Letters, 1817
Lettem — To ReT. T. Thomason about the Jews’ Chapel — Tyrwhttt’s legacy for Hebrew Literature — Hindoo College — Movements in fiivor of the Jews — Religioua meeting a in London — Rammohun Roy — Martyn’a Penian Paalms — Brown’s Memoir — Rev. D. Corrie’e return — Preparation for a new Work — To a Friend in office on attendmcr the Official Chapel — Memoranda on various occasions — On the proper exercise of the Sfinistry — On listening to evil Reports — On suffering Injoriee — To Rev. T. Thomason on the subject of his Preaching — To Rev. Lewis Way on his journey to of a Companion — To Rev. T. Thomason on the Hindoo College — JewUh mission to Russia — Proposed tour at home — General zeal for diffusion of Christianity — Character of Dr. Buchanan — Sermon for the Jews — On Trials as a counterbalance of Popularity — To a Clergyman on preaching the Truth in love — To a Daughter on her duty to her Father — To a Lady on ner duty to her Husband — To a Clergyman on Parochial difficulties — To Another on the true mode of Preaching — To Anomer on the exerdse of Conscience — To Rev. T. Thomason on his efforts for the Jews — Opening Chapeb at Amsterdam and Hamburgh — The happy state of his People — Professor Farish — Death of the Princess Chariotte.
- 1817.
CORBE8PONDSNCB9 ETC.
To the Rev. T. Thomason.
<<K.C., March 29, 1817.
“My beloved Brother, —
‘’Time runs fast: Mr. Corrie is going: your mother also goes on Monday to town, whither I am going, being summoned to a Jew’s committee of Messrs. Babington, Wilberforce, ‘Wa, and Hawtrey. Behold, the rector of the parish has refused to give his consent to the Jews’ Chapel being opened in the Establishment.... Ten thousand chapels may be built and opened by dissenters, * will ye, nill ye,’ but a chapel that was (I believe) consecrated, but certainly licensed as a French-refugee Chapel, is not suffered to be filled by an Established Minister; were it not that I know Who reigns,’ my soul would sink within me.
But if this be so painful, we have something joyful to counterbalance it. The Emperor of Russia and Prince Ualitzin have sent over to request from our society missionaries to the Jews, and Hebrew Bibles. O that God may be with us! I do not despair that we shall see good done among them.
“You who are a Hebraist will be glad to hear that Mr. Tyrwhitt of Jesus, who is just dead, has left £4000 to the University for the encouragement of Hebrew literature. This a truly excellent legacy. It is a disgrace to our University that a Hebrew teacher has never yet found employment enough to support him.
256 HINDOO COLLEGE. [cHAP. ZIX.
‘* I inclose to you a copy of the rules of our Provident Bank at Cambridge. Would not such an institution be of great use amongst you? Might there not be one for the Europeans, and one for the Hindoos? I think you might be a great blessing to that land in promoting such institutions.... I am in great haste: I have laid everything in the smallest possible space. Multum inparvo is my motto on all occasions.
‘’ Most, most, most, affectionately yours, C. S.
“My little (or rather my great) boy is very well.”
To Rev. T. Thomason.
“May 14, 1817.
“My beloved Brother, —
“The Puritans used to date their prefaces ’ from their study.’ I date this from your dearest mother’s breakfast-room, a little Elysium. The house is on the Peas market: but this is an eastern room, that hears no more of the Peas market than of you at Calcutta — sweet abode of peace, and love, and gratitude, and praise I...
Let me now come to your school. Indeed I am far from undervaluing it. I have not Mr. Grant’s letter by me, else I should give you an extract from it: but he, when I wrote him word of it, thought that the hand of God was in a most remarkable manner in the whole transaction. He is able to appreciate the matter aright: and it afforded him exceeding great joy. I have long been looking out for a person fit to fill the station of president, or
at least of professor there: I had looked to Mr. in that view,
as hoping he may come out two or three years hence; but he is an only son, which may be a bar in his way. Of himself he is willing to come, if his parents will let him. He has yet to study for a fellowship at Trinity: and I encourage him to run that heat; for he will gain in his training what will richly repay him, though he should not gain the prize. I never lose sight of you; and hope yet I may be an instrument in God’s hand to fulfil some of your wishes. I shall be anxious to hear more about the progress of this new Institution. It is one of the things which strongly mark the signs of the times. The world are everywhere reproving our hardness; they are literally saying, * Come over and help us.’
“Of the like nature is our news respecting the Jews in Russia and Poland. They are inquiring after, and desirous of obtaining, the New Testament in Hebrew; which is already printed to the end of Philemon, and proceeding rapidly, so that we hope the whole will be finished by Christmas next. The Emperor of Russia has just published an Ukase, promising to all converted Jews his protection and tracts of country in two different parts, whereon they may settle and follow their respective occupations. In consequence of these two favorable circumstances, I expect that Mr. Way and two learned and pious Jews will go over very soon to
CBAP. ZIX.] MOVEMENTS .FOB THE JEWS. 257
Russia, in order to stir up the Jews to inquire into their own Scriptures, and to gather them into such societies as may mutually support and edify one another.
I am just returned front town, where both your mother and myself spent the Bible week — the week of Jubilee: she at Dr. SteinkopfTs, and I at my accustomed home, Mrs. Cecil’s. The tout ensemble of the Bible Society was the grandest that we ever yet have witnessed. Such an intellectual feast was scarcely ever spread before, Mr. Money, from Bombay, gave us much interesting information, and in an elegant style; Dr. Mason of America also, in a dry way, arrested and edified the whole assembly. Mr. Wilson’s sermon before the Missionary Society ;was one of the grandest things we have ever heard. You will be much delighted with it. All the societies had a richer savor of piety than before. The public taste in this respect is daily improving.
