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Untitled Article
ginning with what is simple and clear , and gradually proceeding to what is doubtful and darksh ould have been so often reversed in the study of theology . It was
not , however , overlooked b y Mr . Buckminster . Heavoided as much as possible , all discussion of the controverted doctrines of systematic divinity till he had made himself thoroughly acquainted
with the evidences of religion , natural and revealed , —examined the nature and degree of the inspira tion of the sacred writings , m order to determine what laws of
interpretation are to be applied to them , —taken a general survey of the questions connected with the criticism of the Bible . —and
sanctified all his investigations by the habitual study of the spirit and maxims of practical religion . Having by these inquiries , together with an accurate knowledge of
the original languages , prepared himself for the interpretation of the more difficult and obscure parts of the scriptures , he commenced the study of them with the aid derived from a comparison of the opinions of the best commentators of different sects . The
writers on what may be called dogmatic theology , he now permitted himself to consult , and he has often been heard to say with what eager curiosity and even trembling interest , he read Taylor
and Edwards on original sin , and pushed his researches into those high speculations , where so much caution is necessary to prevent the mind from becoming enslaved to
asystem , and shut for ever against the light of truth . Having , in this manner , gone over an uncommonly wide and extensive field of preparatory stu-
Untitled Article
dies , in October , 1804 , he yielded to a request to preach to the society in Brattle Street , Boston . It is impossible todescribe the delight and wonder with which his first
sermons were listened to by all classes of hearers . The most refined and the least cultivated equally hung upon his lips . The attention of the thoughtless was
fixed . The gaiety of youth was composed to seriousness . The mature , the aged , the most vigorous and enlarged minds were at once charmed , instructed and improved . After preaching for a few weeks , he received an invitation to become the minister of
this society , and was ordained , January 30 , 1805 . The fatigue and agitation of spirits which he experienced on this occasion , pro - duced a severe fit of illness , which interrupted his labours till the following March , when he
recommenced them with a most eloquent and interesting sermon , ( inserted in the volume just published ) u On the Advantages of Sickness / 7 from Psalm cxix . fly "It is good for me , that 1 have been afflicted . ' *
The situation in which he was now placed introduced him to many new and most important duties . The effect of multiplied and incessant labours on his delicate
frame could not fail to be soon visible . A disorder , which had made its appearance some years before , was sensibly increased during the year 1805 . It was one of the most tremendous maladies which
God permits to afflict the human frame ; and to which it has often been found that minds of f . he most exquisite structure are peculiarly exposed . The manner in which this visitation was endured by Mr .
Untitled Article
Memoir of the late Rev . J .-S . Buckminster . 593
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1814, page 593, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2445/page/5/
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