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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 17

John Ploughman's Talk, or, Plain Advice For Plain People

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John Ploughman's Talk, or, Plain Advice For Plain People.

The bulk of this quaint proverbial talk has appeared in the Sword and Trowel, But several new chapters are added, all in the same homely style. We hope it will be largely scattered among our working people, for whose moral benefit it was written.

"Racy and pungent; very plain, and to the purpose. No fear as to whether it will be read or not by those into whose hands it may fall. If Mr. Spurgeon goes on at this rate in his multiform publications, he will leave nothing racy unsaid."—Watchman.

"Another proof of the untiring energy and the great mental resources of Mr. C. H. Spuroeon. . . Written in a more homely fashion than is his wont, and he has not hesitated to adopt a humorous style, believing, as he says, that 'there is no particular virtue in being seriously unreadable.' The book is directed chiefly to the inculcation of moral lessons, and the author has dealt in trenchant fashion with many of the evil habits which are extensively prevalent, and which militate against home happiness and industrial progress."—Methodist Recorder.

"The language is homely, since the advice is intended for homely people. The style is humorous and satirical, and the papers abound with proverbs, many of which have become obsolete, and some of which are evidently derived from foreign sources. It is a capital book for working people, and we shall be greatly surprised if it be not immensely popular with them."—Freeman.

"We often wonder how Mr. Spurgeon gets through so much work. The great wonder, however, is not that he does so many things, but that he does them all so well. His published weekly sermons betray no signs of exhaustion, but rather display increased power. Nor will his fame be lessened by the publication of this 'talk.' John Ploughman reminds us very much of 'Old Richard,' which we might call 'The Wit and Wisdom of Dr. Franklin.' Here we have both wit and wisdom, strong common sense and genial humour."—Literary World.

"A racy volume of excellent and telling papers from the Sword and Trowel, which cannot fail to have an immense circulation. Never were home-told practical truths more forcibly presented than in this admirable little book."—Morning Star.

"Any single specimen will show, and will justify us in saying, that the entire collection is vivacious, but not vulgar; caustic, but not cynical; witty, without any wantonness; racy, yet never running into mere rattle; full of the best counsel, but signally free from any particle of cant."—The General Baptist Magazine.

"We are not sure that, in some respects, this is not the best production of Mr. Spuroron's pen. At all events, we are glad to have it in this form, and for so small a price as a shilling."—The Church.

"Mr.. Spurgeon, in this little volume, gives just what might be expected from him, when he undertakes to talk or write for plain people—a rich budget of humour and sound sense. The man or woman who cannot find here something worth studying and putting into practice must be singularly obtuse, and those who fail to appreciate the happy vein that pervades the whole are to be pitied. John Ploughman should be brought into communication with all sorts of people throughout the length and breadth of the land, and we trust that this will be done. The subjects commented upon, be it noted, are not controversial ones, nor are they what is generally known as 'religions' in their tendency. Home life, moral and social virtues, our every-day joys and sorrows, and our pleasures and discontents—these are the matters handled, and each and all are dealt with in a masterly style."—City Press.

Passmore & Alabaster, 18, Paternoster Row.