Chapter CIV. My Last Letters from Mentone

By Mrs. C. H. Spurgeon

CHAPTER fHB letters from last iHetttoite, By Mrs. Spurge EON. H. ^,U.^p VT i.~e^y ;/ i^-t^^C^ -ii Oa a oa^ /t/e«,.A>». ^ V ^^^ ^c..___^ ^-'-i_X>^ U T^-v^ _^>y 'QJC' ^C:!^ cr-^-^j!^ e_-^,^J «-' ^ FACSIMILES OF POST CARDS FROM ME.N'TONE. 'HE love-letters of twenty blessed years have been reluctantly lifted from and hiding-place, unspeakable love and re-read with their They are full of brightness, and sorrow.

the fragrance of a deep detail concerningmy and abiding affection and with e\'ery filled ; beloved and his doings which could be precious to the heart of a each year, some part of the holiday time at loving wife.

But, alas ! Mentone was overshadowed by what appeared illness, when the to be an inevitable

autobiography. spurgeon's H. dear preacher was laid aside, and days and nights of wearisome pain were appointed He had always worked up to the latest moment, and to the utmost point of to him.

that, when it was was endurance, nature not the surprising so tension relaxed, fire, and loading herself upon the weary body by setting every nerve on revenged to the consuming flame.

" every vein with gout-poison, to act as fuel ieel as it were emerging from a volcano," he wrote, at the beginning of a convalescent period ; and even at such a time his sense of humour asserted itself, for his pen had sketched hill, out of the crater of which his head and shoulders were the outlines of a conical rising, while the still-imprisoned lower limbs forth the sad truth slowly that all set was not yet well with them.

scarcely be complete without some These chronicles would further particulars Riviera, — how he enjoyed his pleasures, how he bore his life on the concerning his pains, how he worked when God gave him relief from sickness, and how, always and He ever, his loving heart was "at home" with me.

kept up a daily correspondence when • pen, through and unable use severe unflagging his regularity to with : suffering or weakness, the letter came as usual, either dictated by him, or altogether written by his devoted secretary.

letters which were I have the chapter, material the this last as for selected, to me from Mentone, and which three months, a period cover nearly of written The left London on November returned February 1890, and for he well, God he loved longing, time he place so next gratified the his visited years, — to have me and I went him " out with cherished alas but, for full, ! ; ; " brought me home again empty months of Lord after enjoying three the for, Mentone had gone found to see unexpectedly exceeding that sweetness, to my beloved die !

of travel, which had no interest, the arrival special the days at Passing over ; — " What heavenly sunshine is thus recorded on a post c^d This Mentone is like !

God the same on be myself planet. cannot believe quite to another world. in the hotel, — three grant that this may set me all right Only three other visitors !

far, we have had So all but the weather, room for you. American royal ladies, Now the sea shines The palms in front of the like a mirror before Tuesday. us. We are The air is warm, soft, balmy. windows are as still as in the Jubilee above. idle^ — writing, reading, dawdling. is the same as ever, but Mentone it has abolished its own time, and goes by Paris."

This bright opening of the holiday was quickly overclouded, for the next daythe poor patient's right hand and fastened upon came the sad news that gout had

sturgeon's autobiograppiy. H. Yet he wrote: — "The day arm, and caused him weary pain. in Eden is hke one When my head our before parents have enjoy first better, shall fell.

is it. to my hot brain-box eaii de Cologne dripped on I have nothing to do but and, as, ; perfect scene before me, my case to look out on the is not a bad one."

But, alas ! the "case" proved to be very serious, and a painful time These sudden followed.

virulent enemy were greatly distressing and discouraging of the attacks ; one day, Mr. Spurgeon would and good be apparent ; and health in the next, spirits his hand, or foot, or knee, would be swollen and infiamed, gout would have developed, and all the attendant evils of fever, unrest, sleeplessness, and acute suffering, would manifest themselves with more or less severity.

with much battle raged present In the for eight days the fury, and instance, then God gave anxious and partial deliverance combatants, victory the to to the My daily letters, written by Mr.

poor prisoner. Harrald, during this period, were experiences, — every very tender records of sick-room the and every detail told, ; — but it was a weary season of suspense possible consolation offered for the lo\ing heart a thousand miles distant, and the trial of absence was multiplied tenfold by the distress of anxiety.

letter Mr. H. wrote, he In the cry from Mr, said continual first at home!

