Chapter XCVIII. Jubilee Joys

CHAPTER 3abiltt 3013S. The of our peace certain seasons its banks overflows river at times, the and, at believer's ; Even princes, who fare sumptuously every day, have their special banquets joy is exceeding great.

; and this Jubilee of my to every member of my true Jubilee of joy, not only to myself, but a life is family. —C. H. S., in sermon preached at celebration of the completion of his fiftieth year.

the Tabej-nacte in UNE 1884, was one Spurgeon's days Mr. of the red-letter in history, for he then completed At the fiftieth year the of his life.

annual on February the Tabernacle, church-meeting-, held in was unanimously and following the resolution enthusiastically passed church the goodness the recognizes gratefully of Almighty God Church it, and in sparing Christian the to to H. Spurgeon of our beloved and invaluable the large, Pastor, at that, life ; raised, and memorial be order worthily celebrate a his suitable Jubilee, in to him and an be presented deacons take instruction that the to to this to it ; they may deem and matter vigorously forward hand, carry as to best."

in it The instruction from deacons, having received their fellow-members, lost that method no time considering carrying they the best of a indeed, into effect it ; were must suggest such period notable the the that a Pastor's to in first life without due not be allowed to pass recognition with usual and, generosity, their ; love " which was immediately commenced.

They had, " the they headed of list when same were they arranging the the just as pastoral at difficulty for first, silver wedding testimonial, for Mr. Spurgeon again that, whatever amount insisted for his own personal was raised should be devoted to the Lord's work, and not be No total sum somewhat doubt reduced the ultimately restriction benefit.

this for many generous Pastor gave away the whole reached, helpers the said as that, of the ^6,500 presented to him 1879, and as they were constantly contributing in Institutions under his charge, they wished, on to the various to give occasion, this him and esteem ever-growing love tokens of substantial himself.

their for It his address acknowledging from will be that he the consented, seen, testimonial, take some of the amount under urgent of the entreaties the donors, portion to but, even then, he simply took might that he for himself; away, again give it it ; only way could make which and few very the a friends special sure in of his gifts was to send something to him for ornament reception of their use direct or his home.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. 2.:i8 On May hear how met few matter was deacons, the friends a the to to make further contributions to the fund, and to consult as to the progressing, final Up to that night, about ^i,ooo had arrangements with regard its presentation.

to promised, — just the amount it was which been would received estimated or be to pay House, at the back Tabernacle, which was for the Jubilee required of the On then being erected as a permanent memorial of the Pastor's year.

the fiftieth is a marble slab, which is here reproduced. side of that building JUNE 19Tf. GRATITUDE AND GLADNESS WITH THIS HOUSE WAS ERECTED TO COMMEMORATE C. H SPURGEON, PASTOR OF THE CHURCH AT THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE. Eo tljc faork for be glorn all ILorti tl)E toroiigljt among pcaplc. Ijis ?^: fjas to!jic[) "Thou HAST THRUST SORE AT METHATI MIGHT FALL: but the lord helped me. is my strength and song, The Lord is become MY SALVATION. AND in the The voice of rejoicing and salvation is tabernacles of the righteous. The right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly: The right hand of the Lord is exalted : The right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. die, but live, I shall not and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened me sore, BUT He hath not given me over unto death." CXVIII. 13—18. PSALM COPY OF MARBLE SLAB AND INSCRIPTION ON JUBILEE HOUSE. Mr. Spurgeon wrote: — "The somewhat lengthy Concerning inscription, this Psalm photograph an from accurate personal quotation the the of Pastor's is Power experience, and of the triumphs of the Lord in the adjoining Tabernacle.

sickness, and joy through healing by Mr. been weakness, has sorrow." seen in preached upon Spurgeon and he engraved, intended verses here various the to make a book of these sermons, and of personal memories of the Lord's goodness ; the work and through pressure but discourses was, the of revising the illness

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRATHY. H. proposed volume long the publication Other delayed, the so that service, ot of The preserved however, had be abandoned.

manuscripts were, carefully for to A interest now in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit.

