Charles Haddon Spurgeon's Autobiography Volume 2: The Full Harvest 1854-1860

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was an English 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. He also famously denied being a Protestant, and held to the view of Baptist Successionism.
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 he left the denomination over doctrinal convictions. In 1867, he started a charity organisation 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, 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. Spurgeon produced powerful sermons of penetrating thought and precise exposition. His oratory skills held his listeners spellbound in the Metropolitan Tabernacle and many Christians hold his writings in exceptionally high regard among devotional literature.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Church History, Theology, Nonfiction, Autobiography, History

441 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1973

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

[Eric Durso · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gift to the church this man was.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much goodness to be gleaned from these two volumes. I didn't enjoy the second as much as the first, perhaps because it was more focused more on his professional ministry and less on his personal life (and WE NEEDED AN EPILOGUE - ending on his funeral, just, 😭)

But still, wow. Definitely a worthwhile read and filled with a variety of information and stories about the Prince of Preachers. Incredibly inspiring to say the least.

[Matt Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So devotionally encouraging and Christ-glorifying

[Matt Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spurgeon's autobiography is quite lenghty, and some may wonder if it would be able to hold their interest beyond the first volume. For my part, I enjoyed the second volume even more than the first. It was a joy and delight to read and has encouraged and challenged me both as a pastor and as a Christian. It is full of great anecdotes from Spurgeon's life and as I was reading I would frequently tell my wife 'Spurgeon stories' that had made an impression on me. Here you will find faith worthy of imitation, untiring labor for the Lord, and unflagging zeal for the kingdom of God.

There are a few downsides to the book, but none significant enough to persuade me to give it anything less than five stars. This volume opens with a chapter on the construction of the Metropolitan Tabernacle which seemed like the most boring subject possible to begin a book with, but even this chapter turned out to be interesting. It does seem to border somewhat on hagiography since I can't recall a single instance where Spurgeon is said to be in error in judgment or speech or really anything at all. The information on the Downgrade Controversy is rather sparse for so significant an event in his life, but the editors do point the reader to an outside source. None of these weaknesses were overwhelming, but still seemed worth mentioning.

Without doubt I would highly recommend this book, especially for those in ministry. Spurgeon, even through this work, has the measure and manner of faith that tends to bouy your own just from having been near him. His life and work has made me want to be a better preacher and a more faithful servant of the Lord Jesus, and there's not much more I could have asked for.

[Chandler Langmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent volume 2 of the life and ministry of the prince of preachers!

[Cavan Gappmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was just as good as the first!

[Tori Samar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"As long as there is breath in our bodies, let us serve Christ; as long as we can think, as long as we can speak, as long as we can work, let us serve him, let us even serve him with our last gasp; and, if it be possible, let us try to set some work going that will glorify him when we are dead and gone."

A worthwhile follow-up to Volume 1. Of particular interest to me were the descriptions of a typical week's work for Spurgeon, as well as the "furnace of affliction" that kept him out of the pulpit for months at a time.

No doubt C.H. Spurgeon was a man willing to spend and be spent for Christ. And in light of the quote I shared above, how fitting it is that his legacy and writings continue to bring glory to God today. "[T]hough he died, he still speaks" (Hebrews 11:4).

[Chad Delhotal · Rating 4 out of 5]

While in some ways this and the previous volume are essential reads for lovers of Spurgeon, they tend to be heavy on details that may not be the most pertinent to modern audiences. Also realize going into a reading of these volumes that they are not entirely Autobiography. They are a compilation, containing much from Spurgeon's pen and also many recollections from those close to him. Certainly worth a read and contains many interesting facts, but not always compelling and at some points not even interesting.

[Jack Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s difficult to overstate how good these two volumes are. There’s nothing quite like reading Spurgeon in his own words, or in the words of his wife. I’m grateful for the way his life, preaching, writings, and example have shaped Sovereign Grace Churches; so many individuals I love and look up to; and now myself in turn. I anticipate returning to these volumes frequently in life, and Lordwilling in ministry.

[Lone · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words not said that can cover the two volumes about Spurgeons life and ministry. I praise the Lord for raising up men who stands in Scripture and work tirelessly despite of pain and suffering to see people repent and saved for glory.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Spurgeon has influenced me more than any other theologian. The first volume of his autobiography impacted me deeply. I didn’t find this volume as enthralling but it was excellent nonetheless. It was rewarding to read about different aspects of his life that I was unfamiliar with. These books will be on my shelf to read again in the years to come.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books to listen to.

