As  in  light  there  is  an  assemblage  of  very  different
rays,  which,  when  in  due  proportion  and  in  simul
taneous  motion,  cause  that  bright  and  pure  effulgence
which  we  call  light,  so  in  him  were  found  dispositions
most  opposed  to  each  other,  yet  so  combined  as  to
form  in  him  the  most  perfect  character.  Certainly,
that  which  first  of  all  strikes  us  as  constituting  the
chief  trait  in  his  character,  is  a  freedom  from  all
selfish  feelings,  and  a  willingness  to  do  or  suffer  any
thing  whereby  man  may  be  benefited,  and  God  be  glo
rified.  Yet,  in  the  passage  which  we  have  just  read,
we  see,  not  only  an  inflexibility  of  mind,  but  such  an
expression  of  it  as  we  should  scarcely  have  expected
from  so  mild  and  kind  a  man.
When  he  was  at  Jerusalem,  attended  by  a  young
disciple,  named  Titus,  he  was  urged  to  have  him  cir
cumcised  ;  not  for  the  purpose  of  removing  prejudice,
and  gaining  an  easier  access  to  the  minds  of  men,


2054.]       CHRISTIAN  AND  UNCHRISTIAN  PERTINACITY.  33

but  from  an  idea,  that  the  observance  of  that  rite  was
necessary  to  the  completion  of  Christianity,  and  to
the  attainment  of  the  Gospel  salvation.  To  such
advisers  he  would  not  listen  for  a  moment.  What
ever  might  be  their  rank  or  influence  in  the  Church,
he  regarded  them  not  as  deserving  the  slightest  de
ference  from  him  on  such  a  subject3;  since  a  com
pliance  with  their  wishes  would  vitiate,  and  altogether
invalidate,  the  Gospel  of  Christ.
