Chapter LXXXVI. Enquirers and Converts (Continued)

CHAPTER dfnquims anb Conbtrts (Continued). I am often amazed the anxious with if,|iHEN enquirers, talking at entrance the ingenuity with which of truth into they the resist I have ever been so much astonished I do not think their hearts. telegraphs, or any of locomotive engines, electric invention the at of human I ha\-e been at the marvellous other feats mechanisnii, as finding out reasons why they should aptitude of simple people in them proved have Lord a After not to to Jesus the believe Christ.

in world and most thing the demonstration reasonable tor the that in fitting is it ask, "How be done?"

them trust themselves they with to this Christ, or, to is " How first one way, and then another, is that to be accomplished?" and they argue, all against their own best interests.

I go patiently through the whole process Often, ; and even when that has been done, there comes another objection. again and again I had been a fox-hunter, I have tracked these people to their holes as diligendy as if find that they can ; but tried to unearth them from their hiding-places and I have they put; Oh, the often burrow follow them.

can faster than " peradventure," and " this," and I don't feel that"! " the "perhaps," and I don't feel While talking with them, endeavouring to Oh, that wicked questioning of Christ ! I am often led to realize more deeply I hope not unsuccessfully, comfort them, and in my own to doubt God, to doubt mind, what an crime awful than before, is it Him who speaks from above, to doubt Him who hung bleeding on the tree. He Sitting, one day, to see enquirers, a young Dutchman came into the room.

He began, tell me his difficulties of soul. had crossed from Flushing, and desired to My answer was, "Why not? What has He done " Sir, I cannot trust in Christ." ill of Him everything in His hands, and that you should speak so I have trusted ?

I believe Him to be quite trustworthy. What do you know against His character?" I am ashamed " Indeed, I know nothing against Him, and have so that sir, That was I believe the Lord Jesus to be worthy of not all confidence. spoken, for May trust Him to save me?" what I meant. " Of course you may, are commanded to do so by the gospel, which for you You are warned ' Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.' says, ' He that believeth not shall be damned.' " against not believing by the words,

autobiography. spurgeon's H. ; but does He promise to save all who trust Him ? " " I may, then, trust Christ to you the promise of the already quoted have gospel.

"Certainly. It is ' Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.' also written, If first He ever Him, you Jesus does not save you upon your will be the trusting out." cast Why did " Ah, trust, and Jesus saves me. it before I not see I see sir, ? it ! I am well repaid for coming from Flushing." I prayed with him, and he went his way trembling for joy. A Tabernacle, and asked me to pray lady came me, alter a the service in to to me about her soul, so I said to her, on She had been to speak before for her. plainly the way of salvation, namely, told you very the second " occasion, that Have Christ's hands, relying on His atoning you are to trust yourself in sacrifice.

"No," and then asked me whether She answered, I would pray you done that?"

She looked at me with " No, astonishment, certainly not." will her. said, for pray for me?" "No," replied, "I have nothing "Will you and again not asked, the way of salvation before you so simply have for which to pray for you.

set if you trust Christ now, you it, you will be if you not walk but lost that, will in ; in God's Name, to set to you to say have nothing will be further but, saved.

; " Do for me pray you she pleaded, ! before or death." Still " life ask God have me let you His gospel "would you shape so as answered, to to see why He His I do the plan of salvation should.

as an exception? not is in if you will not ; and will be of any avail that ever has been or ever only one trust to ask God I am is wanted not see what else do not going anything, for to it, to you, 'Will you believe in the Lord Jesus from Him.

this question plainly I put when very somewhat was the surprised said, sister Christ?'" certainly to me will come by believing, "If be salvation that then, deliberately, so, it and, moreover, Script\ire says concerning Christ do believe what the that feel ; is God, and He trust myself with Him, because He a has offered sufficient can trust myself to Him just now; for my sins; and and feel such do a sacrifice I am strange peace stealing over me at this very moment.