[Hank Pharis · Rating 3 out of 5]

See review of the first volume. Just gets better in the second.

[Jerry Bousard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What can I say. What a giant. This is such a good autobiography. It is in 2 volumes, I want to read it again. Just a great story.

[Seth Channell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would be 5 stars if not for some of the frivolous information that was included.

[James Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this book is technically an autobiography, but credit also needs to be given to his wife, Susie Spurgeon & one of his most able assistants W.J. Harrald, because they really did all the work in putting this volume together. I much enjoyed this book, but it was interesting reading this nominally autobiographical volume that really didn't contain any actual content written by Spurgeon that was intended for that purpose. But! That is no matter, because once again, just like the first volume, this volume was most intensely interesting and also pointed me to Christ. Can I complain? Most of the work Spurgeon did on his autobiography was contained in the first volume, so this one really is more of a compilation of letters and other writings that Spurgeon did, as well as a containing heavy editorial commentary by the aforementioned co-authors Spurgeon & Harrald. I loved reading what Spurgeon's wife had to say about him. Biased, well of course. But to get her first-hand accounts of him...truly delightful! Of course, I now feel I need to read a true biography, because in the interest of this work being mostly autobiographical, they didn't go into detail on some things that I would have liked to find out more about. For example, the Downgrade Controversy. While there was a chapter on this, it was pretty bare-bones and I would be very intrigued to get more of the historical facts on this. I did greatly enjoy the various chapters on his vacations away in the South of France - he wrote many letters to his wife from there, and those excerpts really bring Spurgeon to life. I also loved the chapter describing Spurgeon's library and reading habits! I am put to shame by both how quickly Spurgeon could read and how well he grasped and retained all that he did read. One day perhaps I shall have a library of such caliber. Unlikely, but I can dream. And once again, I was amazed and overjoyed at reading about the works of the Lord through Spurgeon. God mightily used this man. I give thanks to my God for the works He did through Spurgeon and his church. It reminds me that even now, when sometimes we can doubt and wonder what the future holds, God yet works. Our Father yet has a remnant. Spurgeon was continually pointing to Christ and Him crucified. May we also hold on to that amazing theme, may we ever lift our voices in sweeter song as we consider what Jesus has done for us. That's what Spurgeon would have wanted us to ponder. Look not to Spurgeon. Look to Jesus. Let your hearts be filled with joy as you consider the staggeringly great love of Christ Jesus our Lord. Look upon the Lord who died for you. Look to Jesus!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume was compiled in much the same way as the first volume, although with less direct autobiographical material from Spurgeon himself. I actually liked the first volume a bit more, to be honest. This volume, for some reason, devotes an inordinate amount of time, strangely, to his vacations, which he often took, especially during the English winters towards the end of his life. The dull chapters in the first volume, which were composed almost entirely of a collection of Spurgeon's letters, were repeated in the same format at various points in this volume as well. Also, the chapter on the "Down-grade Controversy" was disappointing, as it didn't really tell me anything about the nature of the controversy, or even provide enough details about it for me to deduce was it was about.

Still, it's Spurgeon. Anything he wrote or spoke or did, being done with all his might for the glory of God, was pure gold and a joy to read about. Besides, what more can be said about Spurgeon that hasn't already been said? He was a one-of-a-kind man. His life and toil will never be forgotten. He labored exceedingly abundantly above all the rest of the men in this world, for the Lord Jesus Christ and His church, though not him, but the grace of God which was with him; something he never ceased to confess. I don't think I will ever tire of reading anything written by or about Spurgeon. Great man.

[Philip Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved volume I, and this was better. This had chapters on Spurgeon written from both of his twin sons, describing his impact on them and investment in them. Some really moving stuff in there. It had a chapter on Spurgeon's sense of humour recording a whole bunch of his zingers. It also addresses his method of preparation, and even breaks down an average week's schedule for Spurgeon. I feel like I know Spurgeon far better as a person after reading this, despite the fact that contributors will say that, unless you knew him yourself, you can't really describe what he was like in writing.

