Professor W. G. Elmslie, D.D.: Memoir and Sermons — John Shaqi
Professor W. G. Elmslie, D.D.: Memoir and SermonsElmslie, William Gray
Religion
Professor W. G. Elmslie, D.D.: Memoir and Sermons
Elmslie, William Gray
Elmslie, William Gray, 1848-1889; Sermons, English -- 19th century; Theologians -- Scotland -- Biography
"Am very much touched to hear about the poor Doctor. No matter what he
may have done, with his disordered brain and troubled home life, I had
rather go into the next world like him than like most of those who have
condemned, though there were even nothing more than that near the end he
tried a little to do right, and had a pitiful wish in his heart to be at
rest, and go back to his old mother, and live a Christian life. And if
it is really true that there is a heavenly Father who pities sinful men,
and a Christ who died to save them, then I think my mammy, in helping
him only but a little to better thoughts and hopes, did a greater thing
than most deeds men call great. Any way, she has the satisfaction of
having done kindly by an unfortunate man, and of knowing that it is all
well with him—unless, indeed, Christ was altogether mistaken. It is not
the first time, either, that she has done that sort of thing."
* * * * *
In 1880 he was appointed tutor of Hebrew in the Presbyterian College,
London, and carried on the work along with that of his congregation in
Willesden. He made himself very popular with the students, and when a
permanent appointment came to be made in 1883, he was unanimously
elected Professor of Hebrew. He writes: "It seems that the speeches of
Walton, Fraser, and Watson were just perfect, so earnest and generous,
and loving and hopeful. That put the Synod into a melting and happy
mood. All yesterday I felt very grave, and almost afraid. I see that a
very great thing, of good or evil, has happened in my life. God grant
that it may be for good."
Almost immediately after his appointment to the Professorship, he
married Kate, daughter of Mr. Alexander Ross, formerly Rector of the
Grammar School, Campbeltown. The home which he made first at Upper
Roundwood, Willesden, then at 31, Blomfield Road, Maida Vale, will ever
have the brightest associations for his friends. He had all the
qualities that fit a man to bless and grace married life. When his son
and only child was born it seemed as if he were drinking the richest
happiness of life in its fulness. I shrink from quoting words so sacred
and tender as these which I take from a letter to his wife, but I cannot
otherwise convey the full truth:—
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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