Some Snips From C.H.'s Letters

[No Date Given From Someone Asking Why He Smoked]

I cultivate my flowers and burn my weeds.

________________________________________________________________

March 15,1882

I sincerely believe that,next to the preaching of the gospel, the most necessary thing to be done in England is to induce our people to become total abstainers. I hope this Society will do something when it is started. I don't want you to wear a lot of peacocks' feathers and putty medals, nor to be always trying to convert the moderate drinkers, but to go in for winning the real drunkards,and bringing the poor enslaved creatures to the feet of Jesus,who can give them liberty.I wish I could say ever so many good things,but I cannot,so will remain,

Yours teetotally,
C. H. Spurgeon

 

March 1,1889

As a rule,I do not see how we who are Calvinistic can become pastors of avowedly Arminian churches;but if these good people know our views and desire our preaching,I could not draw a hard and fast line.
There is a vital difference between us and the DownGraders,but there is a clear evangelistic platform upon which we can stand with the G.B's.

__________________________________________________________

Feb. 8,1888

I think your town is a very hot-bed of New Theology fungi.

_______________________________________________________

Feb. 21,1888

I cannot tell you by letter what I have endured in the desertion of my own men --Ah,me!

[This is in reference to men from his own Pastor's College who were against him in the DownGrade movement]

 

May 4,1888 [In reference to the Baptist Union's DownGrade Views]

I feel better now that my mind is made up never to return to a company so extremely clever in the use of language. I should never know what they meant, and like the good people at the Tower of Babel I should soon be on the move. I am happy with my dear faithful friends,and happier still with the God of truth.

_________________________________________________________

Feb. 22,1890

Those who hold the fundamental truths can return to us on the terms laid down,and on no others.If any other terms were proposed,I should simply end my connection with the matter.

[Murray says this is dealing with the Pastor's College Association]

 

May 9,1890

Dear Sir,

I cannot say that I have changed my opinion as to Brethren-ism; but with many Brethren I have always been on most brotherly terms. I don't think I am bound to answer your questions about individuals. I believe that I was loved by C.S., and that Mr Kelly regards me in the kindest manner; and I return the like to the memory of the first, and to the other who survives. I am, perhaps better able to sympathise with our separateness now than aforetime; but their ideas of the ministry I do not accept.

 

Jan. 31,1891

Here I have souls won for Christ, but it is good mowing where there is much grass. Still 40 every morning is a pretty little congregation, and they are by no means ordinary folks, but people of education and thoughtfulness and influence.

[Here he was writing from Menton -- a resort on the French Riviera where he had many a vacation over the years to gain some strength and refreshment.He had some painful and debilitating ailments and his stays there did him some good.]
_______________________________________________________

Jan. 2,1892 [To Archibald G.Brown -- a dear friend and pastor]

You have long been most dear to me; but in your standing shoulder to shoulder with me in protest against deadly error we have become more than ever one. The Lord sustain, comfort, perfect you! Debtors to free and sovereign grace, we will together sing to our redeeming Lord, world without end.
____________________________________________________________

Jan. 20,1892 [The last known letter of Mr. Spurgeon's]

The sun shines at length, and now I hope to get on. I have not been up to the mark the last few days, and I have a little gout in the right hand which makes it hard to write; but I shall soon get over it...I wired Prince of Wales, and had a telegram back, which I did not expect. Shall be right glad to see you. Mrs. S. is pretty well.