very pathetic future use was sermon on January the issued the readingattaches for for to it Mr. Spurgeon long been had prepare press the able his after for to that first The other he sermons, one and ever three but revised.

that the last illness, in due House, were texts on published, preached from course, the Jubilee the in a choice memorial four together form period of a notable October, the ^"*^ preacher's the great in life.

many As approached, references the of Jubilee celebration date of the the religious and secular newspapers, the most noteworthy being it appeared in the to They were the Pall Mall Gazette 18 and of June the the articles in Spurgeon's compliance with request contained of Mr.

the following the result in Editor, Mr. W. T. Stead letter from the : " Dear Sir, am "You busiest men London. But one aware, the of in are, spare me to have you your morsel to ask over a a venture of leisure talk to Jubilee, — your long and of your approaching in view labours successful things in after going through result .at which you have arrived London, and the general it paper and should be Besides That, the of the public.

course, for this, all. to have an opportunity personally of placing myself in immediate comvery glad munication with one who has been such a power for good in London and throughout I am also am any at your day very busy, but the world.

service after if you can spare me time for an interview. I ha\e the honour to be, "Your obedient servant, " W. T. Stead." to many The contained subjects report of allusions the either interview of The conversation was, more or permanent whole of an passing or less, interest.

paragraphs with dealing opening autobiographical the subject character, the of religious endowments.

Stead wrote Mr. : " Mr. Spurgeon of hosts, and most one the course of the a genial in of is his well-wooded grounds, couple of hours spent strolling about in gossiping or in a great number visitor was able his views concerning to gather his his library, in He found to be wondered Mr. Spurgeon, of the questions of the not day.

as is 'Wherever anything the one-man power. at, a strong believer to be done,' in is you may depend upon ' either the Church is done world, said the or he, in it it, The by one man.

whole from Church, teaches the the history of ages, earliest A Moses, a Gideon, an the same Isaiah, and a Paul are from time to time lesson.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. ; and when they pass away, their work appears raised up to do an appointed work the Joshua who Nor it was to Moses, to see it given to everyone, as cease.

to is God can his work raise up a successor carry on to completion. is destined to to the man himself or he may do to worry about each man, but not that matter, is I am all endowments Hence to spend for religion better the harm.

against is it ; I am not even in favour of endowing my own College. money for immediate needs. Someone made me an ofler, the other day, to found a scholarship in connection with Why should I am gather money, which would remain I declined it, but after it.

No might which uphold disapprove ? let each teaching entirely of gone, to ! Let my successor, own have one wants. provide the generation for in if its his own which done, and he have funds needs secure do the College, as for I wish there were no religious endowments of any shape or kind among teaching.

I never yet knew a chapel, possessing an endowment, Dissenters or Churchmen, for One great it was a curse.

its being a blessing, which did not find that, instead of be should prevent the teacher of creation external every religious to of object live when to make If there were no his teaching appear is dead.

appliances to it endowments, an error would soon burst up, whereas an is imparted vitality artificial it up with endowments.' it by bolstering to "'Then Mr. none Spurgeon, you your have but yourself, for for faith queried the successor?' visitor. for himself; but how "'A man does very well,' was the 'who has reply, faith I am no another ?

have sponsorship. undertake believer he can for faith to In He may be Wlio knows where my successor may be? in America, or in Australia, occupies my place, the man who As know the Tabernacle, not where.

for or his own resources, upon the support to depend upon when pass away, will have ; and have done cannot do if he of God, as people, and the grace that, of his " for he will not be the fitting man for the post.' let him come to the ground, One other paragraph may be quoted, pardy because of the reference made to it by Dr. Peter Bayne : when began where ' In did stand Spurgeon, Mr.

said theology,' '' ' could preach ever did such a preaching, and thing, stand almost alone. If my sermons now change the doctrines are without essential as so far earliest ; — exacdy where maturer Calvin years stood almost stand his concerned.

