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Eccentric Preachers - Charles H. Spurgeon
What Is Eccentricity?
OUGHT I NOT TO BE very timid in speaking upon eccentric preachers when I am somewhat
sarcastically requested by an anonymous letter writer to look at home? I do look at
home, and I am glad that I have such a happy home to look at. Trembling has not
seized upon me upon receiving my nameless friend's advice, for two reasons; first,
because I am not horrified by being charged with eccentricity, and secondly, because
I do not consider myself to be guilty of that virtue or vice, whichever it may be.
Years ago I might have been convicted of a mild degree of the quality, but since so
many have copied my style, and so considerable a number have borrowed my discourses,
I submit that I am rather the orthodox example than the glaring exception. After
having lived for a quarter of a century in this region, I am not now regarded in
London as a phenomenon to be stared at, but as an old-fashioned kind of body, who is
tolerated as an established part of the ecclesiastical life of this vast city. Having
moved in one orbit year after year without coming into serious collision with my
neighbors I have reason to believe that my pathway in the religious heavens is not
eccentric, but is as regular as that of the other lights which twinkle in the same
sky. I have probably done my anonymous correspondent more honor than he deserves in
taking so much notice of him; indeed, I only mention the man and his communication
that I might bear witness against all anonymous letters. Never write a letter to
which you are ashamed to put your name; as a rule, only mean persons are guilty of
such an action, though I hope my present correspondent is an exception to the rule.
Be so eccentric as to be always able to speak the truth to a man face to face. And
now to our subject. It is not the most profitable business in the world to find fault with our fellows.
It is a trade which is generally followed by those who would excuse themselves from
self-examination by turning their censures upon others. The beam in their own eye
does not appear to be quite so large while they can discover motes in other men's
optics, and hence they resort to the amusement of detraction. Ministers are the
favorite prey of critics, and on Sundays, when they think it right to talk religion,
they keep the rule to the letter, but violate its sense by most irreligiously
overhauling the persons, characters, sayings and doings of God's servants. "Dinner is
over. Bring the walnuts, and let us crack the reputations of a preacher or two. It is
a pious exercise for the Sabbath." Then tongues move with abounding clatter; tales
are told without number, and when the truth has been exhausted a few "inventions" are
exhibited. One saw a preacher do what was never done, and another heard him say what
was never said. Old fictions are brought up and declared to have happened a few days
ago, though they never happened at all, and so the good people hallow the Sabbath
with pious gossip and sanctimonious slander. There is a very serious side to this
when we remember the fate of those who love and make a lie; but just now we will not
dwell upon that solemn topic, lest we should be accused of lecturing our audience in
&l
OUGHT I NOT TO BE very timid in speaking upon eccentric preachers when I am somewhat
sarcastically requested by an anonymous letter writer to look at home? I do look at
home, and I am glad that I have such a happy home to look at. Trembling has not
seized upon me upon receiving my nameless friend's advice, for two reasons; first,
because I am not horrified by being charged with eccentricity, and secondly, because
I do not consider myself to be guilty of that virtue or vice, whichever it may be.
Years ago I might have been convicted of a mild degree of the quality, but since so
many have copied my style, and so considerable a number have borrowed my discourses,
I submit that I am rather the orthodox example than the glaring exception. After
having lived for a quarter of a century in this region, I am not now regarded in
London as a phenomenon to be stared at, but as an old-fashioned kind of body, who is
tolerated as an established part of the ecclesiastical life of this vast city. Having
moved in one orbit year after year without coming into serious collision with my
neighbors I have reason to believe that my pathway in the religious heavens is not
eccentric, but is as regular as that of the other lights which twinkle in the same
sky. I have probably done my anonymous correspondent more honor than he deserves in
taking so much notice of him; indeed, I only mention the man and his communication
that I might bear witness against all anonymous letters. Never write a letter to
which you are ashamed to put your name; as a rule, only mean persons are guilty of
such an action, though I hope my present correspondent is an exception to the rule.
Be so eccentric as to be always able to speak the truth to a man face to face. And
now to our subject. It is not the most profitable business in the world to find fault with our fellows.
