WONDERS OF GRACE:
Original testimonies of converts during
Spurgeon’s early years
Compiled by Hannah Wyncol
The Wakeman Trust. 141 pages. £5.00
ISBN 978 1 908 919 748
This slim volume punches well above its weight. In fact it delivers three unexpected punches. To change the metaphor, there are at least three challenges to complacent modern churches in this little book, but they are hidden challenges, because on the surface this is a record of testimonies, some quite moving. But it is much more than that.
The book is a compilation of 138 testimonies of those converted during the early years of Spurgeon’s ministry. These were selected from over 15,000 such testimonies recorded in 30 handwritten volumes in the Metropolitan Tabernacle archives. As such they are a testimony to God’s grace and also an insight into the social history of Victorian England, because of the wide variety of employment and circumstances recorded.
What are the three challenges? First, the account reveals the thoroughness with which the applicants for baptism and church membership were examined.
Rigorous and tender
An elder interviewed them and, if the interview was satisfactory, they were given a card, which in effect was a ticket allowing them to have an interview with Mr Spurgeon. After this they were visited in their home by a ‘messenger’ (deacon or elder). Not all got through this process at first.
They were interviewed with tenderness and sympathy, but if the elders were unsure of the reality of their conversion, they would be asked to continue attending to hear the preached Word, or given a book or tract to read, directed to a Bible Class, or asked to attend for a further interview. Few of the conversions were instantaneous; most were gradual. No easy believe-ism here! What a challenge to those churches that sweep people into membership so easily!
Change in behaviour
second The challenge is that a definite change of life and behaviour was expected. Separation from worldly activities was looked for and seen in the converts. Sadly, recent surveys of Western Christians have revealed that there is often little or no difference in lifestyle between Christians and non-Christians today. Worldliness in language, entertainment, reading, music and general behaviour is rampant in many professing Christian churches in 2017, even ‘evangelical’ churches. Not so under Spurgeon’s ministry. Definite change was expected.
The third challenge is in the sheer numbers of those converted. 15,000 are recorded in these 30 volumes, but undoubtedly many more were saved and joined other churches or moved away to other parts of the country. Obviously God was working in a special way at that time, but the book reveals that much prayer, very much prayer, took place in that church. If nothing else, this book challenges the weakness of many churches in the matter of prayer. It should cause us to fall on our knees and beseech God to work once more among us.