Spurgeon I must get home!' I were wish 'I to pacify him, Just is, have promised to London the through to enquire about trains of course, but, it ; would be impossible for him Everyone present travel to is very condition.

his in kind, sympathetic, attentive, and ready to do anything that can be done to relieve or I have just asked what message he wishes to send to you. cheer the dear sufferer. He says, 'Give her my love, and say I am very bad, and I were at home for wish her to nurse me I am not, " I shall be helped through somehow.' but, as ; Curiously enough. The Times following day had of the a paragraph the to that "Mr.

Spurgeon at Mentone and when February;" stay Mr. effect will till I am Harrald read this aloud, the dear patient remarked, 1 have not " so, but said ; " and the prophecy was fulfilled. shall have to do afraid it After eight days and nights of alternate progress and drawback, there came to me a half-sheet of paper, covered with extraordinary hieroglyphic characters, at first But love deciphered them, and sight almost unreadable.

is what they said this : I am " Beloved, to lose right hand, is to be dumb. Could better, except night. at Wished myself at home when pains came ; but when darling more. not love his Thus have worst, this soft, clear air helps me. is as Heaven's gate. All is well. It What a good Lord Not quite dumb, bless I stammered a line or two. the Lord ! He is! 1 shall yet praise Him. Sleeplessness cannot so embitter the night as to

autobiography. spurgeon's H. fear when He make me signed, "Your own This note pathetic near." little is is it was the work of his left hand. belo\'ed Benjamite,^' for too much for him, for two more I think the effort was letters w-ere written by that my one of them, showed me recorded H.

Mr. tender but joke, a in little ; "Our dear Tirshatha," says Mr. H., "has beloved was on the road recovery. to your your appears to-day letter received been with greatly pleased exhilaration ; He that he hopes time to have favourably affected him.

says speedily the will arrive when he tvill be able to offer y on his hand !'' his own pen is resumed, and daily correspondence from in the : — " Bless After this, the to God Lord key-note he usual the of praise his strikes letter first !

oh, how weak! having nothing and Happily, but better; do, to lighter feel a whole month first broke I have of since nearly it does matter.

not lost life down, but the Lord will restore this breach." 1890, — he writes day, — date his "poor lamb The next letter, Dec. of to in the snow " to " this poor sheep cannot get forefoot right yet, but tell her that its is it it was," — followed by the quaint petition, "May the Good Shepherd far better than dioyou out of the snow, and many may the mangolds and the swedes be which He " shall lay in the fold for His halffrozen sheep ! in England were balanced by wintry weather on Our Arctic experiences the "We have had two gloriously. terrific storms," he says "the sea wrought, Riviera.

; dust, or powdered snow. the wind and was tempestuous glass flew before like it ; The heavens seemed on The tempest howled, yelled, screamed, and shrieked. fire, the boom ketdedrums. Hail of gigantic reverberated rattled and like skies the I went of clamours and It was a time rain poured.

down, and then confusions. I woke at seven, much refreshed. itself; and left the storm to bed at ten, and to I am not, and don't know why." ouo-ht to be well, but yesterday, and saw some of the mischief drives Dec.

took down The woodman. Wind, and keenest vvrouo-ht by axe, storm. his the way, hewing and through path out the the clean a on went olives his straight Here he rent off an arm, there he cut oft a head, and yonder he tore a trunk pines.

The pity was some poor days Assyrian born. the ere in fierce asunder, like oft' the broken olives from the cottaoers were gathering the trying clear road, to bouo-hs before they bore down other fences which putting up trees, and the storm we They saw looked they sad that ground.

so had as with the levelled fair, so calm, so bright, so warm, is as a leaf from To-day, so commiserated them.

" Oh, that you were here the evergreen trees of Heaven. ! There was For loving a received post cards next four days, only. the

SPUROEON S AUTOBIOGRAniY, H. missives should be used when we were arrang-ement between busy, us these that but my beloved could say a great many things or had not much always to tell ; He knew how to condense and crystallize his thoughts, on these little messengers.

