Page 49 - 18 An American Reformer

could not but command respect and esteem

wherever integrity of character and moral

excellence were valued. Uniting true

kindness of heart with Christian humility and

the power of self-control, he was attentive

and affable to all, ready to listen to the

opinions of others and to weigh their

arguments. Without passion or excitement he

tested all theories and doctrines by the word

of God, and his sound reasoning and

thorough knowledge of the Scriptures

enabled him to refute error and expose

falsehood.

Yet he did not prosecute his work without

bitter opposition. As with earlier Reformers,

the truths which he presented were not

received with favor by popular religious

teachers. As these could not maintain their

position by the Scriptures, they were driven