What enables a woman to be a completer to a “contender for the faith”? For one, she must have a deep love and devotion to Christ. Susannah Spurgeon, wife of the “prince of preachers” Charles Spurgeon, was a beautiful example of such a woman.
Originally published in 1901, Susannah Spurgeon’s A Basket of Summer Fruit is a collection of sweet vignettes bearing the fruit of her love for Christ. Written in widowhood, but revealing the heart of a true helpmate, Susannah’s devotions are not only for the wives of preachers, but for all daughters of the faith. Doctrinally sound, theologically rich and devotionally deep, these essays cover topics such as: cultivating a heart of praise to God, love and devotion to Christ, the gospel of Christ, the grace of God in suffering, the sovereignty and providence of God, submission and surrender, cross-bearing, personal holiness, consecrated living, spiritual warfare and the knowledge of God both as Father and Heavenly Bridegroom. These are subjects which are sure to hearten every woman in her call to deny herself and follow Christ—yet they are also ones specifically tailored to strengthen and fortify the wives of those called to the ministry.
It is the prayer of the publisher that this book will go forth not only to bless and to encourage but also to spur Christians on to continue to pursue the breadth, length, height and depth of the love of God in Christ and to live lives worthy of His name. As a result, may God raise up many more daughters to be completers to “contenders for the faith,” just as Susannah was to Charles.
Author
Susannah Spurgeon (1832-1903) was the wife of the famous Baptist preacher of the second half of the nineteenth-century, Charles Haddon Spurgeon. She counselled women and girls in the New Park Street church and assisted female candidates at baptismal services.
