Sermons of Christmas Evans

THE Sermons of Christmas Evans contained in this volume, and the extracts from his journal and other writings given in the following Memoir and Portraiture, are translated by two different hands, and in very different styles. The former are clothed in very good English, but the diction of the latter requires an apology. Unable to procure a better version, we have furnished such as we found; and it is hoped that even this, with all its imperfections, will not be wholly unprofitable to the reader.

The writer does not wish to be held responsible for the Theological Views put forth, either in the extracts alluded to, or in the sermons. Christmas Evans was a Calvinistic Baptist, and several of his sermons inculcate, to some extent, the peculiar doctrines of that denomination; though they are generally free from sectarian bias, and may be read with advantage by spiritual Christians of all evangelical creeds.

JOSEPH CROSS.

Philadelphia, May 10, 1846.

CONTENTS.

MEMOIR AND PORTRAITURE. Page INTRODUCTION 9 MEMOIR. Early Years 17 Profession of Religion 17 Commencement of Preaching 18 Backsliding and Recovery 19 Change of Views 19 Depressing Views of Himself 20 Labors in Lëyn 22 Visit to South Wales 23 Settlement in Anglesea 24 Powerful Sermons 25 Sandemanianism and Sabellianism 27 Time of Refreshing 28 Covenant with God 29 Studying the English Language 29 New Troubles and Sorrows 33 Legal Prosecution 35 Caerphilly 36 Another Covenant 37 Cardiff 39 Sermons for the Press 41 Welsh Jumping 42 Caernarvon 49 Pulpit Popularity 50 Interesting Letter 51 Tour through the Principality 56 Monmouthshire Association 57 Last Sermon, Sickness, and Death 57 Funereal Sorrow 58 PORTRAITURE. Personal Appearance 59 Moral and Christian Character 59 Social Disposition 60 Reading and Study 60 Devotional Habits 61 Christian Beneficence 62 Spirit of Forgiveness 63 Catholic Generosity 64 Ingenuousness and Honesty 65 Sarcastic Rebukes 66 Pulpit Talents and Labors 67 SERMONS. INTRODUCTION 79 Serm. I. The Time of Reformation Heb. ix. 10. 81 II. The Triumph of Calvary Isaiah lxiii. 90 1–6. III. The Smitten Rock 1 Cor. x. 4. 99 IV. Fall and Recovery of Man Rom. v. 15. 108 V. One God and One Mediator 1 Tim. ii. 5. 120 VI. The Living Redeemer Job xix. 23–27. 129 VII. Messiah’s Kingdom Dan. ii. 44, 140 45. VIII. The Sufferings of Christ 1 Pet. ii. 24. 153 IX. The Purification of Heb. ix. 14. 164 Conscience X. The Cedar of God Ezek. xvii. 172 22–24. XI. The Prince of Salvation Heb. ii. 10., & 182 v. 9. XII. Finished Redemption John xix. 30. 189 XIII. The Resurrection of Jesus Mat. xxviii. 6. 196 XIV. The Ascension Acts iii. 21. 205 XV. Tribulation conquered John xvi. 33. 216 XVI. The Glory of the Gospel 1 Tim. i. 11. 223 XVII. The Song of the Angels Luke ii. 14. 236 XVIII. The Stone of Israel Zech. iii. 9. 242 XIX. Justification by Faith Job ix. 2. 250 XX. The Shield of Faith Eph. vi. 16. 259 XXI. The Paraclete John xiv. 16, 269 17. XXII. The Father and Son John xvi. 274 glorified 13–15.

EXTRACTS.

I. The Demoniac of Gadara 287 II. Entering Port 292 III. The Unclean Spirit in Dry Places 294 IV. Satan an Angel of Light 296 V. The Young Child 298 VI. Varieties of Preaching 300 VII. The Six Crocodiles 301 VIII. Envious Ambition 303 IX. The Dove, the Raven, and the Eagle 304

[Picture: Picture of Christmas Evans Preaching]

INTRODUCTION.

THE introduction of Christianity into Britain is said to have taken place about sixty-three years after the crucifixion. By whose agency it was effected, cannot now be satisfactorily determined. Tradition has ascribed it to Joseph of Arimathea. This, however, is exceedingly doubtful. It has also been attributed to the apostle Paul. That the apostle Paul visited Britain, is quite probable, from the testimony of Theodoret and Jerome. That he was the first preacher of the gospel in Britain, is certainty a mistake. The weight of evidence seems to be in favour of Claudia, a Welsh lady, belonging to Cæsar’s household. The circumstances were these:—