Free Grace and Dying Love: Morning Devotions by Susannah Spurgeon with The Life of Susannah Spurgeon book review

Calvary Herald
THE WEB MAGAZINE OF CALVARY REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

B o o k R e v i e w

01/30/07

Free Grace and Dying Love: Morning Devotions by Susannah Spurgeon with The Life of Susannah Spurgeon

by Charles Ray

Reviewed by Byron Snapp

Marriage to a famous person, even a Christian, brings with it certain privileges, problems, and pressures. Charles Spurgeon’s wife, Susannah, lived in the shadow of a famous husband; and yet she desired to glorify God in every way.

Approximately the first half of the book is given to twenty-four devotionals penned by Mrs. Spurgeon. They were originally published as A Clarion of Bells. These are Christ-centered and practical, very reminiscent of her husband’s devotional work, Morning and Evening.

The second part of the book is a sympathetic biography of Mrs. Spurgeon. She was born in London in l832. She was unimpressed with Charles when she first heard him preach. She judged him to be merely a country preacher. His unique way of getting her attention and their resulting courtship make for interesting reading. We marvel at how God providentially shapes his people and prepares them for marriage. The couple married in l856.

Marriage to the famed pastor brought its own problems: loneliness due to arduous speaking schedules, forgetfulness of her in the midst of crowds, and long separations because of her physical afflictions.

Much of the biography is devoted to Susannah Spurgeon’s unique ministry growing out of her condition as an invalid. Because of her love for Christ and her concern for poor, struggling preachers, she established a book fund using her meager savings. Its purpose was to provide God- honoring books to aid preachers in their proclamation of the Gospel. She saw the spiritual richness in her husband’s published books and sermons. She wanted to get these helps into as many hands as possible. Donations led to increased book distribution. Although the couple was committed to their Baptist convictions, they gladly distributed books beyond denominational lines.

This book is an encouragement for us to remember that in our weakness God remains strong. Affliction often opens unexpected doors for ministry. Also, the book is a reminder of the humility that wives of famous Christians must exhibit. Readers can ponder how this should work itself out in all believers’ lives. Our lives are strengthened as we read of the faith and godly commitment of others.