Chapter LXXXIX. A Typical Week's Work (Continued)

CHAPTER a WinXk Wind's (Continued). CgpiCHl HERE was little breathing-space for the busy toiler after the boy a first portion of the sermon manuscript was sent away with the but, ; On usually, other work at once claimed the Pastor's attention.

his private here view given, his the represented as right-hand, in J. W. Harrald, had been busy opening the morning's secretary, Mr. that required immediate answers. letters, and arranging those It there were any that he knew would be specially cheering, they were always placed IN THE STUDV AT "WESTWOOD.' H. SPURGEON AND HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY

autobiography. spurgeon's yS H. This was always where they would at once catch the eye of "the dear Governor.

' the case with large and unexpected donations for the Lord's work under his care, such as a cheque for /500, which came as a substantial token of a father's gratitude son the means gentleman's be of blessing the to Spurgeon's Mr.

to efforts for letters, — complaining, Sometimes, there were anonymous or abusive, at Mentone.

or even blasphemous, — and it was with peculiar satisfaction that they were prevented for whom they were intended from ever wounding the beloved servant of the Lord The Pastor occasionally dictated replies to a few of the by those who wrote them.

his own but, more often, with letters before continuing his sermon-revising hand,, ; if he could give greater full, for he never spared himself he wrote the answers in number donors various the of the to as years, In later pleasure others.

to have rapidly, he was obliged of a receipts lithoset to increased so Institutions these, he added a few words which even when using facsimile; but, o-raphed in He found in the opinion of those who received them.

crready enhanced their value of lithographed to have considerable prepared,, variety letters a it necessary also for admission to the College and Orphanage, or persons, ready to send to applicants to read manuscripts, or to write the Prefaces for new situations, asking him seekinobooks, or to do any of the thousand and one things by which so many people sought to augment the revenue at the same time to steal away his precious moments, and of the Post Office.

of the sermon was It was usually before the afternoon the last folio into far Then the messenger was able start with it to the reached, and printing-office.

to to be reviewed, magazine possibly books to be answered, there were more letters literary work ; and to be advanced to the next stage other proofs to be read, or it the utmost difficulty that even a few minutes could be secured for a quiet was with all day long, seemed to be lovely garden ceaseless inviting the walk the that, in He could hear the its many of duty charms.

to come and admire voice worker it was time callinohim in another direction, and soon to get ready to start for the Tabernacle.

that, when opposite shows the photograph was The the clock illustration in to be at Newington at half-past five, either meeting taken, the Pastor had arranged considering with them the very important matters the elders, and relating, to the specially came under their notice, or presiding at the state which church's spiritual lasted throughout the whole evening, a church-meeting, which often part of first of receiving new members.

business and was mainly occupied with delightful the the meeting the charge of his or As seven o'clock approached, he brother, in left might be begin prayerhe the liberty deacons to one at elders, that or of the if he had engagements which would Sometimes, the appointed meeting hour.

at prevent him from being at the Tabernacle on Tuesday or Wednesday, he would get

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. before, dinner, and, directly afterwards, go up his sermon-revision completed to see enquirers and candidates, — a congenial but exhausting form service which often of continued right up to the hour ot prayer.

FOR THE TABERNACLE. READY TO START On certain special Mondays of some year, the annual meetings the of the in Spurgeon was on Mr.

held, and were occasions those smaller the Societies at His presence was greatly the "grace before in time to give out lecture-hall tea."

sisters who by carried on the various works earnest and prized energetic the ot they were much encouraged by hearty words of charity and ; and beneficence his accompanied It was cheer, and by help which always them.

the really financial year, how much he varied his addresses notice, year these surprising after at to The gatherings, for the audience mainly consisted of the same persons each time.

Poor Societies were Clothing the Ladies' three Society, Ministers' principal the Society, and the Ladies' Benevolent Society, — or, as they were sometimes Maternal humorously described, the big box Society, the little box Society, and the Christmas

SPURGEON S So AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. box Society, only that third was bestowed the bounty of the the year round, as all time, when there was an at Christmas extra manifestation well as of generosity.

