Charles Simeon of Cambridge

by Hugh Evan Hopkins

Charles Simeon, who ministered for over fifty years in one parish at the heart of Cambridge during the bleak period of English national life between the French Wars and the passing of the Reform Bill, was considered by Lord Macaulay to have had greater influence on the life of the church than any Primate.

As a Christian of independent mind and strong convictions, he found his spiritual strength in a life-time of deep devotion and strict personal discipline; as a Biblical preacher he was the first for many generations to see the possibility and importance of teaching men how to expound the Scriptures; as a pastor and evangelist his work with both town and gown was marked by a rare faithfulness and zeal.

"A brilliant biography. I can only think in superlatives.... This book will be the definitive biography in any conceivable future." -- Dr. Max Warren

Genres: Biography, History

236 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1977

Reviews

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written, engaging, and encouraging biography! I could sense the author's bias coming out when it came to matters of inerrancy of Scripture, as well as other things in his time. I also wish that it went more sequentially through his life, instead of jumping around. Still, worth a read.

[Johns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly readable biography of long-serving, influential Cambridge minister of the Gospel, Charles Simeon.

[Charles Puskas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-documented biography of a leading British evangelical pastor of the early 1800s. He was a long-time pastor of Trinity Church, Cambridge, UK, a life-long Anglican. A friend of William Wilberforce and mentor to many dozens of evangelical pastors and missionaries. He was an expository preacher who stayed clear of many Calvinist and Arminian controversies as well as political controversies (although he quietly supported the end of slavery). He was himself a Tory. Reflecting Puritan concerns he refrained from such "worldly amusements" such as card-playing, the theater, and social dancing. He became a devout Christian reflecting on the words of the Communion liturgy "this is my body given for you... this is my blood shed for you."

Dr. Max Warren: Charles Simeon, who ministered for over fifty years in one parish at the heart of Cambridge during bleak period of English national life between the French Wars and the passing of the Reform Bill, was considered by Lord Macaulay to have had greater influence on the life of the church than any Primate. As a Christian of independent mind and strong convictions, he found his spiritual strength in a life-time of deep devotion and strict personal discipline; as a Biblical preacher he was the first for many generations to see the possibility and importance of teaching men how to expound the Scriptures; as a pastor and evangelist his work with both town and gown was marked by a rare faithfulness and zeal. "A brilliant biography. I can only think in superlatives.... This book will be the definitive biography in any conceivable future." --

[Hunter Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography greatly encouraged me to persevere in ministry. Charles Simeon was greatly opposed in ministry. Some of it was due to his own mistakes, but much of it was unjustified. Yet he kept serving, and he kept preaching. The end result of his ministry made the trials along the way seem completely worth it. My takeaway: Keep going.

[Nicholas Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look at an encouraging servant of God. His humanity, struggles, and ministry challenges are helpfully covered in this bio. At times, the book dragged a bit, but overall still quite good.