The log college by Archibald Alexander (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapters 15 (Memoir of the Rev. John Blair) and 16 (Memoir of the Rev. Samuel Finley).
Firstly we are given a brief account of the life of John Blair, including his:
(i) education;
(ii) involvement at the New Jersey College;
(iii) treatises;
(iv) family relations.
Secondly we hear about the life of Samuel Finley, including his:
(i) birth in Ireland;
(ii) emigration to Philadelphia;
(iii) education;
(iv) preaching and ministry;
(v) training of young men;
(vi) work at the New Jersey College;
(vii) death - particularly his many speeches to people as he was dying;
(viii) writings.
I enjoyed this comment about Finley's relationship with his students: 'That Dr. Finley was an accomplished scholar, and a skilful teacher, was universally admitted. Perhaps this country has not had better classical scholars formed any where, than in this school. The method of instruction in the Latin and Greek languages, was thorough and accurate. The scholars were carefully drilled in the application of the rules of syntax, and in the prosody of these languages. Dr. Finley boarded most of his pupils in his own house, and when they were met at meals, he was in the habit of relaxing from the severity of the pedagogue, and indulging in facetious remarks ; saying, that nothing more helped digestion than a hearty laugh. His own temper was remarkably benignant and sweet, and his manners affable and polite. '
A man who knew when to be serious, but also when to relax.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 17 (Memoir of the Rev. Wm. Robinson)
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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