Chapter XCIV. Appreciative Correspondents (Continued)

from second of sub-division the chapter, Spurgeon's correspondents is to consist of Letters from American and Canadian Friends. Of these, the written by Mr. D. first in order of time are those Moody, and they may fidy begin the series because of the mutual esteem and love which he and Mr. Spurgeon cherished for each other.

In reply to a letter from the Pastor, inviting him to preach at the Tabernacle, Mr. Moody wrote : " 12, Lynedoch Place.

" Glasgow, " March '74" Dear Spurgeon, " Many thanks for your kind note. I am in hopes that you will be led to young men on Sunday I send you Enclosed a by next.

to preach the Spirit stir up some the hope is sending out that that a minister here will in circular it interest in Britain.

to my coming " In regard it a great honour to your Tabernacle, I consider to it an honour to black your boots I should consider but be invited to and, in fact, ; ; turn to God preach to your people would be out of the question.

If they will not persuaded, though one ' neither rose from they be under your preaching, the will dead.' " Yours, with much love, " D. L. Moody." The following year, Mr. Spurgeon helped Mr. Moody in his London mission ; this grateful epistle shows how highly his services were appreciated : " 17, Highbury Crescent, " Islington, '75.

" Dear Spurgeon, " Ten thousand You gave us a great for your help thanks night. last There I wish you would give us every night you can for the next sixty days. lift.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. I^O H. few men who can draw on a week-night, and I want to keep up the meetings are so is hard on me East End and West the same to have to speak time the at in it ; the same evening, and I shall have to do cannot get it next week, yet twice for Do for the work, and we shall see blessed for the West End.

all you can anyone results. " Yours in haste, " D. L. Moody." that, while Mr. Moody Another letter, written some years later, shows still held Spurgeon high esteem before, he preach consented Mr.

the just as as to at in Tabernacle one Sabbath during the Pastor's absence at Mentone : " Newcastle, "Oct.

'8i. " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, in reply let me say that I am thankful "Yours of the 9th is to hand, and touched my have thought for your very kind years quite heart.

note. for It more of you than of any other man preaching the gospel on this earth ; and, to tell I do not know I shrink from standing in your place. you the truth, of a church in ; — not but what your people I do from yours I shrink from as are all the land that it so much I try to preach, but you can do in sympathy with the gospel better that than I can.

your good me, and thank you be " people with inviting (d.v.) for will your own Will you want Sankey, or precentor have charge?

Nov. Mr. will Either will suit me. " Remember me to your good wife, and accept of my thanks for your letter of cheer.

" Yours truly, " D. L. Moody." the many One Spurgeon received Moody's which Mr. Mr. from of letters singing companion will show in what loving esteem he held the Pastor : " Gwydyr House, " Brixton Rise, S.W., " Nov.

'86. ' Dearly Beloved,' " " Many thanks for the precious Word you gave us yesterday."* It was indeed most refreshing to my soul.

called Him, or Lord's disciples always " Is it not a beautiful thought that our earth, and that He spoke of Him, as the Son of God, while He was down here on * The subject of the sermon was " Our Ascended Lord;" it evidently suggested the remarks in Mr. Sankey 's letter.

John saw Him the Son called Him, of Him, there, and spoke then or John, no doubt, wanted to hold on to Him, even as a brother. sail on at the Tabernacle before " to see you again i8th the try will ; God bless you and yours love you very much. ! " Ira Sankey." D. Another very dear friend from the United States was Mr. John B. Gough, who By his stay in England in 1879.

times during at the Tabernacle several lectured tour was his own given of the aid lecture on Pastors' in that request, his last discourse, and writing to Mr. Spurgeon concerning the subject of his College.

In also made this special it, Mr. Gough reference the arrangements in connection with to the visit he had recendy paid to the Pastor at Nightingale Lane : " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, " My hands rheumatism, so through write with are very tender, that I am I very much to send a line or two to you.

very glad wish that difficulty, but my last lecture in London is to be under your direction.

to express our delight at meeting you and to you " I have purposed writing We shall not Mrs. Spurgeon at your own home, but have been prevented hitherto. It is very refreshing to meet it did us both good like a medicine. forget that visit ; And we have a man who knows what he believes, and speaks it, and often lives it.

spoken of you, and dear Mrs. Spurgeon, from whom we learned lessons of patience, tell you how faith, that we hope we shall I should trust, and ; but never unlearn if sincerely we love you both, hearts, and how it might appear fully you captured our it would be Yet of thousands that beat with the expression of hearts unseemly.

I would to speak to you of your for you and gratitude and yours. like affection May God bless you more and ' Forgiveness,' but your time sermon on is precious. Give our kindest regards to Mrs. Spurgeon and your sons. more abundantly ! on my Sabbath London, and to meet next "Trusting hear you, you, in to September 28th, I am, •' " Most truly yours, " John B. Gough." L. Wayland, of Philadelphia, was another of the Pastor's very intimate Dr. H.

in 1881, they spent much time together; During his visit to England, and, friends. portion of which printed on his return home, he wrote a long on a the letter, is next page.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. " 1420, Chestnut Street, " Philadelphia, "July iSSi. " ]\Iy Dear Mr. and Mrs. Spurgeon, " (or will you not allow me to say,) " My Very Dear Friends, " You hardly need to be reminded vivid manner in which you, and the of the Tabernacle, and your charming" home, live in my memory. 1 have taken the liberty to you some numbers of our paper in which I have endeavoured, for the to send for my own some express of our readers the pleasure of well as to as relief, impressions made on me while on the other it takes two is slow work, ; but side it or three weeks to record what I saw in a few days. " My visit to England has made everything in English past and both history, When now and unspeakably more Parliament read to me.

of the real recent, or when one or of the Tabernacle and read of the Mr. Gladstone, Pastor, its I wonder what is living before me.

