CHAPTER affairs, 1856— 189D. : — " We cannot write letters nowIn reviewing the Letters of William Cowper, Mr. Spurgeon wrote When adays, but must be content to send mere notes and memoranda.
letters were reasonably few, a shilling each, men had the time and cost to write well, and thought to do it worth their while so.
Now that the penny post is a public man's sorest trial, the shorter we can make our epistles, the better.
How we wish some of our correspondents would believe this, especially those young ladies who cross We never waste a moment in trying to read what people think to be unworthy of a fresh their letters !
; crossed letters make us cross, and we drop them into the waste-paper basket.
By the sheet of paper way, what right has a man to expect an answer to a letter if he does not enclose a stamp?
is a dead It robbery to make some of us spend scores of pounds in a year on postage."
HE many Mr. preceding chapter contains references so to it may Spurgeon's correspondence appropriately be followed that by some specimens of the letters which he wrote at various periods Many have already been published his long duringministry.
in the previous volumes of this work, where they seemed needful to narrative, and others must be reserved the consecutiveness of the The is intended to give some of this volume.
present portions selection for later extent and upon which beloved idea variety of of the the the subjects Pastor's replies which he sent to their communicacorrespondents wrote to him, and of the Some of the ot them have ; but most letters have already appeared in print tions.
been copied from the originals which have been kindly forwarded by their possessors Autobiography, a view while are with others the inclusion specially their to in of replies which Mr. Spurgeon had himself preserved.
reproduced from the copies is made with In classifying the correspondence, a beginning Letters to Personal Friends.
A gentleman in Glasgow note, which was greatly values the original of this written by Mr. Spurgeon the day following that on which he had preached at the it was Surrey Gardens Music first time great catastrophe Hall for the after the ; who had Helensburgh, Anderson, a generous John addressed Rev.
sent of to contribution to the Tabernacle Building Fund from himself and his friends : " 3, Bengal Place, " New Kent Road, " Monday, 24th Nov. (1856.) " My Very Dear Friend, donation, and return you very hearty I have received your munificent " thanks, and beg you to express my gratitude to all those who have contributed.
p. 94SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. with me " Yesterday, the not a dog moved Lord was mightily tono-ue. his ; God has borne me I have endured had been But, oh, the griefs up, or over!
whelmed. " How How hell has howled, but how Heaven will triumph is the work in !
I hope the shout of a King" is with you. Helensburgh } " Dear wife and You are very near to I very often talk of our dear Anderson. our hearts. " Our boys ' beloved Give our kind Apphia.' are well, so regards to is all friends, and accept our true love yourself.
" I am, " Yours ever, " C. H. Spurgeon." The following note, and specimens of the correspondence will serve as reply, between Mr. Ruskin and Mr. Spurgeon in the days long past : " Denmark Hill, " Camberwell, " My Dear Friend, it, — quiedy, — and how, I want a chat with you. " to get it possible Is you, — or you here, — or whatever and where, and when I'll come shall come to .'* only for ten days, — being too much disgusted with your I am in England you like.
yours as much as everybody else's — to be able to exist among you any goings on ' Good-bye ' before going to my den in the Alps, I want to say But longer. " Ever with sincerest remembrances to Mrs. Spurgeon, " Affectionately yours.
" J. Ruskin." " Clapham, "Nov. " My Dear Mr. Ruskin, let me alone cast me thought you had I perceive that you " ; but off right, and only look me up when you are getting disgusted when with me.
all is May that disgust increase if it shall bring me oftener into your company !
shall be delighted to see you to-morrow, here, at any time from " 10 to if this will suit you. for me to grow I wish / had a den in the Alps to go ot no use " but to is it ; I am compelled to live amongst you sinners, and however disgusted I may surly, for
p. 95autobiography. spurgeon's H. I must put up with you, for neither Nature nor Providence you will with get all, afford a den for me.
" Yours ever most truly and affectionately, " C. H. Spurgeon." Nothingever gave Mr. Spurgeon greater delight than the glad tidings that his message had been blessed to the salvation of souls, or the strengthening of saints.
Dublin, who To a friend sent him such good replied on February news, he in that my sermons are cheers me very greatly to know of any " It food the of cheerfully have suffered much I would For such a joy, God's people.
and, lo it ! ; I can bear my willing testimony to the faithfulness of the comes without Lord.
it. My sermons are a great drain upon me mentally, but still the springs are not dried.
pecuniary matters, we fresh streams bubble In of great exhaustion, times up.
