/ ^ i / Ta X :b jci .A^ :r ^r PlilNCETOK, N. J. The Stephen Collins Doufltuiu. BX 9225 .B343 A8 Baker, William M. 1825-1883 The life and labours of the Rev. Daniel Baker, D. D. . . ^"^ / /■ iiiug i}y AAjMtom- ^a^ ^.xy/K •^y ^--ti-^'^t^f-t.n TnE LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE Rev. DANIEL BAKER, D.D. PASTOR AND EVANGELIST. rnEPAUED BY Ills SON, Rev. WILLIAM M. BAKER, r»stor of the Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of ipeech, or of wisdom, declaring,' unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, tave Jesus Christ, and hhii cruciArd. And my speech and uiy prcachini; was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.— 1 Cob. ii. 1, 2, 4, b. PHILADELPHIA: WILLIAM S. & ALFRED MARTIEN, No. 608 Chestnut Street. 1858. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by WILLIAM S. & ALFRED MARTIEN, In the Office of the Clerk of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. CONTENTS. en APT Ell I. FROM HIS BIRTH UNTIL THE CLOSE OF HIS CLERKSHIP IN SAVANNAH. Ancestry — Plymouth Church — Arrival in America — Colony sent South — Revolution — Indians — Pious Forefathers — Autobiography begins — Earli- est recollections — The Orphan's dream — The Aunt — First religious impressions — Early aspirations in regard to the Ministry — Visits Savan- nah— Temptations as a Clerk^Oration — Death of a Companion — Pro- cures a Testament — Way opens to College Pages 17 to 30 CHAPTER II. WHILE A STUDENT AT HAMPDEN SIDNEY COLLEGE. Enters upon his Studies — Desponding thoughts — Diary — Resolutions — Impressive Sermon — Thomas Paine- -Diary — Unites with the Church — Diary — Narrative resumetl — Afflictive thoughts — Trials again — Birth- day resolves — Birth-day retrospect — Sacramental season — Session closes — Praying Society — Diary — Sacramental occasion — Standard of preaching — War with England 07 to G9 CHAPTER III. WHILE A STUDENT AT PRINCETON. Enters the College of New .Jersey — Day of Fasting and Prayer — Revival in College — Students converted — Reminiscence of a Student — Letter to a young Lady — Letter continued 69 to 83 8 CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA. Goes to Winchester — Labours tbere — Is married — Stirs up Professors — His health — Source of energy — Extracts from Journal — Day of Fast- ing— Review of the past — Prospect of licensure — Licensed to preach — Visits Alexandria — Correspondence — Visits Georgia — Preaches at Mid- "way Pages 84 to 105 CHAPTER V. HARRISONBURG WASHINGTON CITY. Settles in Harrisonburg — Missionary excursions — Call to Savannah and Washington City — Settles in AVashington — Excursions abroad — Corres- pondence— Pastoral labours — John Quincy Adams — Loses his clerk- ship— Works on Baptism — Recollections of an Elder — Estimate of character 106 to 124 CHAPTER VI. PASTORATE IN SAVANNAH. Call to Savannah — Letter to Washington Church — Letter continued — Letter to an Elder in Washington — Labours in Savannah — Efforts to get him back to Washington — Correspondence — Autobiography resumed — Special season — Special efforts — Correspondence — Autobiography re- sumed— Protracted meeting — Results of meeting — Letter to Mr. Handy — Call to Washington 125 to 154 CHAPTER VII. AS AN EVANGELIST. Meetings in Gillisonville and Grahamsville — Revival in Beaufort — Autobi- ography resumed — Leaves Savannah — Becomes an Evangelist — Meeting in Tallahassee — The political partisan — Meeting in Montgomery — Meet- CONTENTS. 9 ings in South Carolina — Reminiscences of a Student — Revival in Colum- bia— Revival in Walterborough — The Sceptic — Indirect influence — Autobiography continued — Failure of voice — Colloquial manner — Pas- toral visit — To-morrow — Manner in pulpit — The sudden digression — Narrative resumed — Pecuniary matters — Marked Providence, 155 to 199 CHAPTEll VIII. LABOURS IN buiO — PASTORATE IN FRANKFORT AND TUSKALOOSA. Labours as Evangelist — Narrative resumed — Letter to daughter — Labours in Ohio — Labours in Kentucky — Settles in Frankfort — Chaplain to Penitentiary — Leaves Frankfort — Call to Tuskaloosa — Old-school and New — Attends General Assembly Pages 200 to 210 CHAPTER IX. TUSKALOOSA — LABOURS AS AN EVANGELIST — MISSION TO TEXAS. Labours as Pastor in Tuskaloosa — The prayer-meeting — His correspond- ence— Letters to Mr. Galloway — Accounts of meetings — Meeting of Synod — The dying convert — Meeting in Wilkesbarre — Interview with Dr. Breckinridge — Autobiography resumed — Leaves Tuskaloosa — Meet- ings in Alabama — Letter from Memphis — Lines by Mrs. C. Lee Ilentz — Meeting in Memphis — Meetings in New Orleans and Mobile — Reaches Texas — Letters from Galveston — Labours in Galveston — Enters the interior — Letter to little daughter — Autobiography resumed — Mission- ary labours — Revival at Chrisman's Settlement — The Texan Senator — First Presbytery organized in Texas — First idea of a College — Extracts from Journal — Taken ill — At Matagorda — Preaches again — Embarks for home — Tedious voyage — Card-players — Home 219 to 279 CHAPTER X. LABOURS AS AN EVANGELIST — PASTORATE AT HOLLY SPRINGS. Return home — Little Agnes — Opinion of Texas — Missionary labour — Meeting at Hernando^Aflfectionate disposition — Love for children — 2* 10 CONTENTS. Estimate at home — Autobiography resumed — Journal of labours — Southern Mississippi — Autobiography resumed — Meeting in Nashville — Tuscumbia — Pulaski — Summary of labours — St. Charles — Habit of prayer — Source of power — Hired for a month — Revival in Holly Springs — Conversion of sons — The hundred dollar note — Sons at Princeton — Let- ter to son — Letter to wife — Missionary excursion — Leesburg — Knox- ville — Summary of labours — Heathen Mythology — Bible warrant — Home life — Advice to sons — Dying Christian — Need of preachers — Entangling alliances — Papal baptism — Standard of Excellence — Lights and sha- dows— Heartfelt piety — Letter to Mr. Galloway — Labours in Arkan- sas 279 to 337 CHAPTER XI. SECOND MISSION TO TEXAS. Autobiography resumed — Journal of Texas mission — In New Orleans — In Texas — Lavaca — Letter to wife — Indian Point — At Victoria — Laid aside — Various labours — The congregation of one — The '* naked hook" — The escaped Texan — In arrow-shot — At Austin — Webber's Prairie — Lagrange — The Pecan nut crop — Lost! — The white flag — The bold pro- test— Instant in season — Sowing by the way-side — Impromptu meet- ings— Taking the vote — Favourite maxims — Extempore contractor — Another maxim — A grain of sense — Clouds in good hands — Narra- tive resumed — "Give, and feel it" — Reaches Galveston — Call to Gal- veston— Made a D. D. — Courteous bearing Pages 337 to 394 CHAPTER XII. FOUNDING OF AUSTIN COLLEGE — LABOURS AS AN EVANGELIST AND AS AGENT OF THE COLLEGE. In Galveston — Wearing well — The children's missionary — A missionary again — First blow for a College — First subscriptions — Prompt steps — " Too headlong" — Blundering right — Appeal to theological students — The new idea — Intention of the College — Sails for the Rio Grande — Mouth of the Rio Grande — At Brownsville — Enters Mexico — Christmas Eve in Matamoras — Preaches in Brownsville — First on the field — Rio Grande City — Use for preachers — The pioneers of the cross — Embarks for Galveston — "Perils in waters" — Lands safely — Austin College — CONTENTS. 11 Appointed agent for College — Home letters — New Orleans — lu Brook- lyn— Jenny Lind — The liberal donor — Meeting in Philadelphia — At Wilmington — At Savannah — Results of first tour — Leaves on his second tour — St. Lotiis Assembly — Synod of Texas created — Tiie river storm — Keeping the Sabbath — Man overboard — llcsults of second tour 395 to 449 CHAPTER XIII. THIRD AND FOURTH TOURS AS AGENT OF AUSTIN COLLEGE. Leaves on third tour — At Charleston — Charleston Assembly — Grateful thoughts — At Columbia — Labours blessed — Thankful emotions — Basket meetings — Labours blessed of God — Letter of condolence — Heaven at last ! — Black River churches — Field thrice reaped — Williamsburg church — Blessed results — Estimate of influence — Indian Town church — Unimpaired health — Pressing invitations — Christian kindness — Bow long strung — Darlington church — Longings for home — Darlington pas- tor— Description of meeting — Doctrinal clearness — Statement of a pas- tor— Doctrines of grace — Union of Christians — Results of third tour — Robbed — The cunning thief — The discovery — The pursuit — The cap- ture— Secret of effective preaching — Nephew shot — Providence in all — Reaches home — Enters a fourth tour — In North Carolina — Christian liberality — Rocky River church — Philadelphia church — Poplar Tent — Concord — Steel Creek — Overcome — Statesville — Summary of labours — Presidency of Austin College — Crystal Palace — Letter to a theological student — The Bible and the heart Pages 449 to 50G CHAPTER XIV. FIFTH AND SIXTH TOURS ABROAD, AND LABOURS IN TEXAS AS AGENT OF AUSTIN COLLEGE. Education convention — State aid — Leaves on fifth tour — In Georgia — The wise goat — Good Hope church — Greenville — Upper Long Cane — New- berry— Secret of success — Results of labours — The one cause of suc- cess— Springing of seed already sown — Letter to religious Journal — Revival in Willington — Results of this tour — Opinions of others — The skeptic convinced — Not an orator — The Austin family — The promised donation — At home awhile — Favourite studies — Repugnance to fiction — / 12 ' CONTENTS. Value set on young men — Enters on sixth tour — New York Assembly — More labourers needed — Radiation of usefulness — Labourer drawing toward home — Appreciation at home — Eastern Texas — Endowment scheme — Giving, a grace of the Spirit 506 to 548 CHAPTER XV. CLOSING SCENES. Texas — Austin College — His agency — Contemplated visit to Europe — An- nouncement in Legislature — Remarks of Dr. Kittrell — Grief in Hunts- ville — Known abroad — Synod of Texas — Church at Austin — Arrives at Austin — The Grandfather — State aid — Last sermon — Angina pecto- ris— Meeting desired — Last Sabbath — The ruling passion — Last visit — Becomes worse — Child-like faith — Perfect serenity — The dying saint — Last words 549 to 573 PREFACE. It would seem most natural that the preparation of this volume should have devolved upon the Rev. Daniel S. Baker, of Louisiana, an elder brother, rather than upon myself, the youngest of the family; yet, for twenty years, I have intended, should I survive my father, to prepare such a volume. With this intention secretly cherished, by urgent and long- continued entreaty I prevailed upon my father, in the rare intervals of a life of incessant occupation, to write the narrative or autobiography which is the basis of this book; a narrative, therefore, not pre- pared for the purpose for which it is used, but solely for the gratification of his children. With the same object in view, I have made it a business, since I could first remember, to rescue from loss, in the frequent removals of the family, the various journals contained herein, as well as the letters of which such abundant use is made. Not only did God put this, as I trust, into my heart, but, in his providence, during the last years of my fatlier's life, we were associated in ministerial labours in Texas. The last 14 PREFACE. weeks of his life were spent with me in Austin, and upon my bosom was pillowed the venerable and beloved head of my father during his last hours on earth. Thus has God devolved upon me the labour of love, which I have endeavoured to perform in these pages. No one can wish more sincerely than myself that this duty had devolved upon one better quali- fied. I have derived, however, great help from the taste, judgment, and other assistance of an elder brother, Howard M. Baker, Esq. It was my intention to have thankisd by name the many friends who have contributed toward the work, from all parts of the land. Their number, it is found, forbids this. The good which may be accom- plished by the volume will be the most acceptable reward to them for their Christian kindness — a kind- ness not to the dead only, not to myself only, but to every reader of this book. There are few who must not be aware of the delicacy of the task here undertaken. Hence my object has been to do little more than weave together the materials before me into a continuous and com- plete narrative. As much as possible I have per- mitted others to speak, rather than myself; but when I have spoken, it has been only upon points concerning which others were ignorant; and in these cases, T have expressed myself frankly and fully. It is believed that this volume possesses an historical PREFACE. 15 value in the annals of the Church ; and if errors are detected therein, they will be gladly corrected in any future edition, should such be called for. From the outset, I have looked to and relied upon One who is all-wise, to prompt, and control, and guide my pen. This volume is now sent forth along the many paths trodden by its subject, during his life-time of sixty-seven years, with fervent prayer that the Holy Spirit, which so accompanied this servant of God during his life, will also accompany and bless this endeavour at a rehearsal of his Life and Labours, pressing home upon the heart of each reader such instruction as may be contained herein. Such as it is, I place this book humbly, yet hope- fully, in the hands of the Church of God, and lay it, at least, as my choicest offering, at the feet of its glorious Head. W. M. B. cO 4 UiiUii - V \ LIFE AND LABOURS OF TUB Kev. DANIEL BAKER, 1). J). CHAPTER I. FROM ins r.IUTH TILL TIIK CLOSE OF HIS CLERKSHIP IN SAVANNAH. As it is one of the most precious promises of Scrip- ture, that " tlie mercv of the Lord is from everlast- incf to everhisting upon tliem that fear liim, and his righteousness unto chiklren's children," it shoidd be both a duty and a delight to acknowledge any marked fulfilment of this gracious promise. As far back as the ancestry of the subject of this Memoir can be traced, such fulfilment of the promise flowed down in winding but deepening current, generation after generation. AVith the pious poet, he, upon whose l^ife and Labours we are now to dwell, could well say: "My hnast is not that 1 Hmlnce my hirth From loins cntiiroiicil, or rulers of tlic oartli, IJut higher far my proud pretensions rise — The son of parents passed into the skies." From the annals of the Midway church in Libert} county, (icorgia, it appears, that "in the beginning 3 18 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE of the year 1(3-30, a Congregational cliurch was gathered at Plymouth, in England, of persons who intended to come to America for the pui'pose of enjoying those religious privileges, which the measures of Archbishop Laud denied them at home." Observing a day of fasting and prayer to seek divine assistance, they selected two ministers, who, accepting the office of spiritual guides, on the 130th of March the church embarked. In May following they were put ashore at Nantasket, a place noAv called Hull, near Boston. Here they were in "a forlorn wilderness, destitute of any habitation, and most other necessaries of life." Ascending Charles river, they finally settled at a place then known as Mattapan, where they began to build a town, which they named Dorchester. An historian of that period bears witness to the character of this colony. "The first inhabitants of Dorchester," says Harris, " came chiefly from the counties of Devon, Dorset, and Somersetshire. They were a godly and religious people, and many of them persons of note and figure, being dignified with the title of Mr.^ which but few in those davs wore." In October, 1695, a church was organized in Dorchester, "with a design to remove to Carolina, to encourage the settlement of churches, and the promotion of religion in the Southern plantations." Embarking, after solemn religious services, the church arrived, with its pastor, in Carolina, on the 20th of December, and formed a settlement upon the Ashley river, eighteen miles from Charles- ton, which, in memory of their former home, they called Dorchester. This settlement proving REV. DANIKL BAKER, P. D. ll> uiilioaltliN , and the (luaiititv of land too small, on till" 11 til of May, 175*2, three yjcrsons were sent to Georo^ia, who selected a home for the church in Liherty county, as it is now known, at a place called Midway, from its supposed equal distance between the rivers 0;atliered in real as well as outward brother- hood around the table of the Lord's Su[)i)er. AN'itli them n^lii^ion was a matter of their brightest hojies, their warmest fecdinji^s, their dee]iest convictions; it was the knowledi^e in which their servants and children were chiefly instructed; the thino^ to which they instinctively and habitually subordi- nated every i\uu<]; else. Knowin^^ all this so well, the writer understood how, with the blessinj]^ so often and so fully promised of God in such a case, it was but in the order of things that there should have been trained up there so many holy men and women serving God in private life; so many ministers of the gospel to serve God over a vast empire, but just born when this spot was first settled; so many servants of God to go thence to preach Jesus, even beneath the i)alm-trees, and beside the pagodas of heatluni lands, lie imder- stood, too, how it was that other churches from its bosom had grown up around it — daughters around the venerable mother; how it was that the commu- nity must be what it is still to this day; and how natural it Avas, under (jod, that from such a stock, and from under such influences, should rc^sult such a man as the one whose Life and Labours are herein portrayed. This much by way of Introduction to "The Autobiogra])hy of Daniel IJaki^r, prepared for the use of his C'liildren." 3^ 22 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE Descended from Puritan parentage, I was born in Midway, Liberty county, Georgia, on the 17th of August, 1791. My father and my mother, both, were for many years reputable members of the Con- gregational church, which had been planted as a colony in what is known by the name of the Mid- way Settlement. Well do I recollect seeing the ruins of their second church edifice — a frame build- ing on the west side of the road, and immediately south of the site of the present grave-yard. My venerated father was for many years a much esteem- ed deacon of the Midway church, as w^as his father before him, both bearing the same name — William Baker. I have no recollection of either of my grand parents, but have reason to believe both died before I was bora. My father was married three times. By his first marriage, he had four sons and three daughters; by his second wife, who lived but a short time, he had no children; and by the third, only one — a son named Joseph Stevens — who is still alive, and a distinguished preacher and editor, of the Baptist denomination. I was the last child of my father by his first marriage; and as my mother took her flight to heaven when I was but an infant, I never knew a mother's smile. I have no recollection of my father's second wife — but the third I remember well, for she lived until I was quite a young man. My father died when I was about eight years of age, and I have some recollection of him, but my reminiscences are neither numerous nor very lively. I can well recollect, however, that he was a tall, slender man, and very erect and REV. DANIEL BAKER, I). D. 88 elastic in his . 