Memoir, 1783–1790
Preadiiiig aiDond Cambridge — Claude’s Eaaay — in Compoaitbn — Diffiealties in making Sermons — Complaints to the Bishop — Comments on his preaching — Contest for the Lectureship — Trials continued — His eminent devotion — Acquaintance with Mr. Housman — Diligent study of Scripture — Brown’s Self-interpretixig Bible — Advance in grace — First sermon before the University — Letter to Mr. T. Lloyd-r-Benefit of affliction — On besettinjg sins — To Mr. Thornton on HumUity — Propoaed mission to Calcutta — Rev. David Brown and Mr. Grant — Mr. Wilberforoe — Zeid fi» the Poor during the scarcity — Appointed Dean of his College — Character of his Congrgatbn.
1783 — 1790.
MEMOIR CONTINUED.
Having but one sermon in the week at my own church, I used on the week-days to go round to the churches of pious ministers, very frequently, to preach to their people; taking one church on Mondays, another on Tuesdays, another on Wednesdays. Amongst the places where I preached, were Potton, Wrestlingworth, Everton, Yelling, Haddenham, Wilburton, &c.; and these seasons I found very refreshing to my own soul, and they were peculiarly helpful to me in my composition of sermons; for as I preached extempore, as it is called, I had opportunities of re-considering the subjects I had preached upon at Cambridge, and of rendering them more clear in the statement, and more rich in the illustration. I trust, too, that many of my fellow-creatures were benefited by them: indeecf, I have no doubt but that God made use of them for the conversion and salvation of many. It was very much by these means that I attained that measure of clearness in my arrangements, and perspicuity in my statements, which, perhaps I may say, rather than otherwise distinguish my sermons. It was not till ten or twelve years after I had entered into the ministry, that I ever saw Claude’s Essay on the Composition of a Sermon and I was perfectly surprised to find that all the cHief rules, which he prescribes for the composition of a sermon, had not only been laid down by myself but practised for some years. This shows that his rules are founded in nature; for it was from nature only (so to speak) that I learned them; I labored only to conceive clearly, and to state perspicuously the subjects that I handled; and in so* doing, I formed the habit which he recommends. From seeing my own views thus reduced to system, I was led to adopt the resolution of endeavoring to impart to others
CHAF. lY.] HIS IflNIBTBEIAL LABORS AND TRIALS. 37
the little knowledge I possessed in that species of coixijposition; and to adopt Claude as the ground- work of my private lectures; correcting what I thought wrong in him, and supplying what I thought deficient; though in truth in his rules there is little either wrong or deficient; but in his illustration of them there is much, which I have endeavored to amend, and which I think is amended in my Skeletons. For the space of about twenty years I have persevered in having a few young men to assist in thus preparing for that which is generally esteemed so difficult — the writing of their sermons; and from the many acknowledgments which have been made by ministers from time to time, I have reason to hope that my labors have not been in vain in the Lord,”
This was one of the most important services which Mr. Simeon rendered to the younger members of the University; and it was a labor of love peculiarly his own. He had himself keenly felt at the outset of his ministry the want of some direction in the composition of his sermons; and he was therefore the more anxious to remedy this want, as far as he could, by imparting to others the results of his own experience and care. He used frequently to allude, in his playful manner, to the awkwardness of his first efforts, both in the composing and delivering of his discourses: and he would kindly encourage the least hopeful in his sermon-class by telling them, that with his example before them none need despair. “When I began to write at first, I knew no more than a .brute how to make a sermon — and after a year or so, I gave up writing, and bean to preach from notes. But I so stammered and stumbled, tnat I felt this was worse thn before — and so I was obliged to take to a written sermon again. At last however the reading a sermon appeared to be< so heavy and dull, that I once more made an attempt with notes; and determined, if I did not now succeed, to give up preaching altogether.” This method of preaching from notes, carefully arranged and prepared, he pursued till within a few years of his death; when no longer feeling equal to the mental effort, and having on one occasion broken down, he thought it his duty to make use of the sermons which he had composed in the full vigor of his mind. These sermons however he took the greatest pains in preparing anew for delivery; for, as he would frequently observe, he could expect no blessing on his work, if he presumed to offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing. Every sermon, therefore, as it was required, was copied out by him with the greatest care, in a large and legible hand, and read over deliberately “half a dozen times at the least;” and thus, having made himself entirely master of it, he was enabled to deliver it with perfect ease and his usual animation. It had been his practice previously, and from an early period, to write out on his return from church the principal remarks he had made whilst preaching from his notes; and in this manner he composed (witn the exception of his complete dis-
