside, came to the railway-station from which they must start. stood among the sorrowful group as their friend and minister. think
I I
see the
many embraces which
the fond mother gave to her son and daughter, and
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUToniOGRArnv,
265
her
little
grandchildren
can picture them folding their arms about her aged neck,
and then saying farewell to all the friends in the village who had come to bid them A shrill sound is heard it sends a pang through all hearts, as if it were the; adieu. In household. messenger of death to her who is about to lose the props of her
;
the passengers are hurried to their seats great haste, at the small village station, the aged parent stands on the thev thrust their heads out of the carriage window There is a take her last look at them. very edge of the platform that she may In an instant, the poor woman, whistle from the engine, and away goes the train.
; ;
all her might crying, "My jumping from the platform, rushes along the railway, with I and shall never see them are children gone, My children My children They
! !
again."
The
it
illustration
may
not
be
classical
but,
nevertheless,
have been
by many a death, when I have seen the godly suddenly snatched They have; gone from us, swiftly as the wind itself could bear them, or as the: away. It is our affliction and of our sight. hasty waves of the sea could bur}- them out
reminded of
trouble that
they are gone beyond recall It is but a departure the picture. they are not yet there: is something pleasant in tis they are not taken away to prison destroyed they are not blown to atoms are blessed. live still but a departure from one place to another. they They still
for
; ;
; , ; ;
we must remain behind and weep,
While we weep,
praise
;
they are rejoicing

in
and, by-and-by,
lor ever.
-,
God
we mourn, they are singing psalms of good time, we shall meet them again, to be parted
;
while
no more
w
in
-.
There was an amusing incident

never forgotten.
Waterbeach ministry which I have One day, a gentleman, who was then mayor of Cambridge, and
my
early
who had more

had
told
than once tried to correct

that,
if
my
"
youthful mistakes, asked

told
me
if I
really
my
congregation
pockets.
a thief got into

I
Heaven, he would begin picking
the angels
"Yes,
sir,"
replied,
them
that,
if it
were: possible: for
an ungodly man to go to Heaven without having his nature changed, he would be: none the better for being there and then, by way of illustration, I said that, were a thief to o et in. amonoo the cdorified, he: would remain a thief still, and he would
;
>
ge>
<">
"
round
the:
place picking
the angels
"
pockets
But,
my
dear young friend,
asked Mr. Brimley, very seriously,

pockets?"
"No,
sir,"
"don t
you know
that the angels

"I
haven
that
I
;
replied, with equal gravity,

fact
did not
know
t any but I
am
I
glael to
be assured of the
it all
from a gentleman
I
get."
care to put
right the
first
opportunity
will take who does know, The following Monday morning,

"
walked into Mr. Brimley

sir,"
day,
"
"What
What did you

"
next.
Oh,
sir,
Why, about the angels pockets! of despair at what he might hear almost a tone say made a mistake I just told the people I was sorry to say that I had
"
"
shop, and said matter?" he enquired.

s
?
to him,
set that matter right yester
he asked,
in
2 66
C.
II.
SPURGEOX
;
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
I
the last time
preached
to
them
but that
that
ambridge, what I had

<
who had assured me

said, as
I
had met a gentleman the mayor of the angels had no so I must correct pockets,
leaven.
did not want anybody to go ;iw;i with a false notion about y would therefore say that, if a thief got the among angels without having
"
changed, he would try to steal the feathers out of their wings Surelv, did not said Mr, Brimley. you say that? did, though," I replied. "Then IK; exclaimed, ll never try to set you right again," which was just exactly what I
"
his nature
"I
,"
"I
wanted him
a
to sav. J
I
Once, while
was
;
at
\Vaterbeach,
Sabbath afternoon
those afternoon services
had a sleepy congregation. It was on in our Kurdish villages are usuallv a
doleful waste of effort,
Roast beef and pudding lie: heavy on the hearers souls, and is deadened in his mental processes while digestion claims the of the hour The mastery people had been eating too much dinner, so thev came to and and before long many of them were dull, chapel heavy So I tried an
the preacher himself
nodding.
old expedient to rouse them.

\\ hen, starting
shouted with
from their seats, some of
my
my might, "Fire! Fire! Fire!" hearers asked where it was, answered,

all
I
"
as other preachers
had done
in similar
circumstances,
In hell, for sinners
who
will
not accept the
Saviour."
another occasion, I had a trouble of I had (|uite a different character. on the preached Sunday morning, and gone: home- to dinner, as was my wont, with one of the congregation. The afternoon sermon came so close behind the
*-"*
On
mornin<>-
prepare the soul, especially as the dinner was a necessary but serious inconvenience where a clear brain was a careful measuring required. of diet, I remained in an earnest, but, to my dismay, I found that lively condition the pre-arranged line of thought was gone from me. I could not find the trail
it
I>y
;
one, that
was
difficult to
prepared sermon and press my forehead as might, the missing topic would not come. Time was brief, the hour was striking, and in some alarm I told the honest farmer that could not lor the life of me recollect what I had intended
of
my
to
preach about.
for
us."
"Oh
!"
he
said,
"never
mind; you
will
be sure to have a good

fell
word
Just at that
moment,
a blaxing block of
wood
out of the
fire
upon
the hearth at
my
"
feet,
smoking
s
"it
into
my
eyes and nose
at a great rate.
"There,"
said the farmer,

fire?
No,"
there
a text for you, sir, Is not this a brand plucked out of the was not for it fell out of itself." thought, plucked out, Here,
and a leading thought as a for more. Further light came, and the discourse was certainly not worse than my more effusions it was in better the best sense, for one or two came forward prepared themselves to have been and converted through that afternoon s aroused declaring sermon. have always considered that it was a happy circumstance that I had
text,
however, was a
an
illustration,
nest-eg<>-
forgotten the text from which
had intended
to preach.
c.
H.
26
(The following is a facsimile of Mr. Spurgeon s Outline of the discourse that came to him in this singular manner. In this instance, the notes must have been The numbers at the foot of the Outline mean that the written out afterwards. service at Waterbeach, that Sabbath afternoon, was the 41 2th time that Mr. Spurgeon had preached, although he was then only eighteen years oi age, and that he took
the
same subject again
at six other places.)
s*
JYAuz^
^V*-*^^
-Ti&M
CHAPTER
fffiemorahle Satires aixrau
XXIV.
from
TER
had been preaching at Waterbeach for about a year or so, in I was invited to conduct anniversary and other special services On several occasions, I had very curious ex various places.
I
periences.
in
One
early
eccentric individual, days,
whose acquaintance
Brown,
in
"the
made
oi
those
was Mr.
Potto
miller
Houghton."
He
asked
me
I
over to preach
felicitous
his
chapel, and
from Saturday night to Monday morning misery of being his I can tise no other term to describe the strange mixture of emotions that I guest, felt while under his roof. Nothing of special interest occurred the first night, but
had the
when
the following morning, Mr. Brown said to me, "We always the phosphorus provide two eggs for the minister s breakfast on Sunday morning in them feeds the brain, and it looks as though you will need plenty of mental
I
came downstairs,
nourishment
to-day."
I
made no
my
time,
and when
Mr. Brown preached in There during the day expect. After the morning, a neighbouring minister in the afternoon, and myseli at night. host s house, and had taken supper, the good man leaned we had returned to
;
did open were three services
bide reply to this remark, thinking it was better to not he did as a broadside fire, to give him such
my
and the fingertips of each hand touching, "O Lord, we thank Thee for a good clay all and began to soliloquize aloud: In the morning, Lord, Thy unworthy servant was privileged to speak in through Thy name, with some degree of liberty, and he hopes also with some measure oi In the afternoon, a worth}- brother preached a good, acceptance to the people. sound, solid, gospel sermon nothing very brilliant but, still, likely to be useful.
back
in his
easy
chair, with his eyes closed
ran over even-thing and a regular steam-engine, Then, opening his eyes, and looking across at me, he began a dialogue everybody." which, as nearly as I can recollect it, ran as follows
In the evening,
Lord,
we had
Brown.
Young man, whoever persuaded you

sir,
that
you could preach

to
this
?
I
Spurgeon.- I believe, found a good many people

B.
S.
that the
Lord
called
me
work, and
have
who
are of the
same
?
opinion.
How long have you been a minister A little more than twelve months.
2/O
I).
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
How many
None,
sir.
?
souls did you save, last year?
S.
-None
no souls saved.
You have been You ought to
a minister twelve months, and yet there have been be ashamed to confess it though, if you have
;
preached the same doctrines as you gave: us te)-night, no souls have been saved.
S.
I
I
am
I
not surprised to hear that
did not say that souls had not been saved

to
said that
did not save any.
Lord has saved some through my instrumentality. I). -Most of your brethren would have said, humble instrumentality," when, all the while, they were as proud as Lucifer. But that is only the common ministerial
that the
"
am happy
know
cant; you
S. B.
S.-
knew
well
enough what
I
meant.
Well,
how many wen. converted?
Twenty-one, How often do you preach ? Three times on the Sunday, and once
in
believe,
sir.
in
the.
week, at Waterbeach
and
nearly every night

B. \\ e will
the
week somewhere
else.
service s
let
only reckon the Sunday morning and evening sermons; afternoon never save anybody, the people; are too slee py to liste-n afte-r elinner. So,
;
us say, a hundred and lour sermems, ar.el twenty-erne semis saved that is eightythree sermons wasteel Indeed, we might say, a hundred and three, for the whole:
!
live:
twe-nty-one souls might just as at Wate-rbe-ach ?

S.
we:ll
have-,
been saved
unele-r
one sermon.
Do
yem
No,
sir;
live:
at
Cambridge,
whe:re:
teach in a school.
B.
at
Oh, then
!
preaching
\\
you are only an apprentice: boy at pre:sent, just trying your hand Your ministry is a sort of off-hand farm, to be: cultivates! at e)del
;
times.
S.
!>
hat salary do your people: give you /,45 a ye:ar.
Oh, that accounts

that
is,
for
everything!
the:
Souls can
be:
save:d
it,
ye:ar
of
course
where:
people:
can afford to pay
under /,ioo a and that amount
is little
enough
advice:.
for
any minister.
ll
Well, now,
my young
;
friend, let me: give

it
you a
bit
of
goe>d
You
never make a preacher
so just give:
up,
and
stick to
your
teaching.
and prophecy, he used waggishly to say, "Ah! there s no knowing how much good a man may do by a little no doubt my sharp speech put em your me:ttle." That timely correction was really the case, though not in the: sense he meant. I soon discovered that he was a rank Arminian, and whe:n he attae:ked the Calvinism that was dear to me,
in
When,
after
years,
reminele-d
him of
his
aelvice:
ye>u
se>
I denounced his system e)f eloctrine: as being we>rthless theology. used to give his money to different Missionary Societies according
found that
he:
to the
pmportion
C.
II.
SPURGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
271
of converts they reported as brought to the Lord at the lowest possible cost! He would take the various Annual Reports, divide the amount expended by the number ot additions to the churches, and then subscribe the most where the amount per head was the least There was a modicum of truth at the back of what he said
! ;
shocked by the way he talked about conversions being dependent upon money contributed, so 1 spoke out my opinion as freely as he did his, and gave him a Roland for his Oliver without the slightest compunction. It was a battle but royal, and both the old gentleman and the prentice boy grew sufficiently warm
but
I
was
really
the;
no scars remained on either combatant.

to
"
On
the
Monday morning, Mr. Brown walked
Huntingdon with me; in loving conversation, and afterwards sent me Haldane s Life" as a present, with his sincere regards and I, whom he had horrified with his
;
doctrinal statements, felt an inward
drawing towards the

t.j
bluff heretic.
No
doubt he
purposely put forward his most outre views of doctrine on that occasion to draw out the. but he youthful preacher, probably intending to set him right on many points
;
had an unpromising pupil

or
to
deal with,
one who had no fear of Potto Brown,
Professor Linney, or any other Arminian, before his eyes, but held his own opinion with a firmness which interested and did not displease the good but eccentric miller, who had usually dealt with softer material when criticizing the
young gentlemen who preached
in his
chapel on Sundays.
Another singular character with whom I ministry, was old Mr. Sutton, of Cottenham.
heard that
I
became
He
acquainted had never seen
earl)-
in
my
me, but he
anniversary sermons.
was a popular young minister, so he invited me over to preach his I was in the. vestry of the chapel before the morning service, and when the aged man came in, and saw me, he seemed greatly surprised to find that I was so young. After gruffly exchanging the usual greetings, he remarked,
;
have asked you here;, had I known you were, such a bit of a boy. Why, the people have been pouring into the place all the. morning in waggons, and he added. 1 More fools they said, dickey-carts, and all kinds of vehicles
1
shouldn
"
sir, I suppose it will be so much the better for your anniversary; still, I can back as easily as I came, and my people at Waterbeach will be very glad to see go me." said the old pastor now you are here, you must do the best you No, can. 1 here is a young fellow over from Cambridge, who will help you; and we
"Well,
"
"
no,"
expect much from you;" and thereupon he paced the room, moaning out, what a pass the world is coming to when we get as preachers a parcel "Oh, dear! of boys who have not got their mother s milk out of their mouths
shan
"
was
in
I
due time conducted

suppose, ready
to
to
the stairs,
go on with the service
the pulpit, and the old minister sat upon in case I should break down.
After prayer and singing, I re;icl, Ironi the Book ot Proverbs, the chapter containing \\hen had gone: so tar, the words, "The hoary head is a crown ot glory."
I I
stopped,
and remarked,
a hoary head,
"
doubt
it,
tor,
this
very morning,
civility
if
met with a man

the
who has
of
yet he has not learnt

finished
said,
"that
common
"
to his fellow-men."
in
Proceeding"
with the reading,

"Ah
!
the
s
verse,
it
be found
way
a hoary head would then righteousness." for of so would a red head, or a head ot the matter be a crown of glory, and, that, could, and as any other colour." I went on with the service and preached as best
1
another thing
the pulpit, Mr. Sutton slapped me. on the: back, and exclaimed, I have been a minister nearly forty years, and I was never Bless your heart! but you are the sauciest dog that ever better pleased with a sermon in all my lite
I
came,
down from
"
the chapel, he kept on going across 1 the road to speak to little, groups of people who were discussing the service. like in and think that knew it all to never heard him say, my life; anything
barked
in
pulpit."
All the
way home from
"I
had a good time for the rest of the best day, the Lord blessed the Word, and Mr. Sutton and 1 were: ever afterwards the
I
should have talked
to
him
as
did
\\ e
of friends.*
I never forget Mr. Sutton s description of a sermon he had preached trust they will remain as had the notes of the: discourse from his own lips, and
I
shall
and never be preached from again in this world. The text was, "The nighthawk, the owl, and the cuckoo." That might not strike anyone as being exceedingly And not so strike me, and there-fore 1 innocently enquired, it did rich in matter
notes,
"
what
were: the:
heads?"
He
re-plied
most
"
archly,
leads? why, wring the birds
He: necks, and there: are; three directly. the night-hawk, the owl, and the: cuckoo. showed that these birds were all uncle:an uneler the: law, and were: plain types of
Night-hawks were persons who pilfered on the: sly, also people who adulterated their goods, and cheated their neighbours in an underhand way
unclean sinners.
As for the owls, they typiheel drunkards, rogues. who are: always liveliest at night, while by day they will almost knock their heads There were owls also among professors. against a post because they are so sleepy.
without being suspected to
be:
he only looks big because he a very small bird when he is plucked wears so many feathers so, many professors are all feathers, and if you could take
The owl
away
is
their boastful professions, there
would be very
little:
left
of them.
Then
the
whenever they open cuckoos were the church clergy, who always utter the same their mouths in the church, and live on other birds eggs with their church-rates and The cuckoos were also, I think, the free-willers, who were always saying, tithes.
note:
* In Mr. to this day Spurgeon s second volume of Outlines, there is the following note evidently referring joined the church at Cottenha:n through the sermons on Sabbath iyy."
s
services
"
Three
C.
r
"
IT.
SrURGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
2/3
?
Do-do-do-do."
\\ as
it,
not this rather too
much
of a good thing
at all
Yet, from the
man who
delivered
the discourse would not
seem
remarkable or odd.
The same venerable

original
brother preached a sermon equally singular, but
far more,
and useful
:
those
from
this text
"The
slothful
who heard it will remember it to their dying day. It was man roasteth not that which he took in hunting." The
"
good old man leaned upon the top of the pulpit, and said, Then, my brethren, he was a lazy fellow!" That was the exordium; and then he went on to say, "He went out a-hunting, and after much trouble he caught his hare, and then was too idle to roast it. lie was a lazy fellow indeed!" The preacher made us all feel how
But, then, you are very likely quite do You hear of a popular you just the same. minister coming down irom London, and you put the horse in the cart, and drive ten or twenty miles to hear him and, then, when you have heard the sermon, you forget to proht by it. You catch the hare, and do not roast it you go hunting after the truth, and then you do not receive Then he went on to show that, just as meat needs cooking to prepare it for assimilation in the I do not think he
said,
ridiculous such idleness was,
and then he
for
"
as
much
to
blame as
this
man,
it."
bodily system,
used that word, though, so the truth needs to go through a certain process before it can be received into the mind, that we feed thereon and may grow. lie said he should show us how to cook a sermon, and he did so most He beo-.-m
instructively.
as the cookery books do,
gospel
for,
sermon."
Then
catch your hare." he said, "first, get a he declared that a great many sermons were not worth hunting
First,
"So,"
"
and that good sermons were mournfully
scarce,
and
it
was worth while

Then,
to
distance to hear a solid, old-fashioned, Calvinistic discourse.
after the
go any sermon
had been caught, there was much about it which might be necessary because of the preacher s infirmity, but which was not profitable, and must be put away. Here he enlarged upon discerning and judging what we heard, and not believing- every word of any man. Then followed directions as to a sermon run the of
roasting
it
;
spit
round upon the roasting-jack of meditation, before the fire of a really warm and earnest heart, and in that way the sermon would be cooked, and ready to real nourishment. I am yield spiritual
it
memory through
from end to end,
turn
only giving just the outline of the discourse, and though it It was laughable, it was not so esteemed by the hearers.
1
may
full
look somewhat
of allegory
and
kept up the attention of the people from the beginning to the end.
Well,
"
my
dear
sir,
how
are
you?"
was
"
my
"
salutation to him, one morning,

I
pleased to see
feel
you so well at your

failing at
like
age."
Yes,
am
in fine
order for an old
man, and hardly

for years to
myself come, and that,
all."
Moses, you
will
hope your good go down to your grave with your

s
health will continue
,^4
C.
II.
SPURGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
"
and your natural force eye undimmcd,

gentleman,
"but,
unabated."
All very
fine,"
said the
old
went up
vcr y
to
it
?
talking about
I
Moses never went down to his grave at all, he of all you have been and, in the next place, what is the meaningsaid suppose, Why did not the eye of Moses wax dim ?
in
the
first
place,
"
"I
sir,"
mr ekly,
"that
his natural
mode
of
life
and quiet
spirit
had helped
to preserve
his
faculties,
that s
whole
"but and make him a vigorous old man." "Very likely," what s the meaning, the spiritual teaching of the not what I am driving at Moses is the law, and what a glorious end of this? matter? Is it not
:
said he,
just
the law the
Lord gave
it
on the Mount of His finished work

!
were
God s mouth sleep with a kiss from the law no more condemns us is not because its eye or because; its force;, with which to curse and punish us,
all laid to
sweetly its terrors and, mark you, the reason why is dim, so that it cannot see our
;
how
is
abated
but Christ
sins,
has taken
it
up
to the
Mount, and gloriously made; an end
oi
it."
Peace to his Such was Mr. Sutton s usual talk, and such was his ministry. of sheep for between lie was a quaint old man, who, after being a shepherd ashes. became a shepherd of men for a similar period and he often thirty and forty years, The deal more sheepish than the told me that his second Hock was
;
first."
"a
converts,
who found the road to Heaven under his when we remember them, we are; like; those who saw
;
so many that, preaching, were the lame; man leaping after
^he
to criticize, but "beholding heard the word of Peter and John they were disposed and John, they could say nothing the man that was healed standing with Peter
against
In
it.
the
w ho, when
commencing
beginning of my preaching experience, took the- service; for him, would persist
there; in
was a dear good man

announcing the hymn
That was
to
be sung with special reference
to
me, and at
"an
first it
was
for
all
very proper,
things
;
for the veteran saint
as might well regard me the country to preach ten years later, when 1 went down into was still the same hymn to be sung before my sermon,infant"
in spiritual
but,
him
again, there
Mighty God
May
while anin ls bless Thee, an infant lisp Thy name?"

!
And when
long
life,
was
I
and
and the venerable man was near the close of his forty years of age, I still had to join the went once more to help him by a sermon,
"
congregation
in
singing
bless Thee, Mighty God! while angels
May
an infan
lisp
Thy name
"
C.
il.
SPURGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
2/5
thought that I was rather a largish choose my own hymns.

I
infant,
and
felt
that
would have preferred
to
another occasion, the minister of the place where I was preaching would out the hymns, and the hymn-book in use was that one give by Dr. Watts in which there are first the Psalms, and then Books I., I II., and III. of Hymns. had selected a hymn out of one of the some mistake the minister divisions, but
On
by
had
turned to the wrong part of the book, and before he had discovered his error, he was read in g"VVhen
the Eternal
visit
bows
the skies
earthly things, With scorn Divine lie turns His eyes From towers of haughty kings.
"
To
He
bids His awful chariot roll Far downward from the skies, To visit every humble soul \\ ith pleasure in His eyes."
I.)r
Ihose who are familiar with the hymns of

begins
Watts,
know
that
the
last
verse
and when the minister had read these two lines, he said, felt hymn." that, under the circumstances, the hymn
1
*
"We
won
to
sing this
ouofit ^
be
sunoc?
or we will not have you please, sing hymn any at all if we do not have that one." So the minister shut up the book, and went on with the sermon. I had fixed upon quite a different subject for my discourse but when such a challenge was given to me, I felt to compelled change my theme, so I announced as my text, I will have mercy on whom I will have mere} and 1 will have compassion on whom 1 will have compassion. So then it is
said,
II
so
we
ivill
that
"
not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy," and from those words a discourse full of good sound doctrine, preached sixteen ounces to the pound, which filled with delight the hearts of all the brethren and sisters who loved the marrow and fatness of the faith which some call Calvinism, but which we trace back to our Lord Himself and His
I
apostles.
In
shire,
my
early ministerial clays,

I
where
I
was baptized.
it
was
Aldis,
think
was, preached in
to preach at Islehatn, Cambridge conduct the morning service my Brother the afternoon and then I was to take m\ turn
to
;
was invited
again in the evening. a congregation, that
never forget
it,
I should draw went and borrowed the largest chapel in the place. I shall they because I preached that morning at eleven o clock to seven persons
!
The people
at
Isleham had such a belief that
C.
II.
SrURHEOX
;
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
I
That was
all
the people
had
and
remember how
told
them
that they
reminded
me
of the
;
way ducks
will
act
heads
duck never goes through it without putting his head twenty feet high, but a So I said to the people, of the door down, for fear he might possibly hit the top borrowed that bigYou were so afraid of your place being overcrowded that you Well, being there, I resolved that I would preach that for seven people!"
they
do
it
when they go through a doorway, they always lower their even when they are going in or out of a barn. The entrance
!
may
hi,
chapel
morning
The brother, the congregation was so small. very best, although how you did it you were who took the afternoon service, said to me, I can t think if you had had the place crowded." as earnest, and you preached as well as ^Yes," it full in the that was the only way to make sure of getting I I thought replied, make the greatest that I would lay out all my guns, and evening so 1 determined decent those few people." In the afternoon., we had a very possible impression upon and fifty; but when I preached audience of, perhaps, a hundred or a hundred room in the place. Though I did not compliment at night, there was not standing if I had not the crowd, yet I could not help saving that, myself upon gathering 1 should not have had the best to the seven people in the morning, preached at my first service went away, and at night, lor those who were there at the large company and so induced main- others to come out in talked about how well they had got on,
at
my
"
"
the evening to hear tor themselves.
CHAPTER XXV.
later
Smnoncttcs.
it
HERE
still
are probably lew,

in
mentioned
living,
any, detailed records of the services the preceding chapters, and the number of persons,
"the
who were among
must be continually diminishing. preaching would be necessarily very incomplete

of time.
It is,
first hearers, boy-preacher Even their reminiscences of his

s"
atter
s<
>
great a lapse
therefore, a
happy circumstance
that Mr,
Spurgeon
considerable portions ot the discourses that, in those early days, were the means ot winning so many souls for the Lord Jesus Christ. The manuscripts are by no means full reports of the young Pastor s
first
was moved
to write,
and then
to preserve,
but they tell what were they are Sermonettes rather than Sermons, the subjects brought before the notice of the villagers who crowded "the little thatched chapel at \Yaterbeach, and they also show how the various topics were
utterances,
"
Following the arrangement adopted in Chapter XX., one Sermonette \ I., and VII., with the inscriptions written given from each ot the Volumes \ the betanninoO O and end ot the earlier books in the series.
handled.
.,
is
at
Volume
"
V,
commences
"
thus,
26,
i
Feb.
853.
you."
Jehovah
It is
jireh,"
am
ever with
"
better to trust in the

better to trust in the
Lord than Lord than
to put confidence in to put confidence in
man."
"
It is
princes."
Underneath thee are the everlasting arms. Never have I sought in vain.
OUTLIXE CCXLIII.
"
CHRIST OUR SURETY

.
Be
surely for
122.
7 hy
ot
scri
ant for good
let
not
tlie
proud oppress
this
text.
mc.^-
Psalm
i
cxix.
he 22nd verse
Hebrews
vii.
supplies a
comment on
These
are
is
only two places in Scripture in which a surety between God and man mentioned but though spoken ot sparingly, it is none the less important.
the
;
I.
CONSIDER WHEREIX CHRIST
is
A SURETV.
C.
11.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
II.
III.
I.
WllAT 111- KNGAGEI) TO DO AS A SURETY. WllAT MEXEKITS KLOW To US THROUGH
IS
SURETYSlIir.
that
CONSIDER u\ WHAT SENSE JE.SUS is A SURKTY. 1. Not for His Father, to us, for God is so true, His word and oath so firm, we need not wish for a Surety and, indeed, it would not be: an assistance: to
;
our
faith, since: he:

2.
who doubts
the:
Father would doubt the Son.
He- is not bound to see that we perform our as promising in our behall. obligations, for He: knows well enough that we could not pay a farthing o! our debt
Not
God, even it we would. our Surety by taking 3. But He is stead, promising to do what we: ought
to
all
our
ele-bts
upon Himself,-- standing
in
our
to
have done.
We will illustrate this subject from instances in the world. A son, about to set Charge the goods to my up in business, has little money but his father says. account let him have them, but senel me the bill, I will be surety for its payment."
"
A
pays
poor
man
is in
prison for debt, and must continue to

like
lie
there unless
someone
it for him. in, philanthropist, loose his prisoner, and accept himself as surety for the debtor. Damon is in prison, condemned to die but he wishes first to see his children.
;
John Howard, comes
and bids the creditor
His
friend, Pythias,
is
chained
in
his
place,
and engages
to die
in
his stead
if
he
does not return at the appointed time.

II.
CHRIST ENGAGED TO DO AS A SURETY. Not more than He could do, for He is God.
will do,
WHAT
Not more than He

1.
for
He
is faithful.
He
but
He
2.
has promised to render to the law perfect obedience. has taken it away, cancelled it for ever.
This was our debt;
has promised to satisfy justice for our debt of punishment. Just as Paul wrote to Philemon, concerning Onesimus, "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee
ought, put that on mine account,
all
He
....
will
repay
it."
This Christ has clone
for
believers.
3.
has engaged to bring all the elecL home to glory. Judah said he would had to be responsible for bear the blame if he diel not bring Benjamin back. Jacob the sheep of Laban. So Jesus is bound by covenant to save every believer.
He
III.
1.
WHAT
ULKSSIXGS FLOW TO us
THROUGH CHRIST
SURETYSHIP.
us to
Complete pardon, for the punishment of our sin has been transferred from Him, and we are reckoned as if we had ourselves endured the full penalty of
our
guilt.
2.
Complete
Christ.
justification.
What
Christ does for us
is
counted as
done by
ourselves, so that
we
are
now
considered as sinless,
and acceptable unto
God by
Jesus
C.
II.
SPURGEOX
AUTU1510GRAP1IV.
279
lor
3.
Freedom from
;
fear,
a settled peace.
lor
\Ve ha\
is
no ground
is
despondency
or terror
4.
no
baililf
can arrest us now,
our debt
fully paid.
Everlasting security.
foolish
Our whole indebtedness
gone, and
we
are sale
for ever.
dangerous to delay, lor death niav come, and God demand His due, and we shall have nothing with which to pay our debt! A life of holiness cannot pay it. Tears, groans, and prayers cannot paxnot to seek this Surety!
it.
How
How
An
eternity of
woe cannot pay
it.
Faith looks to Jesus as Surety, and desires no other means ot payingTrust Him, then, and you are iree lor ever.
the;
debt.
Lord, aid
me
-,C
%?
of (Inscription at the end
Volume
;
The Lord
that
is
is
?
my
I>anner
why am
feariul xvhen
God
furnishes
me
with
all
needful
of (Inscription at the beginning
Volume VI
:-
O
spring.
Lord,
<>-ive
but ever o
am entirely dependent on Thine me to drink ol Thy iountain, and

* *
aid
to
Do
not cut off the supplies,
guide others to the

*
is
same Divine
=;:=
OUTLINE CCCXI.
r
"
CHRIST
PRECIOUS.
i
u/o you therefore ivhicli believe lie

ot
is precious."I
Peter
;
ii.
7.
it
This was the theme

noxv,
the
lirst
sermon
and
ever preached
hope
is
my theme
;
and ever
shall be,
living, dying,
glorified.
This is one of the: texts from which everyone imagines he could preach but which, for that very reason, is all the more difficult to preach from to your satisfaction. Hoxvever, if the Good Spirit will apply to your hearts my few homely
thoughts, your being satisfied will not matter. PRECIOUS PEOPLE. I.
Here we have,
A A PRECIOUS CHRIST. A PRECIOUS EXPERIENCE. III. A PRECIOUS PEOPLE.

