Charles Spurgeon The Prince of Preachers

C.H. Spurgeon

I only recently discovered the great works of C.H. Spurgeon. About a year ago, while my husband and I were browsing a local country boutique, a beautifully crafted daily devotional by Christian Art Publishers caught my eye. Since then, I’ve come across several of their lovely devotionals, but this one stood out—it was drawn from the powerful sermon collection of C.H. Spurgeon, and it quickly became a treasured find.

I know they say you shouldn't approach Bible study by randomly opening the pages, hoping that fate—or perhaps the very hand of God—will guide you to the passage you need. And I don’t make a habit of it. But on the rare occasions that I do, more often than not, the words before me feel undeniably meant for that moment.

My first encounter with Spurgeon’s writings in this beautiful little volume was one of those moments—serendipitous in its deeply personal significance. The page I opened to that day turned out to be the very passage I would read at my baptism later that summer, and the foundation of my first vlog post. So, it’s safe to say I’m quite fond of it. But that fondness isn’t rooted in saccharine promises that everything in life will turn out fine.

I’ve often felt disillusioned flipping through daily devotionals—especially the beautifully packaged ones marketed to women. Too often, they are steeped in oversimplification and spiritual clichés, applying Scripture to situations far removed from their original intent. The verses, stripped of their depth and context, become like fragments of poetry—lovely but hollow, severed from the rhythm and meaning that give them power.

(This is the same issue that plagues much of Christian art. Without depth, it risks becoming mere decoration rather than a call to deeper understanding. That is why including sources for further study is not just helpful—it’s essential. Christian artists have a responsibility not only to create beauty but to inspire true engagement with Scripture, so that the words of God don’t just sound sweet but resonate with the full weight of their truth–but more on that later.)

After reading through this little volume, I stumbled upon another treasure—a beautifully bound, vintage-style edition of Spurgeon’s Sermons, frequently on sale at ChristianBook.com. I’m referring to the hardcover green editions with gold foil detailing. If you’re curious, I’ve posted a review with pictures in my Life in Pictures gallery, under the Autumn 2024 section (near the bottom). These hardcover editions make a wonderful addition to any Christian home library. While there are the occasional misprints, and the text may be a bit small for some, the experience of holding a real book in the morning light—immersing myself in the wonders and truths of God away from screens, blue light, and distractions—has been a worthy investment for our family.

I’ve attempted to read other lengthy sermons from Spurgeon’s era—he preached primarily in the mid-1800s—but often found them dry and difficult to wade through. I’ve always gravitated toward the imaginative minds of Lewis and Chesterton rather than the more “proper” preachers of the day. But Spurgeon is different. His prose is rich with imagery, humor, and an honest candor that, in many ways, rivals or even surpasses Lewis and Chesterton. Every paragraph is both beautiful and deeply substantive.

In my desire to share Spurgeon’s works with loved ones—and to find alternative resources for those not yet fully drawn in to his style—I was delighted to discover several excellent free websites that house a vast collection of his sermons. Additionally, I came across a YouTube channel where some of his sermons are read aloud by a real person with a professional-quality voice, bringing his words to life in a new and engaging way.

So, here is my current collection of Spurgeon’s sermon resources, including the little daily devotional that first sparked my own appreciation for this Prince of Preachers.

Books to start:

Spurgeon One Minute Devotions Morning by Morning, Lux Leather by Christian Art Publishers

Spurgeon's Sermons, 5 Book Set with 10 volumes by Hendrickson Publishers

Free Online:

SpurgeonGems.org

Spurgeon.org (the official resource from the Spurgeon Center at Midwestern Seminary)

https://www.youtube.com/@SpurgeonSermonSeries

As a final thought, Spurgeon’s works can serve as a valuable Sunday study for those who may be without a good church—if the message remains the focus. While I firmly believe in the necessity of Christian community and always encourage others to seek it, I also understand the deep frustration of struggling to find a local pastor (and a local community) who is both doctrinally sound and spiritually compelling. If you find yourself in that situation, establishing a regular habit of studying Spurgeon’s sermons could be a meaningful and enriching alternative until you find the right church home.

Lift Thy Face to the Sun. Kris Robertson 2025. Using Adobe & Wonder AI.