To You
This sermon is a call to seek Christ and Heaven, using plain language to reach all people and inviting readers to join in seeking salvation.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of his message in leading souls to Christ, expressing a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit for the conversion of many. He uses simple language to ensure that his message is accessible to all, regardless of their social status, and encourages readers to actively seek the peace that comes from knowing Jesus. Spurgeon illustrates his point with a parable about a fountain, highlighting that the true value of his work lies in its ability to quench spiritual thirst rather than in critical opinions. He invites readers to engage earnestly with the text, praying for God's blessing as they seek Him. Ultimately, he urges readers to not harden their hearts but to embrace the opportunity for salvation presented to them.
Text
HE WHO SPOKE and wrote this message will be greatly disappointed if it does not lead many to the Lord Jesus. It is sent forth in childlike dependence upon the power of God the Holy Ghost, to use it in the conversion of millions, if so He pleases. No doubt many poor men and women will take up this little volume, and the Lord will visit them with grace. To answer this end, the very plainest language has been chosen, and many homely expressions have been used. But if those of wealth and rank should glance at this book, the Holy Ghost can impress them also; since that which can be understood by the unlettered is none the less attractive to the instructed. Oh that some might read it who will become great winners of souls!
Who knows how many will find their way to peace by what they read here? A more important question to you, dear reader, is this--Will you be one of them?
A certain man placed a fountain by the wayside, and he hung up a cup near to it by a little chain. He was told some time after that a great art-critic had found much fault with its design. "But," said he, "do many thirsty persons drink at it?" Then they told him that thousands of poor people, men, women, and children, slaked their thirst at this fountain; and he smiled and said, that he was little troubled by the critic's observation, only he hoped that on some sultry summer's day the critic himself might fill the cup, and he refreshed, and praise the name of the Lord.
Here is my fountain, and here is my cup: find fault if you please; but do drink of the water of life. I only care for this. I had rather bless the soul of the poorest crossing-sweeper, or rag-gatherer, than please a prince of the blood, and fail to convert him to God.
Reader, do you mean business in reading these pages? If so, we are agreed at the outset; but nothing short of your finding Christ and Heaven is the business aimed at here. Oh that we may seek this together! I do so by dedicating this little book with prayer. Will not you join me by looking up to God, and asking Him to bless you while you read? Providence has put these pages in your way, you have a little spare time in which to read them, and you feel willing to give your attention to them. These are good signs. Who knows but the set time of blessing is come for you? At any rate, "The Holy Ghost saith, Today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Purpose of the Message
- A. To lead many to the Lord Jesus
- B. To use plain language to reach all people
- II. The Importance of Reading
- A. Will you be one of those who find peace?
- B. The Lord can impress anyone, regardless of wealth or rank
- III. The Fountain of Life
- A. A place where people can find refreshment and salvation
- B. Not concerned with criticism, but with souls being saved
- IV. The Invitation to Seek Christ
- A. A call to seek Christ and Heaven together
- B. A prayer for God's blessing while reading
Key Quotes
“Here is my fountain, and here is my cup: find fault if you please; but do drink of the water of life.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The Holy Ghost saith, Today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Take the message seriously and be willing to give your attention to it.
- Seek Christ and Heaven together with the author.
- Don't harden your heart, but rather be open to God's blessing.