88 HIB MINI8TSRIAL LABOftB AND TRIALS* [CHAP. IV.
courses) almost the whole of the sermons, which now occupy the twenty-one volumes of his entire works.* His style of delivery, which to the last was remarkably lively and impressive, in his earlier days was earnest and impassioned in no ordinary degree. The intense fervor of his feelings he cared not to conceal or restrain: his whole soul was in his subject, and he spoke and acted exactly as he felt Occasionally indeed his gestures and looks were almost grotesque, from the earnestness and fearlessness of his attempts to illustrate or enforce his thoughts in detail; but his action was altogether unstudied — sometimes remarkably striking and commanding — and always sincere and serious. At that period such manifestations of feeling were very unusual in the pulpit; and it is therefore highly probable, that the opposition and ridicule he encountered, in the earlier part of his ministry, may be attributed as much to the manner as to the matter of his preaching.
My parish, after two or three years, made a formal complaint against me to the bishop; they complained that I preached so as to alarm and terrify them, and that the people came and crowded the church, and stole their books. The bishop wrote to me, and I answered him at great length, vindicating my preaching, and denying the charges which were brought against me. I still possess a copy of my answer; but it was certainly not drawn up in a judicious way. I remember it contained my answers in distinct heads, 1, 2, 3, somewhat like a syllabus, and not in a continued strain of argument; and the bishop was rather displeased with it; but I was not then skilled in writing to bishops: were I to answer the same accusations now, (1813,) I should frame my reply in a different way; as indeed my late answer to similar ac cusations, no longer than the year before last, sufficiently shows.
“In my preachipg J endeavored to approve myself to God with fidelity and zeal; but I do not now think that I did it in a judicious way. I thought that to declare the truth with boldness was the one object which I ought to keep in view; and this is a very general mistake ambiig young ministers. I did not siifficently attend to the example of our Lord and his apostles, in speaking as men were able to hear it, and in administering milk to babes, and meat to strong men. My mind being but ill-informed, my topics were necessarily few; and the great subjects of death, judgment, heaven, and hell, were prominent in every discourse, particularly as motives to enforce the points on which I had occasion to insist. Were I now to enter on a new sphere, especially if it were in a town and not in a village, I would, in the Morning Services especially, unfold the parables, and endeavor rather to take the citadel by sap and mine, than by assault and battery. I would endeavor to win souls,’ and ‘speak to them the truth in /Ae;’ not considering so much what I was able
* Mr. S. hai nuule the following note upon bis Sermons : — “None written till praached — 4^ this were gained — ftccoracy — concisencsn life and spirit.”
esAF. nr.] bib ministerial labors and trials. 99
to say, as what they were able to receive. But this requires more extensive knowledge, and a more chastised mind than falls in general to the lot of young ministers, especially of such as have never had one letter of instruction given them on the subject.
‘’After about five years Mr. Hammond vacated the lectureship; and a son of a parishioner became a competitor for it. By this time I had gained some footing in the parish; and I believe at this hour, that if matters had been carried fairly, I had the majority of votes; but there was a bitter and persecuting spirit among all the heads of the parish, and whether justly or unjustly, they carried it against me.”*^ The greater part of the pews also still continued shut; but though I was persuaded that the parishioners had no right to lock them up, there being only one faculty tew in the church, I was restrained from attempting to open them y that Divine declaration, ’ the servant of the Lord must not strive.’ Many hundreds of times has that one word tied my hands, when a concern for immortal souls, and a sense of the injury done to my ministry, would have prornpted me to take off the locks. I hoped that God would at last effect a change; and I found, after about ten years, that I was not disappointed.
