It wasn't all negative in those early days. Men who heard and read Spurgeon had wildly different impressions of him. He comments that he could endure the insults, even treasure them, but the praises brought him to his knees, afraid that he was somehow displeasing His Master. Rare bird, Spurgeon.

More criticism. Slander. Reproach. But all of the enemies' slings and arrows, -remembered there, will only bring a smile.- Such a smile we see on the face of Mrs. Spurgeon as she adds a fitting postscript to this difficult chapter.

Fake news is not just a 21st century phenomenon. Spurgeon dealt with it over 160 years ago. But thousands were being saved. One would expect the lies to begin. Included is his response to one of the papers that published a Spurgeon article.

The attacks begin. His testimony, character, style, message... all questioned. Not by outsiders, but by respected preachers of his day. Oh my. Hang in there brother... -He did-

Spurgeon's star is rising. Thousands, yea tens of thousands, flock to see him in churches, chapels, even in fields. How thankful he is to have a dear friend at his side. Mrs. Spurgeon concludes her 3-chapter accounting of their beginnings with excerpts from the wedding prayers and message. Life is beautiful.

Miss Susie Thompson had much to learn about becoming the wife of a pastor, especially this young preacher from the country. But a pure and holy love on both parts brought her through her education. A second narrative in the words of Spurgeon's wife to be.

The future Mrs. Spurgeon was not overly impressed with the young country preacher who showed up in a pulpit she often attended. She was in fact amused. In this first of three chapters on the subject, amusement turned to friendship, love and betrothal. In her own words...

Now. Now. Now. Where are you going- To hell- Now is the day of salvation. No need to go there. Spurgeon is as always urgent with his listeners to come to Christ now or forever be lost. We pass on this urgency of the Holy Spirit to you.

What is the will of the Lord for your life, Christian- Lloyd-jones knows.

So what is a time thief- A robber of your time. Baxter lists nine of them. Prepare to be convicted.