Chapter 47: Progress of the College
Chapter 47.
Progress of the College
Losses by Death—Spurgeon ceases to edit The Baptist Magazine—Spurgeon and Punshon—The Tabernacle depicted—Societies—Work of the College Students—Temperance—Baptisms at the Tabernacle—Exaggerated Reports of Spurgeon's Income.
Many friends of Spurgeon, both in the Establishment and in the ranks of Nonconformity, passed away during the year 1862. Beresford, Primate of Ireland; Sumner, Archbishop of Canterbury; and Horne, the well-known author of "The Introduction to the Scriptures," were among the Churchmen; the losses of Dissent included George Clayton, James Sherman, Drs. Reed and Leifchild, and lastly Sheridan Knowles, who commended Spurgeon when he first came to London on account of his correct elocution and dramatic power.
During the year London had been enlivened by the second Great Industrial Exhibition; hut the untimely death of the Prince Consort, who had laboured hard to make that international show a success, cast a gloom over the country, which was deepened by disasters in mines and on the railways. As we have seen, Mr. Spurgeon was ever ready to turn to account the events of the day by drawing useful lessons from them.
Other matters also, in which the pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle was more interested, because they more affected him in his work, were taking place. At the opening of the year 1863, a controversy between the assailants of the authority of Scripture and the defenders of plenary inspiration was at its height. "Whatever may prove to be the distinguishing characteristics of the year 1863, one feature it is already seen to possess in common with that which has just elapsed—that arising from the struggle between the assailants and the defenders of the veracity of God's Word," remarks a religious chronicler of the time. "The controversy would seem to be just commenced, and we appear to stand in a position not dissimilar from that occupied by the men who, thirty years ago, were called to contend for the faith against Tractarianism. Then it was superstition, now it is scepticism, which threatens to sap the Church's foundations. In the ultimate discomfiture of the one we read a prophecy of the certain defeat of the other."
These disputes touched Spurgeon in his most tender place, for he seemed to realise that his life mission was not only to preach the Gospel, but also to stand for the defence of the Truth. His attitude in this respect was always uncompromising, although his hearty denunciations of Arminianism, in the pulpit did not prevent his fraternising with the General Baptists in their work and everyday life. At the same time the smooth progress of the pastorate and of service in the world was occasionally hindered by hitches and obstacles which were more ominous than reassuring. Thus, with the opening of 1863, Mr. Spurgeon ceased to have any connection with The Baptist Magazine, which he had jointly edited for two years. It was in relation to this change that a letter was sent to Mr. Medhurst, now of Cardiff, to whom reference has been made as the "first student." After showing that it was impossible to carry on the joint-editorship so as to please all, Mr. Spurgeon added:—
"We hope to start another and cheaper magazine in which we may teach the truth and discover error, without being called to account by a denomination far too heterogeneous ever to be represented at all, and, I fear, too unsound to endure plain speech. If I may leaven the denomination with scores of men like yourself, I shall rejoice indeed, but earnest preachers of the whole truth are too few.
"Fray that the Lord may guide me in some tremendous struggles which now await me."
Referring to this communication, Mr. Medhurst remarks in a private note:—
"The magazine of which the above letter speaks as to be started was The Sword and the Trowel, commenced in 1865, in which truth has been taught and error exposed with unwavering fidelity from the commencement even down to the present time.
"From the beginning of Mr. Spurgeon's marvellous ministry, he was eagerly stretching out his hands towards the 'regions beyond,' longing for the time when the results of his ministry should be far-reaching."
It cannot be said with certainty to whom the allusions are made; but we should go wide of the mark if we were to interpret too literally expressions which were written down in letters, or which were spoken in private conversation, at the date in question. The fact seems to be that the misgivings with which Spurgeon had been regarded in the earliest years in London had not altogether died away. It is certain that many good Christian people who read The Baptist Magazine would have taken exception to his sound Calvinistic teaching. The young preacher had a favourite expression—a full Gospel, "sixteen ounces to the pound;" but some did not care for what he regarded as full weight.
About the middle of January the welcome news reached England of the arrival in New Zealand of the Albert Land emigrants previously referred to, and in whose welfare Mr. Spurgeon was deeply interested. Speaking of the land allotted to them, a daily paper said much of it was of excellent quality, while the remainder was average. "There is ample room for cattle-runs with the present population. We regret that for a few days the special settlers suffered considerable privations. Nothing had been done by the pioneer agents to provide shelter for the immigrants on their arrival, although this could easily have been arranged." Some inconvenience and extra expense were occasioned by somebody's negligence; but some of the more opulent settlers were sufficiently pleased with the country to purchase much more land than was originally allotted to them.