Tabernacle sermons, peculiar quality is that all of some voices that makes them apparently audible to us long after we have heard them with the outer ear.

forget how busy you both are I venture on the remark that a do ; but "I not your American cousin and on line, however brief, would pleasure sincere confer until we meet to spare you both it will please the dear Lord I trust that brother.

; and that you may continue to live in your two noble sons ; and not less that again the Pastor and President may live long in successive generations of pupils ; and that for many years to diffuse the angel of the Book P'und may be permitted light and happiness, not only in her own home, but in many homes where there light is little I can only hope that you, my dear friends, remember that which she save sheds.

he which interest and both with your pleasure with recalls a tithe of the visitor of you.

•' Most truly and affectionately your friend and brother, " H. L. Wavland." spend an afternoon always Brooklyn, at of to Cuyler, tried T. Dr. of his many One "Westwood" whenever he was London. loving letters will in prove how he prized the privilege : ''2>?>7, Strand, " London, " My Dear Brother, of my I cannot refrain from telling you that, among all the enjoyments "

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. IJT^ ' five months' tour, nothing has given me such so/id satisfaction as my visit to your The sweet savour of that visit will abide with me beautiful home on Saturday last.

for many days. " It was a renewed joy to me to grasp again the hand of the minister of Christ permitted, by tongue and pen, to proclaim the Word of who has been to more life souls than any man since the days of the apostles.

" Please to present my cordial regards to your beloved ' Help' (who ' answereth to you again,' — but only in love).

office, whither all my letters this at the National Temperance League " I write are sent. " With grateful affection, " Yours to the core, "Theodore Cuyler." The writer of the letter was a very special Canadian following grateful friend, who was baptized at the Tabernacle : " Montreal, " Beloved Mr. Spurgeon, " A feeling of incredulity took possession of me when I opened and read it could be from your very own thought it simply your impossible that note.

What a man you are Miiller wonderful when I thought George I came pen. in ! contact with him riches of God's grace, and the boundless capacity really, the but, ; of these poor human hearts when souls and His grace, filled with if possible, are, to do, — writinome still more magnified in you than It was a in him.

little thing note, — but interested and made glad a number of people who has indeed that it whose up and go bear .you Lord, before you the out hearts daily love to in exceedingly.

" On Saturday, a gentleman from Edinburgh, who had been in our travelling called, Manitoba, and who had to spend the Sabbath with 'great lone land,' as is it 'Where can us in Montreal, came to see the Y.M.C.A.

I get some reading matter ' What kind would you ' he asked of me and for to-morrow ^ enquired of him, ; is any place where Spurgeon's sermons are sold, prefer them 'If there like?' to so he was informed where he could get them, and else,' was his reply anything ; letter from Mr. Spurgeon himself 'I have had 'You added, a then this week.' ' Do let me see I mean from himself mean from ' No, so he secretary.' his ;' it ' That man it, and then he said, as he returned the read I have is a marvel.

letter, do you a wrinkle from that he note " for you got I pray that notice is something worth remembering, — "at says, little ; this moment" ?

this moment of That at

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. ^before my pause and That you mind, pray you." while are for writing-, is I could give you other incidents to prove that your tiny I won't forget capital it.' ; note was like a beam of sunlight shot athwart tried and weary hearts, because of the love they bear you for the Master's sake.

I am " Oh, Mr. Spurgeon, that little word of yours, feeling rather low,' struck ' It was to me like reading the 42nd Psalm. still vibrates in my spirit. a chord which with your connected is nothing imagine ministry the there that that saint to comes home more tried and souls than just what you there tenderly stricken to am The Treasury the author preacher, great of express, feeling T/ie low.' ' on, — this man sometimes, ay, of David, the — but not go I need often, 'feels low,' affliction He was is what draws hearts ' In just as they do. all their afflicted this ;' same when and and the take the just friends the Jesus principle, to is it, ; many The makes ' feel thus begotten, of intimates Jesus fellow-feeling, low.' wondrous kind. ' connected with visitation at the hospital. ' incidents I recently published some " A gendeman came it cost me to do in, and asked me how much "$io,' I said. so. theories don't go down print some more, ' Well, here I like " facts " is a $10 bill ; ; I have printed another leaflet, which So I enclose herewith. with me.' " Now unto Him who all we above abundantly do exceeding ask or can ; and may we share m the glory even though it brings us low think, be glory !

in the Lord (Rom. salute you and Mrs. Spurgeon 12), and remain, through the blood which cleanseth, " Your friend in Jesus, "John Louson." The leaflet enclosed by Mr. Louson contained, among other interesting matter, " A Touching Story," in which Mr. Spurgeon there was the following reference to and his sermons : *' Some months ago, a young Scotchman was admitted to the hospital. He was suffering from an internal disease which it was akin skill of the doctors baffled the ; distressing symptoms, yet under consumption, without but the physical to its it that he was slowly but It was difficult for the patient to realize frame wasted away. it, even when doctors and nurses indeed, he utterly refused to believe surely dying ; delight and privilege visit and converse with It was a had given up all hope.

to and, though Christ's, and Christ was reticent and reserved him, for he was his to ; in the Crucified was the theme an almost painful degree, yet salvation through faith he most of all loved to talk about that, the scenery, mountains, rocks, and, next to ; sunset, and storms of the beloved Isle of Skye, where he was born and brought up.

The one and only matter of reading, next Bible, was Charles H. Spurgeon's to the

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. Biographies of eminent Scotchmen, Hke Norman ; of these he never tired. sermons but, as he put them aside, he would Macleod, or WilHam Arnot, were taken to him ; ' Spurgeon satisfying, for he makes you forget is always the same, but always say, " fairer than the children of men " himself as he holds up Him who ' (Ps. 2)." is The following it conveys concerning interesting from the information letter is and other works Spurgeon's sermon volumes the of Mr.

the publication in first United States : " 8, Murray Street, " New York, "Dec.

