Memoir, 1790–1796

Hie evemng Lecture establiBhed — Sir W. Scott’s opinion — in the Town — The Leetnres iiispended — Difltorbances daring Divine Service — Admonition of the offendt en — A pnbhe Apology in the church — Prefatoiy address — Happy change in two Students — Subsequent disturbances — Elected Vice-provost — Case of Colkge discinline — Letter to the Provost and his repl — Acquaintance with Mr. Thomason — Labofrit amongst the Gbwnsmen — And Panshioners — Visit to BIr. Fletcher — Patriotic fiaelinffs — Joy in the Lord — Deep humiliation — To Mr. StilUngfleet on Intercession — And Self-knowledge — On preaching for Mr. J. Venn — Proposed missions to the Heathen — Meetings at Rauceby — Discussion of the subject — Meeting of the Eclectic Society.

1790l1796.
memoir continued.

“Aftee some years I prevailed, and established an evening lecture* with the consent of the church-wardens, (July 18, 1790.) I had long before consulted Sir W. Scott about the right of the church- wardens to shut the’ church, and of the parishioners to lock up the pews; and his opinion was, that the right of prohibiting me from using the church in canonical hours was vested in the bishop alone; and that none but faculty-pews could legally be shut up in the manner that mine were. I did not, however, choose to exercise my right in reference to either the one or the other; but desired rather to wait till God himself should accomplish my wishes in his own time and way. To this I was led by various considerations. My own natural disposition would have instigated me to maintain my rights by force; and I knew I could never do won in resisting my corrupt nature. Like a bowl with a strong bias, I could not go far out of the way on the side opposite to £at bias; or if I did, I should have always something to bring me back; but if I leaned to the side where that force was in operation, I might be precipitated I knew not whither, and should have nothing to counteract the impulse, or to bring me back. There was no doubt, therefore, in my mind, which was the safer and better path for me to pursue.

I did indeed, on a late occasion, after twenty vears, when, as will be seen in the sequel, my enemies in the parish threatened to renew thb former scenes, call on several of them to tell them what Sir W. Scott’s opinion upon the disputed subjects had been, and to say that if they chose to try the matter in an amicable suit at law, I was willing’ to try it against the whole parish. This I did, not to remedy, but to prevent an evil; as Paul did when he asked

52 DI8TUBBANCEB AT TEINITT CHURCH. [CBAF. ▼.

his persecutors, whether they would venture to punish him who was a Roman, uncondemned and unheard? In this I felt that I was doing right, because I strove to avoid all occasion for litigation, and to conduct matters in an amicable way; but on all other occasionsf I have wished rather to suffer than to act; because in suffering, I could not fail to be right; but in acting, I might easily, do amiss. Besides, if I suffered with a becoming spirit, my enemies, though unwittingly, must of necessity do me good; whereas, if in acting ( should have my own spirit unduly exercised, I must of necessity be injured in my own soul, however righteous my cause might be.”

In consequence of some tumultuous proceedings in the town, of a political character, towards thexlose of 1792, Mr. Simecm felt it his duty to suspend, for a short time, his evening lectures: and, with his usual care to prevent any misunderstanding of his conduct, he read out the following notice to the conegation: — On my return to Cambridge yesterday, I was much concerned to hear that there had been disturbances in the town; for, much as I wish all men to feel an attachment to the king and constitution, I think every sober-minded person must join with me in disapproving such a method of showing it. As for our evening lecture, which has been instituted for the purpose of instructing the poor, who could not easily attend divine service in the earlier parts of the day, I should not think the trifling circumstances which have happened here of late, any reason for putting it aside, nor, I trust, will any personal considerations ever make me decline what I esteem the path of duty; but in the present state of people’s minds, I think it will be prudent not to afford them an apportunity of assembling toffether, lest evil-minded men, who wish to excite a tumult, should make that, which is intended only for the worship of God, an occasion of committing outrages in the town. In order, therefore, that we may not, in the remotest degree, be accessory to any tumultuous proceeding, I shall omit the evening service till further notice. I have judged it proper to write down what I intended to say on this occasion, in order that if any one misunderstand my meaning, he may apply to me for a perusal of the paper, or an explanation of its contents.” — Dec. 16, 1792.

