God's Generals - C.H Spurgeon

GOD'S GENERAL

C. H SPURGEON(1834-1892)

Charles Spurgeon was born and raised in rural Essex. Charles had a praying mother who always prayed for him. It is said that once she prayed "O that my son might live for thee".

In 1849, when Charles was aged 15 years, he listened to a local preacher preached about Jesus Christ and got converted. In 1850, he was baptised and he vowed to spend his life in the extension of Christ's cause in any way possible.

Charles preached his first sermon at the age of 16years. Shortly after that he was in demand. At that youthful age, he was made the Pastor of Water beach Baptist Church. Within a short time, the membership of the church increased significantly.

Charles habitually rose early each day for prayer and Bible studies. This gave him extensive knowledge of the scriptures. His fame as a "boy preacher" grew and at the age of 19 years, he was invited to Pastor a church at London. Soon, he became the most popular preacher in London.

The membership of the church grew and Charles was preaching to about 4,500 people. During his ministry, attendance averaged over 5000 people. Spurgeon's sermons were translated into several languages and sold. The sermons were issued weekly and by 1917, over 100 million copies were sold.

In 1866, Charles Spurgeon founded an orphanage which provided a home and education for homeless children. Spurgeon also founded the Pastors' College where he taught young students about Jesus Christ.

In 1892, C. H Spurgeon went to be with the Lord. He was mourned by the whole of London. Over 100, 000 people lined the streets to pay homage to him. Spurgeon was dubbed the "Prince of Preachers". His sermons were considered the greatest contribution to the literature of Christianity in the 19th Century.

Source: "70 Great Christians" Geoffrey Hanks.