I am delighted to hear that your hopes of Rammohun Koy are somewhat improving. It was pleasing to see that he was enabled to stand up for the Unity of Grod; and though that, of itself, was very short of what we wished, I could not but hope that it would be introductory to something better; because that brought persecution; and persecution would cause a deeper examination of the question; and inquiry would bring light; and light, I hoped, might be accompanied with a blessing to ms soul. Poor man! he does not yet see that tfie Gospel must be revealed in him, as well as to him: and therefore 1 should not wonder if the Trinity in Unity prove to him a stumbling block over which he shall fall to his everlasting ruin. It is indeed the ^reat stumbling block both to Jews and Gentiles: perhaps even beyond the Atonement itself. But if he could be prevailed upon to answer one question aright, * What is the Gospel V * A Remedy,’ he would find all the mountains reduced to a plain: I take for granted, that you referred him to such passages as tended to give a right direction to his mind, and to show him, not merely that he must pray for illumination, (which a person may do whilst leaning wholly to his own understanding,) but that he must really pray as ‘a babe and suckling,’ instead of in the character of one that is * wise and prudent.’ If he will do that, he will soon have to add, * I thank thee, O Father.’ This however, taken in connection with your Hindoo College, shows, that God is at work even without our instrumentality; and it is a great encouragement to us to exert ourselves to the uttermost.
Truly I am thankful .to hear that you have finished the Persian Psalms; and you will be not a little delighted to have Mr. Martyn’s Translation of the Psalms, which I have had copied for you, and sent you, by Mr. Corrie. I have reserved the original, that I may not risk the loss of it at sea: and perhaps I may give it either to his college, or to the Bible Society. But this is only the thought of the moment; that will require much deliberation.
If
358 REV. DAVID BROWN. [cHAP. ZIZ.
I wrote you word that our sanguine friend Mr. would have
had it published here; but from the inaccuracy of his New Testament, I am well assured that the Psalms must be still more inaccurate, and they will chiefly be of use to assist you, or others, in your translations. I have also some other papers of Mr. Martyn in Persian, all the most important of which I shall have copied for you. His Life is revising, in order to send it forth in as perfect a state as possible. It will be such a treat as- the world has rarely had.
**Mr. Brown’s Memoir has been forwarded by Mr. Corrie. Truly this dear man was of a larger calibre, both in intellect and piety, than I had conceived.... You will have a vast acquisition
m Mr. Lee when he comes: he is truly a wonderful man
The £4000 left by Tyrwhitt for the encouragement of Hebrew literature will be disposed of, I apprehend, in the establishment of two scholarships, like the University scholarships: but when it came to the vote to-day, it was thrown out in the white-hood house, because the persons proposed for the Syndicate were not approved. Who were objectea to I know not: but I suppose it will be carried ere long. This on the whole will be a good way of disposing of it. The candidates are to be of the standing of B. A. one year, to M. A. two years. And if good examiners can be found (there’s the rub) it will do good. But this matter taken in connection with the Jews’ Society is very important.
I enjoy the thought that ere this reaches you, you will again have our dearly beloved friends, Daniel Cdrrie and his wife. He has been a great blessing to England, and to the cause of missions. Truly his time has not been lost, and I hope he will return to
on with strength greatly augmented. The love that is borne im by all ranks of people here can scarcely be expressed. And when he comes to you, he will prove, I trust, a yet richer blessing than he has ever been.
“My own health, through mercy, is as good as at any period of my life; and by means of constant and extraordinary caution, my voice in public is as strong almost as ever. But I am silent all the week besides. I think I once told you, that I compare myself to bottled small beer; being corked up, and opened only twice a week, I make a good report; but if I were opened every day, I should soon be as ditch-water. I think I do right in saving myself thus, because it enables me to throw an energy into my public discourses which makes them far more interesting than they yrould otherwise be. The gownsmen are sometimes almost one half of my congregation.
“Your picture lam panting for. There will certainly be a battle between your mother and myself for it; but I am stronger than she, except in faith and love. Ever, ever yours.”
To the Rev. T. Thomason.
“May 30, 1817.
My beloved Brother, —
Scarcely a day passes but I have reason to thank God for the plan I have pursued for many years, of keeping copies of my correspondence on all important events. I will give you in answer to yours this moment received, a succinct account of what
has happened relative to and then you will see how true
Mr. C.’s story is But quite enough of this. As I shall
be a resident in Cambridge all the vacation, I shall have it in my power to take James out on horseback every day. This will tend to strengthen him; though, indeed, he is already so stout and hearty as not to need any aid of this kind. It is surprising how much he conciliates the regards of all by his lovely habit and demeanor. I should have liked to have taken him an excursion this year; but I feel that I am running a race against time; and I want to finish my work before * the night cometh, in which no man can work.’ On this account I wish never to be absent more from my post, if I <Jan help it. Here I find the work grow under my hands; I am now studying No. 1700* for the press: but I have three hundred more to write, in order to complete my number. I expect (d. v.) to finish the Bible in two hundred more; and then to glean the texts which I have omitted throughout the whole Bible. The sale of my present work is large; and if I live to finish the whole, I trust that will be large also; for I take all the pains with it that I can, that it may be useful to the Church when I am resting from my labors. It is a comfort to my mind to have a hope that I may not be altogether unprofitable, when my personal exertions shall have ceased. And in this view you, my dear brother, will have have abundant reason to rejoice. I hope that thousands in India will have reason to bless God for
you to all eternity
“Most affectionately yours, C. S.”
To a Friend in an oflicial station.
Jane 4, 1814.