25 skies. I remombor the tunc wliirh tlioy sini«; to this (lay; and so far as I can recollect, 1 had never heard it before; nor since, until some twelve years after. I heard it one moniin<; at family worship at Dr. llonje's, with whom 1 boarded, at llamjKlen Sidney, where I had «i^one to prepare for the minis- tiy. This dream was indeed a very pleasant dream for a little oq)han like myself; and the next morn- in*? I resolved (if I could) to meet my mother in heaven ; and the idea of not meeting my mother in heaven was more than I could bear. AVhen I heard the tune sung in Dr. Iloge's family, the very tune which I had never heard before, so fi\r as I can re- collect, except in my dream, I confess it caused the dream of my childhood to rush upon my memory with great sweetness; and even to this moment it has a charm for me which no other tune ever had or can have. My dream made a great impression u])on me, and my impressions were deepened by mv aunt Margaret Dunham, my mother's sister, who was very pious, and witli whom 1 was a great favourite. It would seem that the heart of this aunt was often moved at the sight of her little orphan nephew. On more than one occasion, touched by his forlorn appearance, she took him into her room, locked the door with a mysterious air, and then pro- ducing a bag from her chest, in which were the gains of many a long hour at the spinning-wheel and the loom, and of many a dozen of eggs and ])ounds of butter and cheese, she would jingle its golden contents in his ear, with the consolatory 26 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE remark, "Never mind — never mind, Dan'l, this shall be yours when I am gone." But, alas, how it was is not known, the sound of the coin was all the advantage the money ever was to the nephew. A venerable lady, still living, can remember him, when about eight years of age, passing her door every day to the school-house two miles distant from his home, in company with his brothers William and John, and his sisters Rebecca and Sally, all older than himself. They carried their dinner with them in a pan, and, on their return, little Dan was almost invariably the bearer of the pan. She re- members pitying the little fellow, manfully trudging along, with one hand supporting the dinner-pan, a heavy one, and the other nervously grasping the waistband of his trowsers, there being no suspenders in those days. I recollect (the narrative proceeds) one day that I wrote to a friend a very religious letter, and showed it to my aunt, who read it and bestowed upon it great praise; but, although my religious impressions were somewhat deep, yet they were not very evangelical, for, I recollect, that one day I went out into the corn-field and prayed; but know- ing little of the hidden evils of my heart, I was very self-righteous. I recollect I did not like the prayer of the Publican at all. This thing offended me, "he would not even so much as lift up his eyes to heaven," — thinks T, not even so much as lift up his eyes to heaven! That was very wrong! So lifting up my eyes, I began my prayer, Pharisee-like, and said, "God, I thank thee that I am not so bad as REV. DANIEL RAKED, D. D. 27 othor people an^'' and tluMi left my ])lace of rctiic- mcnt very much jileased witli myself; sometimes serious aud sometimes not. 1 thus went on, (never once, however, I believe, omittinfj^ my cveninpj prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep,") until I was about twelve years of age, when, one Friday after- noon, after gettinsf my Shorter Catechism lesson in school, 1 turned over towards the end of the book, and read a dialogue, in verse, bctAvccn Christ, Youth, and the Devil; this made a Ycry great im- pression upon me. And my serious impressions, if I recollect right, were vei*y much deepened by a frightful dream which I had. I thought I died suddenly, and woke up in hell! The first over- whelming thought was, that 1 was actually in eternity, and my day of grace was over for ever! O, I thought I would give the world if I could only go back to the earth, and have only one hoiu' more to seek salvation in! Waking up from this awful dream, I was much rejoiced to find myself in this world once more; but I thought my case was a peculiar one, and that there could be no hope for me. I felt sure that my brother John would go to heaven, for he was good, and every body loved him ; but I was very bad, and nobody loved me. I much feared that I should never meet my mother in hea- ven, after all. 1 did wish that I was a bird, or insect, or any thing that had not to meet God in the judgment day! Before I was fourteen years of age I was taken from school, and living with my eldest brother, I was much alone, and was very fond of reading religious books. One day 1 was thrown into a state of great 28 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE alarm. There came up a dreadful storm — one flash of lightning came after another in such rapid suc- cession, and such loud thunder it seemed I had never heard in all my life. I was alone, and ex- pected every moment to be struck dead. Very much alarmed, I made a solemn vow that if God would spare my life, I would serve him as long as I lived. My life was spared, and, thank God, my seriousness did not pass away. About this time my eldest brother was seen to go to a cer- tain place of retirement every evening, about the going down of the sun. I noticed it, and sus- pected what it meant. This encouraged me in my good resolutions. I was anxious about my soul, but had no one, about this time, to speak to me, except a coloured man by the name of Joe, whom I occasionally saw when I went to Canoochee, to visit my sister Rebecca. After going on in dark- ness for many months, fearing the worst, and not knowing what to do, I took up the hymn book one day, and read the hymn beginning with these words : "Come, humble sinner, in whose breast." Coming to these lines: "But if I perish, I will pray, And perish only there," my mind was made up. I went out into the grove, and resolved that if I perished, I would perish at my Saviour's feet. If I did perish, I would perish praying. I went out in great distress, I returned with great joy. In prayer my mind expe- rienced a sweet relief; I had new views of my Sa- viour, and saw that Christ could save even so great REV. DANIEL DAKER, D. P. 29 a siinicr as I was. r'rrquently since tlicn I liavc tliou^ht upon tlioso words, as applicable to my case, "the darkest time is just before the dawn." I became one of the happiest creatures ui)on earth, and thought if I only had a little pair of wings, I could fly. Every thing around me seemed Aery lovely; and O, if I could only be a preacher! I recollect one evening walking in the piazza at "Cato's place," so called — I thouglit what a great thing it would be if I could go to College! 15ut that was a thing for out of my reach, and far away; there was no such good thing for me. The greatest favour I expected from my brother was that he would one day take me with him to Savannah, some thirty-five miles distant. I won- dennl how a city looked. My brother i)romised that if I would attend to a little shop he had, that he would take me to Savannah the coming winter. Time after time I was disappointed, but finally the period came; my brother set out with a bale of cot- ton in a cart; and whilst he rode on horseback, and a servant was walking at the side of the cart, I had the great privilege of riding upon the bale of cotton in the cart. Mounted upon my elevated seat, and going to see a great city, of which I had long heard, I was almost as hap})y as a young king wlio had just mounted his throne. I was going to Savannah! 1 was going to the very place whcu-e my fiither was wont to go, and from wliicli place he used to bring so many good things in his saddle-bags for me, and others left behind. Keaching the city in the even- ing, I looked around and wondered at the number of houses whicli 1 saw; and some were so fine! I 4 o 0 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE was not ashamed of the humble chariot in which I had entered this great city, and was pleased with every thing I saw. The next morning my brother, having me at his side, went round to several stores under the bluff, and tried to get me a situation as clerk, and finally, to my great joy, succeeded. Taken into the diy-goods and grocery store of Mr. John B. M., I Avas very awkward, and was so unfor- tunate as to misplace the key, which occasioned me innnense mortification and trouble. After much searching, the key, however, was found, and I was once more happy. Although awkward, I endea- voured to please, and soon found that my employer liked me very much, and had so much confidence in me, that sometime after, going to the North for goods, he left the store and all his interests in my hands. I can truly say, that without the permission of my employer, I never took a cent from his drawer, for I was very conscientious. I had great simplicity of character, and my moral and religious feelings were deeply seated in my soul. Unfortu- nately, however, hearing one day that the body of a murdered man had been drawn out of the river, I imprudently left the store open, to see the sight, and upon my return, found, to my consternation, that nearly all the silver, amounting to some forty dol- lars, had been taken out of the drawer! To this day the thief has not been found, so far as I know ; but in all probability, before this, he has had to answer for it at the bar of his INIaker. Mr. M. (afterwards Major) had some very excel- lent traits of character, but he was very profane, loose in his morals, and, perhaps, never went to REV. DANIET, TIAKEU, D. D. 81 rliurcli. llavin^i; no fiiinily liiinsclf, he boarded me out. At tliis boiirdiiiju^-house, so far as I ran now recollect, not ont^ liad any fear of God before bis eyes; and all of the youths with Avlioni I associated, I think "vvith only one exception, were profane; and all desecrated tlic Sabbath. At first, I was very much shocked at tliese "carryings on," and even ventured to reprove them, but gradually I began to look with less horror upon their conduct; and as "attrition wears the solid rock," in process of time I began, to some extent, to copy their example. I began to neglect secret prayer, and would occasion- ally take a stroll into the country on tlie Sabbath, instead of going to church ; and sometimes would go into confectionary shops and beer-gardens; but this I consented to not speedily, nor without many checks of conscience. My companions, all of them as I have said, except one, were profane, and they would laugh at me for my religious turn, and would call me "parson." This was almost too much for me; and 1 recollect that once I attempted to SAvear, but the oath died, unuttered, upon my tongue; and so sharp were the rebukes of my conscience, tliat I never attempted it any more. After living with Mr. M. about three years, I was taken into the employment of Messrs. Joseph & JalK'Z li., cotton factors, who were gentlemen of higli standing, and who were doing a fine commis- sion business. This was high ])r(>motion, but so far as religion was concerned, it brouglit no great advantage to me, for altliough tlie family in which I now resided was very genteel, yet there was no Uible in the house, nor any trace of religion. 32 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE Being now introduced into a better circle, I must needs become a little more polislied, and therefore went to the dancing-school: and now, getting to be a young man, I soon bought me a suit of uniform, and had the honour of being enrolled amongst the Hangers^ and of course, when the Fourth of July came, we must, like the other volunteer companies, celebrate it with mirth and feasting. On one occa- sion, before I became a Ranger, however, I was appointed a Fourth of July orator, and at the dinner which followed, I gave this toast: "The rising generation, may it be distinguished for its virtue and its patriotism." A copy of my oration was requested for publication. I, of course, with all due modesty, yielded, and a few days after, I saw myself in print, as large as life — oration, toast, and all. Some compliments were paid, and I began to fancy that I was a person of some consequence, and began to write for the public papers. About this time I began to enlarge the circle of my acquaintance, and attended several private balls. To crown the matter, on one occasion, I was made one of the managers of a public ball, given by certain young men in the Exchange; and by this time, I confess, the tide of worldly feeling and worldly amusement had nearly swept me away; but as the providence of God would have it, several things occurred to hold me in check. I came very near shooting myself, accidentally, when out hunting one day; and on another occasion, I was upon the point of being drowned, in the Savannah river, when bathing on the Sabbath day! and to crown the matter, I was taken very sick, and within a REV. DANIEL BAKEU, D. D. 83 few liours was broui^ht very low, ovon, apparently, to the bonleis of the <>iave. lint none of these tluRfj^s so wrouijlit upon me as the sudden and iinexpectiMl death of a wicked companion of mine. This death was announced from the ])ulpit by Doctor Kollock, after preachinp^ a very elo([uent and powerful discourse. I was in church at the time, and tlie announcement came upon my ear as a clap of thunder from a clear sky. I had been ])laying cards witli him a few ni^i^hts before; he was then the very picture of health. And is Vanderlot dead! O, dreadful! thouo-ht I; he certainly was not prepared. And what if I had been taken! That afternoon I attended his funeral. 1 will never fort^et the occasion; I felt awful. My younji^ companion taken away in Jiis sins! — suddenly and without warning! AVhat — said I to myself, over and over ao;ain — Avhat if I had been taken! I was as a blind man whose eyes had been opened just as he had reached the brink of an awful preci- pice. By the p^nicc of God, my soul was thoroufi^hly aroused; my mind was made up, and I resolved that I would no longer neglect the salvation of my soul. I resumed private prayer. I wanted a Bible to read, particularly at night; but 1 had neither Bible nor Testament, nor was there one in the liouse. (), I would be willing to give almost any tiling in tlu^ world for a Bible! A\'hat was to be done^ Tlune was a bookstore in the city, and there were Bibles and Testaments there, but a comi)anion of mine was there as clerk; and how could 1 brave his ridicule, ^ight after night I thouii:ht I would certainlv muster courage, l)ut 4* 34 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE when the next day came, my courage failed. One night, however, I was in a kind of agony because I had no Bible or Testament; and I then firmly resolved that I would, at all hazard, purchase one the next day. The day came, and as we are told, it required uncommon resolution to pass certain forms, seated, as it is fabled, at the gate of Elysium; so it seemed almost too much for me to look Mills in the face, and from him to buy a Testament; but I had firmly resolved, and buy a Testament I would. In pursuance of this resolution, after breakfast, bracing my courage up, I boldly entered the store, and said, "Mills, have you any Testa- ments for sale]" but quickly added, "But I don't want it for myself." AVhat a wonder the Spirit of God did not leave me that moment! What Bunyan in his Pilgrim's Progress has said about shame, I found to be but too true. As a Hanger^ I could perhaps have looked an enemy in the face without flinching; but to do that which I believed would expose me to ridicule — this was more than I could well do. Having obtained the long wished for prize, I bore it ofl' in secret triumph. In my estimation it was a prize indeed. I suppose I would not have parted with it for ten times what it cost. O, it was a precious book to me! and I think I could say with Jeremiah, " Thy words were found, and I did eat them." About this time I recollect going to a prayer- meeting, and not having courage enough to go in, I remained without in the street, and was much impressed by what I lieard ; and now, having made up my mind to serve the Lord as long as I lived, REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 35 I thoun^lit, C) liow 1 Avoiild like to bocoinc u iniii- istcr of the . 1». 39 very much like that of David and Jonatliaii. Our correspoiidenee, avIkmi absent, was unreserved and of lon«j^ eontinnance ; onr letters would make a lar«;c volume; our correspondence, I may say, lasted until the period of his death, which occurred at Hartford, Connecticut, 1 think in the year 1835. I had not made any public profession of religion before leavin. 1). 41 my supromc object to obtain the approbating smiles of my God, and tliat of mv own conscience. 3. liesolrcd. That I will frequently jiray to Almighty Ciod to point out all my vices and follies, and supplicate his grace to dispose me to turn from them. Siindni/, S('})trinbrr 'tfli, Lsll. This day Dr. Hoge preached a sermon eminently calculated to arouse saints to a clear evidence of their interest in the covenant of grace. After divine service I retired to pour out my warm desires before my prayer-hearing God. Sutidnij Evening, Novrmhrr \1th, 1811. This day being deprived of the outward church ordinances, the second meeting of a praying society was held at Dr. Hoge's, attended by the teachers and six or eight students; a solemn attention was gi\(Mi by all, and there were some who appeared peculiarly affected in the several exercises of })raying and singing; in fine, it seemed manifest that our gracious Saviour had con- descended to be in the midst of us. * * * * iSatan, begone! I am now your inveterate foe, and, by the grace of God, I trust I ever will continue irreconcila- ble to you. "Get thee behind me, Satan!" I have made an unreserved, a cheerfid surrender of myself and all that I possess to my lan-ful Prince, and I can- not recall my words. Assail me now no more ^^ith your insidious darts, for Jesus, in whom alone I trust, has already vanquished you, and will, 1 humbly hope, give me strength to overcome all your efforts to destroy my soul. Yes, adorable Jesus! I am thine — soul and Iwdv — all thine. 1 would a. I). 46 Siiturddi/ I'JreNin. D. 65 he chastenotli;" yes, my soul, thou art chastened for tliy profit; then be comforted, be tranquil and sub- missive. Great (iod, pjrant me resi«ijnation ! () bring all my powers into sweet subjection to thy di\ine Avill; let me only glorify thy name in my afflictions, and I am content. Suuddij, June 2^th. In the review of last week, I discover many things for which I have cause to be deeply penitent and humbled. One thing I would now record, is, that I permitted my passions to get too great an ascendancy over me on Friday evening in the polemic society ; my expressions to Mr. "W^dton were unbecoming the relations we sustain to each other. His frank, forgiving disposition, raised him much in my estimation. Let it be my diligent care to imitate him in all those mild Christian virtues which appear so excellent and amiable in him, and which so well adorn the character of a Christian. Mr. Ij. preached this day, from Isaiah xxvi. 20, 21, a sermon admirably adapted to the existing state of our national affairs, war having been so recently declared against (jireat Britain. Now we are espe- cially called upon to obey the injunction of the text, to flee to Christ, our only hiding-place against the wrath of God and the fury of man. O, that Ciod would overrule the present perils and afflictions of America, to his honour and glory, and the advance- ment of the Redeemer's kingdom. This day too cold and lifeless in the worship of God; not sufficiently huml^le nor importunate in prayer; made but a poor improvement of the pri>i- leges of the day. O, if the heart-searching God 56 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE should strictly mark my shortcomings, I must be condemned; but there is an all-sufficient Saviour; Jesus alone is my hope, my righteousness, and the Rock of my salvation. O, that I might praise him more higlily, and love him more sincerely! Sunday, August 2d, 1812. How languid and heartless in my devotions! How few affectionate thoughts do I have of my Saviour and my God! Hosannas languish on my tongue. In the distress of my sold I cry unto the llock of my salvation, but I find no comfort; my soul longs and pants for sweet communion with God; but, alas! my flinty heart remains callous and unimpressed in reading, in medi- tation, and prayer. I do not feel the melting and enlivening influences of a Saviour's love beaming on my sold. I am as a wretched outcast — my sins — my accumulated sins have separated between my God and my soul. O, where shall I find liim against whom I have sinned, but whom I woidd still love. Dear Jesus! it is thy blood — thy peace-speaking blood alone that can bring me near to God; that will cause him to smile upon me. O, lead me to thy Father, for I am poor and ignorant, blind and naked! How (hm my \dews of spiritual things! How little do I know of God, my Maker and lledeemer. O, Spirit of light and love, descend; give me understanding, illumine my benighted mind; unveil to my adoring- view the lovely, the transcendent beauties of Emma- nuel, that my soul may be drawn out in love, supreme love to him. Birthday. Monday, August 11th, IS\2. Another year has now rolled away, and I still continue in the land of the living, a monument of God's great mercy; REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 57 and now, my soul, where art thou] What advances hast thou made in the divine life] A\'hat new con- formity to the ima<^e of tliy Redeemer] In the review of the last year I find many thinp^s to weep and lament over; many follies, many sins and hackslidinf]js to lay me low in repentance and humility, and I likewise find many things for adoring love and augmented gratitude to God. After a care- ful examination, I think I can discover that I have (through Christ strengthening me) made some pro- gress in my heavenly course. I find that impetuous, imperious, and malignant passions do not exercise that tyranny over mo which they did; by divine iuHuences they have been in a measure restrained, and brouglit into sweet captivity to the obedience of Christ. I find I luiAC been led to discover more and more the excellence and necessity of humility, and that I have been enabled to practise it, although in a very imperfect degree. I find I have become somewhat more resigned under afflictive dispensations, but, alas! I am still too prone to murmurings and repinings. I find that my love to God has increased a little, O, that it miglit be more intense! and that my knowledge in spiritual tilings has been somewhat augmented, and my faith in Christ and belief in reve- lation strengthened; but I must even now say and mourn for it, that I know but little of the character and pei-fections of (iod, that I have but dim views of tlie beauties of Knmianuel ; tliis I would bewail, and pray to have clearer views of God my lSa>iour; clearer views of the plan of redemption. 