Chapter XCIII. Appreciative Correspondents, 1855–1890

CHAPTER Cormponknts, apprtctati&c LTHOUGH Spurgeon Mr. found often portions of certain his correspondence very burdensome, it was by no means of thai all it was medium and character, by which frequently was he the For many and cheered encouraged.

greatly not a week, years, passed, and reaching him scarcely a day, without tidings that his sermons or other printed works had been blessed to the salvation edification and and strengthening he was the of and sinners of believers also ; from reminded, quarters constantly of the prayer globe, that yet larger all for blessing was continually being presented on This assurance was most behalf.

his gratefully received by him, and on many occasions he was quite bowed down under A selection of of loving sympathy thus sent to him from far and the weight near.

in the chapter entitled " Blessing on the Printed these letters was given in Vol.

Sermons so communications ; " character are not that special inserted oi the in following pages. Among the thousands of letters which have had to b^ read in order to decide are very many which should be cannot be there for various used, reasons, that, Some are private documents, never intended to be published included in this work.

; and, of these, a considerable number came from the Archbishops and Bishops of the individuals who had Church of England, and most of them were written concerning Baptists, and who were seeking admission into the Establishment, or formerly been they related to ex-clergymen who were wishing to enter the Baptist ministry.

While some class appeared they were to be of each acting conscientiously steps the in mere they were proved the others adventurers, taking, history of that equally either Church worthless Dissent.

or to Some of Mr. Spurgeon's correspondents completely changed the tone of their letters in consequence of his earnest contention for the faith but, instead of giving ; specimens of the two kinds of epistles, they are omitted Contro\ersial altogether.

matters have been, to a large extent, excluded otherwise, a chapter or two might ; have been devoted correspondence caused which, the various contimes, to at The details of Mr. Spurgeon's career were if nothing more. siderable excitement, more whole proclaimed, with constantly or accuracy, the so world, that less to

STURGEONS AUTOBIOGRArHY. H. topics which work, are already certain need, refer to to the this there in less is of public knowledge.

matters The letters to and from Mr. Spurgeon would have been fill several sufficient to will hardly need the assurance volumes the size of the present one, and readers that those which would be no fairly representative been has task of select light to it Among the numerous interesting communications which he Pastor's busy the life.

preserved, but which are not included in this work, are very hearty invitations to visit Africa, — at ; and South Canada, and and earnest partly least for rest Victoria, to him part in various Conferences of Baptists or other bodies to take requests of believers in Sweden, Norway, Holland, Switzerland, and India; Vv'hich had all of to for two lengthy letters Space could not be spared from be declined with regret.

of New R. W. Leonard of Birmingham, and Haven, ConBacon, Dr. Dale, Dr. making Spurgeon Mr. the enquiries preliminary as of possibility to necticut, delivering the Lyman Beecher lectures at Yale College ; nor was there room for the Plainfield, New Jersey, very J. H. Vincent, of long explanatory epistle in which Dr.

office of " Dean Department Pastor to accept the of the earnestly entreated the of Biblical Theology to the Chautauqua School." also, only a negative In these cases reply could be returned. Applications for articles in American and other religious and secular papers and of an being contained ; they magazines were received constandy the often offer honorarium, or a draft for the amount which the Editors judged to be adequate ; but, Mr. Spurgeon's refused, because literary labours invariably, they had to be almost Most moment which demanded he could them.

devote of the spare every to fate, though exceptions were requests for interviews met with a similar occasionally which took then place usually made, and conversations the publication of the involved further heavy additions to the Pastor's correspondence.

For the purpose of making some sort of classification, " Letters from Ministerial These will show how widespread and intense was the Brethren " are inserted first. Mr. Spurgeon was held by gospel, both in the in which of the ministers esteem They of England and among the various Nonconformist denominations.

Church will also help to cast side lights upon the Pastor's character and work, and so further " Letters from American and influence and usefulness. far-reaching reveal their Friends " seemed to be sufficiendy numerous and important to be placed Canadian scarcely be could "Miscellaneous Letters" in a section by themselves. classified, The illustrations, on pages so they are simply arranged in chronological order.

189, are specimens of the many Spurgeon's which Mr. and portrait instances in appeared with those of the principal representative men of the day.

spurgeon s autobiography. h. Ministerial Brethren Letters from better commenced than by the epistle, written by cannot be of a loving insertion He added this postscript, Dr. Alexander Fletcher, before Mr. Spurgeon's marriage. it, who and sent lady mentioned it on has to the carefully treasured : — " Sweet love, the in it until will this please you Every blessinoon present time Yes, will.

'^ it " Cromer, " Norfolk, " Nov. " Dear Young Brother, "What a delightful, exciting, encouraging meeting we had last Th-ursday of God abundantly rested upon us.

The smile week in your hallowed sanctuary ! It was a little Heaven below. it zvas good to be there Truly, ! I am looking interest, to the evening when we hope you " forward, with great When we Finsbury preach Chapel. from together travelled will Writtle, in the New mentioned day evening Tuesdav, the of namely, Year, the of first If nothing comes in the way, January august assembly, God's an anticipate Due and much good.

given, and we hope gracious be presence, notice will to Favour me with witness a gathering and showers of blessing never to be forgotten.

I return home to-morrow. a few lines. to whom you not say how much I was pleased with " I need a certain lady, I hope, like yourself, she will acknowledge me as her father. kindly introduced me. May your fellowship on She earth be of long diwation, is everything I could wish.

Amen and be the sweet prelude of your eternal fellowship beyond the skies !

! "Always yours affectionately, "Rev. C. H. Spurgeon." Fletcher." so many of the In those early days, Mr. Spurgeon did not preserve letters he received as he did in interval between the one printed is a long later years, so there above and Pastor, and friend. Rev. Samuel It appears that the following.

the his of Westminster had been Martin, Chapel, both blessed a certain to individual concerning whom a correspondent wrote He passed on the oood to Mr. Spurgeon. news to Mr. Martin, who wrote in reply : "19, Belgrave Road, " Belgravia, S.W., " Dec.

" My Dear Friend, in my hand. "Your welcome letter, and the letter of your friend, are thank you for your own loving for permitting me epistle, and I thank you also to

! SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. for thus making me What letter, and a sharer of your joy. other is our the read crown and and found such which if not of rejoicing, hope, joy, as that facts in Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ' \Y. J. S/ narrates ? " Whenever you feel moved to cast your net in our waters, know and remember that our ship, or shore, or whatever may be needful to carry out the figure perfectly, A prayerful and praiseful welcome will always be given you. is at your service. requested one of my deacons to leave at your door a volume which I have " beg you to accept. "As you to give me back my power of our Heavenly Father this, ask read I may continue it be His to preach His Son, Christ Jesus, with will, that voice, if whom feel more closely united by means of every affliction which suffer.

" What a large The inflicted upon you I have Forgive the letter infliction.

! Lord keep you ! "Always yours, "Samuel "Rev. C. H. Spurgeon." Martin." Mr. Spurgeon was very grieved whenever illness prevented him from fulfilling On one such to preach at the Tabernacle or elsewhere.

his engagements occasion, he received from Mr. Chown the following loving brotherly letter : " 24, Marlborough Hill, "St. John's Wood, N.W., " May " My Very Dear Friend, night, announcing your I received your secretary's " inability letter, last It will be a great disappointment to our friends, but to be with us on the 23rd inst.