It is a trade which is generally followed by those who would excuse themselves from
self-examination by turning their censures upon others. The beam in their own eye
does not appear to be quite so large while they can discover motes in other men's
optics, and hence they resort to the amusement of detraction. Ministers are the
favorite prey of critics, and on Sundays, when they think it right to talk religion,
they keep the rule to the letter, but violate its sense by most irreligiously
overhauling the persons, characters, sayings and doings of God's servants. "Dinner is
over. Bring the walnuts, and let us crack the reputations of a preacher or two. It is
a pious exercise for the Sabbath." Then tongues move with abounding clatter; tales
are told without number, and when the truth has been exhausted a few "inventions" are
exhibited. One saw a preacher do what was never done, and another heard him say what
was never said. Old fictions are brought up and declared to have happened a few days
ago, though they never happened at all, and so the good people hallow the Sabbath
with pious gossip and sanctimonious slander. There is a very serious side to this
when we remember the fate of those who love and make a lie; but just now we will not
dwell upon that solemn topic, lest we should be accused of lecturing our audience in
&l
173 pages, Kindle Edition
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About the author
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
5,681 books1,653 followersCharles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 4, 2021
In this book, Charles Spurgeon (one of the greatest preachers of history) defends eccentric preachers from the charge that they are unfit for ministry.
“From the earliest period it has been found impossible for the messengers whom God has sent to suit their style of utterance to the tastes of all. In all generations useful preachers of the gospel have been objected to by a portion of the community… He who hopes to preach so as to please everybody must be newlycome into the ministry; and he who aims at such an object would do well speedily to leave its ranks. Men must and will cavil and object: it is their nature to do so.”
“The men of this world still depreciate the ministers whom God sends them and profess that they would gladly listen if different preachers could be found. Nothing can please them, their cavils are dealt out with heedless universality. Cephas is too blunt, Apollos is too flowery, Paul is too argumentative, Timothy is too young, James is too severe, John is too gentle. Nevertheless, wisdom is justified of all her Children. At this time, when God raises up a man of original mind who strikes out a course for himself and follows it with success, it is usual to charge him with being eccentric. If his honesty may not be suspected, nor his zeal questioned, nor his power denied, sneer at him and call him eccentric, and it may be the arrow will wound.”
In defending eccentricity Spurgeon uses Dr Samuel Johnsons definition, “Eccentricity signifies deviating from the center, or not having the same center as another circle.” Spurgeon continues: “Now I am free to admit that the word has come to mean singular, odd, whimsical, and so forth; but by going a little deeper into its etymology, we discover that it simply means that the circle in which an eccentric man moves is not quite coincident with that which is followed by the majority: he does not tread the regular ring, but deviates more or less as he sees fit.” Therefore, says Spurgeon, “It does not seem so very horrible after all that a man should be eccentric… God grant that we may not be eccentric towards God, either as to holiness or truth, for that were fatal: but when fashion and custom mark out illproportioned imitations of the circle of perfection, or even dare to impose curves of their own, it may be grandly right to be eccentric, for an eccentric path all the saints have trodden as they have tracked the narrow way in the teeth of the many who pursue the downward road. From such consecrated eccentricity come martyrs, reformers, and the leaders of the advance guard of freedom and progress. Breaking loose from the shackles of evil customs, such men first stand alone and defy the world… The slavery of custom is as hard and crushing as any other form of human bondage, and blessed is he who for the truth's sake disdains to wear the galling chain, preferring rather to be charged with singularity and held up to ridicule. It is clear, then, that eccentricity may in certain cases be a virtue. When it touches the moral and the spiritual it may be worthy of all honor.”
Spurgeon continues by critiquing the slavery to custom and lack of eccentricity or so many ministers who never say anything jarring or out of proportion to the acceptable cultural mores.
Having answered “what is eccentricity” (ch 1), “who have been called eccentric” (ch 2), and what the “causes of eccentricity” are (ch 3), Spurgeon then spends 11 of the 12 remaining chapters providing historical sketches of eccentric preachers of the past and how despite (or even because of) their eccentricity they were men anointed by the Holy Spirit and effective gospel preachers.
In his final chapter, Spurgeon restates his aim in writing: “This little book is not written to inculcate eccentricity, or even to excuse all its displays; but, if possible, to take the edge from the scalping knife of slanderous misrepresentation and carping censure.”