58 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE I think I have had better apprehensions of the nature, excellence, extent, and spirituality of the divine law; I think I have been convinced that the commandment is holy, just, and good, perfectly rea- sonable, and admirably conducive to the highest interests of man. I think I have discovered that it is an evil and a bitter thing to sin against God, and that sin is incon- ceivably hatefid and malignant, as committed against the best, the most beneficent, the most compassionate, as well as the greatest of beings ; and that I, as a vile, guilty wretch, deserve his heavy, everlasting, and righteous displeasure. I think I have had better views of my absolute need of a Saviour, of the suitableness of Christ, and have had more affecting views of his amazing love and compassion to poor, helpless, condemned sinners. 0 what a precious, precious Hedeemer, God has pro- vided for man! O my soul, praise, magnify, and adore the name of God who made and redeemed thee ! I think I have been much more heavenly-minded, enjoy greater delight in meditating on God and on divine things; for all these things I do now humbly acknowlege God as the only author, to whom be all the praise and glory. I feel a conviction, which I need not disguise, that of myself I am prone to evil ; that I cannot change my heart nor disposition; that 1 cannot do a single good action; while at the same time I would acknowledge the good hand of God, if I have been enabled to make any real advances in the divine life. I would desire to be deeply humbled for the slowness of my progress, my great short- REV. DANIEL BAICEII, I>. I) 59 ('oniiii<;.s, and the inisiinprovcmciit of many precious l)rivil('ges. I liave cxporieucod many vicissitudes of heav(ndy affections durinn; tbat I miar Saviour, my Lord and my (jod; my beart was quite melted, and fearing lest I sbould attract notice, I found it necessary in some measure to restrain mv feeline:s. AN ben at tbe table, 1 was in a more calm and com- 7 66 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE posed frame of mind, and I employed the most of these precious moments in reflecting that I was no longer my own, but Christ's, being bought with a price, and I thought that from that time I woidd certainly endeavour, in the strength of divine grace, to live more devoted to God, and keep a stricter guard on my future conduct. After rising from the solemn and beloved ordinance, I was much encouraged, roused, and animated, by an uncommonly excellent sermon, delivered by Dr. Hoge, from Rev. vii. 9; but, alas ! what a changeable, frail, wretched creature I am! A little trifling occuiTence after worship showed that I did not possess that meekness and sweetness of temper which I ought ; I felt unusually irritable, peevish, and fretful, and felt too great a disposition to censure little improprieties in others. This last week, I have fallen far short of the good resolutions I formed at the Lord's table and else- where; I have been cold and languid in religious exercises, and shamefully remiss in the duty of self- examination. My miscarriages and shortcomings are continually before me; — if thou shouldest be strict to mark iniquities, O God! who could stand] Saturday^ July 2>\st. Dry, logical sermons, with rounded periods, delivered in a cold, formal, and heartless manner, I can never relish, however beau- tified by the superficial elegances of composition ; and I question if the good efl'ects which flow from such preaching will be sufficient to compensate the minister for all his care, labour, and refinement. I love warm, animating, lively, evanggelominos preaching, full of fire, breathing love and com- passion. O may I never become a cold, lifeless, REV. PANTEL BAKER, D. D. 67 snitiniontiil preacher, but may I imitate tlie zeal of a ^^'hiteiiel(l, the tenderness of a llervey, tlie affec- tion of a Baxter, and blend all with the pure, sound, evangelical principles of a Doddridge. Suiiddj/, Aur, and I wont alone; and licre I would remark, that many times, before and since, have I been most providentially protected. CHAPTER III. WHILE A STUDENT AT PRINCETON. Having reached Princeton, I offered myself, on the opening of the winter session of 1813, as a candidate for the Junior Class, and after examination was admitted. I was located in room 39, and had for my room-mate a most estimable and pious yomig man named Thomas Piggs. At this time religion was at a very low ebb in the College. There were about one hundred and forty-fi^e students, and of these, only six, so far as I knew, made any profession of religion, and e^■en two of these six seemed to care very little about the matter ; for although four of us. Price, Allen, Piggs, and myself, agreed to meet ever}' evening for what was called famih- prayer, they kept entirely aloof l\>eling it my duty to do what I could for mv fellow-students in Princeton, as at Hampden Sidney College, I selected certain indivi- duals to be made the subjects of special prayer and effort, one named M. and the other V. The fii^t, during the revival which subsequently took place in College, professed conversion, and in after years LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE became a Presbyterian preacher. The other was an uncommonly lovely young man, and at one time bid fair for heaven; but sad to relate, even when compa- ratively young he came down to the drunkard's grave. He was very amiable, very yielding, and could never say, No. During the whole of this session religion was at a very low ebb indeed; it was deemed a matter of reproach to be a professor; and by way of contempt, those who did make a profession of reli- gion, particularly those who composed the praying band, were termed "the Reh'ffiosi." Grieved to see the abounding of iniquity in College, I proposed to my three associates. Price, Allen, and Biggs, that we shoidd establish a weekly prayer-meeting for the especial purpose of praying for a revival of religion in College. Tliis proposition was made sometime during the second session, and was immediately and cordially acceded to. Accordingly this prayer-meeting was held regularly until the close of the session, and none attended but the four already named, and one non- professor, Symmes C. Henry, who subsequently be- came, for many years, pastor of Cranbury church, New Jersey. At the commencement of the third session, as our prayers seemed not to have been heard, I was somewhat doubtful about continuing our weekly prayer-meeting, but, very happily, my asso- ciates were clear for continuing it, and it was well; for although we knew it not, the blessing was nigh, even at the doors. At this time the war was still raging with Great Bjitain, and by the President of the United States, James Madison, a day was set apart for fasting, humiliation, and prayer. I recollect that day well. IlKV. DANIEL BAK.EU, D. D. 71 My feelings were mucli excited; and, after engaging in i)rivate devotii)ns, I proposed to my room-mate that we shonld spend the whole day, as far as prac- ticable, in visiting from room to room, and converse with onr fellow-stndents on religious subjects; and 1 recollect distinctly saying to my room-mat(% " bro- ther 13., what does the Bible say? — 'Is not this the fast that I have chosen, to loose the bands of wickedness?'" "Come," added I, "and let us do what we can to break the bands of wickedness this day." The proposition was also made to P. and A., who occupied the room just under ours; they cor- dially concurred, and we had four warm-hearted missionaries in College that day. We went from room to room, conversing on the subject of religion only. In a report made by Dr. Green to the Trustees of the College, and extensively published, referring to the causes, humanly speaking, of the revival, he remarks: "The few pious youth who were members of College before the revival, were happily instrumental in promoting it. Tliey had, for more than a year, been earnestly engaged in prayer for this event. AA'hen they perceived the general and increasing seriousness, several of them made an agreement to speak privately and tenderly to their particular friends and acquaintance, on the subject of religion. And Mhat they said was, in almost every instance, not only well received, but those with whom they conversed became immediately and earnestly en- 72 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE « gaged in those exercises, Avhich it is hoped have issued in genuine piety." The narrative proceeds: Some of the students seemed to be taken by surprise. They knew not what to make of it. At length some of them began assume a very serious look, and even the tear began to trickle down tlie cheek. This sight — this novel sight — electrified our souls, and gave us new zeal. The services in the chapel were that day uncommonly solemn; and that evening we saw six or eight new faces at our "family prayer." The next day an event occurred which produced a considerable excitement amongst the students, and which served to increase the religious interest greatly. One of the students, W. J., a very profane young man, but of a warm heart, and great oratori- cal powers, had been out at a tavern the night before, with some others, gambling. Returning to College at a late hour, he was arrested in the campus by an officer of College, who, laying his hand upon him, said, "Ah, my young man! have I got youT' The moment this was said, W. J. (as he told me afterwards) was struck under conviction of sin. He felt that he had violated the laws of his Maker, as well as the laws of College. He was suspended by the faculty ; but it being known that he was under conviction, he was permitted to remain on the Col- lege grounds for some two or three days. Much of this time was spent by the "young orator" in telling his fellow-students what a great sinner he had been, and urging them all to attend to the salvation of their souls, as tlie one thing needful. That night REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 78 the room in wliitli wc ]w\d our family worship was crowded. A little alter we changed our place of meeting to the largest room in College, and that was nearly full; some seventy or eighty students being present. It became common now for A., P., B., and myself, when our tuni came round, after reading a portion of Scripture, to make some remarks by way of exhortation, seated in our chair. The interest in the College continued to increase, and in about a week from the day of the national fast, I made this record in my diary, "Thank God! we can now say, there is a revival of religion in Nassau Hall Col- lege." Yes, our prayers had been answered at last, and the Lord had done for us far more than we ever dared to hope for. AMien it was known that the work was a genuine and powerful one, our worthy President, the Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green, rejoiced greatly. He would every now and then send for A., P., B,, and myself, to inquire, about the reli- gious excitement in College, and would occasionally hold special meetings for the young converts and serious inquirers. Some of these "Counsels and Cautions" were subsequently given to the public in the form of a tract. Dr. Archibald Alexander would also, every now and then, come in, and favour us with some very appropriate remarks. I recollect once he said, " The promises were like so many steps in a ladder, by which we might ascend to heaven." O, it was a bcautifid sight to see some seventy or eighty young men under the influence of deep religious feeling, about forty-five of whom were rejoicing in Christ. It was worth an angel's visit 74 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE from the skies, to see them walknig, so lovingly, arm in arm, or in groups, talking about the great things the Lord had done for them. The revival continued up to the very close of the session; and very touching were the scenes pre- sented when they bid each other farewell. The room which brother B. and myself occupied was the place of chief resort, and was the birth-place of many a happy soul. All varieties of character came to converse with us, even some who were not much wrought upon, but who knew not what to make of the state of things in College. One, a very rich young man, finding that the suppers which he had been in the habit of giving late at night were not attended as usual, came one night into our room, and sitting down at my side, asked me "what all this meant 1" and added, "Why, a man here looks like a fool if he has not religion now!" After telling him that religion was, indeed, the "Chief concern of mortals here below" — and urging him to secure for himself the "pearl of great price," "Well," said he, "I will try for one week, and if I do not get it, you see, sir, my character is gone!" With what sincerity he tried, I will not say, but I fear he never gained the prize; and although many others besides, were only almost persuaded to be Christians, some forty-five or fifty were, in the judgment of charity, soundly converted. About twenty or thirty, I should think, became ministers of the gospel, several of whom became pillars of the Church ; two at the present time are distinguished bishops of the Episcopal Church; one RKV. DANIEL BAKEIl, 1). D. 75 has l)ccn, and porhnp?^ still is, president of a College, another, accordinji: to a British print, is "the <^reatcst divine now livinp;," whilst another has become famous as a missionary to the Sandwich Islands; and I must not forp^et the llcv. Amzi Armstrong, whose death, a few years since, excited such painful and universal interest. O, it was a glorious work of grace, and verily its blessed consequences will not only run along down the whole stream of time, but will not lose their traces throughout the wide ocean of eternity! One who was at this time in the Seminary thus speaks, after the death of Dr. Baker, of those days. "There are some men concerning whose develop- ments of character and usefulness you are never disappointed. And such a one, in an eminent degree, we think, was the late Daniel Baker. I knew him first when he was yet a member of Nassau llall College. There was prevailing at that time (1815,) in that institution, that remarkable revival of religion, of which Dr. Green has given so interesting a narrative. Being a student of the Theological Seminary, I had naturally something to do with this wonderful movement; and there com- menced my acfpiaintance with our deceased friend. "There were, according to my recollections, but a few professors of religion in College, and this rendered the more prominent the position of such an one as INIr. Baker, lie was already of mature years, and being known as a man of great single- ness and steadfastness of aim, he was universally 76 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE respected, and much sought unto by those who were seriously concerned. "In matters relating to religion, he seemed to have their unbounded confidence; and what with the peculiar elevation and sanctity of his mind, it is not wonderful they regarded him as a sort of superior being. Such indeed was the impression, to some extent, which he made upon my own mind, especially on one occasion. After attending to the usual duties of the day, he was found at the twilight hour, sitting in his room, with his head thrown back upon his chair, in a state of trance-like and holy abstraction. I cannot render this as an inci- dent, or convey it as I would, as a description of character; but it seems to me now, that if ever mortal man could appropriate the language of seraphic adoration, our friend might have been saying, 'Into the heaven of heavens, I have presumed, An earthly guest, and drawn empyreal air.' Besides the usual promise of fair talents, untiring industry, and great steadfastness of purpose in doing good, there was about this man a singular sweetness of disposition and loving character of his piety, (loving, we mean in spirit like that of Rutherford's letters and Solomon's Songs, not, of course, in language,) and these marked the man, and con- tinued, I believe, more or less through life. None were ever disappointed in him, and it need not be said now that his usefulness, both in the ordinary and higlier departments of religious labour, was such as few men of our day have reached." IlEV. DANIEL DAKER, I). D. 77 Tlio narrativo proceeds: A little iiK'ideiit may here ho mentioned, sliowinuj what power relip^ion has to warm and expand t\w, heart. Karly in the summer session of 1815, a Mr. llarned came from Tliiladelphia. Sahhath-schools had then lately heen introduced in that city, and were becominpj very popular, lie came to Prince- ton, and ])ro])osed that the relijj^ious studcMils in College sliould establish Sabbath-schools in Prince- ton and its vicinity. This was cordially seconded by a Mr. Newbold, a youn^ man of imcommon popularity in College. The plan was, with tlu; approbation of the faculty, submitted to the stu- dents, and it went like fire in the prairies. All were pleased with the idea of doing good in this way. A subscription was circulated, and in a short time more than three hundred dollars were sub- scribed. At the close of this session I graduated. There were live " honours," and seven " distinctions." One of the honours (the fifth I think) was given to me, which was beyond my expectation, as I had entered the junior class Avhen I was not well prepared for it ; and during the revival I had many things to inter- rupt mv studies. It will be seen, that as I first took hold of my grammar in July, 1811, and the senior vacation took place in 1815, my whole course occu- ]V\vd only four years, which was certainly too short a periofl for me to be thorough in any of my studies. A speech was assigned me for the "commence- ment;" but, having obtained permission, T left Princeton for Virginia, ex])e(ting to return in due time, and enter the Theological Seminary. 8 78 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE A distinguished minister, who was an intimate friend in College, speaking of him at this period, says: "He was a fine scribe, wrote many letters to pious friends and relatives; delighted in composing, and composed well. He was very fond of speaking, and would, in the early part of his education, com- pose and exhibit original pieces. No student in the College took such delight in their exercises. He was fonder of them than Latin or Greek. He did not like the long and tedious course of academic and collegiate hfe. I roomed with him one session, and say he was a man given to prayer. I think I pros- pered from my intercourse with him. I have never been intimate with any youth who was more conse- crated to the Lord, and devout in his service. For me to write, that it was his meat and his drink to do the will of his Father in heaven, and to serve him in the gospel of his Son, would be no more than what all know, who are acquainted with his zeal and diligence in mitiring and persevering efforts to save immortal souls. He was instant in season and out of season, in the work of his Master." At this time, not yet twenty-four years of age, and in all the flush of ardent youth, religion, never- theless, was the one thought of his mind, the one emotion of his heart. " My dear friend," says he, in one of many letters to a young lady in New Eng- land, dated Princeton, January 21st, 1815, "My dear friend, I am sorry that you should for a moment have supposed that your letters are displeasing to me. Believe me, they arc really very interesting; more so on account of the tender and lively interest I take REV. DANIEL nAKKR, I). D. 79 in your toni])oial and eternal liai>[)inrs53. And 1 Avill now request, tliat if at any time you slioukl not receive letters from me as soon as you expect, vou will attribute it to anv tliinj2r rather than a diminu- lion of mv esteem for you, and an indifference to our e])istolary correspondence. Your last letter V(M- inoans arc made use of, AvliotluT love or terror, the event is equally happy; therefore, if you have any satisfactory evidence of beinjT^ vitally united to the Lord Jesus, enjoy the comfort which it is calculated to inspire. Bless the Lord for what he has done for your soul, and pray that you may p^row in g^racc, and have clearer dis- coveries of divine things. Press orn, my dear friend, and O, may you be enabled to live to the praise of His grace, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. "I am happy to inform you that the Lord has visited us in mcrcv, and that there is now a revival of religion in Nassau Hall College. The inquiry has become quite general. What must I do to be saved? and a goodly number have already crowded around the standard of the cross. O, my friend, it would fill your heart with sacred joy to "view those scenes wliich are now daily presented to my eyes. Many of the students who last week were gay and thoughtless, now hang do^vn their heads like bulrushes, and go mourning after the Saviour. Some of them have already found Jesus precious to their souls, and are now joying in the God of their salvation, whilst others are in bitterness of soul on account of their sins and the hardness of their heart. This glorious work commenced last Thursday week, the day appointed by the supreme magistrate of our country as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. It has been progressing ever since, and now I sup- pose there are about thirty or forty of the students more or less impressed. The College lias become a 8* 82 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE Bethel, a house of prayer; and prayer is now set up in those rooms which have not resounded with the voice of suppHcation for forty years past. I hope we are all revived, and are enabled to take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. Join with me, my dear friend, in adoring the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. " Blessed be God, there are many new-born heirs of glory here, who will ere long swell the triumph of the Saviour, and who will be everlasting monu- ments of redeeming love. O, my friend, I long to hear from you. I want to know whether you have yet entirely given your heart to God, and whether you have yet tasted that the Lord is gracious. If you have not yet, I most earnestly entreat you to renew your exertions. O, do not let the world ensnare you; do not let its blandishments charm you; do not let any thing keep you from the dear Redeemer. Come to him, rest upon him, and receive him as the Lord, our righteousness and strength; then will the peace of God, which passeth understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus; then will you love to meditate on divine things; then will you rejoice in the hope of the glory hereafter to be revealed. " I am much pleased with the account you give of your Heading Society. May the blessing of God descend upon it as rain upon the mown grass, and as showers that water the earth. Have you intro- duced prayer as an exercise'? I think it would be very proper, especially as you have so many of the followers of the Lamb. Mr. Allen has not REV. DANIEL BAKEn, D. 11. 88 f()rc(l, wc botli often tliiiik and talk of you, hoping and ])rayinn- that you may bo made an lieir of salvation tlirou^li tlic abundant f^race of the ].ord Jesus Christ. O, faint not, press on; strengthen your heart, and look unto Jesus as the fi^reat author and finisher of your faith. The time is short; it remaineth that those who weep be as those who weep not; although weeping may endure for a night, yet joy cometli in the morning. Our sorrows, trials, and temptations are but of short continuance, and although they cause us heaviness, yet, "Tlu-y will sooner waft us o'er This life's tempestuous sea; Soon we shall reach the peaceful shore, Of blessed eternity." Yours, sincerely, Daniel Baker. 84 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE CHAPTEH IV. WHILE AT WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA, After consulting with my friends, it was finally thought best that I should study theology under the direction of Mr. William Hill, pastor of the church at Winchester, and spend a part of my time in assisting Mr. Nichols in the Female Academy. This arrangement was made with my very free con- sent, as an important part of the plan was, that I should be married early in the next Spring. A lady who knew him at this time thus writes in regard to him, after his death. "Well do I remember the first time I saw him; then I was but eleven years old. I was in the boardino-school. The house I lived in had been broken into one night, and Mrs. Nichols, my aunt, said she would call on Mr. Hill, and ask him to let one of the students board with us for our protection. Your dear, dear father came. He was my day and Sabbath-school teacher for, I think, two years. At one time I had displeased him, and he did not notice me with a smile as usual. He passed through the room wlicre I sat with my book. I could not run and tell him how sad I was, but he saw it. I thought he had gone and not spoken to me. I threw my little apron over my face, and sobbed as if my heart would break. He came back and spoke REV. DANIEL nAKEU, D. D. 85 SO kindly I wopt the more. He told me how Avrong I did to iie<^lect my lessons, how I grieved him. He told me God wonld not love me; spoke sweetly, as he ever did, of the blessed Jesus. With new life I went to my task. On one occasion one of the servants came in, and said that they heard a noise in the school-house, that was at a little distance from the house we lived in. It was ninsion. O for the spirit of a weepin*!^ Jeremiah! God jj^rant that I may this day know somethiui; of the feelings of the pious l*salmist when he said, ''lliNers of waters run down my eyes because they keep not thy law." Evening. I think I have been enabled this day, in some humble measure, to mourn over my past shortcomings, and to wrestle with God for grace to help in time to come. I have had some enlargement of heart in prayer and meditation, and have been enabled to mourn not only over my heart, but the desolations of Zion, Help me, gracious God, hence- forth, to be more humble and exemplary in my widk and deportment, and more useful in thy Church. 181G — iSprinij. The last winter has been a memo- rable winter in A\'inchester. The north and south winds have been in some measure felt in this valley of ^'ision, and many dry bones have been shaken. The praying society has been nuich blessed; it has been unifunnly well attended; oftentimes the meet- ings were remarkably solemn, much feeling was 96 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE manifested under the short exhortations that were made, and frequently the power of God was felt throughout the whole society. O, what sweet and precious seasons have we been favoured with during the latter part of the winter. The recollection of them still tills my soul with joy and gratitude. At our communion season, this spring, thirteen were added to the church; the most, if not all of them, it is believed, were awakened in our praying society. Bless the Lord^ O, my soul, who has been pleased to bless and crown with visible success my poor weak labours of love. Several persons who have not as yet joined the church, seem to be, at this time, sincerely and earnestly inquiring the way to Zion ; the Lord in mercy lead them to Jesus, the sinner's friend. September 26th. The summer session in the Female Academy has this day terminated. In reviewing my conduct during the session, I find I have the most abundant cause for the deepest humiliation and abasement of soul ; and I desire now to take some low place at the foot of my Jesus, and fling my arms around his blood-stained cross. O, my dying Christ, thou art my hope, my joy, my only Saviour. The past session has been an eventful one to the females belonging to the Academy; my weekly exhortations to them have been blessed, and a number have been awakened. Scenes truly inte- resting have been presented; about fifteen have been seriously impressed, five or six of whom give a pleasing evidence of a saving work of grace upon their hearts. O, my Lord, deal gently with these precious little lambs, and keep them by Almiglity REV. PANTFL BAKKR, D. D. 97 powor tliroiij^h faitli unto salvation. Tlic awakcninfij in tlic Academy has excited niucli interest in town, and wliilst some have rejoiced in it, otliers have disapproved of the work, and liave endeavoured to bring it into disrepute. Many sliuiderous reports have been cin idated, and I have been caui^^ht up in a tempest of persecution ; but I committed all to the Lord, and endeavoured to endure my trials ])atiently, and continue steadfast, unmovable, always aboundin\ife with her mother in Prince Edward,) I paid a visit to my friends and relatives in liberty count^•, Georgia. A\'hen in Savannah, I called upon Dr. Kol- loch; told liim who I was; that I formerly attended upon his ministry ; had been much benefitted by it ; and that I was now a licensed preacher. The doctor was much pleased ; his eyes filled with tears ; and, it being Wednesday, he inWted me to preach for him that night, which was his stated evening for preach- ing. I complied, and preached from these words: " For there shall be no night there." The next day my brother and myself reached the place of our nativity, and received a very cordial reception, lle- maining in the county, I think about two weeks, I preached in various ])laces, but chiefly in Midway church and at lliceboro'. On every occasion, almost without exception, I had a great crowd. There was 104 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE a very considerable religious excitement, and, I think, some ten or twelve persons professed conversion; some, however, who were much wrought upon, I fear, fell short of the mark. I will state a case or two which excited much interest. One Mr. M., a merchant in Riceboro', a very profane and wicked man, was invited to hear me preach in the court- house on a certain evening. " Go to hear Mr. Baker preach!" said he, "why I woidd not go across the street to hear him." Well, I went to the court-house to preach, and he went to bed. As his chamber was not very far from the court-house, as the sashes were up, and my voice was loud, Mr. F. in his bed, listened to me, and in his bed was awakened. Powerfully wrought upon, the next morning he came down out of his chamber, ha\ing a very serious look, and did not swear at all, as he was wont to do. His servant noticed it, and remarked, that he did not know what was the matter with his master, for he had stopped swearing. The next night he was at preaching, and seemed to be very much interested. The day follow- ing, he went to see a sick friend at a distance, and of him and his impressions I coidd hear nothing further. Another case which may be mentioned is this. Mr. M. M., a very irreligious man, and the keeper of a billiard-room, was powerfully wrought upon — did not profess conversion, but was so much interested in the preaching, that when I was coming away he gave me fifty dollars. On my second visit to Georgia, some three or four years after, I Avas called to see him in his dying chamber. Alas! I fcai* he died without hope. REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 105 Lcaviiif^f Liberty county, still in company with my brother John, I called again upon L)r. KoUock in Savannah, and preached for him a second time — my text, Isaiah liv. 10. This sermon, I have reason to believe, pleased Dr. Kollock very much; and I am not sure but, subsequently, it had an influence in procuring for me a call to become pastor, upon the death of that great and good man. Receiving a very handsome "purse," as a free-will oftering from my friends in Midway, and also having received about a thousand dollars — the amount of my patrimony — I returned to Prince Edward, and with my first-born child, Howard, I hurried on to Harrisonburg, to which place I had received a call. During my absence in Georgia, a letter had been sent to me at Prince Edward, inviting me to become seamen's preacher in the city of New York ; but under exist- ing circumstances, I could not, of course, accept. 10* lOG LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE CHAPTER V. HARRISONBURG — WASHINGTON CITY. Settled in Harrisonburg, I was ordained and in- stalled as pastor of the united congregations of Har- risonburg and New Erection, at a meeting of Pres- bytery held in Harrisonburg, March 5th, 1818. I preached alternately at each place. Having bought a house and lot in town, I taught school for some two or three years. Amongst those taught by me were Gesner Harrison and Henry Tutwiler, both subse- quently distinguished Professors; the first, in the University of Virginia, the other in Lagrange Col- lege, Alabama. Prof Harrison, in a note penned after the decease of his old teacher, says : " For some years of my boyhood I was a pupil of the late Rev. Daniel Baker, D. D., and have always regarded him as having displayed, in a very eminent degree, some of the best qualities of a teacher of youth. To say that he was diligent and faithful; that he showed a warm solicitude for the moral as well as mental improvement of his pupils, and that his heart was in the work of training them in useful knowledge and virtue, would hardly convey an ade- (juate idea of tlie enthusiastic zeal with which he laboured in his school. He carried into it the same warm-hearted energy that distinguished his efforts as REV. DANIEL RAKER, D. D. 107 a preacher. It wiis not stranssivi' and spiritual in its ap])licati()n, that tlio liotrl-kcopcr was completely overcome. The result was, that 8. inuuediately took a pew in the church, and was ever after a regular attendant upon the means of grace. About this period ])r. Baker, at the request of his church, visited New York city for the purpose of obtaining pecuniary aid therefor. It seems, however, that only some live hundred dollars was obtained by him during the tour. He had not as yet learned, as lie afterward most certainly did, the one secret of success in begging. In June, 1824, he paid a rapid visit to Virginia, during which he wrote the follow- ing letter to Mr. James H. Handy. This gentleman was an elder of the Washington church, and, when Dr. Baker was elected pastor, was opposed to his set- tlement. Acquiescing, however, in the call, Mr. Handy soon became, and remained ever after, one of liis warmest friends. Perhaps no two men were ever more alike in spirit, and the attachment between them was as that of Jonathan and David, as will appear from the correspondence. To the day of his death. Dr. Baker often six)ke of Mr, Handy as a model elder. A son of this excellent man is now pastor of the Presbyterian church in Portsmouth, Virginia. " Haurisonuuro, 2'jlh Jinif, 18-1. "My dear Friend — Amidst the greetings of my friends here, I can find scarcely a leisiure moment; yet I ha\e retired to drop you a line. I reached Prince Edward, with mv familv, on ^^\>dnesdav after leaving ^^'asllingtoll. Owing to a kind Providence, 11 114 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE nothing disastrous occurred on our journey. On our arrival, there was no little joy, I assure you. On Satur- day, and on Sabbath last, I preached at the College. It being a sacramental occasion, there was a very large congregation. It was a solemn and interesting season, but notliing very remarkable took place. On Tuesday I left Prince Edward for this place, and had the pleasure last evening of saluting my old friends here. The expressions of their affection for me have affected me very sensibly. I never knew be- fore the full strength of their affection. It pleased God to bless my labours amongst this people in times past; on this account, I suppose, they bear me in such affectionate remembrance. The God of heaven bless them yet more and more. " I have thought about you all in Washington very frequently and affectionately. They share in my daily prayers. I hope our excellent elders have been doing a great deal of good during my absence; the Lord encourage them to engage earnestly and actively in his service, and grant a rich blessing. You have had no difficulty, I hope, in getting the pulpit sup- plied; I wonder if I ought not formally to have re- quested from the Session leave of absence. The thing never occurred to me until I had set out on my journey; but I have quieted my conscience in tliis way — The visit was long in contemplation; I had spoken of it repeatedly to yourself and others; no objections had been made; but still, I do think it was proper to have stated it to the Session. This plan, I think, ought to be observed in all our churches ; it is the plan I shall observe in time to come. " Can you read this scrawH — it is really shamefid; REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 115 but as my stay here is so short, I am pressed for time; besides, I liave tliis very afternoon to ])reach a funeral sermon. IIavin<; many thin. 127 noss, liis rchukos in love; ])niy for liiin, and p^ivo liiin good (Micouraji^cMiioiit of every kind. I lio])e you still remain united among yourselves; that you con- tinue to love each otlier, as you were wont to do, with a pure heart, fervently: 'Behold, liow good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell tog(^ther in unity.' Christians are a peculiar ])eople; they should walk in love, and not, as other gentiles, whicli know not God. There are many tender con- siderations wliich may well bind their hearts toge- tlier. They have one warfare, one banner, one Captain of salvation. They arc all children of the same heavenly King ; they have one elder Brother, one inheritance, and one hope; they are all going up through the same wilderness, refreslied by the same streams, leaning upon the same arm. Tliey are *all passing through one beauteous gate to one eternal home.' Dear brethren, let me beseech you once more, as I have often done before, to walk worthy of the ].ord unto all pleasing; to live blame- lessly and liarmlessly as the children of God, without rebuke. O, it is a great matter to be a consistent and exemplary Christian! it pleases God, brings credit to religion, and peace and comfort to our own soul. The time is gone by for me, in any official capacity, to press these things upon you, for I am no longer your ])astor; but, as an absent friend and Christian brotlier, T would call to remembrance the tilings which ye have heard. "There are two things wliicli now, in review, afford me satisfaction — a consciousness that I endea- voured to be faitliful wliilst I was over you in tlie Lord, and a conviction that my labours in your 128 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE midst were not in vain in the Lord. I know I came far short of my duty, and I have reason to monm over my too great barrenness, and would desire now to humble myself before God, and take shame and confusion of face unto myself for all that was amiss; yet, through grace, I think I can say, if I did not make full proof of my ministry, I did, in some measure, do the work of an evangelist amongst you, and I thank God, I have left behind me some seals of my ministry. O, that the number were a thou- sand times greater! My dear friends, the idea of meeting you in glory is