Chapter C. Mr. Spurgeon as a Literary Man

CHAPTER 5|jurgt0u ItttravD Jlan. as a :. God gave Elijah forty days' meat at one meal : do you, dear friends, ever get such meals as that? ; — not modern-thought books. I do when Give me no such fare as that,— a grain I read certain books let me have one of meal to a gallon of water of the good solid Puritan volumes that are so little but ; prized nowadays, and my soul can feed upon such blessed food that, and be satisfied with it.— as C. H. S., in sermon preached at the Tabernacle, y-une 24, 1883. If you can read a tainted book that denies the inspiration of the Scriptures, and attacks the truth of God, and if you derive any profit from it, you must be a very different being from myself.

I have to I must read them sometimes to know what is said by the enemies of the gospel, that read such books, I may defend the When those faith, and help the weaklings of the ; but is a sorry business.

flock it who are qualified to do so are reading these heretical works, if they are doing it really in the fear of God for the good of their fellow-men, they remind me of Sir James Simpson and the two other doctors when They and they discovered table, and medical value of chloroform.

the surgical the sat at scarcely knew what was going to happen ; but they took a dose each, risking their lives by so doing discovery. — C. H. S ; and when they came back certainly made to consciousness, they had , ht a great sermon pnaclied at the Taheniacle, October 2'^, 1885.

civilized; — so I am I am not though, when The world gets more I read the newspapers, told, ; — so I am The world gets more told, though, when read the intelligent quite sure that so.

is it quarterlies, — I am magazines,--! mean the high-class not certain that in that direction, is so, for, it to me I mean, the ignorance among the learned to become greater every day, the ignorance appears and scientific men, who seem to me, in their discoveries, continualljf to wander further and further, not is revealed and that which rational and only from that which infallible, but also from truthful.

is S., in Sermon pleached at the Tabernacle, May 28, 1882. C. H. What a storehouse the Bible is, since a man may continue to preach from it for years, and still find What pyramids of books that there is more to preach from than when he began to discourse upon it!

Bible, and yet we who are students find no portion over-expounded, but have been written upon the If you take Darling's CyclopirJia, and look at a text which one large parts which are scarcely touched!

will see that dozens have done the same ; but there are hundreds of divine has preached upon, you summits, whereon of preacher has never I might the texts which remain foot stood.

like virgin the Word of God still an condition Eldorado that major in of say that part almost the is is it ; unexplored, a land whose dust is gold.— C. H S., in speech a a Bible Society meeting, 1882.

Spurg-eon would be complete it contained unless of Mr. all life the books he concerning or information wrote, or read, available All who ha\-e been intimately acquainted with him, from owned.

have the omnivorous years, testified his childhood, or later to in part of the present work In the earlier character of his reading.

III.), he has himself recorded Chapter the delight with (Vol of such works study lad, he the revelled while he was but in a as which, little huge and Foxes Book Bunyan's Progress, of Martyrs, the Pilgriiii s of folios the windowless room Puritanic theology which he had discovered in the upper in The boy and old Stambourne Manse.

autobiography. spurgeon's H. ; and when he returned from Stambourne to Colchester, and afterwards companions Even at Maidstone, the same experience was repeated.

went to his uncle's school all knowledge, and so began to accumulate those as a youth, he intermeddled with many his wisdom have which encyas to describe led treasures of literary lore when was Unmasked, Popery he His only written essay, entitled clopaedic.

of age, affords abundant proof of wide reading extent of his the fifteen years at with much he and often mentioned, merriment, early period history of his that ; to be made curious arrangement school-boy connection with the the that .had in He so much more in which he took than of the kn.ew debates the rest part.

he was pupils upon almost wished which they that the subjects discuss, to all of them overthrow any consequently, an too formidable and, antagonist for to ; his young was only way companions fairly compete in which he could with the under him consideration speak question on both to allow of the sides It to !

hear him amused and amazed must have both refute fellow-scholars his his to own when they had thought had them, he arguments, uttered which, to first be unanswerable !

When he advanced that of teacher, he gladly from position of scholar the to of reading and learning everything availed himself of the opportunities increased and when had he to good account might be turned career future that his in ; become he worker Lord, spent and an earnest his a follower of Christ, for all classical and theological books that he could honestly afford in the purchase of the His were which that him.

be at of letters service the greatest likely to to mention volume frequent contained work, as given of the period, this in first his own confirmed Leeding, volumes and and Mr.

of those tutor his friend, ; One was diligence with which he mastering contents.

testimony their the as to and some was history natural of study, at of subjects that time, favourite his ; how home-going, intensely acknowledged, even have of since pupils his his lectures he gave them upon the lessons and instructive were interesting and that and up and laying perhaps useful he unconsciously, while was, the topic all ; and hearers himself were which be his service of to to telling illustrations throughout long ministry.

his his own he Spurgeon acquirements, as Mr. not did often literary refer to for him and he could work had speak he accomplished preferred the to let ; regard unfounded with his assumptions to ignore of the afford his critics to been some when had Very supposed there possibly occasionally, ignorance.

attack upon him should not pass unnoticed, which he thought unusually virulent friends by whom he to some he would briefly mention choice matter of the the statements.

utter .groundlessness of his was surrounded, and assailants' prove the

autobiography. spurgeon's H. At the close of one of the annual College Conferences, there occurred an incident delight by many who day, remembered which of this with kind, to this wer.e is, One ot the brethren who was there has recorded his reminiscences of the present.

when we on he had dinner occasion Friday, the the writes after ; as we been cheerinothe beloved with such never give cheers President shall to any man must have touched again he loving they think his heart, for left ; among forward stepped decorated place the the flowers that the his table, at and cannot way.

homely, talked us platform, a confidential to his recall in how know we welcome were but he words, exact the us that told to all I remember that he had message and Conference, privileges a the special of ot us who came from Then sympathy he went those smaller churches.

the for ot He made to speak on even had how, he school-boy, of a himself.

related as had such been his mathematical he progress with able studies that calculate to tables which he were Insurance used believed a the Life certain office in still London.

easil\' have taken recollect that he he could a distinctly also said in at Cambridge degree open had ^ and been Nonconformists, University the to if of Greek knowledge and which he he possessed Latin the referred that to at his own had then, he learned inimitable way, adding, since also time, at that, in He least some Hebrew, urged and brethren be other the things !

