Lectures to My Students-Book Review

“Affectation of intellectual superiority and love of rhetorical splendour have prevented many from setting forth gospel truth in the easiest imaginable manner, namely, by analogies drawn from common events. Because they could not condescened to men of low estate hey have refrained from repeating incidents which would have accurately explained their meaning. Fearing to be thought vulgar, they have lost goldne opportunities. As well might David have refused to sling one of the smooth stones at Goliath’s brow because he found it in a common brook.”

Thus, we catch a glimpse of the practical wisdom, which so easily dripped from the pen of Charles Spurgeon, in the preceding quote. It is but a small portion of the witty, yet solid, insights he gives in his work Lectures to My Students. Although this book is intended for those would be pastors and elders who are picking up the mantle of God’s preachers, there are great principles of biblical and practical truth which can be applied to any Christian’s life. On that basis alone I approvingly recommend this read to all.

Spurgeon’s mastery and command of the English language did not keep him from “setting forth gospel turth in the easiest imaginable manner.” In fact, with such an ability, he was one of the most avid communicators of his day, and even to this time. I’ve heard it said before that had Spurgeon’s voluminous writings been “non-religious” in nature, they would’ve been indeed used to exemplify the best of English language. Spurgeon has been affectionately called the Prince of Preachers, and rightly so, for his eloquence of speech was music to the ears of both the common man and well-to-do.

In Lectures to My Students, Spurgeon’s subject matter ranges anywhere from Vocal demonstration and care to “The Minister’s Self-Watch”. It would behoove anyone who “desires the office of an Elder” to get a copy of Spurgeon’s Lectures and make use of the matter found therein. Spurgeon was indeed a uniquely used individual of God. When it comes to preaching, he was definitely exceptional, not typical. Would it be that God would grant us more Preachers such as he!