The clear Pastor found a constant theme for merriment in the Reports presented at that so many " cases " had been At one time, the ladies recorded these meetings.

when and he pointed out objections relieved they term, that to substituted ; when no was "objects" but climax success; with was reached better the it so many announced. that othei^ garments" had pillow-cases, and "sheets, blankets, away Such up been during harmless year given brightened the fun the !

have become monotonous, and that might otherwise it was proceedings perhaps indulged in on purpose to show the good sisters how to associate as much cheerfulness as possible with work that must often have sorely depressed their spirits as they heard of the poverty among ministers of the gospel and other tried children of God.

I-OR THE PRAYER-MEETING. METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE, ARRANGED THE LOWER PLATFORM A little before seven o'clock, the happy season of talk was brought to a close, a the work and workers followed, and the whole for a blessing on then brief prayer All who are company ascended for the prayer-meetmg.

to the Tabernacle tamiliar

autobiography. spurgeon's H. ' writings, know he regarded Mr. Spurgeon's prayer-meeting with the the that as ; and, judging by that test, the spiritual temperature of the thermometer of the church Not large community under his charge stood very high.

that he could ever induce all the members to be regularly present on the Monday night but, for many years, ; the numbers attending portion of the area and gallery, and the filled a large first world-wide testimony was that the meeting was altogether unique, the only one that Brown's Saturday all approached Pastor Archibald being G.

night prayerat it Nor was meeting at' the East London Tabernacle. it remarkable simply for its size, but the whole spirit of the gathering made it a source of peculiar helpfulness to all who were visitors carried away with them in constant attendance, while occasional even to distant lands influences and impulses which they never wished to lose or to Many Szvord and The Spurgeon Mr.

gave, Trowel, years ago, the in forget. the hope the record might be detailed reports of these hallowed evenings, in that in awakening new interest in what he always regarded as the most important useful He it was not surprising meeting churches week.

that said often did the of if prosper, when they regarded the prayer-meeting as of so little value that one not evening in the week was made feeble combination of service and for a suffice to prayer-meeting.

at the Tabernacle on Monday The gatherings nights were constantly varied.

" our own men " labouring in the country or abroad were present, Usually, some of and took part, while missionaries going out to China, or North Africa, or other parts field, or returning home -on furlough, helped to add of the foreign to the spiritual The or more Pastor always gave one brief addresses, proceedings.

the profit of and never allowed the interest to flag; and, all too soon, half-past eight arrived, and for many of had had the workers meeting be concluded, other the prayerto meetings or services following closely upon that one.

' ' day's work was were Mr. Spurgeon's yet complete, for various not visitors and, with them, some candidates or enquirers needed and waiting for an interview a few precious minutes, — the conversation and prayer at such times being ; secured On some be remembered something long they with as gratitude as lived.

to Monday service was squeezed the Tabernacle a nights, an extra and, leaving in ; Christ Church, Upton Pastor preached Chapel, before the eight at o'clock, little Walworth Road Chapel, or some other neighbouring place of worship or spoke at ; some special the Newington Vestry Hall on local gathering, such as a meeting at When, Sunday Fund.

last, he was Hospital behalf of the really en first question was, — " Has the sermon come?" and route at the second, — "What for home, his it was joyfully received, for the If the reply was, "Just right," is the length of it?" labour of adding or cutting out any made the task of revising the proof still more if a distant preaching engagement had arduous to be fulfilled the next and, day, ; F 6

autobiography. spurgeon's H. to be completed in the morning. that night, or very early revision was obliged the On one occasion, when the London Baptist Association Committee met at "Westtheir host had taken time by wood " for breakfast and transpired that business, it the forelock, and begun his day's work at four o'clock.

