“In
looking back over the history of the Christian Church, and thinking of the
great men who have from time to time appeared on her stage, I cannot recall any
man who so brilliantly combined so many qualities of greatness as Thomas
Chalmers. We may find some men as
distinguished in certain properties, natural or acquired: in learning—of both
classical and theological erudition—in precise reasoning, in ready powers of
discussion and debate, in eloquence, in holiness of life, in regularity of
purpose, in determined leadership, in steadfastness even in adversity, in
energy of character, in sagacity and humor, in attainment in science, in depth
of artistry, and in influence upon the widest array in society—equally at home
with princes and with paupers, with devout and with doubters, with the
thoughtful and with the thoughtless.
Where however, shall we find a case in which so much original genius is
blended and concentrated in one individual? Where shall we find a case in which all these rare elements
combined with loftiest Christian principle and devotedness, and the exercise of
the most humble, gentle, generous, cheerful Christian virtues? Surely, such graces are precious few in
all the annals of the world.” John Gordon Lorimer (1808-68), Pastor of Free St. David's, Glasgow
1 comment:
A fitting tribute.
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