" My Dear Bro. Spurgeon, "The present seems a fitting time for me to drop you a line, after a long I may add, as and successful career as the publisher of your books in America, and the introducer of your sermons in book form to American readers.

"At to bring them successattention on our part it required very special first, fully before American readers in favour of your tide turned but, after a while, the ; We made them well known We had several in our Union. in every State books. Brown Wayland, gave valuable President us of University, the friends late ; Alexander, who that we aid by important published Dr.

did the so letters late ; had been London, and and you heard preach seen with great you, often to He office, and made himself known had at our person.

called satisfaction. in long known and by very him, distinguished a of the able divine reputation, as He had that some daily newspapers our Presbyterian Church.

noticed of large fiercely, so he came were attacking you very to urge to persevere with us the in ' Do He not be discouraged by the unfavourable criticisms sermons.

of the said, real diamond that will shine I have seen and heard Mr. Spurgeon ; he is a press. You can use my name in any way that brighter and brighter as the years go by.

We thought it was very kind of him to say and do will help you in the battle.' influence, and he proved a what he for he was a good man, with very great did, real help to us.

"On the other hand, we had some Rev. Kendrick, discouraging words. Dr. was connected the Greek Professor University, with which Rochester the as : — in I am surprised that you one of the Board of Trustees, wrote me ' Well, Sheldon, should lower the standard of your publishing house by issuing the sermons of that green London preacher.' early remarks, for he lived to quote I can well his afford in a very flattering way, how much I was and frequently to wiser tell me, to write often spoken of ; and he has of promise than he had been in discerning the signs you in the most complimentary manner.

) autobiography. spurgeon's H. " to these of the pleasant events attending I only allude incidents past as a great and prosperous enterprise."

(The writer of the letter explained that " the Spurgeon books " had been passed Brothers, that he had sent the Pastor a complete over to Messrs. Carter to of set : — the American edition of his publications, and he concluded his letter as follows "And now, my respected of you your taking brother, leave as publisher, in permit me to congratulate you upon the that has attended the really great success Very few English authors have had such do not think enterprise. prosperity ; that any preacher and author of religious books has even begun to come up to you.

hear, with great pleasure, of the blessing resting upon your home work, so large We feel and so grand in its proportions.

all of a publisher's pride in our popular all follow you with our loving thought to the end of your and good author, and shall good work.

" Yours most truly, " Smith Sheldon." The was well-known note the following of the anti-slavery writer lecturer, Frederick Douglass : "The Cross, "St. Neots, " Hunts., "July " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, " While crossing the Atlantic, last September, and looking out upon its torms, and thinking of the diversity in proud dashing billows and varied the their ' we are many but we human I remarked one waves, the are as that as family, it was original with me before, and thought I had never heard this simile the sea.' ; but, while reading your sermon, published on the 30th June, I noticed that you said, are many as of the one hundred and nineteenth ' Its expressions Psalm, speaking ask, — Is am is one the testimony a but led as the waves, to this sea.' its you, or have you borrowed unconsciously, borrowed from or have coincidence ; this formula from me } "Through the kindness of a friend, I had the privilege of listening to you a few of reading some was born Sundays of an ardent desire the realization ago.

It to me of you by my friend. Dr. of your sermons in America, and of what was said to whom have been much H.

gentleman L. Wayland, indebted friendly for a sympathy and advice while battling with slavery and prejudice in America.

" Very truly yours, " Frederic^ Douglass."

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. ir. X'JJ In May, of his mother, Mr. Spurgeon took a 1888, at the funeral chill, which On resulted in his being laid aside for three weeks.

Lord's-day morning, June when many of the Exeter Hall Conference on Foreign Missions delegates the to were present P^istor was again at the Tabernacle, the preach, although he able to was obliged, through great weakness, sit during a considerable portion of the to J. Gordon, of Boston, took sermon. Dr. A. ; and he had part the service also in if Mr. Spurgeon continued too consented to preach to do so.

This arrangement the "great deliverance" experienced in the following explains the allusion, letter, to by Dr. Gordon himself: " Charing Cross Motel, " London, "June " My Dear Brother, trust that you were " injured by your in no wise effort on sincerely to me It seems Lord's-day morning.

to you then was help given Lord's that the Him ' Let commentary most Be on deliver him your powerful the now.' text, experienced there were hundreds assured a great also deliverance, that of for visitors, — our whole Missionary Conference, indeed, — who had come to hear you, of no embarrassment greater than that of having and I can conceive to preach to it must have been in your absence.

such a disappointed congregation as I pray that God will graciously restore you to health, and cause your bow " full in strength even when you are 'sorely grieved and shot at by the archers.' to abide call on you for a few moments at your home.' greatly desire, with Mrs. Gordon, to to know when we should be If you can see you.

thankful are too to desire callers, please do not tor a moment think of my request, and entirely underI shall stand the reason.

" Sincerely yours, "A. J. Gordon." The to be the letter appears earliest from Dr. A. T. Pierson which following : — Mr. Spurgeon preserved " 2320, Spruce Street, " Philadelphia, "Nov.

" My Best-beloved, any man on "If than wish the love earth there better you, is to God point him you And, could a thankoffering as out.

personal a for little I send you by my publishers — all bills paid, inclusive of expressao-e, acquaintance, with my Work your Evangelistic copies of Pastors' College, for lovinofifty M 4

autobiography. spurgeon's 17S H. How I am very sorry that your gout is more troublesome. I wish and greetings. pray that the Lord may keep you yet a score of years busy with Szuord and Troivel, foes of our Lord and His Crown and Covenant, and the backbone the piercing to courageous, my Be strong and very up thou of Jerusalem building the walls !

no man There be before stand brother able there a thee. shall to fearful is inspiration, — Ritualism, — the truth, — second ; probation, — partial from apostasy the How ' Nehushtan and are back among Ephodism little Evanof old times us.

