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Mrs. Bartlett and Her Women’s Class at the Metropolitan Tabernacle Mrs. Bartlett and Her Women’s Class at the Metropolitan Tabernacle

Mrs. Bartlett and Her Women’s Class at the Metropolitan Tabernacle

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  • Preface by Spurgeon (12:52)
  • 1 - Early Experiences (10:52)
  • 2 - Changed Circumstances and How They Were Faced (20:10)
  • 3 - The Wife and Mother and Her “Work” (10:57)
  • 4 - Her Class at New Park Street and the Tabernacle (10:51)
  • 5 - Other Labors in Connection with the Cause of Christ (9:49)
  • 6 - The Pastors’ College – Mrs. Bartlett’s Address (30:05)
  • 7 - Correspondence with Her Class (43:42)
  • 8 - Correspondence with American Friends (17:26)
  • 9 - Mr. C.H. Spurgeon’s Letters to Mrs. Bartlett and Her Class (13:46)
  • 10 - The Closing Scene Narrated (13:30)
  • 11 - Mrs. Bartlett’s Work and Its General Influence (16:57)
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3h 30m
1877
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Mrs. Bartlett: A Paragraph of C.H. Spurgeon’s Tribute

This book is a memoir of a devoted mother, written by her loving son. Though I have not read it yet, I can confidently write these few words of preface. Even a son’s deep affection could not overpraise such a woman as Mrs. Bartlett. She was a precious gift from God to the Church at the Tabernacle, and her influence extended far beyond those she personally led to the Saviour.

Now that she is gone, we feel her absence deeply. Yet, her work remains. Her spiritual children still walk among us—faithful and strong—despite the loss of her motherly guidance and encouraging words. She did not build with wood, hay, or stubble; the spiritual structure she raised endures. May God be glorified in it.

In a sense, no memorial is needed, for she lives on in the hearts of those who cherished her. Yet love longs for some visible tribute. A written remembrance becomes fitting. I am glad to contribute to this brief biography—a testimony built by my esteemed friend, Mr. Edward H. Bartlett, in honor of one who was both his mother and a mother in Israel.

A Woman of Conviction and Strength

Mrs. Bartlett stood out for her strength of character. She believed with all her heart, and she acted with unwavering resolve. She did not constantly seek her pastor’s direction but began in a quiet way, laboring faithfully until everything around her flourished.

Obstacles never daunted her. Trusting in God, she pressed forward with the calm confidence of one who already saw success. When challenges appeared, she increased her efforts, sought God with greater fervor, and persevered with firm resolve. Deborah herself could not have shown more reliance on God.

She never acted without purpose. Her determination was clear: I know God will help us. It must be done. It shall be done. Sisters, you will do it! When determined zeal was needed, she rose to the occasion with such intensity that nothing could resist her—something her class knew well.

To her strong will, God added a rare perseverance. Year after year, she remained devoted to the same work. Whenever she saw new opportunities for usefulness, she pursued them with wisdom, without discarding proven methods for novelty’s sake.

Mrs. Bartlett a Faithful to the Old Paths

Her message was always the same—the old, old story. She never promoted new doctrines or speculative ideas. She clung to the cross, exalted the Saviour, pleaded with sinners to believe, and stirred saints to holiness. Indifference to the Redeemer’s kingdom grieved her deeply. Even her look could rebuke spiritual coldness.

Though her class fluctuated in numbers, her zeal never did. She remained steady—never driven by excitement, never slowed by apathy. While others may burn out, she served with unwavering consistency. Her perseverance—what Scripture calls “patient continuance in well-doing”—was exceptional.

Practical and Purposeful

God made her a practical woman. She was no dreamer, but a tireless worker. Many brought bold schemes to us, only to be shown their flaws. Not so with Mrs. Bartlett. She never wasted time on impractical ideas. She instinctively recognized what should be done—and she did it.

Her class contributed generously to the college and served in countless ways. She trained her members to be devoted workers and kept them engaged in Christ’s service.

Her addresses were always practical—never speculative or superficial. Each time she met her class, her goal was the same: to win souls. She spoke directly and personally, addressing the real struggles of women and carrying their burdens in her heart.

She grew deeply distressed when guest speakers strayed from the gospel or presented it in lifeless or overly decorative ways. She wanted the gospel—plain, powerful, and preached in the Spirit.

A Steady Gospel Witness

Mrs. Bartlett was not swayed by popular movements—no Plymouth Brotherism, Perfectionism, or vague liberalism ever captured her heart. She had asked the Lord for the souls of her young women. She expected Him to grant them, and she worked in His name to win them—and she did.

Though others desired intellectual discussions, she stayed true to her calling. She valued learning but knew her purpose: soul-winning. That was her chief aim, and she let nothing overshadow it.

She lived out the words, This one thing I do. It wasn’t just talk. She did the work. Would that more followed her lead! Dreamers abound; practical workers are few.

A Co-Worker With the Church

She maintained the unity of the Spirit within her church. Some Sunday schools and societies drift into rivalry with the Church. Not so with Mrs. Bartlett. She remained a loyal co-worker, never competing with the Church but strengthening it. Her class, though significant, always remained part of the larger body.

Independent workers may have their place. But in a true campaign, disciplined soldiers make the difference. She was one of those—a faithful, Spirit-led soldier of Christ.

Love Was the Secret of Her Power

God gave her a warm, motherly heart. Love drove her ministry. When she pleaded with sinners, tears often flowed. Her addresses moved hearts. Even in private conversation, people felt the depth of her care.

She prayed with her class members before their conversion and watched over them after. They came to her with every trouble, always finding sympathy and guidance. Her care was constant and sincere.

Her passing was a crushing loss—especially for the struggling women who leaned on her. She was their confidante, counselor, and spiritual mother. It will be a long time before they meet another like her.

Strength in Weakness

Even amid constant pain, she served with the energy of someone in full health. Often, it required great effort just to stand before her class. Yet in those moments, she spoke with the most power—as a dying woman to dying women.

“Out of weakness were made strong”—this was her life. Her suffering deepened her influence. Her class saw what it cost her to serve and loved her all the more. They knew she had given up comfort for their spiritual good.

A Lasting Legacy

To many, her death was like the loss of a mother. Her grave is sacred. But while we mourn, we rejoice. Her victory is won. Her voice is silent, but her influence lives on. She has met many of her spiritual children above. Others will join her there.

We thank God for her life—for the time we had with her—for her legacy, and for the son she raised to carry on her work. Most of all, we thank Him that there is such a work to continue.

May the Lord stir the hearts of many Christian women to follow her example. The Church needs more like Mrs. Bartlett—women of faith, wisdom, courage, and perseverance. Mothers in Israel are rare. But are there not some who, seeing her footsteps, will be moved to walk in them?