II.
I.
Not
Lord
not
so in themselves, but quite the reverse yet they are so in the eyes of their and Saviour. They are His special favourites. They are His crown jewels.
;
They
It 13
are
all
believers,
whether they have great
faith or little faith.
They
Christ.
are
mere repeaters of
creeds, but true, hearty believers in the
Lord Jesus
only these precious people
who
are able to see the preciousness of Christ
Can a child know how precious indispensable to the enjoyment of Christ. is Does the beggar in the street gold before he has been taught its value? appreciate a picture by Raphael, or can the ignorant rightly estimate the value of
is
1-aith
learning-
Faith, eyesight of the soul, whereby it discerns spiritual beauty. is the mouth which relishes sweetness. Heavenly God has made iaith the mark of His precious people-, because it is a grace which greatly exalts God. and, at the same time, abases the creature. Precious are God s people, elect, redeemed, guarded, fed, nurtured, and at
is
raith
tlie
last glorified.
II.
PRKCIOUS CHRIST.
is
\\hat need
Christ
1.
there
lor
me
to
enlarge here?
We, who
believe,
know
that
is
precious.
My
I
Christ
is
more; precious to
live in
me
than anything that
my
;
fellow-creatures
have.
dainties.
not, for
I
earthly see others with great riches are afraid of losing what they have, yet they are after more. they groaning They have many cares through their wealth, and
; ;
palaces, sit on thrones, wear crowns, and feast on have heard of Alexanders, Xapoleons, and Qesars but I envy them Christ is more precious to me than all dominion.
I
see
some who
but Christ is better than all earthly riches. they must leave it all one day Shall I give up Christ lor gold? Xo, for Christ is more precious to me than uuilth could ever be,
they long for knowledge, they toil that they may heavens, read the lore of the ancients, dissolve survey minerals, &c., but Christ is better to me than learning.
;
Some men have

earth,
noble minds
the
measure the
Others pant
in the
for fame. to
shall
;
be forgotten, save by the few whose steps

I
guided path vie than fame.

2.
Heaven
but
weep
not at that, for Christ
is
more precious
to
more precious than anything I myself have. fireside, and feel a comfort in them, yet, if called to suffer banishment, I have a better home. Christ is better to me than home. If I have mother and father, or faithful friends these I value, and relatives, too. Tis a bitter pang to lose them, but Christ is better than relatives or rightly,
is
He
If
have a home and a
He is my Husband, my Brother, my Lover. Jncnds. I have health, and that is a precious jewel. Take it away, and pleasures lose: their gloss but my Jesus is mine still, and lie is better than health ; yea, life itself
;
is
valueless in comparison with
Him.
consider the glory of His nature, the excellence of His character, the greatness of His offices, the richness of His gifts, surely He is indeed precious.
I
When
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
281
III.
PRECIOUS EXPERIENCE.
to
Merely
1.
say that Christ

it
is
precious,
is
nothing
but to
know
that
He
is
precious, to feel
in truth,
is
even-thing.
2.
3.
The self-denials of missionaries, The sufferings of martyrs, The deathbeds of saints,

of.
all
spoken Have iv e felt it? If so, may we once more ever with the taste of this honey in our mouths,
clear
attest the reality of the experience here
feel
it
at
to feast
His table Oh, to live even on the name of our

!
Redeemer
precious One, help
Help
Help
OUTLINE CCCXXVII." PRAISE YE THE

"
LORD."
Praise yc the
LORD.
cxlviii.
Praise yc the
i.
LORD from
the heavens
praise
Him
in
the heights^-
Psalm
Having once and again exhorted you to the most excellent work of praising God, it may seem unnecessary to mention it again. Vet. it is most probable that some of you have neglected the duty and if you have not, you will find your soul still prepared to hear more on the subject, that you may rise to higher flights and more animated strains. There are two places where we can praise God, in Heaven and on earth.
;
1 here are two great ways ot praising God, by song and by service. I. Ox EARTH, WE HAVE TWO WAYS OF PRAISING Goi), BY SONG AND BY SERVICE. i. By song. Almost all great events have been celebrated in song poets have
;
employed
way. next to the Bible, sings of the ten years siege of Troy.
the mighty
"Arms
their
utmost
ability in this
One
of the oldest books in the world,

Virgil, the
almost equal of
man." The taking of Jerusalem, the Homer, sang, of notable and even the sinking of ships, America, discovery births, great battles, have found poets to celebrate them.
and the
In early times, the wily priests called in music and poetry to aid in their false Whether or Bacchus or Baal, worship. Moloch, Venus or Thammuz, Dagon Jupiter
or Neptune, was worshipped, hymns or jxeans were chanted in their praise, makingvalleys and mountains ring with the heathen melodies.
Nor has
upon
says,
"
the cross,
I
am
offspring of Heaven, whose life-blood came from Christ refused to employ poesy in the worship of the great Jehovah, who God, and there is none else." In our days, the poet of the sanctuary
true religion
puts into our
mouths
his simple yet

"Behold
harmonious
strains.
Sometimes, we
sing,
the glories of the
Lamb
!"
282
C.
II.
Sl
UKGKOX
ArTOUlOGkAI
-
llV.
At other times,
filled
with holy rapture,

"Wliat
we
sing,-
equal honours shall
we
bring
!"
or,
thou<>
in
lowlier notes,
we
or, to
;i
solemnly gTuncl tune, we

1
sing,-silence, all created

things."
Keep
Our
Wesley,-
friends
opposite (the \Vesleyans) have the

Hark, the herald angels
]c.<u,
warm and
fervent strains of
sing."
lover of
my
soul."
"Oh,
tor a heart to praise
my God
!"
Then we have Doddridge
singing,
"Jesus,
I
love
tis
Thy charming
a
name."
"Grace
charming sound
Sometimes,
"All
hail the
power
of Jesus
name
!"
Then, John Xewton the African blasphemer, who was converted, while standing at the helm of the ship in a storm, as he recalled a text his mother taught him, leads us in sinmn<r,O O
rises
loftily
to a
noble tune.
"How
sweet the name of Jesus
sounds!"
"Sweeter
sounds than music knows,

in
Charm me
"When
Immanuel
name."
any turn from Zion
way
;"
or his companion, the amiable, tender, loving

"
Cowper,
d with
sings,
There
is
a fountain
fill
blood;"
or,"God
movc-s in a mysterious way His wonders to perform."
Toplady, strong
in faith, sings,
"
debtor to mercy
alone."
"
Jesus immutably the same
"
or,
"
Rock of
Let
ages, clelt lor me,
me
hide myself
in
Thee."
But why enumerate when we all have a large store of sacred poetry, dear to us even If we go back to the times of the from childhood, and treasured in our memories?
old Conventiclers second Reformation, we find the Covenanters in Scotland and the ever iond oi of England, under such men as Baxter, Pumyan, Cameron, &c., &c., first Reformation, Luther s hymns and ballads pro hymning God s praises. In the: Look on tomes to help forward the good cause. bably did more than his massive \Vait but here and there: a cottage can be seen. yon Alpine sleeps and vales, where In to the God of Heaven. awhile, and you shall hear the songs of praise ascending of Philippi heard the voices of Paul and Silas praisingthe
apostolic times,
God
prisoners Paul and James agree midnight. Himself sometimes joined with His apostles
at
in
in
advising us to sing
and our Lord

Elizabeth
singing a hymn.
Mary and
sang praises unto God. Go back to the age of the prophets, and see how often their inspired writings Retreat still further till you come to the golden age of psalmody. are songs. Solomon and David especially are full of praise to Jehovah.
"
Bless the Lord,
O my
soul
"
"
Make
a joyful noise
unto the Lord
all
ye lands
"
\Yho can forget the song of Deborah, or the song of Moses? believe that, long ere their day, the sons of God, in their meetings
"race
">
\Vho does not

at the
throne of
unto saiv praises i

>
God
believe, with Milton, that in

fallen
we songs were heard than any that

praise the
2.
garden sublimer Let us, then, beings can even imagine.

s
Eden
Lord by singing.
that they
By service, we may praise God as much as by song. Our common duties should be done in such a manner
spiritual worship.
may become
Sabbath and
Then
also
there
is
the temple worship of the
Lord
house on
the
performed by the above all, by tract-distributor, the Sunday-school teacher, the minister, the deacon all these are who risks his life for his Master s honour and service the
charity,
liberality,
on week-days. Then, acts of
and holy labour
for souls,
missionary
praising the
other, let
all
Lord as they minister unto

of us
Him
in
various ways.
In
some way
or
who believe in Jesus serve our God right heartily. Let us be since like the woman who anointed Christ with the precious ointment, loving much, we have had much forgiven. Ix HEAVEN, THE SAME TWO MODES OE PRAISING GOD ARE EMPLOYED. II. \\Y ever done. i. By son*. The: angelic hosts praise Him now as they have read that these: sons of God shouted for joy on Creation s morning and they still The saints now- add their notes, and a prodigal returns. praise the Lord whenever what angels cannot sin\ how Immanuel, God with us, suffered and died for How sweet their voices, how matchless their tunes, how glorious the melody them.
;
sino"
to
to
to
24
How
C.
II.
il LKXiLO-N b
ALTOIJiUUKAi in
magnificent the Heavenly concert will be when all the ransomed throng at once shall sing unto Him who loved them, and washed them from their sins in His own blood
!
2.
By
service.
Even
in
the garden of Eden,
Adam
had
to
till
the ground
and
Heaven no idlers are to be lound, all there are employed. Some are ministering spirits, some attendant angels, some are studying the perfections of Deity, and others
in
are iraming music to His praise.
we wot
of.
God, who makes

for
work together
Let
us,
the
more to do with us than and work together in harmony, and things work, II of is chosen good people, will not leave 11 is noblest
They
have, doubtless, far
all
creatures unemployed.
and service below, that soon begin so?i worship on high with a sweeter so?ig and nobler service.
then,
we may
continue our
(The above was the 6ooth discoursf delivered by Mr. Spurgeon. preached at Waterbeach in the course of his last year as Pastor
there.)
It
was
CHAPTER
XXVI.
(OiUmpsrs of (sst): anti Camlrabgcsljire life, I85a,

I a little season amongst the lowly. It has been my privilege and joy, sometimes, to tarry for have had a seat given me in the chimney corner, and, by-and-by, as the time to retire for the night Now, sir, will you kindly read for us to-night, dre\v nigh, the good man of the house has said to me, And I have noticed the faces of the little group around me, as I have read some as you are here even to such as are of a clean heart." Then I have portion like this, "Truly, God is good to Israel, will not lead you in prayer this time; you must be priest in your said to the lather of the family, So the good man has prayed for his children, and when I have seen own house, and yourself pray. them rise up from their knees, and kiss their parent for the night, I have thought, "Well, if this is the kind of family that the religion of Jesus Christ makes, let the whole earth be tilled with His glory. blessedness and for the eternal happiness of man, let God s Kingdom come, and let For the
?"
"I
present Us will be done on earth even as
it
is
-lone in
Heaven."
C.
II.
S.
\VAS
in the year 1853, when delighted, one Sabbath evening to see driving from the village where I had supplied for a minister, in one place a father, with four or five little ones about him, sitting
He had a large on a small plot of grass before the cottage door. Bible on his knee, and the children also had their Bibles and he
;
in the midst was holding his finger up, with all solemnity and It was sacred truth. earnestness, in simple style endeavouring to enforce some a road but little frequented on the Sabbath-day, and I should hope that scarcely a there on the holy day of rest, saving the gig or rattliiv rumblinoO noise was heard }
the place of his labour, or other vehicles carrying bearing the minister to and from It appeared almost a sacrilege to drive devout worshippers to the house of God. a pity to break it seemed although I was returning from a sacred errand,
by,
the spell even for a moment, and to take the eyes and the attention of the little ones little further was a house which had for an instant from such sweet employment.
a small
;
open, so I could see that no one was but there stood a chest, and on it lay a Bible of the largest kind, and on the inside floor below was a cushion which still bore the impress of knees which, I trust, had
workshop adjoining
it.
The door was
been bent
in wrestling prayer.
Perhaps a mother had there been begging

;
at the
or possibly, some son, in the souls of her dearly-beloved children answer to that mother s prayer, had been secretly pouring out his heart, and crying for from the hands of God. Yet once more, I saw a little girl spelling over to her
Redeemer s hands
mercy
and I felt constrained to pray that the parents the words of the Book of Truth, titles clear to mansions daughter and the lowly pair might all be able to read their
in
the skies.
have seen
hills
and
forests,
vales
and
rivers,
fine
buildings and
286
c.
H.
STURGEON
I
AUTOBIOGRAI
IIV.
romantic ruins, but never, never have

nor more sublime.
seen a sight more simple, more beautiful, Blest households, of which these things can be written May
!
you not be solitary instances, but may God raise up thousands Household piety is the very cream of piety. There
like
is
unto you no place in which

!
religion so sweetly opens all its charms as in the: family gathered round the hearth. \Yho does not admire the house where, at the hour of prayer, all are assembled, and
the head of
and then
all
household reads from the sacred page the Word of Inspiration, on bended knee seek for a blessing on themselves that day, or in joyful
the:
strains give thanks to
dispensed? Who, day is a round of duties begun and ended without one prayer to God, no place where all may come together in supplication, and feel as one, no way for the
manifold mercies so freely and so constantly on the other hand, can refrain from pitying the family where the
for the
Heaven
I know the parent to express his thoughts of love for the souls of his offspring ? sweetness of kneeling at eventide beneath the paternal roof, and hearing my father Lord, we bless Thee that our son has again returned to us in health and say,
"
praise Thee that we now meet Oh, our God, we beg most earnestly of Thee that we may all meet around the: throne in Heaven, not one being left behind The father s words are all but choked in their utterance whilst he weeps tears of joy to think that his
strength
and, after an absence from each other,

circle.
we
an unbroken
"
God, and the mother sobs aloud, and her tears are falling, big with gratitude, that once more she is kneeling beside her son, the delight of her eyes, whilst the whole tribe are around her secure: from death and ill.
lirst-born
is
walking
in
the
ways
of
pity the wretch without a chair or bed on which to rest his
weary limbs
fire
is
pity
the miserable: creature:
who
shivers in the wintry blast, and finds no
to give the
needed heat
but
altar,
pity far
more
the:
homeless creature
Half
for
he
truly homeless,-
thehappiness is absent where this is but this is no form. despise unmeaning formality, neglected. Spoiler, lay not thy ruthless hand on this most sacred thing Rather let the queen of night forget to rise with all her train of stars than that family devotion should even begin to be neglected.
I
!
who
has no
no family prayer.
The
glory of Britain is her religion, and one of religion s choicest treasures is the Christian home. Who is so foolishly alarmed as ever to suppose that an invading
host
w ill ravage our

7
fair
tis
shores
true,
when
the whole land
is
studded with
castles,
not
but yet with places where the God of Jacob dwells, a Go invader, go, the prayer of house around, glory in the midst ? holds will blow thee adown the white cliffs of Albion like chaff before the wind
with turret towers,
residing as a
fire
!
The
and
flag of old
England
it
is
nailed to the mast, not
by our
sailors,
but by our
God
there with something stronger than iron, He has nailed it with the prayers of His people, the fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters, with whom He delights to dwell. the tents of Jacob arise the fairfooted sons of Zion,
He
has fastened
Fmm
C.
II.
SrURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
tidings of great joy,
287
who on
praise
the mountains stand declaring

is
good
and from these
tabernacles there
a host, glittering and white, gradually gathering
who
continually
God and
the
Lamb.
the two following letters show that Mr. Spurgeon (The foregoing paragraphs and even oftener, was preaching in his native county of Essex twice, if not thrice, or He had treasured, among his most precious papers of those during the year 1853.
a view to inclusion in his Autobiography, this characteristic early "days, evidently with
epistle
from his venerable grandfather
:-
"
Dear Charles,
"
our exchange
so,
that we hope nothing will occur to prevent just write to say If on Sabbath, the i4th of August. Will you come by Broxtccl ?
I
^
have hardly made up my mind I to Stambourne. your Uncle will bring you but my whether I shall drive through, or leave my pony at my son Obacliah s; As you ought to be on intention is to be at Waterbeach on the Wednesday. don t you stay on the way, and as so many want to see as well as hear you, manifested to me the last time I was with had too much
my
account.
your good been for some days, very poorly. shall soon be all right once: more.
respect doubt no so they will gladly receive people,

I
me
again.
am, and have
...
must
if this was always the case, it is to wish to be free yet how natural should become cold, careless, glued to the world,it would IK: bad for us, for we would arise within us. But our Saviour s declaration pride and self-righteousness In the world ye shall have tribulation forth, and cannot be recalled, has
!
ought But from them

I
of God, I hope, by the blessing to expect pains and aches now
gone
in
"With
Me, ye shall have peace. kind love to you, in which

"
all
here,
if
they
knew
was
writing,
would
unite,
Believe
me
"
to be,
Your
affectionate grandfather,
"
-Stambourne,
2753.
"
J-
SPURGEON."
N.B.
Some
people do not date their letters

* *
I
;
do,
and think
*
it
quite
right.")
Mr. Spurgeon wrote, to one of his uncles at Stambourne, This communication is interesting, not only the letter printed on the next page. but also because of its faithful reference to the ordinance of believers baptism,
(Two months
later,
C.
II.
SPURGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
from
its
revelation of the intense longing of the either at home or abroad.

jord
young preacher
the
to
be doino- more
Verily,
ardently desired, was preparing- him for the wide sphere of service which was so soon after to open up for him.)
Holy
Spirit,
whose comino
"
9,
Union Road,
"
Cambridge,
"
;<
My
AT
Dear I
"I
Sep. 27/53.
ncle,
and
writing to you just at this time baptizing service on October 19, and I should be so glad to see his Master in the water. I am almost afraid to mention the *t people should charge me with giving it undue prominence if they will I can bear it for my Master s sake. I know you love my Jesus he mention of His name makes the tear rush to your eye, and run down your Better than wife or child is our Beloved can
;
-
have two or three reasons
for
We
you
sing,
Yes,
Thou
art precious to
transport and Jen-els to Thee are
My
my
;
soul,
my
trust
And
"
gaudy toys
gold
is
sordid dust.
You can
lift
your eye
to
Jeer
;X cIaim,
Heaven, and, on your bended knee, before the presence Lord, Thou knowest all Thou knowest that things
"
of
I
act
forHi m
one eas
HHSfîS^SE
tlTriStaeTs
"T
"PP!*
the
-^ J^n,,-no ô
commands me
to hold
e
trifle
with co nvkt"ons o!
:hrist
up
my
little
finger,
and
C.
II.
SPURGEOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
go
it looks like a coolness in my love to Him and I feel assured that should sustain loss by the neglect. I will not press the matter as one in authority I only beg of you, as a friend and a dear friend, as well as a loving relative, not to forget or trifle with the commands of One dearer still to me.
;
do not obey Him,

I
preach at Stambourne and neigh utmost not on the Sabbath, but all the I have a good sphere of labour here, but I want to do more, if possible, [here is a great field, and the labourers must work with all their I often might. wish I were in China, India, or so that I Africa, might preach, preach, preach all It would be sweet to die day long. But want more of the preaching. Holy I do not fed enough no, not half Spirit -of His Divine energy. enough, Come Then men must be converted then the wicked would Holy Spirit, come repent, and the just grow in grace.
the;
;
with regard to coming for a I am yours to serve to bouring villages,
Now
week
to
come, I shall not mind preaching two evenings in Stambourne if you cannot get other convenient places and I should love to have some good, thoroughlyhot prayer-meetings after the services. wish it were possible to two preach places in one. evening, but I suppose time would Con hardly permit me to do that. sult the friends, send me word, and I am man. your
"It
at"
As
baptized.
to the books,
you had better bring them yourself when you come to be Mr. Elven, of Bury, is going to preach the sermon forme; and, as we
.
,
have not many candidates this time, we shall all the more value your presence cross that out, becauseyou do not come, you MUST, then send the books when you can. I left some tracts in Mr. HowelFs should be
"If
I
y u wil1 scc after

][
it
I
thcm
if
you go
all
to
Hedingham.
come.
obliged should like to go there, too,
gig.
impossible), Churchman, and though I firmly believe some of them are tottering! enough to prop them up by my wrangling with thcm. My best respects and regards to Aunt, Uncles and Aunts, cousins, grand father,- -Mr. Unwin, Will Richardson, and all the good people in Stambourne, not
have written, if you like, for truth is truth, it;- still, I think you had much better not, for it is not at all he will ever likely change an opinion so long rooted in him, and it is never worth while f r lls to mention it if it will I wish to live in only irritate, and do no good. unity with every believer, whether Calvinist, Arminian (if not
I
even
show grandfather ^You may

he cannot receive
if
Independent, or Wesleyan I do not like them well
excepting yourself.
"
am,
"
Yours most
"
truly,
If.
C.
STURGEON."
ogo
C.
II.
Sri RC.KON
AUT(
JliKX .RAl IIY.
(The
to
"Will
Richardson
Spurgeon, and the friendship between them was continued
whom
C.
11.
here mentioned was a godly ploughman, at Stambourne, while" living at his grandfather s, was devotedly attached
"
in
after years.
The
:
first
"
volume
of
I recollect Street J nlpit contains the following reference to him who was deeply taught, although, he walking with a ploughman, one day, a man would make a great deal better preachers and, was a
The
New rark
ploughman
if
"
really,
ploughmen
than
many College gentlemen,

you or
I
and he said
to
brother,
too high.
ever get one inch above the just that inch as This was a favourite; utterance; of the good man, appears from the.
Depend upon ground, we shall get

:
me,
it,
my good
brief sketch of
him written by Pastor
j.
C.
Houchin
"When
former Pastor,
came to Stambourne, one, of the old men who had overlived their and whose grey hairs adorned the table-pew of the old chapel, was
P>ible
He was William Richardson, a farm-labourer, and a man of clear and strong mind. and hymn-book, and he had a heart able, to read, so as to make fair use of his
knowledge, of the; gospel. Will, and that Will used to like;
felt
It
is
to
seen walking up and down the field Richardson had a reputation "Will
was very fond ol talk with the boy, and that the two have been together when Will was following the; plough.
said that
Master Charles
for
what they
call
cramp"
On one; twenty years ago. for the. young minister, just settled in the; neighbourhood, had occupied the; pulpit he was met at the; foot of the; pulpit stairs day, in exchange; with the- present Pastor,
which used
to be; retailed in the; village
many ot occasion, when a

sayings,
by Will, who, shaking

stiles to ge;t
turne-el
"
his hand, said,
Ah, young man, you have, got a good many
over
but
it
be;fore;
you get
into Pre;aching
Road
Will spoke
the;
truth, as
it
e>ut,
was
pre-tty straight hitting.
and giving glory to God, Visiting him, one day, and finding him full of faith, on my expressing a strong desire for fellowship with him in those; experiences, he remarked that, whe;n the; sun shone and the; be;es we;re at work, if there was
,
honey and had observed that, be; be;yonel all doubt ami
whe;n
tale-nts,
in
one
ske-p, there was

if
enough
to
till
another.
Some; friends had
visite:el
him,
with his experiences, they should and he; replied that God only gave these great things fear His former gifts hael been maele good use of. quoted the parable of the
they were blessed

;
ami
he; said,
That
is it.
"Will
was wont
estimation,
one-
to say,
Depend upon
it,
if
we
get one; inch above the ground
in
our
"
own
we
1
get just that inch too high.
found him excessively weak, but quite sensible, anel he; Don t we; read of one of old tried in the fin; ? said, quoted the passage;, and he He then said that he had felt the two armies of the That is gold indeed. replied, as lively in him now as when he was well and about in the world, flesh and the
occasion,
I
On
spirit
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRArHY.
2QI
and that he was disappointed and grieved to find it so, as it gave the enemy his chief So Satan had laid all his sins for years past before him, and insinuated advantage.
1
I was enabled to say to Hut, said \Yil1, and and what lie has (iod, gracious holy put into my heart, He will not take away any more and He has put loye into my heart; and if He were to send me to hell, must loye Him And I told him not to say any more to me
that they
must end
is
in
his destruction.
him,
"God
still."
about
my
sins,
but to
pardoned, and made His

such a message.
die in the
Lord."
Lord about them; for lie knows whether I be I be a He could not carry hypocrite." Then there seemed to come a strong voice, which said, lie shall
"go
to the
child,
cr whether
"
And
oh,
the
peace-
and the
joy,
nobody!
Oh,
that
!
His dear name was known and loved by every person

in
cannot describe; to you nor all over
the whole; world

"My
last visit,
July,
1870, four days before
his
death,
showed the
ruling
He: was quite sensible, and after sayings to be: strong in death. conversation, I took up the: Bible, anel, opening it at the seventeenth of John, I commenced reading, when he shouted aloud, Oh, that is my blood horse ! I said,
passion for
craiup
What
elo
you mean?
anel
it,
he replied,
can ride higher on that chapter than on

for the last
time.")
any other.
So
reael
anel
prayed with him
(The
uncle
referred to
in
the following playful note, has kindly sent
it
for the
Autobiography, with another anel longer letter which appears in Chapter XXX., so that, clearly, he was living at the: time: it was written, although he had not answered his nephew s previous communications )
:
"
No.
60,
Park Street,
"
Cambridge,
r
>
^53-
"
My
Dear Aunt,
"Can
I
you kindly inform me: whether Mr. James Spurgeon, Junr., of the have written two letters to the said parish of Stambourne, Kssex, is yet alive? gentleman, anel, as he: was a particular friend of mine begin to feel somewhat
,
anxious seeing that I have had no reply. has le-ft, any letter directed to me, I shall
same.
"
If
you should
feel
find, among the papers hemuch obliged by your forwarding the
When
if
was
I
last at his
house
1
,
he was extremely kind

I
myself that,
or,
il
should ever have occasion to ask a favour,
me, anel I ilattered should not be- relused

to
like
1
elenieel,
it
would
be: in
so kinel a
manner
that
it
would not look
neglect.
If
he
is
alive,
and not gone beyond the
seas, please to give
him
my
kinel love the first
2 c)2
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
time you meet him, and

he:
tell
it
cannot write.
Should
suppose; he must have gout in his hands, so that turn out that it is so, keep all wines and spirits iroin
him
him, as they are bad things lor gout} lolk and be so good as to foment his hands with warm water boiled with the; heads of poppies. By this treatment, the; swelling
;
a pen in subside; and, as soon as he is able, if you find him at all tractable, put his hand, and make; him write his name, and post it to me, so that I may be: sure: he
will
is
alive.
"
Ah,
tis
sael
thing people
is
will
get gouty
We ll, poor fellow, he was not the- worst that eve-r gone. as the Irishman said, hoped lived; I felt sorry to part from him the last time, and, the were lie: was dead. that me know let have: at rate, thought you he would, any when times house: several have seen you at his most likely person to know him, as me know how the lei line to me: a send will trust you have: been there. just I
But pe:rhaps he
1
poor fellow
"
is,
if
alive at
all.
\\ ith
best love to you ami
the-
liul<-
ones,
"
am,
"
Yours
"
truly.
1
CIIAKLKS
1.
SPUKGKLLV
CHAPTER XXVI
last Icar at
^
I)
1.
TOatttelj mib
;
RIGHT
amongst singly, was the Walerbeach Baptist Chapel
constellation of Jubilee celebrations has risen on our age: them, as one star in the: galaxy, too small to be recognized
Jubilee.
The
year 1853
small spot surrounding beheld the: grass ol fifty years growing the meeting-house where a crowd of willing worshippers often
in the-
assembled
should not be unknown to
in the-
memorable days of my
the
first
pastorate.
he village
that
after
I he-
lame-, tor
in
records of
the-
Baptist
Church prove
Waterbeach his gilts as a minister of Jesus, between the- hours of College duty. riding over from Cambridge: by stealth house: still stands in which lie is saiel to have commenced his labours
Rowland
Hill
first
exercised
as
preacher.
shire,
Long
before that
the:
time:, the:
sainted
llolcroft,
the apostle of
at
Cambridge
had
in
ejected by
Act of Uniformity from

this
village-,
his
living
Bassingbourne,
founded a church
in
as
in
many
others around.
in
When
the:
confined
Cambridge Castle for thewho allowed him by night

the:
truth
sake,
he;
obtained favour
eyes
of his jailor,
ordinances of our
light awoke:
morning
boisterous times, has
passed through rough sits at the helm.
Waterbeach, where- he preached and administered Lord to his little: band oi followers, re-turning always belore Since then, the little vessel, launched in his slumbering foes. It has been safely steered by its Captain even until now. waters and fierce storms but it still lives, thanks to Him who
to visit
;
(The following hymns, composed by the young

beach jubilee services on Lorcl
s-clay, June; 26th,
Pastor,
:
were sung
at the
Water
1853
Tin:
If
ONE REQUEST.
I
now may speak, to my God And make one short request

but one favour
I
It
might seek
best.
Which
esteem the
II.
Sl
UKCEoN
.U
<
>i;i<
H iUAI
V.
would not choose

I
this earth s
!
poor wealth
melts away would not seek continued health

Io\v
it
soon
A
I
mortal must decay.

;
would not crave a mighty name
Fame
Xor
l
;
but empiv breath. would unê a royal claim

is
I
or
monarchs bow
to death.
would not
bci^ for sinful sweets

in pain.
Such pleasures end
Nor should
ask
lair
learning
vain.
seats
Love absent, these are
My
1
heart would choose with jo\, hy in-ace, Thv love, to share his is the sweet which cannot
dod,
my
cloy,
And
this
my
I
portion
lair.
M.MANUEL.
a load ol
.sin,
When
\\ \\
once
mourned
ielt
hen conscience hen

all
wound
within,
When
1
on
my my
works were thrown awav, knees knelt to pray,

I
hen, blissful hour,
learned
Thy
love,
remembered Immanuel
!
well,
\\ \\
hen storms of sorrow toss
hen waves
ol
care
my around me
soul,
roll, flee,
When
Y\
comforts sink, when jovs shall

shall iâpe for
hen hopeless ûlfs
me,
One word
1
the tempest
s rajê shall quell.

