Who was Charles Stanley?

A well known instance of this is the late Charles Stanley, a Sheffield manufacturer, and author of the "C.S. Railway Tracts." His autobiography is published under the title of "Gospel Incidents," a thrilling narrative indeed. Divine guidance and blessing were vouchsafed to Charles Stanley in no ordinary degree. He was the first man for whom D. L. Moody enquired when he landed in Britain. He was truly a God-sent evangelist.

On 4th December, 1860, he left his country home in Devonshire for the great city of London to further pursue his legal studies there, intending to return home for a visit at Christmas, as he had to fulfil a number of worldly engagements in connection with the Glee Band, of which he was a prominent member. Before Christmas came round, however, the Lord had met and saved him. The first Sunday after reaching London it was suggested by a fellow-lodger that they should both go and hear Richard Weaver, the collier preacher, in Surrey Theatre, whose earnest and rousing preaching of the Gospel was attracting thousands. He was convicted of his sin that night, but it was not until the following Sunday evening, after hearing Charles Stanley preach the Gospel, that the light dawned in his soul, and Walter Wolston entered into peace. He immediately came right out for God.

It is not long since that Mr. Stanley, who has been well known for many years all over the country as a preacher and writer, published a little volume to show how remarkably God had led him ever since his conversion.

All who knew beloved C. S., can testify that his preaching was not a mere rehearsal of the way of salvation, or a formal exposition of the word, or trafficking in unfelt doctrines; but when he spoke of the Saviour's love, His death, blood-shedding and triumphant resurrection, his whole soul seemed longing for his Master to be honoured in the salvation of sinners, the deliverance of those who were in bondage, and the building up of His saints.

This is among the first published on prophetic subjects, which have since multiplied so largely. It contains the simplest of diagrams, which yet in an unmistakable way conveys Scripture truth. It is said that Mr. Stanley first drew this diagram on a barn door with a piece of chalk, to illustrate the great dispensational truths to his simple country hearers. We can only say it would be well if all preachers and teachers grasped this simple outline and grouped their knowledge of Scripture truth according to its teaching.

Mr. Darby still speaks with pleasure of his preaching in the open air, in barns, and in any available space, until he was pressed with the care and instruction of the saints. Mr. Kelly, whom we know chiefly as a teacher, used to preach in the open air in Guernsey, where a large meeting was gathered; and Mr. Stanley in the north and west of England.

The meeting closed. Then the preacher said, "I will be glad to see anybody anxious, in the side room." Turning to my comrade, I said, "What are you going to do?" I shall never forget Tom's answer. "I am going home, to have it out with God." What had happened? He, too, was a convicted sinner. "Well," I said, "you can go home; I shall stay and speak to Charles Stanley." I went round the back of the buildings into the little vestry, and there had a little conversation with dear Mr Stanley. He then introduced me to a Christian lady, the wife of the man I had gone to hear. She told me she had been expecting to see me, as she had heard of my being in London through my aunt, then living in Somersetshire. Presently she said to me, "Are you a Christian?" "No" I replied. "Would you not like to be one?" she next asked. "I should very much like to be one," I replied, "but I do not know how to become one." Then she said, turning to her daughter, "Fetch Tom," and she went in search of her brother. He was a light-haired young man, who, I noticed, had been very active in putting people into seats, and giving out hymn-books. He was active also in the after-meeting.

Many years ago there was a very remarkable preacher, that drew thousands, and thousands, to hear him. He was a true man of God. We may say he was the most remarkable preacher on earth, and he drew the greatest multitudes after him, far greater than any other man. The whole country came to hear him. It would, if such a thing occurred now, be considered a great revival. To all appearances great numbers repented. Indeed, it seemed to be a great work. But, so far as we know, there was no real lasting effect from these most popular preachings. Not one really followed Christ.

[*"The Way the Lord has led me;" or, "Incidents of Gospel Work," by C. Stanley. London: Morrish.]

or, Incidents of Gospel Work. by Charles Stanley. London: G. Morrish, 20, Paternoster Square.