Preface

R. SPURGEON has never written his own life, nor has he authorized any one else to do so. He has had no personal interest in or connection with any of the “Sketches” which have issued from the press. Facts of history are, however, common to all, and there is no law forbidding publishers to trade. iri fgrcign nevertheless, a moral obligation will bind every, honorable man to refrain from piracy. We have-’ackfidwlcdged our indebtedness elsewhere to Mr. Stevenson.’ hope his valuable little work will become accessible to American readers. From Mr. Spurgeon himself we have had generous permission to make use of his writings at our own discretion. We heartily thank him for this privilege. His personal letters have encouraged us in our youthful days to persevere in evangelistic labors, while those received in later years are precious treasures. With characteristic humility he suggests in his latest, “Don’t let wridng take you off from preaching; I am a poor subject; keep to the Lord Jesus.”

In our careful and conscientious preparation of this book we have heeded the sweet counsel of this dear servant of

Christ, and liavc prayerfully labored to make prominent, not the disciple, but the Master, and thereby magnify His

abounding grace,

We earnestly trust that this form of ministry will, “through the thanksgiving of many, redound to the glory of God.”

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Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass.