1856 C. H. SPURGEON. The Earliest Defense of C. H. Spurgeon Ever Published!

A very scarce publication published by "Alabaster and Passmore," defending their new best-selling author. Spurgeon was but 22 years old at the time, and an investigative journalist from the Daily News had written a particularly acidic item against Spurgeon that was published in pamphlet form, entitled, "Sayings and Doings." I believe it was the first attack on Spurgeon in published form [of which there were many over the next few years] and this the first defense of Spurgeon.

The only other copy we trace is in the British Library. An absolute gem for the Spurgeon collector.

A Daily Observer [Pseud.]. A Reply to the Remarks of the "Correspondent of the Daily News," Published in a Pamphlet entitled, "Sayings and Doings." The C. H. Spurgeon; His Extraordinary, "Sayings & Doings" at Exeter Hall and New Park Street Chapel, Southwark; by a Daily Observer. London. Alabaster and Passmore. 1856. 8pp.

The attacks on Spurgeon were often leveled against him on the grounds of his insistent Calvinism [much more to the forward in these early years], his manner of delivery [which was often emotive and colloquial], and as being a self-promoter [though he was nowhere near alone in publishing his sermons, etc.]. 

The reporter had accused Spurgeon [extracts in the present pamphlet] of:

"irregular, imprudent, and audacious violations of propriety," "dangerous fanaticism," and "utter ignorance of theology," in his preaching.

And, again, "What! A young man like Mr. Spurgeon, pretending to understand theology . . . knowledge that belongs only to wise and reverend seignors, or mighty travellers? Nay, I'll not have it. Away, proud youth! And let thy elders teach thee propriety." 

Good +, removed from a larger sammelband, final leaf unevenly trimmed. Crisp and clean.