c.1880's C. H. SPURGEON. Victorian Lithographed Cigarette Card on God's Gift of Tobacco!

An especially fine example of C. H. Spurgeon's iconic "Player's Cigarettes" card. 

Spurgeon found himself in regular controversy and misunderstanding over the issue of tobacco. He himself smoked cigars and regularly received them as presents. When George F. Pentecost, an America and anti-tobacconist, preached at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, without thought of the cultural context he spent a fair moment waxing hot against smoking. Spurgeon went to the pulpit afterward, thanked his friend, and stated that he would still continue to "light one up for the glory of God." Cue the controversy. Pamphlets and sermons were issued and preached against Spurgeon on the issue.

His name recognition in favor of tobacco led to Player's Cigarettes releasing the present card, included with cigarettes in much the same way that a baseball card used to come with chewing gum, etc., 

On the front, it has a simple, quality lithograph of Spurgeon with his name and "Player's Cigarettes" at the head. On the reverse, a Spurgeon quotation regarding cigars, "When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm refreshing sleep obtained by a Cigar, I have felt grateful to God and have blessed His name." 

Exceptionally crisp example with bright color.