In an article giving a brief overview of Charles Spurgeon and some of the ways in which God used him, Dr. Pearson Johnson highlights some of the ways Spurgeon himself pursued mercy-ministries."First, it is necessary to note the foundation of Spurgeon’s leadership in these areas. As Drummond notes, “It must be understood that Spurgeon’s approach to social problems essentially expressed itself as a personal one-to-one endeavor. . . he still believed that seeing an individual come to faith in Christ and become a converted person still presented the best and basic means of revolutionizing society [quipping] no social plans will make our earth a paradise while sin still curses it, and Satan is abroad. ” Thus, it was Spurgeon’s philosophy that the problems of the people in their community were best met by individuals in the church touching other individual’s lives and particularly in the leading of those people to Jesus Christ as Savior...Second, the simple fact of the chosen location of the new Metropolitan Tabernacle tells us a great deal about Spurgeon’s concern for the community. The church purchased property near the Elephant and Castle, “a very busy pub, right in the heart of the working class district of London’s south side.” Because of this “He was considered ‘vulgar’ by the sophisticates of the day.” Spurgeon knew there was an recognized and definable class system in London. However, he also wanted the church to be a place where classes were not eliminated, but between which barriers were removed so they could worship together, and that they did.Third, Spurgeon, viewing the societal ills brought on by industrialization and urbanization, provided educational opportunities for the needy. As part of the Pastor’s school, classes were taught in the evenings of a primary nature for those that were uneducated free of charge. About 200 attended each evening.Fourth, through his leadership, he began some other humanitarian works as well. A women’s almshouse, started by the former pastor Rippon, was continued by Spurgeon. It was rebuilt to consist of 17 small houses connected in a row. Living and necessities were provided for these elderly women. A school was later constructed adjoining the almshouse which could accommodate 400 students. This almshouse was known as the “Old Ladies’ Home,” which would certainly raise an eyebrow today! The ladies were to be members of the Tabernacle, over sixty, and unable to care for themselves.Fifth, the Stockwell orphanage was constructed in 1866 to meet the needs of the area in which it was built, with hundreds of orphans and street urchins. The original endowment was made by the widow of an Anglican Clergyman who, after her husband’s death, had joined the Tabernacle.She gave the sum of 20,000 pounds for its construction and outfit. Spurgeon purposed to maintain the orphanage by faith, inspired by the example of George Muller of Bristol, rather than by fundraising. It consisted of a row of houses, each keeping fourteen boys with a matron, “providing discipline, education, Christian instruction, sports and individuality.” Ten years later, an equal building for girls was constructed to form a quadrangle.During the ministry a host of other ministries would be established as opportunities for individuals to get involved in ministry: the Ordinance Poor Fund, which centered on ministering to members of the Metropolitan Tabernacle was developed. The Ladies Benevolent Society and Maternal Society made clothes for the poor in the community. The Blind Mission held a Sunday school class for blind people and an afternoon tea outreach on Sundays. Lord Shaftesbury summed up the impact of Spurgeon’s social outreach: “Few men have preached so much and so well, and few men have combined so practically their words by their actions.”