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Perfecting Others to Serve
Simpson was gifted in his ability to bring others into service alongside himself. Many of Simpson's co-workers came from those who had been converted through his efforts in the gospel. Concerning service, Simpson said, "There is no place for idlers and drones, and there is no excuse for the fruitless Christian. God has power and work for all who will yield themselves to Him for His service and glory."
Simpson and the Alliance endeavored to keep their focus on the one job of winning people to God. They held that the return of Christ depended upon a worldwide proclamation of the gospel. In order to help bring this about, they established a Bible and missionary training school in Nyack, New York, for special training of those going abroad as missionaries, as well as for those who would learn to serve at home. Simpson served as an overseer, continually prayed for those who were sent out, and directed their service in the field.
Ministering and Evangelizing
Simpson treasured the Bible as a portrait of Christ. He said, "I once saw a copy of the Constitution of the United States, very skillfully engraved in copper plate, so that when you looked at it closely it was nothing more than a piece of writing, but when you looked at it from a distance, it was the face of George Washington. The face shone out in the shading of the letters at a little distance, and I saw the person, not the words, nor the ideas. I thought, that is the way to look at the Scriptures and understand the thoughts of God; to see in them the face of love, shining through and through; not ideas, nor doctrines, but Jesus Himself as the Life and Source and sustaining Presence of all our life."
He had an utter love for the person of Jesus and was able to reach hearts for the Savior. Moody said of Simpson, "No man gets at my heart like that man." He enjoyed the presence of the indwelling Christ and was known to live what he preached. Tozer said that Simpson would make theology sing: "In his mouth doctrine became warm and living."
Publishing
Simpson established a publishing house, edited a weekly magazine for more than 40 years, published a missionary journal, and wrote over 70 books plus many tracts and booklets.
Hymn Writing
Simpson was also a prolific hymn writer. He wrote dozens of hymns and gospel songs. His hymns exalt the Lord's name, teach of the abiding life, minister the gospel, and stir hearts for gospel service. Through his hymns he was able to lead others into the deeper life. The hymns "O Lord, Breathe Thy Spirit on Me" and "Speak to the Rock, Bid the Waters Flow" are two examples. He also wrote hymns on dealing with the self and on living a crucified life. His hymns called thirsty ones to come to the fountain of life. He also wrote on the subject of spiritual warfare and of the glorious, coming King. Many hymnals include a selection of his hymns. Over 30 of Simpson's hymns are included in Hymns, published by Living Stream Ministry.
Simpson loved to close his messages with a stanza or two of song, which would sum up his burden. With few exceptions, his songs were simply sermons in verse. He was a master at coming up with Bible slogans. He would take a Bible phrase or one adapted from the Bible, such as "Jesus Only," and set it as a watchword for multitudes to sing.
Resting From His Work
In his last years much of Simpson's work shifted from his shoulders to those of younger, stronger brothers. In the spring of 1919 he suffered a slight stroke from which he recovered. On October 28, 1919, he fell into a coma after a time of prayer for all his missionaries. Simpson never rallied from this, and the next morning he finally rested from all his labors.
The Fourfold Gospel
Based on Simpson's experiences, four points were summarized and publicly conveyed as the distinctive teaching and convictions of his movement. These four points were Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and coming King.
Continued
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