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pestred after his death in two large quarto volumes ; the one entitled a History of Baptism , and the other , Ecclesiastical Researches , These works may be of some use to the student of ecclesiastical history ; but they are among the least valuable of his writings . He wanted that long disci pline of learning , and those comprehensive views to be derived only from a very extensive acquaintance with collateral subjects , which are necessary to
qualify one / or such undertakings . This want , no studies , pursued merely for the particular occasion , can supply . The facts which are learnt by the undisciplined student are often but very imperfectly apprehended . Their true character and bearing are not perceived . He can hardly fail to misjudge as to the proper inferences from them , and he is very liable to mistake and misstate the facts themselves . In order to accomplish well such works as those just mentioned , the mind must be accustomed to critical study and
philosophical investigation ; otherwise , we shall find in them loose , partial , exaggerated , false statements , only conformed in their general outline to what the author may think the truth . These faults are characteristic of Robinson ' s histories . They are distinguished , likewise , by an occasional levity of style , harsh judgments harshly expressed , and strong and sweeping assertions in coarse language , which , as the author is often in the wrong , give an air of flippancy to his composition . Still a man like him could not
write two quarto volumes without affording abundant proof of the vigour of his mind . The amount of labour of which they give evidence is wonderful . It is curious , and may be useful , to perceive in what manner the facts in ecclesiastical history were viewed by one regarding them from the position in which Robinson stood , and expressing himself with so much independence . His remarks may suggest new thoughts . His language is often
bold and forcible . To give a single example ; after relating the proceedings by which Calvin brought Servetus to the stake , he proceeds , " Many have pretended to apologize for Calvin ; but who is John Calvin , and what are his nostrums , which end in tyranny and murder , that the great voice of nature should be drowned in the din of a vain babbling about
him ?" Robinson ' s devoted attention to his congregation , and particularly to the poor , has been already mentioned , and is one of the very pleasing traits of his character . When preaching in the villages through which they were scattered , he used to lake pleasure in visiting his poor parishioners , and partaking , when asked , of their brown bread and black tea . The smallest expression of kindness from them , though it were but li g hting his pipe , was gratefully acknowledged . " When a poor man , " he said , " shews anxiety to administer to your comtbrt , do not interrupt him . Why deprive him of
the pleasure of expressing his friendshi p ? " He was piously attentive to his mother , who died at a very advanced age , having been long an inmate of his family . He was an affectionate husband and a fond father . He was very kind to his servants , familiar with them , patient with their weaknesses , and possessed the art of governing tempers thought by others to be unmanageable . He used to say that " nothing so much humanizes the heart as bearing with the infirmities of others . '' In his notions of education , he seems to have anticipated principles more generally adopted since his time . " He rather invited inquiry than imposed tasks . " "His opinion was , that young people recollect longer what they discover by their own sagacity and observation , than in the way of formal lessons . " A great part of his house was stuck over with cheap pictures which might serve for their instruction . " Children , " he said , " catch their most useful hints in their most un-
Untitled Article
Memoir of Robert Robinson . 521
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Aug. 2, 1828, page 521, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2563/page/9/
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