very delightful to my soul. Precious lambs of the flock ! may the good Shepherd lead you into green pastures, and beside the still waters; and what time you are feeble and amidst enemies, may He gather you in his arms, and carry you in his bosom. O, keep near youi' blessed Re- deemer; follow him fully in the regeneration, and soon you will be with him in a world of glory. Shall we see each other no more in the flesh? This is now quite probable ; but in our Father's house there are many mansions. There, if never before — there, I trust in God, we shall meet, salute each other as brethren redeemed, and part no more. "But what shade is that which comes over my souH What pang was that which even now I feeH O, it is the recollection of something past — that some, that many, and those of my young friends, too, heard me preach, heard me invite, heard me warn, heard me, even with tears, entreat them to attend to the great concern, and all without profit; whilst my soul was yearning over them, their hearts were cased in adamant; I never saw them weep at REV. DANIEL BAKEU, D. D. 129 the feet of Jesus; I never heard tliem ery, AVhat must I do to he saved? ^[y preachin<; witli tliem is now over; my warnin<^s are now ended, my work is done ; the vohnne of my pastoral hihours is closed, is sealed, is laid up hy the throne of God aji^ainst the judgment-day. And what, O my soul, must I bear witness against them in the judgment-day'? The idea is too distressing ; I cannot dwell upon it. O, my friend, wlioever thou art, that shall read this letter in tlie prayer-meeting, I entreat thee tell those, especially the young who have heard my voice but have not regarded it — O, tell them tliat they have sinned against much light and much love — tell them tliat their souls are more precious than a thousand worlds, and when lost, are lost for ever! God have mercy upon them, and save them from the death that never dies. I have done. Be- loved bretliren, one. and all, farewell. "Your late loving pastor, and still affectionate friend, Daniel Baker." (to MR. UANDY.) "Savannah, Ma;/ 2Sth, 1829. "My very dear Friend — I wrote to you by mail some three or four wec^ks since, but a fine oj)portu- nity now offering, 1 thought I woidd embrace it, although I have very little to say, and very little time to say that very little in. I have not to this day ceased regretting the miscarriage of the long letter I wrote to you ; not merely because it was a dead loss, but because I think if it had readied you, your last letter would have been both more bland and 12* 130 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE lengthy — (excuse the use of the term lengthy^ it is found in Webster.) Did you know if? — your letter had a drop or two of vinegar in it; but towards the last you diluted it pretty well. You seem to have forgotten my taken-for-granted- neglect, and you resumed your pleasant and most agreeable mode of expressing yourself. Now, my dear good sir, as the matter of neglect is all cleared up, I hope you will favour me with some more of your 'old fashioned,' but much valued letters. I greatly desire to know how you are all coming on; so many changes lately. "We are about opening an infant school in this city, vmder the most encouraging auspices. To secure adequate funds our plan is this: eighteen gentlemen to assume the responsibility of fifty dollars each, to be reimbursed by procuring scholars to that amount; terms of tuition to be ten dollars a year, to be paid semi-annually in advance. We obtained a proper person — sent her on to Philadel- phia to be trained up and qualified for opening an infant school in this city. She has just returned, and appears eminently qualified for the enterprise. It is an experiment in a southern latitude; much will depend upon our success. We trust the bless- ing of Heaven will be upon the institution. * * * I am coming on in the usual way; my health good, that of my family, in general, good also; some little seriousness among us, but not much; expect only a few at our next communion; one who has applied is a man of fine talents, a lately appointed judge of the Superior Court; he has been under serious impres- sions for a considerable time; was once, I believe, somctliing of a deist, and about two years ago REV. DANIEL IIAKER, D. D. Vol rliallrn«j:cd a man; but I liave reason to liopo for better tliin«^s of him now — even things that accom- pany salvation. Two hKlies also, wlio have all their lives lon«^ moved in the very hij^licst circles in this city, have lately given proof of having been brouglit imder the blessed influences of the divine Si)irit; they seem willing to give up the world and all for Christ; God grant them grace so to do. * * * If there be any thing encouraging with you, tell me; and if not, tell me. I feel a continued and lively interest in the affairs of your church. Do be full in your communications; enter into details; any thing and every thing will be interesting to me. I should like to know something also of the operations of tlie 'Hickory broom,' (so called); it sweeps clean, does it I lias it looked as if it would come along your way? I saw the name of 'Handy,' as one likely to be placed on the list; were you the person meant? Do teU me about my old friend and room-mate, Mr. Collins; methinks I see him fidl of alarm, trembling in every joint. * * * Please to remember me affec- tionately to all my old friends. " Your very sincere friend, Daniel Bakeu." (to the same.) "Savannah, V2th August, 1830. "^Iy very dear Friend — I feel much indebted to you for your kindness in writing so many interesting letters, and especially for your forbearance in not taking offence at my long-continued silence. I know not how often I have taken up my pen to write to you, and then laid it down again, not knowing 132 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE exactly what to say; and, indeed, I have now before me a half- written letter to you, dated the 11 th ultimo. " Yours of the 5th inst, was received this morning ; you wish a prompt reply, and I must give it. I feel sincerely thankful to my old and much esteemed friends for their kind remembrance of me, and for the desire which they have expressed that I should return to Washington, and resume my former charge. I am more than thankful — my heart has been much affected — and this moment 1 have feelings which I cannot express. If it were clearly the will of God, there would be no difficulty ; but I must frankly say, it is not — at least, it does not appear so to me under existing circumstances. " With regard to pecuniary matters, you know, my dear sir, that I do not suffer such things to have much influence with me ; I think I proved it, when, about nine years ago, I willingly gave up (because it was my Master's will) a salary of $2500 here for $1400 in Washington. My opinion decidedly is, tliat those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel, but should not be enriched by it; and I think I can adopt the sentiment embraced in those oft-repeated lines, ♦Man wants but little here below, Nor wants that little long.' Indeed, to tell you the truth, you were not far fi-om the mark when you supposed that large and small salaries were much the same with me. It is sing^u- lar, but so it is. My income at different periods has varied as follows, $600, $1100, $1400, $800, $2200; and yet at no time have I been flush, nor at any time have T starved. Nor is this a new case; for REV. DANIEL HAKKU, I). D. 133 we are told that when God rained manna nj)()n the camp of Israel, he that . 137 to pay ton dollars a year, payable semi-annually in advance. It met with strong opposition at first, but is now one of the most popular institutions of the city. We expect to open another before spring, for the poorer classes. I think these infant schools are grand things — will do much good. " Savannah has been most remarkably healthy ever since my arrival. This is called the sickly sea- son, but doctors (as the saying is) are starving. A great many of our rich folks, as usual, went off in pursuit of health. They would, in alt probability, have done much better to have remained at home. This going to the north every summer is a sad thing for Savannah; it makes the city so dull. Besides, it tends to impoverish the city, draining it of about half a million of dollars annually. ]SIy congrega- tion, at present, is comparatively small — about four hundred hearers; in the winter we have something like seven or eight hundred. Our evening meetings, held in our Sabbath-school room, have for a time been crowded and solemn. Some are under awaken- ings, but not many. We occasionally have inquiiy- meetings, at which we have had ten or twelve pre- sent. We much need a season of refreshing. How much pleased should I be to have you pay us a \'isit; a little jaunt of this kind might be for your health. I woidd introduce vou to a jjoodlv number of the excellent of the earth, for I think we have as good Christians here as you would find in any part of the world. * ♦ ♦ ♦ "Yours, very sincerely, Daniel Baker," 13 138 life and labours of the (to the same.) "Savannah, SOlh Oct., 1830. "My dear Friend — I %vrote yesterday, and now write again to-day. This is strange, is it nof? I will tell you my business in few words. In your last letter you mentioned that your health was not good; immediately it occurred to me that this would be a good time to insist upon your paying me a visit this fall or winter. I fully intended to introduce this subject in my letter, but I was so desirous of getting it in the office before the mail closed, that I forgot it; and you may judge that I was pressed for time when I tell you that just as I entered the office, our great town-clock began to strike one, two, three, twelve — the hour at which the mail closes. So you see I just ' saved my bacon,' as the saying is. But, not long after the letter was put in — there, now ! thought I to myself, I have forgotten one of the very things which I intended to write — what shall I do] Wait until I receive an answer] No; that won't do; it will be too late — at least it tnai/ be too late. I finally concluded to do what I am now driving at. And now, my dear sir, you recollect that you had half a mind to visit this seat of health last winter — only get another half, and you will have a whole one this season; and that, you know, is all that is re- quired. So it appears very feasible, indeed. How pleased would Mrs. B. and myself be to see you, and entertain you in our own house. I promise you a hearty welcome, and your lady too. I am almost sure it would be a great thing for the health of you both. Besides, don't you wish to see Savannah] and REV. PANIEL BAKKU, I), n. 139 don't you wisli to see your old friend once more? and see liis ('linrcli too — and his people? AWll, it' you come, you may see them all; and some of tlu^n are worth seein*:^, I tell you. The cliurcli — the build- ing, I mean — is perhaps not surpassed in elegance and grandeur by any in these United States ; and, indeed, it ought to be something, for it cost, as I believe I have already told you, about one hundred and twenty thousand dollars — a good round sum, truly. It was reared, I am told, with some reference to millennial times, and I myself have no doubt l)ut in that very building the thrilling sound will be heard, ' The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ;' whilst, at the same time, great voices shall be heard in heaven, saying, ' Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and tliey shall be Ilis people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.' (), glorious scenes of a coming day! O, sweet bursting visions of millennial bliss! Roll on! The heralds of the cross, looking forward with joyous anticipations, cry, Roll on ! The sacramental host of (iod's elect, listening witli intense eagerness to hear the sounding of the chariot wheels of the great Captain of Salvation, cry. Roll on! The souls under the altar, too, of them that have been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held, methinks are ready to swell the cry, and even in glory, shout — Roll on! But whither am I carried. Excuse this rhapsody. The theme is .so pleasant, the bare mention of it is enough to kindle the heart into rapture. " But my time is short again, and 1 must ^^ ind up 140 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE this letter, which I intended to be a short one — a little nota be?ie, as it were — yet I must not abso- lutely put a period to it until I have mentioned one thing more. * * * * Q, when will men learn to preach the gospel in all its sweet simplicity! When will they consent to give up their unscriptural and bewildering metaphysical subtleties, or when Avill they cease to ' dote about questions and strifes of words,' whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth. Some persons have a most wonderful disposition to wish to appear deep and great — but, stop! — I must bring a railing accusation against no man, lest I deservedly incur the reproach of those who are 'fierce for moderation;' or, what is worse still, the displeasure of Him who has said, 'Judge not, that ye be not judged.' I leave them with Him whose province it is to search the hearts. To their own Master they must stand or fall. Well, did you ever see the like; it seems I will give you a long letter in spite of all resolutions. My pen seems strongly inclined to course it over this remaining beautiful white space, but I am de- termined to hold it in check; so with cordial and affectionate salutations for Mr. McDonald's family and your own, I bid you farewell. Yours, as ever, Daniel Baker." "I promised that my pen should have no more liberties in the little area on the other side; but you see how it has leaped the fence, and got upon this side. Only one word more: Savannah is quite REV. DANIEL BAKEU, M. I>. 141 lioalthy, and you may come as soon as you please. Mv situation here is very pleasant in many respects. One ekler tells me that 1 have gained upon the people; anotlu^r elder says that for the last five months I have preached better than I ever did hefore, and, adds he, your people think so too; hut the best of it is, my labours have been very encou- ragingly blessed." * * # Narrative resumed. Amid lights and shadows, joys and sorrows, hope and fear, I laboured on, without much apparent success, until the lOth of August, 1830, when, not satisfied either with myself or the state of things in the church, I took Pai/sons Memoirs in my hand, and going out early that morning, I spent nearly the whole day in a distant graveyard, engaged in reading, and fasting, and prayer. That day marks a memorable era in the history of my life, lleturn- ing to my dwelling that evening, about the setting of the sun, I resolved, by the grace of God, to turn over a new leaf, and in preaching and pastoral visitations to be more faithful and diligent than I had ever been. We copy from his journal at this time. Savannah, Tuesday, August lOM, 1830. Have been reading the memoirs of Dr. Payson, late of Tortland, Maine; found the account given of his piety and zeal, through grace, quickening to my soul. O, what a dead state have I been in for a length of time, and how unblessed my labours ! I know not that a single individual has been awaken- ed under mv preaching for six months past. It will 13*' 142 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE not do to live on at this poor dying rate. Lord, re\ive me, all my help must come from thee! As we are to have a communicants' meeting this even- ing, I determined to set apart this as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer — a day of special devotion. Had my heart somewhat drawn out in my morning devotions; afterwards took with me the Life of Payson, and thought that I would retire into the woods that I might enjoy more perfect retirement; thought the burial ground for the col- oured people would be a good place; went in and found a brick tomb under a shade; every thing very favourable for religious reading and meditation. After prayer, commenced reading; whilst I read and mused the fire burned; my heart was greatly en- larged; the place proved a Bethel, indeed; I know not when I ever had my feelings more wrought upon ; compared myself with Payson, and was deeply humbled in the comparison; longed to follow him even as he followed Christ. Finding in his life an account of a prayer-meeting for the special purpose of praying for those for whom prayer might be specially desired, was much pleased with the idea, and immediately concluded to have one of the same kind. In the evening the communicants' meeting was well attended, and very solemn; many tears were shed; proposed that we should have a day of fasting some time before our next communion. August 15th, Sabbath. This day had something of the spirit of devotion ; had liberty in praying for assistance and a blessing in preaching; preached in the morning from Ez. iii. 17 — 19; had more liberty than I have had for a long time; wept myself, and REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 143 liad the satisfaction of seeing others weep. In tlie afternoon preached from Isa. Iv. 12, Ki; at ni<;lit liad a solemn meetini^ in the Sabhath-school room; <^ave notice then tliat there would be a special prayer- meeting on Tuesday evening next; and after stating the special object, invited all who felt disposed, to send in notes; told them that a box would be placed on the table, and the room opened on Monday even- ing to receive the notes which might be sent in. August 11 th. Had a great many at the meeting; forty-six notes were sent in and read; some were from parents, entreating that prayers might be made for their dear unconverted children, and some from members praying for the conversion of their brothers and sisters; one was from a husband who longed for the conversion of his wife; and one from "A sinner who desires the prayers of God's people for the conversion of his soul;" another was from a sinful and imconverted wife, who requests that the people of God would pray for the conversion of herself and husband. Some were from professors who seemed to fear that they were not on a good fomidation, and some from members who felt that thev were in a cold, dead state, and longed for quickening influences. I put in a note myself, requesting the prayers of my ])('ople for me; that the Lord would give me a more intense love for souls ; would give signal success to my labours, and would cause me to have a richer and sweeter experience of the grace of God in my own heart. The meeting was a delightful one, and one long to be remembered. At a little inquiry meeting, which I attended in the afternoon, four were present ; two professed to have obtained a hope, tlie other two 144 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE were evidently under very serious impressions. One of the two who obtained a hope, told me that she was so much exercised under my sermon, last Sab- bath morning, that on going home she resolved that she would neither eat nor sleep until she had obtained rest to her soul. Accordingly, before the time for the commencement of the afternoon service, she obtained a hope, and was enabled to rejoice in the God of her salvation. August 18M. Visited a number of famihes; found the members in general very tender. All spoke in high terms of the meeting last evening; one said she was so happy after she got home, that she did not retire to rest until very late at night; another said she did not go to sleep until near daybreak, she had not felt so much for a long time. Blessed be God, if any mercy drops have fallen upon any soul. Lord, revive us I All our help must come from thee. We resume the course of the narrative. About this time, having a case of discipline to be communicated to the church, I appointed a meeting to be held in the lecture-room on the morning of a day which, I think, had been appointed by the Session as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. This meeting was appointed exclusively for the mem- bers of the church. It proved to be one of deep solemnity. A lady, who moved in the first circle of society, was so much wrought upon that she wept aloud. When this was known, it became the sub- ject of much conversation, and excited great interest. Calling to see a lady of some note, who was very lively and pleasant in her manners, but no Chris- tian, she affected to be quite angry with me for the REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 145 partiality whicli I had sliowii to my "dear meinlMTs," as she rallrd them. "You think a j^reat deal of your dear members," said she, " but you don't care any thiufi; for us ]H)or sinners." "O, madam," replied I, "how you talk; 1 do care for you too." "No," said she, "there you liad your meeting for your dear members, and you shut us poor sinners out; you don't care any thing at all about us." "O yes, madam, I do; and to prove it, suppose we have a meeting for those who are not members, and shut out all my 'dear members,' will you comef "That I will," replied she. "Well, madam," I rejoined, "it is fixed." Perhaps the very next Sabbath, making a statement of some interest, I made the appointment, and respectfully invited all who had the candour to admit that they were not converted, to be present, and none but such. Having, as well as I can now recollect, spent the day in fiisting and prayer, I went to the lecture-room at the time appointed, and the room was crowded. What an op|X)rtunity, and how great the vantage-ground which I occupied! From the Scriptures I pointed out the necessity of a sound convei-sion. It was a solemn time, a melting time. Many were much wrought upon — six or eight, at least — who shortly after gave good evidence of a real change of heart; amongst others, the very lady with whom I had con- versed. About this time Mr. Baker thus writes to Mr. Handy. "Savasxaii. March 10//*. 