Ordinarily, the correction of the proof of the sermon was completed by about eleven o'clock on Tuesday morning, leaving a couple of hours for replying to letters, When the most there were and literary work.

pressing attending only four to to make the usual number in the month, an extra sermon was required Thursdays The discourses available for for the monthly part, and entailed heavy labour.

that were Thursday on Sabbath ones purpose and the delivered shorter the this The ' two had to be added evenings pages a them.

and, or three as rule, to ; a good method example on page adopted opposite facsimile the of the in is had sermon set up which been lengthening from the the reporter's transcript, unrevised, and to the present volume as it contains a striking is specially suitable it passage in the dear preacher's autobiography.

Tuesday afternoon, with rare excep-tions, was devoted to the truly pastoral and important work of seeing candidates and ; and in no T^ibernacle enquirers the at Mr. Spurgeon more happy and more completely at home. service was part of his On reaching his vestry, at three o'clock, he always found some of his elders already ; and usually they had, by that time, conversed with their post the at arrivals, first given them and introduce them cards which were If* he the the to Pastor.

to person's own name was he put with testimony, the the of satisfied the friend upon proposed and be those the of church-fellowship, for indicated the to list to make the necessary enquiries before elder or deacon to be appointed as visitor, to baptism and be admitted membership.

could applicant the course In the of hours, twenty, thirty, or even were three or four ; and thus individuals forty seen anyone who has had much service knows how such experience exhausting in it was made the number was Sometimes, who up or with smaller, those is.

it came about other matters. These were seen by Mr. ; and Harrald, or the elders if they were deemed Pastor were arranged At five interviews with the advisable.

o'clock, a brief interval was secured and, during that half-hour, the Pastor tea for ; his helpers concerning those with whom he compared had notes with conversed, some and had which of candidates related the incidents specially interesting Then happy and he kept on described returned as long him.

the task, to to as any were crowning went he waiting the of and, day's labour, his as often, ; down the annual meeting of one lecture-hall, to preside the or other of the to at Tabernacle Almshouses such Sunday-school, the Societies, as Day-schools> the

a | AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SPURGEON S H. ~ti&^ ffisLj^ ,1/ Ji Td of Uie Lord 'j Ttoee TP no ttoHere. They/carried a burden. prophets of old t ho Lo jd a ai ^ enl t&e«^_dare no^ \ uamej^ ho^fifeiti speak in Q^r ^...^^ They havo a burden to f!arq[^— " The rrurden with their ^©#ic < I am often astounded Lord," at liie^TTfty^an^whjch .e word-ef^tfie ho profess t©'oe the servants of Qod make U^ht of ^eir wortrI got on very weU for a year or two in my " I tead of said, oft©'*lio left me a large store of pulpit, for my great, uncle had majiuscripts, The g^^ty soul' Lord have mercy on < Aiiother^ h-ia his preaching_becau8e he .piiys so^uch, a to get on well with tn f^^^ and is^upplied ~wTtt>QH?gula]k/nanuscnpt 4fik_bookseller, to What must /I have seen the things/ \ God", fhinlr of sit&h '^ Sat^n the old umes, those whom Ood sent didnotX -us these •J''f from God They had their message rrow their messages dirtwtly jt^^-" himself, and that message was weighty— so weighty that they called «5^^ L^ < He that does it " the burden of the hie ministry a Lord " not find ]^\/^ /_-,v3/^ ^ ^-^--'^L. 'borden now wiU hnd will sink him lower yl hereafter which it a burden *^ ^ ' ^^ A burdens than the lowest hell. heartland uever the ministry that n^Qk like a millstone about the conscience in this Ufe.will be Thi/ servants of God mean busine 5n the world to come Thev are not sent into the world to~tickie .,^ Id toTickie/^ not talk for talkmg's sake, ^ /_ They lawwi^- ^ ^* ^J\ ^*y «^yi— -^^^-y/ eiocution^ *^ They ^^ men's ear«. nor have a some' display a Of to- -ffi:alre / • thing to say l^ / - -t-sses upon ihem^l^they must sayit. ,-Airlnward hre, and the» must g**4rvent \ IS as tire -lo^pir booes, consuming the Lord /L^^ servants of God The tht servants of God, i ^th » hunlpn to rf t . hn i n wiy ^ J»« g something t not froth It itiid th.