' ; — worldliness pervading Conversion church gelical preaching so the a art lost worldly, — and !

is now the membership into worldly holy and wholly divisible that ministers into attitudinarians, latitudinarians, and platitudinarians.

"Give my love to dear Mrs. S. With many prayers for you I hope to see all. to spend eternity with you but, whether or not, you again in the flesh I expect in ; His presence.

" As always yours, "Arthur T. Pierson." Miscellaneous Letters. Among the communications from non-ministerial friends, specially treasured by Mr. Spurgeon, was the following letter from Miss Florence Nightingale : " 35, South Street, " Park Lane, W., " Dear Sir, " Nurse Hospital, and St. Thomas's of our training school Masters, at of nurses whom we who our sending out to join reinforcement are one of a is Hospital, was recently admitted by you to baptism Montreal nursing the staff at She spoke of it to me with deep earnestness. and communion. might, among the young women of your to me that you "It occurred flock, mind, who would know in body and like to be trained some, sound for a hospital life, which has now to be done and both reward, the Q-ood sufficient nursiniz in The the maintenance be be earned, candidates.

suitable attractive to to to in is ready, but the labourers still are few.

harvest and " under ever-increasing pressure severe of business, the write illness, which has kept me a prisoner to my room for years, so you will excuse a briet letter.

express my deep May that you I have heard yourself frequently are afflicted.

regret at your suffering, and my earnest hope that your life may long be spared .'* " May God be with us all ! "Florence Nightingale."

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. Earl Shaftesbury's correspondence with Mr. Spurgeon was so constant, and so chapter might have been a whole could if space voluminous, with that filled it have been This the usual character of the Earl's brief note spared.

will indicate also show he held in which letters, and Pastor, not only at the esteem the will it it was written, but right to the end of his life the time : " St. Giles's House, "^ " Cranborne, " Salisbury, "Oct.

" My Dear Friend, "The books have safety; and inscription which you, the arrived to in yourself, have written, — I value highly, — I shall add my own, — a prayer that my it a man whom the volumes descendants ancestor cherish of the as their will gift far more honoured and loved but a powerful, a as private as bold, true, friend, single-hearted servant of our most blessed Lord and Saviour.

" God be with you and yours for ever and ever ! "Shaftesbury." From the same Mr. Spurgeon address, on Nov. Earl the a sent to The Psalms, accompanied by copy of with Scripture following the IllustratioHS, letter : " My Dear Friend, at Mentone, and back again, and may "God be with you to Mentone, He give you all the health you seek for His service ! The open, avowed, boasted, "Well may you be 'weary, and worn, and sad.' Laodicean modern of the terrible, but the almost universality spirit infidelity is is You will come back and find that socialism, contemptuous unbelief, and still worse.

to make this world the ' be-all an utter disregard of anything but that which tends ' and the 'end-all' of our existence, have attained vastly increased proportions during your absence.

to preach 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified,' with "There nothing it but for is Such speedy His His a pray people return.

perpetual exhortation for to to May God you keep your main been that strength preaching has in of Christ frame of mind !

I now send you, in your pocket. I request you, the little book " Put, "Yours very truly, "Shaftesbury."

Floivcrs from Puritans a volume, your largely distribute shall Garden."

autobiography. I So spurgeon's H. Sir W. King Hall was one Admiral of Mr. Spurgeon's most ardent admirers.

Many of his of them bore testimony to the blessing preserved, and letters were all One of the he had received through reading the in the Pastor's writings.

earliest series was the following, written on Mr. Spurgeon's forty-fourth birthday : " Admiralty House, " Sheerness, "June '78.

" Dear Mr. Spurgeon, " May God to work His vineyard with health and energy spare you in many more find, from your Moi'ning and Evening Readings, Each day years !

your and our encouragement, ask Saviour's proofs hope, comfort, of love.

of my photograph, and beg yours Be assured that, though acceptance return.

in of liberty, my my profession is one of our land for the defence glorious of arms, principles are as peaceful as those held by any member of the Society of Friends.

"With kindest regards, and best wishes for your family, " I remain, " Your sincere friend, A day air at any time, come and stay with me.

" If you want a breath of sea or two's notice will suffice." Esq., who was captain and crew of the Another sailor friend, John Macgregor, of the Open Air canoe Rob Mission, wrote and also honorary as Roy, secretary follows in one of his many letters to the Pastor : " 7, Vanbrugh Park East, " Blackheath, " Aug. '78. " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, tell you that a word of yours would be golden on Oct. 28, " I promised to You that some when our open-air preachers assemble. of us propose see to will is for garden and green fields the other meeting meet on Monday.

That, however, ; must be under a root. "As I am but the of domestic Refiner furnace the affliction; myself, for in is looking on.

"The life are cracked and shaken pilasters on the edifice of one's off stucco is found sure, even in an earthquake.

but the rock they rested on " Who would Even David, when forced to do hke to choose his so, trial } fall into the hands of the Lord, and are we not there already } chose to I needed much affliction, as and that I had none at " is not healthy. all of it ;

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAniY. H. is sent to my dear wife, unless But God makes me wonder why the blow is that it it the more, and she suffers the less, than if it had been personally mine.

feel " Yours ever, "J. Macgregor." Reed Orphanage At Charles Stockwell the Sir 1S79, June, Festival, in inviting him to occupy that to Mr, Spurgeon's In reply position, presided.

letter in common with I am very full of work London, feel so he wrote but, all ; ' Nay.' I cannot say grateful for your personal piety, and your personal that efforts, ' man of mark' How honoured feel to be stitched up in a brown cover with such a issue of Men of Mark, The allusion was in which as C. H.

to the current ! " S. Mr. Spurgeon and Sir Charles were included. year, when Pastor was Mentone, he received the Later the this at in sorrowful letter from his friend : " Hotel Fleuri, " Cannes, " Dec.

