Page 5 - Spurgeon

So far from regretting what I then did, I would gladly renew my vows and
make them over again!”

The New Park Street Chapel in London was without a pastor, and Spurgeon
was invited to come to preach. Some of the folk who met him, and heard
him preach were amazed at his youth, and his country clothes. The text of
his first sermon was James 1: 17.
During the afternoon, numbers of the congregation called on their friends
and urged them to be present at the evening service. They had a preacher
of remarkable power in spite of his youth. They had never heard the like of
it. A greatly increased number gathered at night, amongst them the young
girl destined to be his future wife. He preached from the text, “They are
without fault before the throne of God.” (Revelation 14: 5) The effect was
tremendous. What eloquence! What knowledge of the Bible! What love for
Christ! What zeal for souls! They were absolutely captivated by him. They
were loath to let him go.

The people were too excited to leave the building and stood about in
groups discussing the sermon, the preacher, and the vacant pastorate. This
was the man for them! Not a doubt of it. The deacons were buttonholed
and urged to secure the young man at once. Not for a long time had the
congregation heard Christ so preached, His love pressed home to the heart
and conscience, the Gospel plan of redemption made so plain. It was to
them as one of the days of the Most High. They must have him for their
minister at all costs!
Within a few weeks, amid scenes of tremendous enthusiasm, Spurgeon
was called to be Pastor, and began his ministry in London. The Lord was
with him in mighty power, and almost every sermon resulted in conversions
to Christ.
Crowds! Thousands upon thousands! Streaming along the pavements,
filling the roads, coming in carriages. Eager, excited, milling crowds. Rich
and poor, young and old, professionals and peasants. What had brought
them to New Park Street Chapel, or wherever else Spurgeon preached? It
was his youth. It was his earnestness. It was his unaffected simplicity. It was
his oratorical power. It was his intense devotion to his Redeemer. It was the

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