18S1. "Mv VKKY DEAR FuiEND — I am perfectly astonished at your long sileuce. Only think how long it has 146 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE been! What is the matter'? Have you been sick all this time'? or, has the image of Daniel Baker never passed before your mind since January last ? Well, if you forget me, I am determined that I will not forget you — I cannot do it, for with me friendship is a very precious thing; and, besides, you have been too kind to me for me ever to cease remembering you with sincere affection. But I think I am resolved to write you a short letter this time, for it is chiefly written for the sake of inquiring why and wherefore you have all at once ceased writing. * * * "I suppose you would like to know how we are coming on here. Pretty much in the old way. The temporalities of the church are in a prosperous state; and during the last year twenty or thirty soids have, as I trust, passed out of darkness into marvellous light. At this time there is no special excitement, at least nothing very great. There are a few anxious inquirers, and I think Christians are somewhat moved ; but really it seems a very hard thing for religion to flourish here. I think I can truly say, that I never laboured more faithfully in my life than I have done since I came to Savannah ; and yet my labours have not been very much blessed. I desire, however, to be sincerely thankfid that my labours have not been altogether in vain in the Lord. * * * We are at this time seriously thinking of the propriety of having a four days' meet- ing in my church. It will certainly be a new thing here; and some may think it carrying the matter rather too far; but I hope we shall have it, neverthe- less, and what is more, I do hope that God will abundantly bless it. Why do you not have one in your city'? Only think of what is going on in New REV. DANIEL IIAKER, I). P. 1J7 York; and you know liow tlu? work ori'j^inatod. I do think tliat Wasliinrness, when fleeing from the face of Jezebel, "It is enough now, () Lord! take away my life, for I am not better than my fatliers." Whilst I was thus depressed, beyond measure, and bowed doAvn, who should come into my study, in the midst of the rain, dripping wet, but Mr, C, one of my most valued elders. With a smiling countenance, he said, " Did you know that Mr. Joyce is in town"?" "What!" repHed I, the Kev. Mr. Joyce]" "The same — the very same!" I was electrified. In a moment, so to speak, I rose from the " cellar to the attic." "Brother Joyce come!" exclaimed I, "surely the Lord is on our side; I don't care now if no other minister comes!" (ietting my hat and umbrella in a hurry, I hastened through the rain to the lodgings of this ])elove;inators, objects, and ai^'onts, all aitordcd ample scope for ridicule. Some advised al)- stainiu^ from the services by way of frownin<; down such folly. 15ut, confident of their ability to with- stand all the preacher's snares, they determined to attend, and prove the stren<^th of tlieir o\vn armour, liut a stron tists. It is a singular fact, attesting the disinterested- ness of the preacher, that out of two or three hundred conversions in Beaufort, under j\Ir. Baker's ministiT, not one became a Presbyterian. The Episcopalians and Baptists reaped the fruit of his labours. He seemed intent upon the conversion of souls; and the Lord wonderfully blessed his preaching to the saving of many. Others came in more slowly to the Epis- copal church, making the addition of communicants, during the year, one hundred. Of this niunbcr, but two have dra>Mi back from their profession; one of whom had been intemperate for many years. Six months after the events described, the writer was pre- sent at their communion, and saw, what he has never seen elsewhere, the entire congregation, with two ex- ceptions, remain for the sacrament. When the cldldi-en retired, two adults rose and left the church. The rest of the congregation partook of the orcUnance. "The parish church has been increased to twice 164 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE its original capacity, and is better filled now than it was before, though the population of the town has not advanced in fifty years. "The effects of the revival were as visible upon the community as upon the church. It seasoned with its holy savour all the intercourse of society. The truths of God's word, the glories of his gospel, the power of his grace, were frequent themes of con- versation. 'They that feared the Lord spake often one to another,' and were not ashamed. The stranger within their gates felt the influence of the holy atmosphere, and Avas drawn by the power of sympathy toward Jesus, and often believed unto sal- vation. Family prayer was established in almost every house, and as you walked along the streets, in the stillness of a summer morning, you might hear the united voice of each household ascending in well- known hymns of praise, to the honour of their great Redeemer. The singing of hymns constituted the chief recreation of the young in all their social intercourse, and we doubt whether more true joy was ever derived by the votary of pleasure from the brilliant assembly, than by the Christian from this religious exercise. " Such was the pervading influence of the religious principle upon the whole aspect of society, that it cast it into the gospel mould, and stamped it with its own holy features. The world was in the minority; the gospel had a strong majority, and asserted its power over the hearts and morals of the community. For twenty years past there has been a higher moral and religious tone, and a more intelligent and con- sistent profession of Christianity maintained in that REV. DANIEL BAKER, n. O. 165 little town than in any other which the writer has visited in Europe or America. "What were the eft'eets upon the ministry of our church \ AN'ithiu a few months, and from the im- ])ulse received from this meetinf]^, eight men went forth from this our conn^rejT^ation to preach the gospel of Christ. If you include the influence of this meet- ing upon neighhouring congregations, and chiefly under the same ministry, three more labourers were called into the Lord's vineyard. Those who arc still in the field arc the bishop of Georgia, and the mis- sionary bishop to China, Kev. W. 11. Barnwell, Kev. S. Elliott, Kev. C. C. Piuckney, llev. B. C. Webb, of this diocese ; the Rev. Kichard Johnson, and the Rev. W. Johnson, of Georgia. The distinguished Baptist preacher. Rev. R. Fuller, of Btdtimorc, was also a subject of this revival, and is the sixth of this list who exchanged the profession of the law for the ministry of the gospel. "A\'hat wcve the effects upon the diocese? You must calcidate the influence of the ministry of these labourers, directly and indirectly, upon the cause of Christ, ere you can fully answer the question. The leaven of that revival has already penetrated the mass of our church in this diocese. It has infused a new life into Episcopacy, and awakened a more earnest and evangeliccd spirit in the hearts of clergy and laity. It hits moidded much of the doctrinal and ecclesiastical sentinuuit now prevailing among us, and stimulated that missionary feeling which has given our diocese a high place among the warmest friiMids of missions." 1 ',* 166 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE The narrative proceeds: About the same time there was also high political excitement in South Carolina. Parties were arrayed against each other, and many persons went armed. I recollect well the cases of three gentlemen, who lived not very far from each other, and who were brought to bow at the feet of the Iledeemer about the same time. Two were lawyers, and the third a rich planter. In giving an account of what the Lord had done for them, one remarked, "I had a quarrel with a certain gentleman, and had made up my mind, that the first time I should see him, I would spit in his face ! but O, sir, as soon as it pleased God to reveal his love in my heart, the first thing I did was to pray for that man; and meeting him a few days afterwards, I went up to him and gave him both hands, in token of cordial reconciliation." An- other said, "I was about sending to Charleston for a brace of pistols — I thought I should have occasion for them, but now," added he, " I would be willing to kiss the dust upon the feet of the Union-men, if they would only come to Christ." The third gentle- man remarked, "Sir, you do not know the state of political excitement amongst us here. Why, sir, I felt myself as if I could just seize my gun and go out to the road and shoot down my own brother if he belonged to the other party. Now I can take them all in my arms and say, God bless every one of them!" What a blessed religion ours is! Upon closing the meeting, I received something like fifty notes, from persons of every class, expressive of their feelings, and tendering to me their thanks for the great good which I had been instrumental REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. P. Ifi7 in (loinp^ them. One, I ivcollcct, began in this wav: "Joy, joy, joy in lioav(Mi! and joy on earth! and jov to yon, Sir!" and then followed an aeeonnt of the occasion of this joy. Upon leavini^ Beanfort, Mr, Means, by whom I liad been most hospitably enter- tained, had the kindness to send me and my little danj^hter, Tlu^odora, in a row-boat all the way to SavannaJi; addin<; this mark of respect, to accom- pany me himself ])art of the way. A few days after reachinor Savannah, I was overwhelmed with aston- ishment on receiving, throngh the mecUum of the post office, a most courteous and beautiful letter, containing, amongst other complimentary things, these words: "The citizens of Beaufort have de- posited to your credit, in the Bank of the United States, the sum of nine hundred and sixty-one dol- hxrs and fifty cents." This extraordinary act of muni- ficence overwhelmed me, and was particiUarly grati- fying, as I received it as a remarkable providence. Hankering after a missionary life, I had pretty much made up my mind to resign my charge, and engage in tlie service of a missionary society in (Georgia; but to be cut dovm. from two thousand dollars to six hundred dollars, Avas a serious afiair; and I confess that 1 anticipated some hardships to be endured by myself and family, and behold, here a large provision was made in advance. Was not the hand of God in this? It seemed to speak in tones from heaven, loud and distinct, "Go forth as a mis- sionary, and preach the gospel." Accordingly, not long after this, 1 resigned my charge, and, I must say, a noble one it was ; for 1 never knew a church which embraced more intellig(Mice and piety; nor 168 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE did I ever know a people more kind and generous. Great efforts were made to induce me to reconsider my determination; but when it was seen that my mind was fully made up, there was a public meeting of the congregation; a series of resolutions passed, certainly honourable to the people, and no less gratifying to myself. Amongst other complimen- taiy resolutions was this: that the sum of five hun- dred dollars should be presented to me as an expres- sion of the respect and affection of the people for me. O, how good has the Lord been to me, in raising me up so many friends in so many places ! Administering the sacrament of the Lord's Supper for the last time in Savannah, on Sabbath morning, 1831, that evening I preached my farewell sermon to a full house, although the weather was very unfavourable. The next week I entered upon my labours as a missionary, or, as was called, an " Evangelist." I expected these labours to continue about six months, when, by reason of most unex- pected success, and some very remarkable provi- dences, they were continued for about three years. The original idea was, that I should serve in the employment of a missionary society, located, I think, in Augusta, who were willing to allow me six hun- dred dollars per annum; but a great desire having been expressed by Dr. Wm. McDowell, of Charles- ton, and others, that I should labour in South Carolina, I wished to labour in that State also. In regard to this, the difficulty was, that if I extended my limits beyond the hmits of the State of Georgia, I could receive no support from the missionary society of that State. In these circumstances, it RKV. DANIEL BAKER, D. T>. 1G9 was siiirtrpstcd that I sliould act as a missionary in»(k*r tlio Svnod of South C'aroHna and (looriria. IJut tlic Synod had no missionary fund. AVliat was to be done? I stated that if the Synod thouj^ht ])roper, they mijj^ht adopt me as tlieir missionary, and recommend me to tlie churclies in their bounds, and 1 would trust to Providence for my supj)ort. The Synod, accordingly, acted upon this sunf<^estion, passed appropriate resolutions, and, locating my family first in one place, and then in another, I entered upon a course of missionary labours, and especially upon a series of protracted meetings, which, if 1 do not greatly mistake, will mark the best period of my life; my labours were more abun- dant, and my success far beyond my most sanguine anticipations. My field was extensive. During the first two years, I held protracted meetings in Mid- way, Darien, St. Marys, Augusta, Athens, and Macon, in Georgia; in St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Monticello, Quincy, and Mariana, in Florida. The following statement in regard to the meeting in Tallahassee, is by one who is well qualified to speak. After the death of Dr. Baker, speaking of him, he says: "We have had few men in this country whose labours have been so greatly blessed, and it will be profitable for us to inquire, why was he so highly favoured \ 1 was one of the early settlers in Talla- htissee, and one of the original members of the Pres- byterian church org-anized there in 1832. Our num- bers were small, and our prospects discouraging, when, near the close of 1832, w(> heard of the great 170 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE revivals which followed the labours of Mr. Baker. We felt deeply our need of such a work, and after consult- ing together on the subject, I was requested to invite Mr. Baker to visit us. He accepted the invitation, and about the last of February, or early in March, 1833, I had the pleasure of receiving him and his son William under my roof, where they continued during the whole of their stay in the city. " Notice of his arrival was immediately given, and a good audience was gathered in the evening to hear him. The citizens of Tallahassee and its vicinity, embracing at that time representatives of many of the most distinguished families, particularly of the Southern States, were not surpassed, and probably not equalled in intelligence and refinement by the people of any other city of its size in the United States. I watched with much anxiety the first impression he made on such an audience. That impression was everything his friends could desire; and it was at once evident, that so far as human instrumentality was concerned, we had nothing to fear. On my way home from the meeting, I asked a gentleman, who has since occupied the highest place in our national Legislature, what he thought of the sermon. ' Ex- cellent, excellent,' said he. 'Then, of course, you will hear him again? ' No,' he replied, ' I am bound to occupy a seat in the Senate of the United States, and if I go to hear him, he'll spoil it all.' This gen- tleman was, however, persuaded to hear him again, and, on conversing with him next day, he said, ' 1 can stand your fire and brimstone preachers very well, but this man makes me cry, and I must keep out of his way, or he will make a saint of me.' Every one RKV. HANIF.r, nAKER, P. D. 171 who vvcY licard oik* of Mr. Bilker's scmions on tlio lovo of God, or tlio in. 173 companion as tlieir most favourite playmates; but in their wildest sports he never forgot his own hii^h call- ing, nor lost an opportunity to do them good ; and there was nothing tln^y loved better than to gath(>r around him, as tlu^y did every day, and listen to his instructions. "It was in a great measure owing to this exceed- ingly amiable and child-like simplicity, and his strict regard to all the courtesies of social life, that he was able to present those great truths which are most repulsive to the natural heart, with the utmost faith- fulness and directness, without ever giving offence. AVickcd men often quarrelled with his message, but never with him. His laboiu-s in Tallahassee were greatly blessed, and tlio church was strengthened by the addition of more than forty members, among whom were some of the most intelligent and influ- ential men in the city." There is one circumstance which illustrates the feelings with which this meeting was regarded by the two classes into which the community was divided. During one of the night services, some of the op]w- scrs fired off a quantity of fire-crackers near the church. Next moniing, before breakfiist, one hun- dred dollars had been subscribed, to be offered as a reward for the apprehension of the persons guilty of the outrage. Here may be mentioned another incident con- nected with this period. Party spirit ran high in Florida. Near a certain small town, not a hundred miles from Tallahassee, lived a lawyer, a warm political partizan, a fighting 16 174 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE character. During a protracted meeting in his neighbourhood, he was awakened, and numbered amongst the converts. A few days after, at table in the house of a friend, he was asked by a clergyman present, to give some account of his conversion. He replied: "Last Saturday morning I put a dagger into my bosom, and went to , fully resolved that if any man insulted me, I would stab him to the heart. On returning home, I attended preaching. It pleased God that night to show me what a sinner I was; at such a time I found peace in believing, and now I indulge an humble hope that I am a child of God." "Mr. M.," said the clergyman, looking him in the face, "Mr. M., what have you done with the dagger of which you spoke] Have you given it away yef?" "No," replied he, "I am waiting until I come to deep water; I shall drop it there, and my pistol shall go along with it." Blessed be God for that religion which can thus soften down the rough points of the human character; which can thus con- vert the lion into a lamb, the vulture into a dove! The autobiography proceeds. I held a protracted meeting also in Montgomery, Alabama. A gentleman, writing under date of July 4th, 1833, says of the meeting in Montgomery : " You will be gratified to learn, that during the last spring our town was visited with a shower of divine influence. In the month of April a pro- tracted meeting was commenced and carried forward through eighteen successive days, which resulted in the hopeful conversion of more than thirty souls. REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. P. 175 15r«)tli(T