I have brief choice sentences conveyed volumes of tender meaning. that a few so commenced this chapter with facsimiles of two of his post cards of earlier poetical 1 am writing ; here are two specimens belonging to the period of which date : " Men tone, "Sunday, Dec.

'90. " Mia Carissima, letters prompts me "Your praise of my write more; but your royal to Much restrict me commands has and Parcel they card are a love.

wise. to arrived, — all ; If specially good books come, you might get Mr. Keys want. that He to take two or three to Cook's office, for Haskoll to bring travels every to me.

week to and fro. Mean to walk " It was wet went a very but walk. yesterday out little ; all my bones, I am find my every could count but yet day, as painful, feet if and by no means day To-day each quiet 1 so oh, tropical; but, better.

dull, is I am the 'Report' may How In our as streams praying port, the desert.

that in IN MENTONE HARBOUR. SHIPS to dry them better have ever only spread, but some have vessels sails is it all ; were heaven.

as the breath of with canvas feel a if so of filled litde bit " ; may you have the breeze drying !

! SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. " Mentone, " Monday, 8/12/90. " Out of that obedience which has so long been habitual to me, did not write is an evening post, my rebellious nature seized this morning but, finding that there ; A childish glee is on me To-day I dressed myself the occasion to indulge itself.

! We To have use of one's hands again, record the the as is a big mercy. fact. have had a heavenly day, and spent the morning in a long drive. I went Afternoon, I was entreated to attend laying of for a walk. Church, but in Scotch first stone cold and draughty, — enough lay me up would not yield.

it was H. went, and to Wisdom did me a good turn when she bade me walk A. Mr. again. in the sun. has sent home some flowers They ; he despatched some rosebuds to you from me. You write so sweetly. be perfumed a parfait aniozir. Yours is a hand which will God bless you But you don't say how you sets to music it writes to me. are. all ! We have fifteen in the hotel now. If you do not, will write every day. I have not commenced morning prayer with them yet, but think of doing so soon.

Remember me to T. and old George." Such postcards were as good as letters, and well content had I could have been my husband sent me only these ; but he was lavish in his love, and insisted that the letters should outnumber the smaller missives.

I had long protested, and sincerely, ieared was a tax upon too, against what holiday time precious the but, his to ; to me,) he persevered these very end, are tender, selfhis his (for in letters last and, now, the memory of his goodness imposed task is inexpressibly precious.

; to the burning question the succeeding communication, there is a reference In hour, — Home Rule, — which may readers who a penchant indulge of the interest politics for : "We after a morning drive, have had two of days; the and, of loveliest is not much walk, each day walking just a have had an little more.

afternoon's It The Dr. says that, is much to me. it was and in the heart-cure, they have now, but and when he can a zigzag up a mountain, and the patient turn each day a tries ; My little perambulations are somewhat Malk to the top and down, he goes home. a.m., and have both This place just fashion. delicious. after this It is Is I am writing to the low soft cadence of a rippling sea. windows open, and Oh, that you were here ! " That The last dose was up and well peppered, served hot stev/ IrisJi !

Perhaps now that they are separated they will get together, they seem to have been How he must feel the insults Poor G.O.M. greatly divided while they were united ! ! of those for whom he has Yet he seems to hold on to forfeited everything their !

I am neither of Gladstone nor of Parnell. He that wades not up to the ankles, will not go in up to the loins."in England brought also to Mentone some cold, wet days, and these Midwinter acted on the the atmosphere Pastor's sensitive frame operates on a barometer.

as but when they came, they were welcomed, for Dull and dreary days depressed him ; he would then turn literary work with redoubled energy, and get through his an to amazing quantity of it in an he incredibly short space of time but revelled the in ; its warm beams sunshine, and enjoyed basking ; and his pity for those who had to in endure the severities of fog, frost, and snow, was very real and sincere.