•*My dear,
“With respect to your future line of conduct, I feel that different persons would give different advice, according to their views of Christian liberty and Christian duty: Imd if I offer my thoughts, I would do it with great diffidence, and only in obedience to your commands. Certainly, the point is one which haa often and deeply engaged my mind; and it I had an opportunity of conversing upon it, and opening my sentiments fully, I should feel less difliculty in communicating my views of it But on paper, and at a distance, where an errone9Us impression cannot
* OfhbDiiooiiiMf.
260 CHSISTIAN SELF-DENIAL. [cHAP. SIX
easily be rectified, I Ttm fearful of speaking; for it is impossible to say how an observation may strike another person; because the very same observation may admit of different construction, according as it is associated with different ideas in the mind of the reader. Suffice it however to say, that I am a great admirer of St. Paul’s casuistry in Rom. xiv., and of his conduct in 1 Cor. ix. 19 — 23. I consider self-denial as the principle which we should always have in exercise to its utmost possible extent for the good of others; and that, in many instances, not only temporal advantage, but what would be thought spiritual advantage also, should be sacrificed for the good of others. I am well persuaded that the Christian World often greatly mistake with respect to what they caU spiritual advantage; and I think that the benefit to be derived to our own souls (not to mention the glory accruing to God) from self-denial, is far greater and more lasting than any that can arise from self-gratification, even in spiritual matters. And in this I think I am justified by the conduct of St. Paul, who sought not his own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved (1 Cor. x. 33.) Now you will begin to see what scent I am upon, and what is the ground of the opinion 1 am about to give. The-question I understand to be, * Shall I go with my family to the (official) chapel, now there is a fresh minister coming, if*^ I should not find that he preaches agreeably to my views of the Gospel?’ To this I answer: 1. That there is a great difference between preaching all that you could wish, and preaching in a hostile manner against the truth. 2. That as being at the head of that Institution, you have, as it appears to me, a duty to perform in the house of God, as well as in your own house, if circunstances of imperious necessity do not prevent your appearance there. 3. That the authorities having expressed that wish, it is {with the same limitation) binding upon you to pay it a respectful attention., 4. That, like Priscilla and Aquila, you have a great duty of love to pay to your new Apollos; which never can be paid with effect, if you turn your back upon him. 5. That if you turn your back on him, and forsake his ministry without absolute necessity, you weaken his hands, and teach all under your authority to despise his ministry. 6. That policy, in this matter, is on the side of duly; because, if you pour contempt on his ministry, you can never hope to introduce such persons into the pulpit as may approach nearer to your own wishes; whereas if you pay respect to his ministry, you will lead him to return that respect in an attention to your wishes.
“If, in opposition to all this, it be said, that by attending at the chapel you will contribute to deceive others, in making them imagine that the full Gospel is preached, when it is not; — I answer. That though your forsaking the chapel is a public declaration, that in your opinion the Gospel is not preached there, your attending the chapel is not a declaration that it is preached there; nor can
any one be authorized to draw any such deduction from it; you not being called upon to. declare your opinion at all. At those times when there is no service in the chapel, you are, of course, at liberty to go where you will; and if any take offence, it is their own fault.
Thus I have given you, in as few words as possible, what strikes me on the subject: and it will be a gratification to me to receive your sentiments upon the statement that I have made. I again say, that in a general view of the subject, it admits of a diversity of opinion; and that,’toen connected with different circumstances it may assume a very different appearance. My opinion is formed only on existing circumstances, and on those only as far as I am acquainted with them. In a former letter I re* member I expressed a similar hesitation; because circumstances in themselves apparently trivial may, in their connection with the whole matter, make a very wide difference in one’s judgment respecting it. Of course, I can only speak as far as I can judge from the documents before me. Happy shall I be, my very dear friend, if anything which I may have suggested, may tend to make your way more clear, or to afford satisfaction to your own mind.
Give my’ very kind regards to, and believe me, my dear
friend,^” Most affectionately yours,
“C. Simeon.”
MEMORANDA ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS.
“Jane 18, 1817.
“I have often thought of keeping a Diary, and as often declined it, because there are things which one cannot commit to paper, and because there is danger of pride in committing to paper the more spiritual exercises of the soul. On these two accounts I still intend only occasionally to write Hown such thoughts, as though committed to paper, can excite neither fear nor pride. I conceive that .neither the worst, nor the best, of any man can be, or ought to be, known to any but God.
“But Lam arrived at a time of life when my views of early habits, particularly in relation to the ministry, are greatly changed. I see many things in a different light from what I once did; such as the beauty of order, of regularity, and the wisdom of seeking to win souls by kindness, rather than to convert them by harshness, and what I once called fidelity. I admire more the idea which I have of our blessed Lord’s spirit and ministry than I once did.
“But as I wish to have a jealousy over myself, I think it useful to commit occasionally my thoughts to paper; that if I Jive to be laid aside from the ministry, and to have my time holly for reflection in the near view of eternity, I may be able to see what’
262 ON LISTENING TO EVIL REPORTS. [cHAP. XIX.
were my sentiments at this time, and to compare them with what they shaJ! be in that hour. I see in others a great diversity of opinion about men and things; and why should not a similar diversity arise in the same mind at different times? I have been on Loch-homond and seen the islands rising in grandeur before me; but on Ben-homond I have seen them all as flat as a pancake. Sure I am that many things appear different, according to the aspect in which they are seen; and I therefore promise myself some edification; if I should hereafter see these brief hints on a dying bed.”
On Listening to Evil Reports.
“July 4, 1817.
“Last night Mr. D. represented to me in strong terms the (supposed) ill behavior of Mr. to his pupils; and particularly to
Mr. B., to whom he refused lately to give his hand.
“The longer I live, the more I feel the importance of adhering to the rules which I have laid down for myself in relation to such matters.