In ; but never come to want, and we never shall while Jehovah lives." are often tried Just at that time, the Pastor had the further trial of the very serious of illness letter informing him that a special prayer-meeting In answer to a Mrs. Spurgeon.
had been held at the Baptist Chapel, Thetford, to plead for her recovery, he wrote : " Clapham, "Feb.
" My Dear Mr. Welton, are enriching things; you make "Thanks a thousand Prayers times!
May you and your people long enjoy prosperity me wealthy. ! " Yours ever truly, " C. H. Spurgeon." To an Spurgeon interesting revealed Mr. thus an lady Bristol, in afflicted " Faith's sermon entitled of with circumstance the connection his origin in Ultimatum " : ** Nia-htinofale Lane, " Clapham, " My Dear Friend, I wanted "Your kind oift has been unacknowledged because to write to as to make me quite you myself, and my hand has been bad with rheumatic gout so keeping me from my preaching most of the last two weeks, and an these invalid of your very kind words.
heartily, and the more because thank you most time.
p. 96autobiography. spurgeon's H. May you have daily strength for your great affliction, and may your heart exult more Pray for my poor wife, who suffers ever. and more in the Lord ! I think my sermon upon 'Though He slay me, yet in Him,' will " trust will It was squeezed out of me by great pain. be to your mind. " Yours in much sympathy, " C. H. Spurgeon." When made were Devonshire being arrangements of the the old sale for " Babel-like sounds, Petticoat Lane Square Chapel, which was so close to and that and even ambrosial, mingled perfumes with worship, other the things not at all : — appeared on the scene," Mr. Spurgeon wrote " Clapham, "Jan.
" My Dear Sir, I congratulate you on the prospect of an emigration from the worse than " Whatever your chapel may have been in ages past, Egypt of Devonshire Square.
it the din outside, on has become of late atmospherically and entomologically horrible ; in row-making, Lord's-day, in which Jews and Gentiles emulate each other the fits your house to be a den in Babylon rather than a temple upon Zion.
That a church is a miracle of grace in such a spot, and congregation should have gathered so long, May you get away from part of man. part, and of inertness on the the on God's rags and the racket, and may you and your friends enjoy prosperity abundantly " Yours very truly, H.
"C. Spurgeon." Henry The M.P., Richard, was Esq., note the written following late to to speak annual the an Peace invitation at of the reply Society, secretary to in meeting of that body : " Nightingale Lane, " Clapham, "April 24.
" Dear Sir, Let me I am sick and sorry and jaded. " cannot do more. really 'A merciful man, I would be -sX peace. alone. etc., .' " Yours truly, " C. Spurgeon." H. ill at Mentone, he was greatly In December, 1879, when Mr. Spurgeon was very the New York Ministers' Baptist from cablegram, by cheered a of the receipt
p. 97autobiography. spurgeon's H. : — " Prayers. Sympathy. Corinthe following message containing Conference, The telegram was followed by a long loving Secretary."
Potter, thians it arrived, Mr. Spurgeon had already replied thus but, before letter : ; " To Rev. D. C. Potter, " Secretary, New York Baptist Ministers' Conference, " Dear Sir, I am honoured by I thank the Conference very heartily and humbly. " I am not the less comforted. What greater joy can I have such a kind deed, and from my be remembered them hour of by fellow-men than the to in afifliction you, my God and reward you with prayers and sympathies?
a brethren, bless of one who has no other thousandfold for this loving remembrance it but right to one one and which one of oneness in our Lord, out of heart arises that faith, brotherly kindness, may By all American and English such baptized baptism !
fraternal love may abound churches be welded into a more complete unity, so that !
