Personal Reminiscences of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. By W. Williams (R.T.S.)—Mr.
Williams, a friend and, we may say, companion of Mr. Spurgeon during many years, has put together in this volume some of his recollections of his talk, table and other, adding some letters, and notes and criticisms of his sermons and other works. There is nothing to change, but much to strengthen, the impression of Spurgeon's powerful, kindly nature, illuminated with a rare feeling of humour, and always dominated, even when his enthusiasm was strongest, by common sense. Of all "leaders of religion "—and a leader he certainly was—he most resembles Luther. There are pages of good things, not exactly brilliant, but solid and strong, which came from this wonderful man's inexhaustible treasury of wit and wisdom. There never was, one cannot but feel, a man of more affluent mind. Who but he could have gone on pouring out a stream of sermons which never flagged in vivacity and originality ? Mr. Williams has given 118 a book which is of more than ephemeral value. One good thing we must quote, though doubtless it has been quoted before,—his answer to some one who "could not believe" that he smoked, " I cultivate my flowers and burn my weeds."
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