" Poor darling," he wrote, "to be so The Lord will soon hear prayer, cold.

and send the soft South wind upon you, and then I also shall get well, and go out for walks, and praise His Name. I could think of something cast a gleam of I wish to If my love were light, you would live in the sun. ' Westwood.' sunlight over I shall send some and roses to-morrow, prophesy they Alas of better days."

the will ! " better days " moved tardily towards him on very and, though occasion this of ; course we did not know time, the deadly mischief, which afterwards proved the it at I am as fatal, had already begun to work " his poor body. I cannot say that in " two cold, windy afternoons have kept me in, and so should like to be," he writes ; have missed my walk ; and my hand, is white and chalky, and outside, on inside, its still somewhat swollen, and you I cannot see back, To-day, write so well.

is it it was have been for a drive, but often, and well, take sleep rather physic cold.

right, and am really much mischief hangs be but the about try me." to better, " the beginning of the end," though Undoubtedly it did, and this was our eyes were holden, so that we could not see it.

He "went The loving ministries of his Mentone life began however. again, Baroness, and prayed with her, and helped her to feel at rest through to see a sick ; " and the morning meetings for worship were recomsubmission to our Lord's will of which gave him much joy and encouragement, with results menced, the conduct only fully known in Heaven.

Next morning, the aneroid marks higher figure, but only for a few hours a : " This has been far a lovely, sunny, warm day, and we have been out for a long so Seen it much.

drive, and enjoyed the mountains of Italy covered with their white We had a drink of very ; and fields of roses, red, white, and yellow hats millers' ! fountain which gushes, apparently, from cold water from the heart of an the olive.

Now is darkening down page (See illustration on the day clouds, and with lo.) probably a cold blast will come.

Yes, the angels letting loose the winds are from

spurgeon's autobiography. H. their fists, and the palm trees are waving their fronds in token of victory over the sun PALM TREES IN GARDEN OF HOTEL BEAU RIVAGE, MENTONE. « which These has windows behind the palms retreated clouds. of the front in constantly remind me of the words in the Revelation, ' with palms in their hands,' for we are on their grand a with I should think they measure ten or level fronds. We They are magnificent emblems twelve feet from where they start. of victory. shall wave better than these when we are with the Lord, and celebrate His triumph ! " Day and these barometric day, dear after agitated fluctuations the patient, seemed they were to retard recovery only the outward ; but indications of the his It is wonderful how blind we were deep-seated internal trouble. I expect. so used, ;

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SrURGEON's H. to the alternations of my beloved's condition, and happily accustomed so to see his " rare power of recuperation," as the Dr. called itself at the end it, manifestinc^ of an illness, that we had learned anticipate complete recovery from to his sicknesses.

all God be praised for the merciful veil which hides the future from our eyes !

" Mentone, " Dec. '90. " Yesterday morning was wet and cold, and we rejoiced in the fire of olive logs.

clouds were the winds After the gone, lunch, the sun asleep, beneficent in fell of summer, during which your us two splendour gave hours Prince Charlie went chariot, and was warmth, and with pleased so the forth his in colour, light, tone of everything, that he felt no spot or time could ever be more enjoyable unless his to, — and want someone to show these dear consort could be with him.

things ' who would ' someone fulfil my ideal. is only one there prayer, we went down town " After morning get from the parcel Cook's to Books The man.

Hearty All well thanks. selected. right. from tracts We Drummond's we sermons and can away. give other sent periodicals to a collier which has been Shields port with After getting our coals.

this in parcel, we returned, for the clouds came up in black armies, and the wind rushed forth.

It may ' but nothing seems ' out we again, and go then to be and alter settled, ; suppose the weather here cannot be quiet, while is so terrible with you.

If the it Lord will, I trust the worst of the winter will soon be gone. I have plenty to do, so I could get my walk. too, may come. that a day indoors I wish is not dull, but This, finger purple and I have one swollen, but feel so greatly better that I could clap my hands if it were not for hurting that poor weak member."

tell of cold and rain, tornadoes of wind, and other Till Christmas-day, the letters My occasional glimpses of the lovely spring weather so much desired.

evils, with husband greatly sympathized with us in our endurance of the very severe winter it was quite touching to note how constandy he referred to of 1890 it, and seemed ; in our long period to suffer with us almost frost, fog, bitter cold, and darkness.

of for change keep on praying of weather " you, and poor and sick," he the for of my "I you send could wish a of the writes brazier coals which heart, ; have a most vehement flame."