I have trusted Him, and to me, "Good evening, I am saved;" instant, she in an said sir; and, certain that to see you," and away she went, like a common-sense there are other people waiting since, how woman she was me, she was glad and that she has often told as ; refused to pray for her, and so brought her to the decision to trust Christ tor herself, and thus to receive the assurance of her salvation.

the way different converts begin in which There contrast between is a great a man become new does a thouoht sometimes have not their that, if life.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. first three months duringthe Christian after his conversion, he probably high-class I have noticed some people who have commenced their Christian career never will.

hope they so began in a very feeble that they were really saved fashion.

but, ; still, they started doubting and fearing, and they kept on in the same style till they to me "Ah, Heaven.

went one sir!" said world once, has to the "'either all I am now The I once delighted for people have, or else altered, in afraid of.

that once made me glad now make me unhappy, and things thouoht those that find my highest joy."

melancholy are now the very things in which I am always thankful when our friends get a very decided conversion, because, though I am not those who come a word going say Christ very gradually, against to to yet their No doubt they are experience is rather cloudy.

just as safe as others, but they lack and, sometimes, persons who a good of comfort afterwards deal are very readily ; converted, and who have no very deep sense sin, are more apt to play with of evil are who Some had have than beoin by others of a clearer enormity.

sight its not giving Him Lord they commence their whole hearts serving the or stingily, ; I am glad when a youncr coldly, and so they n>.;ver get hot with zeal their lives.

all to see him too or even white-hot convert red-hot, full of zeal, like if that is is ; because, when he cools down, he will come just possible right temperature the to ; if he beginning, what will he come to if he is too hot at the cool but, at first is : Master who There no by-and-by?

labourers the are are so for useful those as to serve Him Sometimes. God who begin converts men young.

they while are them age, and His or even middle uses old service in in in but, life, still, ; will show that Church the most venture history that assert servants useful to of those who and who caught were Christ were from up youth early, bore their people, who have of some the gospel testimony case In of the Jesus.

old to who done next been have but of professors years, religion nothinor for to for When them up very ever do cret a Christ, find to at stir difificult all it saddle on them, they are very that has never been like a horse creatures, restive broken break but while they then> they get used are in colts, in their to if ; it becomes a delight thev would not be happy unless they had to them, and work, remember having something Lord do the a considerable Jesus.

share to for ot sneers, and rebuke-s not a few, from some who thought themselves very wise men, was recommended began preaching at the age of sixteen.

because tarry at to till my beard had grown, and a great many other pieces of advice were oiven Jericho to me " boy-preacher " of the Word I was a I have never regretted that but ; and if ; I could have my time over again, I would like to do just the same as I did then. of my of many have been delighted have earnest noticed the as efforts church-members in seeking the Tabernacle to bring sinners to hear the gospel.

to

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. Two of our brethren, both working-men, — one of whom has been a famous runner, and who has won prizes in many running-matches, — are accustomed, as they say, to Their usual method is for one to go on one side of the hunt couples souls.

for in other, on Lord's-day morning, those parts of friend on street, and the the in his One morning, is carried on London where Sabbath trading the greatest extent.

to the other was crossing over one of them was giving a tract to a person to join as As the second friend met the man him. to communicate with him on some subject.

oath, "What say. with an tract, he heard him who had received the use of the is He in an hour giving me ! " be said fellowhis to hell shall in tract this .^ man . "No," reaching him, "Did you he hear what said?" that on labourer, "He appeared very wild, and talked ; what was ? " answered, "I did not notice it commit he intending in an hour or he to insane, either of being is hell in is ; " Do you think so ? They followed him, and Then we will be after him." suicide." the second one, on coming up to the man, said to him, "What did \ou say when you of yours," he answered, "mind your own concern "That's no tract?"

took that is my business, " was the reply, "Oh " but I heard aright, you for, if business."

it ! is worse this world "Yes, I did say so in an hour." said that you would be in hell ; " No, you won't," said our friend, " for it in an hour."

than hell, and I'll be out of I won't leave you for an hour, go where you maw" mean to stick by you ; and The poor creature then succumbed, and the godly men took him into a cofteeThe man like committing suicide a good shop, and gave him breakfast.

less felt Our friends knew that the best gospel sermon would not be likely after that meal.

days, and had to benefit a man who was starving : he had tasted nothing three for felt that they must first Hence, our brethren wisely walked the streets all the night.

When that, they brought him the Tabernacle. feed his hungry body: and after to little more hopeful, and soulthe the service was over, their poor patient looked a They took him nutriment.

the dose of solid doctors thought repeat best to it in a humble way, and he shared to a house where they were accustomed to dine, He went the afternoon and, the to one in Bible-classes the of their meal.

in ; it pleased God to touch evening, they brought him again to the Tabernacle, and the Then to a knowledge of himself and poor man's heart, and bring him Saviour.

his it appeared that he had four or his wife he became communicative, and five for left He gave the sin, and poverty.

months, and had been life of dissipation, living a to, and his she was written the North of England name and address of his wife, in ; the good letter came from paid home and, after he had gone back, a was fare ; Methodists, and had woman, saying that she had been a member with the Wesleyan been long praying for her husband, who had been an awful reprobate, and had at last ; but God 'had over with him it was Then run away from home.

she thought all designs of love towards him, and now he had sat down at the Lord's table with her.

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. She did not know what to say, her heart was so to God, and to the full of (gratitude dear friends who had been the means brin^inoher husband to the Saviour.

(jf At another time, a man came to our usual and, according to join the church ; custom, he was asked how he had become converted, when he told us the following" He said I was employed in driving a horse and van I never thought of story. ; do not think anybody ever said a word to me going to any place of worship, and about God or Christ until one day when crossing over London Bridge when, I was suddenly, a man jumped up, and climbed into the back of my cart.

I took my whip ' Hold hard, mate, I've got a message for you.' to lash him This was oft, but he said, ' What I may a very curious thing to me, and tell you, but asked, ?

'I will is it ' So he sat down beside me. Then I asked him, 'What is your as well in front.' sit front God I cursed and swore at him messaoe ? is a messaoe to vour ' It soul.' ' ; He the very man but that made no said, 'You are I was to him. difference after. attracted my attention to you, I knew you were a swearing man, tor it was that tirst ' What have you to say ? I am sure my message I said to him and then, is for you.' He told He did cut Come, cut it short, and he put it pretty straight, too.

it short.' me what would become of my soul to me about a swearer, and he talked died if Then he told me that there was a Saviour tor sinners, and that, the world to come.

Before he left me, he made me promise that I trusted Him, I should be saved.

if promised, and boasted always would go kept to hear you, that as .So sir.

my word, had was precious sorry I came though pre)mised to hear you, that ; and when the man I never got up so early on a Sunday morning betore to do so. in, and gave me saw me at the gate, he took me seat, and stood all the himselt his After the sermon, he asked me, service, which I thought was very kind on his part. 'Did you of thing the not that 'No, sort not; that did replied, like it?' is will,' the man said 'Ah ; and he but you I care, about I don't believe in religion,' ! ; I should never meet him again. I parted company at the gate, and I hoped and I was walking down the for some weeks but, one day, as " I did not see him ; first corner, and slipped round the saw him coming along, so Blacktriars Road, I heard somebody running alter me, and he began to run avoid him but, soon, to ; ' Are you going ' Well, mate, how are you ? ' All came up to me, and said, right.' ' told me ' he not give him any answer, and then he on any better ? did asked. that he had made up day, and that he Christian one his mind should be a that let me alone I believe he would have gone that came never meant to pass. to till into my house with me but, as my wife and of drink, there was only a I were Ibnd ; I did not wish him to come in, and see the miserable place, it, and little furniture in I proposed to go and hear Mr. .Spurgeon on the next Sunday. so, to get rid of him, kept my promise I am happy not need anybod)I do and, now, to to say that ;

autobiography. spurgeon's H. induce me to go to the Tabernacle. I have been here I have found the six months, I have got four of our men to come down to hear the gospel Saviour for m)seU", and with me."

rescue of those who have conversions, the joy of actual the next Perhaps, to long been in dense spiritual darkness has given me Many of greatest the delight.