!
hat word,
Thy name, Immanuel

{
When
\\ \\ \\
shame, hen loes pour scandal on my name, hen cruel taunts and jeers abound,
hen
"
lor the truth
suffer
bulls of
Bashan
"
<_nrd
me: round,
Secure within
my
(
tower
>Tace,
111
dwell,
!
That tower, Thv
Immanuel
(J.
11.
Sl
URC.KO^N S
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
lifts
2C)"
\VluMi hell, enraged,

\\
up her
roar,
hen Satan stops
my
path before,
When When
fiends rejoice,
and wait
my
end.
legion
el
hosts their arrows send,
Fear
not,
my
soul, but hurl at hell
Thy
battle-cry,
Immanuel
I
When down the hill of life go, When o er my feet death s waters llow, When in the eleep ning flood sink, When friends stand weeping on the brink, mingle with my last farewell,
I
I ll
Thy
lovely name,
Immanuel
When tears are banished Irom mine eye, When fairer worlds than these are nigh, When Heaven shall my ravish d sight, When shall bathe in sweet delight,
fill
I
One
joy
all
joys shall far excel,

face,
To
see
Thv
Immanuel
At our Waierbeach prayer-meetings, we used sometimes

uuerances from certain of the brethren
once heard
a.
to
have:
very quaint
who
led the devotions of the assembly.

"
poor man
offer this
singular supplication
for
Lord, watch over these
young people during the least watch for them as a cat watches
Thou knowcst, Lord, how their enemies Some ridiculed the form oi the: petition, for mice." but it appeared to me: to be natural and expressive, considering the person who When it was known that was coming to London, was made the ^resented it. One: queer old man offered a very of many remarkable requests.
time,
I
I
subject
extraordinary prayer tor me.
did not understand
it
at the time,
and
hardly think
I
he ought
"to
He pleaded that might be have prayed it in public in that shape. It was a very strange prayer; but swallow bush-faggots cross-ways." able have often done: just what he: asked that might do. and it has cleared my throat and there is many a man, who cannot now speak out boldly for God, wonderfully and to have: some of those: bush-faggots thrust do\\n his throat who will be
to
I
obliged when those great troubles come, and he
is
compelled
to
swallow them, then

the:
he
will
grow
to be: a
man
in
Christ Jesus,
in his
who
will
proclaim with power to others
truths
he has
tried
and proved
own
experience.
c.
ii.
STURGEON
Another of my country brethren prayed

bleating o f the
sheep;"
lhat
I
might be
could not
1
"
delivered from th e
and, lor the
life
of me.
it
make
out what
quite understand it now might H vc abo ve the fear of man, so that, when ome persons said to me, - low much we have been edified to-day I might not be pulled up; or if another said, How dull the discourse was to-day!" I might not be depressed. There is no leader of the (lock who will not
;
am
he
not sure that he understood the Lord that

I I
himself, but
!"
<
delivered
from
occasionally wisn to be
the
bleating
of
the.-
sheep,
for
they
bleat
is
it
such
different
j
tunes
n
There is some old bell-wether, perhaps, that and one is apt to be troubled about it; but
I
is
not going to be influenced by the way these sheep bleat Tarn set to lead them rather than to let them lead me, and am going to be guided by something far more reliable than the bleating of the sheep, namely, thcT voice the Great Shepherd." soon found that the best way to be delivered from o f the was to seek bleatingto be filled with the sheep of the Good
1 1
Now,
am
not bleating a great
thc
to
thing-
spirit
Shepherd.
(On page 229, there Spurgeon at \Vaterbeach

Pastor of the
ministry
:
is
the
the
Outline of the first Sermon preached by Mr. a, c his notes of his following Sermon as
/W
little
village church
which had been so greatly increased under
his
OUTLINE
"T/iou
(VTLXV.
-Ji-:srs
.
SAVES FROM SIN.

lie .hall save 11 is people
their
sins"-
As
this
name J/-SVS for Matthew 21. was my first text in \Vaterbeach, so,
call //is
i.
shall
from
one with which
close
my
us.
Alpha and Omega with

I.
by the help of God, it shall be the stated ministry among in order that you, Jesus may heLet us speak of-
Till-:
GLORIOUS NAME.
II.
llIE
III.
I
WONDROUS SALVATION. TllE IJLESSED PEOPLE.

"
ME GLORIOUS NAME: the Saviour." Jesus, or Joshua, men, who had borne this name before, Joshua the son of Nun, and Joshua the son of Jozadak, were both types of Christ.
Two
Joshua, the son of Nun,
Fought
for Israel,
and overcame.
He He
them through Jordan. divided their inheritance for them.

led
II.
SI
UKCIEON
AUTOlUCXJkArilV.
297
Joshua, the son
ot
|ozadak,
Resiored the priesthood, and

Rebuilt the temple but how much greater is our Joshua, Jesus, the Sou oi men did, and far more, lie has done: in llis glorious work II. Tin; \\oxi)Rors SALVATION.
;
God
ol
All that these

liis people.
two
saving
lie
The salvation Jesus wrought ior Ih s people: is salvation Irom sin. From the result of sin, -the anger of God, death,- hell, loss 1. who trusts in Jesus is pardoned lor all his ollences against God. 2. From the O uilt and charge of sin, so that we become innocent in
<>
ol
Heaven.
the
sii>hl
*^>
ol
*~~>
God, yea, and even meritorious through the righteousness is instantaneous, perfect, unalterable, and brings with it
right only belong to perfection.
ol
all
Jesus.
This
justification
the blessings which by
There is in each ol us our original depravity, the very being of sin. and our acquired habits, but these the Lore! graciously lakes away and puts in their
3.
From
new
is
place a
nature,
and holy desires leading
to holy acts.
This
a gradually progressive work.
These three things
God
will
not justify
must go together. pardon, justification, and sanctilicalion, an unpardoned or unsanctified sinner at the last.
is
Oh, how glorious

III.
this salvation
My
soul, often
muse thereon
of
all
Tin: liLKSSKI) PEOPLE.

at
first,
Xot known
but mingled with others;

in.
some
countries, ranks, and
characters, shall be brought

1.
The marks by which
they
are-
distinguished are
2.
A A
sincere desire alter Heaven.
devout
seeking"
for
God.
3.
Diligent labour to find the
way
ot
salvation.
4.
5.
Great abhorrence
of
sin.
Sense
ol
personal nothingness.
reliance on Jesus.
6.
Humble
And
CII
now,
my
Father,
to
make Thy
mine
Gome,
Father,
servant mighty at last to wrestle with sinners assistance, by the ever-blessed Spirit, for JESUS
!
lUST S
sake
Amen.
of Cambridge, to come to London, 1 went one day into the library he librarian noticed a very fine statue of Lord Byron. Trinity College, and there looked at it said, did as was directed, and as said to me, "Stand here,
Before
left
sir."
"What
here,"
a line intellectual
countenance!
What
a grand genius he was!

statue."
I
"Come
said the librarian,
"and
look at the other side of the
said,
"Oh
(<
"
SlTRCKOx
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
Deity."
\vh;iL
demon
There stands the man who could defy the

leer
He seemed
I
to
have such a scow! and such a dreadlu!
on his
in hell,
lace-,
as Milton
in
would have painted

Heaven."
"
upon Satan when he away, and asked the

1
said,
"
Better to reign
"
than serve
turned
think the artist designed this?" Yes," he wish -a "he to said, picture the two characters,- -the great, the grand, the: almostsuperhuman genius that Byron possessed, and yet the enormous mass of sin that was
librarian,
in
Do you
his
soul."
wild in his
blasphemy?
ever any man a verse of his which just tells us what he felt in his heart he wanted ol sinful pleasure, but here is his confession,
vices? Was ever sinner more ever poet more daring n his Was flights of fancy? more: injurious to his fellows? Vet what did Byron say? There: is
in
Was
ever libertine more free
his
Was
the
man had
all
that
Net he found
red with
it
;
it
not. lor
he had no rest
till
in
(iod
sick
;
Ik: tried pleasure
till
his
eyes were
he tried vice
his
body was
and he descended
into his
grave
premature old man
was asked to give an address at the annual meeting of the year 1853, School Tnion, m the Guildhall of that town There were two Cambridge Sunday other ministers to speak, both of them much older than myself; and, as a natural
In the
1
consequence,
that occasion, but

1
was called upon first. do not now recollect anything that said on have: no doubt that spoke in m\ usual straightforward fashion do not think there was anything in my remarks to cause- the other speakers to turn
I
upon me so savagely as they

gathering.
eliel
when
it
came- to
the-ir
turn
to
aeldress
the-
large:
in
One
ol
the-m, in particular,
his observations,
specially as a climax, regard saying that
referring to
it
was very personal ami also most insulting my youth, and then, in what he- seemed
the:
to
was a
practice
of tarrying at Jericho
till
pity that boys did not adopt their beards were grown be-fore
Scriptural
they tried to
those:
instruct their seniors.
Having obtained
the chairman
tarry
at
permission.
reminded
the:
audience that
who were bidden

made- to
to
Jericho were:
not boys,
but full-grown men, whose:
oil by the-ir enemies as the- greatest indignity they could be ami who sulle-r, were, therefore, ashameel to re-turn home- until the-ir be-arels hael I added that, the: true grown again. parallel to their case could be lounel in a minister who, through falling into open sin, hael disgraced his sacred calling, and so needed lo go into seclusion lor a while until his character had been to some extent restored. As it happened, I had given an exact description of the man who had attacked me
beards had been shaved
C.
II.
all
299
who were present, and knew the circumstances, would be the; more likely to remember the incident. There was in the hall, that who felt so Mr. George Gould, of Loughton, evening, a gentleman from Essex,
so unjustly,
and
for that
reason
deeply sympathetic with me in the trying position in which I had been placed, through no fault of my own, and who also was so much impressed by what he had
heard
tin:
th.it,
in shortly afterwards, meeting

the;
London
old
Mr.
Thomas
Olney, one
ot
deacons of
church worshipping
in
New
try to secure
my
services as a supply for
Park Street Chapel, he- pressed him to the vacant pulpit, and thus became, in the
to the metropolis.
hand of God, the means of mv transference from Cambridgeshire
which
he night before he came to London, M he h;ul composed, to the ladies with

s
r.
Spurgeon gave the
folloxvino-
poem,
whom
he
had lodged alter

until
leavin<>-
r.
Leeding
school
it
has probably never been published

I
now
m-:
N oia.i-: ARMY OK MARTYRS.

thee,
Rouse
Music!
Rouse
thee,
Song!
Noble themes await thee
long.
car,
Not
Not Not
thund ring Not the battle heard alar,

the warrior
s
the
garment
rolled
in
blood,
,
the river s redden d

1
llood
sing.
Subjects more sublime
Soar
thee.
then,
on highest wing
\\lio
Sing the white-robed hosts on high, m s])iend()iir suns outvie;

ol
them, ihe marlyr d band. With the palm branch m their hand
Sing
airest
ol
tile
the
son>
<>|
light
Midst
bright ones doubly bright

J
(
Who
Kind s Lords
are these
)1
noble
ol
birtli
J
.
\\rre the\
ol
monarchs
Hal
I
)<
the earth:*
ancient slate,
ol ei Nia, proud and LM eat, Grecian heroes, bold and bra\ e,
Romans, making earth

No,
but hearken!
their slave
Ileav n replies,
:
List the
"These
music Irom the skies

are they
ol
who dared
to
die,
Champions
our Lord on
hicdi.
At Mis name they bow d the knee;, Sworn to worship none but lie.
Fearless
ol ol
the; the-
tyrant
Irown,
promised crown; on Satanic rampling raye, Conqu ring still from ai^c to age.
1
Mmdlul
oine, the glorious host re\

1
ie\\
March the O pditterincr O squadrons
through." *J
c.
ir.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
301
Some, from show
of deadly stones, Some, from wheels, with broken bones,

rs
Snatch d by sweet seraphic might, Borne above the tyrant s spite,-
Wondrous
in
their dying- hour,
Rose: above the
demon
power.
Some by
cruel racks were torn,

in
Others were
sunder sawn.
Hunger, nakedness, and thirst, Sword, and axe, and spear accurs d Cross, and knife, and fiery dan,
All conspiring, join d their smart Yet, unconquer d e en in death,
;
Triumph
iili
d their latest breath.

in
Yonder rank
chariots came,
;
ilame Blazing o er with fiery Now, in burnish d arms they shine,
Glorious
in
the gift
Divine.
Some, from jaws of cruel beasts, Rose to Heav n s triumphal leasts Some, in dungeons long immured, Saw in death their crown secured,
Writhing in their tortures dread, Smiled as if on downy bed.
These, from Rome s dark dungeons flew These, on Alps, the despot slew
;
These, by Spanish priests were slain These, the Moslem curs d in vain.
Yonder stands a
gallant host,
Martyrs from the Gallic coast, Heroes from Bartholomew, Soldiers to their Master true.
shining row, Saw the fiery torments glow, They in Smithlield kiss d the stake,
These, again,
in
Blest to die for Jesus
sake.
C.
II.
SI
URGKOX
AUTOBIOGRArilV.
in
hose who, further
the plain,
Ileav n the lofty strain, In the ocean iouncl a ^rave,

Lift to
Plung d by
force beneath
the
wave
Some?, by Kno-lish prelates tried,
On
the;
scaffold firmly died

to o\vn
Scorn d
prelatic
s\va.\
Nobl\- dared to disobc:y.
Covenanters bold are there, Sons of Scotia s mountains bate,
Mimded
Heroes
with
of
tin;
valiant band,
mv
fatherland.
CHAPTER XX VI 11
r.
Htppon s ^raucr
nnir
its
selves.
tion
borne with, his efforts were encouraged, and he grew, and the church grew with him. His pastorate continued lor many a year, since he v\as under no temptation to leave for another position, because he I dwell among mine own people/ felt at home, and could say, like one of old, in his pulpit, to pray for some I am told that my venerable predecessor, Dr. Rippon, used often, him in the ministry of the church, and greatly body, of whom he knew nothing, who would follow increase it. He seemed to have in his mind s eye some young man, who, in after years, would greatly He died, and passed away to Heaven, a enlarge the number of the flock, and he often prayed for him. have told me that they have read the year or two after I was born. Older members of the church answer to Dr. Rippoirs prayers in the blessing that has been given to us ti;ese many years. C. H. S.
"
One of the best things that a church can do is to catch a minister young, and train him for them Some of the happiest and longest pastorates in our denomination commenced with the invita His mistakes were of a young man from the country to a post for which he was barely qualified.
HE
Christians
commonly
called Baptists are, according to
my
belief,
the purest part of that sect which, of old, was "everywhere spoken and I am convinced that they have, beyond their brethren, against,"
were delivered preserved the ordinances of the Lord Jesus as they historical church I care very little for the unto the saints.
"
"
argument
to
but
if
there be anything at
all
in
it,
the plea ought not
be filched by the clients of Rome, but should be left to that community which all and one baptism." This body of believers along has held by "one Lord, one faith, has not been exalted into temporal power, or decorated with worldly rank, but it has
"destitute, afflicted, tor dwelt for the most part in clens and caves of the earth, and so has proved itself of the house and lineage of the Crucified. The mented,"
church which most loudly claims the apostolical succession wears upon her brow more of the marks of Antichrist than of Christ but the afflicted Anabaptists, in
;
their past history, have had such fellowship w ith their suffering Lord, and have borne so pure a testimony, both to truth and freedom, that they need in nothing to Their very existence under the calumnies and persecutions which they be ashamed.
r
a standing marvel, while their unflinching fidelity to the Scriptures as their sole rule of faith, and their adherence to the simplicity of gospel ordinances, It would not be impossible to is a sure index of their Lord s presence among them.
have endured
is
show
that
the; first
Christians
called
as the believers
now
who dwelt in The Baptists.
this land
were
of the
same
faith
all
and order
or less
errors of the churches are
more
no modern, and those which have clustered around the ordinance of baptism are by
304
C.
II.
SPUKGF.ON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
so venerable lor age as some would have us suppose. The evidence supplied ancient monuments and which still remain, would be conclusive in by baptisteries, our favour were it not that upon this point the minds of men are, not very open to argument. Foregone conclusions and established ecclesiastical arrangements are
means
not easily shaken.

cam]), and
calls
Fe\v
men
care to follow truth
when she
to
leads
them without the
them
to take
up
their cross,
and endure
be thought singular even
by
their fellow-Christians.
one
The church now worshipping in the Metropolitan Tabernacle" took its rise from of the many assemblies of immersed believers who met in the borough of
Crosby,
to
in
Southwark.
his
of
J/is/ory of the
/>V/>//\/.f,
says:
"This
people
had
in
formerly belonged London, but separated from them
one
the most
in
ancient congregations of the Baptists
the year 1652, for
some
practices which thev
Thev judged disorderly, and kept together from that time as a distinct body." to or in other in have met such as were appear private houses, buildings open to them. Their first Pastor was WILLIAM RIDKK, whom Crosby mentions as a sufferer
he, is altogether unable to give any further particulars of he lile, except published a small tract in vindication of the practice of on of hands on the The people were few in number, laying baptized believers.
for
conscience sake, but

that
his
being men of solid judgment, deep knowledge, and religious stability, and many of them were also in easy circumstances as to worldK Oliver Cromwell was just at that time in the ascendant, and Blake s cannon goods.
but they had the reputation
of
were sweeping the Dutch from the seas, but the; Presbyterian establishment ruled with a heavy hand, and Baptists were under a cloud. In the following vear, Cromwell was made Protector, the old parliament was sent about its business, and
England enjoyed a large measure of liberty of conscience. This seems to have been a period of much religious heart-searching, in which the ordinances of churches
were
tried
by the
Word
of
Cod, and men were determined

there
to retain
nothing which
was not sanctioned by

and, in
I)ivine authority; hence,
upon baptism, and Baptist churches sprang up on discussion it is, indeed, the element
;
consequence, many became adherents

all
wen- many public disputes of believers immersion,

suffers
freely
sides.
Truth
it
nothing from free

its
in
which
most
exerts
power.
have personally known several baptism have driven numbers

Paedo- Baptists will
to
in which sermons in defence of infant more Scriptural views, and have felt that, if only preach upon the subject, Baptists will have little to do but
instances
to
remain quiet and reap the sure results. is It a dangerous subject for any ministers to handle who wish their people to abide- by the popular opinion on this matter.
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
office,
"
305
I
;
William Rider exercised the ministerial but the church s next record, bearing- date 1668,
long-
How
for
some
time, they
am unable to tell The Pastor says having- been unanimously chose MR. BENJAMIN REACH to be their elder
:
or
pastor."
Accordingly, he was solemnly ordained, with prayer and the layino- O n hands, being then in the twenty-eighth of his Previous to his year age.
preaching- j n the towns of Bucking and so well did the good cause flourish others, that the government
;
London, Reach was continually engaged hamshire, making Winslowhis headquarters under his zealous labours, and those of
to
coming
in
quartered
MR. HKNJAMIN REACH.
the district in order to put down unlawful meetings, and stamp out Dissent. The amount of suffering which this involved, the readers of the story of the Covenanting- times in Scotland can For publishing a little readily imagine.
dragoons
in
The Child s Instructor, Keach was fined, imprisoned, and put in the pillory at Aylesbury and Winslow but he continued to labour in the country until 1668, when he came to London, and very speedily was chosen Pastor of the late Mr.
book,
;
Rider
congregation.
306
c.
n.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
six
Benjamin Keach was one of the most useful preachers of his time, and for thirtyHaving been in his very years built up the Church of God with sound doctrine.
to
days an Arminian, and having soon advanced never a preserved the, balance in his preaching, and was
earliest
Calvinistic
ot
views,
lie
member
that exclusive
deems it to be unsound to persuade men to repent and believe. lie was by no means so highly Calvinistic as his great successor, Dr. Gill but evidently held much the same views as are now advocated from the pulpit oi the Tabernacle;. Nor must it be supposed that he was incessantly preaching upon believers baptism,
school which
;
and other points of denominational peculiarity his teaching was sweetly spiritual, lull ot Christ. Whoever else; kept back the fundamental intensely Scriptural, and
;
truths of our holy

1 ,
gospel,
Benjamin Keach did not
so.
During the time

1
of
an
indulgence issued by Charles II., the congregation erected a large: meeting-house, hair Stre:et, he arers," in Goat s \arel Passage capable of holding "near a thousand Ilorse-lie-down, Southwark, and this is the: first house ot prayer actually set apart lor
,
Divine worship which
fmel that
our church possessed.

all
The joy
oi
being
able:
to
quiet to worship Goel, the: delight of have trieel to imagine I been great indeed.
meet
in
assembling as one church, must have the! cheerful salutations with which the
brethren greeteel each othe:r when the:y all gathered in their meeting-house ot timber, and worshippeel without tear of molestation. The architecture was not gorgeous, nor were the: fittings luxurious; but the: Lorel was there, and this maele amenels tor
all.
In
all
probability,
there:
were no
seats,
for at that
stood,
ami pews are mentioned, in alter days, as Mr. Keach traineel his for themselves, and looked upon as their own property. Several were by his means called into church to labour in the service of the Lord. lie: was might} at the Christian ministry, his own son, Llias Keach, among them. churches were founded, anel meeting his means, other home, and useful abroael.
J>\
time most congregations extras which persons erected
houses
ere:cte:el
he;
was,
in fact,
as a pillar anel a brazen wall
among
was
the
Baptist
lie
"
churches of his day, anel was in consequence deservedly had in honour.
ie:ll
on
slee-p,"
uly
16,
in
7e:>4,
the:
I
sixty-fourth year ot
tfr/c,
his age:, anel
burieel at the
Baptists burying-grounel
in
///
he /
Southwark.
It
was not a
little:
singular that,
after vears, the
church over which he so ably

laid,
near the place where: his bone-s were-, in her annals as a well-beloved name-.
presieleel should pitch its tent so and that Xew Park Street should appear
\Yhe:n Mr. Ke:ach was upon his death-bed, he: sent for his son-in-law, BKXJAMIX STIXTOX, and solemnly chargeel him to care tor the church which he: was about to
leave,
and especially urged him
to accept the pastoral office: should
it
be:
offered to
him by the brethren. Mr. Stinton had already for law in many ways, and therefore he was no new and untried man.
bk
ssino-
some years helped
his father-inIt is
no small
is
when
a church can find her pastors
in
her
own midst
the
rule:
to lock
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
30
abroad
perhaps, if our would cause our teachers to

;
but,
home
come
gifts
forth
were more encouraged, the Holy Spirit more frequently from among OU r own
brethren.
country. a he a while, and When the church gave Mr. Stinton pressing invitation, delayed but, at length, remembering the dying o-ave himself space- for serious consideration words of his father-in-law, and feeling himself directed by the Spirit of God, he gave
Still,
;
t>
we cannot
forget the proverb about a prophet in his
own
himself up
the ministry, which he faithfully discharged for fourteen years, He had great natural gifts, but felt in need of more namely, from 1704 to 1718. education, and set himself to work to obtain it as soon as he was settled over the
to
church.
To be
thoroughly furnished
(i
:
for the great
work
before;
him, was his
first
endeavour.
of Crosby says of him the gospel, and though he had not the advantage; of an academical education, yet, by his own industry, under the assistance of the famous Mr. Ainsworth (author of the after he had taken upon him the: ministerial oifice, he acquired a Latin
He; was a very painful and laborious minister
dictionary),
o-ood degree of
knowledge
in
the languages, and other useful parts of literature,
which added lustre
endowments which were very conspicuous in him." In his later days, as the lease of the meeting-house in Goat s Yard had made for erecting a new place of worship in Unicorn nearly run out, preparation was of usefulness, Mr. Stinton worked on till Yard. Spending himself in various works He the nth of February, 1718, when a close was put to his labours and his life. / aui going" he: laid himself down his wife, was taken ill, and saying to
to those natural
"
suddenly lie smiled on death, and expired in the forty-third year of his life. the bed, upon He was buried near his predecessor, in the Park, for the Lord smiled on him.
Southwark.
always a serious matter to a Baptist church, not only because it is deprived of the services of a well-tried and laithful guide, but because, in the: process of selecting a successor, some of the: worst points ot human nature: are: unite in the former Pastor, but where will they All to come to the front.
The
loss of
its
Pastor
is
apt
may
So many men, so many minds. All are not prepared the to forego their own predilections, some are ready to be litigious, and a few seize wait It they would all opportunity to thrust themselves into undue prominence. to follow it when they have obtained upon the Lord for His guidance, and consent In the present it is not always so. but, alas the: matter would move smoothly it, after life: whose: instance, there came before the: church an excellent young man, but either he was too young, proved that he was well qualified for the pastorate,
find another rallying point?
!
of age, or there were certain points in being only twenty or one-and-t\venty years his manner which were not pleasing to the older friends, and therefore he was The deacons, with the exception of Mr. Thomas Crosby, earnestly opposed. who was schoolmaster, and son-in-law of Keach, were: resolved that this young man,
c.
ii.
SPURGKON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
no other than JOHN GILL, from Kettering, should not become the Pastor. lie found, however, warm and numerous supporters, and when the question came to a vote, his
admirers claimed the majority, and in all probability their claim was correct, for the other party declined a scrutiny of the votes, and also raised the question
of the
voting, declaring, what was no doubt true, that apart from the female vote John Gill was in the minority. The end of the difference was that about half the church withdrew from the chapel in Goat Yard, and met in
s
"Mr.
women
Crosby school-room, claiming to be the old church, while another portion remained in the chapel, and also maintained that The question they were the original church. is now of small if it ever had any importance, for the consequence, company who after an excellent Gill, rejected selecting preacher, and prospering for many years, met with a chequered experience, and at length ceased to exist. In all probability, the division promoted the growth of the cause of Christ, and whatever
s
unhappy
circumstances marred
both parties acted conscientiously, and in a very short time were perfectly reconciled to each other. Mr. Gill s people did not long worship in Crosby s school-room, but, as the other friends were moving out and erecting another meeting-house in Unicorn Yard, they came back to the old building in Goat Yard, and found themselves very much at home. Dr. Gill s pastorate extended over no less a reach period than
it
for a while,
fifty-one years,
in"
any under his ministry as under that of Keach. His method of address to sinners, in which for many years a large: class of preachers followed him, was not likely to be useful He and was therefore straitened where there was largely cramped himself, no Scriptural reason lor being so. He does not appear to have had the public spirit of Stinton, though he had a far larger share of influence in the and
churches,
from 1720 to 1/71, and he proved himself to be a true master in Israel. His entire ministry was crowned with more than ordinary success, and he was by far the but he cannot be regarded as so greatest scholar the church had yet chosen great a soul-winner as Keach had been, neither was the church at time so numerous
;
was indeed a
anil
sort of archbishop over a certain section.
The
ordination discourses
funeral
;
number
at
it
sermons which he preached must have amounted seemed as if no Particular Paptist minister could be
s
a very c properly inducted or

to
lan>-
interred without Dr. Gill
officiating.
Horsleydown
invited
22,
him
to
beginning of the year 1719, the church preach with a view to the pastorate, and he was
In the
ordained March
thus chosen to be their teacher

that a
man
sort of a man they had but had they known it, would have rejoiced they of such vast erudition, such indefatigable industry, such sound
1720.
Little did the friends

;
dream what
and such sterling honesty, had come among them. He was his pen than Keach, and to make a deeper impression upon with the tongue: he was less powerful than his eminent
to
judgment, be more mighty with

Early
his age,
though perhaps
in his
predecessor.
c.
ir.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
39
he compared
it.
*
take up the cudgels for Baptist views against a Psedo-Baptist and he did so in a manner worthy of that preacher of Rowel, near Kettering, him in reference to other controversies, when eulogium which Toplacly passed upon and declared that he never fought a battle without him to
ministry,
he had
to
Maryborough,
In a Pastor, he presided over the flock with dignity and affection. winninowicked the course of his ministry, he had some weak, some unworthy, and some very
As
irx
DR. GILL.
persons to deal with.