May He, whose love and we will turn our anticipations into sympathy and prayer.

As stroke, give the blessing proportioned to the blow wisdom have permitted the !

you, may the supporting arm be underneath and is laid upon the chastening hand Many have never felt the Lord so near and precious as the round about you in !

; may this be your happy lot, and the flames be powerless except to keep off furnace There are times when our very tears become all bonds the enemy, and burn off !

We ; may it be thus, beloved friend, with yours wellsprings of peace and comfort !

May God bless you all with you in are spirit. ! " Forgive where two Montacute, or two services before leaving for line this await me to-day.

Again, and evermore, the Lord bless you ! " Yours very heartily, P. Chown." "Rev. C. H. Spurgeon." ' "J. When the Princess Alice steamer sank In the Thames, on September

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. sermons upon Spurgeon preached two were Mr. and hundreds the of lives lost, " Divine. Interpositions " :— The following letter refers to the one entitled calamity. "Camden House, Dulvvich, S.E., " Sept. " Reverend and Dear Sir, " This time that we have exchanged not the friendly greetings.

first is the Thames I am now moved to write to you to ask if your sermon on collision, as if so, where reported in The Daily Neivs of the 9th is published extenso ; in inst., it in my next I am quoting, of course with approval, a passage from can I get it ? Sunday's sermon, and would like to have your exact words, if possible. " One sentence, leads me for your kind however, of your discourse offer to You are acceptance my last new volume on The Mystery of Pain, Death, and Sin.

: — to justify the ways of God to men, but I do not attempt to have said reported ' I, too. devoutly believe they are all for the Well, believe they are for the best.' all I have attempted to justify them. best, but " If you read my book, you must not mind a page here and sadly jarring there possible you may find on your own ; but bravely read straight on, and feelings is it much to cheer and strengthen your belief in God's great and unfaltering goodness.

in your late illness, and am very glad you I sympathized with you very much " are at work again, and hope many years of noble activity are still before you.

" Believe me, " Most sincerely yours^ "Charles Voysey." II., Chapter L., mention was made of one of Mr. Spurgeon's sermons In Vol.

with him which Livingstone had through a great the African Dr. part of carried tells how W. The Garden from Continent. Dr. following the Blaikie, letter, discourse ultimately came into the Pastor's possession : " 9, Palmerston Road, " Edinburgh, "April 22, " Dear Mr.

Spurgeon, I hope the publishers of The " Catholic Presbyterian send it to you, as I am I requested them to do. be even more and wish Editor, than Catholic to I have a proposal to make, and hope you will excuse me. Without Presbyterian. The first vol. of the Life of Dr. Diiff W\\\ be out next month. introduction, is this. it I am going to ask you to write the Catholic Presbyterian a notice said thereof; for not needed, — but just yoitr viezv of such a man Duff, and particulars of foreign as I would get you an work.

mission early copy, you would run over it at a sitting,

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. you would write your first thoughts as they came, you would, in our Journal, secure thousands of readers not without influence, you would exemplify and promote union, I think, with God's blessing, you would give a real impulse to foreign missions.

and In the first number of the I had a noble paper, by David Livingstone, on Journal, Do wish now ' Missionary Sacrifices.' it up a word from with follow you. to grant my I am all my might, if you not deny this, can with request. trying, to combine and impel Christian effort in the wisest ways of working for our Lord.

" Apropos I am doing something about a I may tell you of Livingstone, that ' intended to bring out the more ' Life spiritual, missionary, and domestic qualities very yellow, — I had in my hands, the other day, one of your sermons, of the man. lay embedded in one had probably been and of his journals, over Africa, all it good. — D. L.' words hand, simple neat Livingstone's the had, 'Very in written, Would you like it .'^ " If you do not take idea of Duff (although to the I can think of), is the best it if any other presents Your views of our Church tell me, please, organization itself. generally would be very valuable. With great respect, " Yours very truly, " W. G. Blaikie." was At of which Mr. wedding, Spurgeon's celebration the pastoral silver his long and serious illness, he was very strongly urged to delayed through abstain, all services away from the Tabernacle.

year, from for a as as possible, at least far One of the ministerial brethren, who took an active part in the proceedings on that memorable occasion, was Dr. Charles Stanford, and it happened that the Pastor was at Denmark for him under Camberwell, a promise few Place Chapel, preach to Spurgeon it was extremely on Mr.

thought kind days part his friend's later. ; and the way voluntarily to release him the engagement in which he from did so added was Spurgeon's action, which probably unique Mr.

value the of the to in lor people were always so anxious to obtain help, whatever the cost to history his ; be, that we are not aware him might to him another that anyone else ever wrote such letter as this : " 8, North Terrace, " Camberwell, " My Dear Friend, " Delighted and most grateful as I should have been to have your service circumstances, my judgment has always been against allowing you average in to come on the 28th.

I only stated the case, and accepted your generous offer because my folk were so anxious that I should do so.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. "Although the I have ordered bills are out, slips, with 'Postponed,' printed in red letters, to be pasted over them.

entirely viy act and ; and deed, not yours It is will be made if any remarks made, that / about they are me.

not likely It is Now doingyoti, harm should be a party to will be a conspicuous risk this fact, !

hope, make you which can quoted, and which easily be able decline will, to all applications from outside the Tabernacle for the next twelve months.

" May God still more and more, bless and prosper you all manner richly, in of ways !

" Affectionately yours, " Charles Stanford." : — " Purely out to you, and In a Stanford wrote Dr. of love at a later letter, loss and myself, have of your sermon great resigned the privilege self-denial to cost me so much, for us to-morrow night.

I hardly recollect anything that has or When I saw how far from perfect I have been so very, very sorry to give up. that recovery you are, and how miraculous your home work felt shocked with a fear is, allowingyou I had to preach of your generosity selfishly taken advantage that in of your new campaign, so setting an for me, especially at the beginning e.xample, I had some idea of a and more especially it looked circumstances, as the in if as, it is all my I have, however, taken care to make public the fact that quid pro quo !

own doing, and that you were ready to come to us. " An as much takes up engagement time a greater place a as in in little for us, no doubt you would have been pestered building, and if you had preached by many simikir applications, which, if you had even partially accepted, might have your own enormous worn away wanted of which working power, your for all is apparatus of service."

to compensate part, did all he could Mr. Spurgeon, on for the disappointhis ment by was which fund have sending he of the contribution a aid for in to Dr. Stanford, who wrote, also by presenting some of his books to preached, and in acknowledgment : " My Dear Friend, in a short sum total, — thank you " You stun me.

Our I can only say, ! school people are also much . Your surprised and obliged by ten pounds.

the sermons always in your of God's because they are so quicken me, put truth, full own way, and are so Nothing ought to have the very soul and essence of all-alive. I am a man is another reason why it so much as a volume of his sermons that in ; I have had many sheaves glad to have some of them, but they are of yours.

all in the world now, and many have been preached from church pulpits by old about plan, and form some idea into The Treasury, just to see I have looked friends.

its I am sure As materials, and pray that they to the sermons, is a mine.