At first, and indeed for several years, the keeping of order in my church was attended with considerable difficulty. The novelty of an evening service in a parish church in Cambridge, attracted some attention. In the college chapels it was no novelty; but in a parish church it conveyed at once the impression, that it must be established for the advancement of true religion, or what the world would call Methodism. Hence it is not to be .wondered at, that it should be regarded with jealousy by some, and with contempt by others; or that young gownsmen, who, even in their own chapels, show little more reverence for Gkxl

OBAP. ▼.] B1STU&BANCB8 AT T&INTTT OHUEOH. 58

than they would in a playhouse, should often enter in to disturb our worship. This for some years was done frequently; and as, on some complaints being made to the tutors of one or two colleges, I found that I had nothing to hope for from the University, I was forced to take the matter into my own hands, and maintain by ray own energy, what I* could not expect to be supported in by the proper authorities. Accordingly, I appointed persons to stand with wands in all the aisles; and as the chief disturbance was generally made when the congregation was leaving the church, I always went down from my pulpit the moment the service was finished; and stood at the great north dpor, ready to apprehend any gownsman who should insult those who had been at church. I endeavored always to act with mildness, but yet with firmness; and, through the goodness of God, was enabled to keep in awe every opposer. I requested those who withstood my authority not to compel me to demand their names, because, if once constrained to do that, I must proceed to further measures. This kindness usually prevailed. When it did not, I required the person to call upon me the next morning: nor did ever one single instance occur of a person daring to refuse my mandate. On several occasions stones were thrown in at the windows, and the offenders escaped; but on one instance, a young man, the very minute after he had broken the window, came in. I took immediate measures to secure him, and charged the act upon him; upon which, conceiving himself detected, he acknowledged the truth of the allegation. About this time the disturbances had risen to such a height, that it was necessary I should make atn example. I therefore laid the matter before the vice-chancellor, who, far beyond my most sanguine expectations, acknowledged the enormity of the offence, and offered to proceed with the culprit in any way I should require. I did not wish to hurt the young man, but it was indispensably necessary that I should act in a way that should intimidate all the young men in the University. Unless they should be reduced to order, I must entirely lay aside my lectures, both on the Sunday and Thursday evenings; but as such a sacrifice would be most injurious to the cause of God in the whole town, I determined either, as we say, to kill or cure. I required that the offender should read, in the midst of the congregation, a public acknowledyment written by myself; and this the young man did on the following Sunday evening, begging pardon of the congregation for having disturbed them, and thanking me for my lenity, in not having proceeded

rnst him with the rigor which his offence deserved. The ‘ch was very full of gownsmen; and the young man, in the most conspicuous place in the church, read the acknowledgment immediately after the prayers; and because he, as might have been expected, did not read it so that all the congregation might

54 DI8TU&BANCE8 AT TRINITY CHURCV. [CBAF. ▼•

distinctly hear it, I ordered him to deliver me the paper, and then myself read it in the most audible manner before tnem all.”

Before the apology was read by the young man, Mr. Simeon made this prefatory address’* to the congregation:

“It is with extreme concern that I now call vour attention to a circumstance of a very distressing nature. The greater part of jrou who are here present have oeen frequent witnesses of the mterruptions, which we have experienced in public worship. We have long borne with the most indecent cohduct from those, whose situation in life should have made them sensible of the heinousness of such offences. We have seen persons coming into this place in a state of intoxication; we have seen them walking about the aisles, notwithstanding there are persons appointed to show them seats; we have seen them coming in and going out, without the smallest reverence or decorum; we have seen them insulting modest persons, both in and after divine service: in short, the devotions of the congregation have been dis* turbed by almost every species of ill-conduct; yet I have exercised forbearance; till those of the highest respectability in the University have justly blamed me for it. But I have been averse to make an example; nor is it without the greatest reluctance, that Inow call forth a young man of liberal education to make a public acknowledgment. But the necessity of the case requires it: my duty to God, my regard for the welfare of immortal souls, yea, my concern for the honor of the University, compel me to exert myself, and to call in the aid of the higher powers. Nothing, I can truly say, could be more painful to me; but I hope and trust that this one example will prevent the necessity of any other in future.”

The offender then read the following apology:

“I, of College in this University, sensible of the

great offence I have committed in disturbing this congregation on Thursday last, do, by the express order of the vice-chancellor, thus pubndy beg pardon of the minister and congregation; and I owe it only to the lenity of Mr. Simeon, that the vice-chancellor has not proceeded against me in a very different manner; for which lenity I am also ordered by the vice-chancellor thus publicly to acknowledge my obligation to Mr. Simeon: and I do now promise never to offend in like manner again.”

