Title: C. H.
Spurgeon (Autobiography) – The Early
Years Vol 1
C. H. Spurgeon (Autobiography) –The
Full Harvest Vol 2
Author: Charles
Spurgeon
First Copyright: 1962/1973
Type of Book: Hardback
General Subject
Matter: Autobiography
Special Features: Black and White illustrations, Appendix
Price: $32/40/32.40 or 53.10 for two volume set
ISBN: 978-0-85151-076-7/978-085151-182-5
This is a very unusual historical writing. The author did not actually
write or complete this autobiography in his life time. From his own words in
the publishers preface, Spurgeon would write “something” and then say to the
effect, “Here is another part for my autobiography.” It was until sometime
after his death that his wife and publishers compiled Spurgeon’s various
writings, completed the unfinished parts, and published his story.
Therefore it is very difficult, at least for me to determine the purpose
of the writer for this biography. We do know that Spurgeon was passionate about the
God whom he served, the gospel that he preached, and the ministry that he rendered.
Spurgeon was careful to steer any glory from himself and on to our Lord. If
there were a purpose I think we would be safe in concluding that he wrote the
story of his life and ministry for the glory of God.
Many would say that the theme of his biography, or the main subject would be
Spurgeon himself. As I read these two volumes I discovered that the theme was
similar to the theme of what we call The
Acts of the Apostles. The theme of that narrative of course is “the Holy
Spirit” or “the acts of the Holy Spirit.” This would hold true to these two volumes, the theme is the works of God through the life and ministry of Charles
H Spurgeon.
The Thesis of the autobiography can be discerned from the jacket covesr, “He
worshipped Him; he adored Him. He was our Lord’s captive. Whatever Spurgeon did
he did it for Christ, and this is his controlling aim in his autobiography
which, in a natural way, leads our eyes from his service to the Savior he
served…” Jesus Christ is to be worshipped and glorified in all that we do!
Spurgeon developed his theme in his own personal words, experiences, and
understanding. Spurgeon developed his theme primary with narration sprinkled
often with humorous and homespun descriptive commentary. Spurgeon often gave
background, details, and information to tell his “tale” complete his purpose,
and to benefit the reader.
Spurgeon’s wife and certainly the publishers took great pain and liberty
to place most of his autobiography in a semi-chronological order. According to
the publisher’s Spurgeon did not write chronologically but as ideas, thoughts,
events, and such came to him.
This biography is extremely interesting. They give the reader great insight
into this great man of the past. It is easy to see almost all sides of this
preacher, soul-winner, pastor, author, and Christ-servant. The reader will find
much humor of the author along with moments and events that broke his heart.
This biography is filled with the child-hood and rearing of Spurgeon. It gives
much information about his conversion, calling, and confirmation in the
ministry. Volume one covers the years 1834-1859 and volume two covers the
period of 1869-1892.
Charles Haddon (C.H.)
Spurgeon (19 June 1834 – 31 January 1892) was a British Particular Baptist
preacher. Spurgeon remains highly influential among Christians of various
denominations, among whom he is known as the "Prince of Preachers".
He was a strong figure in the Reformed Baptist tradition, defending the Church
in agreement with the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith understanding,
and opposing the liberal and pragmatic theological tendencies in the Church of
his day.
It is estimated that in
his lifetime, Spurgeon preached to around 10,000,000 people. Spurgeon was the
pastor of the congregation of the New Park Street Chapel (later the
Metropolitan Tabernacle) in London for 38 years. He was part of several
controversies with the Baptist Union of Great Britain and later had to leave
the denomination. In 1857, he started a charity organization which is now
called Spurgeon's and works globally. He also founded Spurgeon's College, which
was named after him posthumously.
Spurgeon was a prolific
author of many types of works including sermons, an autobiography,
commentaries, and books on prayer, devotionals, magazines, poetry, hymns and
more. Many sermons were transcribed as he spoke and were translated into many
languages during his lifetime. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Each volume contains several black and white illustrations. The
layout is easy to read. The font type is of normal size and is modern. The book
contains a subject index. There are no footnotes nor endnotes.
I highly recommend these two volumes. They were both a joy to read
and I found them to be both stimulating and interesting. I learned a lot of
this great man of God.
1. John Newton: The Pastor
2. John Calvin: The Theologian
3. Andrew Fuller: The Missionary
4. Richard Sibbes: The Preacher
