Chapter XCVII. Unabated Affection between Pastor and People

CHAPTER XCVir bttiuctit ^mtnx [nabatcb affection J^coplt. aitir ANY of Mr. Spurgeon's previous published, chapters, in letters, own answer brief "notes" which had of the description his to to be hurriedly penned amid the heavy pressure of almost incessant Yet amongst he wrote other and, the choicest of letters toil.

; and members were those addressed them, the of the to officers Many church have been Tabernacle.

never of the these at preserved although convey but impossible carefully published, a true to is it ; idea of the Pastor's correspondence without a few specimens including of least at and sisters committed beloved brethren the charge.

epistles to his to his later In writing to them, he often seemed to pour out his very soul in his pleading with Christian men and women, them be labouring prayerful.

consistent, earnestly to for the good of the people amongst whom their lot was cast.

The during one comprises following the selection written sojourn letters in to make the sunny South, although, order set complete, the necessary in to is it last communication was from before he sick-room the insert the Pastor's able to start for his needed and deserved holiday : " Dearly-beloved Friends, filled my I am those who last Sabbath, were " right glad that place, little who distributes the bread feed your souls.

so graciously enabled to It matters it comes you from so long earnest prayer hand.

fresh as join that Jesu's in to my brethren, who have to-day, may kindly come have equally so the relief Lord and His adequate from our thank them, but assistance also Spirit.

envy them ; and would gladly pay had king's ransom, the a privilege for if it, My envy condenses all my Lord's of preaching Sabbath.

a prayer that this into ambassadors may have good speed of peace may His Kingdom that so day, this mightily grow in the land.

I am now " After enduring much a recovering, and, like pain, in-tense little child, am The stand, and from learning chair hot, to totter chair.

to to trial is My last is herein much cause ; and there it does but last long not gratitude.

for of God It may be the two attacks have been I should of this character.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. sturgeon's H. ha\'e many more hope you have these singular of and, seizures will so, if ; done and mc\ with patience abstinence as stimulants, ha\'e froni to diet, all which done be could cause the complaint the so and, continues, on, as still ; We ' gout must be for want elsewhere.

but better word, the of a evil call it ' differs widely from the disorder which usually goes under that name. "On the last two occasions when I had I bioke down, an unusual pressure My service among you of work upon me.

so arduous can just keep that is a medium have nothing to do ; but any additional extra labour pace, on, at if have my were you me.

man, overthrows an whole should strength iron If I am particle had been worn away only flesh ahd blood, you the ; but as last till take from me what May must give, and can no look more.

service that for which I can render be accepted of the Lord ! I now commend " Nothing dear you, Lord's keeping. the friends, to will cheer me that God so much is among you hear ; and shall judge of this as to iuipoi tiUiate praye7'-iucetings, the good works of the church by systematically and converts coming forward and sustained, confess liberally their to Christ.

faith in ' Who I look for and long for every week. This last token of fclessing is on the Lord's Wounded on myself on my arm, and the si'de ?'' those battle-field, cry to raise around me, and urge them to espouse my Master's if we were wounded cause, for By all would His or dead be gain.

redeeming splendour sake, the of lor love, I charge each believer to confess his Lord, and live wholly to Him. "Yours sake, Christ's for " C. H. Spurgeon." letter was Not very long after written* the Pastor was able to start for the this On the way to Mentone, he made a short stay at Cannes, and South of France.

from there wrote, on January 31 : "To my Beloved Church and Congregation, " Dear Friends, for one who "The journey here in weak health, and I have is long is The feel myself improving.

had but a few days rest, but already Master's of to me has grown service among to such but been you very has delightful it ; it weighing very heavily upon my heart, felt the burden of I have pioportions that I have suffered more depression of spirit, and weariness of mind, than and I could at home, where every hour has Rest I could not find ; but its cares well express.

things, and the mind becomes like an unstrung I cease altogether from these here, bow, and so regains its elasticity.

I could work on among you continually, and never even pause " I wish ; but

! SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. many infirmities show that this cannot be. this needful break Pray, therefore, that in my work may strengthen me for a long spring and summer campaign.

