While reading through Iain Murray’s Revival and Revivalism once again a certain phrase popped out at me. In discussing the movement of God in Virginia, Murray mentioned Samuel Harris. It was said of Harris that, “he left a train of seriousness after him wherever he went”.
That phrase rattled around in my soul. It made me want to get to know this Samuel Harris. I knew that I wanted to research him and write a short article about him.
What I expected to write
I expected that Samuel Harris was a dedicated Calvinist. Any reader of Murray knows that this was a fair assumption, since Murray is a committed Calvinist. And though he is a talented historian that is reasonable and fair to contrary positions, his theological leanings are obvious. I expected Harris to be another young Calvinist preacher that God used during the revivals of the 1700s.
I figured that I would learn about this young man and share a story about this great Calvinistic Baptist preacher that faithfully shared the gospel and led many people to Christ. I thought for sure, from reading that one sentence about the impact he had on our world, that I would find a friend in Samuel Harris.
Not so fast
I cannot write that article. Harris was a Separate Baptist—which means that he was more than likely a committed Arminian. He also appears to be quite the charismatic. At one point he had an experience similar to something that you might see on TBN—not being able to life his head because he was under such “power of the Spirit”. Furthermore, the Separate Baptist believed there were nine ordinances, including, washing feet, anointing the sick, the kiss of charity, love feasts, and a few others that we Regular Baptists don’t hold to. At one point he was also considered the apostle of Separate Baptists—until they came to believe it was not fitting for the religious liberty of Baptists.
Harris was also greatly involved in the Revolutionary War. His views on politics would likely not have matched mine at the time. He was a wealthy man, that I believe had slaves even while fighting for liberty. He was a wealthy and prominent member of his Virginia community—not a young preacher like I had assumed.
Had Harris been living today I doubt we would be friends. That’s not to say that we would have been enemies. Far from it. But we would have likely traveled in far different circles.
Yet, that biographical line from Murray is still likely true. Harris was responsible for some 26 churches being planted. He started associations. Many men entered the ministry under his tutelage and many more entered the kingdom of God through his preaching. Harris was what Murray said.
Conclusion
One thing is true of this article that I had intended for the original; namely, I want to be known as someone that “left a train of seriousness [about Christ] wherever I went.” The fact that Harris is from a different theological tribe (oh, how I abhor that term) doesn’t change this. He was loved by Jesus Christ and responded by proclaiming the glory of God to the nations.
As I’m thinking about the life of Samuel Harris I’m asking myself a few questions. First, if I can be “friends” with Harris after his life is closed out—why can’t I be friends with those like him in the here and now?
Secondly, how much did his errors (and yes I believe he was in error on vital issues) mark the religious landscape of Virginia for years to come? Would I have asked that same question if he were a Calvinist that practiced the faith in ways that make this Baptist comfortable?
I don’t know the answer to these questions yet, but what I do know is that I want to be so dedicated to Christ that his fragrance is left every place that I go. I’m glad for Samuel Harris’ example in that.