^ ^rtiage, and - -~y pretty things, -^ .,^ _ _ ^Tid QT&wry, and all thati^^&ere is^weigKt" ' iL ever th?re were men m this world whc ought speak the to ' men U»^ speak tor Gody j^fttklT there ly nothmg t ji r o^ never cOuimiSbioned thf If pijTtajice/?

L^, y last impuH^nce,-V^^. if their measagf be not of th^-tfr&t a,n' whv >N,La^ tttfi nam profe^ D th nf >^ ^urTtKe true fservant of (iod has no light W' ne that baaanah^g to L-arry, ruLmflrrUy but hi a the word of the Li^d j icbo2>*HW '"^tHe burde th at f ' " let me be God's nderstood at thp beginning Jt-tfiV^^u ni/( M^' yho.are. his word, ^cheHru^Uy with carry '*erv Qts, burd t for all the^ world. ~"-Sometim thingb do nut go n get tempted, when ght,-to U* k^ *^'^ •<?

Ij ^^«Q behave youn of you do not el-ves, &QViH5 ' J to myself, "1 wish-I -^v-r-'^^, ^^tiuj4a-ggL5 little out of order, could I sav L^.ul'^ gTViJ_ what happ and of Jonah, thi8^-dp>^V"But~lireDTfEjnt ur*:' scarcer now than-tfeo3L__4 , and/whales --when he ran awaj-to-T-atatu^ 1 do oot a oeni . inclinedTo~rinrth»t~piak-._ *^ ^ were then, and 1 stick to my business, and fur one might not +»«-.

the message of^Twrd keep to ; safely as the runaway prophet was^ God's brought to land quite so servants would d»t nothing evenbut bear theybucd+Ha, this else hojv Wtlham Carey, «, Remember o»tt4^ make a change speaking ^ his sons says^.^^-Eoor^P^sTias drivelled into an ambassado oneybf " b/ the : was emphjy^d and British he missiouar}' once, :inihaaHaHorv* ^ lnvt . father thought^ Government wl afi an his i ri i > promotion^ has "-gsofFelix drivelled burden bearing It would be a drivelhng down, of from the indeed, in^a oongtc to woa? a crowu one were »l Lord, nr the jE i i a fimt if The burden which the of God pearsja for God, and true preachfflHe lias a natural and of o tke r i.

Christ's the behali, for aTiilt instinct which makes him care for the souls of others, and his anxiety penah|''~fciEe~^tbe Christ who longed to save, mo 18 that none should does the true Maiachi, or meBsenger of God, go forth with tlus as tua happy, burden/^fetyet, «pk_a burden.

cheerfully-borne joyful, uTT ik^ wvA-u i< >i-i«_^ t Thwrw .10) ^oiug to speak to-night. i that niftytj>* " 'tKe burden of the 'word of tho.^ --f Th^ t "lit I'irtig fT is the Wori?

Well, iirst.^^tCArsE hy iBjt a burde^':' - 4^ is only of man, we may preaeh-as-iie hat w^^feach nt* "burden • this Book i-'^^dLa-t^ inspired— be but it^ if ^nJy Godj-'ifJesus Christ be God incarnate, if there be blood — 'then is a great there precious his ' Xt hence "becomes a bupdoo \ .if^nm.r^__^_ x^refch. rec eptionont : If becumea burden Aid, a in tlio first, think that ajry man mma^^I ever preach gospel anght until he haa the " You cannot preach It bpr^ into hw own dOuU had conviction of sin (No. 2,114, pages 613 — 15.) FACSIMILE OF CORRECTED PROOF OF LENGTHE^NED SERMON.