1st. To hear as little as possible what is to the prejudice of others.
2nd. To believe nothing of the kind till I am absolutely forced to it
“yd. Never to drink into the spirit of one who circulates an ill report.
‘’ 4th. Always to moderate, as far as I can, the unkindness which is expressed towards others.
“6th. Always to believe, that if the other side were heard, a very different account would be given of the matter.
I consider love as wealth; and as I would resist a man who should come to rob my house, so would I a man who would weaken my regard for any human being. I consider, too, that persons are cast into different moulds; and that to ask myself, What should / do in that person’s situation, is not a just mode of judging. I must not expect a man that is naturally cold and reserved to act as one that is naturally warm and affectionate; and I think it a great evil, that people do not make more allowances for each other in this particular.. I think religious people are too little attentive to these considerations; and that it is not in reference to the ungodly world only, that that passage is true, * He that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey ;* but even in reference to professors also; amongst whom there is a sad proneness to listen to evil reports, and to believe the representations they hear, without giving the injured person any opportunity of rectifying their views, ana of defending his own character.
‘* The more prominent any person’s character is, the more likely he is to suffer m this way; there being in the heart of every man, unless greatly subdued by grace, a pleasure in hearing anything
ihich may sink others to his level, or lower them in the estimar lion of the world. We seem to ourselves elevated in proportion as others are depressed. Under such circumstances I derive consolation from the following reflections:
“1. My enemy, whatever evil he say of me, does not reduce me so low, as he would, if he knew all concerning me that God knows.
‘* 2. In drawing the balance, as between debtor and creditor, 1 find that if I have been robbed of pence, there are pounds and talents placed to my account, to which I have no just title.
‘^3. If man has his day God will have His. See 1 Cor. iv. 3, the Greek.
On Suffering Injuries.
“August 30, 1817.
“I have this moment heard of a most malignant attempt to injure my character: and I take up my pen to record, to the praise and glory of my God, that my soul is kept in perfect peace. I pity those who delight in the exercise of such wicked dispositions. Little do they think that they injure themselves more than me; and that there is a day coming when the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. It is an unspeakable consolation that God knoweth everything, and will judge righteous judgment. To Him I can make my appeal, that in the point referred to I am greatly injured: but whilst I have the testimony of iliy own conscience and light of my Redeemer’s countenance, none of these things do move me, or ought to move me.”
On one occasion, when a friend observed to Mr. Simeon; * O, sir, you don’t know what wicked things they are saying of you!’ he quietly answered with a smile, *Nor do I wish to know.’ — * But they are so untrue, sir 1’ — * And would you wish them to he true V
To the Rev. T. Thomabon.
“K.C., July 15, 1817.
“My beloved Brother, —
....” I see very little company of any kind. I .find that silence, perfect silence is the only tning for me; and by imposing that upon myself at all other times, I go through my public duty with energy and comfort. Last year during the long vacation, I took the first Epistle to the Thessalonians lor my subject on Sunday mornings, and through mercy was enabled not only to enter into the spirit of it, but lo breathe the spirit of it in my ministrations. But the proud, unsubdued spirit of some of my people could not bear it Had I scolded them from the pulpit, they could
264 TENDERNESS IN PREACHING. [CBAP. SIX.
have endured it: but when I wept over them, and besought them with many tears, they quite raged, and separated from me altogether. But those who were of a humbler spirit were twined closer round my heart. Now the second Epistle to the Corinthians comes in its proper order; and I am entering upon it with great delight. The first twelve verses of the 2nd chapter will be my subject next Sunday morning. My soul, longs to drink into the spirit of the apostle, if peradventure I may recover and restore those who yet attend my ministry. At all events, I find it sweet to have the testimony of my own conscience that I desire no other o%ce than to be a helper of their joy.’ I am laboring this point also with all my little might in private, that so I may leave them all without excuse, if they return not to me as children to a loving
parent
I long to hear the result of Rammohun Roy’s examination of the doctrine of the Divinity of Christ. I confess I augur no good froirfit
To the Rev. Lewis Way.
«K.C, July 25, 1817.
My very dear Friend, —
“I tremble at taking up my pen to answer your letter just received. I remember the Spectator somewhere says, ‘Many will complain of their want of memory, but none of their want of judgment.’ To this, however, I am an exception; for I feel a lamentable lack of both. And so distrustful am I of my own judgment, that I would almost rather do wrong by the advice of another, than right in opposition to his counsels. And where the ark of God is concerned, I really dread to approach it, unless to learn from the wisdom of others how it should be carried so as to please our God.
“The first dictate of my mind would be to run up to you, agreeably to your invitation; but that it is inexpedient, and impracticable. It is inexpedient, because I have a measure of deliberative firmness at a distance, which would give way if I came in contact with my friend. And it is impracticable, because
I have left myself to the absolute disposal of Mr. M, who is
to fix all my motions ‘next week, and to make my engagements.... Nevertheless if you, by return of post, give the command, the mountains will become mole-hills.
But to the point, That some one should go with you I think: that he should be a man of ‘practical wisdom I think: that that is.
not the character of I am sure: that, defective as they
equally are in all the proper requisites for the journey, I should be disposed to lay a considerable stress upon a comparatively insignificant matter, namely, manners. Here, the one is as defective as the other is eminent.