“During this time the utmost curiosity prevailed; all standing up upon the forms and seats; but there was at the same time an awe upon all: and I then went up into the pulpit, and preached from those words, Gal. vi. 7, 8, Be not deceived; God is not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap,’ &c. My sermon was heard with the deepest attention; and for a long time my enemies were all subdued before me. I have sometimes doubted whether I was not guilty of undue severity in reading the paper a second time myself; but when I consider the ex- (AAf v.] ‘bibtuxbanoes at teinitt chdech* 55

tremity to which I was reduced, and the dreadful altemative to which I must resort, in case the misconduct of the young men was not effectually checked, I am disposed to think that I did right. It was God’s cause alone that I vindicated, and for him alone I acted: and when I reflect that the interests of immortal souls, during the whole remainder of my life, were at stake, I think the importance of the object to be attained justified the measure to which I resorted for the attainment of it. And I feel persuaded that, if a dissenting place of worship were disturbed Sabbath after Sabbath as my church was, the whole nation would acknowledge, not the justice only, but the lenity also of the pun-’ ishment that was inflicted.

.There was one particular instance, in which a degree of severity on my part was attended with the happiest effects. Two young men, now blessed servants of the Most High God, came into my church in a most disorderly way: and, as usual, I fixed my eyes upon them with sternness, indicative of my displeasure. One of them was abashed; but the other, the only one that ever was daring enough to withstand my eye, looked at me again with undaunted, not to say with impious confidence, refusing to be ashamed. I sent for him the next morning, and represented to him the extreme impiety of his conduct, contrasting it with that of those who were less hardened; and warning him Whom it was that he thus daringly defied; (* He that despiseth you, despiseih me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me:’). and I enjoined him never to come into that church again, unless he came in a very different spirit. To my surprise, I saw him there again the following Sunday; but with a more modest countenance; and from that time he continued to come, till it pleased God to open his eyes and to lead him into the full knowlege of the Gospel of Christ; and in a year or two afterwards he became a preacher of that faith which he once had despised.*

‘* Besides these difiiculties from the University, I have at times found interruptions fiom the town also, who, seeing the conduct of the gownsmen, have been but too ready to follow their exampie. But with these it was easy enough to cope. The laws of the land upheld me in reference to them, (the University men were amenable only to their own statutes, and punishable only in their own court,) and those I put in force on severqil occasions, at least so far as to make the offenders beg pardon in the public papers, and give a sum of money to be distributed to the poor of my parish in bread. On one occasion, (Nov. 1810,) when a captain in a volunteer corps and a banker of, had disturbed

As this narrative aprees preciaelr with the account Mr. S. would often give of the remaikahle change, effected under similar circumstances, in twb members of his own college; there can be no doubt that the persons here referred to were those two eminently devout men and his attached friends, — Richard Godlejr, and the honored biographer of Henij Martyn — John Sargent

56 DISTURBANCES AT TRINITY CHURCH., [oHAP. V.

the congregation, and refused to humble himself for his offence, I committed lum to the public jail, and confined him there two days and niffhts; and would have proceeded to the full extent of the law, if he had not at last relented and begged pardon for his fault. In matters of a personal nature, I thank God, I am not conscious of having in any instance been vindictive; but in the cause of God I have ever felt, and do still feel it my indispensable duty to be firm.”

The firmness which Mr. Simeon had displayed in repressing these outrages in his church, was not found deficient when needed against offenders in his college. His year of service as Dean of Arts being expired, he was elected (Nov. 1790) to the highest oflice which he could hold as a fellow, that of vice-provost. During the next long vacation, in the absence of the provost, he had occasion to exert his authority in a painful and delicate case of college-discipline. The offender was a fellow of the college, and his sehior in standing: he had already been sent away for misconduct, and having returned without the requisite permission, was reported as conducting himself in town in the most violent and disgraceful manner. Mr. Simeon immediately entered upon the business with his usual vigor and prudence; and having succeeded in repressing the offender, and gaining “the hearty approbation” of the college, he had the pleasure of communicating the satisfactory result to the provost. —” Knowing the concern which you at all times feel for the welfare of the college, I think it incumbent on me to transmit to you an account of whatever may appear to deserve your notice. Without any further apology, therefore, I embrace the earliest opportunity of laying before you what has lately been done with respect to an unhappy member of our society. Mr. on Saturday last came to Cambridge, and as he endeavored to procure rooitis in college, he intended, I suppose, to make some stay here. As soon as I knew of it, I conlSulted with Dr. Glynn on the steps proper to be taken, in order to prevent his continuance amongst us. The other ofiScers who are residdht highly disapproved his coming hither, under the present circumstances of disgrace, but did not take any part in his removal. Having, however, their hearty approbation, though not, as might have been wished, their active concurrence.