father.
To
bore
the feeble of the ilock, he was an affectionate friend and
He
readily
with
their
weaknesses,
failings,
and
infirmities,
and
particularly
when he saw they were sincerely on the Lord s side. In 1757, the church under his care erected a new meeting-house for him in Carter Lane, which he opened on October 9, St. Olave s Street, Southwark, near London Bridge preaching two sermons from Exodus xx. 24.
;
In the Doctor
s later years,
the congregations were sparse, and the
membership
3 IQ
c.
11.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
to
seriously declined.
living
in
He
was himself only able
preach once on the Sabbath, and

little in
a rural retreat in Camberwell, he could do but

It
the
way
of overseeino-
the church.
to act as
was thought desirable that some younger minister should be found To this, the Doctor gave a very decided answer in the negative, co-pastor.
"
that Christ gives pastors, is certain but that he gives co-pastors, is not asserting so certain." He even went the length of comparing a church with a co-pastor to a
;
woman who should marry another man co-husband. Great men are not always
any division of his authority, the old
of
while her
wise.
first
husband
lived,
and
call
him
However, by his stern repudiation ol gentleman held the reins of power till the age
young people gradually dropped off, and the church numbered barely Soon, the venerable divine became too feeble for 150 members.
pulpit service,
seventy-four, although the
and confined himself

lie
to his
he found that he must
down
to rest, for his
study and the writing-desk, and by-and by He died as he: day s work was done.
it
had
lived,
in
a calm, quiet manner, resting on that rich sovereign grace which
had been
bather,
Btmhill
his joy to preach.
The
last
words he was heard
He died at Camberwell, October 14, His eyesight had been preserved to him so that he could read small print by candle-light even to the last, and he never used His was a glasses. mind and frame of singular vigour, and he died before: failing sight, either mental or
my
J
Father!
() mv speak were, 1771, and was buried in
to
"
ields.
unlit for service in this as highly favoured as he had most other respects. He was one of the most learned men that the- Baptist denomination has ever produced. His great work, The Ji.vposiliou of (he O/d and New Testaments, is still held in the highest esteem even by those whose sentiments His ttody of Divinity is also a masterly widely differ from th:: author s.
physical,
in
had rendered him
been
but for this, Dr. Gill must not be a Jesus together held responsible, for a candid reader ol his Commentary will soon perceive in it expressions altogether out of accord with such a narrow system and it is well known that, when he was dealing with practical godliness, he was so bold in his utterances that the devotees of HyperCalvinism could not endure him. said one of these, if I had not been Well,
: ;
" "
condensation of doctrinal and practical theology, and his Cause of God and Truth is The system of theology with which many identify his highly esteemed by many. name has chilled many churches to their very soul, for it has led them to omit the free invitations of the gospel, and to deny that it is the duty of sinners to believe
sir,"
told that
it
was the great Dr.
Cill
who
preached,
should have said
had heard an
Arminian."
he mighty commentator having been followed to his grave by his attached church and a numerous company of ministers and Christian people, among whom he had been regarded as a great man and a in Israel, his church to look
1
prince
around
for a successor.
This time, as
in the case of Dr. Gill, there
began was trouble
in
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
311
store,
Some, no doubt, as true Gillites, looked sound in doctrine, who would supply the older saints with only lor a solid divine, another part}- had an eye to the growth of the church, and to spiritual lood, while They were agreed the securing to the Hock the; younger members of their families.
for
there was division of opinion.
that they
would write
to Bristol for a probationer,

of some;
and MR. JOHN Ru-rox was sent

oi
to
a vivacious temperament, quick and bold. The older members judged him to be; to young, and too flighty they even accused him of having gone up the pulpit stairs two steps at a time on some
them.
He
was a vouth
twenty summers,
>
occasion
when he was
hurried,
a grave otlence lor which the condemnation could
He was only a young man, and hardly be too severe. this alone was enough to make the sounder and older
on preached for a lengthened time; withdrew because they could not agree with
the;
came irom an academy, and members afraid ot him. He probation, and linally some iorty persons
enthusiastic vote by which the
him. John Rippon modestly expressed his wonder majority of the people electeel that even more had not been dissatisfied, and his surprise that so large a number In the spirit of forbearance and brotherly to call him to the; pastorate. were
love,
agreed he proposes!
intended to
were seceding- lor conscience sake, and form themselves into another church, they should be lovingly dismissed
that,
as these;
friends
with prayer ami God-spe;eel, and that, as a token of Initernal affection, the;y should be assisted to build a meeting-house for their own convenience, and the; sum ol ^,300
should
be;
voted to them when
the-ir.
church
anil -Mr.
was lorme-d and
their
meeting-house
The promise; was redeemed, erected. Rippon took part in the ordination This was well done. Sue h a course; was sure to secure service of the first minister.
the blessing of
(ioel.
The chmvh
It
is
in
)ean Street thus

it
became another
to this
ollshoot from
in
the pare-in ste-m, and with varying comlitions
remains
day as the church
Trinity Street, Borough. of human judgment, that
somewhat
remarkable, as illustrating the pe;rve;rsity
seceding friends, who objected to Rippon s youth, electeel for their pastor Mr. William Button, who was younger still, being only His lather, however, was a deacon under Dr. Gill, and nineteen years of age.
the;
therefore no doubt the worthy youth was regarded with
he disappoint the; hopes of his friends, lor he The- friends who remained with young John years with the utmost acceptance. of prosperity set in, and con Rippon had no reason to regret tlvir choice the tide
nor
diel
:
more tenderness laboured on tor more than forty

all
the
tinued lor half a century, and the church again came to the front in denominational affairs. The chapel in Carter Lane was enlarged, and various agencies and societies
set in
a real revival of religion in the church, though it was of that quiet style which became a Baptist church of the straiter sort. Rippon of interior to those; far but were talents his Gill, was rather clever than profound
motion
there was,
in fact,
he had more
tact,
and so turned
his gifts to the greatest possible account.
He
said
12
C.
II.
SrURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
many smart and

impressive.
He
witty things, and his preaching was always lively, affectionate, and was popular in the; best sense of the term, beloved at home,
respected abroad, and useiul everywhere. Many souls were won to Jesus by his teaching, and out of these a remarkable; number became themselves ministers of the
gospel.
The church-book abounds

in
with records of brethren preaching before the
church, as the custom was
those davs.
In his later years, Dr. Rippon was evidently in very comfortable circumstances, for we have olten heard mention of his carriage and pair, or rather, "glass coach
His congregation was one of the wealthiest within the pale of to aid the various societies which sprang up, the and a certain Mission, Itinerant Baptist Foreign especially Baptist Society, which I suppose to have represented the Baptist Home Mission. The Pastor
and two
horses."
Nonconformity, and always ready
occupiecl no
position in the church, but ruled with dignity and discretion, is it, Doctor, that perhaps, ruled a little too much. your church is always so
"
mean
How
"
peaceful
see,
said a much-tried brother minister.

t
"
Well,
friend,"
said Rippon,
"
you
we
a church-meeting to consult about buying a new broom every time want one, and we don t entreat every noisy member to make a speech about the
call
we don
C.
11.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
In
313
price of the soap the floors are scrubbed
with."
many
of our smaller churches, a

is
want
of
common
foolish
sense
is
very manifest
in the
management, and trouble
invited
by the
methods of procedure. Dr. Rippon once said that he had some of the best people in His Majesty s dominions in his church, and he used to add with a noc aH d some of the worst." Some of the latter class seem to have got into office at one time, for they were evidently a hindrance rather than a help to the good
l,
hindrance did not much independent mode of doing things the As well as I can remember it, the story of his founding the Almshouses affect him. The Doctor urges upon the deacons the runs as follows. and Schools, in
man, though from
his
1803,
he pleads again, thereof they do not see the urgency necessity of such institutions never so wisely. but, like the deaf adder, they are not to be charmed, charm he will be enormous, and the money cannot be raised;" this was the "The
; ;
expense
At length the Pastor says, The money unceasing croak of the prudent officers. can be raised, and shall be. Why, if I don t go out next Monday, and collect ^500 before the evening meeting, I ll drop the proposal; but while I am sure the people
"
will
not be held back by you." Disputes in this case were urged in very plain language, but with no degree of bitterness, for the much mutual respect to make their relationships parties knew each other, and had too All were agreed to put the Doctor in the church depend upon a point of difference. to the test, and challenged him to produce the ^500 next Monday, or cease to take up the matter heartily,
I
will
slow coaches were up to time on the importune them about Almshouses. The worthy "Well, brethren," said he, appointed evening, and the Doctor soon arrived. Hut," that is most encouraging, is it not?" have succeeded in collecting ,300
"I
"
said
two or three of them
at
once
to
in
a hurry,
to
"you
said
you would get ,500, or drop

"
the matter, and

"and
I
we mean
keep
keep you
your
word."
P>\
all means,"
said he,
mean
to
my
word, too, for there
is
/"Soo
which the friends gave
me
almost without asking, and the rest is nearly all promised." The prudent officials were taken aback, but recovering themselves, they expressed their great pleasure,
to
and would be ready

of the funds.
services.
"No,
meet the Pastor
at
any time,
the
to arrange for the

"I
no,
my
brethren,"
said
Doctor,
I
shall not
expending need your
You have opposed me
all
along, and
now
have done the work without

;
but neither you nor any in it to hinder me still you, you want to have: your say So, brethren, you can cth -r deacons shall plague a minister about this business. the old trust deed of the Almshouses had else." attend to
something
to
clause:
the
effect
that
Accordingly, the Pastor should
elect
the pensioners,
"no
deacon
interfering"
block removing the Almshouses and Schools to the fine the of buildings erected by our friends in the Station Road, Walworth, near the had great pleasure in inducing I Elephant and Castle Railway Station,
When
the time
came
for
C.
II.
Sl
URflKONS
Al
TolMOCKAl
IIY.
harity
ommissioners
to
expunge;
in
this objectionable; clause,
and
to
give the Pastor
and deacons unitedly the power

Dr.
to select the objects of the charity.
Rippon continued
the pastorate from
1773 to
836, a period of sixty
three years.
c-are
lie outlived his usefulness,
and
it
over the church that the old gentleman did

the
will
was a wonderful instance of Divine not do it serious injury. He:

IK;
retained
to
govern
alter
the capacity
was gone, and

to
to
profit.
held his
power
did,
over
to
tiie
pulpit
lor
preach
old
though unable; to occupy it him were; not always allowed

s
Supplies
who came
than
officiate;
and
when they
quaint
the
minister
remarks
from
his
pew
were
frequently
more
agreeable.
the
last
It
is
not an
lew
months,
unqualified blessing to live to be eighty-five. During Mu. CHARLES ROOM, with the Doctor s full approbation,
acted as his assistant, but he resigned upon the decease of Dr. He left Rippon. with the esteem and good wishes of the church, and afterwards exercised a
useful ministry at Portsea.
In
1830, six years before
Dr.
for
Rippon
death, the old
sanctuary
making the approaches to the present London Due compensation was given, but a chapel could Bridge. not be built in a day, and, therefore, for three years, the church was without a home,
to
in
Carter Lane was closed, to be pulled
down
and had
be indebted to the hospitality of other congregations.
After so
lon<>-
C.
II.
315
time for choice, the good deacons ought to have pitched upon a better site for the new edifice but it is not judging them hardly when I say that they could not have If they had taken thirty years to look about them discovered a worse position.
;
with the design of burying the church alive, they could not have succeeded better. New Park Street is a low-King sort of lane close to the bank of the River Thames.
near the enormous breweries of Messrs. Barclay and Perkins, the vinegar factories of The nearest way to it Irom the City was Mr. Potts, and several large boiler works. over Southwark Bridge, with a
half-a-mile of the place,
loll to
pay.
No
cabs could be had within about
and the region was dim, dirty, and destitute, and frequently Hooded by Here, however, the new chapel must be built because the ground was a cheap freehold, and the authorities were destitute of more than the amount in hand. That God, enterprise, and would not spend a penny in infinite mercy, forbade the extinction of the church, is no mitigation of the
the river at high tides.
into an out-ofshortsightedness which thrust a respectable community of Christians the-way position, far more suitable for a tallow-melter s business than for a meeting
house.
The
and was
chapel, however, was a neat, handsome, commodious, well-built edifice, Dr. Rippon was regarded as one of the best Baptist chapels in London.
but it was very evident that, present at the opening of the new house in 1833, having now found a place to meet in, the next step must be to find a minister to
This \\ as no easy task, lor the old gentleman, preside over the congregation. Happily, though still revered and loved, was difficult to manage in such matters.
supremely judicious, and having kept the church out of all rash expenditure, they also preserved it from all hasty action, and tided over affairs till the worn-out Pastor passed away to his rest, and with due funereal
however, the deacons
we.- re
honours was
laid in that
it
Campo Santo
1
of Nonconformists,
to
the cemetery
of
Bunhill
Fields, of which
had been
in
his ambition
become
first
the historian and chronicler.
There are thousands

exhortations.
lie;
leaven
who were
led
to love the-
Saviour by his earnest
He moulded its quarried fresh stones, and built up the church. he was Without being great, exceedingly useful, thought, and directed its energies. and the period in which he was one of the judges of our Israel was one of great
prosperity
in
spiritual
things.
It
was a good
sixty-three;
years,
and with
the
previous pastorate of Dr. Gill, enabled the church to say that, and seventeen years, they had been presided over by two ministers only. The next Pastor was Mr., now Doctor, JOSKIMI ANGUS, a gentleman whose
career since he
left
during one hundred
us to
become
and secretary of the Baptist Missionary Society,
afterwards the tutor of Stepney Academy,

his
now Regent s Park
College, has rendered
the
name most honourable among living Baptists. During Mr. Angus s pastorate, extended to members of other privilege of communing at the Lord s table was
churches, whether baptized or not, and this was clone quietly and without division,
310
C.
II.
SrURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
though a considerable minority did not agree with it. The church remains a community oi baptized believers, and its constitution will not admit any persons into
membership but those immersed upon personal profession of faith in the Lord Jesus but it does not attempt to judge the order and discipline of other churches,
its
;
and has fellowship

ol
breaking of bread with all churches which form parts of the mystical body of Christ thus it endeavours to fulfil at the same time the duties
in the
:
purity and
love.
In
December, 1839, the Baptist Missionary Society invited
Mr. Angus to become its Missionary Society, and the
Home
Secretary.
fact that, after
much
sense of the importance of the deliberation, the Committee could

all
not discover anyone else about
whom
they could be at
unanimous, were the
motives which led him to leave the church, to the deep regret of all the members. Alter the removal of Dr. Angus, the church was happily directed to hear
MR. JAMKS SMITH, whose ministry in Cheltenham was an abundant guarantee that he was likely to prove the right man to collect a congregation in New Park Street, lie was Pastor for about eight years and a half, from 1841 to 1850, and then
returned to Cheltenham, from which many of his best friends are of opinion that he He was a man of slender education, but of great ought never to have removed.
natural ability, sound in the faith, intensely earnest, and a Few ready speaker. have ever been more useful than he. In July, 1851, the church invited
l\i:\.
men
the
the
WILLIAM WALTKRS, of Preston, to become the Pastor, but as he understood deacons to intimate to him that his ministry was not acceptable, he tendered his
and although
requested to remain, he judged it more advisable to remove to llalilax in June, 1853, thus closing a ministry of two years. These diminished the church, and marred its union. The clouds gathered changes sadlv J 3
resignation,
heavily,
in
it.
and no sunlight appeared
due time
Let
He
tell
me
but the Lord had not forgotten His people, and poured them out such a blessing that there was not room to receive once more the pleasing story.
;
.
,-
-;;-
-;:=
-;;=
On
the last Sabbath
morning
in
November,
1853,
wont, from Cambridge to the village of Waterbeach, in ol the little It was a Baptist Chapel. country road, and there were live or six honest miles of it, which I usually measured, each Sunday, foot by foot, unless I happened
walked, according to my order to occupy the pulpit

I
be met by a certain little pony and cart which came half-way, but could not by any possibility venture further because of the enormous expense which would have been incurred by driving through the toll-gate at Milton! That winter s morning, I was
to
all
aglow with
my
table-pew, a
letter,
walk, and ready for my pulpit exercises. Sitting- down in the the of was It was an London, bearing postmark passed to me.
at
unusual missive, and was opened with curiosity. It contained an invitation to preach New Park Street Chapel, Southwark, the pulpit of which had formerly been
C.
II.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
317
occupied by Dr. Rippon,

me:
upon the
tlie
table,
for
the very Dr. Rippon whose hymn-book was then before the great Dr. Rippon, out of whose Selection I was about to
choose
as an
hymns
our worship.
The
late
immeasurably great man, the glory of Chapel and its pulpit with awe unspeakable.
table to the
Dr. Rippon seemed whose name covered

I
to
hover over
me
New
Park Street
quietly passed the letter across the
and that the

where down
deacon who gave out the hymns, observing- that there was some mistake, letter must have been intended for a Mr. Spurgcon who preached some
in
Norfolk.
He
shook
his head,
and remarked that he was
afraid there
was no mistake, as he always knew that his minister would be run away with by some large church or other, but that he was a little surprised that the Londoners
should have heard of
Huntingdon," said he,
me
"
quite so soon.
"
Had
it
been (Tottenham, or
all
;
St.
Ives, or
should not have wondered at

little
place."
rather a great step from this
He
but going to London is shook his head very gravely but the
;
time had
as far as
come
I
for
me
to look out the
hymns, therefore the
letter
was put away, and,

:
The
can remember, was for the day quite forgotten. next da} this answer was sent to the letter from the London deacon
,
"
No.
66,
Park Street,
"
Cambridge,
"
November
28th, 18^3.
"
My
Dear
:
Sir,
do not reside
although
at
\Yaterbeach, and therefore your letter did not reach

it
me
till
yesterday,
at
the friends ought to have forwarded
at once.
My
Waterbeach are hardly to be persuaded to let me come, but I ;im people prepared to serve you on the nth On the I could not leave them and the 4th, [December].
;
impossibility of finding a supply at
all
agreeable to them, prevents
I have been wondering very following Sabbaths. have heard of me, and I think I ought to give some account of myself, lest I should come and be out of my right place. Although I have been more than two years minister of a church, which has in that time doubled, yet my last birthday was only I have nineteenth. my hardly ever known what the fear of man means, and have all
home two
me from leaving much how you could
but uniformly had large congregations, and frequently crowded ones but if you think my years would unqualify me for your pulpit, then, all I entreat means, by you, do not let me come. The Great God, my Helper, will not leave me to myself.
;
Almost every
night, for
two years,
have been aided
to
proclaim His truth.

1
am
will
therefore able to promise you for the nth, and should you accept the offer, come on Saturday afternoon, and return on Monday. As I shall have to
procure a
supply, an early answer
will oblige
"
Yours most
"
truly,
C.
H.
STURGEON."
318
In due time
written! in pe-rfect
c.
it.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
former
letter hael
came another
knowledge
1
epistle, setting forth that the

s
been
of the:
him
anel
him
alone.
he:
reque-st
young preacher age, and hael been inteneled for of the lormeT letter was repeated anel pressed, a
London, and invitation was
the:
date mentioned for the journey to
place:
appointeel at which
the:
preacher would
find lodging.
That
accepteel,
and as the result thereof
the boy-preacher of the Lens travelled to London. Though it is so long ago, yet it see-ms but lodged lor the night at a boarding-house in Queen yesterday that
I
As I wore a Bloomsbury, to which the worth} deacon had directed me. black used satin and a blue handkerchief with white spots, the young stock, huge
Square:,
gentlemen
boarding-house marvelled greatly at the: youth from the country who hael come up to preach in London, but who was evielently in the conelition known as "verdant green." They were mainly of the Evangelical Church persuasion,
of
that
and seemed greatly tickled that the country lad should be a preacher. They did not propose to go and hear the youth, but the} se:emed to tacitly agree to encourage me alter their own fashion, and was encouraged accordingly \\ hat tales were:
I
!
narrated
of
the great elivines

hael a
of
the metropolis,
to
anel their
;
remember,
thousand
cil\
men
hear him
One, congregations! another had his church lilleel with

1
;
while a third thougJllfltl people, such as could harelly be. matched all over England hael an immense audience almost entirely composed of the \ouug incu of London,
who were spell-bound by

composing
their sermons,
his eloquence.
The
toils
stud} which these:

in
men underwent
in
keeping up their congregation^, anel the: matchless orator} which the} exhibited on all occasions, were duly rehearsed in my hearing, and when was shown to beel in a cupboard over the front door,
1
their herculean
lor pleasant dreams. Xe:w Stre:et room hirexl minister to that but, again far-away young the most in was about that a London boarding-house assuredly, Saturday evening On the coulel have been which depressing agency brought to bear upon my spirit.
in
was not
an
advantageous condition
se
i
Park
hospitality never
nt the
narrow
beel
the cab-s in
tossed in solitary miser} anel found no pity. Pitiless was the grind of the street, pitiless the recollection of the: young city clerks, whose grim
I
,
propriety hael gaxe:el
upon
my
rusticity with such
amusement,
pitiless the:
spare room
which scarcel} afforeleel me space to knee:!, pitiless even the gas-lamps which seemed I hael no friend in all to wink at me as the:} llickere:d amid the: December elarkness.
that city
anel
full
of
human
beings, but
felt
be helped through the: escape: sak ly to the serene abodes of Cambridge anel Waterbeach, which then seemed to be Eden itself. The Sabbath morning was clear anel colel, anel I wenele d
hoped
to
myself to be among strangers anel foreigners, had bee:n brought, anel to scrape: into which
1
my way
I
along Holborn
1 ill
towards Blackfriars
anel certain tortuous lanes anel alleys
at the loot of
felt all
Southwark Bridge.
\Vonele:ring, praying, fearing, hoping, believing,
alone, anel yet not alone.
Expectant of Divine: help, and inwardly borne:
C.
II.
it, I
319
wilderness of brick to
text rose
to
down by my sense
find the spot
of the need of
traversed a dreary
where
I
my message was
know why,
"
to
be delivered.
One
my
lips
needs go through Samaria." The many scarcely necessity of our Lord s journeying in a certain direction, is no doubt repeated in His servants and as my journey was not of my seeking, and had been by no means needs be" lor it seemed to the one thought of a pleasing so far as it had gone,
times,
;
He must
overtop every other.
At
sight
of
it
amazed
at
my own
temerity, for
Park Street Chapel, I seemed to my eyes to be a
New
ielt
lor a
moment
and
large,
ornate,
liTfll
imposing structure, suggesting an audience wealthy and critical, and far removed irom the humble folk to whom my ministry had been sweetness and light. It was
early, so there
there;
were no persons entering

to
and when the
set time
was
fully come;,
support the, suggestion raised by the exterior of the building, and I felt that, by God s help, I was not yet out of my depth, and was not likely to had a happy In: with so small an audience, I he: Lord helped me very graciously,
I
were no signs
Sabbath
at night,
in
1
and when, the pulpit, and spent the interval with warm-hearted friends was not back to the: narrow Oueen Square alone, and f trudged lodging,
;
no longer looked on Londoners as flinty-hearted barbarians. My lone was altered wanted no pity of anyone, I did not care a penny for the young gentlemen lodgers and their miraculous ministers, nor for the grind of the cabs, nor for anything else:
I
under
appear
the:
sun.
The
lion
had been looked
to be: a tenth as majestic as
when
with
round, and his majesty did not had only heard his mar miles away.
at
all
(The:
frie:nel
who walked back
Mr
Spiirge-on
to
his
loelging
in
Oueen
Square, at the close of the first Sabbath evening s service at Xew Park Street Chape:!, That walk was the. prelude to a life-long friendship and was Mr. Joseph Passmore. happy association in church work and in the publication of the: beloveel Pastor s
3-O
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOIHOGRAPIIY.
many
works.
The
following-
is the, first
letter ever written
by Mr. Spurgeon
to his
friend, rind is included in the Autobiography through the kindness of and namesake, Mr. Joseph Passmore )
:
"
his eldest
son
May
I
;th,
1854.
"
My
Dear Brother,
"
am
not
in
extremely obliged
in
to
you
for
your kind present.
find
that
all
the kindness
it
is
the country,
in
some
at least
grows
I
in
town
and,
if
nowhere
else,
is
to
be found
is
a house
to find
Finsbury.
"It
sweet
oneself
remembered.
trust the
in
harmony between
us
may never receive the slightest jar, just commenced a new era; and,
but continue even

"by
Heaven.
We
!
have,
trust,
it
God
blessing,
we
will
strive to make;
1
Oh, hopes may all be realized glorious one to our Church. that your constant prayers are going up fervently to Heaven; wrestling, and the wished-for blessing must arrive.
"With
that our
feel
assured
let
us
continue
Christian regards to you and Mrs. Passmore,

"
am,
"
\ ours most
C.
II.
truly,
Sl UKGF.UX.
CHAPTER XXIX.
first
Strmons
at flt
m $ark
Stntt
grant appropriate develop he will but be content to let his inner self reveal itself in its true form. The good and the evil in men of eminence are both of them mischievous when they become objects of servile imitation the good when slavishly copied is exaggerated into formality, and the evil becomes wholly intolerable. It each teacher of others went himself to the school of our one only Master, a thousand errors might be avoided. C. II. S.
Let every man, called of God to preach the Word, be as his Maker has fashioned him. Neither Paul, nor Apollos, nor Cephas is to be imitated by John; nor are John s ways, habits, and modes of utterance to be the basis for a condemnation of any one or all of the other three. As God gives to every seed its own body as it rises from the soil, so to each man will lie his own
if
ment,
ÎIE
text of Mr.
Spurgeon
first
sermon
in
London has long been

appear
to
well
known
but, until now, there does not
have been any
printed record of the opening discourse in that marvellous Metro politan ministry which was destined to exercise such a mighty
not only throughout London, and the United Kingdom, the uttermost part of the earth." the Happily, youngpreacher had written at considerable length the message he felt called to deliver
influence,
but
"unto
name, and now, after a whole generation has passed away, his long-forgotten words will speak to a far larger audience than he addressed that winter s morning (December i8th, 1853,) in New Park Street
in
on
that occasion
his
Master
It may interest some readers to know that the sermon was the Chapel. 673rd that Mr. Spurgeon had preached. The evening discourse appears to have been re-delivered at a later period, taken down in shorthand, and afterwards revised
by-
Mr. Spurgeon
for publication in
The Baptist ^lessen êr.

I
MORN XG
THE FATHER
"
S E
R M ON
OF
LIC.IIT.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comcth down from Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning-" ^ T James 17.
the
i.
Some
find
in
sciences and subjects of study are to us inexhaustible.

fresh
We
If
them
matter for instruction,
wonder, and research.
might ever we were to

\v
descend into the depths of the earth, with the geologist, and bring up the skeletons
322
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
of extinct monsters, and note the signs of great convulsions, and study the old and new formations and strata or if we were to soar aloft, with the astronomer, and
;
attempt to measure the heavens, and count the: stars new discoveries which we should make. The same
sciences.
we should
ever be lost
all
in the
may be
said of
the natural
man
it
\Yhatever the subject of his study may be, it does not seem possible that 1 am master of I have nothing more to learn should ever be able to say,
"
all."
one day happen that our race has so progressed in knowledge, and become so well informed as to leave nothing unknown, should nature be stript of all her mystery, and the heavens, the sea, and the earth be all perfectly understood,
But should
it
there will yet remain

dispute,
and ponder
one subject upon which the sons of men ma)- meditate, That subject is, GOD, of but it shall still be unknown.
I
am now to speak. May it please the great Spirit whom, with humble reverence, of wisdom to enlarge: our minds, and guide our hearts into an understanding of that
portion of truth concerning Him which I. MAJESTIC FIGURE.
is
revealed
in
the text
\\ e
have, here,-
II.
GLORIOUS ATTRIBUTE.
III.
A
A
GRATEFUL ACKNOWLLDGMLJX
I.
God
Lace of
MAJESTIC FIGURE. is here called "the Father of

this
lights,"
comparing
Him
;
to the sun.
It is
most true that
God
In it, once, the the reflection of the upper one. lake but sin has ruffled the have been seen as on some glassy mi-dit * o
lower world
is
broken, and presented only in pieces. surface of the waters, so that the portrait Yet there are the pieces, the wrecks of the picture, and we will not throw them Let us lift up our eyes on high, and behold the only object which is worthy aside. \Ye think we can see several ideas couched in the to be called an emblem of Deity.
is
figure used in our text

i.
by the
apostle.
Independence
is
or, Self-existence.
;
God
more
ally J
The sun is not really so but he is far the only self-existent Being. of nature is continu independent than any other object we know of. All else
;
borrowing O
vegetables draw their nourishment from the

^~>
soil,
animals from them,
universe. greatest beggar in the theirs in rekindle The moon lights her nightly torch at the sun s lamp, the planets Mother Earth is greatly dependent on the sun despite the his bright storehouse. in the rays of that pride of her children, what is she but a tiny globule dancing The sun gives, but takes not bestows on all, receives from none, majestic orb ?
or from
one another, man from
all
he
is
the
but lives alone, in his own solemn grandeur and glory. leans on none Such is God, the great I AM, who sits on no borrowed throne, and begs no
;
C.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
323
leave to be.
all
He needs them not; were they All things are of Him, and by Him. He could exist, as He has from eternity annihilated, it would not injure Him. He
has
in
existed, alone.
Himself
all
that
is
worth having.
of
On Him
all
things
lean
He
leans on none.
But we can scarcely speak

"Who,
Him,
light Himself, in uncreated light, Invested deep, dwells awfully retired From mortal eye, or angel s purer ken. Whose single smile has, from the first of time, Fill d overflowing all those lamps of heaven That beam for ever through the boundless sky; But should He hide His face, th astonish d sun
And all th extinguished stars would loosening reel Wide from their spheres, and chaos come again."
The sun is another idea suggested by the figure in the text. when he shows himself, the moon one of the most magnificent of created things Seen in any part of his course, he is a grand and stars conceal their blushing faces.
2.
Sublimity
is
he tinges the Eastern sky with his rising beams, when he sits serenely in mid-heaven at noon, or when he retires in splendour at eventide, grandeur He is too bright for our eyes to gaze upon, is always one of his characteristics.
object.
When
first
although o we are at such a vast distance from him. Far more sublime is God. Who shall describe
glorious, the starry floor of
His throne
"
is
s
glorious
dies
Him? His angelic servants what must He Himself be?
are
Imagination
In
utmost stretch
away."
wonder
Well may angels
veil their faces, for
even their eyes could not endure His brightness.

all
No man
can see Him.
His
train
was
that
Moses saw.
Borrow the eagle

fall
eye
and wing, soar on and on do it again and again, and you will find the earth Clouds and darkness are round about Him, for He may truly have
until the glory
;
"
overcomes you, and you
reeling back to that man cannot see God.

it
said to
Him,
Dark with excessive bright Thy
skirts
appear."
stron<>-
"The expression of the apostle Father of lights." The sun is as a giant coming out of his chamber and, like a He drags the whole immense solar system man, he rejoices to run a race. How mightily he still him. along in his majestic course, nor can any oppose
3.
Power
also
seems a prominent idea
in this
moves on in his appointed course So is our God glorious in His power.