May the Lord bless and prosper you among the belong, and to which you nation may more more you and and abundantly with us with the truth prevail !
am recovering slowly from a very severe illness, and your telegram has acted both as I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Again a tonic and as a cordial to me. " Yours most gratefully, " C. H. Spurgeon." On festival was held the Tabernacle. annual butchers' the April at Mr. Spurgeon was wrote be he following present, but unable the letter to to Mr. Henry Varley, to be read at the meeting : " Westwood, "April " Dear Friend, " A month ago and took the I was just recovering, ser\-ices in five The immediate This time result was another week with great delight.
illness. friends beg me The am the same work me. not have weaker, and before to tells me much, and my own judgment must they are attempt that right.
so never festival, though therefore be away from great with regret. the butchers' those proxy Someone for me, and believe promised be don't did in there.
to blue, and You to be true the true blues Tell host promises. a yourself. are in the best of leaders, — namely, May and be pure the Lord they Jesus.
follow all They will do to be moderate indeed to be well in Christians upright, so as all !
and best of if they become total abstainers from strong drink things better all if ; ; I am sure we shall always be glad they have new hearts and are believers in Jesus.
for them so long as you and the master-butchers find the find house-room solids to G4
p. 98autobiography, spurgeon's H. every man filling up would wish day's march the empties. for get a nearer May God's blessing be with you and all your hearers this Heaven on this occasion.
night ! " Yours heartily, " C. H. Spurgeon." Joseph Cook, of Boston, U.S.A., had been Rev. After lecturing in the United Kingdom tor about six months, qu'^:stions were raised in various quarters concerning The of Shaftesbury was one of those who were in doubt with his orthodoxy.
Earl Mr. Spurgeon very earnestly pleaded regard but theological teaching, his the to The following is one of two cause of the eminent lecturer from across the Atlantic.
letters which he wrote to the venerable Earl upon this matter : " Westwood, " Beulah Hill, " Upper Norwood, "May ' " My Dear Friend, I agree with you in heart, and soul, and faith " ; and so also does Joseph His expressions may not be clear, but his meaning is identical with our own.
Cook. little hope of my leading you so, now that Mr. There however, think to is, has cast his lurid light upon the lecturer's words ; and therefore will not enter into a discussion.
"Your is wise, namely, to refrain from endorsing that which you do not action Mr. Cook, and am as sure of I know approve I pray you, believe But, that, as of.
I am ot my own, I cannot desert him, or, retract the commendations his orthodoxy as I am none I am sure less one with If you which that he deserves ; but the you.
would only see Mr. Cook, you would form a different estimate of him but, anyhow, ; I shall not love or admire you one atom the less whatever you do. I am, perhaps, more lenient than you are because I never was able to be quite " think no man speaks so much as you do with as you so guarded a speaker are.
muddles. agree impetuous people with quite but so few get blunders, into had been you Premier have been of you Mr.
estimate as certain Foster's to allow your speech to get cloudy, or direction, for you very seldom ambitious in that to run over to the other side when emphasizing this ; — but pray do not expect such accuracy of us all.
" Here man who, complicity with denies with the a slightest tears, is heterodoxy, and lives and he on so dear says feeds old-fashioned the that truth ' orthodox believe what ' were and he wish us half the that to says, as orthodox as he is.
p. 99SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. " The you, my Lord and you and dear ever spare bless sustain friend, to us many years I wish, when to come over, you would come these meetings are !
and see " Your Lordship's most hearty friend, " C. H. Spurgeon." To this letter, Lord Shaftesbury replied as follows : " 24, Grosvenor Square, W., \ "May ]88i. " My Dear Friend, I am Cook " If Joseph in your high stands esteem, confident, is, it decidedly, and because you all truth and believe that he holds, conscientiously in Faith, — those great earnestness, the doctrines doctrines Christian the of vital indispensably necessary to salvation, and which have been the life and rule of your In these have been your joy, and your strength. Signal as are ministerial services. talents that God has bestowed upon you, they would, without preaching Christ the His nothing to comfort and majestic simplicity, have availed you instruct the in all hearts of thousands.
" Such being the case, who would expect you to recede, by one hair's breadth, unless you carried your convictions with you?
Certainly not I am candid and " gratified by and your kind deeply friendly letter, all its You must not admit any abatement of your regard and love for me. expressions. Mine towards you can while you up never be stand so so vigorously, lessened, devotedly, so exclusively for our blessed Lord.
" Ever yours most truly, " Shaftesbury." will pay you a visit as soon as possible." Mr. Cook was Mr. Spurgeon his powerful advocacy, intensely grateful for to is somewhat singular that, just as even if it did not convince the venerable Earl.
It in answer is being to a statement reported this chapter compiled, that that, is it " Spiritualism Mr. (now Dr.) Joseph Cook had joined the Spiritualists, he wrote, is ; my name His reply seems to indicate that efforts had is Joseph." Potiphar's wife been made resisted them as he had him, but that to entangle successfully as his ancient namesake repelled his tempter.