Dr. 6. and myself waited upon Mr. at the Bull Inn, and

asked him whether he had the provost’s permission to return. Being answered in the negative, we pressed upon him the neces-* sary inference, viz. that he was come hither in direct opposition to your order; we informed him that the college were utterly averse to such a measure, and expected that he should not attempt to frustrate your jui and lenient sentence, more especially, as there was no prospect of his amendment. Without gainsaying, he promised not to come into college, or to remain in the University above two or three days, in which time he should have fin-CBAP. v.] HIS CONDUCT AS VIGB-PB0V08T. 57

ished some business which he was come to settle. Instead, howeyer» of departing according to his promise, he was in a state of intoxication on Wednesday last, and went about like a maniac to diflferent shops, behaving in a very improper manner, and frightening many persons, both men and- women, with a pistol. By these means a number of people were collected, and made spectators both of his and our disgrace. Yesterday, as soon as it came to my ears, Dr. 6. and myself called upon him, and after expostulating with him a little on his conduct, told him that he must remove from college before twelve o’clock this day, or we should be under the disagreeable necessity of proceeding against him according to statute. In consequence of this he returned to London this morning; and I have the satisfaction of finding that my fellow-officers and Dr. Stevenson are much pleased, both with the effect which has been produced, and the means which have been used to accomplish it. If what has been done meets with your approbation also, it will be an additional happiness to,” Honored sir, ‘* Your most obliged and obedient servant,

“C. Simeon.”
“Augusts, 1791.”

The provost replies: —

My dear V. P., —

Nothing could be more proper than your immediate interposition, and inquiry whether his return was by permission or not, and in consequence your firm refusal of admitting him; and yourself and Dr. Glynn will ever have my hearty thanks for your prudent and spirited conduct. * I cannot doubt of your care in this and every other respect; and it is a high satisfaction to me, under my absence, that I have so faithful a representative. Pray never -use any apology in writing to me either on the public account, or your own, if you should have any occasion., * *

I am, dear sir,
Your very faithful and affectionate servant,

“Wm. Cooke.”

Mr. S. was re-elected in November vice-provost for the following year.

Among the students who came up to the University in the month of October, 1702, was a young man of Magdalene Col-’ lege, with whom Mr. Simeon was soon after connected in bonds of the most affectionate and hallowed friendship. Thomas Thomason, at that early period of his life, was eminent as much for piety as mental attainments, and happily found in the tutors of tiis college — the Rev. William Parish and the Rev. Henry Jowett — everything that a pupil could desire for his intellectual and

58 OHARAOTBIL OF HIS LIFB AITO M IWIBTRT. [cHAf T*

spiritual improvement. But highly as he appreciated these advantages within the precincts of tiis college, there were others of a peculiar nature, of which he was but too happy to avail himself* in the public ministry and private superintendence of Mr. Simeon. In a letter to Mrs. Thornton-, he writes: — “Mr. Simeon watches over us as a shepherd over his sheep. He takes delight in instructing us, and has us continually at his rooms. He has nothing to do with us as it respects our situation at college. His Christian love and zeal prompt him to notice us.” And writing to his mother, he says: — “God has heaped upon me more favors than ever. Mr. Simeon has invited me to his Sunday evening lectures. This I consider one of the greatest advanta£;es f ever received. The subject of his lectures is natural and revealed religion. These he studies and puts together with much pains and attention. He reads the fruit of his labors to us, and explains it. We write after him. He then dismisses us with prayer.” A few extracts from Mr. Thomason’s letters to his mother about this period will illustrate the effect of Mr. S.’s ministry and example upon the young men who were now gathering round him.

Jan. 20, 1794. “I shall send to town next Friday my little book of extracts from Mr. Simeon’s sermons. I had two reasons for sending it; the first, because I knew your tenderness, and that anything coming from your son would be acceptable; the second, in order to give you some idea of the spiritual and profitable tendency of dear Mr. Simeon’s sermons; whose kindness to us exceeds all bounds, and whose example is such as we shall do well to imitate, when God in his providence shall place us in the Church. It may give you, I say, some idea; but a very faint one; for they are loose observations written down as I recollected them, on my return from church. His sermons are very useful and bold. It is astonishing how free he is from all fear of man. In this respect his character is shining. Although his congregation of a Sunday evening is composed partly of persons who come to scoff, yet he never spares them, but declares faithfully the whole counsel of God. What evidences his zeal in the cause of God more perhaps than anything else, is, that after laboring and laboring for his young men, that his lectures may be as profitable as possible, he then kneels down and thanks God, that he makes him in any degree useful to his * dear — dear young servants.’ This should be a great spur to us, that we may co-operate as it were with him, and live in continual dependence upon, and communion with God; that thus, by every effort in our power, aided by the grace and assistance of God, ‘we may at length realize his wishes concerning us.”