" Nothing can so cheer me as to know all of you are living for Jesus, and that Our church has produced great workers like Him. past, and I hope in the living will never burn low among us. the sacred enthusiasm which they manifested Jesus all, and is worth being served with our yea, with our in an intense and best that ; May our young men and women love the Lord much, and all-consuming manner.

to Him for God ; and may by our elder brethren, and the win others their zeal matrons among the church us, prove ever the their holy conversation pillars ot in and devout godliness !

''Maintain the prayer-meetings at blood-heat. See well to the Sunday-schools, and all the Bible-classes, and other labours Let nothing flaoof prayer, Christ.

for We have a great ; may the Lord make us service, or offering. trust faithful to it My love all, and my prayers for your welfare. is with you "Oh, that you who are still unsaved may be to Jesus through those who led supply my lack of service Peace be with the Co-pastor, deacons, and elders, and ! with you all ! " From your loving but unworthy Pastor, " C. H. Spurgeon." his humility, he called himself unworthy, but no one else would have used \\\ such an epithet concerning him.

Never, surely, was there a more worthy as well as loving under-shepherd of the flock.

The next epistle shows that he had reached his destination : " Mentone, " Wednesday evening.

"To my Dear Friends at the Tabernacle, '• It days few only and wrote a since you, have to therefore is nothing fresh to report, except that, each the need and the value of the day, feel I am beginning rest which I have only arrived here to enjoy. this afternoon but ; the warm sunshine and the clear atmosphere make me had reached as feel if another world, and tend" gready to revive my weary mind.

" It would be could write without mentioning well myself, and for your it to my the need which Forgive edification only.

there of alluding health is it ; would best please me I could work right on, and never have the wretched item of if at home, — the My mind runs much upon self to mention.

the work services, the the Orphanage, College, Colportage, the coming Sabbath-school, the the special in my mind's meetings, and so on.

eye, and wonder how I picture all things all are going on; then I pray, and leave the whole with ' that great Shepherd of the sheep:

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SrURGEON'S H. " My brother and all the officers will watch for the good of the church ; and the more spiritual and full-grown among you of the work care for the also will state ; We are set for a sign and so the Lord will use your instrumentality for His glory.

and token of the power of the old-fashioned gospel, and we are bound to prove to all around, not only that the truth can gather, but that it can hold.

It will not only forcibly draw men bind them and together, but together not will that, too, it ; Its own through some preacher, but by favoured This assertion intrnisic force.

needs proof, and you will prove it. " May God, the Eternal Spirit, abide over you all, beloved, and cause you to be May the poor be strong by the anointing of the Holy One comforted, the sick !

My and be be supported, strengthened, warriors labourers the the sustained !

is ever with you. hearty love " 'There my best friends, my kindred, (hvell, There God my Saviour icigns. " Yours in Christ Jesus, " C. H. Spurgeon." " Keep up the prayer-meetimcs." The following week, this letter was written " Mentone, " Feb. 7: " My Beloved Friends, " After enjoying a few restful nights and quiet days, feel myself coming again, and my heart full of praise and thanksgiving to our gracious God.

round is I am Your ; and and have been prayers have very prevailed grateful incessant, will be my joy to be I am As to you to you of service long as able, an-d all.

it ; has weakened my and been powers, rendered has sickness only m.y grief that me less able to discharge my happy duties among you.

The post I occupy needs a I have of late been very much the reverse. However, we know man at his best, and so we who that gueth power faint, and efforts have feeble to the that trust is It not been ineftectual.

Lord remainder goodness of our " shall be doubly indebted If the the to of my rest beneficial work which has commenced.

The further confirm the shall I hope, make me stronger for the tuture. repose will, I hope " that every but I have yet heard of the special services, not tidings member make them speak about about Pray at work them, a success.

to is Our brmg two them. evangelists them, others them, them, attend to assist in the hand of the Lord to work by them.

is needed instruments, but are the right and He to His own good will work according Call upon Him. whose hand is, it

autobiograthy. si'Urgeon's H. must The be holduig churches such the old truths times are that pleasure.