!
Himself,
will
hills
is
infinite.
He
omnipotent. melted like wax
with power. He willeth, speaketh, and His Shall nature? His thwart Who can No; the purposes? at the presence of the Lord. They skipped before Him like
No Word is
one knows His might
it
is
like
and His
rams.
By His power,
the waters are divided

lifteth
fire
singes not His servants

;
wild
beasts are tamed.
He
His
finger,
and
the flood ariseth
He
droppeth
it,
and
-24
the waters assuage.
H.
SPURGKOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
In vain could mountains, torrents, stars,
and
all
the elements war

;
against Him.
all
men
can conquer but as a drop in a bucket.
Who
Him He
in
battle?
Shall
that sitteth in
man? Xo He counteth Heaven hath His enemies in

;
derision.
Shall the devils in hell withstand
Him?
No
once;
have they
fallen
from
Satan is chained, and the battlements of Heaven, and in vain is their loudest roar. He is God s slave, and led as a conquer d monarch to grace God s victory over him. O beloved, what a God is here revealed to us! unwillingly doth his Master s will.
and when troubles thought under thy pillow His power protecteth thee from all evil
Put
this
;
!
arise, still
calmly sleep on, for
The leading idea of the text. be no no no heat, life, sun is absolutely necessary to our being; there would light, our sun is also the to is He no rain, nothing without him. well-being necessary
4.
But Beneficence seems
even
more
the
indeed the great philanthropist: he

all,
visits
every land,
he gives
Ireely,
and gives
to
Curse him, or bless him, he is the peasant as well as to the prince. same; he does not refuse his light even to the felon, but he. visits the prisoner in
to the
his cell.
Should He withdraw His face, God, the good, the. greatly-good. Heaven would not be Heaven. Without God. the whole universe would be a valley He Oh, how good is our God lull of dry bones, a horrible charnel-house. confines not His mercies to any one race; the Hottentots are as welcome to His The sinful receive His grace, and lose their former evil love as are any of us.
Such
also
is
nature.
lie
gives
to
sinners,
and
to
the unthankful;
and
if
men wen-
not by
nature blind, they would see by His light; the defect is in them, and not in Him. Yon sun has shone on my cradle, it will beam on my death-bed, and cast a our path with sunshine. gleam into my grave. So doth God, the Beneficent, gild Karth were, a gloomy vault without Him; with Him, it is light and joyous, the
porch of a
I
still
more
blissful state.
I.
GLORIOUS ATTRIBUTE.
The, apostle, having thus introduced the sun as a figure to represent the Father invisible God, of lights, finding that it did not bear the lull resemblance of the seems constrained to amend it by a remark that, unlike the sun, our Father has no
turning, or variableness.
he rises at a different time each day, and sun has parallax ; or, variation He moves into other parts of he sets at various hours in the course of the year. He is clouded, eclipsed, and even suffers a diminution of light irom he heavens. He some mysterious decrease of the luminiferous ether which surrounds him.
The
also
has tropic
solstice,
is
God
He turns his chariot to the South, until, at the turning. But God bids him reverse his rein, and then he visits us once more.
;
or,
superior
to
all
figures
or
emblems.
He
is
immutable.
The sun
changes.
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
325
mountains crumble, the ocean shall be dried up, the stars shall wither from the vault Were I to enter into of night; but God, and God alone, remains ever the same.
a
full
discourse on the subject of immutability,

fail
my
I
time,
is
if
multiplied by a high
in
number, would
justice,
me.
But reminding you that there

it
no change
His power,
fact that
knowledge, oath, threatening, or decree, How often His love to us knows no variation.
!
will confine
is
myself to the
inscribed
called unchangeable, everlastingfirst
love
He
loves
me now
as
much
as
He
did
when
He
His eternal book of election. blotted out one of His chosen

are written in
it
has not repented of His choice. all whose names there are no erasures in that book
;
He
my name in He has not

when He
are safe for ever.

love,
Xor does God
love
me
less
now
me.
than
gave that grand proof of

loves
His Son, Jesus Christ,
to die for
Kven now, He
me
with the same intensity as
when He poured out
have all darling to save rebel worms. shone round about us, and special love, when His candle
We
the vials of justice; on His had times which we considered times of
we basked
in the light of
His smiling face; but let us not suppose that He He then discovered Pi is love in a way pleasing to flesh and blood Oh. no now. In the fight with Apollyon in the Valley of but trials are equally proofs of His love. of the Shadow of Death, or in Vanity Fair, He will be ever Humiliation, in the
then than really loved us more
; !
Valley
the same, and will love us neither
more nor
less
than
when we
sing with seraphic
voices the songs of Heaven. Death, sometimes, in the prospect, is very trying to flesh and blood but if this death would not be such a truth of God s unchanging O love were well remembered,
;
*_>
trial to
us as
it
has been to many.
We
should know that
He who
"
gather up his be not so with

things,
feet,
and
;
die,
that
He who
enabled David
to say,
helped Jacob to Although my house
God
:
yet
and sure
grow,"
for
He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although He make it
fall
not to
stones, will
shall
and that lie who permitted Stephen to be the Deliverer of all who trust in Him.
jars,
asleep amid a shower of Throughout eternity, there
be no
not a breath of
strife
but the same uninterrupted, blessed unity
shall prevail for ever,
and God
will
continue to bestow upon us His unchanging love.

!
Thanks be unto Him for loving us so III. A GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
The apostle, having introduced God as the Father of lights, and qualified the all good gifts to Him alone Every good gift and figure, now proceeds to ascribe cometh down from the Father of lights, with every perfect gift is from above, and
"
whom
is
no variableness,
neither
shadow
of
turning."
If
it
seemed
perfectly
reasonable that, at the rising of the sun, nature should welcome it with song, is it not even more reasonable that, at the name of the Father of lights, we should lift up
a song
?
What
is
said here,
is
what angels can sing
in
Heaven;
it
is
what
Adam
326
c.
n.
STURGEON
;
AUTOIUOGRANIV.
feels heartily willing to
could have
confess.
hymned
in
Paradise
it
is
what every Christian
has had an added emphasis of meaning, since in us, by nature, there dwells no good tiling, and by our sin we have forfeited every right to any favour from God. So that our natural gifts, such as beauty, eloquence, health,
Fall, this verse
Ever since the
and happiness, all come from Tim equally with our graces. We have nothing which we have not received. Earth, one day, shall make this song thrill through Heaven shall join the chorus the region of chaos and old night shall infinity shout aloud, and even hell s unwilling voice shall growl out an acknowledgment of
life,
I
;
;
the fact that
"Every
down from
of
turning."
I
the
good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and coineth Father of lights, witli. whom is no variableness, neillier shadow
in
have succeeded
my
object
"Glory
if,
contemplation of Jehovah,
with me, you can from your hearts say, be unto the Father, and to the Son, and
is
at the
to the
Holy Ghost, as
end
!
it
was
in
the beginning,
now, and ever shall
be,
world without
AMEN."
EVENING
Tiii
:
S E
RM ON
FAULTLESS ASSEMBLY.
It is well,
little
They arc without fault before the throne of (iod" Revelation xiv. v beloved, sometimes to get aside from the worry of business, to have a
conversation concerning that future world to which we are tending. therefore, indulge in a brief contemplation of Heaven, and will speak
those things which,
if
We
will,
concerning
we
are the
Lord
people,
we
sin,
are soon to realize
when we
shall
be
"Far
from a world of grief and

eternally shut
With God
to live with
in,"
Him
for ever.
;
There are three things in these words first, the character of tJie people in Heaven: "they are without fault;" secondly, who they are: "they are without
fault;"
and then,
thirdly,
where they are:
"they
are without fault before the throne
of
God."
I.
THE PEOPLE
IN
HEAVEN ARE OF A CERTAIN PECULIAR CHARACTER:

earth,
I
"without
fault."
have never discovered such creatures living upon

I
and do not suppose
ever
three
shall.
might
that
travel
many
a weary journey before

fault;"
could find a
man
in the
kingdoms
would be
"without
yea,
if
an angel were to be sent
C.
II.
327
down
purpose, he might lly round it many a time, till his wings I knew a man, once, who told without fault." were weary, yet never find a man I cross when he soon but me: that he was perfect began to speak, and I got very
to the
world
lor this
"
saw
he was perfect only in one thing, he was perfect in weakness that was It is only now and then that you meet with a man who the only perfection he had. has tin: impudence to tell you that he is perfect but you can soon see, from the very
that
; ;
look of him, that he
not perfect, for at any rate he is not perfect in humility he seems to glory in his perfection, and all the while his very mouth betrayeth him. That eye of pride, and that lip of lust with which he speaks, as he lusteth for the faultless creature, praise of men, tell you that he is far from being perfect.
is
;
where
palace,
is
there such a being on earth

to the
Fly,
Gabriel,
lly
enter thou the loftiest
humblest cottage, go to the most remote realm, to the most civilized, polite, and educated people, and thou shalt find no perfect being find a perfect man nor a nay, go into the church, go into the pulpit, thou wilt ne er
and then go
perfect minister.
ness that
to
is in
Imperfection Christ [esus, and

;
is
stamped upon
perfection
in
all
things; and, save the complete
the,
be found beneath the skies

for
nor
we have in Him, perfection is nowhere Heaven itself could it be found unless God
creature perfect.
were: there-,
;
lie alone can
earth, when they shall have been fitted lor despite the faults perfection the skies by God s most precious grace, they shall stand before God "without fault."
make a of men on
But
there,
beloved,
is
We
will,
first,
look at our
own
faults,
and then admire those glorious beings
I think there above, and the grace, of God in them, that they are "without fault." are three great faults in the Church of God at large, as a body, from which those
who
are in
;
another
i.
Those three are, a want of love to one are entirely free. and a want of love to Jesus Christ. a want of love to souls
Heaven
\Ye need not go

give away.
/ore to one another.
without seeing that there is, among Christians, a waul of There is not too much love in our churches certainly, we have
far
;
none
to
\Ve have heard that

Whatever brawls disturb the street, There should be peace at home
;"
but
it
is
not always as
sit
it
should be.
We
s
have known churches where the members
can scarcely
down
at the
Lord
table without
some disagreement.
There are
the minister, and there are ministers finding people who are always finding fault with and fault with the people; there is among them spirit that lusteth to envy," and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." \Ve have met where
"a
"
J o with people among whom it would be misery to place ourselves, because we love not Alas how continually do we hear accounts of war we love peace and charity. O beloved, there is too little love in the clisputings and variance in churches
envvin<>! ; !
churches
If
Jesus were to
come amongst
us,
might
He
not say to us,
"This
is
My
commandment, that ye love one another Inn how have you kept it when von have been always finding fault with one another? and how ready you have been to turn sword brother! ? your against your
;
"
beloved, "they are without fault before the throne of God." Those; who on earth could not agree, are sure to There are agree when they get to Heaven.
]>ut.
some who have crossed swords on earth, but who have held the faith, and have been numbered amongst the saints in glory everlasting. There is no fighting amongst them now; they are without fault before the throne of God." There are manv, who would never sit at the same table with each other when they were upon earth,
"
though they were the children of
God
but now, side by side, they are standing and
singing to the same tune, "Glory be to God and to the Lamb!" \Ye discover, by reading the records oi distinguished men, that there has scarcely been one eminent man who could walk side by side with his fellow. Like great mountains, they touch at their foundations; unite nowhere else. in Heaven all stand certainly, they side by side, and there- is no disunion them. \Ye know that, in manv amongst
l>ut
churches,
some of
the richer
is
members
will scarcely notice the

\\ e
be so above, there
sick ior months,
1
leaven
it
is
who have been no brother or sister-member has ministered to them but in yet not so, there is no neglect there. They cannot suffer there but if it
true love there.
; ;
poorer hear of church-members
but
it
will
not
were possible that they. could suffer, so sweet would be the love displayed towards each other, that suffering would be removed in a moment. Ask the cherubim if thev
ever
knew
ii
a jar in Christ
glorified
Church above
And
you could make all the blessed ones pass in one another, they would say, "with a pure heart, fervently and though we had brawls and disputings on earth, they are all forgotten now, for the blood of
"Yes,"
;
and they would say, Xav." review, and ask them if they love
"
has ended all our disagreements and that mantle oi a Saviour s love, that He casts over all our faults, has ended all our holy wars with one another. We are all one in Christ Jesus; would to God we had seen
Christ, that covers a multitude of sins,
;
more
of
this
oneness when below
They
;
are
"
without
is
"
fault
in
that respect,
;
beloved, above.
There
;
is
no harshness there
is
there
no
ill
humour
1 ,
there
there
is
no bitterness there
there
spirit
"
no envy, no evil-speaking, no spite no uncharitableness, are without fault before the throne of God." Oh, how my wearied they
there
! ;
I wish not to live with men of strife the lions den is not longs to be there me, nor the house of leopards. Give me the quiet place where the oil runneth down irom the head even to the skirts of the garments. Let me live in peace with all Christ s Church let me not find fault with Sooner will I allow them to anyone. sheath their daggers in my heart than I would draw mine in angry contest. Thank God there are some of tis who can say, "There is not a man living with whom we
ior
are at
arm
length any more than the infant that
is
just
born."
There are some
of
C.
II.
SPURGKON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
329
give our hand very readily to anyone in whom we see anything that is but when we see anything that is contrary to the pleasing to the Spirit of God Oh that I had wings not like an eagle to fly at my brother, oh Spirit, we say,
us
who can
"
that
had wings
like a dove, that
might
fly
away, and be at
rest."
That happy
without fault
time shall soon come, beloved,

before the throne of
2.
God."
when
we, like those above,
shall
be
"
second
fault
is,
that there
is
a great
want
of love lo souh.
John Bunyan
;
intended to be a guide to Heaven have you He has a crown of life over his head, he ever noticed how beautiful that portrait is ? has the earth beneath his feet, he stands as if he pleaded with men, and he has the
gives the portrait of a
man whom God
Best of Books
in
;
his hand.
Oh
would that
were, for one moment, like that
pattern preacher that I all of us ambassadors for Christ, and
could plead with
men
as
John Bunyan describeth.

I
\Ye are
we
are told that, as ambassadors,
we
arc to
beseech
men
!
as
though
How I love preacher yearns over the ungodly, as

them
to the
God besought them by us. How do love to see a tearful to see the man who can weep over sinners; whose soul
if
!
Lord fesus Christ

I
he would, by any means, and by all means, bring I cannot understand a man who stands up and
if
delivers a discourse in a cold indifferent manner, as

his hearers.
he cared not
for the souls of
something lie cry to God, that
like-
think the true gospel minister will have a real yearning alter souls, Give me children, or else I die;" so will Rachel when she cried,
He may
;
have His
elect born,
and brought home
to
Him.
And,
UK-thinks, every true Christian should be exceedingly earnest in prayer concerning the souls of the ungodly and when they are so, how abundantly God blesses them,
and how the church prospers But, beloved, souls may be damned, yet how few of Sinners may sink into the gulf of perdition, yet how few tears you care about them are shed over them The whole world may be swept away by a torrent down the
!
few men say, precipice ot woe, yet how few really cry to God on its behalf "Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep
!
How
day and night

before
God Ah but in Heaven, they As a good Puritan repenteth.

!
\Ye do not lament the slain of the daughter of my people the loss of men s souls, as it well becomes Christians to do.
"
for
love souls.
said,
Angels
rejoice over
one sinner that

they
set
all
"Whenever a prodigal
is
returns,
back."
Heaven s bells when you get

at
ringing, because there
another sinner come
beloved,
a convert to bring to the church, you see

their
some
of the
members look
!
him, through
spectacles, as
rejoice
Many
were
do
not,
like angels,
they would frighten the poor timid one over him but they look at him as it they
if
;
;
afraid he
the hand of
was a hypocrite. The poor soul stands trembling before the church the Lord is mighty upon him, but they sit by as coldly as if they
seat,
were on a judgment
and have neither love nor mercy
tor
him.
know
that,
55O
c.
u.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
I
when
a church
increases, then.!
of
would rather have too much

sometimes, the
should
I
should be judgment and discretion shown, and what I am speaking against, than too little of it but,
;
members look
"
at the converts,
and
"
say,
is
It
cannot be possible
how
/icy
be gathered
in
And when
there
they even go home with a heavy heart, as if harm by admitting them. Give me a church-meeting where they weep with joy Bless the Lord, there is another poor soul over those who come in, and say,
"
an addition to their numbers, the church were likely to come to
rescued from the world

to see the
"
think
it
it.
it
is
a sort of
mark
lambs
and
think
is
feature of the
of the sheep, that they love Lord s family, that they love
you see anyone brought to the Lord, do When you hear that such an one has received grace you not bless God for it ? and mercy, do you not bless God for it? No, not half so much as you ought; we are not half thankful enough to our Father for it. But, up there, beloved, they
to see another child born into
"
When
are
"
without fault
in
that matter,
in.
they see souls brought
when God brings you

up
their notes high in
1
to
and the} do rejoice, every one of them, when Methinks, young man, your pious mother will rejoice Mis feet and those godly friends of yours shall lift
;
leaven,
high.
when they see those dear

Blessed
"
to
them on earth united

"
to the
Church of God on
out fault before the throne of

souls.
God
name: tor them, they are with and especially in this matter of their love to
be:
God
Yes, howJesus Christ. When I think of myself, sometimes, little there is among us of love to |esus Christ and think of the Lord Jesus, ii does appear as if I did not love Him at all. When I think of that "love so amazing, so Divine," which led Him to give Himself tor me;
3.
The
other fault
mentioned was, want of love

!
to
me was no good thing, yet He loved me when was dead hated Him. loved me when spurned Him, loved me when in trespasses and sins loved me when despised and rejected Him, and hid, as it were, my face from Him
when
I
remember
I
that in
;
for
"
He
not
was despised and rejected of men,

;"-
He was
despised,
in
and we esteemed
I
do not when my consecrate myself more entirely to Him. Oh, if we did but love that sweet Lord Jesus He has love enough for us, but how little is with more ardour and devotedness
I
Him
think of
all this,
cannot but wonder
heart that
our love
for
Him
Methinks there
as
is
nothing over which

love
to
Christian
should our
groan so
is
the
littleness
;
of
his
the
Saviour.
When
faith
much we small,
we should recollect that love is the flower of faith, and springs Rutherford from faith and when that is feeble, it is a sign that faith also is feeble. Lord Jesus, let me love Thee, and that will be somewhere beautifully says, find such sweetness in loving Thee that, if it were Heaven enough for me for didst not love me, Thou canst not be so cruel as to prevent possible that Thou
often
lament
;
but
"O
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOUIOGKAI-IIY.
let
33
loving Thee and if Thou wouldst but Thee, I think it would be Heaven enough."
me
his
the presumption to love Rutherford felt it was so sweet to love
me have
was so delightful to have his heart go out to the Saviour, that so long as the Lord would let him love Him, he would be thankful for it, Beloved, there is nought like the love even though his Lord did not love him.
Lord, he found
it
love the doctrines of grace as well as any mortal I love Christ s people as much as anyone living does, but I love Jesus better Oh, His sweet, glorious, exalted person! that is the can, but I love Christ best. of Jesus to
make
us
happy
object of our love And we love the
we look upon
Lord Jesus,
;
all
else as the clothes of Jesus, the

s
crown of Jesus.
love
of
for
His own blessed name

is
sake;
we
Him
for
what we know of
But up there, beloved, Ask those: bright spirits whether they know Jesus, and love the throne of God." thou love Jesus? Spirit immortal, dost Jesus, and how would they answer you? Hear his answer! He stops not to tell you, but he repeats the song he sings
we do
not love
Him still, Him enough.
the fault
that
we do
not
"
know enough
Him, and
they are without fault before
in
Heaven,
upon
and power, be unto Him that sitteth Blessing, and honour, and glory, Ask him whether he loves the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
"
Christ, he does not stay to
tell
of his harp, and again

Jesus.
lifts
up
"
across the golden strings you, but sweeps his fingers his thrice-glorious voice in praise of the name of
Jesus!
my
Jesus!
Jesus! the
Lord! their harps employs my Love! they sing

;
life
of
all
my joys!
string."
Sounds sweet from every
there were nothing else to expect in better and love Him more, that is all the
If
Heaven but that we should know Christ Heaven that any of us need desire. To
touch with our finger His wounded side, to grasp His nail-pierced hands, to gaze on His benignant face, to look on those compassionate: eyes which once were cold and
glazed
in
the tomb,
to
know Him, and
to love
Him
perfectly,
that
were Heaven
are without fault before the throne of God," enough; and it shall be so, for "they and so shall we be. We have thus described, beloved, the people in Heaven without fault before \Ve have been necessarily brief, and we might have enlarged consider the throne.
ably,
fault in the opinion of others, and m their by observing how they are without own opinion, for now they cannot see any fault in themselves. But, best of all, they sees no are without fault in God s opinion, for even the scrutinizing eye of Jehovah He looks upon them, and beholds not the shadow of a stain. That fault in them. little insect in the air, and every creeping thing at the bottom God, who sees
every
of the sea, can perceive nothing

here,
wrong
in
when He
considers them in Christ.
His people in Heaven no, nor even we shall when But more especially then,
;
OJ
>e
>mplctely
sanctified
by the
Spirit, there
shall
;
original sin,
shall say,
all
that
is
sinful in us shall
begone
Me."
be no indwelling corruption, no and God Himself upon llis throne
looks upon the living stones in tile Heavenly Temple, perfectly joined together with the vermilion cement oi Christ s blond, He will say of them all, "They are without fault." II. Xow, let us enquire, wno AKI-: TIIKSI-: ricoi Li; THAT ARE WITHOUT FAULT?
"They
"
are without fault before
As He
Oh
!"
says one,
"
"they
are the
apostles."
Certainly, they are
"without fault.
Another
says,
They
are
some eminent
saints such as
Noah,
Elijah,
and
Daniel."
Another Iriencl says, "They are some faithful not them exclusively, beloved. therefore they are without lault belore ministers who preach the truth very boldly Xn they are not the only ones who are without fault I will tell you the throne." who they tire. looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him an
No;
"
hundred
fortv
and
Inur
this
I
thousand,
having"
His
Father
name
written
in
their
foreheads."
"Alter
beheld, and,
lo,
a great multitude, which no
man
could
number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and belore the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the
:
throne,
and unto the

those
Lamb."
These are the

they
God, the elect;

Soreheads
;
these:
are
who have
people; the chosen ones of the Father s name written in their

faultless
whom God
selected out of the world to
show
forth
His praise
the
hundred and forty-four thousand, and the multitude which no man could number who It does not matter whether they have been great were redeemed from among men.
sinners or
little
sinners,
they are
"
all
without lault before the throne

"
"
now
it
matters
not
whether they have been swearers, drunkards, whoremongers, or what

"
not, they are
without
fault belore the
throne
It
whom God
the)
all
hath chosen and sanctified.
they are but amongst the number matters not what they were; it matters
if
;
not whether
men
"
despised them, or found fault with them

in
we
care not whether
have been put
the elect are
without
the pillory of scorn, and hooted and hissed at by mankind, fault" in the person of Jesus Christ and they shall all be
;
and glorious day before the throne in person "without fault" in themselves, when God shall gather home His people, and glorify His ransomed ones.
at the last bright
TJicy are without fault
whom God
they are those they are without fault before the throne hath chosen, those who have their Father s name in their foreheads.
;
;
the earlier part of this chapter, you will see that they were all The hundred and forty and lour thousand, which were redeemed redeemed persons :
By reading
tJic
car//>."
"
from
"These
Lamb."
God and
speak of
to the
were redeemed from amoii^ men, being the lirstfruits unto All who were redeemed shall stand before God without
not go into the doctrinal part of this subject, but simply They are without fault." Do you ask,
"
speck or blemish.
it
\Ve
will
as
a matter of experience.
c.
ii.
STURGEON
"
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
beloved
Canst thou say that the blood of the Lamb redeemed ? Hast thou, by faith, sat dc door post ? has been sprinkled upon thy lintel, and thy all in all, thy and fed on that Paschal Lamb? Is He thy rod, thy stay, thy her hand on that dear head of His, and then; confes faith Can
"
Am
/ one
of the
existence?
thy
lay
Canst thou see traces of His blood on thy conscience thy sin ? Hast thou Art thou blood-washed! of His blood on thy soul?
?
felt
Christ
is
thine?
Canst thou
"
say,
m a poor sinner, and nothing at all, But Jesus Christ is my all in all"?
I
Canst thou see the purchase price given
for thee
Canst thou sin-
Oh! how sweet to feel the flowing Of his sin-atoning blood! With Divine assurance knowing He hath made my peace with God"?
condemn thee, though conscience may fault faults before thee, thou shah be "without though Sat an may bring all thy Thou mayest have been a black and gross the tin-one of God." wick backslider, thou mayest have been horribly mayest have been a great have had risings of corruption, so horr as bad as the devil himself: thou mayest fellow-man thou mayest be the them to
If so
be loaded with though & thou mayest
sin,
1.
that thou darest not reveal
thy hand to thy moul insinuations so vile and black that thou puttest thy the the flesh may be struggling so hard against their finding utterance and thou art c thou dost scarcely know which shall have the predominance, am I thus ? "-it may be that thou art lying down, self-conde be so
; ;
it
will smite thy law-condemned, fearing that the sword of Justice one day be shoulders and vet, with all this, thou shalt Christ s atoning blood. throne of God," for thou hast been redeemed by the thought O beloved, when I look back upon my past life, I am horrified at to work out my own nghteousne. what I should have come to if God had left me and sad feelings, 1 sinned against early warn I was the subject of black thoughts own soul and body and vet and pious training, against God, against my without fault before thI shall one clay be notwithstanding all these sins, some man who has been notorious! God Possibly I may be addressing and every filthy vice, yet he has come to be swearing and drunkenness, but hel I am condemned, there is nothing Christ perhaps he is saying,
;
why
"
"
-"or
know
if
cannot be
pardoned."
law cannot condemn twice.

thee
If
Nay, poor sinner, ii thou God s law has condemned

s s
art trusting in Jcs
thee,
thou tremblest at
"
God
Word, and
"
"
sayest,
am
grace a sinner, but
God
Saviour
Recollect the apostle
message,
This
is a faithful
334
all
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief as if Paul would say that cannot further in sin than the. chief of you go sinners went. What sayest thou to this, drunkard? One day, the Lord having mercy on thee, thou shah stand, white as driven snow, before the Majesty on high. What sayest thou to this, thou whose mouth has been stained with black oaths? If thou hast lied to Jesus to be saved, one day, unblemished and complete, thou shalt in the join hallelujahs of the glorified before the; throne of God. youth, though thou hast gone into the very kennel of sin, and raked up all that is vile and base
;
;"-
thou hast o-one down, down, down,

step into the hell of sin
God,"
;
though
till
it
seemed impossible
"
for thee to take
another
even thou shalt stand

in
if
thou art a believer, trusting
without fault before the throne of the blood of Jesus, and hast that blood
woman, outcast, lost, ruined; though thou dost thou, hide thy face, ashamed to bear the gaze of man, and comest with stealthy steps into God s house, as if afraid to be seen, for thou knowest what thou hast been ay, but a woman, who was a sinner, once washed the Saviour s feet with her and
;
applied to thy soul.
And
tears,
Because
there
is
had washed her heart with blood and, () thou poor, guilty Magdalene, blood that can wash even thee Though thou hast stains as black as hell
;
He
why
upon
thee, Christ s blood can
wash them out;

for
that precious blood can take
away
all
thy me, and, having- availed for me, where shall I find another whose guilt shall go beyond the: merit of His sacrifice, whose crimes shall exceed His power to save ? Never shall I find such an one, for Christ lias boundless
grace.
I
sins.
His blood availed
always love that phrase of Hart

"A
s,
sinner
is
a sacred thing,
so."
The Holy Ghost hath made him
Ah
let
me know
that
am
addressing such a sinner

;
will
preach the g-ospel

shall stop
to real, bona-fide, actual, positive sinners
and no
gives
Ilesh
and blood
life
me
for to
evermore
in all
my
sermons, as long- as
God
me
and breath, preaching-
your sham sinners, the people who talk very daintily of ! have no sinners, being good opinion of them. John Berridge said that he kept a rod for sham beggars, and 1 will one for these I love to see one keep pretenders. who feels himself to be a real sinner not the one who says, just by way of compli that he is a sinner not the ment, one who can read the Ten Commandments all
for
;
those real sinners.
As
through, and say that he has not broken any of them but the real sinner, the downright guilty man, the man who is a thorough sinner, and knows it, that is the
;
O sinner, you, you, YOU, if you are preach the gospel. and if His blood has name, been sprinkled on your conscience, shall yet stand before the throne of Gocl "without fault." Or, as the good man in Yorkshire said, when he was dying, and someone told him he had been a
to
I
man
whom
like to
s
trusting in
Christ
great
"
sinner,
"Ah
said he,
"
have been a great sinner, but there
is
a crown in
Heaven
C.
II.
SrURGEOX
will
fit
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
335
which Gabriel cannot wear
no head but mine, and I shall wear it, too, for Him soon." am bought and paid for by the blood of Christ and I shall be with I shalt of Christ, thou also, believing- soul, Bought and paid for by the blood without fault before the throne of God." itself to some of you, and Beloved, there is one thought that will suggest withou relatives that are is, there are some of your sat in childhood, over who: There is a dear, pious mother, on whose knee you
;
it
"
she is "without fault before the throne. grave you wept and when you look back, you can see that there was a little fault
:
of
some kind
in
her
children too much, there was some perhaps she loved her beloved wife, who had but she has no fault now. And there, husband, is your almost faultless as you in your cheered you on your way you look back, and free from some little fondness deemed her, yet you feel that she was not quite It you could behold her now. error: but she is "without fault before the throne" described the pilgrims who had been now, you would see her, as the Interpreter are our Mother, there is your daughter and there washed," fair as the moon." When speaking on this subject brothers and sisters who have crossed the Hood.
: ; ;
fault or other that she
of re-union with departed friends,

"
we can
say,
E en now, by faith, we join our hands With those that went before
;
And ureetthe blood-besprinkled On the eternal shore

!"
bands,
The members
and
"
of our churches have ascended
up
to our Father,
and
to their Father,
1
are without fault before the throne of God. not sinful If I might ask one thing of God, if it were Oh, to be without fault Let me die now, that I may go and beto ask such a thing, methinks 1 would ask, without tault before Thy throne
to Christ s Father,
and now
"
"they
"
"
"
that the happy word were given, Loose me, and let me rise to leaven, And wrap myself in God
I
"
Why
is
are
we
afraid to die
What
the paying of a penny for a

:
pound
It are the pains, the groans, the dying struggle ? to them, that so we may get to
go through
Heaven.
Oh
!
My
Fly
if my Lord would come and meet, soul should stretch her wings in haste, fearless through death s iron gate,
Nor
arc;
feel the terrors as
she
passed."
Yes, they are there; and without fault before the throne of God." I am no prophet, nor the son of a in a few days. perhaps we, too, shall be there Him be that one of us, who loves the Lord, will be with prophet; but it may is to depart, we but whether it be so or not, whichever one of us before long
"They
;
33-
c
it is
STURGEON
fault."
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
afraid,
know that we are of

III.
to
be
s
"
without
So we are not
be
"
whoever
it
may be
if
the
Lord
family,
we
shall
without fault before the throne of
God."
can only very briefly explain the third part of the subject, which is, to show WHERE THEY ARE WHO ARE WITHOUT FAULT: They are without fault before the throne of God." Before the throne of God." know what it is to lie
"
We
We
beneath
I he
//ironc
for
we sometimes
"
sing,
no longer lie Like slaves beneath the
We would
throne."
be far off from the throne. Satan stands blocking It is as much as we can do to up the way to the throne-. push past him, and get a word from the Master. Have you not sometimes thought that you were behind the
it
We
know what
is,
at times, to
throne,
and that God could not look
at you,
that
He
could look at
all
His servants,
but not at you, for you were behind the throne ? The proud infidel wants to get on the throne, but even if it were possible for him to be in Heaven, he could not do
that, for
he would neither be beneath the throne, nor behind the throne, nor on the
it
throne, but he would have to stand before
to
be condemned.
But the
saints of
God
are
all
before the throne.
Why?
Because
tlicv
can
tJien
always look at God, and God eau always look at them. They stand before the throne. That is all I want here, to stand before the throne of God. If I could
always be before it, if I could always see the light of His countenance, always feel the comforting- assurance of being sale in Jesus, always taste His love, always receive of His grace, that were enough for me. And if that is sweet here, how much
sweeter shall
"
it
be to
bow
we
before the throne hereafter, and

are so far
oil
"unceasing
sing His
love
it
At
if
times, here,
it
the throne, that
is
and
able to see
it.
"
were not a glorious high throne, being so But it is one that you can see a long way
we can scarcely tell where far off, we should never be

oft
;
yet there
"they
are
"
before the throne," drinking in bliss with their eyes and ears, with immediately their whole soul lost in Jesus, standing perpetually before the throne That part of the verse needs so much illustration to explain it, that I am afraid, more briefly,
!
to
venture on
it.
I,
therefore, must, for the present, leave

God."
"
it.
They
are without
fault before the

I
throne of
But, beloved, there
is
one serious question which
shall
The
put to you, and that answer rests here are

;
is,
Shall we be without fault before the throne hereafter? we without fault before the throne of God now, through
?
the justifying blood and righteousness of Christ

"
Are we able
"
to say,
Jesus, thy blood
and righteousness,
My
If so, the Christian
beauty
are,
my
glorious dress
cannot change his position

;
and
shall
be so hereafter
"
there
is
"
condemned.
"Ah
savs someone,
He is now justified, in God s sight. now no condemnation, and he never can be I cannot sav as much as Well, then, are
that,"
C.
II.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
the Spirit
337
you
full
of
fault in
your own eyes?
Hath God
shown you your sin?

