Description
Charles Simeon of Cambridge: Silhouettes and Skeletons
Charles Simeon (1759-1836) had unparalleled influence on the Church in England and around the world. He was born in the same year as both William Pitt the Younger, and his good friend William Wilberforce, also a member of the Clapham Sect. John Stott described himself as 'a Simeon man' and took the words of Simeon's memorial plaque for his own headstone.
This unique collection of material includes an overview of Simeon's ministry in Cambridge and several serendipities, unearthed in Cambridge University Library. It also contains the names and descriptions of the famous Simeon silhouettes by Edouart Augustin. (The hard copy also includes a pullout concertina of the silhouettes, available nowhere else, all ready for framing.)
What was Simeon's advice to students on how to get a good degree? What was his link with the Bronte sisters - and through them to Jeanette Winterson? How was his funeral service commemorated 70 years after the event by the only remaining choirboy still alive?
Simeon's curate, Henry Martyn, sailed to India in 1812. He was to die a young man and Simeon's tribute to him shows how dear a son in the faith he was. Simeon hung Henry Martyn's portrait on the wall, and would say to his guests: 'What a countenance! No-one looks at me like he does - he never takes his eyes off me; and seems always to be saying "Be serious - be in earnest. Don't trifle - don't trifle." And I won't trifle - I won't trifle.'
Includes a walking map of Simeon's Cambridge, a conversation with John Wesley, a photo of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge in 1803, and of his famous teapot; plus 3,000 words of endnotes for readers wanting to make connections with points in evangelical history over the past 250 years.