Russell H. Conwell is best known for a motivational speech called "Acres of Diamonds," delivered it about 6,000 times in more than six decades on the lecture circuit; but when he became a Christian, he grew to become also a notable pastor and preacher while continuing a full schedule of lecturing. A contemporary of Spurgeon, Moody and Phillips Brooks, he was unlike any of them except in his ability to reach people from the pulpit.