We gospel may be the power manifest active and the of that energetic, to all.

So numerous church ours because banner a as need of the a truth. uplift to if only we Holy the power may by Ghost, are of the accomplish great things, it must be everything is wretched once in downright Playing at religion earnest.

; it will be nothing. to us, or " Peace be with you all, and abounding love ! " Your hearty friend, H. "C. Spurgeon." the sunny shore even on There gap correspondence here the is a for, in ; enemy him and found Mediterranean, constitutional the Pastor's of out, the upon was weeks, an he three After of him.

interval suffering fresh inflicted able to write as follows : " Mcntone, " Feb.

" Beloved Friends, of my is now to you " matter a a time return of the that rejoice if the Lord and have returning every with few of prospect, that days, will, established and mind befo-re have been brought Perhaps never health rested.

May Lord never more and low graciously the assuredly restored. so in spirit, I may and be instrument a both so recovery, the the that sanctify fitter trial in His hand to promote His glory and your highest good !

" The by a higher hand rest was wisely ordained of additional fortnight last to me of the good deacons, who suggested should without than that for, it it, ; attack of pain which has just swept over not have had space to pass through an left me The be improved days by few and me, violence.

last will, feel, its whole, when not have but be thoughtful of recovery, best of the the to shall aliogether restful.

" Good news from the Tabernacle as cold waters to be to a thirsty continues You have had ; may inllucnce abide with times of refreshing great their soul.

We must not go to sleep on my return, nor at any other time you ; but steadily !

keep up and watch Spurts very but the labour helpful are to on, souls. for ; Even an the most important high pace invalid regular thing. figure, at ,a is exertion when some remarkable occasion excites him to do so; can make a gieat effort belongs only to those who have stamina and inward constant, unwearied but May our whole be strong the church piove Lord, vand the in to in force.

itself its work of faith and labour of love power of His might, by unceasingly carrying on !

days, we ; and "In Puritanical and regarded old-fashioned these arc this as

SPURGEONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. The trust, we shall never be ashamed of, but wear it as an ornament. description, no outworn a thing of power, creed of past ages, but Did orthodox us to faith is the Name honoured, we who by Lord, of the that In faith a joy for ever.

is of God, and grace again of the doctrines again proclaim the press forward to power and Divine the the of blood Substitute, the of the of efficacy the whoever may we the omnipotent oppose, ; and assured Eternal that, Spirit feel gospel will prevail.

"The bread whereon are hungering old-fashioned multitudes that their for too many preachers now give them newly-carved stones, and fed, and bid fathers We mean to keep to the distribution them admire the skill of the modern sculptors.

meet from no competition and with us stone-cutters the their of bread, will in only a living church — holy, favourite amusement.

prayerful, But, brethren, active, of mere a mass Linked with profession, victorious.

the old truth to me To growing and you a there no perform for call exploits.

is will it the work and more before power, us increases Divine for in greater spirituality, difficulty.

" The Lord be with you So deacons, and elders all, and with your Pastor, !

prays " Yours lovingly, " C. H. Spurgeon." The officers and members of the church took many opportunities of assuring His seasons the Pastor of their unwavering attachment and unabated of affection.

The the expression of special sympathy and love. sickness afforded occasions for full meeting and adopted at a Wildon Mr.

written by Carr, following B. letter, sample a evening, Lord's-day on a church the service of the close of the is at Mr. Spurgeon when from aside cheer of the communications that helped laid to active labour for the Lord : " Very dear and highly-esteemed Pastor, " Meeting and Lord communion Saviour our of around table the your because of and Christ, we sorrowful sad night, of are this Jesus us, all heart, we unanimous desire the to and are every one impulse in illness fills ; heartfelt sympathy.

offer you some expression of our ° "We had hoped have been you would relieved after a few days' rest, that, with which the mental depression weakness, and physical of the bodily the pain, We The Lord has done Heavenly Father you.

pleased our it has to visit it. But we help cannot of God. hand you from the accept the do, as affliction, prostrated with warrior wounded a physician action, or comparing you to a in to For him on every the importune side.

that prescribe patients (jxertions for to

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SrURGEON'S H. work of Christ, you have been unto death, not regarding your Hfe, to supply nig-h of service toward a lack us.

