I dedicate this post to my favorite Calvinist, John Lafayette Girardeau. Girardeau is not as well known as he ought to be. It is easier to remember someone if they left tomes to read through. His writings are somewhat scarce in comparison to a Spurgeon, and yet in his day not only was he known as the Spurgeon of America, those who had opportunity to listen to both men preach, regarded Girardeau as the better of the two.
He was born in 1825 to a Presbyterian family not far from Charleston S.C. His family attended a church as often as the doors were opened where they heard the doctrines of grace. Young Girardeau lost his mother at the age of seven. This lent him to a gentle and sympathetic temperament to other's pain, all his life. Another event that would mark his life was a powerful conversion experience at the age of 15. After months of wrestling with God, and intensive study of the scripture and other writings, he passed from death to life.
Upon finishing his studies at Columbia Theological Seminary, Girardeau was rooted and grounded in the Presbyterian Faith. He also became a Greek and Latin scholar as well as developing a philosophical interest and acumen. Yet, one of the things that so endears the man to me is that he was not self-promoting. His choices were made with an eye to please God and fulfill his duty. Acclaim and prestige in the eyes of man seemed to mean nothing at all to Girardeau. There were several opportunities where he was offered a more prestigious position of ministry in a larger church which would also have paid considerably more money. Yet, he always refused. He stated simply "I would rather accept $400.00 and a cabin in a county church of South Carolina than the $4,000.00 and the splendid manse in the magnificent city of Atlanta."
What kept Girardeau in such places? Three things. First, he possessed a love of state and native soil that is difficult for a northerner like myself to relate to. After serving several years in the confederate army in Virginia he literally kissed the dirt of South Carolina when he returned. Second, a sense of the call and providence of God in his appointments. Third, a very special affection for the low-country blacks that he spent much of his life ministering to. The black population of the low country was far less advantaged economically as well as spiritually. As Douglas Kelly states there "was a great deal more ignorance and practice of Voodoo." Thus they were Girardeau's mission field and his people.
Mind & Heart
Calvinist's have a reputation for being cold and overly cerebral. Many have no doubt heard of "cage stage" Calvinism. I don't know whether or not that phrase was invented by John Piper or not but I think I first heard it from him. What makes Girardeau such a great example of a man of God is the way his heart kept pace with his mind. I already mentioned his tremendous proclivity towards academic achievements. However, his primary focus was always knowledge applied, to the hearts of people. He would significantly augment his preaching style for the uneducated and simpler people who heard him. All pretense of style and sophistication was something he could easily part with if meant being understood.
One scene told by Girardeau himself seems to capture his soul nicely. He wrote this upon leaving one disadvantaged church for another "Upon leaving the church after the last, mournful service with them, and going to my vehicle, which was some hundred yards distant, a poor little native African woman followed me weeping and and crying out, 'O Massa, you goin' to leave us? O Massa, for Jesus' sake, don't leave us!' I had made an engagement with another church, or the poor little African's plea might have prevailed. When next I visited that people, I asked after my little African friend. 'She crossed over, sir,' was the answer. May we meet where parting will be no more, the song to Jesus never cease!"
As historian Douglas Kelly aptly puts the ideals of Southern Presbyterianism, Girardeau embodies that ideal more than any other I know "Thus at its very best, the traditional Southern Presbyterian mentality can be accurately described as combining two attitudes. One the one hand, there was immense respect for the highest intellectual, theological learning, manifested in the Presbyterian emphasis on higher education with a consequent channeling of significant resources to the building of schools and colleges. But secondly, there could be found personal heart religion, manifested in an unashamed devotion to Jesus, literal acceptance of scripture and thirsty longing for Spirit-sent revival."
Unction
If I had to put Girardeau into one word, the word would be unction. Many Christians today have lost the word unction. Modern translations most often substitute it with the modern equivalent "anointing." I don't fault them, that is the meaning. Yet, I do hope evangelicals and especially non-pentecostals appreciate and embrace what an older generation meant by unction regardless of what they call it. There are many great examples of his anointed ministry. One could tell of him bringing confederate army general Robert E. Lee to tears. Or perhaps it would be fitting to mention how after the civil war when riots broke out throughout the south, the city of Charleston was spared. The black rioters feared the vengeance of God upon them if they harmed the city where Girardeau, the man of God lived.
All of those would be good and truthful stories. I think those examples still leave one too comfortable with their theology. There are many peculiarities about the lives of men of God they defy easy categorization and explanation. So often we like to be able to label someone and put them into a nice tidy category. I believe for those who closely walk with God and live in the power of the Spirit, however, that will often be a frustrating task. This is one such example:
...One evening, while leading the people in prayer, he received a sensation as if a bolt of electricity had struck his head and diffused itself through his whole body. For a little while he stood speechless under the strange physical feeling. Then he said: 'The Holy Spirit has come; we will begin preaching tomorrow evening.' He closed the service with a hymn, dismissed the congregation, and came down from the pulpit; but no one left the house. The whole congregation had quietly resumed its seat. Instantly he realized the situation. The Holy Spirit had not only come to him - He had also taken possession of the hearts of the people. Immediately he began exhorting them to accept the Gospel. They began to sob, softly, like the falling of rain; then, with deeper emotion, to weepy bitterly, or to rejoice loudly, according to their circumstances. It was midnight before he could dismiss the congregation ... The meeting went on night and day for eight weeks. Large numbers of both white and black were converted and joined the various churches of the city. His own was wonderfully built up, not only in numbers, but also in an experience that remained in the church. He was accustomed to say that he could always count on those who were converted in that meeting.
Summary
If the modern reformed movement looked more like Girardeau, it would be less concerning. Sadly, it is often lacking all or most of the qualities that made Southern Presbyterianism a force for good. It is often more mind than heart, and while preaching the sovereignty of God, has little practical room for such work of the Spirit. There are those like Girardeau who make one want to be a Calvinist. Both his life and teaching are contagious. Yet, I will now begin to explain why I disagree with the doctrines embraced by this man and many others.
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