Parker

(Theodore), American rationalist, b. Lexington, Ma ., 24 Aug. 1810. From his father—a Unitarian—he inherited independence of mind, courage, and love of speculation. Brought up in poverty he studied hard, and acquired a University education while laboring on the farm. In March, ’31, he became an a istant teacher at Boston. In June, ’37, he was ordained Unitarian minister. Parker gradually became known as an iconoclast, and study of the German critics made him a complete rationalist, so that even the Unitarian body rejected him. A society was established to give him a hearing in Boston, and soon his fame was established. His Discourse on Matters Pertaining to Religion , ’47, exhibited his fundamental views. He translated and enlarged De Wette’s Critical Introduction to the Old Testament. A fearle opponent of the Fugitive Slave Law, he sheltered slaves in his own house. Early in ’59 failing health compelled him to relinquish his duties. Died at Florence, 10 May, 1860. He bequeathed his library of 13,000 volumes to the Boston Public Library.