1
Next to being shown the righteousness of Christ, one of the best evidences ol Do you, then, see your \vorkino~ is our being aware of our own sinfulness. I lave sinfulness ? you been brought down till all that nature has set upon
;
is
own
the:
throne has been cast in the dust, and that garment which you gloried in has been torn away, and you stand naked, and worse than naked filthy, and worse than filthy
diseased, and worse than diseased
; ;
lying
among
since:
the slain
;
worse than polluted in heart, worse than dead like those that go down to the pit, those that have been
possible,
long
dead
nay,
if
worse than that
Can you
feel
as
if
you
have:
been brought elown, down, down, till desperation seizeel you, and you had nothing to Can you feel that you have be:e:n stripped to the: lowest degree, and all that rest in ?
you possessed and
glorie:d in
has been scattered to the winds

"
And
if
can you
now
say,
? "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord Well, you have plenty of faults here, and have known them, and been taught them, and feel that you cannot overcome them of yourself, you shall be "without fault before the throne of God"
and selfby-and-by, for the: Lord will not bring you to that state of soul-distress, O sinner, is not this despair, without bringing you also to peace and liberty. Thou knowest thy sinnership, thou canst understand that glorious news to thee ?
thoti art a sinner
;
that
is
the
first
thing thou neeelest to know.

Is to feel
We sometimes
sing,
"All
the fitness lie requireth, your need of Him."
Hut
love the next two
line s
of
the:
"
verse,
This
He
gives you
Tis the
Spirit s rising
"The
beam."
Good
olel
Martin Luther used
to say,
"
devil
comes
well,"
to
me, and says,

"and
Martin,
I ll
thou art an exceeding sinner.

off thy
I
know
that very
said Martin,
cut
feel
head with thine own sword

1
for Christ died for sinners, for
and the more
am
a sinner, the more evidence

!
have that Christ died

!
me."
Oh
to
know our
is
sinnership
to
recognize
it
in
our inmost soul

shall lead us to,
that
is
blessed
And
there
e)nly
one more
feelings
;
step, anel that

for
God
to put us in Christ Jesus in

if
our
own
we
!
ourselves.
Christ,
Oh
are already in Him in the eternal covenant, trust Him, trust Him, TRUST HIM,
!
so be
!
we
are out of
is
TRUST HIM
He
a good
and a O s^reat Christ. Ah, O great sinner and thou, even thou, the filthiest, the vilest, the off-cast, the undeserving, the: ill-deserving, and hell-deserving sinner, even thou shalt yet wear a blood-washed even thou shalt sing the perfect song, and be perfect robe, spotless and white
J
trust thou to His blood and righteousO
ness
thyself, for
thou shalt be
"
without fault before the throne of
God."
CHAPTER XXX.
icttcrs tonttrnmg Srttlniunt in
I
Ionian.
yon
do not know whether
all
of
yon can go with
me
here
l,,
Sv^Tr-r?
ev<
ry step
have taken,
can
tr
indeed
feel that
God
has allotted
my
inheritance for
me
New Park Street was sadly reduced in numbers, and from the position of its meeting-house there seemed no prospect before it but ultimate dissolution but there were a few in its midst who never ceased to pray for a gracious revival. The congregation became- smaller and smaller; yet they hoped on, and hoped* ever. Let it never be when they were at their worst the that, forgotten ,ord remembered them, and gave to them such a tide, of prosperity that they have had no mourning, or doubting, but many, of continued
Church
in
;
many
years
rejoicing.
shows in what condition the New Park Street following Jiurch was at the time that Mr. Spurgeon preached his first sermon in London Although there had not been any additions during the year, and the total income for 1853 had been less than ^300, the members of the church and congregation were so concerned about the spiritual welfare of their neighbours that, without waitin<, for election of a new Pastor, they had subscribed the amount needed to secure the
official
(The
record
services of a city missionary for five years
Monthly church-meeting, i4th

Brother
Deer., 1853.
Low
presided.
The minutes
entry confirmed.
of the last church-meeting were read, and the correctness of the
51
"
C.
II.
SI
URCKOX
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
for
Agreed
"
to grant the use; of the chapel to the
the holding of their The! letter proposed to be sent from this church to that meeting
London Baptist Association annual meeting on Wednesday, the nth oi January, 1854.
was
to
read,
It
approved, and
as follows
:
orele;reel
be signed by Brother Lenv as presiding de-aeon.
was
"
tion,
Ministers and Messengers composing the London Baptist Associa the baptized Church of Christ assembling in New Park Street, Sputhwark,
To
the;
sendeth Christian salutation.

"
Dear Brethren,
"
We; regret
in
that,
of
our numbers
particular to sum of one
consequence-
during the- past year, we; have made no additions lc. our being without a Pastor, ami that we- have nothing
Vxcept that a frie-nd has presented the hundred pounds, on condition that our church and congregation would raise the like; amount, with the- view to securing the; service s of a missionary in our
communicate
to the; Association,
localitv,
with
the;
aiel
of
the;
London City Mission,
for five years.

full
\\ e
havefor
the
the
pleasure to
state;
that our friends
have contributed the
sum required
carrying out of this important object.

for us.
"
We
enclose;
our
statistics.
Brethren, pray
Signed on
be-half of the; church, at
our church-meeting, 14th Deer., 1853, JA.MKS Low, Pre-.siding Deacon.

"
")
his first experiences in (Mr. Spurgeon wrote two le-tters to his father, re-counting A considerable portion of the earlier OIK; is missing, including the; first Lonelon.
sheet,
and also the end

what
the;
of the epistle.
tolel
Evidently,
the; the;
young preacher had been

falling-ofi
in
relating
deacons had
le;tte;r
him concerning
the congrega
:
tions, for the part of his
that has be-en preserved begins as follows
"
me
that
the-
people would be back
at the; first blast of the
The- people; arewhich gives a certain sounel else. raised /ioo last week for a city missionary, so They get on with anything The deacons told me; that, if were there three that they have the sinews of war.
1
trumpet not could ami Calvinistic, they
Sundays, there would be no room anywhere. They say that all the Lonelon popular ministers are gospel-men, and are plain, simple, and original. They have had most but they have never of the good preachers of our denomination out of the country asked one of them twice, for tlrjy gave them such philosophical, or dry, learned
;
I am the only one who has been asked twice, the sermons, that once was enough. 1 told them they diel not know only one who has been heard with pleasure by all. what they were doing, nor whether they were in the body or out of the; body they
;
C.
II.
STURGEON
ot
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
341
were so starved, that a morsel
and Rippon
over again.
"It
large as
life
The portraits of Gill gospel was a treat to them. in the Lots of them said I was hangvestry. Rippon
;
I do not deserve it I doing. they are mistaken. only mention I have not exaggerated nor am I very exalted by it, ior to leave facts. my own dear people makes it a painful pleasure. God wills it.
is
God
"The
College.
only thing which pleases me is, as you will guess, that I am right about I told the deacons that I was not a College man, and they said, That is
to us a special
recommendation,
ior
you would not have much savour or unction
if
you came from College.

"As
to a school,
ii
or writing to
alone, lor
is
happiest not do any good.

think
left
to
manage
do not go, shall feel my deacons in case am sure that any letter to my deacons would
I
I
>
church
free to
unity now, and they

it
improve. an infringement of their

other denominations in
will
persons
at
of
manage its own affairs. \Ye are in lovinoHut churches of the Haptist denomination would rules and liberties to be touched in the least by I should any matter which is their own concern.
they
and you would not mind my saying so, / had nothing to do with the note ; f never asked my father to write it; and the deacons must do as please about
once
say,
laying
"
it
I
before the clutrch?
feel
pleasure
I
in
the thought that
it
will
not
now be
necessary, and
feel that,
if
it
had been,
;
should have been equally contented.

It is
Many
other ministers have

;
schools
for
I
it is
am
;
one,
England than 600
If you mean to be a minister two years as much a minister as any man in and probably very much more so, since in that time I have preached more
a usual thing.
not right to say,
and have been
for
times.
"
More
soon."
(The allusions to a school refer to the following advertisement which Spurgeon had inserted in a Cambridge newspaper:
"
Mr.
Park Street, Cambridge. Mr. C. H. Spurgeon begs to inform his numerous friends that, alter Christmas, he intends taking six or seven young gentle men as day pupils. He will endeavour to the utmost to impart a good commercial
60,
No.
Education.
The
ordinary routine
will
include
Arithmetic,
Algebra, Geometry,
and
Mensuration;
Grammar and Composition; Ancient and Modern
History;
Latin and the Geography, Natural History, Astronomy, Scripture, and Draw-ing. elements of Greek and French, if required. Terms, 5 per annum.")
342
C.
11.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
"
No.
60,
Park Street,
"
Cambridge, December,
" "
1853.
My
Dear Father,
"
but you are often called out from concluded rather abruptly before excuse in I can it me. your writing, and therefore hardly know what I left unsaid. I hope to be at home three- days. I think of running down from London on Tuesday
I
;
(January) 3rd, and to go home by visit although a short one.

"
I>ury
on Friday,
will
I
6th.
hope
it
will
be a sweet
Should
be settled
in
London,
let
come and
anticipate going then! with
much
pleasure.
am
I do not see you often. am but if God contented where:

I
;
has more for
me
to do, then
in
are rather higher
Calvinism
me go and trust in Him. The London people am but have succeeded in bringing one than
I
I
;
church
to
my own
I
views, and
;
will trust,
I
with Divine assistance, to do the
same with
but
another.
am
is
a Calvinist
love what
someone
called
glorious Calvinism,
Hyperism
"
too hot-spiced for

in
my
;
palate.
found a relation
London
a daughter of
On
was
for
the
at
Monday, she came and brought the home when we called last Christmas.
Thomas Spurgeon, unmarried sister, who you

I
at Ballingdon.
will
remember
to preach
shall
have no objection
it.
Mr. Langford on Wednesday, January 4th, if he wishes I spent the Monday in going about London, climbed
"
to the top of
St.
Paul
s,
and
left
"
some money with
the booksellers.*
;
My
people are very sad
some wept
bitterly
at the sight of
me, although
made no
It
is
allusion to the subject in the: pulpit, as it is too uncertain to speak of publicly. Calvinism they want in London, and any Arminian preaching will not be endured. Several in the church are far before me in theological acumen they
;
would not admit
that
it
is so,
but they
all
expressed their belief that
my
originality,
or even eccentricity, was the very thing to one of the finest in the denomination
;
draw a London audience.
somewhat
a
in
Museum.
of the
Merry Christmas to you

I
all;
Happy
"
chapel is the style of our Cambridge New Year; and the blessing
affectionately,
"C.
The
God
of Jacob
Yours
H.
SPURGEON."
* Mr.
Spurgeon
volume, Commenting and Commentaries, explains
this allusion
right
Among entire commentators of modern date, a high place is to it. He is the expositor of Kvangelical Episcopalians, even
1
usually awarded to THOMAS SCOTT, and I shall not dispute his as Adam Clarke is the prophet of the VVesleyans but to me he
;
has seldom given a thought, and

in
have alumst discontinued consulting him.

Scott,
Londomvas
invested in
Thomas
and
money I ever received for pulpit services neither regretted the investment, nor became exhilarated thereby. His work has
Tlic very first
c.
H.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
343
(At the laying of the foundation stone of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Mr. Spurgeon s father made the following interesting reference to the College incident and his son s coming to London
:
are Essex men very happy to meet you to-night. Colchester has something to boast of great men. we come from Colchester, The chief physician of London comes from Colchester the Lord Mayor comes
"
My
Lord Mayor,
am
We
from Colchester
in
and
;
need not
ii
I
tell
you who
it,
my
life,
friends
but
I
ever had
it
have never had the headache would have been to-day. I feel nervous
else.
I
and excited.
But
his
do
feel
very happy to-day to acknowledge
my faults
and when
a
I
man
confesses
faults,
he has done a great deal towards amending them.

;
now you see that I always thought my son did wrong in coming to London was wrong. I always thought he was wrong in not going to College I tried three or four hours with him, one night, with a clear friend who loved him but it was no
;
use.
He
said,
No,
I
will
never go to College, except

;
in strict
obedience to you as
a father.
I
There
it
left
the matter
in
and
see that
God
has been with him, though
thought
can
tell
was a wrong step

for me; to
it
him
to
go
;
to
London.
I
And
I
wrong step
I
I
come here
to-night
but perhaps
one of the happiest days of think of the kindness that has been shown to
you
is
may feel beyond myself when my hie. ascribe my son when but a youth.
I
thought it was a be mistaken again.

I
He has been goodness, and the earnest prayers of His people. exposed to temptation from every source, and even now, my friends, he is not free You have prayed for him, and God has sustained him. Let me entreat from it.
it
all
to
God
you
to
continue your prayers.
Pastor.
meeting
;
like this
Every one here to-night, go home, and pray for your is enough to carry a man beyond himself, and fill his
Several persons said to me heart with pride but the grace of God is all-sufficient. Your son will never last in London six I do not know what their motive was,
months
he has no education.
said,
;
education that can possibly be had

earthly teachers, too.
I
You are terribly mistaken he has God has been his Teacher, and he
;
;
the best
has had
knew, as
far as
very well.
Then
they said his health
would
education went, he could manage London He fail but it has not failed him yet.
;
has had enough to shake his constitution, it is true but God has been very merciful I to him. think, if there is one thing that would crown my happiness to-day, it would have been to see his grandfather here. I should have loved to see him with us. Boy, don t ask ness and mercy to me.
said,
He
me
to go,
is
am
too old
am overcome
with
God
good
have something to that, I should like,
Old people like to always talking about your Pastor. And next to talk about, so he always talks about his grandson. my dear friends, to have seen his mother here. I believe, under
of leading
He
God
grace, his
mother was the means
him
to
Christ.")
514
In
"
C.
II.
STURGEON
for
:
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
an
article
TJic Preachers
I
Animal
1877, in
"
Candidating,"
read as
follows
by Rev. G. T. Dowling on Charles Spurgeon was not even seriously

time he preached
;
thought of as a prospective pastor the passed by before he was again invited
first
was extended,
because
This
that
is
to spend a Sabbath was by no means unanimous. Some families even boy was called."
it
Months and even when a call

in
London.
left
the church
given as a proof that successful preachers frequently produce a poor This may be a general fact, but it was a pity to fabricate impression as candidates. an instance. The truth is exactly the contrary. The moment after my first sermon was
preached, I was invited by the principal deacon to supply for six months, for he felt sure that, at a church-meeting, which would at once be held, such a resolution would
be passed. I declined his offer, for I thought it too hasty but I promised to preach on alternate Sabbaths during the next month, and this was done, and followed up No one person left the church to my know immediately by a further invitation.
;
ledge,
and the resolution inviting

four
me was
as nearly
unanimous as
possible, only
in after
one
man and
women
I
voting to the contrary, all of these
becoming
time most
only mention the incident as a specimen of the manner in which advocates of a theory too often manufacture their instances, and as a warning to friends to be slow in believing" anything which they may hear or read about public
friendly to
me.
persons.
to preach in London were before last-named and but the date, the church had 29th, 1854; lanuary ist, i5th, Lie already taken definite action with a view to securing his services permanently. had preserved, amongst his most treasured papers, the following letters, which are
(The three Sabbaths on which Mr. Spurgeon agreed
now published
for the;
first
time, together with a correct
invitation to supply the pulpit at
New
Park Street Chapel
for six
copy of his reply months

:
to the
"15,
Creed Lane,
"
Ludgate o
Hill,
"
London,
"Jan.
25, 1854.
"My
Dear
"
Sir,
is
with pleasure that I write these few lines to you hoping, through Divine grace, you are well and happy. "You will remember that I gave you a hint of the intention of the members of
It
the church to request the deacons to call a special church-meeting for the purpose of That special meeting has taken place inviting you to preach for a certain period. this evening, and I am most happy to tell you that, at the private request of Mr.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
545
\V. OIncy,
moved
in the
a resolution that you should be invited for six months.
Old Mr.
Gluey was
chair,
full
Mr.
Low
being- unwell,
but strongly
in
favour of your
;
three out of coming. vestry, and there were only five against you the five rarely occupy their places with us. It was a happy meeting-, and I hope that God, in His tender mercy, will send you to us, and that you will see your waxclear to come and should the Great Shepherd of the Hock make you the instrument to revive this ancient church, we shall be glad indeed, and shall give God all the For my own part, since I have been at Park Street, I never saw such glory.
;
\Ye had a
a desire on the part of the brethren toward a minister as there
is
toward you. We are cast clown, but not It has been a destroyed. trying time to us our church is scattered, but there is a goodly remnant filling their places constantly, and a band of young members growing the watchful care of
;
at the present time
good
say,
Pastor.
know you
try
will
I
up, requiring are being persuaded not to come

I
among
us
but
will
Gome and
I
possible, and then

before,
but
thought
idle
hope next week to spend half a clay with you, if I should have written you more than I can write. would wait for the; result of this evening s We
us.
tell
meeting.
I
don
want an
before,
we
I know we shall not have that in you. preacher are cast down, but there is room to rise and I believe
; ;
answer our poor prayers, though they have been offered weak
in
As have said God is about to faith. The different
societies in connection with the chapel will be revived with an active Pastor as our leader. 1 here may be a few against you, but I assure you it is only on the part of
those
who
many
are as unstable; as water, and seldom are at You will find a great chapel. faithful friends and should the Holy Spirit lead you to decide for New Park
;
Street alter you have received the request from the deacons, I hope and pray that will a that God will give you a you prove blessing to thousands, great number of souls for your crown of like rejoicing, that, Rippon, and Cox, Collier, Bennet, and
be a guide to thousands of ignorant travellers to conduct them to the cross of Jesus. I hope I shall soon see you, and if it shall please Gocl that it shall add to His glory for you to come among us, I will thank Him, and do all I can so
others,
you
will
far as
my
I
and which Mr.
meeting; Christian love to my you, hoping you will be wisely directed in all your ways, and believe me to be, "Your sincere friend and brother in Christ,
concerned, for your temporal and spiritual happiness. have enclosed a copy of the resolution which I moved at the
is
influence
Ward
seconded.
conclude with
"
WILLIAM CUTLER, Superintendent of
the
Sunday
School."
"To
the Rev. C.
II. Spuro-eon." I o
Resolved, That the ministry of the Rev. Charles H. Spurgcon having been very and that generally appreciated, he be invited to supply the pulpit for six months
:<
346
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
this resolution to
the deacons be requested to
communicate
him."
him, and to
make
the
necessary arrangements with
"
Market
Street,
"
Bermondsey, London,
"
"
Jany. 26th, 1854.

"
My
Dear
"
Sir,
of
cannot refrain from informing- you of the very satisfactory result

last
our church-meeting
a further invitation.
evening.
It
was called
specially to confer as to giving

cordial
There was a very large attendance, and a most
you and
I do trust God will incline your heart to come hearty enthusiasm on your behalf. among us. He has already given both you and us clear indications that there- is a There is one; consideration that makes me feel great work for you to do among us.
He has so repeatedlybrother Henry. expressed his regard for your ministry, and his desire to attend it, that I do trust there are already some impressions for good on his heart. Oh, that the Holy Spirit
very deeply on this subject, and that
is,
my
may
seal these
good impressions, and make them abiding, and

;
to
end
in his
conver
sion to
God
!
to Christ
May you, my dear friend, be indeed his spiritual teacher, to lead him do most earnestly pray that it may be so. Then, also, there are the
;
"
with great difficulty they can be induced to enter any place of worship, yet they will come and hear you, and I believe will continue to do so. I have most earnestly prayed that you may be directed aright in this matter,
at
young men
my
father
s.
It
is
and
I
"
trust already
I
your heart
is
turned towards
us.
;
lies in
most heartily promise you sympathy and co-operation and anything that my power to promote your comfort and usefulness shall be done. This is,
I
am
certain, the
will,
I
but one family not prepared to vote for you, and I believe a short acquaintance with you will soon change their minds. Hoping you will have a happy Sabbath with us next Lord s-
months,
general feeling throughout the church There believe, be the unanimous one.
and
if
you come
for
six-
is
now
day, and give us then your affirmative reply to our invitation,

"
remain,
"
Yours
in Christian
"
bonds,
OLNKY."
WILLIAM
MR. Jonx T. OLNKY wrote

"
We
and closed
* This wish
at
had a very delightful church-meeting last evening. We met at 7, and, during- the whole evening, not a word was spoken 9 o clock
;
pastoral charge.
was in due time happily realized, for Mr. Henry Olney was converted, and joined the church under Mr. Spurgeon In 1854, Mr. William Olney was not a deacon, but he was a very active Christian worker.
C.
II.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
347
which did not consort with the Heavenly precept, Walk in love. The vestry was well filled, great unanimity prevailed, and a delightful satisfaction beamed in the
countenances of
all
the members.
The
special
church-meeting-
then
held
was
convened by a memorial requesting the deacons that it might be holden to invite your services for six months, subject to the approval of the majority of the church. The memorial was signed by most of the influential members of the church, so that
the deacons cheerfully convened the meeting.
made, because we were anxious
all
There were a great many speeches should speak out most fully and freely their
opinions. may be said to have been carried almost unanimously, only one hand and four small kid gloves having been held up in answer to the
The
resolution
Chairman
enquiry,
Any on
the contrary
These
five friends
were quite friendly
with the majority, and will continue to fill their places with us. They object to you on the ground that they consider you do not use sufficient reverence in prayer.
This was very well answered by Mr. Carr, and some of the other brethren. Apart from this unimportant exception, the members were quite unanimous in giving you a
and loving invitation for six months. I never expected we could have been nearly so much united in sentiment respecting any man to occupy the pulpit of a church consisting of many belonging to the old church at Carter Lane
cheerful, cordial,
under Dr. Rippon, and of many introduced by Dr. Angus and Mr. Smith. I sure you will find the church render to you all that esteem and affection you
desire,
am
will
and be ready
to
sustain
equally certain that you will Bread of Life, and the Good
you by their not be lacking in your

of the
prayers and co-operation, and

efforts to
I
am
supply them with the

that
also, to
Wine
Kingdom.
I
hope and pray

to
be led
by what appears
to
to
my
mind, and
trust will
appear
yours
you may be the
guiding of Providence,
accept the
invitation of the church.

in
The
church, the
neighbourhood, and the denomination and order of preaching which God has,
possess.")
London, have, I think, need of the talents for good and gracious purposes, given you to
(Mr.
follows
:
Spurgeon
)
reply
to
the
official
letter
from
the
deacons
was
as
"
No.
60,
Park Street,
"
Cambridge,
"
"
To James Low,
"
January 2/th, 1854.

Esq.,
My
Dear
"
Sir,
cannot help feeling intense gratification at the unanimity of the church at New Park Street in relation to their invitation to me. Had I been
I
uncomfortable
in
my
present situation,
should have
felt
unmixed pleasure
at the
34
C.
II.
prospect Providence seems to open up before people, I feel I know not how.
"
me
but having a devoted and loving
know, namely, that I must soon be severed from them by Had they done necessity, for they do not raise sufficient to maintain me in comfort. so, I should have turned a deaf ear to any request to leave them, at least for
One
thing
the present.
But now
my Heavenly
I
Father drives
me
I
forth
from
it
of
Kden
"
and whilst
see that
must go
out,
leave
Garden with reluctance, and

this little
tremble to tread the unknown land before me.
ventured to preach at Waterbeach, I only accepted an invitation on the condition that if, in that time, I should see good reason for months, leaving, or they on their part should wish for it, I should be at liberty to cease supplying, or they should have the same power to request me to do so before the
I
When
first
for three
expiration of the time.
with regard to a six months invitation from you, I have no objection to the length of time, but rather approve of the prudence of the; church in wishing But I write, to have one so young as myself on an extended period of probation.
"
Now,
after
well
weighing
the
matter,
to
say
positively
that
cannot,
dare
not,
My objection is not to the accept an unqualified invitation for so long a time. length of the time of probation, but it ill becomes a youth to promise to preach to a o relation so long, until he knows them and they know him. I would London con O O O
*
engage
fail,
to
supply
for three
months of
I
that time,
and
then, should the congregation
would reserve to myself liberty, without breach of engagement, to retire and you could, on your part, have the right to dismiss me Should I see no reason for so doing, and the without seeming to treat me ill.
or the church disagree,
;
church
can remain the other three months, either with but even during that time (the or without the formality of a further invitation second three months), I should not like to regard myself as a fixture, in case of illstill
retain their wish for me,
would only be a supply, liable to a fortnight s dismissal or resignation. I do not know but this is the course I Perhaps this is not business-like, Enthusiasm and popularity church. the should prefer, if it would be agreeable to I do not wish to be a hindrance are. often the crackling of thorns, and soon expire.
success, but
"
if
cannot be a help.
"
With regard
I
to
coming
at once,
think
;
must
not.
My own
deacons just
hint that
ought
if
to finish the quarter here
Pray do
until
so,
you
can.
though, by ought, they mean simply, I wish to This would be too long a delay. help them
only to be done with great difficulty hope you will allow me to give them four
is
;
they can get supplies, which
and as
have given you four Sabbaths, I I would give them the first and second Sabbaths
a
in return.
in
in
February, and two more
month or
six
weeks
time.
owe them much
lor their kindness,
although they
C.
II.
SPURGKON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
of
349
pray, that
insist
that the debt lies
on
their side.
Some
I
them hope, and almost
you may Thus,

"
be tired
in
three months, so that

I
may
be again sent back to them.
have honestly poured out my heart to you. You are too my kind. You will excuse me if I err, for I wish to do right to you, to my people, and to all, as being" not mine own, but bought with a price. I respect the honesty and boldness of the small minority, and only wonder
clear sir,
"
pray God that, if He does not see lit that I should remain with you, the majority may be quite as much the other way at the end of six months, so that I may never divide you into parties.
that the
number was not
greater.
"
Pecuniary matters
I
am
well satisfied with.
And now one

it,
thing
is
due
to
every minister, and

Jesus Christ, that
"
pray you to remind the church of
namely, that
in private, as
well as in public, they

I
all earnestly wrestle in prayer to the God of our Lore sustained in the great work. am, with the best wishes for your health, and the greatest respect,
must
mav be
"
Yours
truly,
"
C.
II.
Sl
URGEON."
The
was written to the Uncle mentioned in Chapter XXVI. from innocent mirth to deep solemnity was characteristic of Mr. Spurgeon to the end of his days.)
(The following
letter
swift transition
"
75,
Dover Road,
"
Borough,
"
March
2,
1854.
"
Dear Uncle,
"
shall
be extremely obliged
if
you
will,
at the earliest opportunity,

I
forward to
I
my
address, as above,
by
rail
or otherwise, the books

;
purchased
of you.
have been expecting them for many months but thought that, perhaps, you had no means of sending them. Send them to any station, carriage I will pay.
"
Of
course,
shall
not look for an answer to
my
note
expect to see your handwriting to me.
Hope
deferred maketh
;
never shall again let never mind,
you and when I come to your house, I shall use it with but little mercy, so you had need have on your very thickest skin. I might say some sharp things about the matter, but I will save them until I sit in your easy chair, or you are seated in mine. When you are in London, I do not think you will be in for a sound scolding if you do not come to see me.
Solomon
finish the sentence.
have a birch
in pickle for
you dare come, and hearty welcome.
am
sure you will not venture to stay away.
promise you a
?
<5o
c.
n.
SPURGKON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
"
7J,
Dover Road,
"Borough
of Southivark,
;
"London.
she
I
is
ân you sec my address ? I send certainly worth more than you, if I
my
am
very best respects to your good wile to value her by the number of letters
have received.
But, to joke no more, you have heard that I am now a Londoner, and a little a celebrity. No College could have put me in a higher situation. Our place is one of the But I have a great work to do, and pinnacles of the denomination. have need of all the prayers the sons of God can offer for me.
bit of
be glad to hear of your Do not, for temporal and spiritual prosperity. that I am cold towards you. My Master s one aim was to moment, imagine spread the spirit of love among His disciples; and I trust little will never
I
shall
things
Permit me, most respectfully and lovingly, to enquire, I low does the cause of God prosper ? I low does soul How is your prosper ? love to the name of Jesus? your I wish for myself and you much precious We cannot afford to live a useless life the sands of time are too soul-prosperity. valuable to be allowed to run on unheeded. \Ye have a work before us, and woe be unto us if we are idle or unfaithful servants Blessed is the man who often talks with his God alone, and comes forth from his closet, like Moses from the mountain top, with a celestial glory on his brow Let us seek that blessing, and may God be
;
chill
my
love to the brethren.
ever with us
Do
not forget the books, and believe
me
"
to
be
truly,
"
Yours
C.
H.
SPURGEON."
(The following
had lodged
at
letter
was written by Mr. Spurgeon

:
to the ladies with
whom
he
Cambridge
)
"
75,
Dover Road,
"
lo the Misses BJunson, My Dear Friends,

"
"
Borough, March, 1854.

