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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.

3,561

Sermons Published

63

Volumes

38

Years of Ministry

14,000

Members

 

This Week in Spurgeon's Pulpit

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Morning & Evening

Morning by Morning — June 3

Potters were not the very highest grade of workers, but “the king” needed potters, and therefore they were in royal service, although the material upon which they worked was nothing but clay. We, too, may be engaged in the most menial part of the Lord’s work, but it is a great privilege to do anything for “the king”; and therefore we will abide in our calling, hoping that, “although we have lien among the pots, yet shall we be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.” The text tells us of those who dwelt among plants and hedges, having rough, rustic, hedging and ditching work to do. They may have desired to live in the city, amid its life, society, and refinement, but they kept their appointed places, for they also were doing the king’s work. The place of our habitation is fixed, and we are not to remove from it out of whim and caprice, but seek to serve the Lord in it, by being a blessing to those among whom we reside. These potters and gardeners had royal company, for they dwelt “with the king” and although among hedges and plants, they dwelt with the king there. No lawful place, or gracious occupation, however mean, can debar us from communion with our divine Lord. In visiting hovels, swarming lodging-houses, workhouses, or jails, we may go with the king. In all works of faith we may count upon Jesus’ fellowship. It is when we are in his work that we may reckon upon his smile. Ye unknown workers who are occupied for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the low, be of good cheer, for jewels have been found upon dunghills ere now, earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and ill weeds have been transformed into precious flowers. Dwell ye with the King for his work, and when he writes his chronicles your name shall be recorded.

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.

1844

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 teach 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.

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 5,600, opened its doors and became the epicenter of his ministry for three decades.

1865

Founding of Pastors' College

Spurgeon founded the Pastors' College to train men for ministry, equipping hundreds of pastors who spread across the globe.

1866

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