About this time, Dr. Campbell published a series of articles, entitled "Eloquence. The Young Men's Christian Association," the pieces having reference to the lectures given at Exeter Hall, and to those who gave them. In one of these studies particular attention was devoted to Morley Punshon, comparison being also drawn between that distinguished orator and Spurgeon; and these utterances seem to be the more interesting because the two men were always sincere friends. They differed on theological points; but they were content to differ. Mr. Spurgeon would himself occasionally attend a lecture at Exeter Hall; and I have reason to think that he has there been profoundly impressed by the power of Punshon's oratory. I have heard that Spurgeon once said after an address by his Wesleyan friend, "If I could speak like that, I would turn the world upside down." At the same time no one knew better than the Baptist preacher that Punshon was too rhetorical. As is the case with writing, speaking may be too highly finished to produce the best effect, especially when all that has been prepared has been learned by heart. Hence, notwithstanding the admiration which Spurgeon justly accorded to his friend, he never really coveted his art. "What did you think of Punshon's oration?" "Well, I felt like the country-boy who, on being requested to ask a blessing at a feast, said: 'Lord, we thank Thee that we do not get such a good dinner every day, else we should be ill and want the doctor.'" It had to be admitted that in the best sense highly ornate preaching is not successful. It does not seem to have been so even in the case of Robert Hall; and it was still less so in the case of some who came after him—men who, as talented elocutionists, were much run after by the crowd. In his study of the famous Wesleyan preacher, Dr. Campbell showed that his speaking was "novel, startling, grand," but it was not sufficiently natural; and in this respect he differed from Spurgeon, who had "surpassed all his contemporaries by his fidelity to nature." The great preacher performed "nearly the whole of his mighty marches in the pace of a Titan:—His is Cicero's first style on the very largest scale possible. It consists of gigantic conversation. He could trot, and that to purpose, and so could he gallop, but he rarely does either, unless the latter sometimes, when waxing indignant with the Neologists, Rationalists, or the American slaveholders, and then he thunders and lightens like Jupiter." As had been the case with Jay, of Bath, Samuel Martin, of Westminster, achieved "his wonders" like Paganini, who charmed all Europe with one string. It was worth while giving attention to such exemplars:—
"Why should not Mr. Punshon take a leaf out of the books of Martin and Spurgeon? It would mightily add to the pleasure of his audience and to his general usefulness. It would to that extent increase even his present immense popularity. As the matter now stands, he has, to men of taste and culture, too much the air of merely a brilliant rhetorician, an English Isocrates, a leviathan declaimer. The trot, the gallop, are doubtless a great thing, but they must not constitute the whole, else it will savour of a performance, a display, an exhibition, a notion everywhere fatal to dignity, grandeur, and power. It is not thus that the great business of life is carried on in courts of law and halls of legislation: not thus spake Chatham, Pitt, and Burke, Erskine, Plunket, and Flood."
Whether or not Spurgeon had at this time reached the height of his popularity, it was a fact, as we find one insisting, that his name was the most popular in Christendom. At the same time, there were large numbers even in the metropolis to whom the Metropolitan Tabernacle as a term conveyed only a vague idea. The place was indeed one of the most wonderful centres to be found in the world; but only by being visited and looked into could such a hive be properly understood. One friend in particular seems to have become more and more astonished and delighted at what was being achieved as he advanced in years; and the aim of his writing and speaking was to lead persons to visit the great chapel for themselves. "You arrive," wrote he, "at a few minutes to six o'clock on a Sabbath evening. The streets around are crowded with respectable people. At length the gates open, and in a trice the whole of the vast area within is gorged; the noble flight of steps and the spacious portico are literally loaded with an expectant throng. At length the doors are opened, the bulk of the seat-holders having been already accommodated, and in the visitors pour as a torrent, which very speedily covers every foot of space. Try now, good stranger, if you would form a proper estimate of the wondrous sight." In the distant region of the upper gallery there was a large congregation; there was one even larger in the middle gallery, and one more numerous still in the area. Indeed, we find this spectacle described as really consisting of half a dozen chapels, each being larger than the average, but all having the advantage of being under the ministry of one master mind and one unrivalled voice.