"
have not forgotten you, although I have been silent so I long. have thought of your trials, and have of requested my Master that He would comfort and sustain you. If you have a in Him, your troubles will be portion and will be turned into a mercy. blessings, every griei
I
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
very well, and everything goes on even better than I could have hoped. My chapel, though large, is crowded the aisles are blocked up, and every niche is I packed as full as possible. I expect to come and see you in about a month.
I
;
am
hope
had
be at Waterbeach the fourth Sabbath in April. I get on very well but not better than with for that would be lodgings you,
to
;
in
my
present
I
impossible.
nothing to wish for better than I had, for your attention to me was beyond all I cannot but feel very much for you, and praise. only wish that I knew how I could serve you.
I hope you will not give way to doubts and despondency but do what you and leave the rest to God. can, Blessed is the man who has the God of Jacob for his Helper; he need not fear either want, or The more you can pain, or death. realize this, the happier will become and the means for so doing- is to hold you only frequent communion with God in prayer. Get alone with Jesus, and He will comfort your hearts, and restore your weary souls. I hope you have let your rooms. I think I shall stop at Mrs. Warricker s but I will be sure to come and see you, and leave something to remember me by. Trust in God, and be glad, and
;
;
"
"
Believe
me
"
to be,
Yours
"
truly,
C.
H.
STURGEON."
The
was
filled,
six
months probation was never fulfilled, for there was no need. The place the prayer-meetings were full of and the work of conversion was power,
going on.
requisition for a special church-meeting, signed by fifty of the male members, was sent in to the deacons on April 12, the meeting was held on April 19, with the result mentioned in the following letter
:
"30,
Gracechurch Street,
"April
"
My
Dear Young Brother, I annex a copy of a resolution passed

"
20th, 1854.
last
evening
at a
numerously-
attended special church-meeting held at

"If
New
Park Street Chapel.
you
will
feel
Pastor,
at
it
your duty to accept the invitation of the Church to become its be desirable that you should obtain your dismission from the Church
it
our Church as early as you can, position as a member to attend our church-meetings.
to
"
Waterbeach
in
order that you
may be
in a
remain,
"
My
dear young brother,

"
Yours
"
affectionately,
JAMES Low,
Chairman."
"
Rev. C. H.
Spurgeon."
352
C.
II.
SI
UROKOX
AUTOIilOCUAI
IlY.
(Copy oj Resolution.)
"At
New
a special church-meeting, held on Wednesday evening, April iQth, 1854, at Park Street Chapel, after prayer by two of the brethren!, it was resolved unani
mously,
Hi at
while, as
members
of this Church,
we
desire to record with devout and
fervent gratitude to God our estimation of the Rev. C Spurgeon s services during the period of his labours amongst us, we regard the extraordinary increase in the
attendance upon the means ot grace, both on Lord s-days and week-evenings, com bined with the manifest fact that his ministry has secured the general approbation of
the members, as an encouraging token that our Heavenly Father has directed his way towards us, in answer to the many prayers we have offered up for a suitable and as there are several enquirers desirous of joining our fellowship, we Pastor,
permanent settlement with us we, therefore, beg to tender our Brother, the Rev C. II. Spurgeon, a most cordial and affectionate invitation forthwith to become Pastor of this Church, and we pray that his services may be owned of God with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and a
consider
it
prudent
to secure as early as possible his
revival of religion in our midst,
and that
his ministry
may be
fruitful in
the conver
sion of sinners, and the edification of those that
believe."
(Mr.
follows
:
Spurgeon
)
letter,
accepting
the
invitation
to
the
pastorate,
was
as
"
75,
Dover Road,
"
Borough,
"
April 28th, 1854.

"To
the.
P>aptist
Church of Christ worshipping Southwark,
in
New
Park Street Chapel,
"
Dearly Beloved in Christ Jesus, I have received your unanimous

"
invitation, as contained in a resolution
passed by you on the iQth instant, desiring
lengthened reply required I ACCEPT IT. I have not been an invitation.

;
No
is
there
is
me to accept the pastorate among you. but one answer to so loving and cordial
should be,
"
for
many
not
;
things constrain
to
I
me
perplexed as to what thus to answer.

I
my
reply
sought
come
to
you, for
was the minister of an obscure but
affectionate people
never solicited advancement.
The
first
note of
invitation
in
from your deacons came quite unlooked-for, and I trembled at the idea of preaching I London. could not understand how it had come about, and even now I am
with astonishment at the wondrous Providence.
I
filled
would wish
all
to give myself
into the
hands of our covenant God, whose wisdom directs choose for me and so far as I can judge, this -is His choice.
;
things.
He
shall
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
of
353
"
feel
it
to
be u high honour to be the Pastor
a people
to
glorious names
that
I
as
may
realize
my predecessors, and I entreat of you the solemn responsibility of my trust.

may
not hinder
who can mention remember me in prayer, Remember my youth and

I
inexperience, and pray that these
my
usefulness.
I
trust also that the
remembrance ot these words I may utter.

"Blessed
will
lead you to forgive mistakes
may
make;, or
unguarded
will
support
me
be the name of the Most High, if He has called me to this office, He in it, otherwise, how should a child, a youth, have the presumption
filled
the heart and hands of Jesus? Your kindness to me has been very great, and my heart is knit unto you. I fear not your steadfastness, I fear my own The gospel, 1 believe, enables me to
thus to attempt the work which
venture great things, and by faith I venture this. I ask your co-operation in every good work in enquirers, and in mutual edification
11
"
in visiting
the sick, in bringing
Oh, that
may be no
that
it
I
injury to you, but a lasting benefit
have no more
in
to
say, saving
this,
have;
expressed myself
in
these
few words
it
manner
unbecoming my youth and inexperience, you

forgive
will
not impute
to arrogance, but
my
mistake.
"And
now, commending you
to
"
our covenant (iod, the Triune fehovah,

I
am,
"\ours
to serve in the gospel,

"
C.
H.
SPUKGEON."
He (Professor Everett says, concerning this period in Mr. Spurgeon s life me intimation of his call to New Park Street Chapel and soon after his prompt gave
"
settlement there,
called
to
upon him by appointment.

full
and he poured
forth
me, without reserve, the
spent half a day with him, tale of his successes, telling me

I
of the distinguished
men who
pronounced on
Pastor G.
his delivery
continually came to hear him, and of the by elocutionists like Sheridan Knowles."
encomiums
II.
Davies, of Lisbon, North Dakota, thus records Sheridan Knowles

:
remarkable prophecy
"
was a student
at
Stepney,
now Regent s Park
College.
Sheridan Knowles,
the celebrated actor
appointed our tutor

a
in elocution.
and play-writer, had just been baptized by Dr. Brock, and \Ve had collected funds to give the grand old man
It was presentation was made one; Wednesday afternoon. an occasion never to be forgotten, not only for the sake of Sheridan Knowles himself, but because of his prophecy concerning one of whom till then we knew nothing.
handsome
Bible.
The
354
c.
n.
STURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
entering-, Mr. Knowles exclaimed, Boys, have you heard the lad? None of us had heard him. Cambridgeshire Then, boys, he continued, go and hear him at once. This was after Mr, Spurgeon had been preaching at New Park Street Chapel two Sundays. Go and hear him at once if want to know
Immediately on
you
how
to preach.
His name;
in
is
Charles Spuro-eon.
He
is
only a boy, but he
is
the
most wonderful preacher
the world.
He
is
and, beside that, a master in the art of acting.
absolutely perfect in his oratory; lie has nothing to learn from me, or
He is simply perfect. He knows everything. He can do anyone else. anything. I was once; lessee of Drury Lane; Theatre; and were I still in that position, I would offer him a fortune to play for one season on the boards of that house. Why, boys, he can do anything he pleases with his audience He can make them and
;
!
laugh,
cry,
and laugh again,
in five
minutes.
His power was never equalled.
Now,
mar!-;
my word, boys, that yon Jig man will Ihe lo be the greatest preacher of this or any other age. He will bring more souls to Christ than any -man who ever proclaimed the not His name will be known everywhere, and his gospel, excepting I he apostle Paul. Sermons will be translated into many of the languages of the world.
"
Mr. Sheridan
Knowles
lived until
1862, and
was
able, therefore
to witness in
great part the fulfilment of his

lor at
some years was one of Mentone and when she also was called home," she showed her appreciation of his work by to the Pastors leaving generous legacies College and the Stockwell
"
own prophecy. His widow long survived him, and Mr. Spurgeou s company ol faithful friends who gathered
Ornhanao-e.) i O I
CHAPTER XXXI.
JJumnn (DiMnatton.
HERE
is
good reason
in
;
for
tliese Scriptural, or are
concerning many practices, traditions of the fathers ? they only

risking",
Are
little
Ritualism
one generation may develop into downright Popery

therefore
in
it is
in
a few years
and crush them
the
bud.
well to take these things as they arise, I do not believe that, among our
Nonconformist churches, there is more than a fly or two of the priestly system in the pot of ointment, but even those Hies should be purged out. Great evils have small beginnings the little foxes are to be dreaded the
;
among
vines.
Where
is
so
much
is
admirable,
suffered to remain.
We
have
a pity that the specks and spots should be a stern fight before us against Ritualistic Popery,
it is
all lumber, and go into the controversy with clean a far more popular thing to find fault with other denominations than to but this consideration should never point out follies and failings among ourselves occur to the right-minded, except to be repulsed with a Get thee behind me;,
it
and
well to clear our decks of
hands.
It is
"
Satan."
Whence comes the ivhole Confining myself to one branch of the subject, I ask, as observed "ordination" some Dissenters? Since there is paraphernalia of among no special gift to bestow, why in any case the laying on of empty hands ? Since we
cannot pretend to that mystic succession so much vaunted by Ritualists, why are men styled "regularly-ordained ministers"? A man who has preached for years is Mr. Brown
Brown
in
but alter his ordination, or recognition, he develops into the Rev. Mr. what important change; has he undergone ? This matter comes before me
;
the
form
or
!
of addresses
"
"
upon
letters,
Rev.
Titus
Smith,
Mr.
Spurgeon
College,"
odd, this
Rev. Timothy Jones, Spurgeon s Tabernacle." Rather sometimes, Here are reverend students of an unreverend preacher, the title being
The given to one out of courtesy, and withheld from the other for the same reason. Reverend Titus has met with a church which will insist upon an ordination, and he
is
ordained
but the
President of his
it
process, nor even that imitation of
College, having never undergone; such a called a recognition, remains an unordained,
unrecognized person he has sustained thereby.

church by
its
to this day,
I
and has not yet discovered the peculiar loss which do not object to a recognition of the choice of the
;
neighbours and their ministers
fraternal act, sanctioned
by the very
spirit of
on the contrary, believe it to be a but where it is supposed Christianity

I
;
II.
STURGEON
TOIUfKlRAri
V.
regarded as a ceremony, and is thought to he the crowning feature "The Reverend of the settlement, I demur. Theophilus Robinson offered up the in ordination prayer" has a Babylonish sound my ears, and it is not much improved
to
be essential,
is
Is there, then, a ritual ? Are when it takes the form of the recognition grayer." we as much bound by an unwritten extempore liturgy as others by the Book ot And why ? Common Prayer? Must there always be usual questions the address to the the and address to the for rule Is there some legendary church,
"
"
"?
"usiia/"
do not object to any one of these things, but I do question the propriety of stereotyping them, and speaking ot the whole aftair as if it were a matter to be gone about according to a certain pattern seen in the holy mount, or an order given I see germs of evil in the usual parlance, and therefore forth in trust to the saints.
pastor?
I
meet
it
with
Ouo iârranlo
Is
not
the
Divine
call
the
real
ordination to
preach, and
is
of the church the only ordination to the pastorate ? competent, under the; guidance of the lloly Spirit, to do her own work
the? call
The church
;
and
it
she
calls in
her sister-churches,
let
her
tell
them what she has done,
in
such terms that
never infer that they are called upon to complete the work. J lie ordination prayer should be prayed in the church-meeting, and there and then the work should be; done for other churches to recognize the act, is well and fitting, but not if it be
they
will
;
viewed as needful
an error
to the
completion of the act
itself.
have noticed many signs
of
in this direction.
(The following
"ordination"
letter
shows how Mr. Spurgeon regarded the question

service at the beginning ot his
"
ot
:
an
)
or
"
recognition
London pastorate
75.
Dover Road,
"
Borough,
"
May
2nd, 1854.
"
To James Low,
"
Esq.,
My
Dear
"
Sir,
communicate to you my thoughts and feelings with regard need not request your notice of my sentiments, I am sure to a public recognition. I can trust any matter for your usual good judgment is to me a rock of reliance. with you, knowing that your kindness and wisdom will decide rightly,
I
sit
down
to
I have, have a decided objection to any public ordination or recognition. scores of times, most warmly expressed from the pulpit my abhorrence of such things, and have been not a little notorious as the opponent of a custom which has become
"
a kind of iron law in the country.

if
I
am
willing to ret nice
my
steps
if
in error;
but
have been
right,
it
will
it
be no very honourable thing to belie
my
former loud out
cries
by submitting
"
to
myself.
object to
ordinations
and
recognitions, as
sitcli,
(i.)
Because
am
a minister,
C.
If.
SPUKGKOXS AUTOi3IOGRAPIlV.
;
and
\vi11
lias the;
never receive authority and commission from man nor do I like that which shadow of such a thing about it. I detest the dogma of apostolic succession,
the doctrine
and
dislike the revival ot

I
by delegating power from minister
to minister.
believe in the glorious principle of "(2.) Independency. Every church has a and if so, certainly it needs no assistance from right to choose its own minister
;
others
in
matters
it
You, yourselves, have chosen me and what appointing him to the office. if the whole world dislikes the choice? They cannot invalidate it nor
; ;
can they give it more force. It seems to me that other ministers have no more to do with me, as your minister, than the crown of France has with the crown of Britain. We are allies, but we have no authority in each other s territories. are
They
my
are
superiors
We
and other personal matters have no apostles to send Titus to ordain.

in piety,
;
but,
ex
ojjlcio,
no man
is
is
my
superior,
Prelatic
power
gone.
All
we
brethren.
"(3.)
It is
there be no authority inlerred, what is the meaning of the ceremony? Granted but we are not all Ecclesiastical Conservatives; and, customary
If
;
where there has been none. Rev. W. Robinson, and has not endured it himself. Rev. Cambridge, agrees with me, I believe Smith had of nor had Rev. Burton, of Cambridge, nor Rev Wooster, it, J. nothing of Sandbeach, have seldom heard of an ordination service in which there was Furthermore,
moreover,
I
know
several instances
ot
<S:c.
<S:c.
"
not something objectionable. There are dinners, and toasts, and things in that There is foolish and needless advice, or, if wise advice, unlit for public mention, line. I am ready to be advised by anyone, on any subject, in private but I do not know
;
how
-was told by Mr. S that I must public to be told, as Mr. Cnot spend more than my income, and (if married), that I must be a good husband, and not let the wile say that, being a minister, had lessened my affection, with all the
I
could
sit in
absurd remarks on family and household matters. but if am to have it, let it be homily / should get I cannot very good one, -promise to sit and hear it,
;
do not know what
sort of a
in
my
I
study; or
if it
be not a
"
trust,
my
;
dear
but
sir,
it
willing to submit
in
not imagine that will be submission. 1 shall endure
that
you
will
it
write warmly, for I am as a self-mortification,

;
order that you

I
still,
be pleased. may would have it understood by

all
I
all
would rather please you than myself but, the church that I endure it as a penance for
it t
their sake.
lind the friends

I
do not care much about
and others have,

for
like myself,
a decided aversion.
let
it
am
your servant; and whatever

is
is
the
good
of the
church,
it
be done.
My
knowledge
of
if
little
simply express
my
in
feelings,
and leave
entirely with you.

"
tea-meeting
,
members, with handbills, and notices
the papers, will be a
real
recognition
and
my God
will
make me
useful,
am
not airaid of
bein<>
Jo
(>>
C.
II.
SPUKGEON
I
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
write: now to you as a kind and wise friend. recognized by all good IIHMI. can use my communication as you think best and believe me to be \ ours, with the profoundest respect,
;
"
You
"
C.
II.
STURGEON.."
,?
-^
*??
(Shortly after writing the above letter,
Mr. Spurgeon preached the following
sermon
at
Xew
Park Street Chapel

Tin-:
MIXISTKU
Tun-: ORDINATION.
thereiii.
"
/orc heai the
Siw of man, I have made thcc a watchman niilo the house of Israel : word at My moittJi, and give them warning from J\Ic"- Kze:k.
office of a
17.
The
prophets.
forth
Though
;
gospel minister in some: respects resembles that of the ancient we cannot, like Flisha, raise the dead nor, like Isaiah, pour
; ;
eloquent predictions
yet, like we: like
nor, as
art:
Fzekiel, foretell certain
judgments So much are

of
them, we
K/e-kie-1,
commanded
to teach, to warn,
will suit
coming and immediate and to encourage.
that his
commission
any gospel minister even
our day,
I
Le:t us consiele-r,
Tin-:
is
MIXISTKK
COMMISSION.
Here:
to
be
in
It ought a scrap of anciVnt writing worth} of a place- in the: museum. lle-aven to us in It is the ultimatum of the: King every minister s stud\
.
<>1
our doubts as to our calling. the minister s true ordination

bulls from
all the:
i.
It is
,
Rome
bearing
the
It is His legions. a real installation, worth more than a thousand Papal mark of the fisherman s ring yea, worth more than
our Kmperor
protocol to
all
charte-rs of universities, or the
appointments
"
of
The wording of this ancient commission. Son of Heaven, and each letter is Divine
is
archbishops. Notice, It is \vorele:d in the Court language Here is the title by which man."
of
,
K/ekiel
given le:ss than ninety times.

te>
but he has not Right Reverend, nor the Very Venerable of man" no him a graciously-humbling title. Ezekiel is calle:el "son
addressed
;-
This
it
is is
the
name Jesus
often took to
Himself when
He
was on
earth,
and therefore
lofty
a truly glorious one.
The
gracious and all-wise
Father saw that too

styles
office,
an e:minence might tempt Ezekiel to pride.

to say,
"
He
therefore
him son
must not
ejf
man, as much as
Your
visions,
rank, talents,
and
You must not lean only man. You must on self, for yem are: utter weakness, being only the son of man. as if you not sympathize with each of your fellow-creatures, and deal with him,
exalt
you, for you are, after
all,
were a prince, or a master, but as being, like him, a son of man. have made thcc a watchman Here we read, on this ancient manuscript, a Two things are true account of the making of a minister, Goel alone can do it. such as absolutely requisite to make a man a preacher, viz., (i.) Special gifts,
"/
C.
11.
SPUKCiKUN
ALTeJi;iO(,kAPHV.
to
perception
in
of
truth,
simplicity,
aptness
(2.)
impart
instruction,
eloquence, and intense- earnestness.

the:
S/iccia/ call.
some degree of Lvery man who is riglnlv
ministry must have: be-e-n move-el there-to of the Holy Ghost. an irresistible ele-sire: to spe-nel his whole: life in his Maste-r s cause.
as
He must lee-1 Xo college-, no

who
can
feel,
bishop, no human ordination, can make a did lUmyan, Whitclield, IJerriilge, or
man
a minister
Hill,
in
but
the:
he:
Rowland
impassioned longing to win tin: souls of men, may hear have maele: Ihce a watchman." saying, "Son of man,
I
strugglings of an the air the voice of God
Unto the house of

not,
are:
it
Israel."
L/e-kieTs
was a limited commission
but ours
is
is
as wiele: as
the-
earth,
the:
ami as long as time.

the:
The world
all
is
is
otir parish.
the-
We
ol
the:
not ordered to cast

the:
net alone in
;
pools of He shbon, or
streams
with
Jordan, or
Lake:
e>t
Genncsarct
but we
may
Yet,
cove:r
still,
it
seas and
for the
rive-rs
gospel fishing-boats,
Israel that
the navy of Jesus.
sake of the true
we go
month The: ancie-nt seers spoke- not at random but they declared what they had been taught of God Sometimes, in dreams, they heard Heaven s message; some-time s, by a voice: from on high; but, most commonly, by vision, eliel the Worel of the: Lord come- unto tlie-m. The: soul, inspired by (iod, seems at times to le-ave- the: body, and that narrow tube- of vision
7 here/ore hear the 7ôrd at

;
My
"
which
we: call eyesight, anel,
with
its
own
the:
eagle: eye, to pie-rce the thick clouel,
ami
to
mount
into that re-mote- re-gion
which
orelinary eye: cannot see.

;
The prophets heard

we must devoutly
with
all
the spoken Worel. but we: have the written Worel

It
anel this
elilige:ntly to study the: Scripture:s, can gain from holy men have gone be:fore-, but chie:lly from the: most exce.-llent of all instructors, the true Interpreter, the Holy Ghost. And give them warning from Me." There- are enher elutie:s but as this is
re:ad
becomes a minister
the assistance
he:
whe>
"
the most arduous,
it
is
specially meinioneel.
,
We
are to
warn
the:
Christian
S
if
he:
is
found backsliding, or sinning

of
the: strict justice:
2.
anel to
warn
the: sinne-r ol
the conse-e|ue-nce
the:
is
of his
sin,
of (iod, anel of
the: fearful he-11
in
which
It
ungodly
of
"
shall suffer.
watchman."
se:nse:
The high
lie
office conjerred by this

is
commission.
;
that
Every
soldier of the Cross

is
se>
bounel to watch
be-cause:
but the ministe-r
is in
a elouble
a watchman.
(i)
I
calle:el
must not sleep we: must watch ministry re:quires great vigilance:. doctrine and false bre-thren we must be re:aely to help be-nighte-el against travellers, and to give alarm to any who may be: in elange-r. The- true minister is
he:
:
We
false
to sit like: the:
shepherd
in the: wilelerne-ss
by night, or
like: the-
\vhispe:r-hearing se:ntinel.
Fe:w think of the watchman who (2.) The: ministry involves toil anel trouble. the-ir door. Hark there is a a Who is sure: to be: in it? scuffle, tramps by fight 1 he watchman. How the winel bletws The snow must be a foot elee:p pray put
! !
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
list
on the doors, and

I
stir
the
fire.
is
bare ace
is
c cold, his eye-lids are
Surely no one is out of doors to-night.-except cut by the driving sleet, his fingers are numbed w t
<
almost frozen.
his trials
;
Well,
well,"
watchman and
someone says
is
never
mi,,,
that s his work,
come
and he
;
used to
it."
slll|
and smile, and enjoy the sermon but there are some who fi-1 fault, and sander, and calumniate. The minister must bear it all. Watch n He had need be a very tough veteran, who has swallowed ; Nor-westers and 1 know not what to fit him for the task he has in hand should be arousing. If there be a fire, or a thief or a door or Hastened, the watchman must not but spare, We must cry out cry aloud.
here,
sit,
";!
and
Some
of
Ur
-"
Ot bei
"S
afraid
>
<
1 -""
",;
,
b<:
asleep as be
*
<
~ I
<
]~(
<
\ i
-i
we-
mean
we must preach
or alarm, or hurt the feelings of the mumblers, or speak in such a way that
1
>,
the truth
>
language which none can mistake

Sh
"I
""
M
I"""
"
"
Fverv mm u-l-i man, \vno labours in \\Word and commission, and wear it next Ins hear,, and on his
1 i
in plain,
blunt
th;l1
y.
sense
,,,
their position; but,
profess to preach the gospel, having the next presentation to a

if
who
are no
ing purchased a benefice, they rush in where angels rear to venture.

I
living, or
like
them, uncalled
would
m-:
MINISTER
The watchman
S RESPONSIBILITY holds a responsible office.

is
If the sentinel,
I,
by
sleep,,,
,,,,,.,
single person, he
a murderer.
equired to answer for his neglect. warned, he shall suffer for his own guilt, but my unfaithfulness
I
the prisoner escapes So, if the ungodly man

will Tie as
1
!
is
his
not
the
a crime on
professing Christian
It
I
omises,
in.
and the invitations

r
is his own falls, but if have not warned do not utter the whole truth.-the threatening* the
his
fall
of
God.-I
I
shall
1
negligent railway guard, and

.1,
be a sleeping sentinel, a careless shall be the slaughterer of fellow -
give wine instead of medicine, a plaster instead lancet, or a stone for bread,-] shall be a guilty wretch, and God help me MI, for no one more requires help than an unfaithful minister!
Tin-:
..
to the professor,
my
MIMSTKK
CO.MI-OKT.
The Lords
|
call to
the office
"
Son of man,
every
have made thee a watchman

iron,
"
to
perform
3-
it
Promises peculiar to that enclosed within itself.

blessed
call, for
call
God
hath the strength
brow-hardening Spirit, who makes us despise alike the frown or mile of man, and thus keeps us from unfaithfulness.
The
Thc
4;
1
iact that success is
ot required of us,
all
my
but faithfulness.
bather, keep
me
clear of the blood of
men
Amen.
CHAPTER
iL0ng
Here and there
as such a
\ve
XXXII.
Commenced
meet
\viih
one
to
whom
it
is
given to believe
"
in
God
strikes out a project, or sets about a venture upon, straightway there arises a clamour
:
man
with mighty
faith.
A.-?
soon
work which none but men
The man
is over-zealous,"
mould would or he will be charged

of his
Should the work go on, the opposers spirit, rashness, fanaticism, or absurdity. whisper together, "Wait a little while, and you ll see the end of all this wild-fire." What said the sober semi-iailh of men to Luther? The monk had read in the are justified by Scriptures this passage, faith, and not by the works of the law." He went to a venerable divine to ask him about it, and at the
;
with an innovating
We
of the enormities ol Rome. What was the good but weak brother s reply ? thou to thy cell, and pray and study for thyself, and leave these weighty matters alone." Here it would have ended had the brave Reformer continued to consult with flesh and blood; but his faiih enabled him to go forward alone, if none would accompany him. lie nailed his theses on the church
"Go
same time he complained
up and showed that one man at least had faith in the gospel and in its God. Then trouble came, but Luther minded it not, because the Father was witli him. We also must be prepared, if God gives us
door,
strorg faith, to ride far ahead, like spiritual Uhlans, who bravely pioneer the way for the rank and file of the army. It were well if the Church oi God had more of the Meet-footed sons of Asahel, bolder than lions, swifter than eagles, in their Lord s service, men who can do and dare alone, till laggards take courage, and follow in their track. These Valiant-for-truths will pursue a solitary path lull often, but
this thought, "Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me." believe in God, He will never be behindhand with us if we can dare, God will do; if we can trust, C .od will never suffer us to be confounded, world without end. It is sweet beyond expression to climb where only God can lead, and to plant the standard on the highest towers of the foe. C. II. S.
let
11
them console themselves with
we can
$r sgaaeBZ^jIIEN -^X^
!
came
to
~>"^>^\.
p<*J
preached yet I can never forget how earnestly the}- prayed. Sometimes, they seemed to plea.d as though they could really see the Angel of the covenant present with them, and as if they must have a blessing from Him. More than once,
I
of people to
New whom
Park Street Chapel,

first
;
it
was but a mere ham
we were
sat silent for
all
I
all
some moments while
so awe-struck with the solemnity of the meeting, that we the Lord s power appeared to overshadow us and
;
"
could do on such occasions was to pronounce the Benediction, and Dear say, friends, we have had the Spirit of God here very manifestly to-night let us go home, and take care not to lose His gracious influences." Then down came the blessing; the house was filled with hearers, and many souls were saved. I always give all the to but I do not that He me God, the glory lorget gave privilege of ministering
;
from the
that
first
to a
praying people.
souls.
\Yc had prayer-meetings
in
New
Park Street
Every man seemed like a crusader besieging the New one each appeared determined to storm the Celestial City by the mio-ht Jerusalem, and soon the blessing came upon us in such abundance that we of intercession had not room to receive it.
;
moved our very
There
those
is
a confidence in one
own powers which must
ever be of service to
is
who
are called to eminent positions, provided the confidence
well- -rounded,
C.
II.
can on themselves must be overthrown, and that carnal security has but a basefabric in which to dwell. When first became a Pastor in London, my success and the thought ol the career which it seemed to open up so far from latmg me, cast me into the lowest depth, out of which uttered my miserere and no room for * Who was that I should continue to lead so gloria in cxcclsis. a multitude? I would betake me to or my
I
ility, and attended with that holy gratitude; which ,vle-rs all h onour -lory to the Giver of every -nod and perfect But, at the same time ther gift. nothing mo re true; than the fact that the- self-confident are near a fall, that those
<""
>
backwoods, where might be sufficient for Which W0uld be demanded of me. Il was just then that the curtain sing upon my life-work, and dreaded what it might reveal. hope I was not but was timorous, and filled with a sense ol own unhtness. I dreaded my c which a gracious Providence had felt prepared lor me. myself a mere Id, and trembled as heard the voice which said, "Arise-, and thresh the- mounmake them as chaff." This depression comes over me- whenever the. Lord preparing a larger blessing for my ministry; the cloud is black be-fore- it
! i
C;i>
and
lm(1 a Solit
village,
nest
obscurity,
emicrrate to
the-
breaks
ny
deluge of mercy. )epression has now a prophet in rough clothing, a John the Baptist, heralding the nearer Lord s richer benison. So have far better men found it. The
it
before
yields
its
become
coming
has
fitted
it
for the
Master s
use.
Immersion
in
sm
in
oi
the
in
scouring of the has suffering preceded the
Holy Ghost.
aled
Fasting gives an appetite for the banquet.

wilderness
is
The
orcl
the backside of the desert, while:
solitary awe.
The
His servant keepeth the sheep and the way to Canaan. The low valley leads
towering mountain.
the dove.
s
:
The
to
go down
and
Defeat prepares for The raven is sent ford! victory. darkest hour of the night precedes the: clay-dawn The the depths, but the: next wave- makes them mount towards the
is
their soul
to their desired haven.
melted because of trouble before the Lord bringeth them
Not long
>-ood
after
man who had

the:
left
mentioned
poor sufferer, having been a model of patience and holiness I learned his character at once from he said about others (a mode of judging which has never misled me), and made up my mind how to act. I told him that the church had been in a
!
names had behaved in
at Park Street, I was interviewed by a the church, having been, as he: said, treated shamefully." ] [ c of half-a-dozen persons, all prominent members of the church, a very unchristian manner to him he, innocent
"
was chosen Pastor
unsettled state, and that the only way out of the snarl was for every one to forget the past, and He said that the lapse of years did not alter facts and begin again.
;
sadly-
C.
11.
SrUKGEOiM
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
the.ni
if
303
replied
that
it
would
alter a
I
man
view of
all
in
that time he
had become, a
wiser and a better man.

cessors, that
for
I I
added that
the:
past had
gone away with

settle
IK;
must
follow
the;
them
to their
new
spheres, and
lie
my prede matters with Ihciu,

;
would not touch

allowed him to
affair
with a pair of tongs,
waxed somewhat warm
but
radiate; until he-
was cool again, and we shook hands, and parted.

principle, so that, at
;
He
was a good man, but constructed upon an uncomfortable

he;
and if I had crossed the path of other people in a very awkward manner gone into his case, and taken his side, there would have, been no end to the strife. I am quite certain that, for my own success, and for the prosperity oi the church, I
times,
took the wisest course by applying

to
my
blind eye to
all
disputes which dated previously
a young- man, fresh from College, or from another charge, to suffer himself to be e:arwiggecl by a clique, and to be bribed by kindness and llattery to become a partisan, and so to ruin himself with one-
my
advent.
It is
the extremity of
unwisdom
for
half of his people;.

