The sonnet, titled “Sanctuary of Grace: A Sonnet on Spurgeon’s Church,” reflects Charles H. Spurgeon’s view of the church as a haven for imperfect souls. It portrays the church as a sanctuary where sinners, saved by grace, find healing and love. It serves as a nurturing space for God’s children to grow in faith, a fold for Christ’s followers, and a true home for His family. The poem emphasizes the church’s role as a place of hope and peace for the wayward, offering eternal comfort and spiritual light, echoing Spurgeon’s sentiment that it is the “dearest place on earth.”

“The church is not an institution for perfect people. It is a sanctuary for sinners saved by grace, a nursery for God’s sweet children to be nurtured and grow strong. It is the fold for Christ’s sheep, the home for Christ’s family. The church is the dearest place on earth.”
– Charles H. Spurgeon

The church, no hall for flawless souls to stand,
But sanctuary sweet for broken hearts,
Where sinners, touched by grace, in mercy land,
And find in love the healing that imparts.
A nursery for God’s dear children small,
To grow in faith, to root in sacred ground,
A fold where Christ’s own sheep may hear His call,
And in His family, true home is found.
Not built for perfect ones, but those who stray,
Yet seek the light that shines through holy doors,
A place where Heaven’s hope in hearts will stay,
And peace descends on earth’s most troubled shores.
Oh, dearest church, thy warmth shall never cease,
For in thy walls, we find eternal peace.