Ezra Stiles
Ezra Stiles
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ezra Stiles was born as Ezar Stiles on October 9, 1727, in North Haven, Connecticut. He is commonly known by his full name, Ezra Stiles.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: October 9, 1727
Died: May 4, 1795
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Ezra Stiles was an American Congregational minister, theologian, educator, and academic administrator. He was a scholar of Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and many other languages.
Early Life and Background
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Born in North Haven, Connecticut, to a family that valued education, Ezra Stiles received his early education at home. He was an excellent student and showed a keen interest in biblical studies from an early age. In 1745, he entered Yale College (now known as Yale University), where he graduated four years later with honors. After completing his studies, Stiles pursued a career in the ministry.
Major Accomplishments
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Ezra Stiles was appointed pastor of the First Congregational Church in New Haven in 1755. In this role, he made significant contributions to the church and community through his sermons, writings, and educational initiatives. He also served as a chaplain during the American Revolutionary War.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions attributed to Ezra Stiles include:
The Christian Monitor - a book that showcased his skills in Hebrew studies and biblical interpretation.
Ecclesiastical Laws of Connecticut - a treatise on church governance, which showed his commitment to the Congregational Church's principles.
* Observations on the Times - an essay series where he explored the moral implications of the American Revolution.
Impact and Legacy
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Throughout his career, Ezra Stiles demonstrated remarkable intellectual curiosity, linguistic skills, and a deep understanding of theology. He played a significant role in promoting education during his time as president of Yale College (1783-1795). His extensive knowledge and writings on various subjects continue to influence scholars today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Ezra Stiles is remembered for his exceptional contributions to American Congregationalism, academia, and literature. He was an accomplished linguist and biblical scholar who left a lasting impact through his writings and educational initiatives. His commitment to promoting education during the late 18th century has made him a notable figure in American history.
Ezra Stiles' legacy extends beyond his academic accomplishments; he remains widely quoted for his insightful reflections on faith, morality, and society.
Quotes by Ezra Stiles
All the forms of civil polity have been tried by mankind, except one, and that seems to have been reserved in Providence to be realized in America.
The United States are under peculiar obligations to become a holy people unto the Lord our God.
It should seem, then, that the nature of society dictates another, a higher branch, whose superiority arises from its being the interested and natural conservator of the universal interest.
It gives me pleasure to find that public liberty is effectually secured in each and all the policies of the United States, though somewhat differently modeled.
There are reasons for believing that the English increase will far surpass others, and that the diffusion of the United States will ultimately produce the general population of America.
But after the spirit of conquest had changed the first governments, all the succeeding ones have, in general, proved one continued series of injustice, which has reigned in all countries for almost four thousand years.
A few scattered accounts, collected and combined together, may lead us to two certain conclusions: 1. That all the American Indians are one kind of people; 2. That they are the same as the people in the northeast of Asia.
The Lord shall have made his American Israel high above all nations which he hath made.
Let a bill, or law, be read, in the one branch or the other, every one instantly thinks how it will affect his constituents.