I
do not
find, at
I
the present time, nearly so
much
advice being given to young

1
men
as
had as
have
when much
first
as
came to London. Dear me;, what quantities had! I believe; that American humourist, who saiel he found enough advice lying
1
loose round about him to ruin thre;e worlds at least;

to
elone- that.
am
sure;
Hut now,
inste;ad of ael\ ising euir
young
quite enough brethren, and hinting at

I
hael
their indiscretieDiis,
to see
we
feel
rathe;r re-joice; in the;ir
much
fre;shne;ss
now and
years
the;n, we;
We like; impetuosity and earnestness. and if they do kick over the trace s anel vigour about them that time; will moderate their zeal, and probably a very tew
:
will aeld to
them the prudence which they now
lack.
coulel
te-11
many
storie;s
e>f
the;
I
remarkable conversions
that
were wrought
te>
in
those; early days.
Once;,
whe;n
was
in
the;
vestry, an
"
Irishman came
kivcrciicc,
see
Pat began by making a low bow, and saying, "Oh!" saiel I, "Pat, come; to ax you a question."
me;.
ne>t
Now, your
I
have
it
am
I
not a Riverence
it
is
title;
care; for;
it?"
but what
lie
is
your priest about is "Well, what your
"
saiel,
your question, anel how is but have been to him

I
;
you have don t like

if
ne>t
been
to
his
answer."
question?"
I
Saiel
he,
"God
is
just;
and
(iod be just,
lie;
te>
must punish
punish me;;
my
ye;t
sins.
deserve to be punishe-d.
If
He
is
a just God,
He
ought
cannot see how I you say God is merciful, and will forgive; sins. He; ought to be just, anel punish those that is right; lie has no right to do that. be; who deserve it. Tell me; how God can just, and yet be- merciful." replied,
I
"That
is
through
very
;
the;
blood of
Christ."
"Yes,"
saiel
he,
"that
is
what
my
priest
I
said,
you are
much
alike there;
but he
saiel
ge>od
deal besides, that

I
diel
not understand
it
and
that short
answer does not
satisfy
me.
want
to
te>
know
he)w
is
that the blood of Jesus Christ enables
God
to
be
just,
and yet
be
merciful."
you up He at would not meddle with me but if they they did, I should say, What are you doing ? Did not that gintleman condescind to be hung for me ? Let me alone shure, you don t want to hang two people for the same I thing, do ye ? replied to the Irishman, Ah, my friend, you have hit it that is the way whereby we are saved! God must punish sin. Christ said,
once
said,
this IrishMajesty, very think the judge was quite right in saying that he must be hanged but let me be hanged instead, and you will then carry out the law. Now, the Queen could not agree to my proposal but suppose she could, and God can, for HcTh.is power greater than all kings and queens, and suppose the Queen should have me hanged instead of you, do you think the policemen would take; afterwards?"
I
; ;
know, and explained the plan of salvation thus :Now, Pat, suppose you had been killing a man, and the judge had said, That Irishman must be hanged. He said quickly, "And I should have richly deserved to But, Pat. suppose I was very fond of you, can you see any way by which I could save you from No. being hanged?" sir, I cannot." "Then, suppose went to the- Queen, and said, Please I am your fond of
I
Then
saw what
he:
wanted
to
11
"
No,
should think not
"
punish
Me
My
Father,
instead of the sinner
Son, Jesus Christ, chastisement and

;
and His Father did. the whole burden of our sins, and
;
God
all
laid
on His beloved
their
punishment and
now
that Christ
is
if
He
were
to
punish any sinner
who
punished instead of us, Clod would not be just believes on the Lord Christ. If thou
Jesus
"
believest in Jesus Christ, the well-beloved and only-begotten Son of God, thou art saved, and thou mayest go on thy way said the
rejoicing."
Faith,"
his hands,
man, clapping
ll
"that
trust in the
Man
the gospel. Pat is safe now; with all his sins about him, he that died tor him, and so he shall be saved."
Another singular conversion, wrought at New Park Street, was that of a to go to a gin-palace to fetch in gin for his Sunday s He saw a crowd round the door of the evening drinking. chapel, so he looked in, and forced his way to the of the stairs. I top
man who had been accustomed
where he stood
man
in
do not know why the gallery who had come

;
turned in the direction gallery Just then, I did so, but I remarked that there might be a
in
with no very good motive,
for
even then
singularity of the expression struck the -man, and being startled because the preacher so exactly described him, he listened atten
he had a gin-bottle
the
in his pocket.
The
warnings which followed, the \Vord reached his heart, the grace of with him, he became converted, and soon was walking humbly in the fear ot God. On another occasion, a poor harlot found the Saviour in the same building. She had determined to go and take her own life on Blackfriars but, Bridge passing the chapel on a Sunday evening, she thought she would and for step m, the last time hear something that might prepare her to stand before her Maker. She forced her way into the aisle and being once in, she could not get out even if
tively to
God met
c.
n.
SPURGEON
AUTOTIIOC-RAI
"
IIY.
365
she had wanted to do

described the
so.
The
text that night was, o
Seest thou this
woman
?"
woman
in the city
s feet
washing her Saviour

loving
public sinner, with her tears, and wiping them with the hair of her head,
I
w ho was a notorious
T
and pictured her
wretched
much because she had been forgiven much. While woman was melted to tears by the thought that
her
was preaching, the own evil life was
It was, first, my great joy to be the means of being depicted to the congregation. saving the poor creature from death by suicide, and, then, to be the instrument of saving her soul from destruction.
Deeds of grace have been wrought in the; Tabernacle after the same fashion. Men and women have come in, simply out of curiosity, a curiosity often created by some unfounded story, or malicious slander of prejudiced minds yet Jesus Christ has called them, and they have become both His disciples and our warm-hearted friends.
;
have been, in after days, our most valuable soldiers. They began with aversion, and ended with enthusiasm, They came to Such cases are not at all uncommon. They were not scoff, but remained to pray.
of the
recruits
Some
most unlikely
unusual
in
persons who came
the days of Whitefield and Wesley. They tell us in their Journals of with stones in their pockets to throw at the Methodists, but whose
slain
enmity was
create;
by a stone from the sling of the Son of David. Others came to disturbances, but a disturbance was created in their hearts which could never
till
The history of they came to Jesus Christ, and found peace in Him. God is studded with the remarkable conversions of persons who did not wish to be converted, who were not looking for grace, but were even opposed to
be quelled
the
Church
ot
by the interposing arm of eternal mercy, were struck clown and transformed into earnest and devoted followers of the Lamb.
it,
and
yet,
Ever since
have been
I
in
London,
in
extemporaneously,
for off-hand
have never studied

I
order to get into the habit of speaking or prepared anything for the Monday
evening prayer-meeting.
exhortation
;
have
I
but
all along selected that occasion as the opportunity do not on such occasions select difficult expository
topics, or abstruse themes, but restrict
elements of our
faith.
When
review, and enquires, "What day ? What have I met with

laid
myself to simple, homely talk about the standing up, on such occasions, my mind makes a subject has already occupied my thought during the
in
my
reading during the past week

is
What
is
most
suggested by the hymns or the prayers?" It is of no use to rise before an assembly, and hope to be inspired upon subjects of which one; knows nothing if anyone is so unwise, the result will be that, as he knows
at this
;
upon my heart
hour?
What
nothing, he
will
see
why
man
But I do not probably say it, and the people will not be edified. cannot speak extemporaneously upon a subject which he full} under
in his
stands.
Any
tradesman, well \ersed
line of
business, could explain
it
without
366
c.
ii.
STURGEON
;
AUTOMIOGKAIMIY.
I
needing
t
to retire for meditation

;
and surely
I
ought
to
principles of our holy faith
be equally familiar with the
upon
enefit
is
ought not to feel at a loss topics which constitute the daily bread of my soul. gained, in such a case, by the mere manual labour of
,
when
I
upon to do not see what
called
extemporaneously, and extemporaneous be even feebler than extemporaneous speech. The gain of the writing lies in the opportunity of careful revision but, as thoroughly able writers can :xpre: s their thoughts correctly at the first, so also max able The thought speakers. man who finds himself upon his legs, dilating upon a theme with which he is Har, may be very far iron, his first it being thought may be the cream of his
likely to
;
in
so doing, a
man would
writing before speak-
write
itations
re,
another man, sitting down to write, be vague and vapid.
the glow of his heart. He having studied the subject well though not at that moment, may deliver himself most whereas
warmed by
powerfully
ideas,
may
only be penning his
first
which may
hymn opened the had carefully studied as the of discourse, when, topic on the opposite page, another passage of Scripture sprang upon me, like a lion from i thicket, with vastly more p,,wer than I had felt when considering the text which had chosen. The people were singing, and I was I was in a strait betwixt sighing. two, and my mind hung as m the balances. I was
ble to find the text,
once had a very singular experience while preaching at Xew Park Street I had passed happily through all the early parts of Divine service on the Chapel. Sabbath evening, and was before the sermon. giving out the I
which
naturally desirous to run in the
which
to
seemed
ive
had carefully planned, but the other text would take no refusal, and at tug my skirts, crying, No, no, you must preach from me God would
I
"
you follow me.

to
deliberated within myself as to

last
1
my
duty, for
would neither
I
fanatical
-
nor unbelieving, and at

I
preach the sermon which
head with considerableliberty, speaking perfectly extemporaneously both as to The second point was dwelt upon with a consciousness of thought and word. unusual quiet efficient power, but 1 had no idea what the third would or could be, lor the text yielded no more matter just then nor can tell even now what I could have done; had not an event occurred had never calculated. upon which had brought myself into great difficulty by obeying what thought to be a Divine felt impulse, and comparatively easy about it, believing that God would help me and knowing that I could at least dose the service should there be nothimr more to
first
;
it may be of venture upon it, come what 1 almost may always announce- my divisions very soon after the exordium but, on this occasion, contrary to my usual custom, did not do so, for a very good reason. passed through the
;
strike out a
new
thought within myself, "Well, have prepared, and it is a great risk

still,
should
to run to
line of
thought
1
but,
as this text constrains me,

"
Lord, and therefore-
will
C.
II.
STURGEON
AUTOr.IOCKAl
lI
V.
367
be said.
had no need
to deliberate, for in
one moment
we;
were
in total
darkness,
and, as the aisles were choked with people, and the place was it was a great peril, but a great blessing. What was I to do crowded everywhere, then ? The people were a little frightened, hut I quieted them instantly telling
the gas had
gone out
1)}"
them not
;
to
be
at
all
alarmed,
though
the gas
was
out,
for
it
would soon be
and as tor myself, having no manuscript, I could speak just as well in re-lighted the dark as in the: light, if they would be so good as to sit or stand still, and listen.
Mad my
tinued
it
;
discourse been ever so elaborate,

and, as
it
would have been absurd

I
to
have con
my
plight was,
was
all
the less embarrassed.
turned at once
mentally to the well-known text which speaks of the child of light walking in darkness, and ol the child of darkness walking in the light, and found appropriate
remarks and
I
illustrations
saw before me
thing
and when the lamps were again lit, pouring in upon me an audience as rapt and subdued as ever a man beheld in his life.
;
The odd
of
all
was
that,
some few church-meetings
afterwards, two
persons
came forward
that evening
,
to make; confession of their faith,
who
professed to
have been converted

of
his
the:
but the
first
which was on the new text

befriended me.
at
owed her conversion to the former part that came to me, and the: other traced
discourse,
to
awakening
the latter part, which was occasioned by the sudden darkness.

I
cast myself
the proper time: for me. censure, but rejoice.

I
Thus, Providence and His God, upon arrangements quenched the: light Some ma}- ridicule, but I adore others may even
;
ihis illustration represents the pulpit stairs used by me at Xe:w Park Street after the enlargement. Chapel When that buildin was sold, I removed them to m
368
c.
ii.
STURGEON
AUTOHIOGKATIIV.
tree.
I
garden
to
at
Nightingale Lane, and fixed them to a huge willow
remember
years
ao-o,
reading, with
some amusement,
of Lorenzo
Dow, who
is
reported,
many
have slipped down a tree in the backwoods, in order to illustrate the easiness of He had previously pulled himself up, with extreme difficulty, in order backsliding.
to
show how hard

to myself. at
I
a thing
it
I
it
is
to regain lost
ground.
was
all
the
more diverted
by
the story because
has so happened that this pretty piece of nonsense has been

sliding
imputed and that

behind
!
was represented as a time when the pulpit was
down
the banisters of
my
pulpit,
fixed in
the wall,
and was entered from

,
never gave even the remotest occasion for that falsehood and yet it is and I have even heard of daily repeated, persons who have declared that they were when I did with their own so, and, present eyes, saw me perform the silly trick.*
a person to repeat a falsehood so many times that he at length imposes upon himself, and believes that he is stating the truth. When men mean to
It is possible: for
say what
is
untrue and unkind, they are not very careful as to the back upon which
I
For my own part, have so long lived under a glass case they stick the slander. that, like the bees which 1 have seen at the Crystal Palace, I go on with my work,
and
to spectators and when my personal habits are truthfully are the not they concern of ainbody but myself, I feel reported, though really utterly indifferent about it, except in times of depression, when sigh "fora lodge
try to
be indifferent
in
some
vast
wilderness,"
where rumours of newspaper men and interviewers might

I
never reach
me
more.
cannot help saying that I very seldom read in print any story connected with Old myself which has a shade of truth in it. Joe Millers, anecdotes of Rowland Mill, Sydney Smith, and John Berrielge, and tales
;
criticism allotted to public
am men
quite willing to take
my
fair
share of the current
but
remotest and lustiest antiquity, are imputed to went before, and will be to men who follow after.
of
me
as they have been to
men who
Many
I
of the tales told about me,
even
to this day, are not only
without a shadow of truth, but some of them border on
blasphemy, or are positively profane.

the trade in falsehood
is
On
the whole,
am
inclined to believe that
rather brisk, or so
many
untruths would not be manufactured.
actually heard, not long since, of a minister, who said that a certain thing occurred to him, the other day yet I told the original story twenty years ago \\ hen I related it, I said it had been and I believed it my experience, the other
Why,
clay,
was so
but after hearing that this man says that it happened to him, it makes me I think it is a great pity for a question whether it really did occur to me at all. or preacher, any speaker, to try to make a story appear interesting by saying that
;
the incident related
happened
should always characterize

*
when it really everyone who stands up

to
him,
did not.
to
Scrupulous truthfulness proclaim the: truth of God.
As
Park Street Chapel, and saw Mr. Spurgeon slide down the pulpit banisters! authority, yet probably he and others will still continue to tell it.
recently as 1897, a professed minister of the gospel, lecturing in the United States, affnmed that lie was present at New Of course, the lie was contradicted on the highest
II.
SrURGEON
AUTOUIOGRAl llV.
369
mentioned
to
my New
;
Park Street deacons, several times,
my
opinion that the
upper panes of the iron-framed windows had better be taken out, as the windows were not made to open but it providentially yet nothing came of my remarks one happened, Monday, that somebody removed most of those panes in a masterly manner, almost as well as if they had been taken out by a glazier. There was
;
considerable consternation, and
much
conjecture,
as
to
who had committed
the
crime
proposed that a reward of five pounds should be offered for the who when found should receive the amount as a present. discovery he reward was not forthcoming, and therefore have not felt it to be my duty to
;
and
of
the offender,
inform against the individual.
trust
none
with
will
the:
suspect
stick
1
me
but
let
if
they do,
shall
have
oxygen into In a very short time after began to preach in London, the congregation so multiplied as to make the chapel, in the evening, when the gas was burning, like the Black Hole of Calcutta. One night, in 1X54, while preaching
1
to
confess
that
have walked
which
the
that stilling structure.
there,
at
exclaimed,
"
the back shall
By faith, the: come down,
walls of Jericho
fell
down
and by
"
faith, this wall
too."
An
the;
?"
aged and prudent deacon,

close of the sermon.
"
in
somewhat
domineering terms, observed to me, at of that again." What do you mean

"
Let us never hear
enquired
it
and therefore the sooner you set following extract from the church-book shows that the members did
u/ieu
it is
done,
you will hear no more about about doing it, the better." The
;
set
about doing
it
in real earnest
"Church-meeting, 3Oth
"
August, 1854.
to
record our devout and grateful acknowledgments to our Heavenly Father for the success that has attended the ministry of our esteemed Pastor, and we consider it important, at as early a period
Resolved,-
That we
desire, as a church,
as possible, that increased
accommodation should be provided for the: numbers that flock to the chapel on Lord s-days and we would affectionate:!} request our respected deacons to give the subject their full and careful consideration, and to
;
favour us with their report at the church-meeting
in October."
considerable, but unavoidable delay, took place, in consequence oi the vestry and school-rooms being held on a different Trust from that of the chapel, so that it
became necessary rooms in the main
to
apply
to
building.
the Charity Commissioners before including those After fully investigating the: circumstances, they did
not interpose: any obstacle, so the alterations were commenced, early in 1855, and in due course: the chapel was enlarged as proposed, and a new school-room was erecteel along the side of the: chapel, with windows which could be let down, to allow
those
who were
seated
in
the school to hear the preacher.
CHAPTER XXXIII
(Cljolcta
Whether
ive
Ijfni in lonbou.
now,
it
is
whispered
great city as thethe scythe of death
moves to and fro, and how a lane is made through our population, and those who were once living men art- taken, like sheaves to the garner, carried to the graveyard, and laid aside. You cannot stop their dying; but, oh, that God might help you to stop their being damned! You cannot stop the breath from going out of their bodies but, oh, that the gospel might stop their souls from going down to destruction! It can do it, and nothing else can take its place. Just now, the suppose, about it being here already in some cholera has come again. There can be little doubt, considerable force, and probably it may be worse. The Christian need not dread it, for he has nothing that God would Still, lor the sake of others, he may well pray to lose, but everything to gain, by death. think it ought to be a motive for But. since it is here, avert His hand, and not let His anger burn.
;
is a reaper irfio is silently gathering it every hour. Just gather in the harvest or not, there You may look upon this That reaper is DKATII that he is sharpening his sickle. and how surely harvest-held, and every week the bills of mortality tell us how steadily
!
active exertion.
recollect,
If
there ever be
I
when
to
rawing terribly.
I
When many
houses lest they should catch the deadly disease, we who had no we spoke of Christ and of things fear about such things found ourselves most gladly listened to when for all of you who love souls. the time is now and s minister the time; Divine. And now, again, is Yon may see men more alarmed than they are already; and if they should be, mind that you avail You have the Balm of Gilead when their wounds yourselves of the opportunity of doing them good. You know of Him who died to save tell them of Him. Lift high the cross before smart, pour it in. Tell them of Calvary, Tell them that God became man that man might be lifted to God. their eyes. and sweat of blood. Tell them of Jesus hanging on the cross to save sinners. and and its
mm
"house
listened to the gospel, for the cholera was came to There was little scoffing then. All day, and sometimes all night long, went about were to see my face house, and saw men and women dying, and, oh. how glad they
first
I
!
when the mind is London, how anxiously people

a
time
sensitive,
it
is
when death
is
abroad.
were afraid
to enter their
groans,
cries,
Tell
them
that
ThcTc
Tell
that
is life
for a look
;it
the Crucified
One."
them
that
He
is
He
is
able to save even

C.
able to save to the uttermost all them at the eleventh hour, and to say to the dving thief,
that
11. S., /;/
come unto God by Him.

"To-day
Tell
them
shall thou be
with
Me
in Paradise."
Sermon preached
at the Metropolitan
J abernacle,
July
29, uS66.
the year 1854,
when
h;ul scarcely
been
in
London twelvemonths,
was
visited
the neighbourhood
cholera,
in
which
laboured
by Asiatic
and
after family
Family congregation suffered from its almost and of the bedside smitten, summoned me to the
my
inroads.
every day
was called
to visit the grave.
At
first,
up with youthful ardour

for
I
to the visitation of the sick,

all
gave myself and was sent

;
from
all
corners of the district by persons of

in
ranks and religions
but, soon,
became weary
1
body, and sick at heart.

I
My friends
the rest;
seemed
felt
falling
one by one,
and
felt
or fancied that
was sickening
laid
like those
around me.
I
A
that
little
and weeping would have

heavier than
I
me
1
low
among
more work my burden was
could bear, and
was ready
to sink
under
it.
37 2
1
c.
ii.
SPURGEON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
was returning mournfully home from a funeral, when, as God would have it, my curiosity led me to read a paper which was watered up in a shoemaker s window in the Great Dover Road. It did not look like a trade; announcement, nor was it, for it bore*, in a good bold handwriting, these worels
:-
"Because
t/iou
;
thy habitation thy

dwelling."
my refuge, even (he Most High, (here shall no evil neither shall any plague come nigh thee, befall
is
hasl
made
the Lord,
which
rhe
her own.
tion of
effect
I
upon my heart was immediate.
Faith appropriated the passage as

I
the;
secure, refreshed, girt with went on with immortality. felt no fear of evil, and dying, in a calm and peaceful spirit
;
felt
my
I
visita
suffered
in
no harm.
he;
Providence which moved the tradesman
to place
those- verses
his
window,
I
grate-fully
acknowledge
(
and
in
the
remembrance of
its
marvellous power,
adore; the Lorel
my
iod.
(In a
pamphlet
time; of
entitled,
"The
Best
Refuge
"
in
Times of
Trouble,"
published
about
the;
Mr.
Spurgeon
the-
"home-going,"
Mr.
W.
Ford, of
1911,
Peabody
Buildings, Orchard Street, Westminster, wrote-:
In the-
London, he where neighbourhood for the; poor, and caused

in
Mr. Spurgeon
cholera raged
to
in
the-
year 1854, the- first year of locality of his church, and the
resided.
bills
The parochial authorities werevery thoughtful be placed at the corners of the streets, headed
I
be
informing the public where advice and medicines would At that time, supplied gratis. lived in the Great Dover Road, and Mr. lived a little further towards Greenwich, in Virginia Terrace. Spurgeon the;
See-ing
I
CHOLERA,
in large- type,
above-name-el at every turning, was forcibly impressed that they werevery much calculated to terrify thepeople. \VIth the- concurrence of a friend, procured one-, and wrote in the; centre these worels: Ik-cause thou hast made the; Lord, which is my refuge-, even the- Most there shall no evil befall High, thy habitation thee, neither shall any plague come This bill nigh thy dwelling. place-el in my am not aware of one- jeer or improper re-mark, shop-window, hundreds read it, and
bills
I
;
-so subdued and solemnized

the; bill,
were- thepeople;
by the awful
visitation.
Among
the
readers of
was Mr.
Spurgeon.")
During
country,
I
had many engagements in epidemic of cholera, though gave them up that remain in London to visit the; sick and might
I
that
the;
the;
dying.
felt
that
it
was
One-
my
duty
to be;
on
I
the;
spot
in
such a
time;
of disease and
death and sorrow.
Monday morning,
I
sharp
ring-
Of
the-
door-bell.
was awakened, about three o clock, by a was urged, without delay, to visit a house not very
C.
IT.
SPURGEON
;
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
I
373
far
from London Bridge;.

as
we;nt
room, the only occupants

e;\claimed
me:
to
the; nurse-,
I
of
anel up two pairs of stairs was shown into a sir! which were; a nurse anel a dying man. "Oh,
"about
ente;re-el,
send
I
"
for
you."
"What
I
eloe;s
half-an-hour ago, Mr. So-and-so begged she he want?" He; is elying, aske;el.
"
sir,"
re-plie-d.
saiel,
"Yes,
see;
that
he; is
what
sort of a
man was
he;
;
he-?"
The; nurse;
all
answe-reel,
I
lookeel tor
He- came home- trom Brighton, last night, sir; a Bible, sir, but there is not one- in the- house"Oh
!
had been out

have;
elay.
one; with
you."
said,
"a
Bible would be
ol
no
use-
brought hope you II he to him now.

in
the;
coulel
understand
I
me-,
coulel
tell
him
the;
way
of salvation
ve;ry worels ol
I
Scripture-."
;
stood by his side, anel spoke- to him, but he gave; me- no answer.
spoke again but the only consciousness he hael was a lore-boding ot terror, mingled with the- stupor ol approaching death. Soon, even that was gone-, tor se-nse- had lied,
anel
I
stood
the-re,
te.;w
minutes, sighing with
the-
poor
woman who had watched

lace-,
I
over him, and altogether hopeless about his soul,

that
he;
(iaxing at his
perceived
was
ele-ael,
anel that his soul hael de-parte-el.
That man,
hael often
ol
I
in
his lifetime-,
had be-en wont
denounced
me- as a hypocrite-.
strong language-, he Ye-t he was no sooner smitten by the- darts

to jeer at
me.
In
eleath than
he sought
my
pre-se-nceelid
1
and
not
hael
counse-1,
no doubt
it
lee-ling in his he-art that

lips.
I
was a servant of God, though he

te>
care- to
own
with his
here1
stood,
elo
unable-
help him.
look at his corpse-, anel

re-fuseel
Promptly as mourn over a
re-sponded to his call,

?
what
in
ceuilel
but
lost soul
He- hael,
when
health, wickedly
Christ,
ve-t in
his
death-agony he
ol
hael superstitiously se-nt for me-.
Too
late-,
he sighed lor the- ministry door, but he- was not able-.
hael wasteel the;
re-conciliation,
The-re;
and sought to was no space left him the-n
e-nter
in
at
the closed
lor re-pe-ntance;, for

I
he
we-nt home-, anel opportunities which (iod hael long grante-d to him. was soon calle;el away again that time;, to se;e; a young woman. She- also was in the;
last
extremity, but
eh ing,
it
was a
lair,
,air sight.
She was singing,

he-r,
though
she;
knew
she-
was
anel talking to those-
round about
te-lling
her brothers anel sisters to

all
follow her to
it
hael
Heaven, bidding good-bye; been he-r marriage- day. She- was happy
to he-r lathe-r, anel
the while; smiling as

I
it
anel
blessed.
eliflerence
ne-ver
the-re
saw more;
is
conspicuously in one who feareth
my
(
life,
than
elid
that morning,
the;
be-tween
ioel anel
one who feareth
Him
not.
LONDON
ALAIJASTKR, PAS-. MORI: AND SON:-,
["ANN
PRINTERS, STRICT, ALUKRSCA
1:
STRKEI,
K.C.
^ P
C
n3
CD
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S7A2 v.l
Spurgaon, Charles, Hsddon G Jl . Spurgeon s auto bi o gr aphy
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ryffff

Miss Margaret T. Srer

LETTERS, AND RECORDS,

(All rights reserved.}

ANCESTRY AXD GEXFALOGY

HOME AXD SCHOOL

MEMORIES OF MAIDSTOXE AXD NEWMARKET

LETTERS TO FATHER AND MOTHER, JAXUARY TO JTXE, 1850

127 147 157 167

KXPERIEXGES AFTER CoXYERSION

BEGIXNING TO SERYE THE LORD

CAMBRIDGE LIFE AXD LETTERS, 1850-1851

BOY-PKEACIJER OF THE FEXS

FIRST OFTEIXES OF SERMOXS,

SOUL-\\ IXNER AT WATER. BEACH

REMINISCEXCES AS A VILLAGE PASTOR

GLIMPSES OE LSSEX AXD CAMBRIDGESHIRE LlEE,

THE LAST YEAR

WATER MEACII AXD CAMBRIDGE

IMRST SERMOXS AT XEAV PARK STREET CIIATEE

LETTERS COXCERXIXG SETTEEMEXT

AND IlrMAN ORDINATION

... ... ... ...

... ... ...

SITRCI- .ON \\AS

OF COTTAC;K PRFACIIFD ...

OF Ol TLINFS OF Sl-RMOXS OF OUTLINES OF SERMONS

FACSIMILE OF TITLE-PACE OF VOLUME

... ... ...

MR. BENJAMIN ... DR. GILL MR. RHTON

... ... ...

... ... ...

X FAY PARK STREET CHAPEL,

XFAY PARK STREET CHAPEL PULPIT STAIRS

his public ministry,

completeness of the history.

references to other biographies

matched by the golden basket

which they are displayed.

lay claim to perfection.

are rend, apparently correct,

Let yon heroic warrior

recount his deeds

of but he, too, points to deep scars, the offspring

the service of the evil

might write a three-volume

both amazed and dazed with

a sermon, long ago, quoting those

loudest of the crowd

resounding mansions ring

was the greatest debtor

the background, and that

who sing the grace of God in so

loudest, long to be, to take the lowest place,

where and praise most the

Nottinghamshire,, which states that,

centuries since, the church and a whole

The times have been

Spurgeon's Autobiography

Spurgeon's Autobiography

Spurgeon's Autobiography