PARENTING: A letter from C.H. Spurgeon to Arthur Layzell

A letter from C.H. Spurgeon to Arthur Layzell
Posted on June 13, 2014  in Blog, Parenting, Prayer
Below is a transcript of a letter written by Charles Spurgeon to Arthur Layzell, George Layzell’s father.  It refers to a prayer meeting where Arthur’s father, a pastor, was praying for his son.  The picture is the copy of the actual letter, which hangs in the Heritage Library.  I knew that it existed but hadn’t actually ever read it until last week.  George (one of our church members) has given permission for me to share it here so that you can read it for yourself.  I thought it would be particularly appropriate with Father’s Day upon us to celebrate the blessing of a dad who was deeply concerned with the salvation and spiritual well-being of his children.  As always, Spurgeon writes with beauty and passion.  At the top, in tiny writing are the words “O Lord, bless this letter.” Enjoy!
Dear Arthur Layzell,
I was a little while ago at a meeting for prayer where a large number of ministers were gathered for prayer.  The subject of prayer was “our children”.  It soon brought the tears to my eyes to hear those good fathers pleading with God for their sons and daughters.  As they went on entreating the Lord to save their families my heart seemed ready to burst with strong desire that it might even be so.  Then I thought I will write to those sons and daughters to remind them of their parents prayers.
Dear Arthur, you are highly privileged in having parents who pray for you.  Your name is known in the courts of heaven.  Your case has been heard before the throne of God.
Do you not pray for yourself?  If you do not do so why not? If other people value your soul can it be right for you to neglect it?  All the entreaties and wrestlings of your father will not save you if you never seek the Lord yourself.  You know this.  You do not intend to cause grief to dear mothers and fathers.  But you do so as long as you are not saved.  They can never rest.  However sweet and kind you may be they will never feel happy about you until you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to find everlasting salvation.
Think of this.  Remember how much you have already sinned.  None can wash you but Jesus.  When you grow up you may become very sinful.  No one can change your nature and make you holy but the Lord Jesus, through His Spirit.
You need what fathers and mothers seek for you.  You need it NOW.  Why not seek it at once?
It is never too soon to be safe; never to soon to be happy; never to soon to be holy.  Jesus loves to receive the very young ones.
You cannot save yourself but the great Lord Jesus can save you.  Ask Him to do it.  “He that asketh receiveth.”  Then look to Jesus to save you.  He can do it for He died and rose again that whosoever believeth in Him might not perish but have everlasting life.  Come and tell Jesus that you have sinned; seek forgiveness; trust in Him for it and be sure that you are saved.
Then imitate our Lord.  Be at home what Jesus was at Nazareth.  Yours will be a happy home.  Your dear father and mother will feel that the dearest wish of their hearts has been granted them.
I pray you think of heaven and hell for in one of those places you will live forever.  Meet me in heaven.  Meet me at once at the Mercy-Seat.  Then run upstairs and pray to the great Father through Jesus Christ.
Yours very lovingly,
C.H. Spurgeon.

1 Comment


Patti Noah. - December 26th, 2022 at 2:36pm

Thank you for sharing this Rick. I will send it to my Pastor. Jose’ Munoz. First Presbyterian Church. In New Braunfels, TX.

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