•. ‘’Thus have I freely and candidly imparted what
occurs to me on the subject. Could I have done it without speaking at all of I should have preferred it; but where the whole
point turns on the comparative qualifications of two persons, I am constrained to give you my sentiments. Whether the journey had better be deferred till the spring, is a point on which I am not called to touch; and therefore I shall be silent. But in my sermon last night, on Eccl. ix. 16, 1 had occasion to call the attention of my people, in a very particular manner, to Prov. xxiv. 27. If deeply reflected upon, it will be found perhaps in your case a most instructive passage. I have all my days felt my danger to lie on the side of precipitancy; and hence have been led for many years to mark with more peculiar care such passages as inculcate prudence, and forethought, and practical wisdom. These appear to me to be the finer touches in a painting, which experience only can give. But possibly I may have run into an opposite extreme: though I do not think men in general consider me as overwhelming my zeal with a superabundance of prudence.
“Yours most afiectionately, C. S.”
T9 the Rev. T. Thomason.
«K. C, Aug. 8, 1817.
My beloved Brother, —
“Mr. Fenn, in consequence of my not being able to get hiip sent out to you, is going as a missionary to the Syrian chm’ches. There are nineteen (men and women) going out from the Church JVlissionary Society in October; and I am going up at the beginning of that month to town, to deliver to ‘them a short address.
“Without a moment’s loss of time I communicated to dear Mr. Grant the blessed intelligence which you sent me relative to the Hindoo College. Well may it be said, * What hath God wrought!’ I wish you may be enabled to lay half a dozen more such bantlings at their door, and that they may take them up, and adopt them as their own. I am quite content that you should lose the honor, if only they may receive the good, and God may have the glory. I shall be extremely anxious to have the fullest accounts of the Institution fi-om time to time; and shall gladly ^xert myself to supply any instruments, as far as^God may enable me, for the furthering of your great and good designs.
You will be glad to hear that the London Jews’ Society, which has rather languished since it came under the exclusive care of the Established Church, is reviving, both shooting its roots downwards, and spreading its branches upward. This day, this very hour whilst I am writing this, are missionaries (if I may so call them) going on board a packet at Harwich, to proceed through Holland and Prussia to Petersburgh, in order to explore the state of the Jews, and spread among them the Hebrew New Testa-
266 THB STRIAC TESTAMENT. [cHAP. XIX.
ment, (which is finished to the end of the Hebrews, and will be wholly finished. in two months,) and to ascertain what opportuni* ties may offer for establishing missions among them. The persons going are Mr. Way, of Stansted Park, now ordained a priest; Mr. Jifehemiah Solomon, a Polish Jew, converted to Christianity, and ordained a deacon in the Church of England; and Sultan Kategarry, (a converted Mahometan from near Astrachan, sent over hither by the Emperor of Russia, to be educated at his expense,)
and Mr., who was of St. John’s not very long after your
time. We all met at Colchester, whence I am just returned this day, and had such another parting yesterday as once took place at Miletus
What stay they will make I do not know; hut it is probable they will be absent a year, as it is in their contemplation not only to go to Petersburgh and Warsaw, but to be at Jerusalem at Easter. The state of the Jews in Russia and Poland is very encouraging. Very many are anxious to have the New Testament in Hebrew: and if the Jews (two millions of whom are in the Russian empire,) can be furnished with that, there is reason to hope that many will find it the power of God to the salvation of their souls. The whole go at the sole expense of Mr. Wajr.
“The last answer which the Mahometans have sent forth to Martyn’s Essays on the Mahometan Religion is now in Mr. Lee’s hands. I intend that the state of the controversy shall be collected from Mr. M.’s manuscripts and published, if it can be made sufficiently clear and full. I have labored Ions and with all my might to get the whole controversy. I would spare no expense, however great. I still hope I shall succeed at last: but no one seems to enter into the matter as I could wish; no one seems to appreciite the importance of this controversy as I think it deserves. The Syriac Testament is pi-inted under the superintendence of Mr. Lee, and will, I hope, be a valuable present ‘to the Syriac churches. A great many copies of the Coptic Bible
(or Pentateuch) have been found at Oxford; and fifty are sold to Mr. Jowett and another gentleman, who are to go to Palestine for the purpose of examining and procuring MSS. from that
country.
In a word, God seems to be stirring up multitudes, in different quartersybeyond all expectation, to concur in the great work of diffusing Christianity throughout the world. What a blessing it is to live in such a day as this 1...
Dear Professor Parish is quite metamorphosed; he is full of zeal: he is even made eloquent, which, you know, was not his forte by nature. All round Cambridge are auxiliary meetings which he has established. Dr. R. has accepted a living, and will become a Benedict in about six weeks. Mr. C. also has take a a verv small living, and will be married pretty jsoon. Your friend C. S. continues a poor bachelor still. He has passed many valu-OHAT. XIZ.] UFB of DK. BUCHANAN. S87
able liyings: but he looks to nothing short of heaven as his preferment”
To the Rev. T. Thomason.
“K. C^ Camb. Aug. 17, 1817.
My beloved Brother, —
“I have been enjoying such a day as I can rarely get. I have shut myself in, and not stirred out from morning till evening, except to so to hall. I am aware that such days would not be beneficial if they occurred too often; for I must use exercise, or else I shall not preserve my health; and I must keep open my door, because the members of the University who call upon me, some for business and some for kindness, would be wearied with ineffectual attempts to find me at home, living as I do up two pair of stairs. Certainly, if I consulted my own pleasure, I should frequently shut myself up in this manner; but I do npt esteem it the path of duty. As a servant of God, 1 must live for the public, and make sacrifices for the public. Selfishness is rather to be opposed than indulged; and when we are thwarting self we never can very widely err.