In Instiiut'es, which he wrote when a young man, where he quite stood not his In those who Even occupy by later works taken few.

position but that his in is ; They see the same exacdy pulpits do preach.

not preach truths that Baptist their own Although few way. they preach and, things course, In differently of ; power been preached deny has the wonderful of the as truth the at will It Calvinistic way of their method not according the Tabernacle, ; yet to is it is It

; ' spurgeon's autobiography. h: at things which causes my sermons looking to have such acceptance Scotland, in and even where Holland, Transvaal, the a recent expressed in in traveller his of them astonishment finding beside lying translations the at family Bible a in that my great many I am aware farmsteads of the of the country.

preaching repels many a man cannot does that help. not instance, for believe in If, ; and hear me once Bible, he may come of the the ; and if he comes inspiration My doctrine responsibility, and no more, mine.

not has no attraction that his is I cannot change my doctrine for that man " but to suit him.' ; in the Pall Mall second Shortly after the publication the of article Gazette, letter reached the Pastor the following : " Dear Mr. Spurgeon, "It range your within the of possibility of old collection that, in is ' paper place among have some scrap you of mine which had lumber, those its My whose no impact harm.

seems, the did of brain you, present bullets it ' article, which you may have seen notions about you are contained in the enclosed The writing of it gave me unfeigned pleasure. in Thursday's Christian World. for many months, been working " strenuously at have, sources the original of Luther ; and one grand fountains of being thus Life for a of the led to visit felt my own have Evangelical Evangelicalism plunged, early inspiration, as it in my do eve'r wavered But have bath were, a think not of that in life.

that, for man and the hope of men, conviction nations renewal of salvation for is privilege, — to preach Christ, with Yours has been a glorious in the life of Christ. Divine recognition nearly so years. decisive, forty for " What you interests me Pall Mall about Calvin the interviewer said to making much.

and Since examination theology a have of careful his life, I measure him transcendently honoured chiefly by the But that man.

Institutes and am ' maturer how know would you very and curious define to his later Do if you have pen paper on but put not the subject published position.

to ; be much told how in sermon your view by being should or book, obliged Perhaps one of your secretaries would send me the necessary word. can obtain it. know magnanimous " you the are too retain to least particle of little Spurgeon have no more grudge me, and you and Mrs.

admirer against sincere or affectionate well-wisher than " Faithfully yours, " Peter Bayne."

The actual celebration of the Jubilee commenced on Wednesday, June i; when from Pastor twelve the receive vestry, his sat the in o'clock, to to five of friends, and be passed on congratulations contributions the treasurers of to to Q4

the rooms and under Tabernacle, great the the afterwards the tea tained at in numbers Such crowded was an with of audience.

sanctuary enthusiastic vast two had were to be to be evenings anxious people apart present, that for set then, hundreds of applicants for tickets had to be refused, and, even the meetings ; so many applied building had would been twice the there as large, that, for if it on both have been no nights.

difficulty in filling cheering thousands know was anxiety of the Intense Little did the that felt friends who them a and of the Tabernacle by a shared other few with officials, there had been of London, in various quarters that time, Just at secret.

terrible with them in sympathy of desperate deeds by ; and an Fenians, those or threats disregard, had been intimation, which dared given not the authorities police that to be blown up on the Tabernacle was of Mr. Spurgeon's night the Jubilee.

It scheme seemed such wholesale a of destruction possible diabolical scarcely that of human ; but every precaution was taken life could have been devised to prevent There probably had never been so many detectives it becoming an awful reality.

; and when the proceedings on the second and policemen before building the in had and were night were audience delighted there dispersed, the private over, gone all had of alarm off without even note a thanksgivings but that grateful ; deemed was have a advisable period considerable afterwards, a to for yet, it made.

might any attempt be kept watch kind of the indicated case special in all knowledge With thoughtful and of the threatened tender explosion solicitude, only when he was it was and carriage, on his was kept from Pastor the the in ; told him alarming news which had way home, occupied Mrs. Spurgeo'n the that and they gave thanks together during evening, thoughts the the her that evil had been averted.

the members The Wednesday evening meeting was specially intended of for the many congregation, and church and representatives missions, schools, of the The number of these various forms and agencies connected with the Tabernacle.

the Lord may be judged from list of them occupied of work that the the fact for The Sword and Trowel, more a half a page while nearly large as the than in at home and the names space was various religious of the required societies, for abroad, from which addresses of congratulation had been received.