God's people are perplexed with questions concerning their interest in Christ, or they of spirit out of which only the Lord Himself can are afflicted with deep depression I have tried, upon some lift them up. all the promises of the sorely-troubled ones, reminded them could remember.

have Bible which the person of of of the Christ, and of His conseChrist, and of His consequent power of the sufferings ot ; have many times had this answer given cleanse from but quent sin to ability ; " When God shutteth up, who can deliver.^" and I have been very often made to me, Pastor, / could not quench wicked one the of the darts that, as for fiery to feel sword of the enemy, for people, and not break could the pieces other that in I have been very happy when the Lord has enabled Yet others, or even for myself One day, me to be the means of cheering any desponding or even despairing soul.

pulpit, there met me a 1 came out of the brother-minister, and he said, "Sir, as ; my wife all the particulars now, but will write to-morrow cannot tell you is set at tell me how she had been despair, and what Afterwards, he wrote to in liberty."

it had been to him I preached sorrow she had suffered, and what a grief but while ; " Cast away which hath upon your great words, confidence, not therefore the Oh, how I praised and of reward," she was brought recompence of bondage.

out I might but I would like to preach day and blessed God, and night thought that if be the channel of such blessing" again and again !

I remember was that of a man Another case which excellent character, well of his neighbours, who was for twenty years family, and esteemed by beloved by his He ceased to attend the house of God, because he enveloped in unutterable gloom.

; and although always ready to help in every good work, yet he it was of no use said that, personally, he had no had an abiding conviction upon him part nor in the lot The more anyone talked to him about the things of matter, and never could have.

excite him to more fearful prayer seemed God, the worse he became but ; even to the Word was to preach of God, the providence called despondency.

in his In to attend, and, by the Holy Spirit's blessing on the neighbourhood ; he was induced After twenty years of anguish and unrest, he sermon, he obtained a joyful liberty.

the amazement of his neighended his weary roamings foot of the at the cross, to Nor did his peace of mind his household, and the glory of God.

bours, the joy of he a happy admission gave him Lord eternal into subside rest, the until for, ; remained a vigorous believer, trusting and not being afraid.

SPURGEOW S AUTOBIOGRAPHY, Probably the most notable instance of the soul from the deepest upliftingof a despair was the one which was thus related by Mr. Spurgeon, at a Monday evening an Tabernacle, prayer-meeting the personal of preparation the as illustration ac which a soul-winner may have to go through before the Lord uses him to certain individuals : Some was depression Various years the subject of of ago, fearful spirit.

I was also unwell, and my heart sank within troublous events had happened to me ; Out of the depths I went away I was forced to cry unto the Lord. me. Just before for my far more to Mentone for rest, body, but suffered greatly soul, in in spirit Under a sermon preached was overwhelmeci.

from words, pressure, the this "My God, My God, why forsaken Me?" hast Thou I was as much qualified to of my hope expect few from preach be ever indeed, that as that to te.xt ; entered so deeply into those heart-breaking words.

could have brethren to felt of my measure the horror of a soul Now, that was not forsaken of God.

the full of passing again through bare a desirable experience, tremble idea the that at I may never suffer in that fashion again unless the same I pray that of soul eclipse ; result should hang upon it.

That night, after the service, there came into my vestry a man who was as nearly His eyes seemed ready to start insane as he could be to be out of an as\lum.

from if he had not heard that his head, and he said that he should utterly have despaired feel that there was one man alive who understood his discourse, which had made him I talked with him, and tried to encourage feelings, and could describe his experience.

the Monday night, when to come asked him on should have and again him, told him that a little more time to speak with him.

I saw the brother again, and that the word had been so suited thought he was a hopeful 1 was glad patient, and which presented he comfort Apparently, put the aside his case.

for his to I had the consciousness upon me that the precious truth which acceptance, and yet he had heard was at work upon his mind, and that the storm of his soul would soon subside into a deep calm.

Now hear the sequel. Last night, of all the times in the year, when, strange to " The Almighty hath vexed my soul," after the I was preaching from the words, say, called on me self-same brother who had five years in walked before.

service, this life from different as noonday from midnight, or as death.

This time, he looked as I am you, and thought about have " often glad him, you, see said for to to I went told you wondered whether you were brought that peace."

perfect into to Mentone, and my patient also went into the country, so that we had not met for To my I was a hopeful replied, "Yes, you said brother enquiries, years.

five this I am sure you will be glad to know that I have walked sunlight patient, and the in Dear friends, is changed and altered with me."

Everything from that day till now.

H. SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. ' I saw my poor despairing that my blessed God as soon as patient the time, first fearful experience had prepared me to sympathize with him and guide him ; but last I saw him perlectly restored, my heart overflowed with gratitude to God night, when tor my former sorrowful would go a hundred the deeps times into feelings.

to is good for me to have been afflicted I might know cheer a downcast that spirit it : how to speak a word in season to one that is weary.

Many Spurgeon's sermons were blessing upon remarkable Mr. instances of The following pleasing testimony came never reported to him while he was here.

to Mrs. Spurgeon on the first anniversary of his home-going : " More than thirty-nine " when he was a youth years ago," the of writer said, nineteen, and I heard him a never-to-be-forgotten sermon, preach I a child of ten, ' new song' which was like an echo upon earth was in Heaven. great of the in distress of soul at the time, and had just given myself up as a hopeless backslider, when he came to our little chapel, and preached this lovely sermon.

The was, te.xt 'And they sang a new song.' it only happened yesterday, do Vividh^ as though his dear young lighting up recall every part of that service, and the heavenly smile ' Have single me as, looking round into our pew, he seemed out, and face, to said, yoti learned the key-note of that new song in a whisper what tell you 'tis is, it I'll .-^ And then he went on ' those charming only Jesus.' of Jesus ringing 'free bells' ! till my poor heart was lifted up grace and dying love' into joy, and peace, and full assurance, which, through all the ups and downs of thirty-nine years of spiritual life, From that day, I have never quite lost. till the hour he left this world for his native it has been my joy sympathy and Land, profoundest watch, with the love, his to life, — to weep over his sorrows, wonderful and beautiful rejoice in his joys, and to to pray for him in all the trials he endured with such Christlike gentleness and patience.

' Bless God None have greater reason for dear say, tVom than the very heart, to is, next to the Word of God, my meat and my The weekl\- sermon Mr. Spurgeon !

' have given away as many ; each one seems more precious than the last. drink as ' Christ's and is such an could Hospital,' (No. exquisite one, 2,260,) entitled, ; jewel, such a gem of the the hands should place water, that of to like in first it every human being on the globe.

" I have often wished to tell your dear one in your dark days, but now, all this ; ' indeed abound towards you Mav ' the consolations of God " I must tfell you. feel ! relates how a sermon by Pastor E. A. Tydeman, one of suicide one who had long been Mr, Spurgeon was the means of preserving from : — " Some years ago, in I met terrible distress of mind in a village on the South Coast, an elderly man, who gave me the following account of the only time he ever heard

a SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. IT. : — He said ' It was in the year 1861, and I was in great anxiety. our dear President. My failing, we had business was had family, and, worse than trouble the in all, allowed my triads to estrange my heart from God.

had from childhood been an I was a member of a Baptist attendant upon the means of grace, and for many years heart," and now, when " backslider I had gradually become a church ; but these in it appeared to me that the Lord had cast me away outward troubles came upon me, His Holy His and Spirit from from taken me, presence, said, with Israel's till wife — My king, "God is departed from me, and answereth me no more."

first godly woman, — did her best to rouse me from my despondency, but to no purpose ; I went from bad and to worse, forsaking the house of God, and the companionship I seemed of His and to have almost hope, people, desire the for lost all all till Then I seemed of the ways knowledge evil one to hear Lord.

of the the say, " Curse God, and what must be Yes, course could take better die."

If ? damned, why not meet my fate at once ? I went down lived not to the shore, for but the thought that my body would probably be washed up where far from the sea ; I was so well known, deterred me. "'Then came suggestion, why London, where not go should be the a to So, going home, — it was and end my Saturday, and a there ? stranger, the life week's work was done, — I got ready for the journey, and telling my wife that I should not be home till Monday, to town train and went took evening, and, that all ; in utter wretchedness, and when wandered from street to street it was dark, went down to the riverside I found someone standing about, but, at every available spot, ; who seemed found a I gave up the to be watching me, so idea tor that night.

lodging somewhere the neighbourhood of Kennington Lane, intending carry to in out my purpose on the Sunday, when the wharves and lanes would be more lonely.