Little did I think, in all the years that the parishioners prevailed to shut the church against me, how great a mercy it was both to me and the church of God: for if I had been able to labor to the full extent of my wishes, I should infallibly have ruined my health in a short time; but being actually bound, as it were hand and foot, I was constrained to keep within my strength, and was thus enabled to go on for twenty-four years, without ever beinff laid by one single Sabbath. How mysterious are the designs of God, and how marvellously does he make the wrath of man to praise him P’
Grievous as these trials must have been to one of such zealous aims and ardent temperament as Mr. Simeon, it will easily be understood how he was enabled to endure them with meekness, and even regard them as “mercies,” when his eminently devotional habits at this period are considered. We have happily a record of them by one of his most intimate friends. He had been little more than a year in the ministry when he became acquainted with the late Rev. J. Housman of Lancaster; and this acquaintance soon ripened into a friendship which was affectionately cherished by both parties through life. Mr. Housman indeed had peculiar reason for his devoted attachment to Mr. Simeon, for he always recognized him ‘^ as the instrument of bringing him to the knowledge of the truth;’* and Mr. Simeon in turn regarded Mr.
R0¥. Mr. Berry elected Lecturer, Februaiy 5, 1787.
40 BIS MINISTERIAL LABORS AND TRIALS. [CHAP. IV.
H. with no common interest, as he believed him to be almost the first of all the members of the University to whom his ministry had been blessed. Mr. H. also, whilst yet a student at St. John’s College, had been ordained priest by Bishop Hinchliffe in the same year with Mr. Simeon.* When preparing to take his degree the following year, Mr. H., being unable to reside in his own college, was invited by his beloved friend to come and share with him his rooms at King’s. Here he resided for more than three months; and, as they had a sitting-room in common, he became familiarly acquainted with all Mr. Simeon’s feelings and habits. Of his example; conversation, and counsel, Mr. H. was wont ever after to speak in terms of the liveliest gratitude. “Never did I see such consistency, and reality of devotion — such warmth of piety — such zeal and love. Never did I see one who abounded so much in prayer. I owe that great and holy man a debt which never can be cancelled.” During the period of his residence at King’s, (as Mr. H. informed the editor in 1837,) Mr. Simeon invariably rose every morning, though it was the winter season, at four o’clock; and, after lighting his fire, he devoted the first four hours of the day to private prayer and the devotional study of the Scriptures. He would tnen ring his bell, and calling in his friend with his servant, engage with them in what he termed his family prayer. Here was the secret of his great grace and spiritual strength. Deriving instruction from such a source, and seeking it with such diligence, he was comforted in all his trials, aad prepared for every duty. ‘The copy of the Scriptures, which became the favorite companion of his devotional hours from this period, was a quarto volume of Brown’s Self-Interpreting Bible; wHich to the end of his life he was continually enriching with invaluable notes of his own. So much did he prize this commentary, that in 1787, Jan. 19, he wrote to the author at Haddington, “1 our Self-Interpreting Bible seems to stand in lieu of all other comments; and i am daily receiving so much edification and instruction from it, that I would wish it in the hands of all serious ministers. I have conceived a thought of purchasing a few, to give to those godly ministers who would find it very inconvenient to purchase it for themselves. But having no very great affluence myself, it is needful that I should proceed upon the most saving plan. I take the liberty therefore of asking whether you whose heart seems to be much set upon forwarding the cause of Christ,) could procure me forty, at the booksellers’ price, for that purpose alone; and to inform me whether there will be a new edition soon.”
His advance in grace at this period was such as might be ex-
In Mr. HouBman’8 Life it is stated that he receiFed Priest’s Orders, “on the 26th of October, 1783.”
The charming Memoir of Mr. Housman, has recently been reprinted in New York, bj the publisher of this volume.
pected from this diligent and prayerful study of the Scriptures; and is thus noticed by his friends both at Yelling and at Dunham.
From Mr. J. Venn’s Diary: —
“May as, 1785.
“Our dear friend Simeon came over lo see me; very much improved and grown in grace; his very presence a blessing.”
“Rev. H. Venn to Rev. J. Venn.
“June 9, 1785.
“Your account of Simeon is very just: my fears concerning him greatly abate. He appears indeed to be much more humbled from a deeper knowledge of himself. He is a most affectionate friend and lively Christian.”
And again:
“Oct. 16, 1785.
