Debt free, the congregation moves in to its new multi-thousand seat place of worship. Spurgeon prophesies that from this place the Gospel will go all over the world- Indeed it did, and still does. This congregation still exists and continues the work begun by ministers even before Spurgeon.

With this audio, we close out the first half of the autobiography. It finds Spurgeon traveling across the -Continent-, showing us the beauties and uglinesses of 19th century Europe. One of his finest moments occurs as he preaches in Calvin's Church, stands behind Calvin's pulpit. Oh, and the Tabernacle- Debt free on opening Sunday- -Autobiography continues week of June 14, Lord willing.-

The Tabernacle is almost finished. It is 1860. Before its completion, Spurgeon gathers his people inside for a final offering of the project to God. Then go with him on a vacation to the -Continent.- We start in Antwerp, where Spurgeon is shocked by the message of a certain Roman priest. This trip, and the first half of the autobiography, completed next time.

Conclusion of the chapter relating Spurgeon's ministries in neighboring countries. A very well-received visit to Paris is the main subject of this recording.

Far from being a weekend preacher, Mr. Spurgeon was constantly on the road. We've seen his Scottish trips, now go with him to Ireland and Wales, and aboard boats where the surprised preacher finds nothing less than churches afloat.

The latter part of the intriguing story of how the Metropolitan Tabernacle was abundantly funded. Spurgeon is 25 years old, and is building perhaps the largest Baptist chapel in all of London. Not because he wanted to. Because he had to. He points out that the spot he has chosen for the new building is a place where the same Gospel, in years past, brought martyrs to their final witness.

Fascinating behind the scenes look at the long process of raising the Metropolitan Tabernacle, built to accommodate the huge crowds that continued to flock to hear Spurgeon's Gospel. In this episode, the funds are raised, the property is bought, and the cornerstone is laid.

Spurgeon's equivalent of -state of the union- letters were written to his flock annually for a number of years. A bird's eye view of the progress of the country preacher as he gets closer to three decades of life. Much to be learned of God even in a simple church report, when Spurgeon is writing that report.

More of Spurgeon the man. Anecdotal evidence that this man was the real deal, in the pulpit and in the home. Of special note is an 11-verse poem he wrote to his wife while he had to be parted from her on one of his preaching tours, Through a technical difficulty, I have added the poem at the END of the audio instead of the place where it was introduced.

It is important that we switch from pulpit to everyday life from time to time. Spurgeon was a man as well as a preacher. Mrs. Spurgeon takes over the narrative again with recollections of life at home.