“My occupations to-day have been, the writing a sermon to be preached at Ely Chapel next week, on the best way of removing the objections which the Jews make to the miracles of our Lord as evidences of his true Messiahship, founded on that command, Deut: xiii. 1 — 3; the other has been, the reading of Dr. Buchanan’s Life. I have just finished the life; and am greatly delighted and edified with it. There seems to have been m him a certain dignity of character very uncommon in religious men. His independence, and generosity, and capacity to adapt himself to all persons of every station, yet accompanied with such a surprising simplicity of ipind, cast an air of nobleness and majesty around him, that I have never met with in anv other man. He was formed for great things both by nature and grace; and great things he lived to accomplish. As compared with pious ministers in general, he shines velut inter ignes Luna minores. Many equal him in what we should call piety; but there is a luminogsness and a grandeur about him that is very uncommon; and to have been the instrument of bringing such a man forward is no little honor to that blessed man, Mr. Henry Thornton.
“Your mother, I expect, is by this time returned from Deal, whither she went to accompany the dear Corries. Had they gone any time after next week, I should probably have accompanied them; for I wished exceedingly to show that mark of respect to Mr. Corrie; but I could not possibly afford the time now. To be minding my own work is after all the most satisfactory to my own mind. There will be a goodly party on board the ship; and I feel anxious for Mr. Corrie’s health: I fear he will exert himself too much; but I have entreated, and even
268 DANGER OF POPULARrTT. [cHAP. XIX.
charged him in the name of his Divine Master, to save himself for Agra, or Calcutta, or any other Indian post to which he maybe destined....
“Aug. 29th. Since writing the above, I have been to town to preach for the Jews’ Society. The subject, which was fixed for me, was to sho that, Deut. xiii.. 1 — 3 gives no ground for the Jews to reject Christianity. I regretted that there were but few Jews present; for I felt as if the evidence which I had to propose to them was irresistible; though, alas! I know too well the force of inveterate prejudice and of judicial blindness. I was not out on the Sunday; for it seems daily of more and. more importance that I should avail myself of the disposition which there is in the young men to receive the Word. Indeed, if I were to attempt to assign a cause for the untoward circumstances before detailed bavins been permitted, I should think it was partly in mercy, to add ballast to my slender bark, and partly in judgment, to counteract and punish an undue measure of complacency, which I may have felt in my growing popularity. I certainly have seen for a long time back the almost invariable kindness and respect, with which I have been treated by all orders and degrees of men in this place; and it is possible, that God may have seen me more gratified with it than I ought to be.”...
To a Clergyman on preaching the truth in love.
«Noyember4, 1817.
” My very dear Friend, —
‘* I have long and earnestly desired to see you, that I might converse with you on the subject of your ministrations. I seem to feel that I can say anything to you without offence, and without suspicion: without oflfence, because of the ardent love I bear you; and without suspicion because you well know that I am, and ever have been, as far from a timid, temporizing character, as a man can well be. I have heard with deep concern, that, whilst all unite in loving and honoring your general character, a great number of persons are grievously offended with the style of your preaching, (not with the doctrine, but with the style,) which I am told is unnecessarily harsh and offensive; and that on this being
suggested to you by Mr. you gave him notice to quit the
curacy. Will you forgive me, my dear friend, if I say, that in both these respects you have erred. It is not by coarseness of expression, or severity of manner, that we are to win souls, but by ’ speaking the truth in love, and if we are oflTended at such a suggestion bein offered to us in a kind and afifectionate way, it shows that humility and love have not a due ascendant over us. I did suppose, from vour age and deep-rooted piety, you would have been able to fill with comfort to yourself and advantage to
CfHAP. ZIX.] DUTY OF A -DAUGHTSR. 269
the people that situation, which is of singular delicacy and importance; but if I am rightly informed, your own mind is uncomfortable, and your ministrations, as under such circumstances might well be expected, breathe no more of the spirit of love than before the matter was mentioned to you.
If this be the case, and you find that you cannot adopt a different mode, it will perhaps be better that you do carry your own proposal into effect, and take a situation where you will meet with less fastidiousness on the part of your audience, and be enabled gradually to acquire a habit which will fit you for such situation at a future period. Pray, my dear friend, give me an early answer; tell me that you are not offended with me; and that my * balm hath not broken your head.’ I shall be extremely anxious to receive a line from you; for if in this exercise of my friendship, *I make you sorry, who will then ever make me glad, but the same who is made sorry by me V Forgive, I pray you, and still continue to love, your most affectionate friend and brother,
“C. Simeon.’’
To a young Lady on her duty to her Father.
**1817.
My dear Madam, —
The task you have assigned me is diflicult; not because there is any difficulty in laying down general principles, but because without a tolerably complete knowledge of all parties, and of the father especially, it is impossible to modify the principles, or to enter into such minute distinctions, or to suggest such expedients as the case might call for. An enlightened and tender conscience, with prayer to God, will tend greatly to supply these defects: but an adviser cannot supply them, unless he have specific grounds to go upon. If a recipe were to be given for the compounding of any medicine by a chemical process, though the operation might be deUcate, yet the directions might be sufficient, because the nre is under your own control; but where you know not whether there be not a furnace that may blow up your materials and yourself into the air, you go on such uncertain grounds, as to make it problematical whether your directions be good or bad.
“Supposing the father to be a reasonable man, and a man of good temper, I should recommend, in writing or in conversation, as the daughter might feel most likely to do good, such a statement as this: —
•Sir, —
You well know that God is greatly to be feared* and that my first duty is to Him. My next dftty is to my earthly parent, whom I am to regard as God’s representative, and to obey even as God himself, in everything not contrary to the revealed
270 DUTY OF A DAUOHTBfi. [oHAP. XIX.
will of God. I think, sir, you would not urge your claims farther than that; and I pledge myself that I will never wish them to be contracted so much as an nair’s breadth. It will be my pleasure and my delight, if I have received, or may yet receive, the grace of God, to show the power and efficacy of that grace in that very way.
