Chapter Eleven

Chapter 11.
Tributes of Affection From seven o'clock in the morning of Tuesday, February 9th, until seven in the evening, the Tabernacle was open, and two continuous streams of people passed up the aisles to view the coffin enclosing the body of him who had been the greatest spiritual force of his generation in London, or perhaps in the world. All classes were represented, from the very poor to the well-to-do artisan, and from the tradesman to men of the city and suburbs. Passing the coffin, over which were triumphantly placed Mrs. Spurgeon's palm-branches, many were moved with evident emotion. It is variously estimated that 50,000 to 60,000 persons must have visited the spot during the day. This was a very memorable day, and a remarkable preface to the days still more memorable which were to follow. The precious body was enclosed in a leaden casket, and the outer coffin of Menton olive-wood had plates at the head and foot, bearing the following inscription:— In ever-loving memory of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Born at Kelvedon, June 19, 1834, Fell asleep in Jesus at Menton, Jan. 31, 1892.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

Around the coffin were many beautiful tributes from loving hearts. First came a graceful anchor, composed of lilies and hyacinths, from the Rev. John Robertson and the congregation of Gorbals Tabernacle, Glasgow, with the quotation from one of Mr. Spurgeon's most recent letters, "The sun shines at length." Next to this was a beautiful wreath, "In loving and grateful remembrance," from the children at the Stockwell Orphanage. Side by side with this testimony of affection was the large floral harp, formed of lilies, with golden strings, one of which was significantly broken, which had been sent from the sister isle. It was inscribed, 'He being dead yet speaketh,' Hebrews 11:4. A loving tribute to the memory of Pastor C. H. Spurgeon, from the Baptist churches of Belfast." Attached to this were a sword and trowel fashioned in violets, and accompanied by the following extract from a memorial poem written by Mr. Maxwell:—

"Oh, master-builder thou, on Zion's wall Thy busy Trowel knew no cankering rust!

Thy Sword was keen and double-edged withal To smite th' invading foemen to the dust."

Pastor A. G. Barley, on behalf of Pasteur R. Saillens and Christians in Paris, brought a magnificent wreath.

Flowers and wreaths would have been sent in almost incalculable numbers, but it was specially requested that the memory of the glorified Pastor should be honoured by gifts to the College and Orphanage. In many instances this has been done right heartily, and doubtless other friends will yet be moved to present similar tokens of esteem and gratitude. At the coffin sides were several cards, which attracted the notice of many. That from Mrs. Spurgeon read: "'With Christ, which is far better.' I will follow thee, my husband. Undying love from 'the wife of thy youth.'" On behalf of his departed brother, Mr. James Spurgeon had a card, "Behold, I die, but God shall be with you," Genesis 48:21. On behalf of himself and his wife, Pastor J. A. Spurgeon had another card, "So an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord

The Olive-Casket Under the Palm-Branches at the Tabernacle. and Saviour Jesus Christ," 2 Peter 1:11; "If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him," 1 Thessalonians 4:14.

Pastor Charles Spurgeon's card read: "His," Romans 14:8; "Now he is comforted," Luke 16:25; "In fondest memory of the dearest of fathers, from his son Charles." The next card read: "Within the veil," Hebrews 6:19; "Absent.... present with the Lord," 2 Corinthians 5:8; "In affectionate remembrance of dear father, from son Tom." This was attached to the coffin by Mr. Charles Spurgeon on behalf of his brother in New Zealand.

Mr. Harrald's card read: "In fondest memory of my dearest earthly friend, my beloved Pastor and father in the faith, and 'the good soldier of Jesus Christ', whose armour-bearer desires to be faithful unto death as his captain was." The card of Miss E. H. Thorne (Mrs. Spurgeon's companion) read: "In loving memory of the best and kindest friend I ever had on earth." On the black drapery of the upper rostrum was the very significant admonition, "Remember the word that I said unto you being yet present with you;" while, on the lower platform, the text, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith," was inscribed None could question that it was a true description of the life of the man of God whom they had come to honour; a marble bust of whom looked down upon them from between the one platform and the other. On Tuesday, as the people passed in file to view the coffin, a copy of Mr. Spurgeon's sermon for the previous week, "God's Will about the Future" (No. 2,242), was given to each, as an appropriate memento of the occasion.