“Come by Cambridge, and pray spend some time with Mr. Simeon; he has the warmest love for you, and is the only one of all the Cambridge men who follows the Lord fully as Caleb did. I am sorry to hear so few of the gown attend. He has preached admirably at St. £dward*s, on the Decalogue; and his concluding sermon afterwards was on * Cursed is every one that continueth not,* &c., * and let all the people say, Amen.’ I think his profiting appears like dear Mr. Robinson’s at Leicester.* It does me good to be with him.”
The next year he preached for the first time before the University.
“Rev. H. Venn to Rev. J. Venn.
“Dec. 13, 1786.
“On Sunday se’night our friend Simeon appeared in St. Mary’s pulpit: his friends were delighted; his bitterest foes struck dumb; and ail mistaken in the man. On the Saturday before, Dr. Glynn called on him, and desired the favor of his company, and to bring his sermon with him; telling him he had a critical and prejudiced audience to speak to, and he was his friend, believing him to be a ^ood man. Mr. Simeon thankfullyaccepted the invitation. The doctor heard the sermon, corrected and improved it, and concluded, * Now, sir, as I am called out, and cannot be at St. Mary’s, I am glad to say, I have read the sermon, and shall be your advocate wherever I go.’ Mr. Coulthurst is going about to all his acquaintance that were prejudiced, and appealing now to the sermon. There was a very large congregation, and great attention; though it is said there were some who came to scrape. Pray much that his good may not be evil spoken of.”
42 HIS MINISTERIAL LABOES AND TRIALS. [cHAP. ZY.
The greatest excitement prevailed on this occasion. St Mary’s was crowded with gownsmen; and at first there seemed a disposition to disturb and annoy the preacher, in a manner at that period, unhappily, not unusual. But scarcely had he proceeded more than a few sentences, when the lucid arrangement of his exordium, and his serious and commanding manner, impressed the whole assembly with feelings of deep solemnity, and he was heard to the end with the most respectful and riveted attention. The vast congregation departed in a mood very different from that in which it had assembled; and it was evident, from the remarks which were overheard at going out, and the subdued tone in which they were made, that many were seriously affected, as well as surprised, at what they had heard. Of two young men, who had come among the scoffers, one was heard to say to the other, “Well! Simeon is no fool, however!” “Fool!” replied his companion, “did you ever hear such a sermon before?”*
The ridicule and contempt he had hitherto encountered began now in some measure to abate; though still he had not unfrequently to endure, even in his own church and in the time of divine service, the most insolent and profane behavior from some of the junior members of the University. These trials, however, from various quarters, severe as they were, and keenly felt by him, were light, as he often confessed, compared with those which he experienced from the vanity and corruption of his own heart. To these he feelingly refers in the following letter to one of his most endeared friends, Mr. Thomas Lloyd, who was a member of his own college, and whom he not only regarded as ‘* his son in the faith,” but always designated as “the first fruits of Achaia.”
“King’s College, May 14, 1786.
My very dear Friend, —
Twice have I begun to write to you, but neither time had an opportunity of proceeding very far: once being interrupted by my father, and the other time by some other avocation. Though I have not answered your letter for so long a season, I think I may say that I have scarcely ever been enabled to pray for myself, but I have prayed also for you; because you are deeply engraven on my heart, and I long for the establishment of your body in health, and your soul in grace. Mr. Atkinson, who loves you so dearly, rather rejoiced in hearing of your trials, because they would tend to divest you of all high thoufrhts of yourself, and make you live more by faith on our dear Redeemer. Certain it is, that the saints whom God has most approved, have been most abundantly exercised in different manners for the trial
* I am indebted for thig account to my ancle W. W. Caros Wilson, Esq. of Casterton Hall, who was present on the occasion, and often relates the circumstance when speakiiur of the serious impressions be bad himself received at that period from the miniatiy ofMr. Simeon. — Eo.