"We cannot visitation came upon you immediately a that forget after this of heavy labour, remarkable energy, and (as we doubt) of heavenly cannot season and It seems other churches.

this church, of of the service of Christ, to 'joy in that we the cause should a of natural attribute meet, infirmity us to therefore, it flesh, and not in any wise Lord's chastening.

to the severity of the of the " Beloved tender gratitude, how generously you Pastor, we remember, with have always associated us with you all the success and prosperity that, through in We Holy power have your attended never could of the the ministry.

Spirit, we when God, doubt your your witnessed the praise offering to sincerity, in much (entirely due imparting humility the of so the credit yourself) to to in sisters who watch while we and unworthy brethren and pray account with you, follow our Lord and as you a high Master, our lead privilege forces.

to it affection we bear you, we can that we "With the should account truly say it ; some your sufferings amongst us would happiness bear a us gladly take of to if we them bows you heavy you could thereby the of relieve cross that all, As we we down.

Lord, people before the think of you, the as said to sit 'Thou thousand worth David, Kindly our ten united of art accept, then, us.' It may expression to you of love tendered a solemn Christ Jesus, hour. in in be superfluous but refreshing you, an us opportunity get to to of to is it communicating with you in your sick chamber.

" May He May Lord upon you look your the tenderly in affliction ! graciously remember your work and labour that you have ministered of love, in May He and do our prayers and be the very minister!

to attentive saints, to may be intercessions on you weakness your restored not that behalf, in to us, and with your youth renewed but decrepitude, the the of vigour, fulness like in eagle's, — and " that right early ! (Signed, on behalf of the church, by fifteen deacons and elders.) whose signatures were only two of the church-officers significant that It is elder — still letter — one appended one deacon and the survive.

to The by Mr. Carr following from absent written extracts a his to letter, Mentone, Pastor at loving relationship which existed the indicate further will still those who laboured with him Mr. Spurgeon and between the gospel in : " My Dear Mr. Spurgeon, " one and doubt you cannot through another, receive, that full all matters that relate to the Tabernacle, and the Institutions connected accounts of it, m which many brethren the high honour of being associated with you.

with feel

written to what manner you spoken if you could hear " are think often of, In that, church-officers, you by your you and what held regard tender and are love in if you heard the members of the church ask after And, then, would blush a little.

coming home say how that you purposed were and so they sorry your health, soon, and how biting winds had sincerely they wished you would these stay till ceased to blow, you would be jealous of yourself with a jealousy that might be very to hear what If you were are constantly saying of public outside the justifiable.

would you very might be be ob\iously, you but astonished, gratified, you, for, Christ, who look upon you there are thousands, who love the Lord Jesus as not one of the best men that ever lived, and one who is doing great good to his fellows.

" Your long affliction, and your tedious banishment, have already borne some Had The character of your work has been the proved.

peaceable stable fruits. built on the basis of your popularity as a preacher, the congregations church been far from that being would not have been so well kept up in your absence but, so ; the case, the prayer-meetings and the weekly communion services are well attended, here, would have been even when the severe weather, had you been sufficient to Your brother for some has been no ordinary This account winter.

deficiencies. although we completed have was not yet the other the saying, day, first that, the average already exceeded the deaths have halffor qjuxrter of the the year, The depression in the temperature That may not be so gloomy as it sounds. year. would not have held of some whose constitutions possibly hastened has the exit of which he speaks, may tell no more than year, and out for the average, so the the number meeting comes tale when round.

the next annual then, usual If, its to a more has been reduced by the sheltered of your twinges and groans retreat let us be thankful, and hope for you a full community on your return.

locality, "What a nice deacons' meeting we had on Friday! lull muster There was a to whom we look one Pastor, as one was but of brethren the not absent, all ; he was And each imagination one, father, and of the President, to yet, friend.

