Lectures to My Students: Series I, Series II Art of Illustration, Commenting & Commentaries

Lectures to My Students #1

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

IN reply to many requests from those ministers who in their student days listened to my lectures, I submit a selection to the press. This, however, I cannot do without an apology, for these addresses were not originally prepared for the public eye, and are scarcely presentable for criticism.
My College lectures are colloquial, familiar, full of anecdote, and often humorous: they are purposely made so, to suit the occasion. At the end of the week I meet the students, and find them weary with sterner studies, and I judge it best to be as lively and interesting in my prelections as I well can be. They have had their fill of classics, mathematics, and divinity, and are only in a condition to receive something which will attract and secure their attention, and fire their hearts. Our reverend tutor, Mr. Rogers, compares my Friday work to the sharpening of the pin: the fashioning of the head, the straightening, the laying on of the metal and the polishing have been done during the week, and then the process concludes with an effort to give point and sharpness. To succeed in this the lecturer must not be dull himself, nor demand any great effort from his audience.
I am as much at home with my young brethren as in the bosom of my family, and therefore speak without restraint. Generous minds will take this into account in reading these lectures, and I shall hope that all who favor me with their criticisms will be of that noble order.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Leadership, Religion

792 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1890

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

[Stami Shturbanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Spurgeon and I loved it! He shows deep understanding of Christian faith and is able to explain it clearly and passionately. Although more than 100 years had passed since his lectures, we can relate to everything nowadays because people are the same and faith is the same.

[Barrett Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! This is the first book I have ever read by Charles Spurgeon. I would have loved to have been able to hear him preach. The language he uses is beautifully constructed. There are so many quotes I highlighted while reading. I will share just one to give you an idea of what I mean.

The context of this quote is that Spurgeon is advising young men who desire to become preachers on how to acquire wisdom.

"Once more, be much at death-beds; they are illuminated books. There shall you read the very poetry of our religion, and learn the secrets thereof. What splendid gems are washed up by the waves of Jordan! What fair flowers grow on its banks! The everlasting fountains in the glory-land throw their spray aloft, and the dew-drops fall on this side the narrow stream!"

This book is not for everyone, but if you teach in any capacity at church, you will benefit from it.

[Leonardo Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

O livro contém instruções valiosas para os aspirantes ao ministério pastoral de um dos maiores pregadores da história. Talvez pelo fato de originalmente o conteúdo do livro ter sido ensinado presencialmente aos seus alunos, achei o autor muito prolixo nos capítulos 4,5,6 e 7. Tirando isso, daria nota 5 para o volume 1.

[Tugglesville Baptist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though he lived in a different era, he yet has much practical and soul-stirring advice. The imagery used alone is countless mind-moving. The thoughts are simple and clear, and very useful even for ministers of our day. I will return to soak in this book.

[Ishmail Nhlapo]

Very great advice and counsel to Preachers and Pastors

[Felipe Sabino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aqui vemos o clássico Spurgeon: eloquente, inspirador e altamente versado nas Escrituras. Este é um dos livros que releio todo ano, mesmo que seja apenas alguns capítulos. Altamente recomendado!

[Alexandre Amin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um clássico! Spurgeon, à sua maneira, instrui jovens que se preparam para o ministério pastoral com muita franqueza, levando-os a darem o máximo de si para viverem na dependência e poder do Espírito Santo. Uma verdadeira pérola que deve ser lida por todo ministro ou aspirante ao ministério da Palavra.

[Simon Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Easy to read, insightful, earthy and God-honouring. Who wouldn't want Spurgeon as a mentor on preaching?

Highlights included chapters on the preacher's prayer life, "self-watch" and private conversations.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really embarrassed to admit that I have just got around to reading this work. Great stuff! Great advice for preachers on preaching and the pastoral life. Much treasure to be mined here. Can't wait to get into volume two.

[Bruno Anselmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um excelente livro em termos de Teologia Pastoral. Spurgeon dedica todos seus aprendizados para instruir seus alunos, e, devemos agradecer por esse estudo ter chegado em nossos tempos.

[W. Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books and believe every preacher should read them multiple times

[Esther Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE CLASSIC

I am always a fan of Spurgeon writings & am grateful that most of his book are available for free. Deep, thought provoking

[Gerson Vázquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consejos prácticos para predicadores que siguen vigentes a lo largo del tiempo.

[Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent advice for all pastors and preachers, on all things from mannerisms and tone, to content and private prayer life.

Very interesting section on outdoor preaching in volume 3

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is about homiletics, how a preacher prepare and preach, how to send a simple yet powerful messages to the audiences.