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“Oh that Men Would Praise the Lord”, Lost Sermon No. 105

February 26, 2018

Did you know Charles Spurgeon wrote hymns? Sometimes the great preacher would give his pen a break from his sharp prose in favor of melodic poetry. Charles was not afraid to try his hand at psalm-writing, because he firmly believed that the glory and splendor of God should create worship in all of life.

“If we can attain to constant praise now, it will prepare us for all that awaits us.”

In lost sermon no. 105, “Oh that Men Would Praise the Lord”, we do not find a Spurgeon-wrought hymn, but rather an oratory that functions in a similar way — a call to worship God for his great attributes.

Spurgeon cuts straight to the point of praise by answering three questions: why we should praise God, what we should praise God for, and how should we praise God. Like a well written hymn, his sermon reminds us that God is worthy of praise from all men. Worship as an expression of our love for God is an infectious joy that provides the participants with a taste of heaven.

“We come near angels and the glittering ranks in white robes by praise.”

God’s attributes, as the young Charles reminds us, are the reason for our praise. How could we not worship a God who is eternally good and kind to frail sinners, choosing them in spite of their unworthiness for regeneration, justification, sanctification, adoption, and glorification? As it turns out, a robust doctrine of God is the surest path to praise.

The practice of praise does not only include singing, however. Spurgeon makes it clear that praise is also prayer, or “holy joy in him”, as well as generous offerings and a life lived in faith. Not to mention the praise God receives when his saints live uprightly, or as Spurgeon calls it “singing as you shine.”

Why praise God? Because he is worth it, and you are not! Praise him, because it is life-giving and joy-bringing. Praise him, because “thus shall you learn heaven’s tune.”

“Crown him! Crown him! King of Kings!”

You can read an excerpt from “Oh that Men Would Praise the Lord” below. Be sure to pick up The Lost Sermons of C. H. Spurgeon, vol. 2, available now, for more sermons from Spurgeon’s earliest ministry.


About The Lost Sermons of C. H. Spurgeon

In 1857, Charles Spurgeon–—the most popular preacher in the Victorian world—–promised his readers that he would publish his earliest sermons. For almost 160 years, these sermons have been lost to history. In 2017, B&H Academic began releasing a multi-volume set that includes full-color facsimiles, transcriptions, contextual and biographical introductions, and editorial annotations. Written for scholars, pastors, and students alike, The Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon will add approximately 10 percent more material to Spurgeon’s body of literature. Click here for an interview between Jared Wilson and Christian George about the Lost Sermons project.