March 31, 2013

Making many glad - Baker - XXIX - Chapter 14 (Fifth and sixth tours abroad and labours in Texas as Agent of Austin College) concluded

--> Required reading
Making many glad: The life and labours of Daniel Baker by William M. Baker (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 14 (Fifth and sixth tours abroad and labours in Texas as Agent of Austin College) by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'About the 1st of February, 1856, he left Huntsville upon his sixth tour on behalf of the College, and to attend the General Assembly.'

My summary
Most of today's reading is made up of personal testimonies regarding Baker's meetings in South Carolina.  They speak of the response of the people and the workings of the preacher.

But we also hear about Baker's brief visits home and his studies (including a failed attempt to read Oliver Twist).

What grabbed me
I enjoyed hearing about Baker's ability to appeal to humanity: 'Dr. Baker's powers are therefore evidently founded in a profound and discriminating knowledge of human nature, which leads him to adapt himself easily in every important particular to his audience. Do men love simplicity, especially in matters of great and lasting moment, such as the salvation of the soul ? — he orders his style, his manner, and practical overwhelming logic, with a plainness and simplicity that is truthfully eloquent, while all is dressed in language whose purity and taste make it classic. Do they love zeal and earnestness of soul in one who would ' allure to brighter worlds and lead the way?' his sincerity and devotion speak straight to the heart.  Do they love gentleness and heart-felt sympathy in him who is commissioned to feed his Master's sheep, especially the lambs of the flock? the kindly emotions of a heart running over with love to his fellow men are manifest in every feature of his face, in every word he utters.'

You can see why men loved him.

Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 14 (Fifth and sixth tours abroad and labours in Texas as Agent of Austin College).

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

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