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
Dr. Elmslie had abundantly that charity which "rejoiceth not in
iniquity." It gave him real pain to hear of the mistakes and misfortunes
of men. Without a trace of jealousy, he delighted in any success or
happiness that came to his friends. Of all virtues he most admired
magnanimity, and when he was told of generous actions, his face would
glow with pleasure. To the spirit of malice and revenge he was always
and utterly opposed. Like other public men he was occasionally attacked;
the fancied breadth of his religious views excited animosity in certain
quarters and was at times the subject of anonymous letters. He would
regret that his critics did not know him better, and might show pain for
the moment, but it was soon past. He never in any way retaliated.
Dr. Elmslie had no dæmonic passion for literature. For books as books he
had no love, and this indifference disturbed some of his associates not
a little. When he had got out of a book what he could he exchanged it
for another. Hence his personal library was small, consisting mostly of
Oriental literature, and some favourite French and German works. But his
reading was wide, and he knew the best in everything. He was master of
French, German, Italian, and Dutch, and had a working knowledge of other
languages. Of his preferences in literature he did not often speak; when
he did he would say that to George Eliot and Goethe he owed much and
very much.
No one could be his friend without perceiving that he was through and
through a Christian. In his later years his doubts seemed completely
conquered. You saw nothing but the strength he had gained in overcoming
them. He held his faith with a certain large simplicity, but with
absolute conviction. Among all his attracting qualities the chief was
his great hope in God. He was indeed "very sure of God." Latterly, he
could hardly listen without impatience to gloomy forecasts of the
future. He believed that all was right with the world; that Christ was
busy saving it, and would see of the travail of His soul. Men prone to
darker thoughts loved him very much for that. No sickness, no bodily
suffering, ever altered this mood of trust and hope.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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