•of its it K 4

to it please God, to win them now. list of subjects would I think your souls, and if remind me You of old Thomas Adams.

in your me. have help alone titles I think not twentyfive volumes of modern nearly 4,000 books till yours came, but, ; sermons were in my library.

" Affectionately yours, "Charles Stanford." The Dr. \V. Morley Punshon as showing letter from following interesting is how such an eloquent preacher and lecturer shrank from occupying the pulpit at the He did, however, Metropolitan Tabernacle, although deeply attached to the Pastor. preach there during the time when the Wesleyans were making a special effort to clear off the debts from their chapels, and the building was lent to them.

" Tranby, " Brixton Rise, S.W., " Oct. " My Dear Sir, " My only reason to me by great honour conveyed declining the for places, even in my is really my physical inefficiency.

Higgs I eschew Mr. all large own denomination, and I cannot bear the excitement three purpose. the of set ; months' anticipation of a service in the Tabernacle would make me thoroughly I trust may tend I would do much, holiday, which both " further your to to Lord, — and of us who love precious lengthen manifest the the so a to to all life ; but pray excuse me in this. Catholicity, nay, the oneness of our Christ spirit in " With much esteem, " Believe me, " Yours very sincerely, "W. MoRLEY Punshon."

The following letter, from Dr. Culross, needs no explanation: " 22, Lynedoch Street, " Glasgow, "18 June, " My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, " Either you have received, or you will immediately receive, a letter from Free and another Mr.

from Lee, Anderson, D. near Nairn, of Esq., Kingillie, Church minister there, aiming to secure a conditional promise from you to preach in new have great of worship.

Nairn, next place in connection with their year, to make your They would endeavour pleasure in seconding their application.

visit

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAniY. H. if you could spare the time, a week or ten days spent as agreeable as possible and, ; I am Knowing you Anderson, might Mr.

greatly invigorate health. there in Your sermons are circulated in confident he would lay himself out for this purpose.

district, and a visit from you would be great numbers throughout the surrounding within many miles I do not think you have ever preached welcomed by thousands. of the place. I think a visit to Nairn might refresh and strengthen you, " If it were not that it would be a very different thing from coming do would not ; but write as to> A We who young remember man, your here with Glasgow.

gratitude. visit ' was the afternoon you preached, and who ' accidentally unexpectedly was idle on offered a ticket by a friend who was prevented from attending, went out of curiosity baptized him, and to hear you, and was led to the have received Saviour.

since Doubtless there are many similar cases of which we do him into church-fellowship.

I trust you are again restored after your recent attack. not know. "With much esteem, " Faithfully yours, " James Culross." Henry AUon wrote Spurgeon hearty and Mr. cheering Dr. in letter to this reply to an invitation to speak at the Orphanage Festival : " lo, St. Mary's Road, " Canonbury, N., "My Dear John Ploughman, is, — whether at "You do not say at what hour your meeting the first cockcrowing, — not have hope.

the second watch, or the watch, or last, at promised the Lord Mayor and my wife, — who is only a woman, though a good one, — to dine at the Mansion House at half-past six, on June 22. Now, if your meeting is in the afternoon, — -as is, — I shall deem it a privilege to be at it sometimes I think it, and with you.

kind and myself that your valuable " can scarcely admit service to us, to at the opening of our new building, enhances the feeling of obligation to serve you, Your great or do anything you may think proper to the Master, service ask.

to truth, and fidelity to Him, to His to your your simple and unimpaired brethren, lay us all under obligations to help you in every way that is possible.

" One could not say this a young man ; but the years have gone by when to For my part, I am very it, or anything but good, to you.

it can do any injury to say of the real love and esteem of my brethren.

it makes me think tender covetous ' Well done ' of the and humble more than anything, save Sometimes the Master.

' autobiography. spurgeon's H. but God we see men injured by a great success, such ministry has been as your ; has mercifully kept you from this, and I think all your brethren every year that feel love abounds yet more and has wrought an added sanctity and grace, so that their is no service, in my power, that you can ask, that There more to you.

I shall not feel I want to take your Sunday service some day when it a great gratification to give.

you afe unable to preach. " Cordially yours, " Henry Allon." at the Tabernacle was and Allon's wish to duly take a service Dr. realized, once, he had to go again, and Mr. Spurgeon on more than one when he had been occasion preached for him at Islington.

invited by Mr. Spurgeon to the Orphanage Another of the speakers, Festival to him heartily accepting the thus 1 88 1, wrote invitation: of " II, Clarendon Villas, " Barry Road, " Peckham Rye, S.E., "June " My Dear Sir, that you should be aware of my existence I am " greatly astonished the idea of your catching any flame from me, — I am irresistibly reminded ; and as to to me comest Thou I have need to be baptized Thee, and of the words, of ?

' to God that / could catch something of that Would flame which has kindled so many hearts !

to make must manage engagement 22nd on an have " but the inst., by which some have your arrangement kind can the happiness accepting of Stockwell.

invitation to "As you are good enough to send me some advertisements of your invaluable Reciprocity (now strangely popular) requires so of the principle that publications, Of course, in hand just now.

should send you have the only advertisements so overwhelmed you labours, can do not expect are with gigantic as one, that pay us a visit."* that God may grant you "With most earnest prayers health and vigour, and for many years may make yet more abundant come, blessing a the you, to to Universal Church, " am, dear sir, "Yours most sincerely, " Hugh Price Hughes." * Mr Spurgeon did pay his Weslej-an friend a visit at the opening of the West London Mission, when he preached a sermon is remembered by many, with gratitude, to which this day.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. Mr. Spurgeon was very g-ratified by the letter from the of receipt following of the Free Church of Scotland one of the fathers : Bernard's "St.

Crescent, " Edinburgh, "June " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, "I am began In a 'retired' minister. years June, (60 ago), my In August, be ceased work. in charge a congreministerial of to I then became colleague and minister emeritus of the Free North Church, gation.

I am Church the Free the oldest minister, point of ordination, Stirling.

in in I am the oldest surviving ex-Moderator Assembly General of Scotland.

the of Free Church. of the to my "As have everything you have relation yourself, to read, think, published, down latest number of The Szvord and latest sermon and to your the love your writings for their true Trowel.

Puritan their soundness, the ring, for liveliness, and thoroughly Evangelical do what comcan character.

their to mend you and I am your doing work, great believing our serving that, in so, I am in my day), little on have written Lord.

not a a Baptist the other side (I On I am a lover of all who claim you Lord. but this ground, love the a as the Master may more and more honour ; and ever pray brother you that will by making you an of good.

instrument "With affection, and sincere goodwill, Christian remain, " Very yours, faithfully "Alex.

Beith, aged ^t^." years, when arrangements For several for the autumnal session of the Baptist Spurgeon Union made, was were Mr.

being by both asked, the local friends, by and Union, preach the the secretary of connection week's with the to in He conferred upon him the honour proceedings.

fully appreciated ; he also thus the assembled of addressing the denomiresponsibility representatives of the felt who and hundreds thousands persons other the or of nation, constituted his congregation on ; and messages he then those occasions the in various delivered among kingdom were most powerful the the of parts utterances that ever fell he was from the Union to withdraw from long compelled before Yet, his lips.

strongly urged chapter, he for reasons a the responsible stated later in officials to ask someone position which had often been occupied by take the so else to It was to one him.

reply of his the loving that to in this letters, effect, epistle, Rev. W. Sampson, who was then following page, was penned by printed on the secretary of the Union.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. " Baptist Union, Castle Street, " Holborn, E.G., "May '' My Dear Friend, " To say, and, indeed, what merely ought I should say that like to all flattery, — which you would so much said, would sound be to be sorry to like as write, — that scarcely know how to I should be yours reply read of the as to to We The all acknowledge and is, your unique.