a to fczu them would understand books the help read diligent students, that to to all the Word languages above to study the original Scriptures but, in itself, all, ; termed what he very possible, and the themselves Bibline, with saturate to if always knew that dear Mr. Spurgeon was a great scholar essence of The Book.

have confirmed was the but delightful as a great fact well preacher, to as it his own lips the aposde yet he concluded by saying, from brethren, like 'Still, ; I am must renewed have become But our cheers Paul, glorying.' a fool in us, and he had he assured him to what said of our that told delight listening in and been had he had been what by speak the saying, others driven tor to The was was honour address of which evidently he College President.

the ot to those who, it seemed ot his heart quite unpremeditated to be the overflowing ; him perfect sympathy regarded but he knew, with with him, were only not in and the deepest esteem, reverence, love."

his own attainments and qualifiAlthough Mr. Spurgeon so seldom referred to in depicting some the Lord's most life-work, yet frequently, cations for his great ot of them which might admirably servants, he drew useful and successful likenesses preaching upon John serve of himself.

the instance, F"or full-length portraits for " He must must decrease," the Pastor said increase, but Baptist's words, how grandly he witnessed tor Christ by sinking himself until he was lost in his Lord

autobiography. spurgeon's H. And, my brother, and Master the same it must be if you would be a with you !

; you glorifies Him, must that which even though witness true say Christ, for it a very learned man sitting over yonder, and dishonours yourself Perhaps there is shall make him feel that the the temptation to the preacher is to say something that minister to whom he as some people suppose ; but not ignorant listening so is is is an unlearned, simple sinner anywhere in the place, the preacher's business if there his words down to chop condition, and that poor man's is just the learned to let ' When I am preaching, hearer receive the same message if he will.

Luther said, and and and QEcolampadius, see Dr. Jonas Melancthon, say sitting there, to myself, "Those learned doctors know enough already; I need not trouble about so the way Luther That them. poor people the the shall at aisles."' in fire is preached, and God richly blessed his ministry because he Though he was a did it.

truly learned man, he was willing as knowing nothing if by to be reckoned at all that means he could the better serve his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ."

On another a sermon John the Tabernacle, occasion, reference his at : — " Oh, that you and to in Bunyan was equally applicable to his own writings and words of the Word of God, and get that Word might get into the very heart ourinto As leaf, and consume I have seen the silkworm It, so ought selves the into eat ; — not !

the Word of we the Lord to do with over but crawl right eat surface, its till we have taken into our inmost idle merely to let the eye into parts.

it It it is glance over the words, or recollect the poetical expressions, or the historic facts to ; is blessed to eat into the very soul of the Bible until, at last, you come to talk but it . in Scriptural language, and your very style is fashioned upon Scripture models, and, what still, your the words of the Lord.

I would better flavoured with spirit is is quote John Bunyan Read anything of of what as an his, and mean.

instance He had you is almost like reading studied our see that Bible the will itself it shall come Authorized Version, which will never be bettered, as I judge, till Christ ; he had his whole being was and, though his read saturated with Scripture writings are charmingly full of poetry, yet he cannot give us his Pilgrims Progress — till it ; that sweetest of all prose poems, — without continually making us feel and say, ' Why, this man Prick him anywhere ; and you is a living Bible that his blood find will ' ! He cannot speak without Bible flows from him. is Bibline, the very essence of the quoting a text, for his soul full of the W^ord of God."

is In the compilation of the illustrative extracts for The Treasury of David, it was Inability that Mr. Spurgeon was glad to from lack of time rather than from personal friends, whose help he gratefully acknowof a few avail himself of the assistance One of these to the various volumes as they were ledged in the Prefaces issued.

the same whole, and a specimen time serve the references of as at will will it

autobiography. spurgeon's H. undertaken, and the heavy labour which had been the readers indicate careful to was which being performed.

Introduction with conscientiousness the In to it Spurgeon wrote; short,' hence long, and "'Art. is found Mr.

Vol. life is myself unequal to the unaided accomplishment of my task, and I have had to call in of my excellent friend, Mr. Gracey, the accomplished tutor of the classical the aid Pastors' College, to assist me in the w^ork of winnowing the enormous heaps of Latin Huge there some yield here and comments.

of dreary word-spinning, folios, full to my readers will be valuable enough ; and little material for thought trust, this, to repay my For coadjutor and myself for our of extracts, the selection pains.

alone am translations, we are jointly accountthe accuracy responsible of the for ; not without much expense of money, as well The as reader note able.

will that, Le his hand Lorinus, V^enema, he Blanc, has here furnished of pith the to toil, Geier, Mollerus, and Simon de Muis Gerhohus, Musculus, Martin with occasional ; Turrecremata, Marloratus, notes from Savonarola, Vatablus, Jansenius, Vitringa, I can Palanterius, Theodoret, and others, as they were judged worthy of insertion.

in order to I have never tlinched from a difficult)', or spared exertion, truly say that it, either by my own lay in my power make the work to render as complete as it endeavours or the help of others."

Perhaps, among the one Mr. Spurgeon's published that gives the works, all whole range with expository idea of the of familiarity his best his literature, is title. Commenting under half-crown volume.

Issued unpretentious unattractive the The book and a most since been has accepted long Coninientaries.

as reliable commendations frequently quoted appeal, and and standard are valuations of its The purpose the volume, and labour catalogues of theological works.

the of in its completion, are thus described by its author necessary for : " Divines who have have of holy great studied us the Scriptures stores left which we do never be thought Their can substitute expositions well a use.

to as water poured down a dry pump for our own meditations often starts but, it ; mind to bring up working own, water the reading suggestive of so sets in its its own do however, motion on Here, Students not account.

the difficulty. is it easy to choose which works to buy, and their slender stores are often wasted find poor man from books on a comparatively worthless can save of a kind.

If his money or, by that which spending directing a brother not bread, a for to is good book, may enable him to dig deeper into the mines of truth, shall be well For tolled, and read much, and passed under review this purpose I have repaid.

I have compiled my catalogue, From these some three or four thousand volumes.