of their faith: and they who are most earnest in prayer for grace, are often most afflicted, because the graces which they pray for, e. g. faith, hope, patience, humility, &c., are only to be wrought in us by means of those trials which call forth the several graces into act and exercise; and in the very exercise of them they are all strengthened and confirmed. May this be your blessed experience and mine. I desire to thank you most sincerely for your kind observations respecting misguided zeal, and my danger from that quarter. Such observations were not only necessary then, but are so every day, as I find by frequent experience. That which is characteristic of a man’s disposition, and is his besetting sin in a state of nature, will most generally remain 80 when he is in a state of grace; with this difference only, that in the former case it has the entire ascendant over him — in the latter it meets with continual checks, and is not suffered to have dominion. It is promised that if * we walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh;’ but not that we shall find no temptations to fulfil them. Mr. Atkinson (who, by the way, desired me to give you an invitation to so and stay any time you please at his house at Huddersfield, in Yorkshire,) has given me much good advice on the same head no longer ago than yesterday; O, that I may profit by it, and not get my knowledge by dear-bought experience! and may that experience, which you are now obtaining in the furnace of affliction, teach you those lessons which are more especially necessary for a minister to be apqua’nted with — the depths of iniquity that are in the heart, and the unsearchable riches of grace and mercy that are in Christ Jesus. If it had pleased God, I should have been glad to have heard that success had attended your endeavors. The Norrisian Prize (as I take for granted you have already been informed) is determined in favor of Dr. tiey’s curate. Let it not discourage you from entering the lists on a future occasion; but rather urge you to redouble your diligence in your composition.
The Lord has at last been pleased to give me church- wardens who are favorable, and who know my desire to have an evening lecture. I do not intend to mention it to them unless they do to ‘me, but to wait God’s time, and then I am sure of his blessing; whereas if I am hasty, and self-willed, he may give me my desire, but send leanness withal into my soul. “If f could in everything commit my way unto the Lord, I should be one of the happiest creatures under heaven; but self-will, impatience, unbelief, are sad plagues to me.”
No one could be more conscious than Mr. S. of his besetting sins, or more ready to receive advice or reproof, that so he might. “abstain from all appearaiTce of evil,” and “study to adorn the doctrine of (Jod our Saviour in all things.” This was much noticed at the time by his most intimate friends.
44 HIB MINISTERIAL LABORS AND TRIALS. [CHAP. IV.
“Rev. H. Venn to Mr. Riland.
“Oct 2, 1787.
“I rejoice to hear my dear brother Simeon is so much esteemed. In a few years he will be what all his dear friends wish to see him. Very few are so exemplary in their walk as he is; and none can bear and receive profit from reproof like himself. His fervent love for me is not lessened; I was very weak, and scarcely able to do my Sunday duty, and he desired to serve my church once a day gratis. His prayer this morning was very afiecting — very full and strong.”
As a conspicuous memorandum in his pocket-book for this year, Mr. S. has written in large characters, twice over, on separate pages, —
Talk not about myself.”
“Speak evil of no man.”
This trial from within he continues to deplore when writing to Mr. Thornton the following year:
A thousand thanks to you dear sir, for many valuable observations in your last letter; especially that which I hope to remember — that ministers when truly useful, and more perfectly instructed in the ways of God, are * off their speed,’ and not so full of their success. Alas, alas f how apt are young ministers (I speak feelingly) to be talking of that great letter I. It would be easier to erase that letter from all the books in the kingdom, than to hide it for one hour from the eyes of a vain person. Another observation, in a former letter of yours, has not escaped my remembrance — the three lessons which a minister has to learn, 1. Humility — 2. Humilty — 3. Humility. How long are we learning the true nature of Christianity! a quiet, sober, diligent application of one’s mind to one’s particular calling in life — and a watchfulness over the evils of the heart, seem very poor, attainments to a young Christian: we must be everywhere, and everything, or else we are nothing in his esteem. Oh! thanks to our meek and lowly Teacher, how he bears with us. My dear friend, Mr. K. perhaps, as you observe, may have found the rod useful in these ijsspects; but I wish that another did not need it on these accounts ten times more than he. You cannot be at a loss to guess whom I mean; but I add no more, for fear of indulging the very fault I am condemning! May the Lord preserve your life, and enrich your soul with dl spiritual blessings, is the hearty wish and prayer of
“Your most obliged,
^’ Most honored, and mo’st affectionate servant,
«C. Simeon.”