20th position fact rejoice inst. is that He has Heaven raised up such an and to our Father thankful are in in it, That are amongst as you simply a one be recognized.

fact to us. is " How you have work, and borne what everyone must stood to be the feel far more difficult than the work, the temptation like yours involves, that a position to me been been God's wonder.

indeed has grace magnified always a has in To Him be the you. praise. all one man "You 'Do should think you, so perright that yourself, say, it My Union?' honour preaching petually have only reply the of the to is, Were you ; being what you are, you would not have been so asked other than you when He to God Depend are, we you to speak helps grateful to us.

feel all God you upon people long these great the gives strength, as as will feel it, But your on be without strength gatherings incomplete the you.

tax to feel wish after what you say another have dare word. not great so said, that, Any some of hope Portsmouth. have the held friends out ray could at to your being unable might event be put the of inconvenience to that to in When we feared, last autumn, attend, when the time came, is not to be thought of to Stowell Brown, asking him I wrote that you might not be able to be with U3, if to speak, — and willing he would come prepared silent, as you were to speak or be came By consenting most back kindest the return of able letter or post, not.

Any of your brethren would do the same is the position you for you, such gladly.

have secured in their esteem and love. " May the Lord's richest blessing be with you and yours ! " Believe me, " Yours most sincerely, " Wm. Sampson." in which the Baptist Union autumnal session was held was year the at Portsmouth and Southampton, and the local committees in both places so energetiSpurgeon promised Mr.

cally supported Sampson's Mr. plea ultimately, to that, On October 26 and 27, he was graciously helped to preach in each of the towns. fulfil the engagements, and none who were present are likely to forget the discourses

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. At Southampton, he Spurgeon then Mr. was Canon delivered. guest the of VVilberforce, and he and many other Church of England dignitaries were present at privately enjoyed much service, and they also Christian communion the true with though time they devoted part of the the a very vigorous Pastor, controversy to in which Lord Radstock proved himself to be a most upon Baptismal Regeneration, doughty champion on Canon Evangelical the Early Wilberforce side.

in tickets of admission asked the Tabernacle, and, afterwards, wrote shortly to for to Mr. Spurgeon as follows : " The Deanery, '' Southampton, "Feb.

" My Dear Friend, " Don't would have get you canonical what not anything but ; you are !

! "We were prevented, last moment, from enjoying the the at of the privilege ; but sent some friends, who very greatly appreciated Tabernacle service it.

"Will you come and see us one day again Would it be possible for you to .'' run down on Monday, March 6, and read the us at our quiet home Bible to BibleHow delighted we should be, and we would take such care of you reading.'' for if absolutely necessary, you could return to London the same evenincr, the night or, ; Do come though this would be most disappointing to us.

it will be no exertion to ; not be above twenty persons, and you can help us, and speak you, as there will to My wife sends her most kind us of Him who has so blessedly used you. reo-ards, and begs you to come. " Ever most sincerely yours, " Basil Wilberforce." When arrangements were being made Baptist Union autumnal session for the in 1SS2, Rev. Hugh Stovvell Brown wrote: to be held in Liverpool, "29, Falkner Square, " Liverpool, "June '82.

" Dear Mr. Spurgeon, the name "In of our churches write here, the favour entreat to of your being with us at the autumnal meetings of the to preach Baptist Union to be first week of October.

Hoping you are Liverpool held in the I am, with in well, best wishes, and with the very earnest desire that you will comply with our request, " Yours faithfully, " H. Stowell Brown."

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAniY. H. Mr. Spurgeon once more stated the various reasons why he should not always in reply, Mr. Brown wrote be the preacher on these special occasions, and, : " My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, "We you preach should are desirous ever as the that as at all autumnal meeting.

fully appreciate your hesitancy to take so prominent a place, it, and upon and to do so arduous a work, year after year ; but no one else can do your advent very much depends. that, should you come, we can make a hope bribe, — for your handsome your Orphanage.

say not collection a as for this, of your Orphanage the needs ours, and better hands than resources for are in far ; — but the Lord will not suffer them to it as expressive of the love in which I say fail we hold you, and of our wish to do what we think would be gratifying to you.

I must now leave the decision to your own judgment, earnestly hoping that " to impose upon you a work which, you come, yet very unwilling for various will reasons, must be a heavy addition to your many other burdens.

"Yours faithfully, " H. Stowell Brown." and Spurgeon yielded Again, Mr. the the of his time, entreaties for to last the service was another truly memorable one, and the net proceeds for the brethren ; Orphanage amounted to ;^i3i Presbyterian minister of Upper Norwood, was one of Rev. Robert Taylor, the " Westwood He lived so Mr. Spurgeon's very special personal close to friends. to Mrs. Spurgeon that he did not Pastor, but one of his the often write letters to it was written the Annual has been preserved after he had taken part shortly in ; Festival at the Stockwell Orphanage, June 21, : " Birchwood, " Beulah Hill, " Thursday morning.

" Dear Mrs. Spurgeon, The " of this week, take Outlook, the of sending, with liberty this. which has a the Orphanage article which wrote on don't send Fete. little it because it deserves your attention, or is worthy of the subject but just as the heart ; tribute of a neighbour who greatly admires and loves your distinguished husband, and who highly prizes the privilege which you and he, in your great kindness, allow him of sometimes visiting 'Westwood.' " With affectionate greeting to Mr. Spurgeon, I remain, " Dear Mrs. Spurgeon, " Very faithfully yours, " Robert Taylor."

AUTOBIOGRAniY. SPURGEON'S H. for the Tabernacle 1882, when arranging the suppHes pulpit In the autumn of of Mr. Spurgeon sought services secure the Mentone, to absence during at his Though the proved be impossible, Liverpool.

Charles to this Rev. of Garrett, his eminent following reply from Pastor was greatly cheered by the receipt of the Wesleyan friend : " Leeds, "Oct.

" My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, " Many thanks for your welcome letter, and shall its kind enclosure. I have long been about the most devoted The treasure both while fact live.

is, have thanked God Church, over for giving you to the admirer that you have.

to pray that God the whole Church ought ; and and over again I always say that Hence you may imagine how I prize your kind gift. may preserve and help you. in my power I would "As anything do to you, to occupying pulpit for the I am very heavily taxed.

this year either work or anxiety but relieve you from ; I am President, they have a all seem Everybody wants me, and think that, as to I go for a I am here Missionary meetings, and then at our Foreign claim to me.

series of meetings in Scotland. "Have you ever preached on the Witness If not, / zuisk yoic of the Spirit? it to me whea is a subject on which many are greatly perplexed. Send would. It God bless and keep you is published. it ! " Yours truly, "Charles Garrett." The following letter is a specimen of the correspondence between Mr. Spurgeon: Residentiary at WestHarford, when the latter was one of the Canons and Canon before, and had promised him Pastor some time minster Abbey ; he had met the a medallion executed by himself : " Dean's Yard, "Westminster, "March ' " My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, of work which has kept me " But chained for an inhuman amount to I should be prevented by shame from writing this Abbey Rock of Westminster, waiting more of the Good Shepherd has been litde medallion for the this letter, My young page-boy, who will take to you than a year in the hope of being sent !

