John Ploughman's Pictures: More of His Plain Talk for Plain People

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

With his signature wit and wisdom, Charles H. Spurgeon continues the down-to-earth, practical counsel of John Ploughman’s Talk in this companion volume. Through vivid proverbs, sharp illustrations, and a hearty dose of humor, Spurgeon addresses everyday struggles, moral lessons, and the dangers of vice—especially the perils of idleness and drink. Written in a plain, engaging style for “plain people,” John Ploughman’s Pictures is a treasury of insight for those seeking practical godliness and biblical wisdom in daily life.

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1880

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

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately I realized 3/4 of the way in that this edition (Chapel Library) is abridged; however, it is still excellent. Besides, 100+ pages of Spurgeon is worth five times as many from anyone else. I'll have to make sure I pick up the full version later, as I will certainly read it again.

[Martyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. It's not exactly easy reading though. It's very intense. I thought it was going to be a volume of interesting and engaging little narratives. Instead it is almost one continuous string of proverbs and wise and witty sayings from beginning to end, just piled one on top of another. Almost the entire book is quotable - just open it and point your finger at any sentence at random. It's incredible really. It would be a very useful tool for preachers who wanted engaging and memorable statements and rhymes to throw into their sermons to help reinforce their points. It's a small book but it's packed full of good stuff.

I think when I read John Ploughman's Talk many years ago, it wasn't at all what I was expecting, and I didn't appreciate it at the time. Now I am thinking I probably misjudged it and didn't understand what it was all about. It probably greatly deserves to be revisited.

[Judy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the sequel to John Ploughman’s Talk and every bit as pithy but fun to read. Spurgeon has a way of hitting home through using the humor of the sayings of the times. The chapters are short – just the right length so as to not get bogged down and to remember and think about what one has read. While much is entertaining there’s always a scriptural point to ponder and hopefully, apply.

The reader can especially see in this book Spurgeon’s compassion for those who are victims of a drinking spouse and or parent. He dedicates a couple of chapters to this topic. It is clear that he was very acquainted with many who were slaves to drink.

We know that Spurgeon’s passion was to see souls saved and perhaps the John Ploughman books provided a different audience from his usual and thereby an opportunity to point us a s sinner to the truth of Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and ascension to heaven that has afforded us all reconciliation with the Heavenly Father.

[Rocky Henriques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another side of Spurgeon...

...that most people have never known. Mingling humor with common sense, Charles Spurgeon writes through the voice of John Ploughman, bringing sublime truth down to the homes, streets and countryside. Every lover of Spurgeon should read the books by "John Ploughman"!

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just great.