How Spurgeon’s Early Years Prepared “The Prince of Preachers” | Lessons On How You Can Make A Difference
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Charles Haddon Spurgeon is a name most believers know. Today, well over a century after his death, C.H. Spurgeon’s words continue to strengthen millions of believers. God used this man to expound God’s Word and lift up the name of Jesus in an extraordinary way. His recorded sermons are more voluminous than any preacher in history. Numerous biographies journey through his life and ministry. However, I wish to explore the early years of this remarkable man. God is always at work. Like Moses, David, Joseph, Nehemiah, and countless others, there are lessons from the obscure years of his life. We do well to learn from them.
Spurgeon: An Extraordinary Child
Spurgeon’s childhood years may have been the most preparatory of his life. The difficulties that his parents experienced forced them to send Charles off to his saintly old grandparents. His grandfather was a preacher, and he would be a great encourager to Charles for many years.
Those six years with his grandparents would shape Spurgeon’s mind for the rest of his life. Those years “store[d] Spurgeon’s memory with gems which were his ‘diamonds among the rock crystals.’” In addition, his godly parents poured truth into his young heart. Beyond this, Spurgeon discovered Pilgrim’s Progress by the excellent Puritan writer, John Bunyan. For the rest of his life, Spurgeon would be a prolific reader and avid student of Puritan writings. Spurgeon was able to return to his parents at age 7. His father (an itinerant preacher) and mother were strong believers and influenced him greatly.
As previously mentioned, the Spurgeon family was strong in the faith. Although they experienced difficulties financially and with the ministry, they sought to raise their children in the Lord.
It was his mother who labored most at home to instill young Charles with the great truths of Scripture. Spurgeon’s upbringing convinced him that teaching the Word of God to children is vital. Spurgeon’s own life and childhood convinced him of this. His mother labored to teach and instruct her children on the fine points of doctrine. “I bear witness children can understand the Scriptures. For I am sure that when but a child, I could have discussed many a knotty point of controversial theology. As soon as a child is capable of being lost, it is capable of being saved.” [Richard Ellsworth Day, Shadow of the Broad Brim]
Spurgeon: A Restless Young Man
Young Spurgeon battled over his lost state for some time with no relief. Weaved in and out of Spurgeon’s testimony are Biblical truths about salvation. He did this to make his testimony a means for evangelism. Spurgeon often testified to his life before coming to Christ. Spurgeon detailed the doubt and fear he faced. He recounted that he had not heard the gospel preached fully in church (how tragic that is).
Living in Fear
By these, Spurgeon described his lost condition. This is the dreadful condition of all who are born into this world (Romans 3:23). He recounted that he “had been about five years in the most fearful distress of mind, as a lad. If any human being felt more the terror of God’s law, I can indeed pity and sympathize with him.” In this description of his time of conviction, Spurgeon draws the hearts of the hearers who may, at that moment, be under the Holy Spirit’s conviction. He laid the groundwork for God’s drawing work (John 6:44).
Spurgeon explained how confused he was about what it meant to “Believe in the Lord.” We all must put our faith in Christ to be saved (John 3:1-17, Romans 10:9-13). Spurgeon understood much of the Bible; yet, his vast intelligence “did not understand the freeness and simplicity of the gospel.” Indeed, this is where so many struggle. In his testimony, Spurgeon would guide the hearers through the gospel. That is a model well worth following.
Searching for Hope
Ultimately, it was Scripture alone that gave Spurgeon hope. No man gave him the rest he sought. It was looking to the Lord. He paid careful attention to the Word of God that brought him such hope and understanding (Isaiah 45:22). Throughout Spurgeon’s testimony, he emphasized the Word of God and how God had worked in his own heart. It is no different in our lives – God’s Word carries the very power of God to instill faith and bring salvation (1 Peter 1:18-25).
Reached by God’s Instrument of Choice
Likely, that snowy Sunday did not go according to the pastor’s plan. Perhaps the faithful deacon felt ill-equipped to preach the Word as he ascended to the pulpit. Yet, God was at work. The all-wise God had “Chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:27).
God had been working in young Spurgeon all his life – through the Puritans, through his godly grandparents, through his faithful parents, through the fervent prayers of his mother, and through the Word of God. Now, God’s instrument of choice to bring this brilliant young doubter to faith was a God-fearing deacon in a tiny old church. As young Charles heard the words “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” The Lord opened his eyes, and he trusted in Christ.
Whatever God has given you to do, be faithful. We never know how God will touch our obedience with His power and blessing. Expect Him to work.