' Westwood have been hoping this morning, knows how find to earnestly to ' it I have to you myself, and how, day after day, in which could carry a free day, it An hour ago, all was arranged.

been hampered with things immediately around me.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. for our joint pilgrimage to-day, but the receipt of the enclosed note from an excellent Christian woman (who, for some months past, has been anxious about the health for years devoted — ^I ought to whom she has of her old mother say, sacrificed to herself) tells me that, whilst inclination would carry me off to your beautiful Beulah, duty directs me to go at once to Bond Street.

"You must, assuredly, have written some little book, or pamphlet, confirming tiie hope and comforting the heart of a believer at such a moment if you would ; and kindly give me the name or the numbers of any of your beautiful of or texts it, wherein you sermons dwelt upon the have world to come, of the shall feel life Paternoster Row get them Your and from greatly obliged, afternoon.

will this sojourn on inspired you with new poetry as Mediterranean shore has, the trust, well as a fresh stock of health.

" Praying that you may long be to benefit and delight preserved the world, I remain, always, " Revered and loved Pastor, " Your sincere admirer and fellow-labourer, " Frederick Harford." K. Mr. Spurgeon sent two sermons which he hoped might prove ; one of suitable them Mentone, was and from discourse delivered the return shortly after his " Supposing Him is one to be the Gardener."

choicest of his of the entitled, It others who have read sermons, and has been to mourners and greatly blessed it.

Canon Harford's second letter shows how highly he prized it : " Dean's Yard, "Westminster, "March 1S83.

" My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, guess, on entering my house " But last night little did 10.30, that at Both of those sermons are rare and precious feast was such prepared for me.

a inspired dream at Mentone is one that exceeds valuable treasures, but the in 7csethe memorable sermons I have read from fuhiess as well in superb cleverness as all American English during from twenty-five sources the years.

or ha\-e last to the poor mourner whom ordered to send the fifty copies to-day, purposing first your message to your genuine admirer, Louisa, comfort, and another certain to is Lady Ashburton.

Some hope France, where will be shall go a translation to made into the language of the country certain weak brethren ; and some will go to whom ' work to draw away from ' and endeavour I have been called at lately to Agnosticism and so-called Spiritualism.

the Good Shepherd you " general tone think the that rejoice of like to There it, which, as you have discovered, is a proper angle of light medallion.

for

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. ought to come rather from above than from below, and as you so temptingly mention Saturday, and 3 p.m., as your g"eneral free day and free hour, will arrange (d.v.) to ' Westwood,' run down next, by on which Saturday soon a arrive to train will the master-poet and refreshing" converse with in order to enjoy a half-hour's after philosopher whose genius has been such a joy and benefit to England.

of the most excellent women tell you how one I must not forget " ever to knew — and whose ever mourn, — always read your sermons from the loss shall 1856, when 1868, when she was was ordained at Croydon, year the year until for a round of work Meanwhile, before taken away.

chiefly connected setting" out with some this morning from send off letters received thirty India, scribble this as a token of affectionate homage from " Yours ever most joyfully and loyally, " Frederick Harford." K. About a fortnight later. Canon VVilberforce wrote to Mr. Spurgeon : " The Deanery, "Southampton, " March 20, " My Dear Friend, "You MUST — imagine my saying must like you to an Archbishop but ! you nuist come, minutes, to the Anti-opium meeting in Exeter Hall if only for ten on May ' meeting at the Tabernacle I know you have a horrid ' Liberation that Come and say a word about of a drug ; the dominion liberation from or night.

expect me at the Teibcrnacle with an amendment tied up in blue ribbon !

" Seriously, this meeting your order be presence a that success, shall in is With most kind remembrances, essential, and mine comparatively immaterial.

" I am, affectionately yours, " Basil VVilberforce." The following letter shows that a Nonconformist friend wrote to Mr. Spurgeon, in quite a different strain, concerning the same Liberation meeting : " 8, Russell Road, " Kensington, W., "April " My Dear Friend, from Newman Hall, that you with deep heard " are to-day, regret, if you meant to dine I was intending to write and ask again in great suffering.

at Allcroft's, on Wednesday next, which you Mr. Society meeting, at Bible after the I was going to say that, although and I both have to speak. I wanted to attend the

SrURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY, H. if you had decided to dine Liberation Society meeting in the evening, yet, with the I would go, too, just to guard your Nonconformity from the all England, Primate of and Imagine of an Archbishop Bishop.

a success, their suasions perversive brinoincr you over to Mother Church, — surpliced choirs, processions, and incense in To the Tabernacle, and yourself invested with cope and chasuble such a avert !

! I had better go with you I thought that catastrophe, ! ! " But I am afraid, from what I hear, that you will not be strong enough even to I shall go to the Hall, to say nothing of the dinner afterwards, so speak at Exeter Liberation Society meeting.

I am half afraid that this nonsense is like vinegar upon " But, dear friend, nitre You have one cause so much.

thankfulness, for great if you are to you suffering in your gout, do more good than we ordinary creatures can do in our viz., that you, May you find the old promise to Israel fulfilled in your experience, very best health.

will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.' ' " Ever your faithful friend, " COLMER B. SVMES." I am personIn another letter to Mr. Spurgeon, Mr. Colmer Symes wrote I specially want to thank you for to you, and the comfort ally greatly indebted all to my late beloved mother during the and help which you have given fifteen last she never saw or heard Although at Torquay.

suffering, helpless life years of her May God to you you, she always used to call you her minister.

continue the still " grace of a simple, consecrated purpose, and the gifts of such a manifold ministry !

The Rogers shows what Guinness he confrom Dr. following letter felt J. enormous Spurgeon's Mr. preaching involved the cerning the strain in at Tabernacle for so many years : " I, Princes Gardens, " Clapham Common, S.W., "July 1SS3. " My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, to-day, but am bafifled I have been longing to get across to see you " in I am to see that you have my endeavours, and so write a line to say how pleased so far recovered from the attack of last Sunday.

' I faced any dissatisfaction you, and so "It was a pleasure to be to help able from my with my absence own which occupied Charlesworth Mr.

very pulpit, all Christian people have such sympathy with you that I have However, efficiently.

shall be forgiven even by those most disposed to complain if they do not no doubt see their own pastor.

Your great congregation also an is an inspiration, but is it wonder overwhelming do labour continuous the not that in responsibility.

! SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. Tabernacle tells on you, and in ways you may not suspect. not envy the man I do who can preach there without having his whole nature the utmost ; and strained to that means nervous exhaustion, of all others the most difficult to contend against.

" May the Lord spare you many years to do a work to which not one ten in thousand would be equal " Yours very faithfully, "J. Guinness Rogers."

