The Real Presence, the Great Want of the Church (sermon 1035)

Spurgeon's Christianity is marked by a deeply personal and experiential affection for the Lord Jesus Christ. Although the expression of that may be somewhat coloured by his context, the foundation of it is thoroughly biblical. One of the ways in which Spurgeon expresses that affection is in the rich and emotive language with which he speaks of Christ. That shows itself often in his handling of the Song of Solomon, a portion of God's Word in which Spurgeon delights, and a further revelation of Spurgeon's naturally Christ-centred reading of the Old Testament. Reading it in the Puritan manner, primarily if not entirely as an allegorical expression of the love between Christ and his church, in this sermon he uses his text to underline the importance of the presence of Christ with his people, and the yearning we have—or should have—to know his nearness with us. You may not always find Spurgeon's handling of the text compelling, but I hope you will find the theme of the sermon valuable.