The to him a source of intense thankfulness that it was presided, and Pastor with him Mrs. Spurgeon was able present on both share evenings, be the to to of the Jubilee, after so many years' enforced absence from the Tabernacle the joys The keynote of the whole of the gatherings was through struck, severe illness.

1 do at the commencement Pastor's opening sentences of the meeting, by the

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. think anybody imagines ought to speak at any great not that length to-night, I should like to say very much feel overwhelmed with oratitude but in very little.

to you, dear friends, and because of you, to God. After the kind words which many I have much to do not to cry of you have spoken to me, I have had a little indeed, ; very much and weeping eyes of the quietly, now, distillation like feel the at the good and gracious things remembrance to me that have been of said all this let me say tor my speech But blessingwhich I have had the day.

this here, for : many years, must be entirely attributed the grace of God, and to workinothe to Spirit among us.

Holy Let of God's that stand as a not matter, only taken for distinctly recognized among us.

granted, but as a I hope, brethren, that none fact I have kept back the glorious work of the Holy Spirit. of you will say that I have it, whenever tried to remind you of that God the I have read a chapter, by praying Holy Spirit would open that chapter to our minds.

I hope I have ne\-er preached Holy Ghost. Our reliance upon prayer has entire dependence on the without an We have been begun, we conspicuous very think have not not at least, so.

; We have been continued, we have not ended anything without prayer. pluno-ed We we should it up have prayed still, we not the into to as have hilt.

but, ; ; and we wish that we owe our success, so prayed as to to be on record prevail It the Holy the work church, a as principally ot throuo-h to Spirit, us leadinoIts have we been church, a without Neither, as pray.

a to conviction full that, if asking, we must be we are honest In our is no earnest acting.

use in askinoIt God If we not mean If we mean do and It, we blessing a give us to shall it ; all the means appointed tor the gaining of that boon that we have use ; and done.

of my One remind be to-night, audience duties, to will this very first that it A from representatives of the various largely consists Institutions.

partial list to you but, Incomplete will be read Is a long one ; and though one or as I?, it It ; yet many two ma\^ be represented of them small of the Institutions ones, so are they might have constituted societies having annual public large that meetlno-s at ; and these things have sprung out Exeter Hall this church through that same ol Holy Spirit who set us praying and set us working. " Next It behoves me I owe to say that I have had the prosperitv to that, in which have gospel preaching gospel the preached.

the wish everybody to thought as much, but there are some who will have is somethinovery it that there particular and about mav preacher.

the Well, special believe be there that He cannot help that, something peculiar about the man, something odd, perhaps.

is nothing about him that can possibly account tor the o-reat but he begs to say there Our and American long-continued attending success labours.

his friends are I have a good many times read their opinion of me, generally very 'cute judges, and We have scores of better ' Well, he and they say over and over again, is no orator.

: SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. -t r^ fi ^ 1 Kn vfs^^^,^ W m ,si^ ft mSliIISSIp !k §>t 1^ It 'ttwiinnin.i ' ^ ' \ \ w.sC*' : l^f^a:^ "^<'<''^ ^w-. ..„, ' ;.: -^/j ' 4:J>'""m -^..•^.v ' ^P^ ; ;X,j#^*

AUTOBIOGRArHY. SPURGEOn's H. in America Spurgeon, that he preaches Mr. but evident preachers than the is it gospel as certain of our celebrated men do I so preach the gospel not preach it.' that people coming to hear it are impressed by it, and rejoice to rally to the standard.