Though yet making a very varied selection. rejecting many, I have carefully used I have doubtless made many errors such judgment as possess, certainly shall ;

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 2/0 H. all my criticisms, and some persons may be angry find very few who will agree with have, however, done my best, and, with at my remarks.

as much impartiality as He who I have nothing extenuated nor set down aught in malice. I can command, to execute the work finds fault will do well only let him remember in better style ; will have my to plough with, and therefore ought that he heifer reason to in all I have used a degree of pleasantry in my remarks on the Commentaries, excel me.

for my own as much for that of my a dry for a catalogue and, sake as affair, is mirthful vein here and For this, I have indulged the I hope readers, there.

I shall Few can conceive the amount I do not win commendation. escape censure, even if myself and my which both has compilation involved, industrious of to this toil amanuensis, Mr.

the books have been L. Keys. In almost every actually case, J. examined by myself, and my opinion, whatever it may be worth, is an original one.

A complete all comments has Numbers not been of volumes attempted. list of have been they were or were judged out because to be not easily obtainable, left worthless, although some of both these classes have been admitted as specimens, or procure them, and because as warnings.

Latin authors few not can are Inserted, We are fewer still can read them with not, however, ignorant of their value.

ease. The Books have on mastered completely Prophetical us and, the writers after ; list, we could not almost completing a in our conscience believe that a tithe of full therefore we and them would bewilderment, anything but student the yield to We number reverence the dimensions.

the of reduced small teachingthe to for many of the professed expounders prophets, and the Apocalypse of those ; but inspired Books, we entertain another feeling."

Some of the readers of Mr. Spurgeon's sermons and other works, noticing how in which seldom he to the languages the inserted quotations, or referred classical Scriptures were written, may have imagined that he was not acquainted with those The of wisdom can be and omission knowledge.

reason the treasures for real " Commenting" gathered from his warning words to his students in his lecture on : A pedant, who is continually quoting Ambrose and Jerome, ''Avoid all pedantry.

Piscator and CEcolampadius, in order to show what a copious reader he has been, is wares, and quotes only what others have quoted before usually a dealer small in ; but he who can give you him result and outcome of very extensive reading, the As a general without sounding a trumpet really learned man.

before him, the is it may be observed that those gentlemen who know least Greek are the the rule, they miss no chance of saying, most sure to air their rags of learning in the pulpit It makes a man an Inch and a-half taller, by a foolometer, 'The Greek Is so-and-so.' bits of Greek and Hebrew, and even the people if he constantly lets the tells fall Those who I have known some do. tense of the verb and the case of the noun, as

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRArHY. 2/1 H. usually make the pegs on which learning have no of displaying point a learning is to be carried on in ought to hang.

Brethren, the whole process of interpretation to show your congregation the process, but to give them ; you your study are not like a good cook, who would never think of bringing up dishes, and pans, the result ; rolling-pin, and spice-box and into the dining-room, but without sends ostentation up the feast."

In the volume of lectures to students, on The Art of ///iistration, the President all kinds of literature from which his wide acquaintance with incidentally indicated The and might be emblems, metaphors, anecdotes, similes illustrations, culled.

extract shows how illustration used by Henry Spurgeon turned an Mr. following Ward Beecher to a different purpose from the one intended by the eminent quite American preacher : "When a generally makes critical adversary attacks he our metaphors, short To friendly minds, images are arguments work of them. opponents, they ; but to the enemy climbs up by the Comparisons window.

opportunities for attack are ; ways what seems which both are swords with two cut and, edges, frequently, ; illustration may be a sharp and to cause turned against you, so as wittily telling rely upon your metaphors and parables.

therefore, do not a laugh at your expense ; may man mind Even if he from defend can himself superior a second-rate a Here gun instance which upon is an himself dexterously turn assailant's his these lectures have myself, and all along give concerns that reason, : — since for it one ' Mr.

religious papers from been of our a cutting autobiographical. It is Sword and The up been Beecher Trowel. In has tripped the neatly his in Spurgeon " in succeeded Mr. he has Preaching, Lectures on that asserts spite remark "the any camel does Calvinism;" not the adciing that of travel his the hump The more on because any back."

of nor : — " Naturalists useful, better, its is it Spurgeon Mr. thus not a one, retorts for felicitous illustration is camel's hump is of great importance of the Arabs, the eyes assure us that the in who judge and of their beasts by firmness shape, condition of the the of size, his hump when he The camel feeds upon their humps.

traverses the wilderness, and sandy over animal the the wastes, proportion travels suffers as so that in and mass he diminishes and not a from the longfor privation fatigue, is fit ; the hump regained Calvinism, has usual proportions.

journey then, is its till a man ways on spiritual meat which labour of Christian enables the the to in a hump those who by though only lookers-on, are ridiculed as and, service ; know those who weary experience wilderness paths too of well a traverse the even if a could splendid Beecher's to be with willing to part talents its value it, " be sfiven in exchang-e."'

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SPURGEON'S H. 1']'. of The Szvord and the Trotvel, from twenty-eight volumes The to of many thousands of books the beloved Editor read either that notices contain He of them.

reviews to be or examined write also able to sufficiently throuoh, he was aware unfavourable an read many that he well that review, did not for to advertize erroneous teaching, and he thought in his magazine would help notice method His works usual course was such altogether.

ignore of wiser to the doctrinally, — was book, — either morally or tear dealing with a thoroughly bad to to commit to do harm anyone, bodily or to small to too pieces it litde into it the sentence executed upon many volumes cast doubt that This was flames.

the His atoning or of the the efficacy sacrifice, our Lord, upon of Divinity the were of the Scriptures, though some kind works allowed of that to inspiration of some the of writings religious the of character the evidences remain of as instance, a volume by a very prominent Baptist In one notable leaders of the day.

minister — with whom from whom he friendly, but Mr. Spurgeon was personally with considerable theologically,— was adversely criticised separated was widely proof a Editor sent the of the to publishing the Before notice, it severity.

it from the magazine. request, omitted then, at his urgent author of the book, and a comOn writers have and frequently that testified publishers hand, other the the means of selling a whole Troivel has been Szvord and the The mendation in works, while of their success to ensure the materially helping all or of edition, who are well acquainted with the magazine are fully aware of the unique character " Notices of Books."

of the Editor's to Mentone, Mr. Spurgeon was always well supplied Even on his holiday trips with material for reading, for not only did he take large quantities of books with him, of his enforced absence the time to him but many during were out sent others He in making purpose, selection for this his took from home.

generally care, such or two Puritans, as favourite one biographies, and some of his include to Manton or Brooks.

be some On one there seemed of likelihood his literary occasion, to little It may they were be French that by the luggage being confiscated officials.

