Spurgeon’s preaching career began in the countryside. Though he was not formally trained, the then-teenage orator’s sermons drew the public’s attention and at the age of 19 he moved to London.

In a note following the text, George explains that “cross” had numerous meanings in Spurgeon’s day. In this context, “Charles likely used the word to mean ‘perverse; untractable’ or ‘contrary.’” The ...