May all God’s preachers not cave in to unjust criticism and keep preaching boldly and eccentrically the life giving message of the gospel.
“From the earliest period it has been found impossible for the messengers whom God has sent to suit their style of utterance to the tastes of all. In all generations useful preachers of the gospel have been objected to by a portion of the community… He who hopes to preach so as to please everybody must be newlycome into the ministry; and he who aims at such an object would do well speedily to leave its ranks. Men must and will cavil and object: it is their nature to do so.”
“The men of this world still depreciate the ministers whom God sends them and profess that they would gladly listen if different preachers could be found. Nothing can please them, their cavils are dealt out with heedless universality. Cephas is too blunt, Apollos is too flowery, Paul is too argumentative, Timothy is too young, James is too severe, John is too gentle. Nevertheless, wisdom is justified of all her Children. At this time, when God raises up a man of original mind who strikes out a course for himself and follows it with success, it is usual to charge him with being eccentric. If his honesty may not be suspected, nor his zeal questioned, nor his power denied, sneer at him and call him eccentric, and it may be the arrow will wound.”
In defending eccentricity Spurgeon uses Dr Samuel Johnsons definition, “Eccentricity signifies deviating from the center, or not having the same center as another circle.” Spurgeon continues: “Now I am free to admit that the word has come to mean singular, odd, whimsical, and so forth; but by going a little deeper into its etymology, we discover that it simply means that the circle in which an eccentric man moves is not quite coincident with that which is followed by the majority: he does not tread the regular ring, but deviates more or less as he sees fit.” Therefore, says Spurgeon, “It does not seem so very horrible after all that a man should be eccentric… God grant that we may not be eccentric towards God, either as to holiness or truth, for that were fatal: but when fashion and custom mark out illproportioned imitations of the circle of perfection, or even dare to impose curves of their own, it may be grandly right to be eccentric, for an eccentric path all the saints have trodden as they have tracked the narrow way in the teeth of the many who pursue the downward road. From such consecrated eccentricity come martyrs, reformers, and the leaders of the advance guard of freedom and progress. Breaking loose from the shackles of evil customs, such men first stand alone and defy the world… The slavery of custom is as hard and crushing as any other form of human bondage, and blessed is he who for the truth's sake disdains to wear the galling chain, preferring rather to be charged with singularity and held up to ridicule. It is clear, then, that eccentricity may in certain cases be a virtue. When it touches the moral and the spiritual it may be worthy of all honor.”
Spurgeon continues by critiquing the slavery to custom and lack of eccentricity or so many ministers who never say anything jarring or out of proportion to the acceptable cultural mores.
Having answered “what is eccentricity” (ch 1), “who have been called eccentric” (ch 2), and what the “causes of eccentricity” are (ch 3), Spurgeon then spends 11 of the 12 remaining chapters providing historical sketches of eccentric preachers of the past and how despite (or even because of) their eccentricity they were men anointed by the Holy Spirit and effective gospel preachers.
In his final chapter, Spurgeon restates his aim in writing: “This little book is not written to inculcate eccentricity, or even to excuse all its displays; but, if possible, to take the edge from the scalping knife of slanderous misrepresentation and carping censure.”
May all God’s preachers not cave in to unjust criticism and keep preaching boldly and eccentrically the life giving message of the gospel.
January 10, 2011
Since this is the Kindle edition, I have to quickly cover the technical before getting into the content. This edition is the one you want for the Kindle, not the other Kindle version (with the black cover). I have purchased the other and to my dismay, the continuous lines are not in place. Thus, the formatting are all jacked up.
Onward to the content.
If you are called to teach or preach Christ and him crucified, this book is a must-have for you. If you hear other preacher greats and think, "Gosh, I have to be like them in order to be "successful" like them", this book is mandatory for you.
In essence, Spurgeon encourages simply, "You be you. It is okay to be yourself. Be faithful to the gospel and let the Holy Spirit do all the hard work." Yes, it doesn't matter how weird or 'eccentric' others might think, you are called to be faithful to the text and preach because our lives depend on it.