Spurgeon often gave his testimony of that day in detail. Like his, our testimonies must include the great truths of salvation. We must explain how we were lost and how the Savior rescued us! Demonstrate to others how God drew you by His grace.
Spurgeon would shortly enter a life in the ministry. God has led and provided for him at each step. He will do the same for you and me! Share how God is guiding you in your new life in Christ with someone today! God can use our stories to stir others to remain faithful in service.
Spurgeon: A Mighty Young Minister
Spurgeon was a brilliant young man. He had a tremendous aptitude for learning and reading. In those early years, Spurgeon was often found snuggled up with a book somewhere. Spurgeon answered the call and entered the ministry at age sixteen. He began preaching all over the region. After just a few months, a small church called him to be their pastor. This humble beginning for the extremely young preacher prepared him for the work God had for him.
Lessons in a Barnyard: Spurgeon’s First Pastorate
Clearly, Spurgeon had much to learn about the ministry – in particular, people. His first pastorate was an amazing learning experience that taught him the importance of humility. It further served to give him an appreciation for normal people – the farmer, the working man, the smith, the stay-at-home mother, the child. That first pastorate and congregation became a transforming influence for the rest of Spurgeon’s ministry.
By the time Spurgeon answered the call of New Park Street Chapel, he had already preached an astounding 700 times and written over 365 sermons. He was nineteen at the time. These years in a humble barn church gave him a keen appreciation for the common man and the great work God’s Word can accomplish in the heart of men. This ministry provided him with an opportunity to grow in his mind, body, and spirit. God was preparing Spurgeon to be the man for his time and place of service.
The lessons Spurgeon learned at Waterbeach were vital to his work with the vast multitudes. As Richard Day stated, “He gained the priceless grace of being at ease with common people through living for a few days and practically every home of his flock.” Humility is key in ministry.
Guiding Hands on a Strong Plow: Spurgeon’s Mentors
Additionally, Spurgeon was blessed to have many ministerial encouragers along the way. One such man would be Pastor Cornelius Elven. Elven encouraged the young preacher to “study hard” and keep ahead of his church members “in the knowledge of scripture” to prevent contempt and dissatisfaction. Another key influence was his head deacon, Mr. King. King encouraged and corrected the young Spurgeon faithfully. He became a steadfast friend who stood by Spurgeon when he was called to the Metropolitan Tabernacle.
A Yielded Life: Surrendering to God’s Will
Another transformative event occurred during Spurgeon’s time: a thorough surrender of the will to Christ in every part of life. Coupled with this was Spurgeon’s grasp of the importance of personal evangelism. Spurgeon “was ever seeking such pearls.” Spurgeon sought divine appointments to win the lost. This burden for souls was amplified in his earnest pleas from the pulpit, but it was exemplified in his faithful personal witness. We all must learn this lesson.
His immense academic prowess and growing notoriety never hindered Spurgeon from fulfilling his own responsibility to tell others about the Savior.
Experience: The Divine Classroom for Servants
The last influence was the marvelous teacher, experience. It was during this time that Spurgeon developed a keen awareness of his own insufficiency and the power of God’s Word. He began to preach the Word of God, forsaking all confidence in his own wisdom. Further, Spurgeon learned through this season of ministry that God blesses faithfulness. He did not need to seek man’s approval or find fulfillment in man’s opinion.
Consider this account:
“On one occasion, the fame of the Waterbeach pastor having spread, he was invited to Isleham. The deacons hoped for such crowds that they borrowed the largest chapel in the neighborhood, but when the day came the congregation in the morning numbered exactly seven persons. Nothing daunted he preached one of his best sermons, with the result that in the evening there was not standing room in the place” [Fullerton, C. H. Spurgeon: A Biography]
By these influences, we see how God so frequently weaves both experiences and persons by His Word to transform His servants for His glory. It is our responsibility to have humble hearts and seek God’s direction in all things.
We all have a different part to play in God’s work. God used Spurgeon. But he also used intentional parents, a godly grandfather, a faithful deacon, and the writings from centuries gone by. God used many people in Spurgeon’s early years to make a difference. His experiences prepared him for future work. God is always at work, and He uses His children. We, too, can live faithfully in the service of our King. He is worthy, and He is working with us.
Further Reading on Spurgeon’s Early Years:
- The Shadow of the Broad Brim – Richard Day; Crown Christian Publications (2002)
- C. H. Spurgeon: A Biography – W. Y. Fullerton, Public Domain (1920)
- Spurgeon the Pastor: Recovering Biblical and Theological Vision for the Ministry – Chang, Geoffrey, B&H Publishing (2022)
Related Article: 4 Things To “Be” If You Want To Be Used By God
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