Now, sir, my sisters are altogether under your control, and I have no right to contravene your authority in relation to them. Yet on the other hand, I think you will admit, that I must faithfully serve God myself according to His woi*d, and the dictates of my own conscience. Every sacrifice that I can possibly make consistently with my duty to God, I will engage to make; and to meet your wishes in relation to my sisters in an things, as far as I can without violating my own conscience. This promise I freely make you. But to say, that I never will speak of religion before them, or maintain in their presence what I know and believe to be the very truth of God, would be to lay a snare for my own conscience, and destroy my peace perhaps throughout my whole life. All that I can promise consisttly with my duty to God, I will promise, and will perform: and I feel persuaded, sir, that though you do not altogether approve of the principles I have embraced, you will approve of a child of yours acting according to her principles; because you cannot but see, that a dereliction of principle in relation to God will soon lead to a dereliction of it in relation to man; and that when God’s authority has been trampled on, the authority of an earthly parent is not likely to be regarded as it ought, provided only a sufficient inducement be offered to set it at nought. But from this one thought I have great pleasure, that whilst from a sense of duty to my God I am walking in a path that is not altogether agreeable to your wishes, my whole life and conduct, I trust, will eventually show you, how much my heart is bent on doing everything that will please you, and on approving myself in all things,
Your most dutiful, &c.’
Thus you perceive the line I would draw:
1. I would obey God rather than man; —
2. L would obey man as far as would consist with my duty to God: —
3. I would not interfere with a father’s authority over others: —
4. I would not bind and ensnare my own conscience by promises, that would preclude me from an occasional and temperate avowal of my own sentiments, lest it should prove a denial of my God.
‘* After all, I feel tijat I have said nothings because I cannot judge of any one of the parties.
I am, Madam, your willing servant, C. S.**
To a Lady on her daty to her husband.
‘* Not. 4, 1817.
•*My dear H r-,
“I received your letter at Leeds; but was so ocpupied with travelling and preaching, and attending public meetings, that I had no time to answer it. I have been almost the circle of England, taking Leeds and Bristol for the extreme points: and havesucceeded wonderfully beyond all my expectations. ... On my return I have found an accumulation of business, that leaves me but little time even now to answer your letter.
“I do rejoice over you, my dear H, I will, though thousands
of others should mourn over you; I will mourn, indeed, that they mourn: but I will rejoice that you rejoice: and my prayer for you shall be. that you may be found * faithful unto death, and then receive a crown of life.’ But the particular point on which you consult me is extremely delicate, and requires the utmost care to answer it aright.
I will lay down some principles, and then suggest how, in my opinion, they should be modified in the application.
First, We must serve God faithfully and supremely.
Second, We must serve man faithfully, but in subordination to God, and so far only as will consist with our duty to God.
**But, firstly, we must take care not to make that sin which is not sin, or that duty which is not duty: the former of these is needless scrupulosity; the latter is superstition.
Secondly, we must take care not to make that our duty which is the duty of others indeed, but not ours; for instance, as in the State there may be many things amiss, which yet it is not our duty, but the duty of Parliament only, to rectify, so there may be in the house of a husband. A wife may advise, but not order, except in her own department. You may lament evil, but not authoritatively oppose it, where God has not invested you with the supreme command.
Thirdly, we must distinguish between things evil in themselves and things evil by accident only. I think I should be disposed to arrange plays under the former, and operas under the latter. It would take me too long to assign all my reasons; reasons enough will occur to you. If I considered your welfare alone, I should say, ‘Renounce such vanities altogether;’ for in your state of mind, I doubt not but that they have a great tendency to injure your spiritual and eternal interests; but your husband’s welfare ought to be most dear both to you and me; and consequently, such a line of conduct as is most kind and conciliatory, and likely to win him, is that which I should advise. If he urge you to go, I would go to an opera: but when I had a favorable opportunity (be especially attentive to that, and let nothing be ill-timed) I would tell him, in a tender and affectionate manner, what a dilemma he reduces you to: viz., that if you refuse, it is most distressing
272 f VARIOUS HINTS TO CLERGYMEN. [oHAf. ZIX.
to your mindr because it gives pain to him: and if you go, it also distresses your mind, because it wounds your conscience and casts a snare upon your soul; and entreat him,, as he tenders your happiness, and ultimately his own also, that he will forbear to prss you. If this be done in a modest, affectionate manner, you will soon prevail upon him to leave you to the exercise of your own discretion. But if you find him fixed and determined, yield in-
’ stantly without uttering a word. Let your compliance be hini and affectionate however opposite it be to your own wishes. Let any differences of opinion between you and your husband be revealed to none, without absolute necessity; and be extremely care-^ ful whom you consult. It is not every one that is able to advise.
‘It is easy enough to lay down general principles, but to modify them to existing circumstances is extremely difficult In this consists the difference between a novice and a father, between folly and wisdom, error and truth. Hoping that God, in His infinite mercy, will guide and preserve you, I remain most affectionately yours, C. S.”
To a Clergyman on blending wisdom with zeal.,
K. C., Camb., Not. 11, 1817.
“My dear Friend, —
“Two ships were aground at London bridge. The proprietors of one sent for a hundred horses ;. and pulled it to pieces. The proprietors of the other waited for the tide, and with sails and rudder directed it as they pleased.
The rules I should offer to you are these:
First, Do not attempt to act in a parish with which you have no legal connection.
Second, In your own parish form your judgment what measure of countenance your ar6 likely to have from your principal, your parishioners, and your. neighbbring clergy; and if you have not some measure of approbation and aid from two out of three, do not be driven to attempt what is sure to fail: see Prov. xxiv. 27.