Eugenie had ex-Empress crossed because the time, that suspicious, at specially tell how much Imperialistic the Channel by the same steamer, and they could not Although could they smuggled find was Republic.

being the into literature volumes carefully examined the of several they of a contraband nothing nature, friends, and others Pastor's own works which were presents intended for as dear which they nothing him finding review which had been to but, sent for to ; mystic mark which gave admission last appended free the they at could object, the huge portmanteau contained.

that to all

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. Mr. Spurgeon was a very quick reader, but the rapidity of his glance the at page did not interfere with the completeness of his acquaintance with contents.

its He could read from cover to cover of a large octavo or folio volume in the course of a very short space of time, and he would thus become perfectly familiar with all that Dr. William Wright, the Editorial Superintendent of the it contained.

late British and Foreign Bible Society, gave a remarkable instance of this combination of speed and accuracy, as a notable testimony Mr. Spurgeon's as well literary to ability, in for The British Weekly the reminiscences which he wrote in February, : — " Mr. Spurgeon visited Belfast in In of a lengthy article, Dr. Wright said the course I was then preparing a hankering enter College, with Indian after the to He singled me Mr. Spurgeon preached Cooke's Dr.

church. Service. in I thought, — and spoke to me as out, — as if no one else was present. There was no thrumming of theology, and no pious posing ; but a clear, direct, hot, living, personal not be went appeal the Taberdare years Fifteen that resisted.

to later, nacle, on my way home from The same Damascus. straightforward Englishman was preaching the same straightforward gospel fulness, and without any in all its apology for I walked After the into the vestry without being severity.

service, its He had not seen me for ten years, but he recognized me in the crowd announced.

He a moment's without books on over Syria and ran a of the hesitation. list of each, and ended by saying, suppose Thomson's Palestine, stating the merits ' The Land and the Book He had the the manners and customs.' still the best on is whole literature of the Holy Land at his finger-ends.

" When came Mr. Spurgeon's be near neighbour, found to that his knowledge His power literature was reading was of wonderful.

perhaps of all He would sit down six large books, and master them at never equalled.

five or to He sat with his left hand the page flat on one sitting. at the left side of the book, and pushing his right hand up the page on the right side until the page projected a He took finger, and proceeded little, he turned to the next page.

it over with his at a glance, reading by sentences as others read by words, in the contents almost He made a point of readingand his memory never failed him as to what he read.

as he wished his mind of the hardest books every week, rub up half-a-dozen to ; and there was no the strongest minds several times had an skipping. against reading, and never found thoroughness him opportunity of his the of testing at fault.

" Drummond's Natnral Laiu in the Spiritual JVorld reached him and me about the same time.

I called on Mr. Spurgeon when he was fresh from a perusal the of It was then unknown fame, and he had read book.

with or other to five six it we At were speaking of illustrations, and books.

the freshness of the the tea, taught, when a party challenged Mr. Spurgeon's peculiarity of the doctrines third S4

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. Spuro-eon thereupon a whole page Mr. quoted of certain recollection points. to Drummoncl spoke of the natural and show identical, and spiritual laws being that On my return home, another important page to show how the book erred by defect.

believe he scarcely missed a word looked over the passages quoted, and in the His power of swift and effective reading was one of the greatest of his repetition.

many talents. first surprised to find Mr. Spurgeon consulting both the Hebrew and I was at '• ' They say,' I am Greek ' that ignorant and said texts. unlearned. Well, he, let everything, by my ignorance, and by my knowledge, let God them ; and say in it be glorified.' He spared no pains to be sure " His exegesis was seldom wrong. of the exact On one meaning of his occasion, he was going to preach on the text.

subject of tree; and he keeper the sent secretary Natural History olive the his of the to Museum, Department of the with a regarding British the questions of series so much Mr.

keeper, was peculiarities of the Carruthers, the interested tree. in but when that he enquiry Spurgeon wrote pages out the Mr. several the for ; sermon came to be preached, the information had been passed through the crucible and came Bunyanesque Spurgeon's Mr.

mind, few of a sentences. forth in Sometimes, when not know left him on Saturday he evening, did either of his ; and when he saw But he had a well-stored mind for Sunday. texts his of lines Before we parted, thought, a few catchwords on a half-sheet of notepaper sufficed.

he used to offer up a short prayer which was an inspiration to both of us.

" Mr. Spurgeon had a marvellous combination gifts which contributed to his of A voice that you heard with A pleasure, and greatness. not help hearing. could knowledge — whether nature — that mind came absorbed books from that or all An eye saw angle, and in a wide that took within range.

everything within its A memory that he treated with confidence, and that never disappointed him.

view. A great heart, on of God and And then he with the love the of souls. love fire showed a practical comnion things, both sacred and in doing secular, and a sense singleness of aim, joined with transparent honesty, that ensured the confidence of all You could not help loving him who knew him. if you came within his spell." On Stanford Holme two Dr. occasions. Transatlantic wrote, specially for J. readers, articles upon Mr. Spurgeon's printed sermons and other works, in which he trace some endeavoured literary and sources the of of the preacher's spiritual to The first the American edition of The Christian critique was published power.

in In that paper. Dr. Stanford Holme wrote: Herald, in January, fact worthy of especial notice that the sermons of Mr. Spurgeon have " It a is Of the American had a country without precedent.

circulation entirely in this

autobiography. spurgeon's H. And of his sermons, there have been less than 500,000 volumes. sold not edition to this vast number, we add the almost innumerable republications of single when, sermons no other say the the of periodicals transient that day, safe to in is it preacher has had so extensive a hearingin America as Charles H. Spurgeon.

" Many of the causes of the wonderful popularity of this distinguished preacher simplicity and In freshness and vigour of thought, are not difficult discover. to in purity of language, in grasp of gospel truth, and in tact and force in its presentation, he is perhaps without a peer in the pulpit.

the New "When, life, Mr. Spurgeon commenced his ministrations early in in London, house he Park overflowing.