Diuiiol l);ikcT was with us, and to liim, under (j()(l, aro these blessed results to be ascribed. Never have I seen more deep and general interest on any occasion. All secular business seemed for the time to be laid aside and for«^otten. Keli<^ion appeared the all-eno^rossin<^ subject of thoui^^ht and conversa- tion; all denominations, laying aside their sectarian prejudices and peculiarities, were united as the heart of one man in prayer, and in pointinii^ anxious sinners to the Saviour. Mc felt that the Spirit of God was present, of a truth. While Christians were rejoicing with a joy unspeakable and full of glory, wee])ing sinners, by scores, were seen crowding to the anxious seats and inquiry meeting, with the pentecostal cry, 'What must Ave do?' It was a season that gave birth to joy on earth, and, I believe, there were rejoicings in heaven. "I had often heard of the indefatigable labours of brother Baker, that highly-favoured herald of the cross; but my conceptions were very inadequate, imtil the great Head of the Church sent him to us. It is but just to say, I have never seen more untiring labour and apostolic zeal. During the meeting, his speaking in the church would have amounted to seven hours a day; and such was his elo([uence, his power to interest, affect, and charm, that all eyes were rivetted, and all hearts were by turns melted, charmed, and captivated. Although he has left us, and perhaps for ever, yet his name and his labours of love will live embalmed in the affectionate remem- brance of the people of our town. His labours were also greatly blessed to the surrounding churches whicli lie visited. I3ut while we thus speak of our 176 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE worthy brother, we do not forget that from God Cometh the increase, and to his name be all the glory." The autobiography proceeds. Also a few protracted meetings in North Carolina; but South Carolina was the principal scene of my labours as an " Evangelist," so called. It was common with me to locate my family in some desirable and convenient place, and go out upon a missionary tour of two or three months, and return to them and rest a while. The most remarkable tour embraced twelve protracted meetings in twelve consecutive weeks; those hopefully converted averaging forty-five for each meeting. Some of the most important places were Walterborough, Columbia, Camden, Cheraw, Winnsboro', Laurens Court House, Newberry, Pen- dleton, and several churches in Abbeville and Union Districts. " I was a student," says one, in regard to the period above mentioned, "in the Theological Seminary at Columbia, South C'arolina, when, on Tuesday even- ing, the 8th of May, 1832, a series of religious meetings was commenced, in which Presbyterians, Methodists and Baptists united. The meetings were conducted by the Rev. Daniel Baker, since D. D., who was soon instrumental in awakening much religious interest in that capital city of the State. "From my journal of that period, I find that the first inquiry meeting was held on the fourth day of these special services, when about fifteen persons nr.V. DANTEI, BAKER, D. D. 177 attended to ask ^liat they must do to be saved. And on tlie 15th of ^l,\\ iVoni titty to sixty were at the inquiry meetin*!^, inchidinji^ ei»i;ht or ten ])ersons "Nvlio, by tliat time, were reekoned eonverts, and were ready to tell what tlie I^ord had done for their souls. The 18th of May was observed as a day of fasti n2f, humiliation and prayer, by the churehes in Columbia, and revival influences evidently increased amon<^ believers and inquiring sinners. " This series of religious services, which were held mostly in the evening, was concluded by a regular three-days' meeting, which finally closed on the evening of May !27t]i; wlien about twenty-five were found to be rejoicing in new hopes of eternal life, and more than fifh were still inquiring the way to /ion. "The Baptist brethren next held a protracted meeting by themselves, which was blessed with the gracious infiuences of the S[)irit. I think Mr. Baker had then left the city. But the good work, begun under his instrumentalitv, went on till about one hundred were reckoned as converts, some forty of whom united with the Presbyterian Church on the 1st of July. How many joined subsequently, or united with other churches, as the fruits of that revival, I am unable to state. But it was a glorious season in that dark period, " Mr. Baker having returned to Columbia, where liis family then resided, at his particular invitation, on the 20th of August, I started with him to attend a protracted meeting at Nazareth Church, in Spar- tanburg District, about one hundred miles northwest from Columbia. ^^ e n^iched our destination on tlie k;* 178 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE 23d of August, and that day Mr. Baker preached twice to a congregation of one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy-five people. The next day the audience was much larger, and a number gave evidence of deep anxiety on the subject of religion. On the 25th of the month the congregation had increased to six hundred or seven hundred persons, and that day about forty-five attended the inquiry meeting, nearly half of whom had just begun to rejoice in the Saviour; and on the 29th of August, when we left Nazareth, about eighty were numbered as converts, while fifty or sixty were still inquiring the way of eternal life. "From Nazareth we proceeded to Winnsboro', a large and flourishing village, about thirty miles northwesterly from Columbia. We arrived on the afternoon of Friday, the last day of August, and though unexpected at the time, Mr. Baker com- menced a protracted meeting by preaching in the evening. The next morning there was a meeting of professors of religion, and in the course of the day some sinners were found in an anxious state of mind. On Sabbath, the 2d of September, there were about fifty at the inquiry meeting; and at a special meeting in the afternoon, for the unconverted, about one hundred and twenty were present; and in the evening of that interesting day, some ten or twelve were found rejoicing in hope. On Tuesday, September 4th, the inquiry meeting seemed to par- take of Pentecostal influences ; for about fifteen souls believed it to be their hour of grace. On the next day the whole number were young, or in the fresh prime of life. About thirty were still inquiring for REV. DANIFJi BAKRR, I>. !>. 179 salvation. On Friday morninar. The truth appears !o me to be this: those who are brought to a sense of the importance of religion at these meetings are no more excited than those who are chang(Hl by the ordinary coiu'se of preaching. Nor are they changed upon less rcHection, though in a shorter space of time. The attention is aiTcsted for days together, and this is the whole secret, 182 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE humanly speaking, of the success of these continued meetings. Attention, consideration, is all that true religion wants ; and these being withheld, is, in fact, the great difficulty which impedes its progress to our hearts. Under ordinary circumstances, what is heard once or twice a week is forgotten or drowned in the cares of life before the voice is heard again; but when the whole scheme of our pure and sublime religion is laid out in some twenty or thirty ser- mons, and pressed home upon the mind day after day, in succession, with great faithfulness and ability, the effect is almost inevitable. The camp- meetings of the Methodists accomplish this object, and their success as a denomination, I am satisfied, is greatly attributable to this instrument. Every denomination should now adopt these protracted meetings. Their efficacy is beyond doubt or cavil. The seal of experience and of God's approbation is put upon them, in the blaze of success which accom- panies them; and if any one denomination, whilst others adopt, shall set its face against them, it will cease to exist as a Christian Church, or will exist, a very good place for decent morality, but no abode for the gospel of Christ. I shall join the Church of my forefathers, the Church; but if that Church throws itself in opposition to these meet- ings, which are now bringing thousands and thou- sands into the pale of Christianity, I shall, without hesitation, renounce it. " By-the-by, why do not you Christians in Charles- ton raise an Evangelical Society for the purpose of supporting Mr. Baker as a mere Evangelist. All denominations shoidd unite in such a society, for he REV. DANIEL BAKER, P. I). 183 lias, iiulcod, like liis groat prototype, known notliiiig ainongst us save 'Jesus Christ, and him crucified.' J I is l;d)ours henefit all denominations ecpially, and Avhy should not the whole Church take upon them- selves the duty of his support. Cannot every pew and hench in the State pay one dollar to his support, whilst he is going abroad carrying the light and liberty of the gospel over the land, ^\'e here, of all denominations, will freely support any scheme which will atford him a certain and ample competency. We must not let him leave the State. I mean not to undervalue other societies for the promotion of Christianity, but I do say, that to any one who has witnessed the effect of his preaching, the utility of all your other societies put together will scarcely equal the labours of this single man." A gentleman, at that time a lawyer resident in Walterboro', after speaking of the revival in Beau- fort, thus proceeds, under date of Feb, 12th, 1858. His remarks illustrate the indirect influence of the labours of Mr, Baker, as well as the direct. So much is introduced in regard to this period, because it is all explanatory and illustrative of his labours both before and after, " At this t'u\u\ U(n-. Edward Palmer, pastor to the Presbyterian church, returning from one of Mr. Baker's meetings in Beaufort District, gave to his congregation a detailed account of what he had seen, and, with his heart burning with zeal, appointed a ])rotracted meeting to be held in his church a few days thereafter, lie had auight new fire at the altars where he had been labouring with Mr. Baker, and 184 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE imparted some of it to a portion of his own little flock, and, when the protracted meeting took place, although Mr. Baker was not present, God's Spirit was there; and, as the residt of this meeting, a con- siderable number was received into both the Pres- byterian and Episcopal churches, giving to both a vitality and strength never known before to them. This, I repeat, so far as hiunan agency was concerned, was the indirect result of Mr. Baker's labours. " The pastor of the Episcopal church at that time, although he had received into his communion as the result of that protracted meeting, if not larger num- bers, more active and efficient piety than it before possessed, was, nevertheless opposed to these meetings. Not so, however, were those who had recently joined his communion. They laboured hard to bring him to their views, and great was their surprise when, in the summer of 1833, th» Presbyterians were on the eve of holding another protracted meeting, he an- nounced his willingness to have a union meeting, provided the services should be one half of the time in his own church. All parties cheerfully consented to this arrangement. The recent Episcopal converts promptly sent for Mr. Walker and INIr. Young, of Beaufort District, Episcopal clergymen, who had there zealously co-operated with Mr. Baker, who, sui"prised and rejoiced that ' Saul was among the pro- phets,' laid aside every thing else, and repaired to Walterboro' to take part in this union meeting. " The meeting commenced under favourable auspices and continued for ten days. On the evening of the second or third day, one of the Episcopal ministers, at the close of the sermon in the Presbyterian church, REV. KANIEL BAKER, D. D. 185 Avlicii tlic lioiiso was filled to ovci'flowiii<(, announrcd liis former opposition to what he was about to do, liis roiiviction that he had been in error, and closed with a solemn invitation to all who felt an interest in their soul's salvation to kneel before the pulpit, when the ]ieople of God would unite in prayer on their behalf. No appeals were made, no effort to operate on their fears or their sympathies; but almost the entire im- penitent portion of the large aucUencc came forward, Amonf!^ these was a large portion of the leading men of the place. It was a scene s(4dom witnessed in this heedless world; one over which angels in heaven as well as saints on earth rejoiced. 'J'he day after this scene, Mr. Baker arrived. All had heard of him, and all went out to sec and hear him. For several successive days he preached, sometimes twice a day. For the most part, his sermons were those kno^vn as his Revival Sermons, which have since been ])ublished. They were delivered with great sim- plicity and power, but with an unction that seemed to impress his hearers with the conviction that really he was an ambassador from heaven, and spoke ' the words of truth and soberness.' I saw the aged sinner, who in his worldliness and licentiousness had scarcely ever thought of God but to blaspheme his name, tremble under the power of his voice, and look as though his future doom was shadowed l)efore him, 1 have heard many of the most eloquent men of our country in the pulpit, but I liave never heard one who, to the same extent, could rivet the attention of the sinner, draw him insensibly to the conclusion that he was 'a fool — a consummate fool;' harrow up his soul, force him to think, and lead him to pray. It 17 186 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE was not the power of eloquence in Mr. Baker that accomplished these results, for he was not what the world terms an eloquent man, but it was, as I be- lieve, that imction from on high, which, reflected from his heart on his countenance and manner, fastened on the hearer the conviction that he was in truth God's ambassador. In illustration of what I mean, I will state a fact. At one of his meetings in Beaufort District, when the whole community was in a high state of excitement, a friend of mine, in middle life, an iiTeligious man, determined, near the close of one of his ser\dces, to go to the door of the church to see this wonderfid man. Taking with hira some others, influenced by similar curiosity, he went; and when they reached the door of the church, Mr. Baker was praying. My friend told me, that for a few moments he listened, and Avliispered to his asso- ciates, ' That man prays as though he were really talking with God.' The more he listened, the more the con\iction was fastened on his mind. He went to scoff", but remained, as did some of his associates, to pray. That prayer led to his con^dction, and, as he trusted, to his conversion. "Many incidents of similar character might be told, going to show that for his power he was largely indebted to the unction of the Holy Ghost. Another incident I remember. When at Walterboro', there was a little band of sceptics or infidels residing there, who, seeing their friends passing into the kingdom, were more perturbed than they were willing to admit. One of them, a gentleman of intelligence and high respectability, remarked to me, that Mr. Baker, in his preaching, had begun at the wrong end; that aKv. n.vNTEL nAKKR, I), n. 187 he ou<;lit first to liavc proved tho Bihlc tni(\ and re(iu('st{'d inc to ask him to preach on tliat suhject. 1 tolil liini 1 wonld, and advised him to brin<^ to the church tliat ni. should preach; and the y(iunaks in broken sentences, inco- lierently. The minister, leaninjjj upon the top of his eane, looks at his neii^hbour, and the silent tear trickles down his cheek, lie is about to rise up and go away, but the wife of the sick man exclaims, '"O, my dear pastor, won't you pray for my husband?' "The prayer is offered, and the minister, taking the hand of his neighbour, says, 'My dear friend, good-bye.' Still there is no response. Alas! the sick man knows not that his wife is weeping at his bedside, and that his pastor has been praying for him. As the man of God is retiring, the affecticm- ate wife follows him to the door, and, in parting, says, '"My dear pastor, I am in great affliction; will you not be so kind as to call again?' "'Madam,' says he, 'when do you think I had better come ?' and she says, ' To-morrow.^ "Tlie associations are more than he can bear, and the man of God goes weeping all the way, returning home. The next morning he calls again. The knocker is still muffl(Hl. He taps gently at the door. The servant opens it. "'How is Mr. K.V " ' He is said to be worse, sir.' " ' 1 would like to see liim.' •"You can't, sir. The doctor has just l(>ft, and 194 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE he has given the strictest orders that nobody should enter the room except those who are waiting upon him. But here is Mrs. K.' '"Madam, how is your husband f " 'O, my dear pastor,' repUes she, 'he is worse, I fear much worse!' " ' I would Hke to see your husband, madam, a few moments.' " ' I would be glad to have you see him, too,' replies the afflicted woman; 'but our physician says that the crisis has come, and that the slightest excitement may prove fatal; but he said that if his patient re\ived, he might be able to see you to-morrow.'' "Having received a message, about the going down of the sun, that his neighbour was still in a critical state, and too weak to be seen, the minister can scarcely sleep that night, so anxious is he about the salvation of his neighbour. The next morning, taking his hat and cane, he goes early, at least to make some inquiry. Tapping again gently at the door, the servant opens it. "'How is Mr. K.T is the anxious inquiry. " 'O, sir,' replies the servant, 'he is dead!' " ' Dead !' exclaims the minister — ' Dead !' " 'Yes, sir; he died this morning, at four o'clock.' " ' God have mercy — ' the minister was about to say; but it flashed upon him, it is too late now. "Dear, procrastinating sinner, it is enough. I be- seech you do not say. To-morrow, any more. To-mor- row ! It may be too late for ever. To-morrow's sun may sliine upon your grave ! Once lost, you are lost for ever! Be wise to-day, 'tis madness to defer." REV. DANIEL DAKER, D. D. 195 Hfin<^ collociuial, and tlnis entirely at his ease in the pulpit, there was little danp^er of beroniinn; eni- barrasscnl hv any untoward eireumstanee. Onh on • • • one oeeasion in his life was he thrown out. In the midst of a certain discourse, a lady of immense size entered the church, and advanced down the aisle. He paused, endeavoured to resume the thread of his sermon, requested a certain hymn to be sunjjf, theu rose ji^in from the seat he had taken, and went on as if nothinji^ had happened. lie never hesitated, in the midst of a sermon, to rebuke any disorder. If any outcry, the result of religious emotion, was made, he would pause, and say in a solemn manner, "The Lord is in his holy temple, let all the earth keep silence before him;" a course which never failed to still even the most excited. He could bear a babe crying in the congregation, but misconduct on the part of one old enough to know better, he would never permit. On one occasion, after once or twice rebuking a rude boy, he said, at last, " Little boy, go home, and tell your mother you deserv'c a good whipping;" and, as the boy went out with his singu- lar messtige, the speaker continued his discourse. AV'hen preaching in a certain college, which IiikI bcnni under infidel influence, the students in the gallery piirposely disturbed him by audible conversation. Pausing, and addressing himself to them, he said, with the utmost solemnity, "Young men, at the bar of (iod, in judgment, you will answer for your con- duct this day." He tlien resumed his discourse, ■ 7 without further interruption. On another occasion, in the midst of his sermon, he sjwke of the infidel. A gentleman in the congregation suddenly spoke out. 196 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE "And pray, sir, what is an infideU" Without a moment's hesitation, the speaker replied, " I will tell you, sir, first, what an infidel is, and secondly, what is the doom of the infidel, unless he repent, and accept Christ" — and abandoning the previous sermon alto- gether, he preached upon this impromptu subject most effectively. At the close of the discourse, the gentleman came forward, explained that he had spoken out impulsively and unintentionally, and thanked him heartily for the extempore sermon which had resulted. His style may be described in one word — it was colloquial. Although avoiding every thing unbecom- ing so sacred a place, he used anecdote and illustra- tion very freely ; at times causing even a smile, which would soon give way, however, to tears. He was thus colloquial in preaching, because he was too much occupied with his message to think for an instant of the manner in which he was delivering it. The narrative continues: With regard to pecuniary matters, I was in the employment of no society ; of course, I had no fixed income. My rule was, to say nothing about the matter, but to trust Providence. In some places, I did not receive a single cent, even when my labours were greatly blessed ; in other places, more was given to me than I could conscientiously accept. On one occasion I returned about thirty dollars; on an- other, I returned one hundred dollars. Sometimes my friends, in making up a purse for me, would greatly add to the value of the gift by the happy manner in which it was done. I may here mention a case. Upon closing a protracted meeting in St. REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 197 ^larys, a pjentltMiian, (not a professor), told nio tliat his house was on my road to Talhiliassee, Avliither I was going, and very polit(^ly invited me to spend the first night witli liini. 