Preachers often quote Spurgeon today because he had an ability to explain Christian truth to ordinary people with pointed, memorable statements. The people who heard and read his words were effectively taught theology and enjoyed it. He was a dogged defender of the Bible as God’s truth.
There was another side to Spurgeon’s Character, he had a sensitive and loving nature that was the spur to him preaching the gospel, so that as many people as possible could hear the good news about why Jesus Christ came to spend time on earth, building a church for eternity. This also showed through in his warm pasturing of his congregation and the setting up of a college for future ministers of the gospel.
Spurgeon realised that he could influence the church beyond his own lifetime if he could encourage future pastors to trust the Bible, love people and preach the truth fearlessly. To achieve this he collected his lectures to his college students and published this book. It has been a classic of pastoral theology ever since and is still used to train ministers to this day.
Endorsements
Really enjoyed these lectures when I read them many years ago. Twenty-five chapters full of practical advice for those involved with or considering ministry. The chapter that stood out in particular for me was the second one on the call to ministry. Highly recommended to any man who is exploring this and seeking to know if he is suitable. Also, of note for those who preach are some helpful chapters on the use of your voice, posture and gesture. In addition to all of this, I can add that these lectures will also benefit you if you're in need of cheering up! So if you're ever feeling a bit low read one or two of these chapters and Surgeon's wit and humour should put the smile back on your face!
Andrew Young, Fraserburgh
P.S. my review should say twenty-eight chapters, not twenty-five!
C. H. Spurgeon, the great Victorian preacher, was one of the most influential people of the second half of the 19th Century. At the heart of his desire to preach was a fierce love of people, a desire that meant he did not neglect his pastoral ministry.
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