God had made him a real philanthropist, and the woes Oh, how true this was ! felt, and commiserated, and brought before of others were as much Lord, the with earnestness and sincerity as though they had been his own.

His heart was so bio-, it had room for others' griefs it was so ; and full of love and pity, that he had always some to spare for those who needed it.

autobiography. spurgeon's H. A time. gave him pleasure just this great at Ventimiglia drive to carriacre ITALY.

\t.\ri.MIGLIA, di Tenda and From portion of a considerable road, the Col the part a certain of snow visitors from and dress winter Maritime Alps ot their are the in visible, ; to see a picture quite unique its grouping, Mentone are fond of driving there in and the vegetation and luxuriating palms, tropical foreground in of a roses, sunshine, — on Mediterranean the waters the blue of one rivalling the the side, ; on the other, the valley of the Roya, with picturesque hamlets brightness of the sky solemn white distant background, those a banks on and, both the of for river, in a language which cannot be misunderstood, the greatness and Alps proclaiming, majesty of their Maker.

"digging away cold, and was was grey and in work, spent Christmas-day lavished upon him Friends had a wealth of lovely flowers, at books and letters."

cyclamen, — in — roses, and of a pot vases that tuberoses, hyacinths, carnations, ; he could scarcely enjoy them.

but of sweet lily of the valley sweetest blossoms, ; his bones had "cried and groaned " with rheumatism; and he must, All night,

spurgeon's autobiography. H. first time, have had sonie premonition of danger, for he says, "There think, for the is some deep-seated gout in me."

But even this passes, and the five following days each bring a bright, cheerful and card Monday, comfort me.

post One, reassure on to written little December of "a the room above meeting, delightful night, tells last in with hymns ad lib., and Piano, from ours.

Deut. preiiched glad to review the goodness of Him who ; " and taught, and kept me found, the led, five — ^on December 31, last 1890, — testifies of the the goodness and : — " The old year thus graciously to nearly out, — a good of God faithfulness year, a year old of is lovingkindnesses and of tender mercies.

I cannot dismiss it with a complaint, but with for more holiness the new Oh, thankfulness.

and more for myself in health year, for my beloved spouse shall get home first Sunday for February think i, or !

I now to me with enjoyment, and if life had come back February, feel as for in a measure sprighdy thought, for which would Lord of practically by the praise We His employing had to morning prayer to-day, twenty-three in service.

it How they do come nearly as many as the room can Wet and cold do not hold. ! hinder, and they are so grateful." " New Year's Day, fan. " A happy new year you, my sweetest and I would write best to the in it !

if that would show how happy biggest of capitals wish had year the to be.

a praiseful evening yesterday, blessing God for the old year ; and now, this morning, We sang No. in Our Oivn Hymn Book, having we have had a good meeting. ',042 Then made copies read and expounded Psalm for our twenty-four friends.

There were flowers, and cards, and contributions and prayed. ; and, this afternoon, we are going to give our landlord and h:s wife a present, for the house is not full, will be joy among many So and the keepingis not of the hotel there profitable.

God as we meet well, and me, gracious indeed turn to for for feel tea. is my delicious summer face homeward been have the a drive in for desire.

in at my side I have just read your sweet, sweet Oh, that you had been sunshine. ! You best-beloved of my heart, how I could change your weather wish letter. ! moves winds moves and hand which only pray prayer the but can clouds. ; troubles, and make The Lord bear you under up you, and Himself comfort all " you, by His own warmth, and husband the absence up of health, presence, to !

When my beloved at Mentone were a great joy his Sundays well, fairly felt He made service, and full of sweet, devout the day and rest to him.

sweeter still communion with the Lord the morning, after having family prayer, he would, In !

