That Christmas Evans was no bigot, might be inferred from the above
anecdote. But we have other and ampler evidence of his Christian
catholicity. He was a Baptist; and, with the rest of his brethren, a
strenuous advocate for exclusive immersion. He was a Calvinist, and
thought it very important to vindicate against Arminian views what are
sometimes called “the doctrines of grace.” But he was also a Christian,
and held all other Christians as brethren. He did not repudiate the
sincerely pious, because they could not say his “Shibboleth.” Kind,
candid, and ingenuous, he judged of things according to their real value
and importance, and appreciated true talent and virtue wherever he found
them. His creed was not; “I am of Paul;” nor, “I am of Apollos;” nor, “I
am of John the Baptist;” but, “We are all of Christ!” He was not blinded
by the senseless prejudice of sect. He was influenced less by the
peculiarities of his denomination than by the love of Christ. Many of
his warmest friends were ministers of other orders; and of the Methodists
and Congregationalists at Caernarvon, he made honorable mention in his
diary.
The most despicable reptile of the moral world is envy, the spirit that
prompted revolt in heaven, and hurled archangels down to hell. Yet it is
often found among Christians; among the ministers of a religion whose
very principle is charity. Some men, like king Saul, can never bear a
rival. If the thousands of Israel raise the voice and tune the lyre in
honor of some victorious David, the evil spirit comes upon them, and they
launch their javelins at the young anointed, and seek “to smite him even
to the wall.” From such feelings Mr. Evans was always free. His large
heart was utterly incapable of anything of the kind. He esteemed others
better than himself, and in honor preferred his brethren. Wherever he
discovered talent and sanctified ambition in a young preacher, he never
exerted an influence to hinder him, but heartily bade him God speed. He
did not deem it necessary to smite him on the head with a cudgel to keep
him in his place. He was not afraid that others would outshine him in
the pulpit. He would gladly have taken his place at the feet of any of
Christ’s ambassadors. He was willing to accord due praise to merit, not
only in the dead, but also in the living; not only in those of other
countries and other denominations, but also in those of his native
principality and the Baptist church. His immediate contemporaries and
neighbors were often the subjects of his highest encomiums. His heart
was as large as the world!
INGENUOUSNESS AND HONESTY.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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