" Westwood " made mention Saturday In of the chapter, the afternoon is One friend who always welcome was home.

was Pastor the his at visitors to Mr. John M. Cook, a near neighbour of Mr. Spurgeon's, who constantly urged the Pastor to allow him the pleasure of " personally conducting " him and Mrs. Spurgeon father, Mr. Thomas Cook, (or his secretary) up the Nile, free of expense, just as his had desired the privilege of being Mr. Spurgeon's guide through the Holy Land.

It never seemed possible to arrange father and son had to be trip, so both for either " Westwood," sometimes accompanied by content with an occasional call at special The friends whose acquaintance the Pastor might wish to make. following letter under which meeting was circumstances between arranged explains a the Mr.

Spurgeon and Dr. VVelldon, the present Bishop of Calcutta : " Ludgate Circus, " Oct.

" My Dear Sir, " Last I was dining Dulwich, Mr. VVelldon, the with night, newlyat table, my appointed head-master of Dulwich College.

met, old his at friend, told me exJudge who, Saunders, from had he conversation, India, that in the who Nawab, to you Tabernacle pleasure an introducing Indian the was at ot travelling under our arrangements, and that the Nawab stayed through one of your Mr. Welldon spoke out very strongly in of your work, stated services. praise that he had been at the Tabernacle several times to hear you, and longed very much for I took upon myself to say that there was nothing easier, and an introduction to you.

was would sure you be glad Saunders that Judge quite him. see then to I should arrange to have the pleasure of introducing Mr. Welldon suggested that to I explained that Saturday was your general day for receiving friends, and that you.

home next Saturday would on only one which be be the near shall at until I shall be obliged by a line from you saying whether Christmas. will be quite it for you gentlemen any time convenient next Saturday see these after 3 o'clock to With kind regards, afternoon.

" Yours sincerely,

autobiography. spurgeon's n. The appointment was and and so began duly confirmed, kept, a peculiarlyMr. Welldon, in the course of the interview, told Mr. Spurgeon intimate friendship.

how greatly his grandmother prized the sermons, so the Pastor wrote a note to her, her grandson, who then gave and sent the following to additional particulars it concerning her : " Dulwich College, S.E., "Nov.

" My Dear Sir, am of my " your deeply thought kind grandmother. grateful for cheer her so much in her last days as this word from Nothing, could think, you.

interesting to you to know that, some years ago, when will perhaps be a little It into my hands in Germany, she was about volumes put of your several to live sermons, and made me promise every Sunday morning read one came to until home, as she thought, poor dear that Senior Classics were sure to be sceptical, and !

I have been a student of your ever since then I suppose writings, so there that are few members of the English Church who know them better, or owe more to them than I do.

shall, be at home on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in the present week, " if you can come shall be and any time, and see delighted other or the then, at College.

" Believe me, " Ever faithfully yours, "J. E. C. Welldon." Mr. Spurgeon early foretold the episcopate, and the elevation of his friend to that, when Mr. Welldon became a Bishop, he would playfully expressed the hope But when the expected promotion came, he had not forsake Baptist brother.

his himself been "promoted to glory." Singularly enough, M. day very Mr. the Cook's John reached that letter Mr. Spurgeon, he received note from another neighbour. Dr. William Wright, this Editorial Superintendent of the British and Foreign Bible Society : " The Avenue, " Beulah Hill, " Upper Norwood, "Oct.

1S83. " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, Muir " Sir William and daughters expressed a strong wish, his last I am They few weeks on Beulah see night, you.

residing a are to for Hill. exceedingly if an opportunity to bore unwilling but promised, you, to offered,

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. introduce them see you is no wish William's to you. Sir and vain to curiosity, As you know everything-, you know the visitors on I think you receive Saturdays.

excellent work Sir William did in India in putting down infanticide, and especially as a Christian student of Islamic literature.

" If you could see us next Saturday, or the following, I should take it as a oreat With kindest regards to Mrs. Spurgeon, favour. " Yours very truly, " Wm. Wright." Possibly, because arrangements had been made other the for visitors to call that week, Dr. Wright's party was asked to come on the following Saturday, and he wrote, on November 9: — " I hope to call to-morrow, about therefore three o'clock, and my Lady and perhaps William Muir, Muir, their daughters with Sir wife.

I hope you will not consider our visit a visitation." " Westwood, ' Dr. Wright his way to Having once found often came and, as ; the result, he was able to write the remarkable testimony to Mr. Spurgeon's literary He was "called home" while ability which is given in a later chapter. the present volume was being compiled ; and only a few days before he received the Master's " Come up was he be message, higher," noticed standing oate the to at of "Westwood," and gazing with peculiar wistfulness down the drive which he had so many times traversed on those memorable Saturday afternoons that he had spent or among which books garden, the they both the with friend his so greatly in loved.

chatty note from a very venerable clergyman This is interesting because of his at New of the young Street Chapel, and some Park Pastor reminiscences of his the service at Finsbury Chapel, mentioned by the writer, is probably clerical critics ; Fletcher was looking forward when he wrote to which the one Dr. letter on the page " 62, Torrington Square, W.C., "Feb. " My Dear Brother, in common with " Blessed as you are, all believers, with Divine teachincr, and with good temper (which will pardon me, who I hope you are saints not), all before you were preached the gospel in one of your valuable ask born, you, if sermons, to say something about Shakespeare, — perhaps the greatest genius his in way, who ever lived, — but, certainly, a deadly enemy to gospel truth.

His plays are is sad to see that even good men are praising getting more and more popular.

It You have him talent and taste enough in the his wonderful pulpit. to appreciate in common power, and have some of course, you know with him but, gifts that ;

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. l6o H. plays, and, much more, attending public performances of them, can but reading his pollute the minds of such as do so.

" In a pastorate of half a century, I have thought it wise to consider suggestions made to me (even anonymously), though I do not always agree with them. I often hear you, ahvays with " I have for hope, too, with pleasure. profit. Scriptural sermons every week years given away your sound and and tell you, ; told scores and scores of folk, that you are doing more good than any what I have man in England except Lord Shaftesbury.

'I am to two "I said Bishops), in 1855 brethren (both since (I think), clerical One of them said, 'What! going to hear young Spurgeon that mounteto-night.' Before you had got half through your I heard you bank ? in Finsbury Chapel. ' ' This lad I heard your sermon, not is no mountebank.' myself, prayer, said to I saw my brethren day, when it, but large at a agreeing with next a/l of said, ' Spurgeon is no mountebank I could preach half as well, I wish clerical meeting, ; of my They were as much popular most very both and wish brethren.' for men in Jesus, the other is one of our few Evangelical Bishops, and ; one is sleeping a dear friend.

A I never pass a week without hearing of the good your sermons are doing.

" his pious aunt (aged 90) said of mine told me, the other day, that dear old friend of my working people One to me, ' lived upon those blessed sermons.' said she is one of your best This I can nnderstand him.' I like that Spurgeon, yesterday, ' ; — let me add, always good-tempered ; you are always and, best intelligible features ; of all, always Scriptural.