I was late in rising the next morning. It was long before I could sleep, and After had eaten my breakfast, to London the way Bridge, turned I went out, and asking at my my no than with heavier ever, yet heart direction, the load steps that in to end my wretched relenting in my determination Wandering disconsolately life.

I came to a spot where a crowd was waiting, outside a large building, which along, I found, on enquiry, that the must have passed the night before without noticing it.

" Spurgeon's Tabernacle," — as my informant place was none other than styled it.

I joined the people waiting on the steps, and, when the Scarcely realizing what I did, I had reached the doors were opened, found myself hurried forward by the press, till it seemed was though Once every uppermost seat as landing.

inside, fairly the back of a top the recess secured a place occupied but, after a while, at in ; gallery.

" 'There was a hush as the minister came to the front of the platform, and said, " Let us pray," but the prayer did not touch me, for he was evidendy on the mount

autobiography. spurgeon's H. After the prayer, a hymn was sung I was in the deeps with God, and of despair. ; but,' though all around me were in the same ; and I remained could not singing, for my reading, the singing, and prayer which through the followed, the state all Then came it was still unmoved, unless to a deeper depth of darkness.

heart was live to be a hundred years old, ; and the text. Psalm xxxv. 3 I shall never forget if thrill which passed through me as words, "Say unto Mr. Spurgeon read these the my soul, I am thy salvation," and then, coming forward rail, he looked to the front " Say unto I am thy salvation," and if ever God's voice up at me, and said, Jiiy soul, it was heard by me The earth by human that morning.

was heard on ear, first time, for many a weary week, a gleam of hope came to my soul, and I sat and drank As the in a desert land might drink at Elim.

a thirsty pilgrim the message, as in sermon ad\^anced, and various phases of soul-conflict were depicted, I trembled with I was in front of no one, for it was fortunate that sit no longer I could emotion, till ; I know, service, with eyes intent, and, for aught I stood during the rest of the there ; and when once, during the sermon, the preacher looked with mouth wide open, too " standing far away in the gallery," * I thought that of one at me, and spoke up discourse, my handkerchief was Long before the close of the must have, shouted. I made straight ; and when the end came, wet with tears, but they were tears of joy " Let me shall knock somebody to those before me, out. or for the door, saying " No, thank God " Are you out of your mind I answered, down ! " ' ! ; " and so first time for many a long day I passed out " not out of it, but in it for the of everyone and everythmg around me, street, and for hours, oblivious the into ; and wandered up and down with it could hold of joy and praise as a heart as full " is my salvation.' I have never lost the assurance that God till now, from then Pastor W. " our own the followingreports Rice, men," Another E. of him Congregational by was a which related remarkable conversion, case to of Australia :— " Some town, country a a living in years ago, father, minister in all seemed to be going For a a London time, his son silversmith.

apprenticed to lad had robbed master. his the but, one day, he received a letter to say that well : it was but too true.

to town only that With find, alas heart, he hastened a sad to ! As The indentures were cancelled, and the the boy disgrace. situation in his left crowded lad the of the through were City, walking and streets son the father for him The police searched in vam, and suddenly darted away, and disappeared.

tell the sad news to his broken-hearted wife. the poor man had to return alone to One Sabbath nothing was prodigal heard and "Years son, of the passed, and, while sitting quiedy reading evening, the parents stayed home from the service ; expression appears :—" Though you are standing far away gallery, you, in the * In the published sermon, No. this ' Ah is my character.' " that say, !

SPURGEON S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. H. God's Word, they were unusually constrained lost boy and to pray they their for ; knelt down together, and asked in his sinful career, and that he might be arrested Presently, the servant came back from the the old home. brought back service to sermon and had had master enquired her she attended, she the heard.

as to ' Oh, I have not heard a word of the sermon I could do nothing but ' she said, sir ! ' ; pray for Master Harry.' night, some men "That M'ere passing the Metropolitan Tabernacle, on their way London, when one said the shop to break a certain silversmith into ot in to He ' Harry, just run up the steps, and so, opened another, see did the the time.' Mr. Spurgeon was preaching about the dying door, and stood the in aisle.

thief; and, seeming to point direct at Harry, in those ringing, well-remembered tones, said, him.'' The arrow to-night, Jesus thief here Christ can is a 'If there save the hit Harry went back in a week's time, there was a mark.

to pray garret and, his to ; old home The knock father opened the door of the that country town.

at in it, and tace with stood son then followed story of the the long-lost face old his to prodigal's return, — tears, confession, forgiveness, welcome, restoration, : joy."

