The boy preacher of the Fens, Charles Spurgeon, had matured both physically and spiritually from a family of noted preachers and continued to leave a legacy of holiness and righteousness into the generations. His inspiring insights into scripture and his deep love for Christ propelled him and his clear voice into a very large congregation. He is remembered with both love and respect, even by those who had differences of opinions. Charles was born in Kelvedon, Essex, June 19th, 1834. His father was an independent preacher in a small town church who also worked as an accountant for a coal merchant. Charles paternal grandfather was also a preacher and took Charles in at a very young age. The Spurgeons had a strong Puritan tradition in their family and it was thought that some of the family had been Dutch Protestant refugees. Charles Aunt Ann, who was 17 years older than he, adored him as much as her parents and taught him to read. Stambourne was unusual for its time and noted a strong Christian spirit. Charles grandfather was even friends with the Anglican church leader. Charles grew up with the understanding that Christians should be friends, no matter what their differences. Charles was extremely eager to learn and was not encumbered to ask questions to his understanding. This book encompasses the extensive and eloquent life of Charles Spurgeon and the experiences that made him who he was to become in Christ. Spurgeon believed that only by treating the Bible as the infallible word of God could faith be restored. Disbelief in the supernatural reached a height in 1880's and many ministers found it impossible to preach Christianity on the basis of signs and wonders; and leaned more toward a deeper faith, not bolstered on a dependence on miracles. After the Baptist Assembly in 1888, Charles health became progressively worse with Bright's disease until his passing on the last day of January, 1898. I am specifically leaving the most vibrant part of his life in his middle years out of this review, to draw you in to read this book for yourself. Wonderfully deep and rich in Christian heritage.
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