Spurgeon was terms on Rev. neighbour, with very Mr. always friendly his On the twentyBurman Cassin, M.A., rector of St. George-the-Martyr, Southwark.
testimonial was to him presented a anniversary of Mr. ordination, Cassin's fifth ; and the Pastor, although away from home, wrote concerning it :
SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. lOO H. " Mentone, "Dec. " Dear Mr. Olney, Rev. Burman " Cassin was had no presentation idea the the that to Had coming I was to have attended the meeting, for I been at home, off so soon. for whom my heart always has a warm I wish him every he brother a place.
is all things, abundant grace to win multitudes blessinof, and, above of souls for Christ his immense loving manners, and His out true his catholic of his parish.
piety, Had spirit, make me esteem him most highly. I been able to attend, should have of my added ^5 but very honest token a very inadequate as the testimonial, to be my I am As substitute, and away, please give so the him.
affection far for amount on my behalf You can trust me I return. till " Yours ever heartily, " C. H. Spurgeon.'' The following letter greatly interested Mr. Spurgeon : "Christ Church Vicarage, " Rotherhithe, "August " Mr. Dear Mr. Spurgeon, I have, for many years, been an admiring reader of your sermons, and " you how found them and have would have write useful often that tell felt I am specially urged personally and ministerially.
to write to-day following for the My mother, a clergyman's widow, died on May Boston, year, reason.
at this She used to take your sermons weekly, read them Lincolnshire, aged 87. carefully, have them bound handsomely at the end of the year, and present the bound volume to me, year by year, on my birthday, Aug.
"The Vol. for 1883 — her last gift — was ready bound, and /have to-day written Lord may my name give you health and Praying as she cannot.
the that in it, holiness, and and your pardon, asking continued increasing usefulness, strength, if intrusive, " Yours very sincerely, " H.
MiTCHINSON, "Vicar of Christ Church, Rotherhithe." To this letter, Mr. Spurgeon replied thus : " Westwood, "Aug, " Dear Friend, The "It to be enabled to give seed to the sower.
is a great pleasure
all your ministry, and give you an abundant harvest Lord also be with you in Mine congratulate you upon having a mother in Heaven.
" lingers in .still We much suffering is promoted have paused ; yours follow on.
to will felicity. I need Please do the like for me, tor it every day. to pray for you. " Yours most heartily, " C. Spurgeon." H. letters of condolence are given part of the next chapter, the Several latter in congratulation may The note was be so one following cheery inserted of here.
sent to Rev. E. W. Matthews, secretary of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society, from him announcing the in May, a communication of a in reply to arrival little daughter, and sending contributions tor the Orphanage from all his children : " Dear Friend, " Matthews too many of them so good there can hardly be are that if God the parents more and to be they all and out turn evangelists.
more, bless blessings to them in later years cause the children to be real That you should bid !
send me a fourfold monarchy in a crown each, suggests your children I hold that I need a Priest and a King more than ever. your esteem but, alas I rejoice that ; ! May these is growing more precious to me in our Lord Jesus that four capacity.
Matthews all be crowned with lovingkindness and tender mercies ! " Yours very heartily, " C. Spurgeon." H. For many years, on his summer visits to Scotland, Mr. Spurgeon was the guest " Benmore," the of Mr. James Duncan, at beautiful mansion depicted in Vol.
The following letter was written page 362. Mr. Duncan's in reply to one to sister, from her, mentioning various places and persons known to the Pastor, and saying that, that he was overworking she had heard himself, she advised him to study what as the sixth commandment required, " all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life ": " Westvvood, "Aug.
1SS5. " Dear Mrs. Moubray, for the proverbs, some of which heartily thank you " have used. I am well acquainted with the book you have culled from I would go think indeed, ; I do not know.
far to see a proverb-book which " Happy woman to be sailing over the fair seas, and gazing upon those glorious I tind abundance to do all day, and every day but, as the Lord blesses the hills !
; I am not able to weary of work, it.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SPURGEON'S H. He to my joy. is, indeed, a kind and I saw Mr. Duncan on Sunday, much " God bless both lil>:e unto him. tender friend, and his sister is ! Truly good trust Mr. McKercher will get better, and be restored to you.