I have tried, and successfully, to saturate our clear friends with the doctrines I think if God of you devil himself ever the out defy get the of grace.

truth that to Holy Spirit once puts That grand doctrine of substitution, which into you. at is it "the root of every other, — you have heard it over and over and over and over again, And Never let and you have taken a sure grip all preachers I say to of it go.

it. who wish they would preach more of Christ, and matter, try to that this in fail preach more There is no good Death fine preaching All the plainly.

in to it. ! of men certainly come the wisdom of words and nought but glory the to will ; of God to men, and of His sovereign simple testimony of the goodwill choice of His own I have test, not only of the few years during which stand the people, will preached I thank you, shall come.

all the ages of this world it, but of Christ till I do attribute even that, dear friends, for all your love and your kindness to me, but fact that you have been in great measure, to the pure gospel of the with the fed I do not believe that the dry, dead doctrine of some men could ever grace ot God.

as my gospel has aroused have evoked such sympathy in people's hearts in yours.

in myself why you should love me. I cannot see any reason I would I confess that I dare not say more upon that not go across the street to hear mvself preach ; but matter, because my which we decidedly upon point only the wife here.

It is is her estimate of me, and from your estimate of me, too in toto from differ differ ; ; I do not wish you to alter but yet it." congratulatory address which was published Mr. \V. Carr read at the the B. time in The Sivord and the Troivel, but for which space cannot be spared here the ; Pastor Archibald G. Brown briefly spoke father, brother, and son Charles Pastor's ; Driver represented the past and present students of the H. H. and Mr. College ; Pearce was the Sunday-school Mr. speaker on Mr. behalf of R. the S. J. ; W. Orsman and missions which had Olney were Mr. of the representatives the Pastor W. grown work Lang, ; and presented F. R.G.S., church's out the of remembering of France address from an worldthe the Baptist ministers but, ; Moody, the most of the American wide probably Mr.

D. influence evangelist, to the blessing he had night, was the testimony he gave important utterance, that : — printed and spoken messages derived from the Pastor's " Mr.

Spurgeon have he weeping. has has that to-night, like said, felt remember, keep back not succeeded very have but the tried to well.

tears, coming Twenty-five seventeen years building ago, perfect stranger.

a into this of a young man was converted, began preaching years ago, read after in to

spurgeon's autobiograpi'iy. H. seized me London never expecting and hear him, power, with great a desire to that, some Everything could get hold should myself be of preacher.

a day, religious things when I knew very litde about that he ever print read.

said, in did not have what he has had, — a praying My father I was converted.

father. saw Mr. I was four years I was thinking of died before as that, to-night, old. He of me advantage here by has Spurgeon's the venerable in his father side.

than he would have if he and got he perhaps an got that respect, earlier start not met; but most good mother not had have had His praying that father.

praying mothers, — God I made my way across men them! have In bless sea-sick man I was there was a ; and one. if ever for fourteen days, that the sea The I came was was could not to which place that told building.

this first I made up my mind to get in somehow, and I succeeded. get in without a ticket, but seat, and well remember very myself the seating recollect gallery.

this in x'\s your dear Pastor walked to America with me. back should take like to it him, and my heart's platform, my eyes down feasted upon desire for the just to It happened the year he preached years was to be the accomplished.

in at last sent me to America back followed him up and he Agricultural there, Hall.

Then myself, though try and preach I began to at the time a better man.

little Mr. was While followed do be should thought here, ever able to so. had gone asked home, Spurgeon everywhere ; and when, people to this at if of them ' No,' and was but ignorant I had and confess say that cathedral, to ; tell them something about the meetings addressed by Mr. Spurgeon.

In I could found my more, and I would come over again I thought learn a to 1S72, little 1 have been here a great many times since, and way back to this gallery.

never to my soul. I have had come think buildingwithout Qettinor a blessing into the I have been this Tabernacle.

as great a one here to-night as at any other time in When look down boys, when of the 600 servants orphan on of think these God who have gone out of the to preach or gospel, College from the 1,500 the of books print, and of the multitude 2,000 sermons from are that pulpit in this ' Of making many books that have come from (Scripture pen, says, the Pastor's fain enlarge upon would is no end,' and indeed his case there true,) all in is it shall not get to my other these good works, but the clock shows me do, that, if if God can Spurgeon, why let me just Mr.

