Gleanings from 1894 Sword and Trowel: A Concerned Letter from Spurgeon to his Students

During the late summer of 1865, Spurgeon's heart laboured over some troubling circumstances brought on by the sinful acts of a pastor sent out from the Pastors' College. Duties surrounding that situation demanded his attention and took him away from a routine meeting with his beloved students. In a letter informing them of his necessary absence, Spurgeon called his students to carefulness and watchful prayer, lest they too succumb to temptation.

I found this letter profitable for its balance, tact, and emphasis on holiness, evangelism and pastoral concern for individuals and churches. I pray you will find it equally helpful:

Nightingale Lane,
Clapham,
September 11th, 1865.

Beloved Brethren,

I am called away from you this afternoon; and I should much regret this if it were not that it has come into my heart to suggest to you to spend our usual time in prayer, instead of in teaching and learning. My heart is often heavy with trials, arising out of the College work, which is so dear to me, that I am perhaps unduly anxious over it. I am bowed to the very dust when I fear that any brother is erring in doctrine, lacking in grace, or loose in behaviour. I have as little to lament as it is possible there should be where we are all such imperfect creatures.

But, my brethren, I would fain have you all the best men living; and when you are not, I am distressed exceedingly. Just now, one brother, by his general self-indulgent habits, has lost the respect of his people, and must move. I do not want to inflict a curse on another congregation, and I do not want to cast him off. Between these two courses I am perplexed. Pray for me, for him, for all the brethren, and for yourselves.

In your society I always feel so much at home, that I must appear to you to be all happiness and mirth. Alas! it is not so; I am happy in the Lord, and blest in Him; but I am often a poor cast-down mortal, groaning under the burden of excessive labour, and sad at heart because of the follies of those whom I hoped to have seen serving the Lord, with zeal and success. Do give me your warmest consideration in your supplications. Believe me when I assure you that you are, for Christ's sake, very dear to me. Do not be led away from the faith which you professed when you entered the College. Cling to the collateral truths of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Live near to God, and love the souls of men. I make some sacrifices for your sake; but I count them gain, and my work for you is a delight. But do plead for more grace to rest on us all, and upon those settled in the ministry. Levity of conduct in my brethren brings heaviness of heart to me; and, what is inconsistent pleasure to them, is terrible agony to me. Oh, how can the ministers of God be smoking and drinking when souls are dying, and talking lightness and wantoness when sinners are perishing? It must not be so among us. May the Lord prevent it! Seeking ever your soul's best interest, and desiring your fervent prayers,

I am, dearly-beloved brethren,
Your affectionate brother,
C.H. Spurgeon

The Boiler Room

When providing guests a tour of their home, most of us pass by the boiler to show off the more attractive features of the house. Yet, without the boiler’s influence, the house in winter would be quite uncomfortable to live in. The boiler supplies necessary warmth and creates a welcoming atmosphere. At many churches, there’s a boiler. And I’m not referring to the heating system of the building, but to the communal prayers and their warming, invigorating effect on the church.

God uses prayer to provide essential spiritual vitality to the ministries and members of churches. How is prayer so vital? In prayer, we openly acknowledge our utter dependence on God and show our sincere desire that Jesus Christ be Lord over us. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit works, exalting Jesus and instilling in us obedient desires and dedication to God. The Lord is pleased to move us to pray and to act through prayer in answer to our requests.

And so where there is regular, sincere and earnest prayer, one can be assured that God is at work, making His glory known among those people. I’ve been very pleased to discover that the “boiler” at Trinity Road Chapel is in constant operation--there are many places where prayer occurs.

If you haven’t made prayer a priority yet, let me give you an encouragement to open the door to the “boiler” and join in with others stoking the fire where you worship and serve the Lord. If at all possible, find some person or group to pray with regularly. Our spiritual life is nurtured and strengthened through prayer. You’ll become more aware of the effect of God working on behalf of your church. Remember too that at any time and in any place, you can enjoy the pleasure and privilege of communion with our Lord in prayer. I guarantee it will warm your heart.