Introduction

Introduction to New Edition:
"The Last Lap"

Holy Scripture depicts the Christian life as a race that must be run with perseverance. In Hebrews 12:1-3 the picture is widened to the likeness of an Olympic stadium full of athletes who have previously and successfully run the marathon and who now watch with fascination as other runners come into the stadium to complete that last lap. Charles Haddon Spurgeon was the outstanding spiritual athlete of the 19th Century. This book describes the last weeks, days and hours of his phenomenal life as well as the funeral services and sermons which followed.

In a sermon titled 'Sermons from Saintly Death-beds' [no. 783, preached on 1st December 1867] on the text, "And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into his bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people" (Genesis 49:33), Spurgeon makes the observation that 'God permits the Jordan to overflow its banks when some of his best children are passing through, for he designs to magnify his grace in the last trial of their faith, and thus to show to men, and angels, and devils, who are looking on, how he can triumph in his servants when flesh and heart are failing.' Thus we would expect a choice instrument like Martin Luther who was used massively to destroy the dominions of Satan on earth to be put to the test in his last hours. In his life Luther experienced colossal spiritual trials and agonies some of which were referred to in German as infecting which means a mixture of intense spiritual horror, doubt, terror and anxiety, bordering on despair. Luther was taken suddenly ill at the end of three weeks spent at Eisleben the town of his birth. The journey to Eisleben during January 1546 was freezingly cold and exhausting. The mission was for Luther was to settle a dispute. This was exacting and tiring but was achieved at the end of three weeks. Then suddenly Luther fell ill. The end came in a couple of days. There were no violent conflicts. His disciples, friends and sons who were with him were acutely aware that those loyal to the Pope would dearly like to be able to spread the rumour that at the end of his life Martin turned back to Rome. On the last day of his life as he became weaker he kept repeating the words of John 3:16. In the last moments close friend and companion Professor Jonas said to Martin, "Do you want to die standing firmly in Christ and the doctrines you have taught?" Very clearly for all round his bedside to hear Martin replied, "Yes!" His testimony to the teaching of justification by faith alone was kept to his last breath.

In the exposition, 'Sermons from Saintly Death-beds' Spurgeon refers to the deaths of many who were weak. To many saints departure has been a peaceful entrance into the fair haven of repose. The very weakest of God's servants have frequently been happiest in their departing moments. John Bunyan, who had observed this fact, in the description of Mr Feeble-mind's passage across the river, "Here also I took notice of what was very remarkable; the water of that river was lower at this time than ever I saw in my life. So he went over at last not much above wetshod." Heaven's mercy tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, and gives to babes no battle, because they have no strength for it: the lambs calmly rest on the bosom of Jesus, and breathe out their lives in the Shepherd's arms. What an encouragement this ought to be to you who are the tender ones among us! What cheering tidings for you who are weak in faith! Like Mr-Ready-to-halt, you shall cry, "Now, I shall have no more need of these crutches, since yonder are chariots and crutches, since yonder are chariots and horses for me to ride on.'"

Biblical support for interest in the manner in which we end the race is provided in 2 Kings 2:1-18. Elisha having requested of the LORD a double portion of Elijah's spiritual endowment Elisha followed Elijah determined to be at his side when he was taken up to heaven. When that moment came Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha cried out "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" or in the words of Krummacher, "thou wast Israel's artillery and cavalry—its glittering legion, and its invincible host". In some ways Spurgeon's departure was like that for it marked the end of a ministry of extraordinary effective gospel preaching combined with a life of practical good works. These works resulted in innumerable gospel ministries emanating from the Metropolitan Tabernacle. As this book shows Spurgeon's industrious life was industrious to the very end. He died as he had lived in the Lord's glad service. His work of defending the faith in controversy was just as vital as the other works foreordained by our Father for him to achieve. His was the most effective voice for the truth (Jude 1:3) in the downgrade controversy.

Spurgeon always lived with eternity in view. Preaching from the text "The time is short" (1 Corinthians 7:29) he urged his hearers as follows: 'Do you believe that these eyes shall see the King in that day when he comes in his glory, and that these bones shall rise again from the grave, and your bodies shall be endowed with an incorruptible existence? "Yes," say you, "we do believe it, and believe it intensely, too." Well, then, I would that you realized it as so very near that you were expectant of its fulfillment. Who would cry and fret about the passing troubles of a day when he saw the heavens open, beheld the beckoning hand, and heard the voice that called him hence? Oh, that the glory might come streaming into your soul till you forget the darkness of the way! Oh, that the breeze from these goodly mountains would fan you! Oh, that the spray from that mighty ocean would refresh you! Oh, that the music of those bells of heaven in yonder turrets would enliven you! Then would you speed your way towards the rest that remaineth for the people of God, inspired with sacred ardor and dauntless courage.'" This whole volume will help to inspire the reader with that 'sacred ardour and dauntless courage' necessary to complete the race of faith.

Erroll Hulse

The above Portrait of Mr. Spurgeon has been produced from the last Photograph taken at Menton, January 8, 1892. (See page 32.)