Chapter Six

Chapter 6.
Memorial Service at Menton When it was finally decided that the remains of the beloved Pastor were to be laid to rest in England, it was felt that there must be a Memorial Service in the little town where he had spent so many winters, and had been so great a blessing to many people in various ways. It was also felt that there was no place so suitable for such a service as the Scotch Presbyterian Church, for Mr. Spurgeon had preached at the opening of that building, just about a year previously, the sermon which was afterwards published under the title of "Redemption through Blood, the Gracious Forgiveness of Sins" (No. 2,207). The minister of the church, Rev. J. E. Somerville, B.D., made all the arrangements, in consultation with Mr. Allison and Mr. Harrald, and in accordance with the wishes of Mrs. Spurgeon.

Thursday, February 4th, was "a real Menton morning"—not a cloud could be seen in the bright blue sky, the sun made the Mediterranean glisten like "a sea of glass mingled with fire", and everything in nature seemed to remind us of the joy into which our loved and lost leader had entered, in the land where—

"Everlasting spring abides, And never-withering flowers."

There were many sad hearts among the representatives of all sections of the Christian church, who gathered around the olive-wood casket enclosing the precious body. Canon Sidebotham and the Rev. A. M. Topp, the ministers of the two Episcopal churches, were there, with Rev. Talbot Greaves, M.A., vicar of Clifton, Revs. Arthur W. Phelps, R. Logan, and other clergy from "The House of Rest"; Rev. J. Lings, a constant Menton visitor, and friend of Mr. Spurgeon; Mr. C. E. Faithfull, the sailors' friend, from Marseilles: M. Palmaro, the British Vice-Consul, Dr. FitzHenry (Mr. Spurgeon's medical attendant and faithful friend), Mrs. Hanbury, and all of the Menton circle who could possibly attend.

Many friends sent very beautiful wreaths, for the dear one went home from the land of flowers; but Mrs. Spurgeon contributed palm-branches, as the most appropriate emblems of the victory of her beloved, as he stood with the great multitude "before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms, in their hands, and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." The hymn beginning—

"Give me the wings of faith to rise," was sung. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Murray Mitchell of Nice; and Mr. Somerville read Isaiah 40:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26; 1 Corinthians 15:53-57; 2 Corinthians 4:17—v. 10; and Revelation 7:9-17; and then delivered the following address:—"In the presence of the dead, words of man seem inappropriate, and eulogy is out of place. A prince and a great man is fallen in Israel. We meet, today, a company of mourners, and we desire to join in their mourning, the family, the congregation, and that wide circle who have sustained so sore a bereavement; for Charles Spurgeon belonged not to the Metropolitan Tabernacle only, nor to London, nor to England, but to all English-speaking countries, and to many others besides.

"In him, God bestowed upon our age and on the world a great gift; and we are thankful that for so many years he was permitted to witness with such fearlessness, eloquence, and power, for the Lord, whom it was his delight to serve; and that he was honoured to be the instrument of salvation to multitudes, many of whom never saw his face.

"That active life is over here. No more shall that mellow and wondrous voice (the first that was heard in this church) plead with men, nor the ready pen counsel and delight. The labourer rests. The warrior's 'sword' lies idle, the 'trowel' has fallen from the workman's hand, because the Master has said 'Come.' 'Charles Haddon Spurgeon is dead,' many are saying today; nay, not dead, but entered on life more abundant. The chamber of suffering has been exchanged for the land where the inhabitant shall no more say, 'I am sick.' He has gone from us; but he sees the King in his beauty.

"Shall we lament because another voice has been added to the chorus of the redeemed above, that the servant has been rewarded, that the victor has been crowned? Gone home, not gone away, he is present with the Lord. In one more the Saviour has seen of the travail of his soul.

"Only four days ago we prayed that he might be spared to us, and be allowed to labour longer; but Jesus prayed, 'Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory.' We cannot now wish that that prayer had been denied.

"Shall we selfishly grudge the Lord satisfaction over his redeemed, or our brother the blessedness and joy of the Master's welcome, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord'?

"He has been called away in his prime, when to us his presence Seemed necessary, and when he gave promise of years of usefulness. But his work was done, and we must learn to say—

'Just when thou wilt, O Master, call, Or at the noon or evening fall; Or in the dark, or in the light, Just when thou wilt, it must be right.'

Funeral Cortège at Menton Station. So we bow the head, and say, 'The will of the Lord be done. Hallelujah!'"

Pasteur Delapierre, of the French Evangelical Church, spoke in French concerning the great influence exerted by our departed friend over the French-speaking churches, and bore testimony to his fidelity to the revealed Word, his practical charity to all men, and his humility and love, which endeared him to so many. M. Delapierre also offered prayer for the bereaved family, friends, and church. Mr. Harrald delivered Mrs. Spurgeon's message to the congregation: "If you want to tell them anything from me, say—

'He hath done all things well,'" and gave some touching reminiscences of his beloved leader's last days. Pastor G. Samuel, of Birmingham, spoke on behalf of the 800 ministers trained in the Pastors' College, and especially referred to the tenderness and gentleness of the departed President. The hymn—

"For ever with the Lord," was solemnly sung, and then all stood while the coffin was carried to the open hearse, which proceeded at once to the railway station, followed by probably a larger and sadder company of mourners then ever gathered for a Protestant funeral at Menton.