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C.H. Spurgeon
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834 - 1892). British Baptist preacher and author born in Kelvedon, Essex, England. Converted at 15 in 1850 after hearing a Methodist lay preacher, he was baptized and began preaching at 16, soon gaining prominence for his oratory. By 1854, he pastored New Park Street Chapel in London, which grew into the 6,000-seat Metropolitan Tabernacle, where he preached for 38 years. Known as the "Prince of Preachers," Spurgeon delivered thousands of sermons, published in 63 volumes as The New Park Street Pulpit and Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, still widely read. He founded the Pastors’ College in 1856, training over 900 ministers, and established Stockwell Orphanage, housing 500 children. A prolific writer, he penned classics like All of Grace (1886) and edited The Sword and the Trowel magazine. Married to Susannah Thompson in 1856, they had twin sons, both preachers. Despite battling depression and gout, he championed Calvinist theology and social reform, opposing slavery. His sermons reached millions globally through print, and his library of 12,000 books aided his self-education. Spurgeon died in Menton, France, leaving a legacy enduring through his writings and institutions.
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C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of boldly declaring oneself as a friend of Christ, urging Christians to stand firm in their faith even when faced with challenging questions or scrutiny. He reflects on the example of a man who, despite being questioned by the Pharisees, confidently affirmed his relationship with Jesus without hesitation. Spurgeon encourages believers to be unashamed in owning their faith and to respond promptly when challenged about their allegiance to Christ. He calls for a clear and distinct testimony from every Christian, reinforcing the idea that Jesus should be acknowledged as our Savior and Friend.
To Declare Myself a Friend of Christ
Christian men, however reserved and backward their natural disposition may be, are compelled to speak out when they are very much pressed. These Pharisees took this man and questioned him rather closely. They put questions to him by way of examination and cross-examination. “What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes?” and so on. He does not appear to have been disturbed or disconcerted by the questions. He acquitted himself grandly. Self-contained, quiet, shrewd, immovable, his mind was made up, and with a thorough mastery of the situation, he was ready for them. He did not hesitate. Well now, I trust if ever you and I are brought to book, and questions are put to us, even though it be with intent to entangle us, we shall never be “ashamed to own our Lord or to defend his cause.” Surely we might expect to be smitten dumb if we were ever abashed to speak of Christ when we are adjured to do it. If it comes to a challenge, “On whose side am I?” shall I ever hesitate to say, “I am with Immanuel, the crucified Savior”? If ever they get us into a corner and say, “Thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth,” oh may God give us grace to be prompt and not think twice - “Of course I was, and of course I am still. He is my Friend, my Savior, my all in all; and I never blush to own his name.” Christians must come out and bear each man for himself a clear and distinct testimony. From a sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon entitled "Speak For Yourself.
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Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834 - 1892). British Baptist preacher and author born in Kelvedon, Essex, England. Converted at 15 in 1850 after hearing a Methodist lay preacher, he was baptized and began preaching at 16, soon gaining prominence for his oratory. By 1854, he pastored New Park Street Chapel in London, which grew into the 6,000-seat Metropolitan Tabernacle, where he preached for 38 years. Known as the "Prince of Preachers," Spurgeon delivered thousands of sermons, published in 63 volumes as The New Park Street Pulpit and Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, still widely read. He founded the Pastors’ College in 1856, training over 900 ministers, and established Stockwell Orphanage, housing 500 children. A prolific writer, he penned classics like All of Grace (1886) and edited The Sword and the Trowel magazine. Married to Susannah Thompson in 1856, they had twin sons, both preachers. Despite battling depression and gout, he championed Calvinist theology and social reform, opposing slavery. His sermons reached millions globally through print, and his library of 12,000 books aided his self-education. Spurgeon died in Menton, France, leaving a legacy enduring through his writings and institutions.