use meeting But say time. in this, should He and why should we lay ourselves not all just use not the of rest us, 'Send me, use me'?

is not Mr. Spurgeon at the Master's feet, and say to Him, It He as any other man apart as weak who is God.

does the work, after is all it ; but Moses' God was almighty. Samson was Moses was nothing, from Lord. his it came back to him, then he was but when nothing when he strength his lost ; if we a mighty man in mind link our can just ; and dear that, friends, be-ar so,

autobiography, spurgeon's H. weakness to God's strength, we can go forth, and be a blessing Now, in the world.

hasten away and have others speak, another meeting, there are also to to to say to you, Mr. Spurgeon, 'God bless you I know that you love I want but to ! I love you a thousand times more than you can ever love I assure you that me, but me, because you have been such a blessing I have been to me, while a very little You are never I have read your sermons blessing for twenty-five years. you. to than when Wesley lives more going was he John to-day the to die. flesh in ; John Knox to-day than when he was lives more on Whitefield earth lives this ; Martin Luther, who has been more to-day than at any other period of his ; and life gone over three hundred Bear mind, dear that our years, friends, in lives.' still We may never meet together again but, by brother in the flesh is to live for ever.

; will meet you up yonder." the blessing of God, On Thursday was packed Tabernacle its utmost June evening, the to The capacity, while crowds in vain sought admission.

Earl of Shaftesbury, K.G., presided, and delivered a notable testimony to the Pastor's faithfulness from the first ; addresses were also given by the Revs. Canon days of his ministry until that hour U.S.A.), Newman P. Chown, Wilberforce, Giff'ord (Boston, O.

LL.B., Hall, P. J. W. Williams (Upton Chapel), and Joseph Parker, D.D., and Sir William McArthur, the Jubilee address was again M.P.

read by Mr. Carr, and the treasurers of the ; Mr. Spurgeon a cheque testimonial fund presented " free from any for ^4,500, to condition, and to remain absolutely at his disposal."

In reply, the Pastor said : "The affectionate words into my heart. to which I have listened have sunk of encouragement without being can lifted up even a very great take deal the to received will operate upon me more afterwards than level, and have ordinary all I am sure that the kindly pressure of the hand, and the way in which But just now.

told me friends, one after another, have led them the Saviour, or that that to comforted them in the time of trouble, have been a very great joy to me.

To God to me Had be is an overwhelming honour His the to be praise servant.

all it ; there been no money whatever accompanying this celebration, I should have been as I am now pleased gift, and never proposed well I never thought of as a for it.

; I did suggest that there should be some money gathered on account of the building of the house at the back, which I thought that a very is for the use of this church ; right and proper object.

" You to give me will remember that, some years ago, you were so good as nearly ^6,500 as a testimonial I went away, that night, with a very light heart, ; and 1 had handed the whole amount over to you for the Almshouses and some because ; — just the same thing That is exactly what other works. I proposed to do to-night A very I am large number over only again, do not permitted ot the that to it.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SrURGEON'S H. if my Jubilee day was made a pretext donors said that they would not give anythingThey put they had the for assisting contributed strongly as societies.

as that it ; the time before with the view of giving something to me, and they would not give a it was for my personal benefit.

At the start, second time unless in addition to paying for the Jubilee House, I proposed four objects to be helped, and I asked the donors their money to one or other of those In pursuance as they pleased.

to allot four how has been an allotment made. of there that Judge request, very that litde idea seemed to take with our friends Having it before them, and having it pressed !

upon them by myself, they have allotted £81 to the Almshouses, ^31 the 6d.

to 9s. Colportage, ^74 to to my son's Tabernacle at Auckland the Orphanage, and ^43 is a pound or two — perhaps three — allotted to societies, that ; and there ; and all is all le-ft, by the will of the it must be so, the rest is evidently Well, friends, totally free.

I accept the money for myself so and I do is the expressed desire only far as that ; What not know how it than by being allowed to give better have I can it away.

is best enjoyed by myself personally when it in some way or other for have I can use the advantage of the work of God.

