The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-03-18
Mr.. Sturgeon. Method of Usefulness.

An American traveller in London has been look.
ing carefully into Mr.. Spurgeons methods of
operation, by which he has accomplished so
many useful results. He is particularly impressed
with the effectiveness of his plans for training
men for usefulness in the ministry. As soon as a
man joins the church he is made TO take his part
IN prayer meetings and other religious gatherings.
If be appears promising, as to talents and piety,
he is put through two years course of training
for the ministry, and all the while is required to
preach in the streets or wherever people can be
collected to hear. He comes in contact with SCOT
fers. intdels or profiigate persons of every kind
some of whom interrupt him, question or contra
dict him, or try TO puzzle him with their sophis-
tries, and in this way he acquires freedom of
utterance quickness OF reply, habit Of discrimi-
nation and exactness of statement and readiness
In the application Of religious truth to the cases
OF individuals. he learns the rudments of a
pastors education and access 70 the sources of
knowledge, and is then told TO educate himself as
long as he lives. One of these students from
college, who was set to preach in the tabernacle
during the PASTORS sickness, is thus described:
"When he was converted he was quite ignorant
OF letters, having never attended school. His
young wife taught him his alphabet. He entered
Mr.. Surgeons college, and in two years after
took charge OF congregation near London. The
sermon he preached that day TO over five thousand
people was marked with q divine JUNCTION. It was
scriptural, spiritual and powerful; his language
good; his manner dsvout- humble, and vet cour.
sscous. II made good and deep impression on
suos aiAnchso auulonCc, anu came away glad TO
have had an opportunity of hearing one of Mr..
Surgeons college read men,"
AT the late anniversary Of the college several
literary men were present by invitation. One of
them. MIR. Allen, himself head of theological
school, said he had become satisfied, by obserya.
ton, OF the good effects of the system and cheer
fully retracted all he had said against ID. But be
thought II would be a good thing If the young
men could be sent to some regular school to be
polished Of, after completing their course here.
MIR. Surgeon replied that this polishing process
would have the effect TO wear OF the true steel of
the blade. That in the study of the dead Ian.
gusges, dry theology, they would lose more of
the real fire of preaching than they would acquire.
For bis part, be would venture TO make sugges
tion to the professor, that after he had gotten
through polishing his students he would send them
TO his college TO learn the real practical duties Of
the pastor.
A gentleman from one Of the provincial towns
related the experience OF the church of which he
was member where the minister, man of su.
perior learning and worth, eloquent and popular.
In house furnished with all the best appliances
failed TO produce any effect upon the community.
But. said he, about year ago one of Mr.. Spnr.
geon's lads came down there, took possession Of
chapel that was nearly run out by an unpopular
man, commenced preaching and visiting, and now
every seat Is hlled long before the services
commence the aisles, altar and pulpit stairs are
all crowded; the interest has become general: the
heart of the public beats in unison WITH the young
preacher. This young man was plain mcdaniel
and quite iliterate but few years before, until
Mr.. spurgeon took him by the hand and led him
into nus college. One Of bis pupils IL now preach
ing ID the great tabernacle In Tottenham Court
hoad, where Mr.. Whiiefed preached. Mr.. Spur
geon sends each year from his college one hundred
men to preach the gospel.