"Yours affectionately, "R. W. DiBDIN." 1884, from Mrs. Weitbrecht in March, This note came to Mr. Spurgeon, : " My son-in-law. is coming to England to hear Christlieb, of Bonn, Professor He Bonn, Moody.

form an centre Mr. evangelistic and to trying at to see is Christ and His salvation. prepare evangelists to go through Germany, to proclaim of me if he can " Professor Christlieb see his brother Spurgeon, enquires also will write and ask you, and have added that tell him that and I have ventured to spare him an hour of your permitted, you would if your of health hoped, state He has zeal, and Christian (' Chrisfs of love.

love') Christlieb full time. fire, is others, through your sermons, though sir, and has fed fed by you, dear often been I am will give him a shake is no common preacher sure you the of he himself.

He son with him His very eldest brings time his hand, short. if possible. is ; is a preacher of the gospel." he, like your sons, but younger, : — " It is so kind of you When the appointment was made. Dr. Christlieb wrote

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. to give me a few minutes next Wednesday at Having to write a history o'clock. and Churches, to put some ah ages of preaching want to you on questions in books written on eminent Baptist preachers."

Angus Spurgeon Mr. the accompanying view Dr. sent Hbrary to the of of Regent's Park College, with the following note : THE LIBRARY, REGENTS PARK COLLEGE. "C. R. R, • " Dec. " My Dear Friend, I am are not ashamed "I ot your company; hope you they sure as Marshman, Ward, and Booth are Carey, not you.

you of over Fuller, are is opposite, — a blessed fellowship. ; Kinghorn " Ask Mrs. Spurgeon if she can find you with all sympathy and regard, : "Yours very truly, "Joseph Angus."

For a time, Mr. Spurgeon, and Mr. Lewis, of W^estbourne Grove Chapel, were

autobiography. spurgeon's H. and Baptist Magazine, and were always very they of intimate joint-editors I'he letter received by the This appears to have been the last devoted personal friends. Pastor from Mr. Lewis : ' Victoria Street, " St. Albans, "Nov. " My Very Dear Friend, sent me on sufficiently thank you " for the loving words you I cannot I am Saturday of your assurance of and, best the sorry for prayers.

a in all, ; ; but blessed with much peace. plight, so far as the poor frame is concerned I need hardly tell you have no complacency in anything " I have done. that The quickened wonderfully such of introspection circumstances faculty as in is mine that every pulse of mine has but 'grace I only deplore not beaten reigns.' ; May He will, and every breath exhaled for His glory. in accord with the Saviour's continue to honour and bless and comfort you !

Pray for me "With pleasant memories of past associations, au rev oh' ! still ! "Yours lovingly, " W. Lewis." G. When Mr. Spurgeon was arranging at the Tabernacle, during for the supplies to ask Rev. Mark Guy Pearse to be early part of 1885, he wrote his holiday in the In reply, he received the following loving letter :— one of the preachers.

" Grosvenor Villa, " Southfield Road, "Gotham, " Bristol, "Dec. " My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, On it an honour and " count a great pleasure to serve you. shall I have promised to preach the Sunday-school sermons for our people here, Feb.

and cannot put them off; but can give you the only day This I can Feb. is I can offer you either March conveniently find in Feb. ; but much comply " should any your with without request these of to like You have made me your debtor long since. ungracious buts and There is no ifs. man living to whom I am more indebted. God bless you, dear Mr. Spurgeon, and yours, yet more and more ! " Believe me, " Always heartily yours, " M. Guy Pearse."

autobiography. sturgeon's H. home-going, After the Pastor's Mr. Pearse this touching incident conrelated cerning Mr. Spurgeon and himseH", and thus explained the indebtedness mentioned in his letter : " Some with him on at the Tabernacle years ago, platform and, the sat ; ' When a young an was during whispered meeting, the him, interval in to fellow in London, I used to right over there, and hear you preach, and you will sit never know how much good you cannot did light that me.' bright the forget came into his face as he turned said, 'You to me, and did?' 'and' 'Yes,' replied, I am so glad to have this chance of telling you of to wind me up like You used it.

He put I was bound to go right for a week after hearing you.' an eight-day clock ; tears brimmed his hand, and took mine it, and out as he his eyes the to in said, ' God blesg you " I never knew that.' ! Mr. Spurgeon's letter on page 130, concerning Disestablishment, will give some communication nature of the reply of idea following the from his to Principal : — Rainy " Edinburgh, "May " My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, " We are going to have a public Conference on Disestablishment on the of Thursday opening day evening Assembly; the our of next.

but It is this is not exclusively Free Church. called by a District Association Conference It is which looks at the question fully as much on the religious as on the political side.

"Could you send a letter, however brief, to be read at the meeting? It would help us much, — especially with those good people who are afraid of moving anything that exists.

I was glad to get hold of a good report of your recent speech on the subject.

" If we should feel drawn to make a tract of it, would you license the theft?

" One does not want to spend too much time on these movements, yet they are But we have other work in hand apt to usurp a great There has deal.

as well. been a good deal of promising religious impression over the country, and especially Even however, seems our share University.

a the in to strancre this, in little tendency of our day to cut loose from definite Theology.

" Yours ever truly, " Robert Rainy." Even such a simple matter as an application for tickets for a Tabernacle service Henry Simon, of Westminster gave Rev.

the opportunity Chapel, of writing the brotherly epistle printed on the next page.

autobiography. spurgeon's H. " Mervan House, " Brixton, S.W., " My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, I have a missionary friend, from Peking, who " is very anxious to sit at at the Tabernacle next Sunday night. the royal repast which will be spread Being rather overgrown, as heights go, he does not care for the abundant entrance at the to whom a Iront doors, but would, for once, like enter with the elect saints to less He looked in such a way that I would try to abundant entrance is granted.

said I do not know except get him a ticket, but where to apply it be at headquarters.

calling on you, " or any should have been other excuse, glad of for this, of a walk and talk with you having a very pleasant and vivid in your recollection garden some years ago I have conscience enough to be ; but satisfied to look at left you in the far distance, and to thank God that you are strong enough again to speak With Christian love, to the great congregation.

" I am, dear Mr. Spurgeon, "Yours in the best of bonds, " Henry Simon." summer " BenmorS," While Mr. Duncan's, staying the in at at ot Mr. Spurgeon received the intimation concerning a notable sermon which following ; he gladly gave the desired permission he had delivered not long before : " 19, Ardbeg Road, " Rothesay, "30th July, " My Dear Rev.

Sir, " For many your weekly sermons have perused with great years, I now trouble you to say that benefit to body and I purpose delivering your soul.

' Coming Judgment on your Men,' with admirable of Secrets the of discourse in the oldest Episcopal Church in Scotland.

If you veto this, I will hold permission, I mean to give the only lack will be the voice of the living author.

it verbatim ; fire. " Were it in my power, you should have mitre in honour and first vacant the Pardon this obtrusion on the rest which you appreciation of your singular gifts.

so much need for your unwearied tax of strength, and believe me to be, "Yours most truly in Christ, S. Gordon, D.D., F. "J. " St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Glasgow." in Great Queen Mr. Spurgeon preached, In Street Chapel, the annual

"165 autobiography. spurgeon's H. for the Wesleyan sermon It was one of the most Missionary Society. remar_.able specially memorable that he ever delivered, and has been rendered discourses it because of the large number of missionaries who have gone out to the foreign field in The pleas he then urged upon response to the powerful all professing Christians.

title, "Our Omnipotent text was Matthew This Leader." the minister in Paris, expresses what many felt concerning letter, from a Wesleyan it : " II, Avenue Flachat, " Asnieres, "Seine, " France, " June " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, of my monthly " taking you purpose the lecture subject for the at I cannot take Boulevard Capucines.

des Conferences,' des that 'Salle this feel liberty with your name, person, and ministry, without at least informing you of what that my object You will is to speak of Christ I purpose doing.

understand at once to a Parisian audience that will be attracted by the subject of the lecture.

