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The Prince of Preachers

Charles Haddon
Spurgeon

Explore over 3,500 sermons, lectures, and writings from the most prolific preacher in church history. A treasury of biblical wisdom spanning four decades of faithful ministry.

3,563

Sermons Published

63

Volumes

40

Years of Ministry

~14,000

Members

 

This Week in Spurgeon's Pulpit

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Morning & Evening

"Thy paths drop fatness." — Psalm 65:11

Morning by Morning — October 18

Many are “the paths of the Lord” which “drop fatness,” but an especial one is the path of prayer. No believer, who is much in the closet, will have need to cry, “My leanness, my leanness; woe unto me.” Starving souls live at a distance from the mercy- seat, and become like the parched fields in times of drought. Prevalence with God in wrestling prayer is sure to make the believer strong—if not happy. The nearest place to the gate of heaven is the throne of the heavenly grace. Much alone, and you will have much assurance; little alone with Jesus, your religion will be shallow, polluted with many doubts and fears, and not sparkling with the joy of the Lord. Since the soul-enriching path of prayer is open to the very weakest saint; since no high attainments are required; since you are not bidden to come because you are an advanced saint, but freely invited if you be a saint at all; see to it, dear reader, that you are often in the way of private devotion. Be much on your knees, for so Elijah drew the rain upon famished Israel’s fields. There is another especial path dropping with fatness to those who walk therein, it is the secret walk of communion. Oh! the delights of fellowship with Jesus! Earth hath no words which can set forth the holy calm of a soul leaning on Jesus’ bosom. Few Christians understand it, they live in the lowlands and seldom climb to the top of Nebo: they live in the outer court, they enter not the holy place, they take not up the privilege of priesthood. At a distance they see the sacrifice, but they sit not down with the priest to eat thereof, and to enjoy the fat of the burnt offering. But, reader, sit thou ever under the shadow of Jesus; come up to that palm tree, and take hold of the branches thereof; let thy beloved be unto thee as the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, and thou shalt be satisfied as with marrow and fatness. O Jesus, visit us with thy salvation!

Read this morning
“
A Bible which is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't.

Charles H. Spurgeon

A Life of Faithful Ministry

The Spurgeon Story

1834

Born in Kelvedon, Essex

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born on June 19, 1834, in Kelvedon, Essex, England, to a Nonconformist minister.

1835

Stays with Grandparents

Spurgeon spent formative years with his grandfather, a Congregationalist pastor, deeply shaping his early faith.

1849

Moves to Newmarket

Spurgeon moved to Newmarket to study at a school, continuing his voracious reading and self-education in theology.

1850

Conversion at Age 15

On a snowy January morning, a lay preacher's words on Isaiah 45:22 — "Look unto me, and be ye saved" — changed his life forever.

1851

First Sermon Preached

At 16, Spurgeon preached his first sermon in a cottage at Teversham and quickly became known for his gifts.

1852

Pastor at Waterbeach

At just 17, Spurgeon became pastor of the Waterbeach Baptist Chapel, transforming a small village congregation.

1854

Called to New Park Street

At 19, Spurgeon was called to the historic New Park Street Chapel in London. Crowds quickly outgrew the building.

1856

Surrey Gardens Music Hall

Services moved to the Surrey Gardens Music Hall, drawing over 10,000 — and marking a tragedy when a false alarm caused a stampede.

1856

Founding of Pastors' College

Spurgeon begins his pastoral training effort, which becomes the Pastors' College, leading to hundreds of pastors being equipped.

1857

Preaches to 23,000

Spurgeon preached to an estimated 23,654 people at the Crystal Palace — one of the largest crowds ever addressed by a single voice.

1861

Metropolitan Tabernacle Opens

The Metropolitan Tabernacle, seating 6,000, opened its doors and became the epicenter of his ministry for three decades.

1867

Stockwell Orphanage Founded

Spurgeon opened the Stockwell Orphanage, eventually housing and educating over 500 children at a time.

1865

Sword & Trowel Magazine

He launched The Sword and the Trowel, a monthly magazine sharing sermons, reviews, and ministry news.

1887

Downgrade Controversy

Spurgeon withdrew from the Baptist Union over doctrinal compromise, a courageous stand that cost him many friendships.

1892

Legacy Endures

Spurgeon passed into glory on January 31, 1892. He left 63 volumes of sermons, 135+ books, and a legacy shaping the church worldwide.

The Spurgeon Library

~6,000

volumes from his personal collection

Visit in Person

The Spurgeon
Library

Located at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, the Spurgeon Library houses one of the world's most significant collections of Spurgeon's books and artifacts — including nearly 6,000 volumes from Spurgeon's personal library, many containing his own handwritten annotations.

Scholars, pastors, students, and Spurgeon enthusiasts are warmly welcomed to visit, research, and experience this treasure firsthand.

Location

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
5001 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64118

Tours

Schedule your visit with Spurgeon Library staff

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Study Theology Where Spurgeon Is Celebrated

Deepen your calling through an MDiv or Doctoral program at MBTS, where the Prince of Preachers' legacy shapes pastoral formation. Visit campus and see for yourself.

Visit MBTS.edu