Eccentric Preachers

With our American Philosophy and Religion series, Applewood reissues many primary sources published throughout American history. Through these books, scholars, interpreters, students, and non-academics alike can see the thoughts and beliefs of Americans who came before us.

Charles Spurgeon was a popular Baptist preacher in the 19th century who became known as the Prince of Preachers. Spurgeon served as the pastor in London for nearly 40 years and was a prolific author of Christian prayerbooks, devotionals, sermons, and biblical studies. Spurgeon's sharp wit still makes him one of the most popular and influential Christian authors today. In this book Spurgeon gives valuable advice to people who want to become ministers and then provides small biographies of important preachers in his day.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879 edition. Excerpt: ... CAUSES OF ECCENTRICITY. We have continued talking about eccentric men, but we have not yet decided what it is which makes a man eccentric. Let us now come to the point. Some ministers have been reckoned eccentric simply and only because they have been natural. They have been themselves, and not copies of others: what was in them they have not restrained, but have given full play to all their powers. Take for instance John Berridge. Berridge was quaint by nature. In the former lecture I quoted purposely from his letters rather than from any of his sermons or di- . dactic works, because in a letter you see a man at ease. Berridge could not help being singular, for the form of his mind led him in that direction, and his bachelor life helped to develop his idiosyncrasies. His quaintness was all his own, and you see it in his household arrangements, as, for instance, when he says to a friend: "I am glad to see you write of a visit to Everton; we have always plenty of horse provender at hand; but unless you send me notice beforehand of your coming, you will have a cold and scanty meal; for we roast only twice in the week. Let me have a line, and I will give you the same treat I always gave to Mr. Whitefield, an eighteen-penny barn-door fowl; this will neither burst you nor ruin me; half you shall have at noon with a pudding, and the rest at night. Much grace and sweet peace be with yourself and partner; and the blessing of a new heart be with your children. With many thanks, I remain your affectionate servant, J. B." Nor is it less manifest in his hymns, even the most sober of them, as for instance in the well-known verse where he speaks of the saints in heaven and cries-- "Ah, Lord, with feeble steps I creep, And sometimes sing and sometimes...

In this volume to the "Shilling Series," Charles Spurgeon sets out to publish a true accounting of a lecture he delivered entitled, "Eccentric Preachers." Dissatisfied with how many characterized that lecture, Spurgeon set out to correct a number of erroneous reports attributed to him. In this work, his "self-defense," he offers a number of anecdotes and stories of great preachers with unusual characteristics-and all of them "eccentric."

Charles Spurgeon’s Eccentric Preachers will be particularly useful to preachers, teachers, and soul-winners, who should keep this book close at hand. On days when confidence is low and spirits are drained, they will find it a rich source of personal encouragement and spiritual refreshment. Besides examining what it means to be eccentric and whether we should be concerned with such a label, Spurgeon also gives us an overview of the lives and ministries of eleven unforgettable preachers of the Gospel. They, with their slight quirks, were noteworthy but also powerful in their service to Christ. These eleven men, who loved and served God with all their heart, will inspire, challenge, and even amuse you. You will learn how you can, within reason, move forward boldly in the work of the Lord, freely and unabashedly using the gifts and talents He has bestowed upon you, for His glory. Preach biblically, lovingly, and truthfully, but also boldly, unashamedly, and with all your heart. You will enjoy this book, laugh occasionally, and perhaps even shed a few tears as you realize you are not alone. No matter what others may say about you, the Lord will work through you mightily as you take up the mantle and work earnestly for Him.

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