Chapel, quickly Street the old to in filled But he was regarded by many as Soon, he attracted the attention of England. all Yet Mr. Spurgeon a brilliant meteor that would soon fade away. is, to-day, a vastly more a more preacher than he was twenty efificient and even ago.

years brilliant He continues No one to grow efficiency year by year. brilliancy as well as in in can of exhaustion yet point to the slightest faculties or his indication either his in resources.

to his industry and well-directed "This, doubtless, in a measure, is attributable, But Mr.

and personal well great as as application, natural piety. to ability Spurgeon's peculiar views of the Word of God, and his manner of preparation for hiexhajistible variety which so the pulpit, also tend in no small degree to secure the his web his manner out of his sermons.

strikingly characterizes not spin to It is The resources from which he draws are not measured by the strength and himself.

the store of his own faculties, but rather by the of the Divine Word. fulness infinite He never preaches from a He always has a a mere His text is not topic. text. He uses his text with as much apparent reverence motto, but iu it he finds his sermon.

that God had and words were only words few ever if those appreciation as the The text is the germ which furnishes the spirit, and the substance spoken.

life, the Every sermon has the fragrance, and colour flavour, and of the discourse.

peculiar of the Divine seed-truth of which Thus, as the Bible is the growth.

is a storeit house of seed-truths, inexhaustible and of infinite variety, so Mr. Spurgeon's sermons If he brings you up Every seed are never kind. yields after fruit alike. its its side, or in a new again and again to the same old is always on a different truths, it lieht, or with new surroundings.

"A very strong confirmation of this view has been afforded to the author in the In making up of Mr.

Spurgeon's index of works. preparation, of an the edition entire fourteen volumes, page it was necessary to go carefully through the subjects, arrange them discussed, and by page, and then note the topics different to in to When finished, such was the wonderful variety this work was alphabetical order.

in many thousands of references, no of subject, of thought, and of illustration, that,

autobiography. spurgeon's H. The illustrations, were found exactly to correspond. subjects, or thoughts, or two He preacher is discussing essentially the same familiar truths over and over again.

sinners, with what might seem slavish is presenting the same great Saviour to lost And yet his setting fidelity to the spirit and even to the letter of the written Word.

his modes forth of truth, his shades of thought, and illustration, always arrange of in new and with well-nigh forms colours the endless themselves of the variety combinations and tints of the clouds at the setting of the sun.

is not surprising, therefore, that sermons so varied, fresh, and Evangelical, "It should have one nor a newspaper, country, large "a so circulation that of this in sermon the weekly of which Spurgeon, Mr.

should of the attractions special is is already accorded to The Christian Herald."

have the reception which The New Holme's was York second published Stanford Dr.

article in An extract from it will show in what esteem February, Honiiletic Monthly, 1S82.

luagnuni opus was held by Mr. Spurgeon's the writer : announcement have no " It of an seen is with the that satisfaction little American Treasury a most of Mr. Spurgeon's of David.

only not edition It is Commentary Psalms on for general but regard the valuable the as use, it homiletic work most important of the age.

He " Mr. a good Hebrew a man of deep practical Spurgeon scholar. is is He wonderful depths has a taste, a the of the insight poetic into piety.

fine human of expression, and a vigour and and a quaintness vivacity of heart, style, in giving point and that have the of genuine expressions.

wit his to effect life " These, rare combination will be acknowledged, form of a qualifications it expositor of the Book of Mr. Spurgeon adds two for an Psalms.

But, to these, more His and other especial valuable. work, rare the qualifications for still Word among most and appreciation reverence of the are inspired the for The Word of God and man.

rerharkable characteristic of the features to is He ' and sharper him and two-edged any thing of power, a than sword.' life sees God the very words Horeb, on bush Like a of the chapter, the Bible.

in his own glows use or a with splendour, and, single verse, times, at to celestial ' Hundreds of God, times have words, presence the the of surely as in felt when page Lord speaking he heard ever of a the Scripture, as Elijah did in He seems never small to be in his study of the Scriptures, voice.' still satisfied, to him Spirit, and becomes till every single verse verified by the is thus a living word.

"Another Spurgeon Mr. work, not special qualification less for this ot a passion — to and knows important no bounds a extraordinary, desire that is help preach seem which would others he gospel be of himself the that to

SPURGEON's AUTOBIOGRAniY. H. When Reynolds, who was Joshua greatest herald. regarded living Sir the as some scraped from works painter of greatest the paint of time, the his off of Titian and Da Vinci, in order that he might find out the secret of their wonderful to make mixing and known he blending the of refused colours, in skill his As down as he he threw by discoveries his pupils.

the ladder could, to far a man which he had himself attained Spurgeon Mr.

greatness. another of to is Himself one of the preachers, and excelled by few of greatest of living spirit.

of his power all he he does can former the ages, reveal secrets the world, to to to make and than himself others greater and, our which, possible, that in if ; Treasury of David of such value estimation, makes The a minister that to its is, spirit and peculiar construction introduce Mr.

Spurgeon's witnesses, as into us, more method manner and and workshop, enable us see clearly his of to we can than even preparation the printed pulpit discourses, or his for in in Here we may examine sermons students.

lectures stages his his of to in all development, — here we may learn how sermons grow.

Indeed, study a careful of The Treasury of David reveals the whole secret of the strength of this Samson The work might with propriety be called The Treasttry of David, of the pulpit.

and the Arcamun of SptirgeonT Many other tributes ability and achievements have to Mr. Spurgeon's literary One of the most his home-going.

lifetime and since been borne, both during his testimonies was given by representative and comprehensive James of these Dr.

Spurgeon H. Memorial, Stockwell unveiling Stalker of the the the at at Orphanage, on June loving esteem After speaking which, the of in in common he Spurgeon, Mr.

held his fellow-countrymen, bulk with great the of Dr. Stalker said : " Perhaps you will allow me to say a word or two about his power as a writer, age, when sympathy this democratic his power to express himself In in writing.

it often seems to me wonderful that the power is on everyone's with the masses lips, We have scores of ministers who of communicating with the multitude is so rare.

but a book frankly and for the world are ambitious cultivated of writing of the ; in language which he can understand, successfully addressing the average man, is really requires very exceptional power.

one of the rarest products of the press. It human knowledge and knowledge of requires requires of nature, It life.