; autobiography. spurgeon's ' H. Loan Country Tract the Mission, the the Evangelists' Association, or Society, He number Sermons' Tract frequently the Spurg-eon's the Society. said that and Sunday-schools connected with Missions, of the Societies, Institutions, would been have was Tabernacle an possible so large that arrang-e to for it The every week of them of one year anniversary the secretaries or leaders in !

of many his presence and help of these works always secured meeting's, their at his happy hunting-ground ; and he used to describe the as if possible lecture-hall Among most where found successful the he ministers College.

the recruits for who home and abroad present are the time, several missionaries, .and at at week-night tremblingly spoke at these gatherings.

before him, the time, for first Some of them might scarcely recognize themselves by the description the beloved President gave of them then, as he pictured the "fledglings, with their callow wings, " trying to soar away to the empyrean, but falling down flop into the arena !

a few hundreds Sometimes, instead' of meeting with in the lectureof friends One many such thousands Tabernacle.

over presided the Pastor the in hall, night when by Singers place on sang, gathering took the and, that Jubilee the of ^220 was added sum Fisk University funds one the the of the to effort, our own held when and Johnson meeting was black another brethren, notable " the wives, had before proceeding Richardson, and Africa, farewell to their their was memorable evening an occasion the equally land of fathers their Cough when on gave one marvellous Mr.

John displays of oratorical his B. Pastor kindness, recognition the of and, College, his behalf the Pastors' of in At other Mr. Spurgeon to him of his sermons. a complete times, presented set but he helped of the meeting contribute to the success the chairman was to not ; address by an the Primitive of earnest aid proceedings delivering in of the some other great or Missionary Liberation Methodist the Society, Society, and which movement had been Tabernacle which his for the lent, public for personal advocacy was desired.

also a mid-week Sabbath ; and Wednesday was the only possible time available as were immediately whenever be manifest.

secured could benefits for rest, its it Mentone, Mr. Spurgeon to keep Each return from year, on secretary his told his and engagements on then soon that day one, diary but, alas clear his of all ; !

another, and yet others, had to be given up in response the importunate appeals to " No," although self-sacrificing preacher had to which heart not the the say, to knew breakdown and would the be he health, inevitable the that result a in when Then, he arrangements extra time of services.

cancelline for a for all recovered, the same process would be repeated, with an exactly to have appeared and lectures poured sermons, speeches, requests sequel but the in similar for ;

autobiography. spurgeon's H. it always pained him when he illnesses, and upon him even during his worst felt that he must refuse them.

there were some cong-enial companion, he But red-letter days when, with a Chapter would go off for a long described Vol, the drive country, as into in Yet, even after he before he morning, or returned the then, started in other people would what have accomplished he considered most often night, at When there were only two or three hours available enough for a hard day's work.

Hills, and through Addington route was over drive, a favourite Shirley for a the The Archbishop of Canterbury each giving card the a kindly year, Park.

sent, grounds, and he, on through of free passage occasions, several spacious right his expressed his wish to have the pleasure of entertaining Mr. Spurgeon at Addington.

On lunch. Dr. Benson his guest very of one greeted the acceptance invitation to " There are two members butler and footman, pointing and, said, his to heartily, When I am Lambeth, they Mr. Spurgeon.

residence of your congregation, at in the same would blame do them, go Tabernacle.

always don't the for to When your coachman round had gets the myself chance.

to the st-ables, if and can they Tabernacle attendant say that another he truly recognize will ; was This testimony from you."

they receive a the instruction are credit to all further cheered by hearing of others Pastor, and he was to the dear very pleasing The two estate who were preachers spent a very of his sermons.

on readers the one Spurgeon's long Mr. during time together enjoyable and, illness, on, later ; written by the comfort was letters which gave him Primate.

In his great of the Benson Tabernacle Dr. followed the with Pastor, the intercourse friendly in his own during time of one the the predecessors, that of footsteps for for, bill rates was Archbishop of church before Parliament, Tait the frequently abolition consulted Mr. Spurgeon upon several of the details of the measure.

Spurgeon Addington Sometimes, of going through Mr. paid Park, instead A of Rochester Bishop at Selsdon very intimate a friendship Park.

the to visit they enjoyed many happy Thorold and and between Bishop existed the Pastor, Selsdon home and hours each together garden.