Feb. 1794. “There are many Christians in this town in Mr. Simeon’s loving society, whose faith is lively, and whose experience is as deep in divine things, as any perhaps you ever met with. He has above one hundred whom he considers as his flock.

€VAP* ▼•] OHASAOTBB OP HIS JdrE AND MINISTRY. S9

whom he has reason to believe the Lord hath called and blessed: these he pays every attention to; not to mention that he is continuaily visiting them, he meets them every week by themselves in a room in the town, which he has hired for the purpose. On these occasions he exhorts them in a close and heart-searching manner, and enters into the more deep and spiritual parts of religioiL I have lately become acquainted with some of his hearers, with whom I spend now and then some very agreeable hours.

* * * Mr. Simeon once visited Mr. Fletcher, at Madely, and the account he gives of his visit is truly delightful. As soon as he entered his house, and told him that he was come to see him, as his journey lay that way, Mr. Fletcher took him by the hand, and brought him into the parlor, where they spent a few minutes in prayer, that a blessing might rest upon his visit. As soon as they had done prayer, Mr. Fletcher asked him if he would preach for him. After some hesitation M^. Simeon complied; and away they went to church. Here Mr. Fletcher took up a bell, and went through the whole village ringing it, and telling every person he met, that they must come to church, for there was a clergyman from Cambridge come to preach to them. The account which Mr. Simeon gives of his behavior, during the >7hole of his visit, gives one an equal idea of his goodness and zeal for the cause of God. He came to a smith’s shop, in the’ course of one of their walks together during the period, and could not forbear entering it. And here it is astonishing how he spoke to the several persons who were laboring in it. To one of them, who was hammering upon the anvil, * On,* says he, pray to God that he may hammer that hard heart of yours.’ To another, that was heating the iron, ‘Ah, thus it is that God tries his people in the furnace of affliction.’ And so he went round, giving to every one a portion suitable to the business in which he was engaged. To another, when a furnace was drawing, *See, Thomas, if you can make such a furnace as that, think what a furnace God can make for ungodly souls.’”

March 17, 1794. “Mr. Simeon has given another instance of his generosity and patriotism. A subscription has been and is now on foot, for raising a volunteer militia company, to be stationed in this place. Mr. Simeon, as soon as he heard of it, laid down twity guineas. His church brings him in, in all, not forty pounds a year; and if they would not let me preach, I would give them forty pounds to make them do it,’ says he. He is a man of wonderful zeal and generosity, and in every respect an ornament to his profession. The more we see of him, the more are we filled witn admiration of his maiw Christian graces.”

August 9, 1794. “I recollect once Marsden’s telling me of a remarkable instance in that dear man of God, Mr. Simeon. Mr. Marsden, you know, was his intimate friend, and had access to him even in his most retired moments. He told me that he called’

60 CHABACTER OF HIS LIFE AND MINIflTRT. [CHAP. ▼•

once upon him, and found him so absorbed in the contemplation of the Son of God, and so overpowered with a display of his mercy to his soul, that, full of the animating theme, he was inca-. pable of pronouncing a single word: at length, after an interval, with accents big he exclaimed, * Glory! glory 1 glory!’ The relation of this affected me much, I remember; and I asked myself* Why I was so much a stranger to it? Why such coldness in my soul? If I love, why am I thus? You see a pattern of Christian zeal and fervency in that man of God, but what do you pretend to? — You have neither part nor lot in the matter.’ Such were my reasonings; these led soon to discouragement, and the enemy suggested, “i ou are yet in the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity ;* for certainly I thought that profession of religion is vain, which is not built on the present possession of its joys. Sunday evening came, when we were to attend his lecture; I went witK a heavy heart. *If Mr. Simeon,’ I said to myself, ‘who is so full of religious joy, and so flourishing in his soul, knew me and my barrenness, he would not suffer me to enter into his presence.’ Such was my feeling, when on coming to him I found this child of God in tenfold more misery than myself; he could scarcely discourse now from a deep humiliation and contrition; humbled before God, he could only cry out, * My leanness — my leanness P. and, striking on his breast, utter the publican’s prayer. This was the reverse of the scene; I now perceived that God dispenses his favors when and how he pleases; that he suits his dispensations to our several states and wants, and that the safest method we can take is to be * sober and vigilant’ — to watch unto prayer;’ that discouragements should not arise from occasional dimculties; but that we should consider the religious life subject to those vicissitudes which we observe in the natural. As in the one, summer and winter alternately refresh and destroy, yet are both equally necessary; so in the other, joys and sorrows are equally the portion of the good, but they are very necessary; and, after all, the word of God declares, ‘The righteous hath hope in his death.’” The observations of this young student are confirmed and illus-^ trated by the following letter of Mr. Simeon to the Rev. Mr. Stillingfleet of Hotham, (1795.)