Also, this is not technically an autobiography en toto, because it's significantly edited and added to by those who knew him. This is far more the case in volume II than volume I. In saying that, it still has a lot of Spurgeon himself, and the contributors knew him personally and draw heavily from primary sources (ie letters etc.).

Highly recommended.

[Ksorb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is Volume 2 of Spurgeon's autobiography, but really it is a compilation of his own work, that of his wife and son, letters from and to others, love letters, humor, and amazing statistical data on his impact worldwide. It goes through and shortly past his death. Aside from the statistics, which flip-flopped between dry and jawdropping ("Quick, rewind! Did that say 'MILLION'?*) But other than that the story was touching and thrilling and emboldening, and a good reminder of the calling on us all to "Preach Christ, and Him crucified." To be Marys rather than Marthas. To focus - "set" - our eyes, minds, hearts, mouths, and feet on "things above" rather than on earthly things, but simultaneously caring for the "least of these." I think I will put this on my list to re-read in a few years.

* Listened to the Audible version, unabridged, narrated by Robert Whitfield. (Excellent!!!)

[Carol Bakker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up against a due date, I listened to this too quickly. It's even more a mish-mash of memoir, letters, family and friend memories, publishing data, and sermon quotes than Volume 1.

I enjoyed hearing about his library, Susie's stories, CHS's wit and love of punning, his pastor's college, and special services. I was particularly interested in his sons' accounts. It is a hard thing to be the child of a great man. They had a close relationship. CHS began a letter "My own dear son".

Spurgeon was close to a total breakdown many times. Gout plagued him, as did a depressive mood. He had a place in France where he regularly went to recuperate.

Simon Vance was, as expected, an excellent narrator (with the exception of two names: Whitefield and Cowper). Open Library has the book (archive.org) and the illustrations are worth seeing.

[John Brackbill · Rating 3 out of 5]

For whatever reason, this did not hold my attention as well as the first volume. Probably because there was much discussion about his travels. However, there was some good stuff in here that was challenging and edifying. What a remarkable gift from Christ to His church.

[Sophie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gift Spurge continues to be to the church. Eternally grateful for him and Susannah and so encouraged by his life and death. He finished strong. He finished faithful. I
I long for the same. “Let the name of the Lord be glorified.”

[Corey Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most excellent biographies I have ever read based on one of the most fascinating people that ever lived. What a blessing Charles Spurgeon was to the church.

[Victor Bolbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really enlightening, even if I read it in German, so it took me a while.

[W. Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have always loved how the Lord used Spurgeon

[Trent Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read - but a bit too much coverage on correspondence in this volume compared to the first. What a life

[Andy Dollahite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this during my commute this month. Volume 2 was better than the first (which was already astoundingly great). Spurgeon loved the Lord with a vigorous zeal and dedicated his life to evangelization and proclamation of the good news that Jesus Christ saves lost men. This work provides a wonderful mixture of autobiographical fragments and complementary editorials.

Some of the memorable lines/parts included CHS reflecting after a trip to Switzerland (during which he truly marveled at the Alps), "There are still no greater wonders than those found in God" (my rough paraphrase. His defense of a proper use for ridicule and sarcasm should demand the attention of any rhetoric student. Throughout his life he exhorts his readers/parishioners to read and honor the Bible: "Oh that we would into the word of God, and get that word of God into ourselves" (again my attempted recitation). Spurgeon also manages to unpack the goodness of the Lord's perfect providence in suffering. We read about his own immense pains, sorrows, crippling disease, forced sabbaticals, and an untimely death. There is a devastatingly poignant chapter where he discloses how he begged and pleaded that his merciful heavenly Father would bring him relief from the agony of his afflictions. Although his tribulations are stout in the later half, CHS remains an affable and personable genius. He's as funny as Wodehose, witty as Chesterton, and conversant as the good Dr. Johnson.

[Arnold hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of Charles Haddon Spurgeon in this second volume is a very interesting and uplifting as well.
He is a great example of a believer in Jesus our Lord and Savior.

He preached all over as well as preaching at his church. He explains how sometimes he would be exhausted from all his travels and preaching. He would not stop trying to reach people for Jesus.
He asked if he even had converts when he started and when he heard he did he went to visit them.

He was an incredible man which set an example of never stopping to reach people.

They would print out his sermons to be sold at different places and try to reach people that way as well.

The book I feel people should read just to see how tirelessy he work to please God and to spread the gospel to everyone he could.