It it requires command of simple and common sense it requires wit and humour ; and ; powerful Saxon.

may them "Whatever had Spurgeon an Mr. requirements the in be, To respect, you unexampled match have, think, degree.

in this his in find England, to go back to John Bunyan. is the unapproachable master in this Luther

autobiography. spurgeon's H. I am not surprised to see so many pictures of Luther, on the walls department, and is the closest resemblance between to-day, collected by Mr. Spurgeon, because there find how he cultivated this power.

the two men. in Luther's is wonderful, to It life, When he was at the height of his fame, we find him writing to Nuremberg, that he might have sent to him all the chap-books, songs, and children's stories that could He that he might himself of said simplicity be exercise expression."^' found, in field, the mother in the home, and the himself that he watched the peasant the in He translated ^sop's boys on the street, that he might learn to speak and to write.

Fables, and made a large collection of popular proverbs with his own hands.

This of Mr. Spurgeon, who did the same thing on a still larger scale in his reminds us I am not surprised that Mr. Thomas And called The Salt-cellars. excellent books in my to John Ploughmaiis because, a Talk, opinion, that Spurgeon is referred immortality among popular wit and wisdom the of certain that of collection is that, year after year, he poured into the sermons it was But of England.

classics all the resources of his genius, and these fitted the mind and the heart without stint of our day have even no the Anglo-Saxon writings race as multitude of of the approached doing.

" But I should like to be allowed to say that, while he thus addressed himself so frankly to the common men, he had far more learning than was generally understood.

refused the degree which you. Dr. Spurgeon, so I do not know whether he often I am sure of this,— that he earned the degree much I suppose he did ; but adorn.

it has been my wont, For many years, of a doctor of divinity over and over again.

his Commentary on the Psalms along to read over week after week, every season, That in existence on this subject.

with the best and most learned Commentaries is to which a minister can put the writings of any the best test, and the severest test, Not only do you everywhere author, and Mr. Spurgeon feel stands the test well.

the presence of a vigorous and vigilant mind, and a heart in thorough sympathy with I have often been perfectly astonished I wish to say that the spirit of the Psalms, but to observe how, without any parade of learning, he shows himself to be thoroughly ; and the truth acquainted with the results of the most advanced scholarship is, that importance, — scarcely a point upon Psalms of the real is scarcely a point there in us anything of real importance, — as to which there are which scholarship can give not sufficient hints to the intelligent reader in Mr. Spurgeon's work."

an approximate idea of the extent of Mr. Spurgeon's To give anything like it would be necessary to years' ministry in London, reading during thirty-eight his theological and biographical works published make a list of nearly all the principal that Mr. Spurgeon adopted a very similar method of perfecting his acquaintance with the language * is worthy of note It and literature of the peasants of England.

AUTOBIOGRArilV. SPURGEON's H.

autobiography. spurgeon's 2So H. during that period, and to add it a large portion of the other standard literature to centuries, and almost the whole of the volumes issued of the present and previous The number and by Mr.

value Puritan period. the of great divines the of Spurgeon's own masters of theology are probably of those copies writings of the library, and he was always on that he for any unique for a the look-out private he might make complete not did that as collection possess, so his possible.

as were examined which were mentioned, always they Booksellers' catalogues, in ; and an order for the missing volumes that might be on sale was at once quickly to make sure of getting them.

or, more probably, a messenger was despatched sent, Pastor's part enabled him This promptness on the to secure treasures which often some collectors would been have glad they other enIn obtain.

instances, to deavoured to persuade him to relinquish his bargain ; one gentleman their favour in induced Dr. McLaren to write this letter, on his behalf, to Mr. Spurgeon : " Manchester, a ^ 'Q _ ^ " My Dear Friend, "A friend of mine to get a book, which you unwittingly is very wishful The reason took out of his mouth from some catalogue.

enclose copy of title. is descended from the Fleetwoods to whom, is that he for his special desire to get it is dedicated, and that, somehow or other, it proves some point of family history in it which he and his people are much If you would allow him to purchase interested. that may be, he would be very much obliged, and it of you its value, whatever at of another copy, you should have would undertake if ever he heard it with that, many you to ask you Seeing to have book, his anxiety thanks.

offered the if would part with it. I hope you are able for your work, and are walking " the is sorely in light. It it is hard to sing or even to say in a darkened cage. shadowed for me, and " I am, " My dear friend, " Yours faithfully, "Alexr. McLaren." The following title of the volume, which was Sir William dedicated the to is " Lord Sir George Lieutenant General Fleetwood, and Fleetwood, Tleetwood, of when Lord Cromwell was England army and whole Scotland " Oliver the in Protector : Triangle of Dangers, DeOld Jacob's Altar ncivly repaired; Saint's the or, many and improved liverances, and practically personal, Ahitional, in Duties, seasonable and experimental. Being the Ansioer of his own Heart to Particiilars, God, for eminent Preservations ; humbly recommended, ivay of Teaching, by 7inta

autoriography. spurgeon's H. special Renieinbrancev to the Ransomed of the Lord, a and, to azvakcn as all ; in mercy ; that they may sing them sense of rich the song of Moses for a temporal, and the song of the Lamb, for spiritual Deliverances ; to provoke them to Love, and, and good works ; By Nataneel Whiting, Mr of Arts, and Minister of the Gospel, London T. for A^athaneel Ekins, and are Printed at Aldwinckle. by R. be to : S. Pauls Church-yard, i6^g. sold at his Shop, at the Signe of the Gunne, in Dr. McLaren Mr. Spurg'eon explained wishing reasons retain to to his for the volume, and this message confirming card bearing a post received, reply, in his own I would in your were decision not with part place.

either, if it A. McLaren." The next year, Mr. Spurgeon and Dr. Angus saw, in a catalogue, the particulars An a second-hand volume which each of them concerning desired possess.

to show was exact copy of of book which entry the Pastor kind the the will for always on the look-out : " 1040— Turner (J.) Choice Experiences of the kind dealings of God before, and after Conversions, laid in, down in Six with some Heads, General Observations upon the same, 1653.— Allen together brief etc., (W., General in Ireland) Captive taken from the strong the gratious release or a true of of relation ; from the Power 1658.— The Huish Deborah Tempter, Man's the of Defence, the or Roj-al Just etc., being the declaration of the judgment of James Arminius of I.eyden, concerning the principall Conquest ; before the States of Holland and Westfriezland, translated by Tobias Conyers, of Religion points 1657. — Faith and Cambriage, of Thirty Congregations, gathered the according Practice of Peter House, to vol, sm.

Pattern, Primitive thick 8vo, in old binding, etc., i6s." volume Spurgeon Dr. Angus, on and secured Mr. the finding out, this ; to him wrote follows as : " College, Regent's Park, " March 18S6, " My Dear Friend, " You and But now of a mind and very pleasant are often it is.