What is a very pleasant surprise is the inclusion of across-the-range preachers from around his time or a bit before (late 1700s to late 1800s). What I love is the respect and love he had for these other ministers of God above and despite their differences in theology (Calvinism and Arminianism) or ordained in other denominations. To lest you think that all preachers need to be formally educated, Spurgeon offers a few without formal training.
Above all, Spurgeon writes as though he is having a personal conversation with you, the reader. His descriptions are vivid and detailed. His mini-biographies are suffice in information to portray the man of God. His admonishments are clear and precise as they cut to our hearts.
My favorite portion of the book (and was deeply surprised) where he read how the great Puritan theologian, John Owen (The Death of Death, The Mortification of Sin), once remarked how he longed to preach in the same manner as John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress) with poetic and flowery words. To which, Spurgeon offering this exhortation to a saint who has long joined Christ in heaven a bit before Spurgeon was even born:
"No, Dr. Owen, you had better remain Dr. Owen, for we could by no means afford to lose that mine of theological wealth which you have bequeathed to us. You would have looked very awkward if you had tried to talk like the marvelous dreamer, and he would have played the fool if he had imitated you. It is pitiful to hear comparisons made between the different servants of the same Lord."
Pitiful, indeed, Mr. Spurgeon.
God has created you to bring him glory. Preach your heart out. Preach as though you have lost yourself in your own words. Preach as though you are trying your best to describe the beautiful glory of Christ. Above all, just preach: His word never return void and faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
Onward to the content.
If you are called to teach or preach Christ and him crucified, this book is a must-have for you. If you hear other preacher greats and think, "Gosh, I have to be like them in order to be "successful" like them", this book is mandatory for you.
In essence, Spurgeon encourages simply, "You be you. It is okay to be yourself. Be faithful to the gospel and let the Holy Spirit do all the hard work." Yes, it doesn't matter how weird or 'eccentric' others might think, you are called to be faithful to the text and preach because our lives depend on it.
What is a very pleasant surprise is the inclusion of across-the-range preachers from around his time or a bit before (late 1700s to late 1800s). What I love is the respect and love he had for these other ministers of God above and despite their differences in theology (Calvinism and Arminianism) or ordained in other denominations. To lest you think that all preachers need to be formally educated, Spurgeon offers a few without formal training.
Above all, Spurgeon writes as though he is having a personal conversation with you, the reader. His descriptions are vivid and detailed. His mini-biographies are suffice in information to portray the man of God. His admonishments are clear and precise as they cut to our hearts.
My favorite portion of the book (and was deeply surprised) where he read how the great Puritan theologian, John Owen (The Death of Death, The Mortification of Sin), once remarked how he longed to preach in the same manner as John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress) with poetic and flowery words. To which, Spurgeon offering this exhortation to a saint who has long joined Christ in heaven a bit before Spurgeon was even born:
"No, Dr. Owen, you had better remain Dr. Owen, for we could by no means afford to lose that mine of theological wealth which you have bequeathed to us. You would have looked very awkward if you had tried to talk like the marvelous dreamer, and he would have played the fool if he had imitated you. It is pitiful to hear comparisons made between the different servants of the same Lord."
Pitiful, indeed, Mr. Spurgeon.
God has created you to bring him glory. Preach your heart out. Preach as though you have lost yourself in your own words. Preach as though you are trying your best to describe the beautiful glory of Christ. Above all, just preach: His word never return void and faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
August 8, 2011
This is the first book I've ever read by Spurgeon and I'm a huge fan now! Dude's funny. He's satirical. He's witty. He has great control of the English language. And you can feel the humility and the desperation that propels his thinking. Spurgeon writes of "eccentric preachers" and even admits in his book that the word has been taken hostage by its negative connotations. But Spurgeon redeems the etymology and he skillfully defends the church; defends his contemporaries; defends the Gospel over style/taste. It's also striking how the very things Spurgeon is defending in London in 1879 are the very things the American church is battling today. We would do well to embrace the attitude and vigor with which Spurgeon approached his ministry, his writing, and his companionship with other preachers of his time.
August 1, 2016
This was a fun and interesting book with three basic points:
1) Preachers should fear God instead of man and be themselves in the pulpit, not something they feel is expected or demanded.