Mrs. Dudgeon's garden perhaps, go Presbyterian place of worship ; and the to in

autobiography. spurgeon's H. afterwards write to me: — "Capital sermon from Mr. Somerville on Rev. afternoon, there would 'Down-grade.'" splendidly witnessing against the In the be breaking of bread, and one of those choice little addresses, on the love and grace of the Lord Jesus, which melted all hearts, and rekindled the latent fires of devotion in some inconstant breast ; and the evening would be spent in singing God's praises, else who might have to a brief sermon by Mr. Harrald, or someone and listening" Quite a full day," he a message to deliver.

remarks, after one of these occasions, " " but it seemed very short, and as sweet as short. Oh, that you were here ! The holy, happy influence of these Sabbaths overflowed into the days of the week, which to my beloved were as much set apart bv law those The company grew morning and worship every week, larger gospel.

the at adjoining room and had cold day he wrote thrown one be very open, to see my visitors assemble great number of forty-one, and wondered the thev to to do not want to go away from what some of them ' this dear room.' Trulv, the call is here, and His Word is sweet both to them and to me, as we read Lord it morning What a Revised Version: 'Ye by morning.

the Isaiah text are that in is give Him no rest, and Lord's remembrancers, take ye no Oh, for such the rest.' " importunate prayers for His Church now that evil times have come ! A tender, loving birthday letter, which set in my heart ringing, all the joy-bells comes next order, and I quote extracts from a tew trust this will reach in it you on your own dear benedictions be upon you Ten thousand birthday.

! What an immeasurable blessing you have been to me, and are Your patience still !

diligence in service, are works of the Holy Spirit in you, for which in suffering, and to me Your love His Name.

only a product of nature, but it has adore not is May you it has become a spiritual been so sanctified by grace that blessing to me.

suffering, may you if you may not be kept from ; and still be upheld be preserved My not know how I do grows, and to you at any from sinking love yet I shall do, — drive out, and send ! I am thinking which it could have been greater. time I know which way your vote you flowers, or walk, and get Mr. A. to send them. would go, and undertake if our friend will the commission. act accordingly, shall in my heart to send them," If flowers do not come, please know that it was A few days to my is made had in these words a reference reply after, I am which was your on your night, written glad the birthday.

so last letter, you, and made you ' the .a happy tone about There flowers reached old glad.

is ' letter which does the old man good. God woman's you, darling, and delight bless your heart with trucks and sacks of good This latter sentence ! " things for others to the generous action of one of our near neighbours, on Beulah Hill, who, refers knowing that I was interesting myself in Thornton Heath, had placed the poor for

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. C.' at my disposal The dreary winter had long" and them. a trucUload of coals for we "Westwood," and opened them, which soup-kitchen a severely tried at My beloved ministered troubled the daily sorely their to necessities.

for felt distress which came so close to our doors, and did not to take his share in the fail those who could pitying' help rendered not help themselves during time of the to I am so glad you feed the poor," he wrote ; "spend ^lo for me. " that awful frost. in The GrapJiic, my spirits As I look pictures at the please don't anything".

stint ; sink, but my prayer rises." And a few days later he returns to the same subject : for a thaw to come, and end I pray day and night distress by " this great allowing Do spend my ^lo, which will send by next post." the people to work. The grey, cold at Mentone days, which prevailed during" the early part of the 1891, gave the dear preacher an of which he year opportunity for working" hard, He heartily enjoyed availed himself the pleasurable willingly leisure of drivino", which seemed both body and brain, and ; but he was soothe refresh to his spirit and, after returningfrom his excursions, he would apply himself immenever idle ; diately to the work in hand, and his busy pen would fly over the sheets of paper with The secret of the amazing wealth of literary labour, which he left untiring' energy.

that he was constantly gathering" up as a legacy to the world, lay the the fact in never neglecting the of small seed-pearls while opportunities greater occasions of that he might Receiving" and enrichment.

gaining imparting, labouring" not give, for himselt but for others, the redeemed minutes soon multiplied into hours, and the hours grew fieJd well-dressed and and a tended, bore so days, into his like life, hundredfold crops to the praise and delight of the Great Husbandman.

1891, he wrote: — "I have not gone this morning, Sabbath, Jan. service to iS, and one had sermons I have chosen this afternoon. get as to for revise, to 9, and want to show the joy of having a good understanding with the Psalm xxxii.

in His way with on to go to be to need no bit, but Lord, so as free liberty.

left Two things are to be dreaded, 'lest they come near unto Irreverent familiarity : ' else they will not come near unto thee, Disobedient departure : thee (r.v.) ; To Are the same me, two renderings curious they thing not the set forth in .* ' whose must bit and be trappings Note, in lights.

as R.v., difi'erent bridle,' if these were made ornamental, and our afilictions became our and even inflictions equipment, — yet Oh, even then guided be by not decorative desirable.

the to " Lord's eye ! I am that he had "a good service from Further on, text mentioned," the told and then that he had been able to revise six sermons ready for printing when double Was numbers should used were be "to be wanted, another or this ill."

it

to BeauHeu, — " a lovely drive, in the warm sunshine, to a place which I should like little outing must have it please God."