No of on part matter was broached the without intimation, a distinct present.

harmonious was This of rallying-point every the wishes. consult one, his to The as the meeting proceeded. that became almost pathetic thought and feeling to make the minutes the his work if he will have reflect out secretary cut tries resolutions we abstained From not attempt business of the evening.

will it. ; and the recommendations were formulate, Co-pastor, our chairman, the to to left and forward for your approval."

On May Pastor a letter Mr. William Olney wrote suffering his to

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SPURGEON S H. gave account he progress cheering which of sympathy, of a the added: — "You loving of in and work Tabernacle, then of the the various portions will, at is my sure, excuse me I am to you a long as to-day, rather for writing letter it that my I am you how has been want thankful birthday.

lot to sixtieth tell I am the good providence of God, under your ministry, and how grateful in cast, many have spent of blessing and you sitting instruction years at the for to daily commending you for many have had great your years, pleasure, in feet.

for God's assist you in your earnest doing what to God, and can efforts to in Oh, done have the good but and but that souls of glory fear little.

it ; owe you Words you and more debt were cannot of love express the to ; !

kindly excuse my infirmity in not being able to show in deeds than must it better I have done."

To esteem Pastor William end Mr. Olney's loving the of his for his life, ; and when he was "called home," he was sorely missed. remained unchanged The year which was to witness the joyful celebration of Mr. Spurgeon's Jubilee He was away for him under opened at Mentone, very trying circumstances.

; yet the following letter seems to have caught some of the brightness of the sunny it was penned land where : " Mentone, " Jan.

" Dear Friends, to leave my bed, or to I am altogether stranded. I am not able " find The much mingled upon and lumbago, rheumatism, pains of sciatica, rest it.

little to the right hand or to I happen to turn together, are exceedingly sharp.

a If [ am soon aware that I am dwelling a body capable of the most acute the in left, suffering.

" However, I am as happy and cheerful as a man can be. it such a great feel I am not yet robbing the Lord of my work, tor my holiday has not quite relief that A man has a right to have the rheumatism if he likes when his time run out.

is his to intrude into my Master's I am The worst of shall have own. is, that afraid it domains, and draw again upon your better very Unless soon, get patience.

I am very much get home in due did return and cannot time afraid that, it ; to be should be sure no be should you, for use arranged, date the of to at laid aside.

"The deacons have written me a in which they unanimously recommend letter, me I may get to you an take two more Sundays, so well, and return not that to I must take a week I do not I wrote to them saying that but as I thought invalid. ; I am afraid get a bit better, but am rather worse, shall have to miake it a fortnight.

find ; and as my wife and my deacons are agreed on 1 am afraid I should go matter, this doubly wrong I hope you to them.

contrary ran believe if the will that, if all soldier could stand, he would march ; and if your servant were able, he would work ; but when a man in two by the hammer of pain, he must wait is broken till he gets spliced again.

" May the best of blessings continue to rest upon you May those who supply !

my place be very graciously helped by the Spirit of God ! all my heart, "Yours, with " C. H. Spurgeon." The Pastor often referred, as he did in this letter, to his "ricrht" to be ill durinonext communication church-officers shows that from but the his holiday his their ; regrets on account of his sufferings, at such times, were intensified by the knowledge resting and was of joyously being enduring he instead refreshed, that, painful afflictions.

sunny had hoped being In January, he South, instead the of as in Mr. Spurgeon was At at home, a churchtoo to be, to special travel.

still it was unanimously and on January meeting, held Tabernacle, the heartily at " Westwood " letter should be forwarded resolved following the that to : " Dear Pastor, " We have heard, with grief, that you have been unable to go profoinid to Mentone out on your proposed in consequence of severe and painful visit illness Our sympathy during week.

than increased lessened past the rather sincere is by been borrowed from your season has not the of that reflection this affliction from time you which but period of church, service the the of recreation for to have a perfect right as well as a hearty welcome.

"While the hand Lord this and devoutly recognizing of the other in in all we His cannot dispensations be of providence, seek that irreverent feel to it some clear interpretation of the will of our Heavenly Father.