What was more, the tendency was to increase rather than fall off, notwithstanding that "scathing envy and green-eyed jealousy" bad confidently predicted that this would not be the case. At the opening of 1862 the quidnuncs who were well versed in the signs of the times gave out that Spurgeon's power to attract might survive the summer, because people coming into town to the Exhibition would hear the hero of the hour, but when all the visitors had returned to their homes, the whole thing would naturally collapse. The fact was, however, that the eagerness of people to attend the services was greater than ever. The additions to the membership averaged about nine a week, and the Church of nearly 2,500 members was already the largest in Christendom. It was held, too, with some reason by Mr. Spurgeon's friends that the congregation, large as it was, had the privilege of being even better looked after than many smaller assemblies. The town was divided into districts, each having a discreet and vigilant elder to look after it, who had to give in a report at special meetings. These we find described as presbyters, the pastor being the bishop. "He repudiates the idea of isolated independency, holding by something which may be designated Baptist Presbyterianism." The preacher with his surroundings on a Sunday morning at this time we have depicted thus:—
"You see the clock; Mr. Spurgeon will be here in a moment. Mark him as he softly glides down those steps, and drops upon the sofa. Note his lustrous and beaming eye. The countenance is not so much sallow as bloodless. His whole face, you will see, is radiant with benevolence; he seems the happiest man in the assembly. You see those gentlemen that sit in those enclosed seats. That is the sanhedrim; those are the deacons. Do they not present a really aldermanic appearance? What a fine-looking body of men! How hale and hearty they are! They certainly adorn their position, and speak well for their profession. Their presence is a standing proclamation of the fact, that godliness has promise of the life that now is, as well as that which is to come. They seem to say with Moses to Hobab, 'Come with us, and we will do you good, for the Lord hath spoken good concerning us.' The introductory prayer, you will think, is a somewhat strange affair. Men from a distance, more especially from the systematic and orderly kingdom beyond the Tweed, are often startled at its seeming irreverence. They doubt if the good man be praying at all; or they think he is still but a learner. Well, he certainly talks to God as if he meant it."
It was pointed out that at this time Spurgeon really gave at every service what might be called a lecture as well as a sermon; and it was thought that the comments on the read portions of Scripture which constituted this lecture were quite as valuable material for the printer as the ordinary discourses. It needed no unusual sagacity to make the suggestion that these readings should be published; for had they been issued in a way similar to that adopted by Dr. Cumming, the volumes would no doubt have been extremely popular. The fact is, however, that there was never an excessive amount of enterprise in connection with the publication of Spurgeon's works. The annual meeting of the College took place on January 30, and was a more than usually good gathering. "Here we are in the midst of a most interesting company of tutors, Church officers, leading men, students, and friends," we find one of the guests remarking. "The assemblage takes place at five o'clock, and the tea is of course excellent. Mrs. Spurgeon, with her modest vivacity and modest attention to all, is the soul of the hour, and the young bishop is moving airily about, loving all, the beloved of all, pleasing all, and amusing not a few." After tea there was a crowded meeting, and the history of the institution, for the year showed the College to be a thing by itself—something unlike anything else in the British Islands. If such a school of the prophets did not prove the founder to be actually revolutionary, its existence at least showed him to be thoroughly original. He did not wish to be singular or eccentric; but desiring above all things to be useful, his genius enabled him to find out new paths. He cared nothing for conventional ideas nor for prevailing customs unless they happened to fall in with his plans and aspirations. "He acts in everything as if he had been the first actor, and as if this were the first age of Christian society, with neither ancestry nor precedent," we find one remarking. "What is good? What is better? What is best? This point settled, to work he goes, and he rests not till the object has been accomplished." But while this eminent leader possessed sterling characteristics which enabled him to move as a chief among his fellows, it was not to be taken for granted that he was always necessarily right in speech or action. Obstacles to the success of the College had been overcome in a wonderful way; the objections of early opponents had been triumphantly answered by the progress made; the prophecies concerning failure or undesirable results had never been fulfilled. At the same time, while the devoted young pastor was extolling the liberality of the people which under God had enabled him to achieve what he had done, he was simply carried away with his own enthusiasm when he publicly declared, "The days of societies are over and gone." Exception was very generally taken to such an assertion in the newspapers. It was maintained, with some show of reason, that in a Christian sense the day of societies had only begun; that they would be as lasting as the nations, with which they had much in common; and that they were necessary for the accomplishment of Christian work which could not be carried out by individuals. It was shown that some of the best things which had blessed the world had been carried out by associations.