" Dear Mr. Spurgeon, ; but my doctor to make my way over to see you have been trying " that my only available time (10 has laid such restrictions upon me, does not to 4) that you to have an assurance I want, however, permit of so great a journey.

are I saw a poor account of your health. for, in a French paper, better ; "A winter away from home is a new experience to me, and an idle winter is by ' Be I am trying to obey the voice which says, However, no means easy to endure.

I hope for another decade of work in the if the Lord wills, ' and in which field still ; He has permitted me, thus far, to labour. at Mentone " suppose you do not preach from the that at pulpit. all is, ; You ; and if, at this Christmas time, you feel prompted to I know, by your pen do, On the let me be the object of your philanthropy.

comfort a stricken heart, 19th of ; on the 8th of July, we lost our dear son, and we have I was with you never June, stroke broke down our This and yet recovered body.

drove us from health his home. " Yours truly, " Charles Reed." Sir Charles Reed's hope that he might be spared to labour for another ten years was not realized, for he was called to higher service in les« than sixteen months from The on from him, one printed next note page, the bears brief time.

that inscription: — "Delivered in to me after the decease of the corner this writer, April 1881. — C. H. Spurgeon."

autobiography. spurgeon's H. " House of Commons. " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, " Could you receive a father and son, on Bible Society business, if they My son, who called on you on Tuesday next at about noon?

is the secretary of the aid him he could an a vice-president, thinks that, as application Society, in is commissioned to make.

" Yours truly, " Charles Reed." The the widow letters came Havelock from of General the son following ; in them was himself a personal Spurgeon's, and was the friend of Mr.

referred to at the first public meeting held in the Tabernacle chairman : 14, Kensington Park Gardens, \V., " " October " Dear Mr. Spurgeon^ ill my beloved "You may not have heard how very son. Sir Henry, has He brought on by overwork, from congestion the of brain, been.

suffering is We are most thankful to say that the doctors report that the exposure, and fatigue.

it will probably be a long time before he can be well again. worst seems past, though " His will remember him in your if you sister and very thankful will feel doing His been devoted of and has ever acts prayers.

public private to life We should ; and you know how precious he is to us kindness for others like all. We know for some time him every Simday, to be prayed come. that his to for, father's God is very near him now in this deep trouble.

"With kind regards to Mrs. Spurgeon, I am, " Very sincerely yours, " H.

S. Havelock." recovery was much more rapid than his mother had anticipated Henry's Sir ; and on October 22, Lady Havelock was able to write : " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, that God has been if you tell your dear people " glad shall will feel restored my dear son. Sir Henry, prayers, and has once more to hear our pleased to give us great far towards his usual strength, but so will not say quite to as it for some weeks, he may be better than ever before.

that, with care and hopes rest se^^vice to-morrow, and pray Will you give thanks for us, as a family, at your public that a larger blessing than ever may rest upon us, and bring us all nearer to Him to whom we owe so much ?

" With our kind regards to Mrs. Spurgeon, I am, " Sincerely yours, " Hannah Havelock."

S.

autobiography. spurgeon's H. Many Mr. Spurgeon,— " the two passed between Gladstone and Mr. letters Again and again, prime ministers," as they were often the Premier invited called.

a congenial company at to meet his Nonconformist or dinner breakfast friend in Downing there was always some and but the way, pressure Street obstacle in ; of work or illness prevented Mr. Spurgeon from accepting a very cordial invitation Whenever Hawarden the newspapers contained an stay intimation Castle.

to at Pastor was messenger from Lord the a the that special of the First aside, laid Treasury was sent with a letter of sympathy or kind enquiries for the sufferer.

Mr. Gladstone had long wished to attend a service at the Tabernacle, and the letters show how last assumed was and following wish a the shape, definite at : — carried into effect " 10, Downing Street, "Whitehall, " 24 August, " My Dear Sir, My I thank you very much for your kind note and your good " words. to be relieved from my years make present work it a great object ; but of desire I may not be utterly spoiled I must be patient yet a while, and must hope that little heaped on me from so many by the undeserved quarters, and by comkindness mendations entirely beyond my deserts.

afford me I hope the autumn of profiting by your " an opportunity kind will offer to meet my wishes respecting the service at the Tabernacle.

" I remain, " My dear sir, " Faithfully yours, " W. E. Gladstone." "Rev. C. H. Spurgeon." " Hawarden Castle, Chester, "Jan. '82. " My Dear Sir, "Some promise me enough were good ago, you time a to seat safe it consist with your convenience to do me this favour at one of your services : and if next, when on Sunday evening shall hope in London, to be expect to present myself at the exact time and place which you may kindly name.

Should you desire to postpone your compliance with my request, shall hope for another opportunity it three or four Sundays hence.

of preferring I remain, " My dear sir, " Faithfully yours, " W. E. Gladstone."

" Rev. C. H. Spurgeon."

autobiography. spurgeon's H. On of January Premier and the evening eldest son the attended his the Tabernacle, and Mr. Spurgeon preached from Mark The Editors and of various newspapers referred at length to the incident, and some correspondents A of the comments were anything or even but kind few days courteous.

later, in sending the volume of views of " Westwood " to Mr. Spurgeon, Mr. Gladstone, his regret at the tone of some of the articles expressed in reply, he received and, : — ; photographs of Hawarden Castle and the Premier in his study,, with this letter " Hawarden Castle, " Chester, " Jan.

'82. " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, I was not at all surprised at what happened, and had not the smallest " My life disposition or cause to suspect you. is passed in a glass bee-hive with this : I am unjustly a fear many see it what is not there, by which particularity, that in gainer.

I thank you very much interesting book of photographs which you " the for I am very far from deserving. have been so good as to send, with an inscription I had a better return to make wish I can than the enclosed ; but these are the best lay my hands on.

" When you were see me before and so good after your service, as to felt ashamed of speaking to you lest fatigue, but before very long I should increase your I hope to find a better opportunity. In the meantime, I remain, " With sincere respect, " Faithfully yours, " W. E. Gladstone."