: You and then Bull and ordered, on Saturday, a book it works inconvenience.

in on was you list, which ordered behind Auvache's Saturday, but too ; ; Do them you especially want want all?

Choice Experiences, Turner's etc. and Practice and of Thirty Congregations ; (i) Faith Turner, sake the for (2) is there, — Spilsberie's recommendations.

of what I expect take one and want both " If you do both or leave not these, will will ; Captive' and 'The Judgment you 'The which last ought have of Arminius,' to some will take what you can value, though not quite sound, suspect. spare, to keep them what you If you give you and ask wish for them. will not all, grumble, all best wishes, 'in the Witli family. as all is it ' "Yours very truly, Angus." "J.

spurgeon's autobiography. H. Spurgeon appears Mr. up gave that In instance, this purchase, his as it Dr. Angus was to obtain some treatises bound up anxious the one of the so in it seemed and volume, them.

separate a pity to Mr. Spurgeon not only possessed a large number of volumes by Puritan writers, but he was and, from earliest days of the their contents fully conversant with the ; He also helped them to Pastors' College, he sought to interest his students in them. purchase considerable quantities of the new editions issued by Mr. Nichol, Messrs.

Nisbet and and President prepared other a In the publishers. years, Co., later divines, and delivered them at series of lectures on several Puritan of the principal the College, accompanying the sketches of their lives with extracts from their works, to become acquainted with of their comopinions thus enabling the brethren his The lectures have not yet parative merits, and characteristics of their style.

of the been published in compiling them, and ; but just involved the labour a hint as to contrasted, may be some idea of the way in which the writers were compared and to one of Mr. Spurgeon's smaller volumes. Illustrations gathered from the Preface and Meditations ; or, Flowers from a Puritan s Garden ; Distilled and Dispensed by C. H. Spurgeon ; in which he wrote : "While commenting hundred was and upon one Psalm, nineteenth the Manton, who has discoursed into most intimate communion with Thomas brought I have come upon that marvellous portion of Scripture with great fulness and power.

to know him so well that I could pick him out from among a thousand divines if he display among modern men were again put on portly form, and that counhis to tenance wherein was 'a great mixture of majesty and meekness.' His works occupy ; — a mighty mountain of sound theology. twenty-two volumes in the modern reprint They mostly consist of sermons They are not so sparkling as ; but what sermons ! those of Henry Smith, nor so profound as those of Owen, nor so rhetorical as those of Howe, nor so pithy as those of Brooks of Watson, nor so those fascinating as ; and yet they are second For to none of these.

sensible forcibly instruction, solid, Manton delivered, they cannot be surpassed.

is not brilliant, but he is always clear ; There he is not striking, but he oratorical, but he ; he is not is powerful is deep.

not a poor discourse the whole ; they are evenly good, constantly collection in is Ministers who know Manton wonder need do they not are not excellent.

if themselves unknown. into my " Inasmuch as Manton used but it came fia"ures and illustrations, iQ.\N felt sure that they would be very natural and forcible.

head to note them for all, it worth while to go through volume after volume, and mark the metaphors thought ; I resolved to complete the task by culling the best figures out of the whole and then in my Thus my communing of Manton's ends Puritan works.

great with the

SPURGEOn's AUTOBIOGRAriiY. H. of my in new frames pictures, and hanging them up his house of his clearingall I do not rob him As I leave his right to them unquestioned and unconcealed, own. ; influence by giving him another opportunity of speaking increase his the rather, One of work leads on his Lord and another, and labour kind Master.

to for is it not been for The Treasiiry of David, ; had I might lightened by being diversified not have been found spending so much time among the metaphors of Manton."

To successive generations of students. Mr. Spurgeon read Dr. James Hamilton's was hear volumes brethren Christian the a of treat four to to Classics.

It who work thoroughly they appreciate by one but could so such read a it, probably enjoyed even more the comments and criticisms upon the various writers It was readings were their works with which the rarely indeed and interspersed.

President found any mention of an author with whose writings he was not that the He also constantly gave the hints, garnered students helpful thoroughly familiar.

to the books likely to be most useful to them, from his own experience, with regard afterwards when their College course and setded ministry the or both during in The informal gatherings under "The Question Oak" in the foreign mission field. " Westwood " many Mr. brethren ascertain the opportunities to afforded for at in general, and especially opinions upon to learn from literary matters Spurgeon's all that they could concerning the books which most affected them as theological him " Should novel-reading One President was, questions put to the of the reply was: — "That depends upon what you students.

His in by be indulged ministers.'^" The Pilgrinis Progress and many of the best books we have are mean by a novel.

though records they are of not actual they sense are the that novels, fact, in Then, works such there are again, experience.

Christian as absolutely true to ; many of them are founded on fact, and are well worth reading Sir Walter Scott's as a picture of the people and places he so ably describes, as well as for the style of Some Their value Charles of largely their truth.

historical writing. in his lies reading, although he has given gross are worth Dickens' works caricatures of the the general run of novels now being As issued of his times.

religious for in life to leave them alone i^^N of them would be such shoals, you will probably be wise ; likely to do you any good, and many of them are morally tainted, or worse.'' At one of the meetings under the oak, Mr. Spurgeon told the students that he times, and that, as a kind least a hundred had read Bunyan's Pilgrim s Progress at of mental relaxation, he had constantly returned to the study of various branches of natural history, and, for a change, he had turned his attention to astronomy, botany, "Astronomy on and other published Source a lecture In of sciences.

as his the brethren how Illustration," he showed could be sciences the as utilized all He also said that he always liked to have a life and work. illustrations of Christian

H. the record of what the Lord that he could turn few o-Qod biographies handy, so to " Lives" His own collection of the had enabled His servants to do in the of past.

conversation with him it was one, and individuals was a very extensive in notable soon evident that he was fully aware of the main facts in the careers of almost all of it was impossible to mention anyone who had been eminently useful, Indeed, them.

that Mr. Spurgeon was ignorant of the man in the world, and find notorious, to or had made himself more or woman in most instances, he completely referred to ; their histories by giving lectures upon them to his congregation or acquainted with students, or by writing summaries of their biographies for the benefit of the readers of his magazine.

