11. An Important Step

An Important Step In 1806 Mr. Payson resigned the charge of the academy in Portland, and returned to his father’s house, where he pursued his theological studies, till he entered the ministry. This step may be regarded as one of the most important of his life. His biographer thinks, had he entered at once upon the work of the ministry, as he contemplated, he had not been the minister that he became. In comparative retirement, with his father for his tutor, and with an illustration of the purity and power of Christianity before him in the lives of godly parents, he was most auspiciously situated.

He appreciated these advantages, and gave himself up to the work of preparation with an exclusive-ness and ardor perhaps never equaled.