Samuel at Gilgal

Speaking to a conference of preachers, Charles H. Spurgeon reminded them of the importance of declaring the whole counsel of God to their congregations. They were to especially be faithful stewards of God’s people as they prepared for the day in which they would see their Savior plainly beyond the veil:

I would enhance our sense of responsibility by the remembrance of the death-beds of our people. Unless we are faithful to them, it will be a painful sight to be present when they come to die. Suppose that any one of our hearers should stretch out his bony band, and say, “I am lost, and you never warned me; you always gave me some idea that it might be a little way round-about, but I should get right all the same; and I chose the round-about way of the larger hope, instead of the divine hope that is set before us in the gospel.” I would rather never have been born than have anybody speak thus to me when he shall come to die. My brother said to me the other day what Charles Wesley said to John Wesley: “Brother, our people die well!” I answered, “Assuredly they do!” I have never been to the sick bed of any one of our people without feeling strengthened in faith. In the sight of their glorious confidence, I could sooner battle with the whole earth, and kick it before me like a football, than have a doubt in my mind about the gospel of our Lord. They die gloriously. I saw, last week, a dear sister, with cancer just under her eye. How did I find her? Was she lamenting her hard fate? By no means; she was happy, calm, joyful, in bright expectation of seeing the face of the King in his glory. I talked with a tradesman, not long ago, who fell asleep, and I said, “You seem to have no fears.” “No,” he said, “how can I have any? You have not taught us what will make us fear. How can I be afraid to die, since I have fed these thirty years on the strong meat of the Kingdom of God? I know whom I have believed.” I had a heavenly time with him. I cannot use a lower word. He exhibited a holy mirth in the expectation of a speedy removal to the better world.

Now, dear brethren, suffer one last word. You and I will soon die ourselves, unless our Master comes; and blessed will it be for us, if, when we lie in the silent room, and the nights grow weary, and our strength ebbs out, we can stay ourselves upon the pillows and say, “O Lord, I have known thee from my youth, and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works; and now that I am about to depart, forsake me not.” Thrice happy shall we be, if we can say, in the last article, “I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God. . . .”

I charge you, be faithful to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine of his grace. Be ye faithful unto death, and your crowns will not be wanting. But oh! let none of us die out like dim candles, ending a powerless ministry in everlasting blackness. The Lord himself bless you! Amen. (Sermon addressed to ministers: “The Preacher’s Power and the Conditions of Obtaining it”)

Filed under: Bible, Christianity, Church Leadership, Grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Prayer, Preaching, Sermon, Theology | Tagged: Charles H. Spurgeon, Charles Spurgeon, Charles Wesley, Christianity, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, John Wesley, Sermon | Comments Off on Charles H. Spurgeon: Preparing Your People For Death