Charles H. Spurgeon

By London Punch

A well-known Baptist minister, who preached for many years in London. He died Jan. 31, 1892.

STURDY saint militant, stout genial soul,

Through good and ill report you’ve reached the goal

Of all brave effort, and attained that light

Which makes our clearest noontide seem as night.

Puritan, yet of no ascetic strain

Or arid straightness, freshening as the rain

And healthy as the clod, a native force

Incult yet quickening, cleaving its straight course

Unchecked, unchastened, conquering to the end,

Crudeness may chill and confidence offend,

But manhood, mother-wit and selfless zeal,

Speech clear as light and courage true as steel

Must win the many. Honest soul and brave

The greatest drop their garlands on your grave.