Christ Our All: Poems for the Christian Pilgrim

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Steadfast upon the Rock I stand,
Upheld by God’s almighty hand.  
In him I move, I live, or die, 
In him I’ll dwell beyond the sky. Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a beloved and celebrated preacher and pastor of the 19th century. But unbeknownst to many, in the quiet habitation of his private life, his prayers poured forth in poetry.

Edited by Spurgeon scholar Geoffrey Chang, Christ Our Poems for the Christian Pilgrim offers an intimate glimpse into the soul of Charles Spurgeon. The collection includes 186 never-before-published poems penned by the “Prince of Preachers” and 43 poems and hymns published during his lifetime. Written as private prayers or devotional exercises, these poems express Spurgeon’s sorrows, hopes, and love for God with striking imagery and bold conviction.

Christ Our All serves as more than a mere anthology—it is a remarkable treasure awaiting discovery. This volume is meant to be read devotionally, and each poem includes a reference to a passage of Scripture for reflection and prayer. Delve into the hidden depths of a beloved preacher's heart and embark on a poetic pilgrimage with Christ Our All, a remarkable treasure that will ignite your soul and leave you yearning for a deeper connection with God. 

Genres: Poetry, Faith

320 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2024

About the author

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.

Reviews

[Rob Sumrall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have such tremendous admiration for Spurgeon. As a pastor, he walked with people through plagues and worst, lifting his church to previously unthinkable heights. As a theologian, he stood firm for orthodoxy when the spirit of the age was drifting far afield. As a leader, he established orphanages, schools, ministries to the downtrodden, and publications. He was a singular man of his age and a personal hero to me.

That being said, I don’t think I like his poetry. The manuscripts of his sermons make for far better reading. His poetry repeats themes ad nauseum and employs basically the same meter and rhyme structure. And that happens repeatedly in nearly 200 poems - repetitive, simplistic poems.

Honestly, had these poems not been the work of Spurgeon, I would have set the book aside on the “Never Finished” pile (and maybe given it its deserved 2 star rating instead of the three I gave). But I love the man. So I read his poems. Unless you too love him, look elsewhere.

[Harper Roderick · Rating 2 out of 5]

In short, Spurgeon’s poetry is “mid” as the kids say.

HOWEVER, I still got something out of this volume despite the “meh” poetry. Spurgeon’s true art was preaching. But after reading his poems, I am convinced that Spurgeon’s private practice of poetry enhanced his public preaching. Perhaps part of Spurgeon’s power as a preacher was because he was also a mid poet.

[Tuyi Yohana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already interested in poetry a bit, but this with the combination of other liturgical works, sparked a love for poetry. This was just a combination of poetry and Jesus, and have caused me to aspire to write poetry. Now will I do it? Probably not lol, but very edifying poems! Let me give you an excerpt:

Title: Heaven Our Home

“Christian, look up! Thy portion is not here. Thy home is yonder where there’s peace, forever closed from fear.

Christian, why mourn? You’re getting nearer home, Where pleasures always near thee roam, Where there can be no care.

Christian, rejoice! Thy mansion is prepar’d. By all who love our Jesus, This heavenly home is shar’d.”

Spurgeon isn’t just known to me as the Prince of Preachers, but also a great poet!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spurgeon's word pictures in this collection are as luminous and spiritually enlivening as anyone who knows his work would expect. I'm so glad these poems and hymns are now out in the world. They've made such a rich companion to Bible reading for me over the past several months.

[Michael Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet meditations from Spurgeon.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really great poetry and I think I’m just sadly discovering I’m not really a big poetry reader. Maybe I need to start elsewhere but I found this a bit on the dense side. It’s not you, Spurgeon, it’s me. Just could find myself enjoying this fully as I should.