This to stop at for a time another year, if I am working with for, the next morning, he writes benefited the dear patient, to take my long walk round the ; and when I hope I have done, windows wide open illustration on page that, on Thursday, tell you (See forgot to red rocks.

12.) Mr. Cheyne Bradv came over from Cannes, and we walked out a mile or more, and MR. SPURGEON'S favourite WALK AT MEXTONE. He then came returned alone because he had prayed, and and to back. talked, it was I walked both ways with great pleasure indeed, hurry to catch a train, but ; The came have the the spent sun, sea, time since here.

best the all air, ministered to me I ministered to the Lord ; and in grateful praise." the new Church on Thursday, Scotch to open Mr. Spurgeon had consented but, on the Wednesday, while out walking, a sudden of seizure January 29, 1891 ; It is most gout in both hands and one foot threatened to lay him aside once more.

" The touching to read how he fought the disease both with physic and by dieting.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. ;5r enemy is going," he writes; "driven out by medicine, starved out by oatmeal and He took the service at the Scotch Church, for lunches and dinners." nothing else " got through the sermon though so it, and utterly unfit for with trembling knees^ and the bell gone out of my voice."

PKLSBYILKIAN. CHURCH, MLMoNL. THE SCOTCH So extremely sensitive as my beloved was to any degree of pain, it was simply marvellous how he overcame and served this weakness of body, while sufferino-, Many a time, at when work for the Master energies.

called forth his spiritual the pulpit, leaning heavily on his stick, and.

Tabernacle, has he painfully limped into his

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. one knee on a chair but even unable to stand, has kneehngwith preached, then, ; him, warming to his work, and inspired by his the astonished congregation has seen all-consuming zeal, push the chair aside, and, grasping the rail of the platform with both hands, stand apparently there of the the of his forgetful service, rest for boclilv distress, because absorbed by his passionate desire to persuade poor sinner?

to come to Christ. We must to Mentone But few days yet is a return the digression. this for remaining. One of the dear occasion, was to hold a ministrations, on preacher's this last funeral service over the body of the Baroness von H., whom he had so often visited writes: — "There was He and comforted her great a blaze sickness.

of in last branches and white flowers upon coffin, and palm candles on both sides of the it.

is now She and the journey will occupy to be carried should think Russia, to Why can't they let a body be prefer to be buried wherever I would a fortnight.

^ yet, as she wished to lie in the same tomb with her husband, there I might die is ; an argument on that side also."

Now had been record draws a time quickly to a of strangely the close. It of cold and rest and and of storm mingled experiences sunshine, rack, heat, of ; — but, peace of God brooded like a dove, and of pain and over pleasure the all, not even a shadow of the dark the home-coming was safe and happy dispensation, ; The vejy last communication fell upon us in June, then rested on our spirits.

which froni Mentone was a post card, which, Irom the extracts I give, will be seen to have been written in quite good spirits, and suitably closes this chapter : " Mentone, " Monday, February '91.

" Mine Own, There I hope your anxiety has ceased. I telegraphed you to-day, and " ! this moment, a mosquito popped on my nose, and killed him So Harrald has at !

I am very much Archibald Brown may all your fears end indeed, better well.

! ; with me and and has been with hour prayer an of him, a the sight for little ; We him, have set me up.

in a muddle packing are yesterday. rested well all ; I am up pack notes of writing wants almost H., vie shirt-sleeves, his to in !

how ' Good-bye going follow where hope card soon this is to friends. to ' ; not wonder; I am again, do If you hear don't the prospect! with delighted it 1 am already with you wrong, should be in spirit. wire anything once. at will My heart has never left you. Blessed be God that we are spared to each other !"

↑ Back to top ← Back to Books Library