I cannot be debarred from this gratification. will take some portion of this for myself. will go the length of saying that But, first, all, there will be ^1,000 needed to pay for the house, and furniture, and all of sorts Then St. Thomas's I want to give something Hospital, which helps of things.

to at my ago, my dear Some years many ot our poor Mr. Higgs, brother, friends.

usual amount, and became one of the governors of the hospital. paid the request, I want to be a governor in succession to him, — not that He is gone, and I have any Then I want to serve there except that to give the poor.

of the sick interest to church ^200, to make up what is given to the Almshouses to ;^200, and also to give they may keep to lend to persons who to the deacons ^100, which can use a loan We have no money to I am party who lend, and has lend everythe ^well. to to not go and sewing machines, do but body. speculate for large loans in in ; I should have a considerable number mangles, and some other things of that sort.

I ever had them back again, but that does not generally happen I want other so if ; are lent, and get the money back again, and persons to look after the things that Baptist Fund for the think that would be very I want, also, to give to the useful. behalf of my to make him on son of poor the Charles, ^50, a ministers, relief I should like to give ^100 to the fund for augmenting the salaries of member of it.

like to make up the amount for Colportage work I should our poor brethren.

to should like to give ^250 to the Tabernacle at Auckland. I should like to ^200. give at least ^100 to my wife's Book Fund for poor rriinisters. to read any more, friends might object I were " I have a little ; but list here if I must try and avoid I was doing contrary to all opposition to the their wish. that donors, and yet help my work and other work. I am called upon so much to help

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 2^0 H. I am kept perpetually very poor the building of chapels and such like things, that ; I do not need this money I have I want anything. things. but, not that all still, ; there has been a time when we expended all that we had, and we had nothing laid by I have a very large sum of money if anybody supposes that But whatsoever.

laid to let him make a bid it is highly probable think I shall be very glad for by, it. offer, even I had I should be a great gainer by the it were a reasonable one. that it left me, as you know, some time ago, It was a huoe fortune in the moon.

in the When the papers hand is where shall be papers everywhere it was.

it over, that ; It has ever been the case with me that, whenever I have had help given me, crlad. On the last occasion when at once more than equal there have been to calls it.

I was greatly amused at the shoal of applicants who received a testimonial from you, Though the papers stated that wrote to me for the money. I gave it all back again, One person wrote wanting help for her the same. these people applied for all it husband, that he might pay his debts on his farm, amounting to some ^500, because I had such a lot of money that I did not want any more, it was clear to her mind that I could not see how, after I should not have given back the testimonial. or else to somebody else. I beg to give over the money, had handed I could still give it to me this money, because write be useless lor to shall notice that will it so many There it without of friends.

assistance the are be able appropriate to so much work done, that, whatever comes to be to me, the here, and Institutions not 'What do it?' but 'In which with begin of shall think thing to is, first Our the honest truth when he friend spoke it most need direction do said, .'* ' ' Money I am pipe through Pastor does which is just what the want.' the the and money other with extreme one runs out end, the runs at at runs.

in it It ; and you may see daily what good to see, go If you ever wish it does. to rapidity ; go and see what God the Orphanage ; go to to the Almshouses ; 00 the Colleo-e has done through your liberality.

have nothing at your man's coveted no or " desired have gold. silver ser\'e Him Lord and your that you with Jesus the Christ, love but hands, all do generous and have people covet have But a coveted, to mio'ht.

still to your own advantage I am sure that to God's glory and about me, because is it they may not be Poor men should always His give that to be cause.

to liberal that they may not become These are Rich men give poor. should selfish poor. ' There are worthy mentioned. to be that scattereth, they motives is but, still, ; that withholdeth more than it tendeth ; and there is meet, but and yet increaseth is As a general rule, he that keeps his substance will not find it multiply to poverty.' ' good is given back to him, his hands ; but he under that gives that find shall it and running shaken and down, Besides, measure, together, pressed over.' of giving when think much have give with do plenty better not like to it ;

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAl'IiY. H. wnen If you can pinch pinch myself. a there sweetness about yourself, is What you do giving you Lord. the can dispense with, and exhibit not want, to but when you come to what )'ou do want, and give that small love Lord, to the ; to your own heart there comes then the comfortable assurance that you are really doing it unto the Lord, because of the needs of His cause.

