Digital Logos Edition
The Down Grade Controversy is a compilation of original materials, including The Sword and the Trowel Magazine, C. H. Spurgeon's Autobiography by Mrs. Spurgeon and J. W. Harrald, and the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit sermon volumes.
The Down Grade Controversy was one of the most significant disputes in the life of C. H. Spurgeon, occurring near the close of his comparatively short life of almost 58 years. It began in 1887 and continued on until — and even after — his death in 1892. He indicated in an editorial "note" in the very last days of his life that the controversy probably contributed to his early demise. He said: "To be free from all ecclesiastical entanglements is to the Christian minister a blessing worth all it has cost, even though an almost fatal illness might be reckoned as part of the price."The Down Grade Controversy took place at a time when there was profound theological unrest, "with sweeping changes in many realms of thought, and with the unusual dangerous tendency for many to accept the latest hypotheses as proven theories". Spurgeon and other ministers were alarmed at the opinions being expressed about the divinity of Christ, the atonement, resurrection and inspiration.
The lasting effects of the controversy may never be known, but one must speculate that it deeply effected Spurgeon as he withdrew from the Baptist Union over the debate. About this his son Thomas said: "The Baptist Union almost killed my father." Archibald Brown replied: "Yes, and your father almost killed the Baptist Union!" Spurgeon was "a voice crying in the wilderness" during this period.
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David Anfinrud
9/3/2022