We now come to a most eventful period in Mr. Simeon’s his-CHAP. IT.] BI0 MINISTERIAL LABORS AND TRIALS. 45
tory. His thoughts and efforts were no longer to be limited to the scene of his immediate duties at Cambridge. Th report of his labors and zeal had at this early period been carried to India; and he was henceforth to be prominently engaged in carrying out a design for the evangelization of that immense territqry. At the commencement of 1788, he received an address from Calcutta, relative to a mission, which the Rev. David Brown, in conjunction with Mr. Chambers, Mr. Grant, and Mr. Udny, was anxious to establish in that country. “From the enclosed papers (they write) you will learn the project of a mission to the East Indies. We understand such matters lie very near your heart, and that you have a warm zeal to promote their interest. Upon this ground we take the liberty to invite you to become agent on behalf of the intended mission at home. We humbly hope you will accept our proposal, and immediately commence a correspondence with us, stating to us, from time to time, the progress of our application,” &c.
On the front of this document Mr. S. has written: — It merely shows how early God enabled me to act for India; — to provide for which, has now for forty-two years been a principal and an incessant object of my care and labor.” (1830.) Mr. Simeon’s answer to this address has not been preserved amongst his papers; but his readiness to assist his friends in India, in this sacred and glorious enterprise, is acknowledged by Mr. Brown in his reply: —
“Jan. 30, 1789.
“I have before me your two letters of February and May, 1788. You have indeed increased our joy in the Lord, whom we bless for such comforts and encouragements by the way. We find we are not cut off from your remembrance, and we experience at this distance the efficacy of your prayers. In the first place, Mr. Grant and Co. greatly rejoice at your readiness to accept our call; and are very thankful for the information you have sent us respecting the mission papers. By your account we learn, that although success may be doubtml, the matter has not fallen to the ground, but that exertions have been made to bring the plan forward. What you tell us of Mr. Wilberforce’s health, and readiness to assist in this work, as well as of the two young men who are willing to become missionaries, greatly comforts and refreshes us. Whatever difficulties may be raised at home by the god of this world against the scheme, in this country we shall always have abundance to exercise our faith and try our patience. The plan we transmitted to you was not very hastily projected, or at least, not suddenly drawn up: but met with many a let and hinderance in its outset. We have waited many months before the smallest hint could be obtained of its reception in England. What we have now heard from you
46 HIS MINIBTEIIAL LABORS AND TSIALS. [cHAP. IV.
18 sufficient to excite us to continue steadfast in prayer, that the Lord’s will may be done, and the Gospel of his grace be sent to the heathen of the East in Bengal and Bahar. The tokens that we have received of your zeal have revived ours; and we trust we shall be alive to every opportunity of serving our gracious Lord in the matter before us.” In another letter soon after, Mr. Brown adds: —
“Feb. 24, 1789.
I have now to inform you that somethmg has been done towards opening our plan of a mission to the government here. We adopted the idea of native schools, as most proper for the introduction of the main business. The chaplains addressed a letter to the governor general, a copy of which I enclose. They had an interview, and pressed the subject of it as closely as they could. But it does not seem his lordship is disposed to forward our wishes; however, we have the consolation to know that he will not oppose them. He has no faith in such schemes, and thinks they must prove ineffectual; but he has no objection that others should attempt them, and promises not to be inimical. The letter had much the success we expected; it led to other matter, and gave Mr. Grant an opportunity of opening his mind to his lordship, who desired him to draw up his thoughts in writing, assunng him that he would pay attention to his opinion. This has been done; and a paper, of which I transmit you a copy, was given in about the beginning of the present month. It was civilly received, and Lord Cornwallis said he would peruse it: but little is to be expected from this effort besides a more clear unfolding of the plan. I hope now, if anything arrives from Europe well-recommended, his lordship will not be startled at the idea, but find himself under some obligation to give it countenance. We thought the paper might do good at home; it is therefore sent to you, and you will use it as occasion may require. The argument is adapted to a particular class of Lord C.’s description; and perhaps Mr. Wilberforce may find it useful to combat such objections as he is likely to meet with; and it may also assist his views in dealing with politicians. * Should you not at present be able to effect anything with the higher powers, and to bring a mission forward on a broad foundation, the zeal of individuals will perhaps avail to the beginning of a good work, which, as a ffrain of mustard-seed, may spread out into something considerable. * * * It is therefore proposed, that forthwith two young clergymen be sent missionaries to India. They will come immediately to Bengal, and remain with us a few months at Calcutta. It will then be advisable that they remove to that famous seat of Hindoo learning, Benares. There they will spend about three years in study, and furnish themselves with languages. After which they may begin