Usually, the the as year, in time approached for the preparation of the addresses to be in connection delivered Spurgeon Bishop to spend Mr.

long with the episcopal invited a his visitation, conversation upon such prayer and quiet day with him as would matters help in On several to put him in a right state of heart for the responsible task before him.

" Westwood ; " and occasions, he season the of friend visited also his spiritual at for, when study must have been mutually it was over, fellowship the profitable, in " Oh, we and Spurgeon always visitor was had Mr.

have remarked, gone, the During talk and such a prayer time together ! " of the Pastor's great delightful called more personal sympathy his deep Bishop illness, the once express than to

autobiography. sturgeon's sent many times to make his wife; and he wrote sufferer, and with the beloved or tender, loving enquiries concerning the invalid.

One Mr. Spurgeon's visit of Bishop to him, has a Thorold's, relating to letter When very special interest now that both of them "the have entered glory."

into friend, who at sent a copy The Chtc of the Maze, he Pastor published his to the once wrote : " Selsdon Park, " Croydon, "Aug..

" My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, "Your remarkable book has reached me, with its affectionate inscription, I prize even more.

which inthe City of our King, we may look back at our stroll " Perhaps, some day, elms, and our prayer under the Selsdon little chapel, and feel them to have the in been an earnest of the glory at hand.

" Ever your brother in Jesus Christ, "A. W. ROFFEN." to letter-writing and literary work in Thursday morning was principally devoted naturally brought him into correspondence with Spurgeon's position Mr.

general. ; and he vast numbers of people all over the world willingly wrote those thousands of letters which are now of almost priceless value to their possessors.

Yet he often Again and again, felt that he could have employed his time to far better purpose.

I am only a poor clerk, driving the pen hour alter hour " ; here he sorrowfully said, done another whole morning gone, and but nothing letters!"

letters, letters, is When reminded so many troubled he was of the joy and comfort ministering to it was work for the Lord hearts by that very drudgery, he agreed that as as trul}^ the preaching in which he so much more delighted.

Still, we often felt that quite an unnecessary addition to his already too-heavy load was made by the thoughtless and often frivolous communications to which he was expected personally Perto reply.

haps someone says, " Then he should not have replied to them." Yes, probably anyC. H. Spurgeon would have thrown many of them, unanswered, into the body but him prompted ever kind heart basket but minister waste-paper the to his to ; himself might people, whatever Yet pleasure and the of other cost to be.

protit unreasonableness sometimes the against protested of he even mildly correhis spondents, as the accompanying paragraph testifies : " No sooner was it known that I was going to Scotland for rest, than I received a large number of towns, and not only from Scotch from for sermons, requests I was entreated just to make a few lines of railway, but places on each of the three

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. also on the Cumberland coast, which, as hours' stay, and preach in North Wales, as it you choose to make them so everybody knows, are both on the road to Scotland !

How many pence have been the Ibrm of postage these replies fined, for in to I am told, insanely kind demands, but will not calculate is rather too absurd.

it ; could stop two hours, and go on by the next train over and over again, that ; and places, when should too, when this being done at a dozen I reach This, Scotland.'* a man is out lor a holiday !

itself had "Alas! to be postponed for a while, through continued the holiday it may seem Now, these good a very simple thing write people, to to ill-health.

It pains me and say, 'No;' but ; and is not refuse an)'one to decline to so.

to it all my had promptings, rather be preach flogged contrary that so heart's to is than feel compelled to do it."

