1882 C. H. SPURGEON. Autograph Printer's Galleys. The Glory of Christ; or, Christ better than the Law!

Wonderful, attractive piece of Spurgeonalia, and Spurgeon at his best, waxing eloquent on the glory of the Gospel of Christ when contrasted with the law. 

Each Lord's Day, Spurgeon's rhythm was the same. His secretary would take down his sermon long-hand as he preached [which, for many years, was from a simple 4 x 6ish card]. Then, on Monday, he would revise the secretarial transcript in his own hand. This would then be forwarded to Passmore & Alabaster, who would return galley proofs, which would undergo another round of revision.

The present is a complete galley proof, issued to Spurgeon for final revision and having his final corrective notes, in his own hand, throughout the margins as shown. 

These are wonderful displayed! We usually suggest having the first page framed in the front and a second piece of glazing prepared for the rear of the frame where the remaining three can be stored, second sheet first. Any competent framer can take care of that. 

Sermon Title: The General Convocation Around Mount Zion. "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” Hebrews xii. 22-24.

Date: November 5, 1882. 

Size: 4 sheets as shown; each sheet, appx 8 x 20 inches.

EXTRACTS:

All that the people saw at Sinai distressed them; all that we see at Sion electrifies us with delight— we scarce know how to bear ourselves as we think of the wondrous glory of love. We are not warned off, we are not driven into fear and bondage, but we come unto the mount of God, and there we feast, rejoicing in him, even in all that he is and does. The veil is rent from the top to the bottom, and we have access to God through Jesus Christ our Lord, leave the instructive contrast. May the Holy Spirit bless it.

. . .

If we wish to feel we are among the Lord’s host let us participate in their service. There is something for you and for me to do; and to enjoy this holiday we must all take a share in its engagements. Come, brother, quicken your pace, you are not making enough progress in the divine life: hasten your steps, throw away every weight, and cast oft' the garment which entangles your feet. You, too, dear brother, over there in the workshop, where you hear bad language, and see bad practices, — go you in for the wrestling: see what you can do: in the name of the Lord grasp the evil which opposes you; fling an evil custom on its back, and win a victory for purity and truth. Thus shall we each by vying with the rest contribute to the grand result, and share in the general triumph.

. . . 

Let us look on all things round about us with quite a different eye, not walking like slaves who dread their taskmaster, and scarcely dare to call their breath their own, but like free men who have even the Judge of all upon their side, and can have nothing to fear in life or death. Deep be our reverence, but high our joy, as we stand in his gracious presence, and with all the blood-bought rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. At this moment our question is, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Our cry is, — Here am I; send me.” Use me, my Lord, glorify thyself in me; and while the innumerable company of angels look on, help me to do, and dare, and wrestle, and win, till thou shalt give to me also the crown of life that fadeth not away. This will not be a payment of debt, but a gift of grace. The metaphor of a Greek assembly excludes all notion of wages for work. No mercenary thought entered the mind of a single Greek who strove for the mastery at the assembly. He had nothing to win but a crown of olive. No money was ever given; it would have degraded the paneguris to a common show. Therefore you are not invited to contend that you may win a reward by your own merit. Ours is holiday work which it is joy to perform. Moved by a spiritual chivalry, saints do and dare for Jesus out of love to him. His service is its own reward. To die for him is life; to live for him is heaven. Let others boast their pedigree and nationality, we have reached the august convocation of the ransomed of the Lord who have come to Sion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.