Log college - Alexander - XI - Chapter 14 commenced

Required reading
The log college by Archibald Alexander (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 14 (Memoir of the Rev. Samuel Blair) by reading up to the paragraph starting 'In the beginning of March I took a journey into East Jersey, and was abroad for two or three Sabbaths.'

My summary
Today we begin to read about another graduate from the Log College: Samuel Blair.

The chapter begins with the sermon given at Blair's funeral.  The sermon spoke of Blair's:
(i) genius;
(ii) learning;
(iii) teaching ability;
(iv) religious principles;
(v) temper;
(vi) social life;
(vii) family;
(viii) assurance.

Then we are given some poetry composed about Blair.

Next Alexander speaks of Blair's:
(i) writings;
(ii) theology;
(iii) birth;
(iv) first pastorate at Shreswbury;
(v) move to New Londonderry.

Then we begin a letter by Blair about the revival that came through New Londonderry.  Today we only hear about the poor religious state of the town before the revival came.

What grabbed me
Interesting to read of Blair's studies: 'To a holy disposition was added a great genius, capable of the highest improvement. He had a deep and penetrating judgment, a clear and regular way of conceiving things, and a retentive memory. He was an indefatigable student, a calm and impartial searcher after truth. He thought for himself, and was determined in his conclusions, only by evidence. He had a very considerable store of critical learning, and was especially conversant with the Scriptures in the original languages. How great his attainments in philosophy were was known by few ; for in his last years his thirst for knowledge did sensibly increase, and he greatly improved himself therein. He studied several branches of the mathematics, and especially geometry and astronomy; nor will these seem tasteless studies to one who had such a savour of living piety, when it is considered that he saw the glory of God in all his works, and admired and adored him in all. He delighted to see the 'invisible things of Him, even his eternal power and Godhead, manifested by the things that are made.' It was edifying to him to trace the footsteps of the divine wisdom in particulars, and the infinite reach of projection in the frame and structure of the whole. '

General knowledge studies are not a waste of time.  They, too, tell us about our God.

Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 14 (Memoir of the Rev. Samuel Blair).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.