God's grace on display

There are low points in everyone's job - discouragement, frustration, apathy. It is certainly true of my vocation - being a pastor.

Charles Simeon (1759-1836) was a pastor and a grand display of the grace of God in the life of a man. His life story has been a strong encouragement to me during low times.

Today is his 250th birthday (as is recognized here and here). You can read or listen to a good biography of him here.

I love how he pastored. Far from perfect, he did have his faults. Yet, I have learned much from him and have been greatly encouraged by his example in ministering at the same church for 54 years.

He, a strong Calvinist, had an interesting encounter with John Wesley, a staunch Arminian. I love his gracious approach as well as his focus on unity on what is ultimate. Here's the record of that meeting as recorded by Simeon:

Sir, I understand that you are called an Arminian; and I have been sometimes called a Calvinist; and therefore I suppose we are to draw daggers. But before I consent to begin the combat, with your permission I will ask you a few questions. Pray, Sir, do you feel yourself a depraved creature, so depraved that you would never have thought of turning to God, if God had not first put it into your heart?

Yes, I do indeed.

And do you utterly despair of recommending yourself to God by anything you can do; and look for salvation solely through the blood and righteousness of Christ?

Yes, solely through Christ.

But, Sir, supposing you were at first saved by Christ, are you not somehow or other to save yourself afterwards by your own works?

No, I must be saved by Christ from first to last.

Allowing, then, that you were first turned by the grace of God, are you not in some way or other to keep yourself by your own power?

No.

What then, are you to be upheld every hour and every moment by God, as much as an infant in its mother's arms?

Yes, altogether.

And is all your hope in the grace and mercy of God to preserve you unto His heavenly kingdom?

Yes, I have no hope but in Him.

Then, Sir, with your leave I will put up my dagger again; for this is all my Calvinism; this is my election my justification by faith, my final perseverance: it is in substance all that I hold, and as I hold it; and therefore, if you please, instead of searching out terms and phrases to be a ground of contention between us, we will cordially unite in those things where in we agree. (Moule, 79ff.)