Encounter with Spurgeon (Thielicke Library)

In his introductory essay to this selection from the writing and preaching of C.H. Spurgeon, Helmut Thielicke – himself among the best preachers of the twentieth century – 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 him to the self-educated Baptist preacher. They share a recognition of the urgency of their message: ‘We stand in need of the simple way in which Spurgeon dares to say that what really and ultimately counts is to save sinners.’ Warmth, immediacy and directness are Spurgeon’s hallmarks; qualities which Thielicke’s own remarkable sermons share but which he felt much preaching of his day lacked. It is still a convincing testament to Spurgeon’s continuing vitality and relevance that Thielicke, one of the greatest modern preachers, should say, ‘Sell all that you have . . . and buy Spurgeon.’Table of ContentsTranslator's PrefaceEncounter with Spurgeonby Helmut ThielickeSelections from "Lectures to My Students" and Two Sermonsby Charles Haddon Spurgeon1. On Conversion as Our Aim2. The Holy Spirit in Connection with Our Ministry3. Earnestness: Its Marring and Maintenance4. The Necessity of Ministerial Progress5. The Need of Decision for the Truth6. On Spiritualizing7. The Preacher's Private Prayer8. Our Public Prayer9. On the Voice10. Posture, Action, Gesture, Etc.11. Open-Air Preaching12. The Faculty of Impromptu Speech13. Sermons: Their Matter14. To Workers with Slender Apparatus15. The Blind Eye and the Deaf Ear16. The Minister's Fainting Fits17. The Minister's Ordinary Conversation18. Attention!Mark of Faith (Sermon)The Chaff Driven Away (Sermon)