Mr. Spurgeon was, as the writer of this anticipated, much gratified at the letter information it contained : St. George's Terrace, "Gloucester Road, S.W., " March 23, " Dear Sir, to know " Stephen's you be think gratifying at St. that, will to it ' very Church, Gloucester Road (which is generally supposed to be what is termed high '), each Thursday afternoon during Lent there have been readings, devotional consistmg of extracts from the works of various living divines.

"The readmg, this afternoon, was from a sermon preached by you, fourteen or ' What The ago, from fifteen years father answer thee roughly ?

if thy the text, ' greater part of the discourse was read from the pulpit by the junior curate.

SPURGEON S i«5 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. LORD TENNYSON. EARL OF BEACONSFIELD. THOMAS CARLYLE. Silhouettes of Celebrities. Boy's Own The (Published October Paper, in 1880.) g,

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. to me such observe was very an of exercise "It the pleasingto liberty, in your views England, congregation before Church place the as of to their for will be pleased by my making you feel that you meditation, and acceptance and is now much improved, Trusting your health acquainted with the fact.

" I remain, " Yours obediently, " Alfred Williams." of a very large number of to Mr. Spurgeon from Lord Radstock, Out letters it was with which following" has been selected because of object the special the written : " St. Petersburg, " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, " The Russia, who in South nearly Baptists closebelieve, are, all communionists, are to have a great Conference in May as to whether they should not their doors to the Lord s is deeply important that they open children in general.

It .are many thousands in South There Russia should decide of Christians aright.

among the Molokans and Stundists, and desirable, on is most accounts, that all it Will you write a letter to them, addressed they should be as united as possible.

to •encouraging them ground of union Odessa, Pastor take the Liebig, true to in the Lord's Name, at any rate as regards receiving Christians at the Lord's table .'* You " Here, we would going on be of are spite quietly, difficulties.

in rejoiced at the faith and love shown by some Continue highest the here.

class in The are white unto the harvest, land, with in prayer thanksgiving.

fields for this ; — yet ' He must reign.' but the labourers are so few and shackled " Ever yours in the Lord, " Radstock." The Mr. Spurgeon was often asked of hearers. address classes special to London to him speak given the following the invitation to to relates letter to medical students : "45, Inverness Terrace, " Hyde Park, W., " Sept.

'S^. " My Dear Sir, you, you may probably remember my " Although I am not known to Leamington, where my father, name at the Bank, connection Mr. Thorne, with in once had the pleasure of receiving you as his guest.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRArHY. H. " My object in now writing is to express the great gratification which feel, as Prayer Union Medical t'^^t you have expressed your President of the for few words the annual meeting on say a the students willingness to to at Friday, I do sincerely pray that your health may enable you to come; and, 26th of October.

may you meantime, assure be worthy the the of your occasion that in will when many man may young is one whether presence, decide he a for will it An appeal from you commence his career as a disciple of Christ or not.

will, under God's guidance, materially influence some in their decision. " Again hoping that we may see you on the occasion in question, I am, ' " Sincerely yours, " R. Thorne Thorne." in due course, at the Lower Exeter Hall, and proved to The meeting was held, A somewhat similar "gathering was the one held be a most the one.

profitable at Egyptian Hall of the Mansion House, under the presidency of the Lord Mayor, on the members 1885, when of the London Mr. Spurgeon September addressed Prayer Union, taking for his subject the words, "Seek ye first the Kingdom Banks' be added of God, and and His righteousness; these things unto you." shall all The address was worthy of the notable audience assembled to listen to it was it, and " First Things First."

afterwards published under the title, A. Denny Mr. Spurgeon, but saw him Mr. write not T. did often the to at " Westwood " This characteristic note as frequently as he could. Tabernacle or at will show the esteem in which he held the Pastor : "7, Connaught Place, W., " Feb.

" My Dear Friend, " How exceedingly kind to send me of you The that book.

beautiful and more Metropolitan Tabernacle but greatly Institutions value the its ; inscription, of which feel myself all unworthy, but not the less proud.

" How like, by-and-by, to walk up and down the streets of the New should Jerusalem arm-in-arm between you and dear Moody! "With affectionate regards, " I am, " Yours ever sincerely, " T. Denny." A. Mr. Thomas Spurgeon's, who Blake, M.P., was another intimate friend of Mr.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SrURGEON's H. On was whenever Lord's-day Tabernacle attended possible. services the it Pastor's sermon from 1SS7, he was present, and listened morning, June the to II — 14, which was afterwards published under the title, "Plain Gospel Deut. XXX.

The same night, he wrote the followingletter People." Plain for : " Reform Club, " Pall Mall, S.W., "June " My Dear Brother, for your golden pot of manna this morning, sweeter " Let me thank you feast upon the year round than honey and the honeycomb.

it weekly, but all ; delicious when by way the mind and more heart enters of possible, if it is, it ' Ear-gate ' than by way of ' Eye-gate.' I asked a number of members of Parliament, present yesterday at Portsmouth, " He was much impressed, One to come to the Tabernacle this morning. I brought. I pray that our God may make your sermon to be the message of and life to him and to many others. ...

Parliament, — one procured resign my "In a few weeks, intend seat to in without paid agency of any kind, and which I might hold as long as. life and health It deprives me is my service, and work This of higher love more.

permitted. House With day work night and giving reason the the of only up. for in it all my ' are required for rest. ' Lord's-days This must not longer be. Commons, " With much love, believe me, "Always truly yours, "Thos. Blake." The members mentioned had gone Mr. Parliament, Blake's of in to letter, Portsmouth demonstration Queen's connection witness with naval the the to in About The Review published the "Jubilee period, ]]liitehalL that Jubilee.

portrait — not a very Reverie " reproduced on the opposite page. Mr. Spurgeon's good one, — is at the top, on the right hand, facing Archbishop Benson's.

