Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834–1892), was converted at age 15, and preached his first message in a cottage at Teversham the following year. Just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 19, was called to the New Park Street Chapel, a large congregation in London. Spurgeon both preached and wrote with deep passion for Christ. On one occasion he declared: “lf sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned or unprayed for.” Such a heart for the lost will find ways when there seem to be none, overcome weakness and fear by being cast on the Lord, and sincerity and compassion will more than compensate for any perceived lack of skill, oratory or polish. “Yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Cor 9:16).