“Unless I were myself upon the spot, to weigh all circumstan-# ces with precision, I can do no more than suggest these general hints. But I feel that there is in all such matters a Scylla as well as a Charybdis. Of the two, too much zeal is better than too little; but if we can blend zeal and wisdom, we do better.
Hoping that God in his mercy will direct you, I remain, my dear Friend,’ most affectionately yours.**
To one who had been* urged to * preach very strongly.’
“Dec. 7, 1817.
My dear Sir, —
“What is your object T Is it to win souls? If it be.
how are you to set about it? by exciting all manner of prejudices, and driving people from the church? How did our Lord act? He spake the word in parables, * as men wereahle to hear itJ How did St. Paul act? He fed the babes with milk, and not with strong meat. As for the religious world, they are as selfish, for the most part, as the ignorant and ungodly. They are not content that you should seek the welfare of others, unless you, to please them, bring forward also, things which will utterly subvert your end: and if they be but gratified, they care not who is stum.- bled and driven away.
, “You must not be in bondage to the religious world any more than to the ungodly. True, you are not to keep back the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel; but there are difierent ways of stating them; and you should adopt that which expresses kindness and love, and not that which indicates an unfeeling harshness. Only speak from love to man and not from the lear of man, and Grod will both accept and prosper you. Most affectionately yours.”
To another on Christian expediency.
“Dec. 10 1817.
My dear Friend, —
•**I should be cautious of making up my mind strongly on anything that is not clearly defined in Scripture. Nothing is easier than to lay down an apparently good principle, and to err in following it; c. g. the eating of meats offered to idols, and circumcision. Do not make bonds for your own feet — constructed as your mind is, you will be in danger of this. In things that are good or evil perse there is no room for expediency; in things that are good or evil only by accident, expediency must guide you. Many think that the opposite to right must be wrong: but the op-Ssite to right may be right; as in the instance before specified, y rule in reference to the baptizing of adults would be this: I will do that which I judged best on the whole for the individual himself, and for the people under my care. In the case of the apostles there was no time for minute inquiry. Our dissenters, I think, take too much time, and require too much. Where I felt I could adopt my own plan without injury to the cause of Christ, I should take a medium; but 1 would not so determinately mark out my own path, as to admit of no deviation from it The human mind is very fond of fetters, and it is apt to forge them for itself. This is not, however, recommended by Your very affectionate friend and brother in the Lord,
“C. Simeon.’*
274 EFFORT for’ THE JEWS. [OHAP. XIZ.
To Rev. T. Thomason.
«K. C, Camb., Dec. 24, 1817.
My beloved Brother; —
“Greatly do I rejoice in the tidings you give mfe, relative to the Association for the furnishing of school-books to the natives. Only let the principle of doing good to the natives get into operation, and the efforts will gradually become enlarged from the body to the mind, and from the mind to the soul....
Now let me tell you a little about myself. My strength through the goodness of God, has rather increased, and I have, during the months of September and October, taken a cry extensive tour of about 800 miles, with Mr. Marsh and Mr. Hawtrey, for the Jews’ Society. At Norwich the bishop gave us his countenance, and the speech I delivered there, I printed, and it is now circulating throughout the United Kingdom. I have sent a few to you; but, I hope you will receive many more from Mr. Hawtrey. It will go to Madras and Bombay, and be extensively circulated in America also. Through the mercy of God it has removed to a great extent the {too just) prejudices which had arisen in the public mind against the society; and we hope the societv will flourish, and be made a blessing to the whole Jewish people. If my life be spared till next June, we shall extend our journey to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“We have great reason to think that the Hebrew New Testament is doing good among the Jews in Poland and Germany. The fields there seem white, ready to the harvest. The Jews abroad are of a very different cast and complexion from the poor sordid people in England. We are going at private expense to take a chapel at Amsterdam, and send a chaplain there. In that city are 30,000 Jews. In less than a week the thing will be done: and if it succeed so as to promise well, we shall, afler two years of trial, bring it before the public. But till the experiment has been fully tried, the public will not be burdened with one shilling expense about it. I have a similar plan for Hamburgh; only, if I succeed there, it will be without any expense; there being already the train completely laid, and nothing remaining but to apply the port feu to it.
“At home also, blessed and adored be our God, all is going on well. My church more thronged with gownsmen than ever; and my people going on better than for many years. The bad spirits are withdrawn, and peace and love are abounding in the midst of us.
“Professor Parish is doing great things; he has built two school-rooms, one for 400 boys, and another for 300 girls: and is now enlarging his church, so that it will seat as many as mine. This last will be some expense to him. ... I wish you could see and hear the professor at a Bible meeting. You would not at all know him, or believe ypur eyes and ears, he is so earnest,
SO fluent, and so .eloquent. The Bible Society has done more for him than for any other person I know.*
The papers will tell you all about the death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales. She died in childbed. The whole nation was ready to rejoice at the birth of an heir to the throne: but it pleased God to take away both the mother and child; and the whole land was thrown into consternation. I suppose that no event ever penetrated the nation with such grief. At Cambridge the pulpit at St. Mary’s and the reading-desk and throne were all put into mourning: and a day, the day of her funeral, was spontaneously kept throughout the land as a Sabbath. At St. Marjr’s, the negius Professor of Divinity, Dr. Kaye, preached to a congregation, not seated, but jammed. We assembled in the Senate-house, and then walked in procession ‘round the Senate-house yard to St. Mary’s. Eve’ry pulpit in the town, too, is in moummg. Nothing but black is seen anywhere.
“Poor Prince Leopold will feel himself a stranger now in this land, and will doubtless go back again to his own country. He has behaved nobly on the occasion, and gained the hearts of the whole country. Were he to die now, there would be nothing but busts and monuments all the kingdom over. In a year’s time his name will scarcely be known.
“Most affectionately yours.”