Mr. Cheyne Brady has thus recorded the means used by God for the conviction : — "After and conversion of a man who had previously lived a terribly dissolute life some years heart on a change of residence.

sin, he spent service of the set his in A house suit him being pointed out, he went to the proprietor, and asked likely to The landlord offered to accompany him, and show him the house but for the key.

: Having examined he declined, saying he preferred going over it by himself the As he lower part of the dwelling, he proceeded upstairs, and ascended to the attic.

entered, he saw something scratched on wind<^w-pane, and approached nearer the These words, traced with a diamond, met his gaze in order to read it. : Meet " ' Prepare to God.' tiiv " He staggered, and, for the life, he trembled before his Maker. first time in his He stood riveted to the spot The Spirit of; God met him there in the and, alone. ; Lord, save me ' Lord, have mercy upon me At agony of his soul, he cried out, ! ! ' ' Prepare the solemn message followed length, he got out of the house but him, ; He fox-hunting, and became to meet pleasure God.' thy his utterly lost in all He thought amongst to drown evil companions, but miserable.

serious his tried those warning words haunted him wherever he went. " Several thus, when his eye caught passed days a a certain notice that, in He Mr. Spurgeon was to preach miles evening.

sixteen said that to village, off, He ordered ' Pll eo and horse, and rode hear that man.' sixteen the his himself, listen to something which, perchance, would give his wounded miles, that he might ' Come unto Me, The all ye that labour and are heavy laden, text was, spirit relief.

autobiography. spurgeon's H. in the course of the sermon, Mr. Spurgeon made an will give you rest and and, ; ' blessed by the Holy earnest personal appeal, which was the conscienceSpirit to in the Lord Jesus, and stricken sinner, who, there and then, believed left the chapel a new man in Christ."

A. Doudney, Hatford Rectory, Faringdon, has a remarkable Rev. D. recalled told me that, many Spurgeon which was to him by Mr. related incident, years ago, a well-dressed man, with a very proud and conceited manner, came to see The man him in his vestry with a view the church the Tabernacle.

to joining at I purpose giving seven thousand pounds to any object connected with your said, ' is on the condition that you accept congregation, or in which you are interested, but it me as one of your members.' Mr. Spurgeon told him that he could not receive him felt sure that he was a converted man, and he asked him into the church unless he all these enquiries, the man gave very unsatisfactory To several searching questions.

although he was extremely Spurgeon Mr. consequently, and, replies said that, ; sorry, he could not see his way to accept him whilst he was present his spiritual in ' What ' he exclaimed, ' do you mean tell me The man was astounded.

state. to that you will not receive me with seven thousand pounds, — seven thousand pounds?' ! oflered me ' nor ' No,' if you Mr. Spurgeon, seven thousand times se\'enty said The man went away in a rage. pounds.' " Mr. Spurgeon told me that, just then, money was greatly needed in connection with some of his undertakings, and seven thousand pounds would have been a most visitor was not welcome gift a ; but he satisfactory spiritual felt that his in clearly he Shortly accept and him.

not conscientiously could therefore, condition, that, afterwards, the man was admitted minister of which into another congregation, the individual came again later, the same but, some years was not so scrupulous into ; No it was at once evident that he was greatly Mr. Spurgeon's vestry, and altered.

He self-conceit was apparent in him then, but deep not allude to a did humility.

Mr. asking to any thousand pounds, seven but. indeed, after gift; of or. gift said that he had reason Spurgeon whether he remembered him and his rejection, he it was the treatment he then received, because to thank God, with all his heart, for the means of leading him to look within, to consider what his state was before God, to discover his many deficiencies it resulted in his being enabled to and, eventually, ; A few rejoice that he had been made a new creature in Christ Jesus.

questions and Spurgeon and Mr. had then answers confirmed statement, pleasure of the his He was for some years a useful member of the church willingly accepting him.

at and, at length, he passed away in the the Tabernacle faith of the gospel."

full ;

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