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Sweet, John Davis

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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a Baptist minister, was born at Kingston, Mass., Oct. 16, 1838. He was the son of a Unitarian clergyman. From his early life he developed a marked taste for literary pursuits, and in his preparatory studies took high rank as a scholar. In the fall of 1857 he entered Harvard College, one year in advance, and distinguished himself by his application to his college tasks. Having overworked himself, he sought to recruit his health by foreign travel. Returning home, he embarked in business; but, his friends urging him to direct his attention to the ministry, he abandoned his secular pursuits, and was ordained as pastor of the Baptist Church in Billerica, Mass., in October, 1863, where he remained nearly five years 1863-68, securing in a marked degree the affection of his Church and the respect of the people of the village in which he had his home. He was publicly recognized as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Somerville, Mass., May 4, 1868. He had commenced his work in the new field of his labor, and was prosecuting it with rare success, when he was stricken down by disease. One of the last records which he made in his diary a few days before his death was the following: "In looking over my ministry of nearly seven years, I feel I ought to drop on my knees and thank God that he ever called me to this glorious work. Some are always speaking of the trials of the ministry; but I can say, on reviewing mine, that it has been one bright day, with few clouds to dim the brightness. I love the work." He died in August, 1869. See Warren [G. F.], Memorial Sermon. (J. C. S.)