" The has gone of the world idols men they used after than be. to are scarcer ' old modern thought, and those of us who do not thus wander are esteemed to be fogies.' " A woman rose in the Tabernacle, I entered, and began to last Sunday, just as I pricked up my ears, and wondered Of course, talk about the sixth commandment !
it was a lady from Strone House She did not get far before the attendants whether ! Were very suspicious. not asked her name, but it looks have carried her off. you up in London last Sunday ? I must work that commandment, and I am I begin think that to " studying much harder, for fear somebody should be killed, spiritually, by my failure to preach in season and out of season.
" My very kindest regards and heartiest thanks to you. " Yours ever gratefully, " C. H. Spurgeon." tell them the meaning of difficult often asked Mr. Spurgeon to Correspondents the enquiry of a generous helper, in Scodand, reply In to passages of Scripture.
vi. 4 — 6, the Pastor wrote :— concerning Hebrews " Westwood, "March " Dear Friend, if the Divine life could entirely die out, there " I have always taught that, We can be born again, but not again and again. would be no second quickening. From which I argue it would be a hopeless case. If the salt could lose its savour, case, no man has utterly lost the life of is in a hopeless that, as no believer in Christ God alter once receiving it.
" The wilful return to sin would be fatal. (See Hebrews "In each passage quoted, the evil supposed is also denied. and X. 39.) we knowledge One great means perseverance the that of securing final is if we quit Him, could there cannot go and at pleasure of Christ out utterly in ; Therefore we are bound (Hebrews could be no possibility of renewal.
to 4.) hold on even to the end. " My wonder is how, in the teeth of these texts, Arminians believe that men can No words can be clearer than those which lose the Divine life and receive it again.
describe this as 'impossible.'
AUTOBIOGRAniY. SPURGEON S IO3 H. sent a catalogue with sermons marked which may help you. Write " have me whenever you like, only excuse me I am brief. if " Yours heartily, " C. H. Spurgeon." anniversary sermon Spurgeon preached at Christ For several Mr. the years, Church, Westminster Bridge Road, more than once going there for the purpose after his own Monday evening prayer-meeting.
In 1888, he was too unwell conducting Mr. Newman Hall, who read the he wrote the following at to letter so to it public meeting : " Westwood, " My Dear Friend, is your anniversary.
I congratulate " I have only just heard that to-day I pray that you may have a right good day. I had been well enough, you, and If would have accepted your invitation, you may be quite sure.
I thank you and your in my hour of sickness. The friends for many kindnesses received by way of help people who spared you bless yoii who and In these days, Lord preached, the !
Our both we taught has us experience two for that, school. old of the are A and Christ of doctrine conversion the crucified all-sufficient.
edification, is is the foundation for the purest and noblest of childlike faith in the atoning sacrifice As the hammer comes down on the anvil ever with the same ring, so characters.
will we preach Christ, Christ, Christ, and nothing else but Christ. " Our friends leave us for the suburbs, but I trust the Lord will raise up around God bless those attached brethren who stick faithful men. us another generation of feel a deep gratitude to all such, to us, and bear the brunt of the battle with us !
To you I desire continued health and both at the Tabernacle and at Christ Church.
joyous communion with God. "Yours very heartily, " C. H. Spurgeon." correspondence was with frequently L. Wayland, H. Philadelphia, in of Dr. On more than one occasion, he sent contributions for the Mrs. Spurgeon.
Mr. and In reply to one of these communications, the Pastor Lord's work under their care. wrote : " Westwood, " June, " My Dear Friend, . She has greatly cheered Mrs. Spurgeon Your to her.
is to letter
p. 5! SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. Wisdom I am draft, and thank kind donor of the ordains you. the to write to My dear wife does not improve don't think she health. of labour. division in could improve in any other way. Despite what your correspondents may tell you, " I hold on, and stand fast. know of a surety that there is an awful twist in the thoughts of the many, and error I am not doubtful of the ultimate result. Yet bears the bell. I see that the Lord loves you and yours greatly, for He tries you. These are " Your love is sweet to me. I have many, and I prize them. His love-tokens. " Yours most heartily, " C. H. Spurgeon." Sheffield Master 1S89, Mr. Cuder-elect, sent S. G. Richardson, the In August, a mutual to attend his Spurgeon, through friend, a very cordial Mr.
invitation to This elicited the following answer banquet. : " Westwood, "August 23, " My Dear Friend, " You are most kind, and so I am so taken up is the Master Cutler, but I must not leave home. the kindness and courtesy with work that rejoice of in I am not a man for a I beg you to thank him heartily. Mr. Richardson, and Really, Our Lord Mayor pressed me to meet the Archbishops I could come. feast, even if it, — I mean, the banquet. and Bi-shops at a banquet, but I could not bring my soul to tea at the Archbishop's, and I had I had no objection Last week, Bishops.
to the ; but the banquet was out of my I am luncheon with the Bishop of Rochester line.
best at work, — my own work. Still, God you, and the Master Cutler, and bless all the good folk " Yours heartily, " C.
