MR SPURGEON'S FIRST SERMON.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3139, 11 March 1879, Page 4

MR SPURGEON'S FIRST SERMON.

As this was one of the most important steps in Mr Spurgeon's life, the reader will be glad to learn from his own mouth the circumstances which led to his first attempted sermon. In a discourse in 1873 he remarked :—" I remember well, more than 22 years ago, my first attempted sermon. I bad been atked to walk out to the village of Taversham, about four miles from Cambridge, where I then lived, to accompany a young man whom I supposed to be the preacher for the evening, and on the way I saidto him that I trusted God would bless him in his labours.

" * Oh. dear,' said he,' I never preached in my life; I never thought of doing such a thing. I was asked to walk with you, and I sincerely hope God will bless you in your preaching.' ' Nay,' said' I. ' hut I never preached, and I don't know that I could do anything of the sort.' We walked together till we came to the place, my inmost soul being.all in a trouble as to what would happen. When we found the congregation assembled, and no one else to speak of Jesus, though I was only 16 years ef age, as I lound that 1 ■was expected to preach, I did .preach." ]VJr frpurgeon preached this, his first sermon, wlu-n ahout 16 years of age, and lie then read, and prayed, and expounded the Word, being attired in a round jacket and broiid, turn-down collar, such as was in fushion at that period. The boyish voice of the preacher afforded a striking and impressive contras' to the tones of tl<e aged minister who was accustomed to occupy the pulpit.

Having once entered on this moyt solemn duty, aud finding acceptance with the people, he laid himself out for one service every evening, after attending to his duties as usher in a school during the day.

His early ministry was not only gratuitous, but olten attended with demands on his small salsry, which he willingly gave to God—not to be seen by men, but to help the needy. In some of the 13 village stations around Cambridge and Waterbeach, to which Mr Spurgeon devoted all his evenings, the preaching was held in a cottage, I in others a chapel, and occasionally the air alone could furnish the accommodation ! required. .Even at that early period of his minis* terial career invitations to preach special sermonß in towns and villages at a distance soon rapidly increased. At Waterbeach, however, the little church saw in the young man a suitability to their wants, and they gave him an invitation to become their pastor. He was well received by the people, stad became qui'ce popular. During the few months of his pastorate there the church members were increased from 40 to nearly 100. Prom thence he removed to Park street Chapel, South London.—Australasian.