Can we be mistaken in supposing Your arduous us and diat the lesson is transparent yourself to to ?

labours, and your far exceed the average incessant of your anxieties, so strength imperative demand to take longer and more for you is an there constitution, that when and frequent you occasions them, have of not take retirement, used to up strength,' but when you last ounce ' the of your in unimpaired vigour.

are " Under present circumstances, we earnestly entreat you to consecrate at least three months from of your sacred and entire relaxation the duties to office if it ;

SPURGEONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY, ' H. seem good the appointment for your pulpit be to you, let of supplies the to left Co-pastor and accepting any always deacons, suggestion the subject their of to communicating and to you arrangement every of yours, their as their theirs, is habitual wont.

"And that we our herewith, assurance, a church, accept, unite as will all the good work of the Tabernacle by constant to support in a strong determination on Sundays and and by both week-evenings, offering our attendance, contrifull the support various of the church.

butions of the institutions to " With affection, and unceasing prayers for your sincere recovery, " We dear Pastor, are, " Yours ever lovingly," (Signed by the church-officers.) On his recovery, the for Mentone, and he was therefore absent Pastor at left church-meeting but he the time of the annual wrote be following the letter to ; read to the members : " Mentone, " February 9, "To the Church in the Tabernacle, " Beloved in the Lord, I salute you " I regret that an annual church-meeting all right heartily. should be held without me I know will be done rightly, ; but things for the that all Spirit of God is among you.

I write only to send my love, and to assure you I am greatly profiting by " that I am weak indeed, but feel much more myself the rest which has been given me.

I must go away in November each year, I have learned, by experience, that again. at home If the Lord will help me through the other months shall be or else I might rest in November and December with a clear economy of time. of the year, I want to do the most possible on past, this appears to be looking over and, the ; the wisest way.

is, — the and my "The matter whole other propose elders special services, the church says Divine heart takes with 'Yes.' the the up, result be, will If it Mem.bers canvassing from door to door, and leaving blessing, a great ingathering.

a sermon, might do much good. subscribe ^5 for sermons, towards a fund will The chief point in, not by suitably selected, to be given away.

is, to get the people bribing them with tea, etc., but by fair persuasion.

Oh, for a great blessing ! feel grieved to be out of the running, but I can pray, and " cannot help it. Be round your Pray double Rally with earnestness. leaders. instant do. in Attempt great things, and expect great things. season and out of season.

autobiography. spurgeon's H. strengthen and uphold Lord " IVIay the Co-pastor, the comfort, guide, bless, deacons, elders, and every one of you, for Jesus' sake !

" Yours in hearty affection, " C. H. Spurgeon." treasurer and hope you they cannot be " elders the the re-elect will all ; improved upon." On of Mr. William Olney, following congratulatory the proposition the resolution was sent to the Pastor : " Resolved review of the past year, we congratulate our dear Pastor that, in with him, and Lord Three been which the good hand has on with of the us.

significance, have distinguished of double this year from other circumstances, each years in our history.

that, while an unusually bright summer diminished the attendance "The first is, ' Healtheries of our church-members, an extraordinary influx of rural visitors to the Tabernacle Metropolitan utmost crowding secured of Exhibition the the to its ' capacity. "The Spurgeon's Mr. although second severe the indisposition, in that, is, many on son autumn, successive deprived Lord's-days, services of us his his from New Thomas, home Zealand, most supplied acceptably the pulpit his in absence.

"The our band of deacons long notwithstanding a death-roll, third that, is, ; and only one of our beloved remains unbroken elders, a brother years as ripe in well as in grace, has been taken from among us.

" To gratitude, we fourth, which we must add a reasons these heartfelt for is that another volume of our dear Pastor's record with unmlngled satisfaction.

It in freshness and sermons has been placed on our bookshelves, fully equal force, in unction and usefulness, to any of the twenty-nine volumes that preceded it."

The following chapter will prove that the church-officers and members showed their sympathy with Mr. Spurgeon not only by loving letters and cordial resolutions, but also by practical and substantial tokens of their aft'ection and esteem.

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