A FAVOURITE RETREAT. If Mr. Spurgeon's correspondence was not quite as burdensome as usual, or if to be done, — when the weather permitted, he liked literary work that had he had to retreat, where the hours swiftlv as he wrote this favourite to retire too his fled all

; autobiography. spurgeon's H. the Psalms, or some of the other books that now remain as permanent comment on memorials of his studious and industrious life.

for the evening service began, After definite preparation dinner, the Pastor's though the subject had probably been, as he often said, "simmering" in his mind all The Saturday evening process was the morning.

repeated, but to a great extent one of his secretaries had the privilege of looking up anything that might help him His private study, commonly called "the den," to get the true meaning of his text. became, on such retirement and and very prayer occasions, place secret his lor ; came hand he joyously generally carrying pulpit-notes brief his his forth, in though, at other times, the message he was to deliver only came to him just, in time.

For many years, Mr. Spurgeon had, on Thursday the Tabernacle evening, in "The from termed what he o'clock lecture-hall, nearly Pastor's seven, six till This was an extra gathering, specially convened for the purpose prayer-meeting."

the Word blessing upon most was of pleading and about preach he a for to ; From refreshing and himself and it always proved both people.

the helpful to the New Park Street days, he had made little or no difference between the services on Lord's-day and on week-nights and, throughout the whole course the of his ; ministry, the Thursday evening worship afforded an opportunity for the attendance of many denominations, who were Christian workers to be present of not able all and, among them, were numerous Church on the Sabbath of England clergymen ; and Nonconformist ministers.

At the close, several a few of these hearers desired it was he conversation with minutes' preacher, could the so get before that late away ; and then, though not weary of his work, he was certainly weary in it.

On Friday morning, of answering correspondence usual the routine had, to give way President's more some urgent work of preparation for the extent, to to He regarded students the of the College.

part of his his talk to service as this his powers that he devoted of heart and mind it was it, and important so to all rich store of mental and spiritual instruction indeed a up, each week, that he carried Hundreds to his "school of the prophets."

that, testified profited by they Mr. Spurgeon's College the greatly as of curriculum, rest their tar beyond everything else in class was its abiding influence upon Friday afternoon With such their life and ministry.

audience, he was a responsive and appreciative and and ministers have very both students best declared that, not often his at ; his most even utterances, has he ever excelled, or even equalled, pulpit brilliant in what it was to hear from delight his lips in those never-to-be-forgotten days.

their From three till about five o'clock, there was a continuous stream of wit and wisdom, counsel and warning, to the one end exhortation and all converging of doctrine,

spurgeon's. autobiography. H. the men before him to become good helping Then, of Jesus ministers Christ.

when class was or more, was unorudoinoly devoted another the dismissed, hour, who any with interviews brethren the of desired to personally consult the to privilege was and prized was President highly very evident from that the this ; way it was in which exercised.

Now and afternoon was made even more memorable Friday by a the then, special sermon to the students, at the close of which the Lord's supper was observed, On the whole service being peculiarly helpful to the of the brethren.

spiritual life Harley House, Cheshunt from other Regent's students occasions, or Park, or College paid a fraternal visit to Newington in due course, the Pastors' College and, ; men returned At such tutors, and students the times, Presidents, vied with visit.

in making one another at home, and them conveying their guests in feel to all possible pleasure and profit.

Spurgeon was between six and seven Perhaps, Mr. o'clock, free to for s'tart there was another anniversary meeting — possibly, home more but, of the likely, Evening Classes connected with the College, — at which he had promised to preside ; ; there was some mission-hall, at which he had engaged or speak to preach or or ; to whom or dying member there was had he word church of a the sick sent his way back from that he would It was on utterly impossible the College.

call ; — that work to make any systematic for him of his great pastoral visitation flock ; — but he found many was undertaken by opportunities the of elders visiting his members and his sermons frequent triumphant contain references the deathto ; He that he had bed not often conduct could scenes witnessed.

funeral services, to make there were some felt bound which he an exception cases yet in to his The Sword and the the matter of weddings.

rule, as he did also usual in Trozuel''^ of how thoroughly, on such has recorded occasions, he sorrowed instances typical those who were those who wept, and rejoiced with with of happiness.

full xA.dd the many and from minor constant interruptions the worries callers, to this, all man may which and when wonder every public readers subject, well to is Spurgeon and Mr.

and time could work he reading, study, find for the all how known much had was accomplished he they constantly continually If !

they might have marvelled even more than they doing, never Surely, there did.

an atom more was of sacred than a busier not service could have been his life ; crowded into it.