" Now thank everybody who has gi\en a hundred pounds, and everybody who God has given a penny.

and wav you bless you, return every to in it ! One of our what brethren happened once other you, the told night, me. to a good woman gave me had been a country place, and preaching in five shillinos.

her, 'Well, my dear ' But not want your money.' I do She said, said friend, to you must it to you because I got good from take give said, 'Shall you.' it ; She answered, the College ? give about care Colleoe I don't the to it ' ' ; 'Then about Orphanage.' give care the 'No,' she you.' will to said, it ' You need ' Now, do it more than She replied, it yourself 'you take I said, do.' Lord Master and would you your have think talked that the that like to alabaster box over Him woman who came not think He and broke do the ^ I know not mean She you do worked to be unkind added, would.' extra ' ; she owed me and her give to earn and you.' told that to nothing, it it, that woman owed 'What am the Lord everything, and do asked, with to it?' ' Buy anything you She do with not what. Only, care mind, like said, it ; you must have is much mention lor yourself" because the incident in it it friends have given noble the that that testimonial.

this spirit " The The Lord The Lord Lord bless you you bless bless you, yet !

! " more and more, you and your children ! many Spurgeon Mr. acknowledging wrote gratefully the resolutions letters One of which he in connection of congratulation with received his the Jubilee.

abroad, may be given as specimens friends at home, and another to those replies to was then Western of addressed thankful written the the epistles the to first ; Baptist Association : " Dear Friends, greatly comforted and humbled by receiving your most loving " feel many sweet the so of but affection resolution. brethren, to live in It is it praising God with you His a great involves join responsibility.

special in for to me you and goodness ; and renewed your churches implore blessings for all of God The gospel us, and we do of the grace dear of a character.

like to is Lord Every not doubt publication bless year the that place. e\-ery will in its in whom Him us more and binds the they eternal to verities, to centre.

fast the man of good courage, and play for our Lord and His Word. Let us be

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. " With all my heart and which suggested thank the return you, affection your considerate action.

•' Your brother in our Lord Jesus, " C. H. Spurgeon." The Conference loving a Philadelphia Baptist ministers of sent resolution The following reply was written to the secretary: of congratulation. " Dear Sir, on my I am beg you " thank brethren behalf deeply the to all One touch affected by your brotherly love.

of grace truer sense than a has, a in nature, made us rejoice every day touch prosperity of the the of akin.

in all of God Your nation Church its youth, and you are the United is but in States.

in is old, and slow to learn, and we are with much it for a high career educating ours ; spectacles, and opening the candle, lending difficulty lighting Bible before its it it.

We cannot expect to teach Mr. Bull quite so readily as you teach Master Jonathan. We will, however, do our best ; and you will pray for us, and God will bless us. I was even now squeezing the hand of each minister, and receiving " feel as if God bless you Thank you Take it as done. a return grip. ! ! " Yours heartily, " C. H. Spurgeon." A Spurgeon Jubilee Albimt was issued Messrs. Passmore and Alabaster in by ; he sent a copy of connection with the Pastor's completion fiftieth year of his to it Lord Shaftesbury, who replied as follows : " My Dear Friend, "Your Jubilee Albitvi reached me some time ago. I am deeply obliged you have words more and and you touching the affectionate to for for still it, inscribed on the fly-leaf " My daughter in my I am is writing for me, l^ecause length lying at full still I am now, thank God, a bed, where since Saturday have been deal great last.

I have been longing to come and see attack has been very serious. better, but the ha\'e had more you, but both in the number and the importance of engagements lost a whole week by this ; and now, you see, have than this year pressure usual last attack. May our Lord ever be with to see you again before shall hope die. "Still, You know how truly I love and respect you. you, and bless you ! " Yours very affectionately, " Shaftesbury."

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