Pastor W. Williams has his Personal Reminiscences of Charles preserved, in Haddon Spnrgeon, the following jottings concerning his beloved President's allusions to literary matters, which will serve as specimens of the remarks that Mr. Spurgeon ' What books are you reading frequently made when conversing with his friends ' V'ery ' Carlyle's French Revolution i answered. now?' he asked me, one day. of nervous, bracing thought and ; but good fine work, stirring facts a full is it ; unless simpler histories of France true worth it cannot be appreciated think at its I would not advise anyone to take Carlyle as a have been read before beginning it.

That first Napoleon was a is a good Scott's Life of Napoleon history. first study. He been have had a mind, and no mistake man. his successors really great ; 'You 'Oh, ^os^^i^?, Johnson, of comparison.' course.' like insignificant in sir, ; and it stands unrivalled, and probably ever will is the biography I think yes that ; !

Oliphant's Life of Edivard Irving come Lockhart's Life of Scott and Mrs. next. 'Oh, dear! have 'No, not read Pickwick, Williams?' not You've yet.' like once more^ to enjoy I had should was going to say I wish I did it as not, for The humour of You have a treat in store. is about perfect.' at the first reading. it He " The Story of Egypt the Nations read him. greatly interested series the others as they came out. times, and eagerly took up through at least three It to hear him talk about the people and was exceedingly entertaining and instructive . We had on the volumes with which several different countries talks, deal.

He some of them and had read Shakespeare. about plays, his occasions, all ' Westwood ' gave me an education many the matter Saturdays in times. at I seldom came away without one or two. it was a of many choice But books, and charming poem some Mr. Spurgeon read himself or hear greater treat to still I remember, when Miss Havergal's po&ms, Under the Surface, chapter. instructive ' From Glory unto Glory' The one were issued, how he revelled in them. entitled ' over the tea-cups.' His eyes sparkled with delight, and filled he read one evening third and magnificent of joy, as he reached stanzas of that with fourth the tears sono-.'

autobiography. spurgeon's H. On several occasions, Mr. Spurgeon found himself in the company of a number of High Church clergymen, and they were always greatly surprised to find that the far more minister was on works with the their side Baptist of the familiar conThey while he spoke troversy than they themselves discovered were.

also that, him commendation appeared be Scriptural of that the heartily to to in in all Isaac Williams, and other divines Neale, Dr. writings of Dr. Pusey, Dr. Littledale, of their school of thought, he was able to give good reasons for not accepting their The same sacramentarian and very manifest sacerdotal theories.

characteristic is Commenting and works upon remarks referred the his his to Ritualistic in in for one Space can only be spared Conimcutaries. representative instance, fairly Dr. John Mason Canticles, Preached in a Religio^ts Hoit-se, Neale's Sermons on the — upon which Mr. Spurgeon thus comments : " By of High Churchmen, These sermons Neale.

smell Dr. that highest of Our good cannot be ointment savour our Lord's Popery, of yet the hid.

we do character Protestantism questionable a are not afraid that of so to is therefore we do and Papists and not say Anglicans, that hesitate justice to to ' Sermons by a many a devout thought has come to us while reading these Priest " of the Church of England.' and Other varied extensive people the noticed beside theologians often On Mentone, one Spurgeon knowledge that Mr.

of possessed. his to visits company man, he was . a the eminent medical and, an while, with after in which round anatomy, various diseases physiology, conversation to drifted to modes adopted and treatment their of for the remo^:^al.

different flesh heir, is The companion's completeness was of astonished the doctor his quite at and he afterwards every acquaintance said the with of part subject, He remarkable men to-' know seems Spurgeon most is one ever met.

the of the human body as any medical man might have done as much ; he would about have made a splendid physician."

towns, the Tabernacle, seaport various Ariiong the hearers or Pastor's at in many and eagerness have been the with intense listening often sailors fOuncF, ; men make known him have never sea have a they of the that often testified M.A., James Rev.

mistake only and, Neil, recently, nautical allusions his in ; who spent borne accuracy has twenty years witness the similar Palestine, to in of Mr. Spurgeon's descriptions of Biblical manners and customs, thereby confirming the verdict by Dr. Wright, mentioned in a previous part of the present chapter.

Many of ''John Ploughman's" readers have wondered that he could tell them so much about how mow."

and and and plough Part " to reap that sow, ot

autobiography. spurgeon's H. no doubt, dated back farming early visits to Stamfamiliarity with his to affairs, walks among bourne, and furrows by godly plough man^ the the of the side his ; and part must be attributed to his constant preaching in different Richardson Will parts of the kingdom, and opportunities thus afforded of obtaining the further to also added concerning but information reading extensive pursuits agricultural ; Pastor Charles Spurgeon to such of references the effectiveness matters.

his to of a farmer who previous volume of this work, the testimony the related, said in of the Metropolitan Tabernacle knew far more about sheep than Pastor the that The keeping them did, though he had been he explanation of that his all life !

found probably be can President's observation his students the fact to that, at in he had made The one and of sheep study a special time, their habits.

librar)'' at " Westwood " contains the volume to which Mr. Spurgeon then referred, still entitled A Sheep-gT-azing and Management, System an antiquated as of folio, Daniel Marsh, Roniney by Price (Richard Practised Blackfriars).

Phillips, in Pastor's attention was, through someone's Singularly enough, at a later period, the He had for a number the same again written mistake, attracted of subject.

to in some different theme came, on quite a books unaccountable way, there but, ; of one of them, a octavo volume, their Breeds, entitled Sheep, place large the in Management, and by William Youatt and Marshall, (Simpkin, Diseases, Co.).

amused Spurgeon was which Mr. he book, kept but the blunder, the at still carefully examined and used by him.

of having been traces retains At another had could buy, and he time, he he herbals collected the old all had found much Topography was interest and also one of in them.

instruction which he devoted subjects scanty leisure of the side and, a portion of his in to ; upon was brought researches he the course of his association subject, into this of antiquarian and topographical of the country with lovers in various parts lore ; to make further welcome was assistance he and by their kind able additions to If he was going that was preach already well-stored a library.

his to district in new he usually everything him, out tried of find interest to to history, in its ; and due course, guide manufactures, products these would, or surroundings, in and him and to impress help allusions materially local his illustrations, his in Everything was made subservient message upon his hearers' minds and hearts.

to of God had he the one before object him, great glory the the salvation in ol Kinodom.

sinners and the Redeemer's extension of the

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