Spurgeon

This was my first book on Charles Spurgeon, and I have to say that it sparked my interest so much that I proceeded to his 4 volume Autobiography! Dallimore writes very well, breaks down the material into short, manageable chapters, and liberally uses the words of Spurgeon himself to give the reader a good snapshot of the preacher. One of the things I like about this book is that while Dallimore gives us a good clear picture of Spurgeon the man, he also provides the reader a faithful glimpse of Spurgeon the servant of God. I could not help but be inspired by the work of God in this man. This is a biography of Charles Spurgeon, but it is ultimately about the incredible local and global work of Christ through one of His humble servants. If you are looking for a short, first book on Spurgeon, then this is the one. It is concise, accurate, faithful to the man himself, and inspirational.

The book tends toward hero worship, but it does a great job of relating the heart of the "Prince of Preachers." Spurgeon's preaching and intellectual prowess is amazing. His striving for the spread of the gospel and for preserving the truth is convicting. The book is well footnoted and it relates all his ministeries: the orphanage, the pastor's college, and his writing. Each ministry by itself would consume one man's life, but Spurgeon energetically supports all of them. He is a very fascinating man. The key to his heart was a story about how he toned down his affectations and gestures so that people would reflect more on Christ while he preached. This strategy only heightened the power of his preaching.

I've read portions of almost all the biographies written on Spurgeon. This one seems to take the some of the best bits and pieces and combine them into one book. This book used much of the quotes left by Spurgeon's wife, and this gave it a first person kind of feel.If you really want to dive into Spurgeon's life and see the trials and victories that this man faced, this is a wonderful book. Enjoy it.

Anyone who doubts the claims on Spurgeon as the spiritual ancestor of today's Independent Baptist movement needs to read this thrilling biography-- especially the chapter entitled "Contending for the Faith." Spurgeon's famous split with the old English Baptist Union was not only brave and "socially incorrect," but also helped to establish an important trend among fundamental Bible-BELIEVERS, especially Baptists: If the big boys are getting soft, liberal and painfully 'relevant' to this old sinful world, then say your piece and LEAVE-- let THEM drag eachother through the mire, but unhook YOUR leash ASAP! Bravo, Charles! The book has, of course, other qualities to recommend it. It is also a fine readable biography and a great intro to both Charlie himself and the world of true "Old Paths" fundamentalism. Enjoy.

Detailed enough to get a good feel for the personality and character of the man. Tells something of the physical and mental anguish he faced in the course of directing a vast amount of ministries all under his leadership as pastor of Metroplitan Tabernacle in London. The chapter on Contending for the Faith described what he endured for the cause of truth. A must reading for all Christians.