2) Listeners should quit nitpicking their Preachers. Quit complaining about how you're pastor peaches.
3) Don't believe everything you head about someone's preaching style.
This is a good book for Pastors or Layman.
1) Preachers should fear God instead of man and be themselves in the pulpit, not something they feel is expected or demanded.
2) Listeners should quit nitpicking their Preachers. Quit complaining about how you're pastor peaches.
3) Don't believe everything you head about someone's preaching style.
This is a good book for Pastors or Layman.
December 4, 2011
A bunch of mini-biographers of obscure "eccentric" preachers. Spurgeon writes inspiring accounts of people who were used of God in a variety of ways.
January 30, 2009
Really good.
January 27, 2011
Amazing book! Taught me that all I need to do to be an effective pastor and teacher is be myself and not model after anyone (ie, piper, driscoll, keller, etc.)
June 27, 2023
In the second half of the book, Spurgeon lays out 10 minibiographies of laudable “eccentric” preachers. This wasn’t entirely helpful to me, though it likely would be to others. The first half of the book, however, was a strong, refreshing breath to my weary soul. Here, Spurgeon defends himself and others from trifling stabs against their preaching style and manner.
Preachers aren’t above all criticism (Spurgeon has some choice words for triflers, jesters, prigs, and “Rev. Mr. Prettyman”), but mere difference of approach does not make one wrong. Some people will just never be pleased, even with men of the Bible: “Cephas is too blunt, Apollos is too flowery, Paul is too argumentative, Timothy is too young, James is too severe, John is too gentle.” I needed that reminder.
One particular snippet by itself is worth the price of the book: “And, oh, dear brothers, who are engaged in winning souls, let me say to you by the memories of all these good men who have gone before you, and who were counted eccentric, fear no man's frown, and court no man's smile, but say the right thing and the true, and say it as best you can, and ask God's help that you may say it so that you may make men feel it, even though you sting them into anger; for blessed shall that man be who has discharged his conscience before the living God” (p. 49). I want to frame that on my wall.
Highly recommended to any preacher.
Preachers aren’t above all criticism (Spurgeon has some choice words for triflers, jesters, prigs, and “Rev. Mr. Prettyman”), but mere difference of approach does not make one wrong. Some people will just never be pleased, even with men of the Bible: “Cephas is too blunt, Apollos is too flowery, Paul is too argumentative, Timothy is too young, James is too severe, John is too gentle.” I needed that reminder.
One particular snippet by itself is worth the price of the book: “And, oh, dear brothers, who are engaged in winning souls, let me say to you by the memories of all these good men who have gone before you, and who were counted eccentric, fear no man's frown, and court no man's smile, but say the right thing and the true, and say it as best you can, and ask God's help that you may say it so that you may make men feel it, even though you sting them into anger; for blessed shall that man be who has discharged his conscience before the living God” (p. 49). I want to frame that on my wall.
Highly recommended to any preacher.
December 13, 2019
Every Man of God is unique as all men and women are. How they use their uniqueness in serving the Lord is the essence of this work.
Perhaps an encouragement to the discouraged man. Perhaps more encouragement to the successful.
I have a high admiration for book readers. A thankless task I believe.
In this particular audio version, the reader of the work seemed detached from it, and woefully inadequate to the task. That served sadly to take away from my appreciation of the labor that went into this book.
Perhaps an encouragement to the discouraged man. Perhaps more encouragement to the successful.
I have a high admiration for book readers. A thankless task I believe.
In this particular audio version, the reader of the work seemed detached from it, and woefully inadequate to the task. That served sadly to take away from my appreciation of the labor that went into this book.
June 11, 2018
I did enjoy this book. Fun and interesting.
May 2, 2020
Very good. Spurgeon lecturing on effective preaching. Some great insights.
April 11, 2022
A great read If you are interested in past preachers
A refreshing look at preachers of the past... with a more genteel use of the English language.. well worth the time
A refreshing look at preachers of the past... with a more genteel use of the English language.. well worth the time
October 6, 2013
I didn't expect to like this book, boy was I wrong! Spurgeon started talking to new, young ministers then telling about some eccentric preachers. I ate it up!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews