A History of Kentucky Baptists (Volume 1); From 1769 to 1885, Including More Than 1800 Biographical Sketches (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1886. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... tuted, in April, 1852, he was elected its President and filled the position the remainder of his life. To the advocacy of the cause of Bible revision, he gave the full measure of his great strength and learning. To him the Society owed much of its popularity among the Baptists of Kentucky, as well as those of the whole South. In the midst of a career of great usefulness, and in the very prime of manhood, he was suddenly and unexpectedly called to his reward above, October 10, 1854. A great and good man had fallen, and the Baptists of the nation deplored his loss. But the Baptists of Kentucky mourned for him as the children of Israel did for Moses. He was to them almost an idol. They felt that his loss was irreparable. In their affections, he was without a rival, and they felt, when he was gone, that they should never look upon his like again, upon earth. Dr. Waller was truly a great man. To use his own expression, concerning another, "his brain was cast in nature's most capacious mould." He was an enthusiastic student. "Many a time," said he, "I have sat in my study, from sunrise till sunrise again, leaving it only to go to my meals." To him, study was not a task, but a supreme pleasure. He retained, with remarkable tenacity and exactness, everything he read. Even at the early age of thirty-three, when he engaged in public debates with such champions of the Presbyterian church as Nathan L. Rice, John Brown, Robert C. Grundy, and John T. Hendrick, he seemed to be thoroughly acquainted with the whole range of Ecclesiastical history, religious controversy, and Biblical criticism. As a controversialist he had few superiors. Dr. N. L. Rice, the most famous debater in the Presbyterian church of the United States, virtually acknowledged his (Waller's) superiority, by r...