Saturday morning was the time for the Pastor and his private secretary to clear far as possible, any arrears of work that had been accumulating off, as durinothe ; " and page 157, " Mr. Spurgeon at a Wedding." * See the Volume for 1S94, page 109, " Mr. Spurgeon at a Funeral

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. The huge pile of letters was again attacked ; various financial matters were week. ministers or those engaged settled, and cheques despatched chapel-building in to pioneer and mission work, or needing some special assistance in their labour for the The secretary also then reported the result of interviews with students, and Lord.

and and workers connection with various the Institutions, different in officials to be given to their requests, or with regard to received instructions as to the replies It was usual, efficiency of the whole work.

various matters tending to the general President to see some of the applicants for admission often, on that morning, for the and the to examine papers dictate of others, letters to the College, the or to if there was a doubt eithfer with conveying his decision, or making further enquiries Brethren just leaving for the foreign mission field, regard to acceptance or rejection.

or some other distant sphere of service, were glad the opportunity of a personal of farewell, and of the tender, touching prayer, and tokens of practical sympathy, with Then there were magazine articles to be which they were speeded on their way.

written or revised, Almanacks to be prepared, books to be read and reviewed, or sent The brethren who helped (and that department to some of help) the of in still the gong sounded' for dinner, the Sword and the Trowel; Pastor and, by the time to say, "Well, we have got through a good morning's work, even was often heard if there is not much to show for it."

The greater part of the afternoon was spent if the weather was the garden, in " Westwood " enjoyed the dear master of ; and one of the few luxuries favourable was to stroll down to the most secluded portion of the grounds, and to rest awhile in title, "Out of the singularly appropriate he gave the summerhouse, to which the the precious minutes wife, or some choice quickly Here, with friend, world."

his arrived, for a cheery chat, and a peep at the and, by-and-by, other visitors passed ; to give the names numerous interesting things that were is needless to be seen.

It ; most of Mr. of those happy afternoons of the many who shared the delights in acquaintances were included friends and ministerial and other Spurgeon's special One visitor who was always welcome was the good Earl of Shaftesamonost them.

often come but, every life also was a very busy one, so he could not His bury.

; now and then, when he was more than usually depressed and troubled by the aspect it a relief to have a talk with his Baptist of affairs, religiously and socially, he found his views concerning the state of the Church in general, friend, who largely shared but who also saw some signs of better and brighter days which the venerable nobleThe peer and the Pastor had such stores of good man had not perceived.

stories tell, that the time rapidly and pleasantly passed, and they parted with the hope of to meeting again on earth, and with the brighter hope of the reunion in Heaven, where there would be no parting for ever.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY H. " "' '' ~" " '[ ,..-.." ,.' _ ^ ^//^ ^^-„^^. " Westwood," On had Mr. Earl the paid a several occasions, after to visit Spurgeon scrapbook, then being compiled, the secretary instructed insert his to in a photograph or engraving of his lordship, and he himself briefly recorded the tact The following page contains a that his venerable friend had again been to see him.

reproduction of one of the best of these portraits, — taken by Messrs. Russell and Co.

when the Earl attained his eightieth year, — with -^ facsi})nle of the inscription written On his part, Earl Shaftesbury preserved, in his diary and letters, on the back of it.

The many records of those enjoyable Saturday afternoons. following entry his in diary probably refers to the very visit mentioned by Mr. Spurgeon — Drove see my He to 'Westwood' is well, thank God, and friend Spurgeon. to improved by His His admirably lodged. place health, wife's lovely. too, is is visit such men, and change pleasant and encouraging of residence.

find to It is them faith, and joy in the service of our blessed Lord." full of perseverance, still

RT. HON. THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURY, THE K.G. <it^ ^x-tJ^-t/^^ i^it't-^pC. -i-cj^CC ^

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