Letter of Advice for Pastors taking a New Church
Here is a letter of encouragement to Charles Simeon, a young man taking a new and noteworthy post in the Church of England - Trinity Church in Cambridge (1782). He faced unusual and even illegal opposition from the start; opposition which lasted on and off for ten years.
At one point the churchwardens locked the church so that the people could not meet for an evening service and were left locked outside. People also locked their pews (church members rented seats annaually and had control of who could sit in them)to voice opposition to Simeon. Unmoved, Simeon made his own seats and filled the aisles with other people. He outlasted and won over the opposition, enjoying 54 years of faithful ministry in this perish.
The letter below was written as advice to Simeon from an older and wiser man. John Thornton was a well-respected Christian layman:
Dear Sir,
I was glad to hear the Books came so timely, and that the Bishop of Ely had sent you the presentation to Trinity Church; may a gracious God guide, direct and bless all your Ministrations, to the Redeemer's glory, and make you a blessing to many.
Permit me to use an uncommon freedom, and I hope you'll forgive me should you not be able to join issue in Sentiment with me. What I would recommend is to set off with only the usual Service that has been performed, as by that means I apprehend you'll gain upon the people gradually, and you can at any time increase your duty as you see occasion, and I should on the same principle advise against exhorting from House to House as heretofore you did. I assure you a subtle Adversary as often obtains his end by driving too fast as too slow and perhaps with religious people oftener.
Remember it is God who works and not you, and therefore if you run before the pillar and the cloud you will assuredly be bewildered.
The Lord ever was and ever will be with the small still voice, and therefore beware of noisy professors; they are far more to be dreaded than the Worldly-minded.
Watch continually over your own spirit, and do all in love; we must grow downwards in humility to soar Heavenward.
I should recommend your having a watchful eye over yourself, for generally speaking as is the Minister so are the people. If the Minister is enlightened, lively and vigorous, his Word will come with power upon many and make them so; if he is formal the infection will spread among his hearers; if he is lifeless, spiritual death will be visible thro the greatest part of the congregation; therefore if you watch over your own soul you may depend upon it your people will keep pace with you generally, or at least that is the way to the blessing.
It is sad tho' too common a mistake to be more regardful of others than ourselves, and we must begin at home; many regard watchfully the outward work and disregard that within.
Your Sermons should be written, well digested and becoming a Scholar, not over long but pithy, that those who seek occasion may find none except in the matter of your God.
May the God of all Grace grant unto us and all that are dear to us the repentance of Peter, the faith of Paul, and the love of John and be with you at all times and in all places and with
Dear Sir,
Your affectionate Friend
and hearty wellwisher,
John Thornton
From Charles Simeon, Pastor of A Generation by Handley Moule Christian Focus Publications pgs 38-39
At one point the churchwardens locked the church so that the people could not meet for an evening service and were left locked outside. People also locked their pews (church members rented seats annaually and had control of who could sit in them)to voice opposition to Simeon. Unmoved, Simeon made his own seats and filled the aisles with other people. He outlasted and won over the opposition, enjoying 54 years of faithful ministry in this perish.
The letter below was written as advice to Simeon from an older and wiser man. John Thornton was a well-respected Christian layman:
Dear Sir,
I was glad to hear the Books came so timely, and that the Bishop of Ely had sent you the presentation to Trinity Church; may a gracious God guide, direct and bless all your Ministrations, to the Redeemer's glory, and make you a blessing to many.
Permit me to use an uncommon freedom, and I hope you'll forgive me should you not be able to join issue in Sentiment with me. What I would recommend is to set off with only the usual Service that has been performed, as by that means I apprehend you'll gain upon the people gradually, and you can at any time increase your duty as you see occasion, and I should on the same principle advise against exhorting from House to House as heretofore you did. I assure you a subtle Adversary as often obtains his end by driving too fast as too slow and perhaps with religious people oftener.
Remember it is God who works and not you, and therefore if you run before the pillar and the cloud you will assuredly be bewildered.
The Lord ever was and ever will be with the small still voice, and therefore beware of noisy professors; they are far more to be dreaded than the Worldly-minded.
Watch continually over your own spirit, and do all in love; we must grow downwards in humility to soar Heavenward.
I should recommend your having a watchful eye over yourself, for generally speaking as is the Minister so are the people. If the Minister is enlightened, lively and vigorous, his Word will come with power upon many and make them so; if he is formal the infection will spread among his hearers; if he is lifeless, spiritual death will be visible thro the greatest part of the congregation; therefore if you watch over your own soul you may depend upon it your people will keep pace with you generally, or at least that is the way to the blessing.
It is sad tho' too common a mistake to be more regardful of others than ourselves, and we must begin at home; many regard watchfully the outward work and disregard that within.
Your Sermons should be written, well digested and becoming a Scholar, not over long but pithy, that those who seek occasion may find none except in the matter of your God.
May the God of all Grace grant unto us and all that are dear to us the repentance of Peter, the faith of Paul, and the love of John and be with you at all times and in all places and with
Dear Sir,
Your affectionate Friend
and hearty wellwisher,
John Thornton
From Charles Simeon, Pastor of A Generation by Handley Moule Christian Focus Publications pgs 38-39
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