My very dear Friend and Brother, —

“I purposed to answer your kind letter, when I could beg your acceptance of your Communion Hymn in print; it is just come out, and I have a whole packet now before me to send off to different friends. I feel myself extremely indebted to you for your love; and hope my gratitude may discover itself in the best manner; not in words, but in remembrances of you, when sitting down at the table of our Lord. If your hymn conduce (as I trust it will) to elevate my soul towards heaven, it cannot well fiiil to remind me of the obligations I owe to you, and to God for

OUF. v.] CHABAOTER OP HI8 UFE AND MINISTRY. 61

you. But I find that an exceedingly close walk with God is necessary for the maintaining of fervor in intercession; sometimes an extraordinary sense of want may beget fervor in our petitions, or a peculiar mercy enliven our grateful acknowledgments; but it is scarcely ever that we can intercede with fervor unless we enjoy an habitual nearness to God. There have been seasons when the Lord has a little enlarged my heart in this particular; but they have been rare; and I have found so little of it for these two or three years past, that I am quite ashamed of myself, and afiraid to say, I will pray for any one. Indeed, from a consciousns of my weakness in this respect, I never go further than to say to those who desire a remembrance in my prayers, I hope I shall be enabled to do so.’ This I can freely confess to you, because God has endued you with a sympathizing spirit; and I am the rather led to do it, because it is but too plain that you think of me far above what I really am. Indeed, so far forth as a dissatbfaction on account of this is a mark of grace, I hope I may without presumption say, that I am under a gracious influence; but there is nothing which I more condemn in others, or feel more strongly in myself, than a proneness to rest in the mere act of complaining, without getting my complaints removed. It is well that our fellow-creatures do not know us as God knows us, or even as we know ourselves; for they could not possibly bear with 08: but the patience of God is infinite; and therefore, vile beyond all expression as I feel myself to be, I find a kind of complacency in saying, * Let me fall into the hands of God, for his mercies are great.’ Nevertheless, if I thought that I should always continue what I know myself to be at present, I should dread to have my existence protracted any longer. But I live in hope; I know that be who quickened the dead can heal the diseased. I trust he has done something towards healing me already in many respects: on a retrospect, I hope I can find that in the space of several years I have gained a little (though but a little) ground. I think that I know more of myself than I once did; and that on the whole I desire more than ever, to spend and be spent for the Lord. But oh! what a blank I or, I should rather say, what a blot is my whole life! God knoweth that I loathe myself, and that because I cannot loathe myself more. The Lord send us better days! What joy it would afford me, my dear brother, to see your face again, and to hold sweet fellowship with you 1 Could I accomplish it consistently with my duty, I am persuaded I could not force my hand to write * No.’ But I have three sermons on the Sabbath; and shall, in a. week or two, have one on a week-day also, besides my private lecre, &c., &c. I must therefore lay aside all thoughts of being absent again on a Sunday, unless some filend that is both able and willing shall stand in my place. The Lord mercifully endues me with an ability to endure labor; my bow, through his goodness, hitherto abides in strength; and I am,

62 CHAftAOTEK OF HIS LIFE AND KIVIBTRY. [CHAF* V.

upon principle, paying all the attention to my health that I possibly can. I have a great work before me, and much encouragement. Multitudes of gownsmen attend — prejudices wear awav — the godly go on well. What can I wish for more to stimulate me? O that I had a mind to the work! such I mean as I ought to have! then we might hope that the building would be carried up quicker. However (thanks be to Gk)d!) though ’ we are faint, we are yet pursuing.’ I have had two young Scotch ministers to dine with me to-day. They brought a letter to me from Edinburgh; and I have unspeakable cause for thankfulness that they did: God has been with us in a more especial manner. Surely some have unawares entertained angels! Dear Mr. Venn is much as usual: if his eye waxes dim, his heart does not wax cold. God is very abundantly gracious unto him. Grace and peace be multiplied to you, my much honored, and most beloved brother, and with all my dear brethren in your parts. Yours, &c.,

«C. SlMEOW.**

On a blank leaf of his small pocket-book for this year, Mr. S. has written the following passages of Scripture for his private meditations:

The sorrows of my heart are enlarged: O! bring, &c — Why art thou cast down — When my heart is overwhelmed. Ac, lead me to the Rock, <fec. — Rebuke me not in thine — Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; hear me speedily for my spirit fails — The waters come in unto my soul: I sink in the deep mire where is no standing — Bring my soul out of prison, that 1 may praise thy name — Make me to know the things that are freely given to me of God — Not stagger through unbelief; but bold fast the beginning of my confidence firm — Be surety for thy servant, &c., — ^1 am oppressed, undertake for me.’