The Sir) George Williams Mr. letter from (now. part of refers to latter this Spurgeon's engagement Exeter Mr. annual Hall, the speak, to at in forty-fifth meeting of the Central Y.M.C.A., on Friday evening, May 24, 1889 : St. Paul's Church Yard, "71, " London, " My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, for my "Thank you very much acceptance kindly sending for so the

A REVERIE. JUBILEE

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. Out lilies Lorifs Pastors not connection of the the in College. zvith It TFoi'/c is for me of prayerful sympathy and iny assurances necessary repeat for interest, to ; — but if my hopes vou know you have these for your usefulness, and the spiritual success of your manifold labours, are fulfilled, your joy will indeed be full.

"We anticipating, with supreme seeingyou to-morrow evening, are pleasure, and are praying" that the Master Himself may give you some special word, that may be productive ot abundant spiritual fruitfulness.

" Believe me, " Yours ever truly, "George Williams." That prayer was abundantly answered, and the Lord's help to His servant was be one of Mr. Spurgeon's most that the address proved to so graciously manifested memorable utterances.

This note, from smother of the friends, gives just an indication Pastor's special its power and usefulness of : " Beckenham, 1S89.

" My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, unto God on your behalf! "Thanks be You were wondrously helped The Lord stood by you, and strengthened you. Your words were wise last night. ; and they will and right words live, and be wafted to the ends of the earth.

"The and you were was kind sympathy, which loving with very received, God bless you to-morrow, and cheering and helpful. all days ! "Yours very truly, " Samuel Thompson." Spurgeon any Probably Mr. never addressed under great gathering public as when he spoke, Hall, on June such the Albert conditions painful 1S90, in He was very Homes.

the annual meeting of Barnardo's Dr. time the at at ; on bed have ought been he ; and than the platform rather the to in in fact, cripples and waifs and his sympathetic heart other strays so of the affected sight to weep than felt more that he was utterly broken and to speak inclined clown, ; children, and perhaps his words had yet he the poor did plead powerfully for all greater weight because many least something the audience could the at in of tell On suffering he was himself return home, he was the completely enduring.

his letter shows how grateful he was exhausted. Barnardo's Dr. the Pastor's aid for under circumstances, and such trying anxiety indicates natural also his as to it to him the consequences thus rendered the service of :

autobiography. spurgeon's H. " Scepney Causeway, " London, E., " I 2th June, " Dear Spurgeon, Mrs. cannot but your dear husband, " rather than for write to to yoii, last night, may have exertion made his presence and the at our meeting, that fear single straw not add another the would to him ; and resulted unfavourably to it may suffering from be, he of pain and burden to-day.

which, weariness is " Nevertheless, and consider so unwritten, dare not leave letter this it tell you how deeply, how unutterably grateful wisest and best to you, write to to I am to dear Mr. Spurgeon his weighty, gracious, loving, presence, his for for for my showed and sympathy he and bairns.

tender wise words, to for the can now the debt he has placed me say All under.

never can this, forget is of my While he could spoke, heart, thank him.

do, from depths the that No afresh thank God and on words, uttered night, courage.

take but last fell my own Mr. dear thirsty ground upon those did of water as the spirit so like lifted up, soothed, and comforted.

I was cheered, encouraged, Spurgeon. helped, ' God bless hwi f say, from my heart of he-arts, a hundred times, ' and could but am hear be now unwilling which not your sure to say will ears, to it The am, for him you prayer, even from one so unworthy as love so well.

that Lord obvious, dear of servant the his night, the there, of in last sight all had been words weakness, was even no a sermon, uttered manifest in itself if by him.

" But this much First, he must never must not go on only say. will ; in my Spurgeon Dear Mr. has paid of being that debt, again debt. talk it it careful never again, under I must be over and over again. Second, ever existed, he rendered hands us a any ask great service so as circumstances, his at to night, — unless hope happy, which and years are) (bright the in in still last in His goodness, may give him back so large a share of health store for him, God, that he may be to come us than pleased and strength otherwise.

rather If to now give may break pledge indeed hour then the an but, such arrives, ; we again the not dare loving, did overtax, night, as to last otherwise, will weary, weakened body of your dear husband.

tender heart and let me add "And any can do now, or anything time, that at this, lastly, children, my that my in my any poor power, or anything assistants, that ot lies work, or for anyone will count dear to him, for Mr. Spurgeon, or us can do his I can but hope that the time may soon come ; and it a privilege and an honour to do this sincerely offered pledge when Mr. Spurgeon necessity for putting feel the will to the test.

autobiography. spurgeon's H. earnestly hope you I do health, and " yourself sustained are great in in fair As we could not hope to see you at our meeting, peace and comtort of mind.

last I may venture occasion, two enclose a souvenir you, as of night, the of the to They may programmes then before you perhaps, bring use.

help, a in to little those who were there saw I know is possible they may excite in you of what ; and it some prayerful thought for the thousands of young folk under my care.

" Believe me to be, " Dear Mrs. Spurgeon, "Gratefully and faithfully yours, " Thos.

Barnardo." J. One of the Mr. Spurgeon that season of suffering cheer written letters to in came from Reformed Bishop Church, and was Richardson, Episcopal of the as follows : " 27, Belgrave Road, " St. John's Wood, " My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, said you were 'as "I meeting, you Barnardo's see Dr.

as that, at God You any man probably done more good bless you have than possible.' ! You of your generation, and it has pleased the Master to keep you humble.

will We will say 'Welcome' to one love the same dear Master, and be ivell, some day.

another where no one feels 'as ill as he can be.' " Your faithful friend, " Alfred S. Richardson, Bishop." Only a few days after that great meeting at the Albert Hall, Mr. Spurgeon was at the Mildmay Conference Hall, and there delivered another of his most memorable The " Christ our Leader Darkness " ; and addresses. subject of it was, it has in been exceedingly helpful to the children of God who, for various reasons, have been He was caused to walk there was far from in the dark.

so well great that still to whether he would be able and to be present uncertainty as in reply to a note ; Irom him, to that effect, Colonel Morton wrote : "Conference Hall, " Mildmay Park, " London N., "17 June, *' Dear and Honoured Mr. Spurgeon, I may Mildmay " your me, deeply with say that regrets, safely all

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. day's work here, commenced and we, present the indisposition this office in by; praying for you, and by askingGod the coming Conference, glorify Himself at to ; — in you by your your a absence presence giving or either either rich case, blessing.

us, Dr. Andrew Bonar would "Should we not be permitted to have you with He has be the first speaker, and your place would be taken by Mr. Frank White.

