MILLION SERMONS SOLD.

Waikato Independent, Volume II, Issue 132, 21 September 1905, Page 5

MILLION SERMONS SOLD.

The wonderful preaching powers of the late Ecv. Spurgeon, pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, and founder of the Stockwell Orphanage for Children, were recalled during the dispersal of the stock and effects of the Spurgeon Memorial Society, Botherhithc, which took place at Messrs Sully's rooms, in Denman street, London bridge, recently. Nearly a million printed copies of the famous divine's sermons were offered to the highest bidder, and one buyer secured the lot at an average price of 2s 4d per thousand. This was by no means a bad investment; even if sold at only a penny each, the sermons would produce over £4OOO.

The sale of printed copies of his sermons is one of a preacher's best roads to fame. In the case of the late Dr. Parker, of the City Temple, his Thursday discourses to business people could always be bought in pamphlet form afterwards, and even recently a special feature of Dr. Torrey's revival mission was the tents where printed copies of his sermons were sold.

It is unlikely, however, that these will ever equal the extraordinary popularity of Mr Spurgeon's sermons. Every Sunday from 1855 to 1592 his word's were taken down in shorthand by his publishers, Messrs Passmore and Alabaster, and afterwards transcribed and printed. The proofs were corrected by him on Monday, and within a short time the printed copies were being sold literally by the cartload. The weekly output was never fewer than 80,000, so that nearly 60,000,000 copies must have been circulated during the period mentioned, and the demand is not yet exhausted. Yes (says the London Chronicle) people talk of the amazing diminution of popular interest in religion.

The South Australian Government intends to give every asssitance to the exhibitors from their State at the International Exhibition in Chritchurch next year. It was stated at the meeting of the South Australian' Vinegrowors' Association the other day that the Government of the island-colony had contributed £20,000 for the provision of buildings and receptacles for exhibits. The Premier (Mr Price) had informed one of the members that the South Australian Government would assist local competitors to the greatest extent possible, provided that the exhibits sent weve representative of the State. The displays (says the Adelaide Register) will be 'of considerable importance to this State as an advertising medium, especially as New Zealand represents one of the best markets for wine and several other staple items. The exhibition will embrace all products of the soil.