“To the Rev. J. Venn.

“Jan. 8, 1705.

^’ I. promise myself much pleasure in seeing you soon, and trust that our God will be with us, and make our hearts to bum within us. But with respect to preaching for you, I am dis-’ tracted betweeen love and fear: my love prompts me to come and say, Let me strengthen your hands, if possible, by bearing my testimony to the truths you deliver.’ My fear makes me draw back, lest any expression or gesture of mine should give offence, and I should grieve one, whom my soul most ardently desires to please. I therefore, on the whole, feel inclined to ex« cuse myself; though of this I am dermined, that (God enabling me) I will, if I ever should preach for you again, cut off all possible occasion of offence, both in word and action; for I am utterly purposed that my mouth shall not offend. I wish to consult you about Jenks’s volume of Prayers: you

GBAP. y.] CHARACTBft OF HIS LIFB AND MINESTBT. 68

are no stranger to them: you know how much they need altera* tion, and how invaluable they would be if well altered. I have taken a good deal of pains to improve them: but I cannot judge what opinion another would form of the alterations. Some perhaps would think I had injured instead of improving them. If you will compare a few of them I will bring my copy with me to town, and implicitly rely (as I know I may well do) on your judgment: if you say, ‘Go on, I will (d. v.) finish them. If you tell me any one that will undertake the task, I will relinquish it If what I have done do not meet your approbation, I shall be satisfied with having made an attempt, however unsuccessful.”

[Several editions of this improved Collection of Prayers have been published.]

To the same.

“.Feb. 7, 1795.

Many things have concurred to prevent my intended visit to the metropolis for the present; and the plan which I laid for the supply of my church has not answered according to my

wishes. I wished to act with all imaginable delicacy to Mr..

I have indeed, for the first time in these many years, taken a sermon of another, and preached it in my own church in the afternoon; and as I was walking with him aflerwards, I told him it was yours — he did not, however, take the hint: of course therefore, my plan is at an end. You have been expected at Yelling, or are expected this month. It has occurred to me that you may find the same difficulty as myself with respect to a supply for one Sunday; and that an exchange might be a mutual accommodation. But if you cannot fully rely on me for supplying your place agreeably to vour own wishes, I would on no account whatever make the exchange. But I should suppose that my last letter to you on this subject, has. superseded the necessity of exchanging one word more upon it. I know your wishes, and you know my mind. I am not at all solicitous about coming to town; and therefore wish you to consider this proposal solely as a plan for mutual accommodation; and not as a plan which I wish to be adopted merely on my own account

“P. S. — I received a letter from Mr. Miles Atkinson last week, wherein he proposes that Friday evenings, about nine o’clock, should be appropriated to the work of intercession on behalf of the nation, under its present difficulties and dangers; and I was desired by him to inform my friends, that this time was agreed upon by many religious people; and to promote, as far as possible, a correspondent plan amoito my friends. O that God would stir up all our hearts to prayer! It would be a more favorable omen for us than anything in the world.”

During the spring of 1795 the attention of Mr. Simeon appears

64 CHARACTSE OF HIB LIFK AND MINISTRY. [OHAP. V.

to have been drawn once more to the great subject of missions to the heathen. He had been present at a clerical meeting on the 6th and 7th of May, held at Rev. Mr. Pugh’s, the incumbent of Rauceby in Lincolnshire, where he met the Rev. T. Robinson of Leicester* and the Rev. S. Knight of Halifax. ‘* At this meeting Mr. Pugh stated that the sum of £4000 had been left by the Rev. Mr. Jane (an intimate friend of the late Mr. Adams of Wintnngham,) to be laid out by Mr. Pugh to the best advantage to the interests of true religion; and the opinion of the meeting was asked, whether the money might be most advantageously given to any scheme already in progress, or to any new object at home or abroad? If to the last, * the thing desirable seems to be, to send out missionaries.’ It was determined that the propriety and practicability of this suggestion should be discussed at the next meeting.“* On the 30th of September and the following day the adjourned meeting was held at Rauceby as before; at which fourteen clei-gymen were present, the Rev. S. Knight acting as chairman. The discussion was begun upon this question: “Is it practicable to send out a missionary? — and when? — and how can it be done to the greatest advantage?” The question was at length proposed in the following terms: ‘’ Is it practicable and expedient to form an Institution for educating young men professedly with a view to their becoming missionaries under the sanction of the Established Church?” Mr. Simeon’s notes on the subject are till preserved, drawn up with his usual precision and clearness, in two parallel columns, headed, “For,”” Against.** Under the former head his remarks are arranged in the following order: —