' reserve I have to-day forwarded your in case of need, and to be your consented ' to him So please do feel under or the not slightest restraint, perusal.

for letter If we be careful or anxious at the possibility of disappointing us at the Conference.

cannot get plums, we must be thankful and grateful for good sound bread !

" Allow me, very late for the numberless times you day, to thank you in the have refreshed, and strengthened, and comforted us soldiers, who, often in India and other countries, on the line of march, hundreds of miles from any place of worship, or means of grace (in the ordinary sense of the word), have met under trees, some distance from camp, and have, after prayer and hymns, introduced you as our little We had in my regiment, those days, and many large a preacher.

Bible-class in a blessing has been entreated upon you by those dear fellows.

Him,' was my companion, "Your sermon, the Garden with 'In quite lately, when going up Monte route from Malta to England.

near Palermo, en Pelegrino, soldiers and sailors are, do you not world, where In what stray corners of the wide come, and bring messages of God's love and truth ?

to do as hundreds of others would wish " I have long wished to thank you, ; May God increasingly bless you is my opportunity. and here ! " Very sincerely yours, " R. Morton, Colonel." in German received many ; they were all passed on to a Mr. Spurgeon letters and who a member lady who was Tabernacle Church, translated a great the of One works number and sermons language.

of other that into the of Pastor's The contained some them information which him.

interested greatly translator He from a German Wurtemberg. colporteur wrote Baptist in letter is sold many him have been which of your blessing a that he books, has says to of Germany has bought . The Empress to many and of them.

other readers from him your Deiv Pearls and Gold Bearns [Morning by Morning and Evening by I wonder how the German translation), and John Ploughman s Evening Talk.

in likes John Ploiighman. well, because of the contrast believe, very she it affords from the language of her courtiers."

Not only did Mr. Spurgeon have a large number of communications written in other foreign languages, but, at various times, he received numerous letters which he N 4

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. in EngHsh, Many, which were supposed be regarded as to curiosities. literary decipher, though the meaning of them were veritable hieroglyphs, most difficult to was generally made out somehow or other, and answers despatched to those from whom they came.

The were Spurgeon, preserved by Mr. following three carefully epistles in in which one of them came, which was addressed the envelope thus (intended for Nightingale Lane, Clapham) : Rev C Sh Spurgeon ' Eglelane claping road London. They with exception the verbatim the here reproduced, of are literatim, et names and addresses of the or anything which might give a clue their to writers, identification : "Sir " VViw You Obige me by Forewarding 6 pennyworth of your poterites I am a yong Man a lite Complection Brown hare neither tall nor peturcular short as Will you please to send me some of the Likensse of the yong woman as I have got to Marry and When I have got to see and Marry her Foreward as quick as Posable I have got Dark first day of december thirty on Blue eyes age is about 29 the to Bornd about one oclock in the Mornino-. " Rite as soon as you Can." " Mas Spurgeon " My age is 20 yers old. " Dea sir as a young Man trusting in a risinang Severe converter by his Chapel — ~ and Baptised by The Reb Quiking power and being as i have ben working for the Lord and Master Jesus Christ for tow yers and is for yers i Am a homless child and a orpent as i was converted and as 11 yers since since is it my Father and Mother died and 3 broters and a sister i was therefor frindless left on my it has put me i had throu dep seife but and homeless botle therefore to it makes me wep when exprence but God has blist me abundantly fore i think of his godness to me therefore is the mana i would weish to be a servent for the Lord if it i am wone of his eleked chilain to serve him at hom or abrod of him and if like to get mor lering your plesur " Plese Sir retern a nancer as i would wil aad no more " but ramain your " abudent Servent

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. The words letter were underlined by Mr. Spurgeon in the following italicized the original in : "Mr. Spurgeon, " Dear Sir, ; knowing you " take to you the in writeing are one liberty proin claiming God work out my book in Jesus: have sent you have a rote silf: fully my own / am happy Took from to say I had a thoughts.

the bible It is : Born again about three years ago. I have allways been zvas very deep It in deed. in God But one about I had thoughts ago or 4 believe years to that there : be some .S^^ / prayed very heartly to God must that being born thing again. in But it did not come by next and I again : first prayer or a born for the the Bztt I prayed on and zLse praying: it came at no allmost thonght zvas last: it as my of come I saw afterwards It was and time could the best thoughts it : : more new was time any time receive that not at that free to at thinoit : of the work of Jesus the true light in : " God blessed me giving me very much has enlightment on great his in been my work Born has very in procliming again Jesus sinch as that It life : work show how forword hundreds could the of Jesus bring love to to : And I am happy show God's love and mercy to man.

have seen say the to Though born spoken words good few again have have a true a very : : my wage character as a hard working man is two and twenty shillings a week.

to have my should very much But procliming the work time In like of full : My age Or some Scripture thing Jesus as married reader.

like. ^^^i ^ 'i^^s: and have three children. " Dear thought as you was will known, you would be the best one Sir so am sent you had have the write character the situation to for to.

still Sir / should be Dear if you zvould have very please the zvords book the in in : But if you zvould kindly send the Book back and the character printed : " Yours truly

ENTl-LANXE TO DR. BENNET'S GARDEN, MENTONE.

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