Encounter with Spurgeon

In his introductory essay to this selection from the writing and preaching of C.H. Spurgeon, Helmut Thielicke expresses his surprise and delight at his discovery of the great Victorian preacher. He draws out those qualities which made Spurgeon one of the most influential ministers of his day, and explains what it was that attracted the university professor to the self-educated Baptist preacher. Primarily, they share a recognition of the urgency of their message: "We stand in need of the simply way in which Spurgeon dares to say that what really and ultimately counts is to save sinners." Warmth, immediacy and directness are the hallmarks of Spurgeon; qualities which Thielicke's own remarkable sermons share, but which he feels much modern preaching lacks. It is a convincing testament to Spurgeon's continuing vitality and relevance, that Thielicke, one of the great modern preachers, should say: "Sell all that you have ... and buy Spurgeon."