CBAP. IV.] HIS MINI8TEEIAL LABOES AND TRIAL0. 47
their glorious work of giving light to the heathen, with every probability of success. It remains that I say a few words respecting the election of two persons to engage in this design. * * * You will be aware that zeal and grace, though essentials, are not the only requisites on this occasion. They must be men of general knowledge, and possess such a share of science, as may make their conversation interesting to the learned Brahmins, who will only be communicative in proportion to the returns made them by those with whom they converse. There should also be a natural propensity to languages. In short, let them approach as near as may be to Mr. Thomas Lloyd, who might be a glorious instrument, if the Lord should spore and send him to this country. You must forgive the didactic form of my expression; as I only use it for the sake of clearness. You will do what is proper, and need not to have these matters suggested to you. The qualifications necessary to a character in which the student and missionary are to be united are obvious enough. * * In the last place, I come to the article of support. What Mr. Grant proposes is this; viz., if the mission scheme come forward upon a public foundation, the two gentlemen now invited will consequently be put upon it, and thence derive their
E revision. But till that can take place, Mr. G^ant agrees to al- ►w three hundred rupees per month (i. e., more than £300 per annum) for their support. This will be a subsistence for them; but nothing can be saved from it. If therefore you can iind two men of zeal and talents fit for this arduous task, let them come. A sufficiency of bread is offered them; but nothing to excite a spirit of adventure, or to tempt to worldly views. Before you can receive this, I hope some steps have been taken by those in power towards a mission establishment. But the great always move slowly in such matters, and it cannot be otherwise expected, unless they had evangelical views. Our hopes are particularly fixed on Mr. Wilberforce. It is to his influence alone that we hope the minister will regard such a project, and ask for it the countenance of majesty. * * j hope you will be able to surmount these obstacles, and that Providence will open a way through all discouragements for the Gospel to pass into India. The Lord preserve you, my dear friend, for the spreading the Redeemer’s kingdom in heathen countries. We have great satisfaction in your accepting our invitation to act for the affairs of the mission, and are persuaded of your vigilance and zeal. May we continue equally active and earnest m furthering the same work. I remain, my dear friend,
Most sincerely and affectionately yours,
“D. Brown.**
This project of a mission to India led to Mr. Simeon’s consideration of the subject upon a still more extensive scale; and, as
48 HIS MINISTEKPAL LABORS AND TRIALS. [cHAP. IV»
will presently appear, ave rise to those important discussions on ^Uhe education of missionaries,” and on “the propriety and mode of attempting a mission to the heathen from the Established Church,” which issued in the formation of the Church Missionary Society.*
The zeal and devotion, which he displayed on behalf of the spiritual destitution of the heathen, was equally ready to be exerted for the relief of temporal distress at home. About the close of the year 1788, during the great scarcity of bread, a subscription was raised in the University, and by the inhabitants of the town, to which Mr. S. very largely contributed, to enable the
Sior in Cambridge to obtain bread at half-price. It occurred to r. S., who was well acquainted with the state of the villages in the neighborhood, that they must be equally distressed with the town: “What is to become of them?” he asked. “That is more than we can undertake to answer for,” was the reply. “Then,” said Mr. Simeon, “that shall be my business.” Accordingly, he set on foot a plan, by which they too might be included in the benefit; and taking himself a large share of the expense and most of the trouble, he set about it with all his wonted energy — inspired others with the same desire to extend more widely the circle of relief — and every Monday rode himself to the villages within his reach, to see that the bakers performed their duty in selling to the poor at half-price. The letter which h6 sent round to the principal persons in each of the twenty-four villages near Cambndge, with the schedule of queries prepared for their answers, is very characteristic of his precision and habits of business.
King’s College, Cambridge, Jan. 7, 1789.
” Sirs, —
It is the wish of many to assist the poor of the adjacent villages; but it cannot be done to any good effect without the aid of some gentleman in each village, who will take upon himself to direct and superintend the distribution of the sums that may be given for that purpose. May I be permitted therefore to request this favor of you, that you will procure, and send me on Saturday, a list of those in your parish that require assistance. most — Submit that list to the minister on Sunday for his approbation — Distribute what shall be given, according to that list — Exert yourself to raise contributions in your own parish — And talce care that the relief so given shall not diminish the rates — by so doing you will oblige Gentlemen,
“Your most obedient humble servant,
“C. Simeon.”