Connected with the College at that time were three Jews, one of whom with his own hands had distributed 3,000 copies of the Scriptures at the Great Exhibition of 1862. They had some Primitive Methodists among their number; and it was then thought to be a singular thing that about half of the students in course of training should send up a memorial in favour of teetotalism. Mr. Spurgeon was not then an advocate of total abstinence, believing that intemperance, like other sins, would have to be cured by the Gospel. Still, he characterised the memorial as a good one, though its very mention provoked a round of laughter. At all events, it showed a becoming disposition towards economy in men who received only fifteen shillings a week. When the President rose to make a further statement, he was able to say, "My once despised lath-and-plaster institution is actually, in point of numbers, already at the head of the colleges of the Baptist body." There were over fifty students, and on this fact one authority remarked:—
"The circumstance is alike remarkable and cheering. But this is only one view of the subject; it regards only the College proper. There is much, very much good, however, besides being done in the way of intellectual culture and fitting men for usefulness. The evening classes comprise thrice the number of the College students, and these classes are supplied with instruction adapted to their circumstances of an exceedingly interesting and important character. In addition to the College course and the diversified exercises of the evening classes there is every Friday night a popular lecture, very often by Mr. Spurgeon himself, and otherwise by the most eminent men, lay and ministerial, that he can find. This is one of the most attractive features of the system. He stated on Friday night that Mr. Paxton Hood had been engaged for the next series of lectures, embracing pulpit eloquence and a variety of subjects, all enlightening and attractive."
It was thought that the institution was exercising a power which was wanting in other colleges, and that Spurgeon was not only the presiding genius, but "the animating soul of the system." Hence persons who by no means underrated an educated ministry predicted that vast good would come to the Church from the evangelistic enterprise of a band of men who were taught that the ingathering of converts into the Church was to be the ambition of life. The training, as a whole, seemed to be well fitted to develop enthusiasm, as well as to draw out latent talent. "Everything is done to nourish the spirit of devotion," wrote one friend. "The tutors and the students form a species of Protestant fraternity of the ancient type, with all its good, and without any of its evil; a spirit the most paternal seems to obtain among them; nothing can form a greater contrast than the cold proprieties of the old Dissenting Colleges and of the National Universities." According to Principal Rogers, the law of love was dominant; then profitable social intercourse was encouraged, while they communed together once a month at the Lord's table. The institution may have shown some shortcomings; it might not be the place for such young men as had enjoyed exceptional advantages, and had set themselves to attain to a high standard of scholarship, but it was nevertheless such a training-school as the age required. While expressing his admiration, Dr. Campbell ventured to give forth a prophecy destined never to be fulfilled:—"In addition to the tongue power which it so strenuously cultivates, it initiates the young men into all the chief branches of human knowledge, and, although there is obviously little time for general reading, yet mind is awakened, directed, and put in the way of improving itself indefinitely. Rightly speaking, education only begins in colleges. It was well remarked, both by Hume and Gibbon, that no man was ever great who did not put himself through a second course of training after leaving the university. It is well known that Swift obtained his degree in Dublin by special favour, having no literary claim to it; but afterwards he laboured fourteen hours a day for seven years, and hence that brilliancy of wit, and that vigour of intellect, and that multifariousness of knowledge which lifted him so high above his compeers. If we do not greatly miscalculate, mankind will hear more of this matter. Should Mr. Spurgeon, who, we believe, is only yet in his twenty-sixth year, have before him forty or fifty years of life and health, which is quite possible, and the present measure of Divine approbation, his work will be its own witness. He will very probably, however he may deprecate the idea or struggle against it, become the founder of a denomination bearing his own name, which will occupy a place of no ordinary usefulness and honour both at home and abroad."
Among those who were baptised at the Tabernacle during February, 1863, appear to have been the present Sir Arthur Blackwood, of the Post Office, Captain Hawes, and Mr. Ord. According to The Record their immersion took place in "Mr. Spurgeon's baptistery adjoining the Tabernacle," but, as most persons are aware, the baptistery is beneath the lower platform, directly beneath the chair which Mr. Spurgeon used while conducting a prayer-meeting. The Friday evening lectures were still kept up, the pastor himself giving one occasionally. In the main, other lecturers had now to be engaged, however, and amongst them we find the author of "My Wanderings in the East" delighting the audience on February 13 with an account of Palestine, The Tabernacle itself was on this occasion nearly filled, and Mr. Spurgeon spoke in high terms of Mr. Gadsby both as a lecturer and writer.
It was not customary for Nonconformist chapels to be open on Good Friday, but on that day in this year, Mr. J. A. Spurgeon appears to have preached twice at the Metropolitan Tabernacle on behalf of his new chapel at Southampton.
Exaggerated notions of the amounts which Spurgeon received from America on account of his works gained currency from time to time. We find it reported that Sheldon and Co., the Transatlantic agents, had sold 300,000 of the Sermons, and that they were accustomed to remit the preacher £1,000 at one time. Mr. Spurgeon in contradicting the report said that he would like to see such a remittance, or even one of a thousand pence.