In the “Introduction and Apology” to his Lectures to My Students, Charles Spurgeon writes,

“Many men of earnest spirit and established Christian character are hindered in their efforts to do good by the slenderness of their knowledge.”

He goes on to affirm that,

“No work can possibly confer a greater blessing upon mankind than the training of minister whom God has chosen, for around them spring up churches, schools, and all the agencies of religion and philanthropy.”

Interestingly, though, he adds this insightful qualification:

“If a student should learn a thousand things, and yet fail to preach the gospel acceptably, his College course will have missed its true design.”

This tension between the value of theological education and the awareness of its dangers toward impious scholasticism is in my estimation a much needed mindset in the Church today.

Thanks to Spurgeon for his treasuries of “quote-worthiness,” and thanks to my sweet wife for buying me this book as an early birthday present!