1847 JOHN PYE SMITH. Letter Expressing Disdain for Unsatisfactory Candidate for Ministry.

Fine, brief and pungent letter by one of the most influential Congregationalists of the 19th century. John Pye Smith [1774-1851] was an influential minister, the first Evangelical to ever become a member of the Royal Society, was a fellow of the Geological Society, an abolitionist, the Chair of the Congregational Society, etc. 

The present letter is likely in reference to the latter. It seems Rev. Evan Jones has likely referred the candidate, Evan Lewis, for ordination from Jones College in Wales where he was President.

Pye Smith wrote several works of enduring value, including his landmark treatise attempting to reconcile old earth geological data with Scripture [he was an early proponent of the Gap Theory] and several work on the person of Christ in relation to the Old Testament, Atonement, etc. 

"Homerton, June 19, 1847

Dear Sir,

So oppressed am I with letter-writing, that I have omitted to mark yours as answered; if indeed it did not escape my eye & hand yesterday. 

My commission was to say that the application of Mr. Evan Lewis did not give satisfaction, and that the Committee felt surprise & grief that statements producing so defective a result should have had your sanction. 

In necessary brevity, I am,

Dear Sir,
Yours truly,
J. Pye Smith

The Revd. Evan Jones."