Spurgeon." H. The invitation to tea at the Archbishop's was written by Mrs. Benson, and was as follows : "Addington Park, "Croydon, "Aug.
'89. " My Dear Sir, "We have just come back to Addington, where we for a few shall be I am writing to claim your kind promise to come and ; and days before going abroad Might we hope that you will come to afternoon tea on Thursday next see us here.
fear Mrs. Spurgeon is not It will be a great pleasure to see you. at 5 o'clock?
SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. Strong enough for so long a drive it would have given us great pleasure otherwise, ; if she would accompany you.
" Believe me, " My dear sir, " Yours very truly, " Mary Benson." "The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon." The mentioned day Spurgeon, not being convenient Mr. because the of to another afternoon was that happened Tabernacle fixed, and to be the service, in same week in which he had promised to take luncheon with the Bishop of Rochester, who wrote, a few days afterwards : " Selsdon Park, " Croydon, " August 23, " My Dear Friend, The thank you exceedingly " for your valued shall Salt-cclla7's gift. in my The have an opportunity of sparkling sermons, and shall begin read to Cheque Book of the. Bank of Faith to-day. "You may like friendly though not a gushing criticism on your to see a very sermons in The Gziai'dian of last Wednesday, — the leading High Church journal.
"We all have a most charming impression of your visit. Next time you come, I shall try to pick your brains about preaching. " Most truly yours, "A. W. ROFFEN." letter — the The following last one written by Mr. Spurgeon his old friend, to J. S. Watts, of Cambridge, has a specially pathetic interest now Mr. : " Westwood, 1S90. " Dear Friend, " How are you ? I am myself below par in health ; but exceeding full of I have seen sixty-nine candidates Lord's goodness. for church-fellowship the this It has cost me Long hours the many, and to converse with month.
select these ; prospers more and Everything But work. more. but harvest glorious is it On June I must shall be rest more. body. at times get faint in fifty-six, and my years have been such as produce great wear and Yet shall soon tear.
pick up again. I shall send you my College Reports for the last two years, that you may see " My supplies, we know no how, temporal from questionable liberation lack.
in
io6 autobiography. spurgeon's u. has brought around me Lord's own who have a associations a host of the like inspired Word and immutable Divinely has He sustained me, to His love truth. and He ivill. Peace be unto you ! " Yours ever lovingly, " C. H. Spurgeon." One of the many loving notes preserved by a former member of the Tabernacle Church is interesting because of the Biblical names borne by himself and several of his relatives who are mentioned in it : " Westwood, " Aug.
" Dear Mr. Keevil, "What is Joshua sending me Here family you a are! patriarchal a letter from Noah, containing news about Enoch, and Job and It makes his girls !
me feel proud to be in such ancient company. God bless you all ! will send Noah a receipt. " Like his namesake, he seems to have had enough May the Lord give you the Well, we shall get home. You are a good soul. rain. double portion, as he did Job " Yours heartily ever, " C. H. Spurgeon."
Mr. Spurgeon was While December, Mentone, 1S90, he received a at in letter from his old and Editor of The Gospel Doudney, D.
A. Dr. faithful friend, Magazine, who had such of holy said a wrestling footstool of the at spirit mercy, on your behalf, in the wakefulness of the I could but cherish past night, that the hope that the Lord was giving you relief" In reply, Mr. Spurgeon wrote : '* Mentone, " Dec. '90. "Venerated Friend, " It made my heart leap for joy when in your note that you had I read My I am I can hold the pen, as you liberty in prayer for me. recovering. see. hand was puffed puffed up consequence, but and, up, useless things, in like all ; I am is coming true form, and rallying from the weakness which follows to its it great pain.
"Of a all my heart praise God with furnace, the surety, the is well. for it May He bless to you the hammer, and the infirmities of years, and carry you file.
ever in His bosom ! " Your loving, grateful friend, Spurgeon." "C. H.