" Wesley says, ' Notes to a Helper,' that a Methodist preacher must have in his Methodist preachers have not the monopoly of shrewdness all his wits about him.

; I am equal to the I shall have followed out I venture to think but occasion, that, if Mr. Wesley's injunction.

vestry of Great Queen " thanked from a very full Street the you, heart, in I thanked you for for your sermon on behalf of our Missionary Society Chapel, it ; it would have done your heart good to have heard in Exeter Hall, and the response ; and now opportunity of thanking you to what of our people said seize this for words of cheer I shall never have done thanking you that have helped again. me am more Precious than thankful the spices grateful. in fight. feel ; become incense when set on so thanks, kindled by love, become gratitude.

fire ; " May present my most you ask Mrs. dear respectful salutations to to Spurgeon ? " Thankfully and sincerely yours, " D. A. DE MOUILPIED." Such letters as the following always gave Mr. Spurgeon real pleasure : ' Chaplain's House, " Tower of London, " 20th January, 1S88.

" Dear Sir, " May let me have ask you two be kind so as seats the to to in

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SPURGEON S H, for myself and sister? Metropolitan Tabernacle on Sunday evening is a next, It there, — at one time regularly, with my mother, whom o-ood many years since I was Church now and England, clergyman Although the of of knew.

you a well I must express, what therefore quite out of sympathy with your views of that body, sincerity, and a hearty for your transparent felt, the deepest respect I have always and powers God-given convicting also clear of your splendid admiration of I am what would be termed a High Churchman comforting gospel preaching.

; I am loving and God's above simple uttering alone but, believe me, not all, in, c^ospel, only believing in ceremony and externals as relative goods, means to an end.

feel honoured by I have often, as a boy, shaken you by the hand, and should " May God preserve you many years, though you of meeting you a chance again.

rhetorically tear my Church to ribbons ! " Ever yours faithfully, " E. C. Aylwin Foster." at Wimbledon; On March Mr. Spurgeon preached and, the following Rev. E. \V. Moore, M.A., the vicar of letter from morning, he received this loving Emmanuel Church : " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, " At the risk of being troublesome, I must write just a few lines to thank Christ you gave afternoon. us testimony to you a this faithful for the faithful friend — Mrs. Seton-Karr, sister to your to the vestry (after seeing a hastened back friend the late Mrs. Dudgeon, of Mentone, out of the crowd,) to have the pleasure of tell you, though you I should have liked to a shake of the hand, but you had gone. is the sympathy felt for you here as need no telling from me, how great and general everywhere by all who cleave to Christ the Head, for your brave and fearless stand Thank a preaching you to-day glorious, for our Lord and risen, Master.

for He He is the same as ever. still baptizes with triumphant, unchangeable Saviour. if He be for us, who can be against us ? ; and the Holy Ghost and with fire " Thank you for all the help you have often given me by the printed page.

If that he does not know what a great work he of any man is doing, it can be said it here how know You may never yourself sense be a of will special said in gathered, and how many preachers you have strengthened.

many souls you have all for many years God bless and preserve you to us ! " Affectionately yours, " E. W. Moore." school, was received The following note, from a clergyiTian of quite another in August, 1888:—

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. " Queen's House, " Cheyne Walk, " Chelsea. " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, of my children hope I and two of hearing you next " for the privilege Sunday night, is any chance of getting seats. in London, if there is very seldom, It I am out of my own pulpit ; and when I do not like to miss the opportunity of I am, hearing the greatest living preacher.

" Yours faithfully, "H. Haweis." R. Evangelical clergymen who letter was by one This written the of resented " Baptismal but who Mr.

Spurgeon's Regeneration " afterwards became sermon, one of the Pastor's heartiest admirers letter gave great joy the receipt of the to ; Mr. Spurgeon : " Christ Church Vicarage, " Worthing, " My Dear Brother, I don't know how feel prompted " is, but to ask your acceptance of it enclosed New Year the which, find an echo address, rather in your think, will own heart.

I remember once, when I was in Southwark, feeling constrained to differ from " you our Baptismal the of as interpretation Since to Services. that the time, in the Church visible has been so alarming and continuous, progress of error that all who really love the Truth seem to be under a very special obligation to manifest substantial and ; and cannot deny brotherly unity myself the pleasure of saying thank God how much firmness and the which you consistency have with for of God and propagated maintained precious the doctrines grace of the a in Rationalistic and Ritualistic age.

" Believe me, '• Yours very faithfully, " Francis Cruse." When Mr. Spurgeon learned that the Jews of the present day substitute a dry shank-bone. tor the Paschal lamb, he was so struck with the spiritual significance of " The Shankthe fact, that he delivered a discourse upon the subject, and entitled it, On bone Sermon or. True Believers and following page their Helpers."

the is ; one of the many letters he received concerning it.

! ' autobiography. spurgeon's H. " 164, Richmond Road, "Dalston, N.E., "54/90. " Dear Mr Spurgeon, to-day's Star, which corroborates in a remarkI enclose a cutting from " ' shank-bone ' illustration you so happily used at Victoria Park the able manner the is indeed a pity that Jews and half-Christians are content with a bone other day.

It when they are offered the Lamb. "You truth, and thousands are making there are stand noble the of a for ' God bless Mr. Spurgeon ministers and others who heartily and daily say, !

If you I may I owe you more can " Personally, ever than say that tell. life and for your only knew would 'under the juniper never tree,' yo7i sit half, in every land. words are an inspii-ation to the faithful "Wishing you continued Divine remain, favours, "Yours very heartily, "W.

Evans." Justin ministerial brethren may be with closed letters from These fidy appreciative the following fraternal epistle from Prebendary Stephenson : " Lympsham Manor, "Weston-super-Mare, "July 1S90.

" My Dear Brother Spurgeon, that occasional pain and sickness are good I quite agree with you " for I thought sympathetically of you, yesterday, when us preachers of Christ's gospel.

I ached all over, after four services on the Lord's-day before. " My heart has been drawn towards you for many years, and in admiring love I heard you on the Bible Society platform last May, when never more so than when that the bough, pruned by the hand of 'the Husbandyou gave abundant evidence ' purged in vain.' man,' had not been "We may not belong to the same regiment of the great army, but our Captain for so many years on, my beloved Go have done as you the same brother, is !

and to gather trophies thus the magnificent glory to proclaim for of grace, past, ' Temples not mc.d^ with hands ' are ' Tabernacles ' shift and vanish, but the cross. 'eternal in the Heavens ' "God bless you, mine honoured friend is Cardiplionia, from This ! " Your loving brother and servant in Christ, H. Stephenson, "J. " Treasurer of Wells Cathedral."

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