1. There is no good to be done without difficulties, and this is worth the trial.

2. Far greater difficulties have been surmounted by other societies — e. g, Moravians. ’

3. We are to be contented to do what can be done in existing circumstances.

4. Good may be done thus, which would otherwise be left undone.

5. There is reason to hope that government would be friendly.

6. We might hope for the assistance of the Bartlett’s Buildings Society.

7. The letter of (Dr. Porteus) the Bishop of London (who must ordain them) to Mr. Knight, has declared his willingness to patronize, and send out a young man from the EUand Society as a missionaj-y to the West India islands.

8. We should roll away the reproach of loving ease from the evangeUcal clergy of the Establishment.

See die Appendix to Mr. VeDii’s Sennon belbie refened to.

CUP* ▼•] OOHBTBIKATION OV THB 8UBJBCT OV MIBSIOIVS. 6S

9. Penons educated expressly with a view to the work of missionaries miht be hoped to be better qualified.

10. Some would answer the professed end, and the others might be profitably employed at home.

11. Many missionaries have been sought for to ffo out in the Establishment, and none have been found willing to leave their situations. This was ured against

12. It might facilitate the admission of missionaries into places where they could not otherwise come, or not with such advantage. Query — 13 this true?

IS. Is there not something of this kind established with a view to the Highlands of Scotland, and does it not succeed?

14. We have at least as much reason to expect the Divine blessing in answer to prayers when means are used, as when no means are used.

Against

1. Finding young men of sufficient zeal would be difficult; and there would be danger of their not continuing in the same, mind.

2. Confining our views to the Church of England seems too narrow, if we have in view the good of souls in foreign parts.

3. Greater good could be done with the same money.

4. Some institution for the instruction of the people at home might be tnore practicable and more profitable.

5. It cannot be expected that temporal governments should further our plan to the extent we wish.

0. Th first preachers of the Gospel succeeded without the protection of civil powers.

7. it is inexpedient to consume three or four years in qualifying men for missionaries, when they do not need those qualifica-* tions, and when others without them have done good. Query — need they so long a time? Or need they be taught Latin and Greek?

8. Scholastic preparation might destroy the simplicity required in a missionary, with respect to address, conduct, &c.

9. The first propagators ot the Gospel were not so educated.

10. The grand requisites for a missionary are not to be conferred by education: and if possessed, supersede the necessity of education.

11; A missionary should be an established minister or Christian, and not a novice.

12. It would be inexpedient, unless they were taught the language of the place whither they were to be sent Query — do the Moravians, or any other do this?

M OONBIDBRATION OF THB 01TBJBCT OF MISSIONB. [oHAF. T.

18. We may expect the blessing of God as much on means

already instituted, as on any new institutions. At the end of these notes Mr. S. has written.: — The further consideration of this adjourned to our next meeting; when the practicability of sending out missionaries, with the place where, and mannet how, is to-be discussed.” Agreed: — “That we solicit the Societies at EUand, Hotham, and London, to deliberate upon this subject; and to communicate to us the result of their deliberations previous to our next meeting.” On the 8th of Feb. 1796, the subject was again brought under the consideration of the Eclectic Society in London; the Question being proposed by Mr. Simeon in these terms: — ^•With what propriety, and in what mode, can a mission be attempted to the heathen from the Established Church? Mr. Simeon stated the circumstances connected with the legacy of £4000, and the discussion at Rauceby. There were seventeen members present, and ten took part in the discussion. The majority were not prepared to recommend any immediate measures, beyond the education of young men for this special purpose, either by the EUand or some other society. The difficulty of procuring proper men — the lincertainty of obtaining the sanction of the heads of the Church — the fear of interfering with the Societies for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and for the Propagation of the Gospel — the need of zealous ministers at home — were severally insisted upon. By some it was proposed that a memorial on the subject should be presented to the bishops, and to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Not more than two or ‘three of those present on this occasion seem to have thought that something more miht be attempted; and that the sending of missionaries abroad, mstead of lessening the work at home, would (as the Rev. J Scott expressed himself) ’ set things stirring — set up a spirit of prayer.’ In the manuscript notes of the Rev. Basil Woodd, one of the members present, a remark hasp been added, in his own handwriting, but oi a later date than the rest —

This conversation proved the foundation of the Church Missionary Society.’”