See the Appendix to an admifable Sermon of the Rev. H. Venn, Honoraij Secretaiy of the Church Minbnaiy Society, on the death of the Rev. Joeiah Pratt
OBAP. lY.] HIS MINISTERIAL LABORS AND TRIALS. 40
Then follow the names and addresses of the gentlemen in the twenty-four villages.*
This benevolent and self-denying conduct,” observes Mrs. Elliott, “and the personal labor and expense he incurred, made a great impression on the University, and was one of th first things to open their eyes to the real character of the man, who had been so much ridiculed and opposed. They could not but acknowledge, in spite of his eccentricities, that some great and noble principle must be at work within him to occasion such conduct ‘He means well at least,’ they said; — “this is not like madness.’”
During the year 1788 he entered for the first time upon a college office, being elected junior Dean of Arts; and the following year he was appointed to the important office of Dean of Divinity. be was now in a position to exercise great moral influence in his college, especially over its junior members; and, as may be’ supposed, he was not slow to avail himself of this opportunity for doing good, and reforming evils. This we learn from the following letter from his friend, Mr. T. Lloyd: —
“Deo. 12, 1789.
I congratulate you on your appointment to your present office — on your obtaining leave to have the testimonial altered after your own mind — and on the very good disposition of the provost towards you. Be not sorry that you have consented to sign testimonials, (though I shall not ioin you according to your former expectations,) for it will affi)ra you a fresh plea for looking well to the morals of the young men. Besides, your refusal was invidious; and one who attempts reformation should endeavor to render himself as little obnoxious as possible. You have already, my dear friend, gone through much evil report; the scene now changes; and your good report is commencing. This you are to consider as a new talent, of no small importance, put into your hands: O! use it faithfully; and remember you are as much accountable for the improvement of it, as for the discharge of your parochial duty. Lay yourself out for usefulness no less in the university than in the town. The Lord indeed seems to be calling you to it; for the fresh sphere you expected in Trinity church seems to be shut up, at least for the present; and your ‘influence in your own college is evidently increasing; nay further, the provost is inclined to co-operate with you in reforming the college. Try then how far he will proceed with you; yet try judiciously. Give the present state of our college and of the ti Diversity at large its proper proportion of your attention and your prayers. You have zeal; use it then in the way which God by his providence points out to you; and not in that
The fchedlile for their answers and signatures is drawn up in columps, headed —” How many frmilies I — What do they want 1 — What can you collect 1 Wdl yoo do it Y — Wili you distribute l — V^^l you endeavor to prevent this from affecting the ntesr
50 HI0 MINISTEIIAL LABORS AND T1IAL8. [cHAP. IT.
way only to which your inclination may lead. It will be your wisdom to exercise your zeal most, where you are most backward to do it; for there will be less danger of nature mixing with it These hints are offered in love, just as they occur to me.’’.
His attention to this judicious counsel, and consequent efforts for the welfare of his college and the University, were no hindrance to the faithful prosecution of his parochial duties; nor do they appear to have impaired his spirituality of mind, or diminished nis zeal in the discharge of the more direct work of the ministry. The effect, indeed, of his example and preaching began particularly now to manifest itself in the improved tone of his congregation.
Rev. H. Venn to Mr. Elliott.
“Jan. 8, 1790.
‘On Mohday, my affectionate friend Simeon walked over and slept here. Oh I how refreshing were his prayers! how profitable his conversation 1 We were all revived; he left a Wessing behind him. How shameful is our depravity, and how exceeding great, when we can be content to live without doing good to the souls of men! — call ourselves Christians, and constantly be in the house of our God, and not desire to instruct, to edify, to animate those with whom we converse! They are the truly excellent of the earth — its salt, who, wherever they go, reach the heart and conscience, and excite the devout wish, Oh, that I may follow Christ like these true-hearted disciples I’ He preaches twice a week in a large room. My new daughter attended there when I preached; and his people are indeed of an excellent spirit — merciful, loving, and righteous.*’