Charles Spurgeon gives this anecdote regarding the Pastor’s College, which was started in 1856, and by which hundreds of men were trained for the pastoral ministry.

Certain of our charitable neighbors accuse us of having “a parson manufactory” here, but the charge is not true at all. We never tried to make a minister, and should fail if we did; we receive none into the College but those who profess to be ministers already. It would be nearer the truth if they called me a parson killer, for a goodly number of beginners have received their quietus from me; and I have the fullest ease of conscience in reflecting upon what I have done so. It has always been a hard task for me to discourage a hopeful young brother who has applied for admission to the College. . . . when I have felt convinced that the Lord had not called him, I have been obliged to tell him so (Lectures to My Students, 33).