1 did so. The next morn- ing he said he wonld accompany me a few mih^s to sliow me tlie way. I was in my gig, with my yomigest son ^\'iniam, and my kind friend riding on liorseback at my side. After accompanying me on the way some fonr or five miles, he reniarked, " I be- lieve the way is plain, and you will have no difficidty now." Saying this, he handed me a scaled letter, politicly requesting me to take charge of it, and bidding me good-by, he turned his face homeward; and, putting his horse into a gallop, away he went, and in a moment was out of siglit. Looking at the letter with which I was charged, to my suq)rise I found that it was addressed to myself. On open- ing it, I found inclosed, in current bank notes, one hundred and twenty-five dollars! The whole amount of free-will offerings which I received durin these two years, amounted very nearly to what I would have received had I continued pastor of the Independent Presb} terian Church in Savannah — say, two thousand dollars per annum. O, how bountifully did the Lord provide for me! It may be remarked here, that Dr. Bak(u-'s ideas in regard to money matters were characteristic of the man. He never incurred a debt when he could avoid it, and was prompt in settling his accounts to an instant and to a cent. Or if this was out of his power, when he did receive money, he would distri- bute it among his creditors as far as it went, reserN- 18 cr 198 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE ing nothing. In fact, a debt burned upon him like a fever, and he was never at ease until it was paid, esteeming the paying of his debts the greatest luxury that his money could obtain. In his travels he was careful to reward servants liberally for their little attentions; and he took a special pleasure in making presents to children. It was usual, in the earlier days of his ministry, for ministers to receive fees for burial and baptismal services; but these he invaria- bly refused to accept. He never hesitated to return part of a wedding fee, if he thought it more than the bridegroom could afford to pay. Only once he attempted a speculation — it was in western lands — and the result of that disgusted him for ever with such things. In purchasing a horse, the writer has known him to remonstrate with the seller — "But really, sir, do you not think I ought to give you moreV Having sold a horse to an elder, the animal died several months after, when he could hardly be dissuaded by the elder from refunding the money. When the Cherokee lands in Georgia were distri- buted among the citizens of the State, gold mines were supposed to exist in some of them; believing the Indians to be defrauded out of their property, he refused to partake in the matter. In the case of two of his pastoral charges, thinking his salary to be too large, he declined receiving more than a certain part of it. It may be that he ran to an extreme in such matters. Apart from any duty binding upon one to lay up of his income for old age, there are many benevolent causes upon which any superfluous revenue can very usefully be spent. It need scarce be added, that he contributed to all deserving objects, RKV. DANIKL HAKER, D. D. 100 up to, and oven boyoiul liis ni(«aiis, A widow applied to liiin in lior distress for tcMi dollars; lio hesitated tor a moment, and then onrlosod twenty in a note to her, knowin«if her ^reat necessity. It was ten dollars more than he conld afford; and he considered it a marked providence when, on ^oin. D. 207 frrosslv injurod fiirnd, aniuaiiitiiif^ liim with tin* Avholo transaction, and cnclosin*; two liundrcd dol- lars; and now the blessed Saviour has visited me in mercy, and I am at peace with God and man.' " The narrative continues: riea-scd witli the place, I contracted with a car- penter to build me a brick house for fifteen hundred dollars, intending to make the State of Ohio my lield, and Springfield my radiating point. lla\ing received many invitations, I held protracted meet- ings in various towns and villages, idl of which were, as I trust, divinely blessed. From a journal kept by him at this time, there is an entry made which deserves insertion. So far as is known, the only absolutely insurmountable obsta- cle in the way of a decided blessing at any place in which a meeting was held, was of the nature here spoken of. There were other cases of this same kind; this is the only one to which allusion is made in this volume, Friday, JuJi/ '2'')th, 1834. Commenced meeting in Circle ville. Preached at night on Saturday, and Sabbath. Prospects encouraging. In the early part of the week, strove hard to bring fibout a reconcilia- tion with certain professors, who, for some time, had been at variance with each other. All in vain. The Spirit's influence seemed gradually to be with- drawn ; and, at the close of the meeting on A^'ednes- day, whilst we rejoiced over three or four hopefully converted, we had to lament that the sins of the pro- fessed ])eople of (iod had prevented richer blessings. Finding myself in the midst of rabid Abolition- 208 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE ists, who poured almost unmeasured abuse upon my southern friends, I felt myself, as it were, in a nest of hornets. Although I was myself no slave-holder, yet I was no Abolitionist. I verily believed that the relation of master and slave was recognized in the Bible, and that ecclesiastical bodies have no right to legislate upon the subject. Pained by the harsh remarks which poured into my ear from day to day, I became very restless, and wished to return to the South again. Providentially, I received at this time an invitation to labour, as a missionary, in Kentucky. Accordingly, leaving Ohio, I went to Kentucky, my first point being Danville, where I had the pleasure of being present at the meeting of the Synod, which procured me many invitations to labour in the churches as an Evangelist. Amongst the places where I laboured with some success, may be mentioned Lexington, Shelby viUe, and Frankfort; at the last mentioned place, I preached with such acceptance, that upon closing a protracted meeting, in which, I think, about twenty persons professed conversion, I received a unanimous call to become pastor of the Presbyterian church, recently vacated by Mr. Edgar, who had gone to Nashville, Tennes- see. Here I remained and laboured, with much pleasure and with some success, for about three years. A brother in the ministry, who visited him at this period, thus remarks of him: " I met him once in Frankfort, Kentucky, (it must have been in the year 1835) and received the hospi- tality of his family, as well as his efficient aid in an agency for our Education Board. Here, too, I had REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 209 opportunity to observe liim in his favourite cmjjloy- ment, as a preacher. There was being held at tlic time a series of meetings for promoting a revival of religion. Mr. Baker was the principal preacher, and evidently in his element. I heard one sennon on the divinity of our Saviour, wliich brought out pro- minently his peculiar tastes. It was tridy seraphic; some would have said too much so; but those who knew the preacher best knew it was not affected; and the sermon seemed to be blessed of God." From his narrative: For a considerable portion of this time, it was my practice to preach in the morning, at nine o'clock, to the convicts in the penitentiary; at eleven o'clock in the church; in the afternoon, at three o'clock, in the country, about four miles distant; and at night, iu the church in town again. In regard to the place of preaching spoken of, in the country, an elder of the Frankfort church thus speaks, after the death of Dr. Baker: " There had existed in the \-icinity of Franlvfort, some years before he settled here, a church kno>Mi as tlie Lower Benson Church; but, from deaths, re- movids, &c., it had become so much weakened, that the house of worship was closed and converted into a bam, and there had been no Presbyterian preaching in the neigh])ourhood for many years. The few members remaining were sought out by him, and induced to open and repair their old church; and he commenced preaching for them eveiy Sabbath after- noon at half-j)ast two o'clock. The Spirit was poured out upon them ; their numbers were greatly in- creased; a new house of worship was erected; and, 11) 210 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE since that time, they have enjoyed the regular minis- trations of God's word, with the exception of some short intervals, and, I believe, mostly without aid from our missionary funds." From the narrative: Whilst settled in Frankfort, the Presbytery re- quested me to spend two or three months in visiting the churches in their bounds for the purpose of hold- ing protracted meetings. I consented, if brother Taylor, pastor of the church at Nicholasville, would accompany me, and if my people would give their consent. The matter being arranged, we went out, and acted as missionaries for some two or three months ; and the result was, that at the next meet- ing of the Presbytery, it appeared from sessional reports that more than one-half of those added to the churches in the bounds of the Presbytery were brought in by our joint labours. But it must be confessed, that the people of my charge grumbled not a little that their pastor was absent so long; and that, too, although a substitute had been provided. At this time he writes as follows to Rev. E,. David- son, then pastor of the church at Lexington. "Frankfort, 15th Oct., 1835. " Dear Brother Davidson — I have laid the mat- ter before my people, and they have complied with the wishes of Presbytery. I expect, therefore, to set out on a missionary tour of two months on the 22d of the present month. Brother Taylor, of Nicholas- ville, is much pleased with the plan, and will accom- pany me. I expect to spend the first two weeks labouring within his bounds; where we shall labour REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 211 next, 1 cannot tell; I hope the Master \vill direct. My congregation would by no means consent to my being absent more than eight weeks. Indeed, although both brothers Logan and Taylor were pre- sent to advocate the measure, it had well nigh been voted down ; and the congregation consented, at last, only on the condition that I might be recalled by the Session, in case the circumstances of the church should at any time seem to require it. I like the idea of being associated with a brother in these evan- gelical labours. The Master, you know, sent out his disciples, two and two, into every place whither he liimself shoidd come. May the great Head of the Church bless this effort to do good. Brother T. and myself are only as the lad that had two barley loaves and a few small fishes. No matter ; we go forth in the name of Him who can turn water into wine, and can make one chase a thousand, and two put ten thou- sand to liiglit. I hope we shall have the prayers of all our pious friends; of all who wish well to our Zion. Ih'other W. W. Hall will supply my place. " With Christian salutations, yours sincerely, Daniel Bakek." From the narrative: I have already stated, that while I was pastor of the Presbyterian church in Frankfort, I officiated for a considerable length of time as chaplain in the peni- tentiary, preaching every Sabbath morning at nine o'clock; some Methodist or Baptist brethren fre- quently preaching to the convicts in the afternoon. It pleased God to bless our labours to the awakening of many, and even to th(^ hopeful conversion of some 212 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE twelve or fourteen. With the cordial approbation of Mr. Theobalds, the keeper, a day was appointed for their making a public profession of their faith in Christ. After the administration of baptism, accord- ing to the forms of the Presbyterian Church, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was celebrated. It was a rare sight, and proved a solemn occasion. Some of these convicts may have mistaken convic- tion for conversion, natural feelings for evangelical exercises; but most of them gave what was deemed good evidence of a sound conversion: it was a matter of astonishment to many. And here I may mention an incident. Wishing to press the claims of religion upon a very irreligious man, whose wife was a member of my church, I began thus: "Why, sir, there has been a pleasing work of grace even in the penitentiary; some twelve or fifteen of the con- victs have professed conversion." "O, yes," said he; " and I tell you, Mr. Baker, the penitentiary is the honestest part of Frankfort !" This he said to ex- cite laughter, and prevent any further remarks to him on the subject of religion — and he succeeded — for I never resumed the subject any more; and sad to tell, some two years after he died as he had lived, a miserable sinner. Alas! he went down to the drunkard's grave. He made an attempt to reform, by tapering off, but, as I was told, " he tapered off with a quart of brandy a day, and a pint at night." For some two years my situation in Frankfort was very pleasant. I loved the people of my charge, and I believe they were much attached to me. My labours, both in town and country, were blessed. Moreover, we had a very flourishing Sabbath-school; REV. DANIEL BAKEIl, D. D. 213 but niy salary was not promptly paid, and I began to be eraniped in pecuniary matters. IJills were pre- sented, which, by reason of the nonpayment of my salary, I was unable to meet. I wrot(^ a letter to the deacons of the church, but it availed nothing. Mr. Cox, the principid one, offered to lend me money once or twice ; I accepted his kind offer, but told liim that I did not like to borrow, when, if my salary were only promptly paid, I would have money enough to meet all demands. Perhaps a month or two after this, I was called upon — it was a rainy day — to pay rent for the house which I occupied (for which, too, I had been led to believe I should have no rent to pay.) Getting my umbrella, I went to Mr. C, and asked if any collections had yet been made. " Xo," said he, " but I can lend you the money." I felt hurt, and instantly rising up, " No, sir," said 1, " the money is due me ; I will accept no loan." At that moment a tie was cut that bound me to Frankfort. I believed it was not the fault of the subscribers, for they had not been called upon; but I was in the hands of those who seemed not to have any thought about my wants. Under these circumstances, 1 came to a secret but settled deter- mination to leave Frankfort, resigning my charge whenever another field of usefulness opened to me. About this time the llev. Beverly Crawford's wife, and some other of my wife's relations, Avere with us on a visit, and returning shortly after to Marion, Green county, Alabama, the place of tlu^r resi- dence, nuide it known that I had some desire to leave Frankfort, and was willing that u\\ wife should be near to her relatives in Alabama. The result was 1*)* 214 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE that in a little while I received a pressing invitation, both to Greensboro' and Tuskaloosa. Accordingly, making arrangements for having the pastoral rela- tion dissolved, I left Frankfort, after preaching my farewell sermon to a crowded house. I spoke affec- tionately, and made no mention of my grievances touching the nonpayment of my salary; but I have since thought that in this matter I may have erred. Had the people known the true state of the case, the result might have been very different. And here I will mention a little matter that somewhat troubled me. Besides having to preach my farewell sermon in Frankfort, I had made an appointment to preach a farewell sermon to my country congregation in the afternoon. Just at this time, Mrs. E., the mother of Mrs. C, died. She was a lady of high respectability, and I was invited to attend her funeral in the coun- try at the same hour. As the request came from Mrs. C, a much esteemed member of my church, and as funeral claims were high claims, at first I knew not what to do; but thinking how large a congregation I should have, and how great would be the disappointment if I did not preach the expected sermon, I finally concluded to decline attending the funeral, and wrote a respectful note to Mrs. C, stating the circumstances of the case; but I under- stood she was displeased that I did not attend the funeral of her mother. This for a time troubled me, but I had the consolation to believe that I had done right. A strong attachment existed between pastor and people here, as in every church of which Mr. Baker REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 215 had charjijc. On hearing of his death, so iiKiiiy years after, the cliurch met and passed a series of resohi- tions, expressintr, in the highest terms, tlieir pleasing remembrances of liim as a man and a minister. The narrative jiroceeds: Disposing of my furniture at auction, I left Frank- fort with my family and came to Tuskaloosa, Ala- bama. This was in tlie year 1836. I preached to crowded houses both in Tuskaloosa and Greensboro'. I was offered a salar)', I think, of two thousand dollars at the latter place, but preferred the former, although the salary there was only fifteen hundred dollars, and a house rent free. Under my ministry the church was much blessed. In a short time the membership increased considerably; moreover, as was usual with me, when invited, I visited other churches, and aided pastors in holding protracted meetings, being required, however, to do most of the preaching myself. Amongst the places thus visited were Marion, Gainesville and a country church not far from Selma. Each and every meeting was crowned with a blessing; but the richest dis- plays of grace were seen in Gainesville, the Presby- terian church there being under the pastoral care of the llev. John Levburn, a voung man of talent and great promise. If I recollect right, the hopeful converts there numbered some thirty-five, among whom were several men of considerable note. Some months after this meeting in Gainesville, brotluT Leybum, at my request, came to Tuskaloosa and preached for me some eight or ten days in succes- sion, preaching in all seventeen sermons. It pleased (Jod to ])l(>ss his labours greatly. 15esides a goodly 216 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE number of others brought in, there were some five or six students of the University, and a tutor named Brumby; his brother, one of the professors, having been previously brought in under my ministry. About this time began the troubles in our Church between what were termed the New and Old-school party. Their wranglings grieved me much. I was wont to say, " I have no horns ; I know not how to fight; I am one of the working ants.'''' On account of my not coming out strongly on either side, I was called a "fence-man;" and upon the fence I remain- ed until, so to speak, every rail was taken down. What finally determined me was this: the rejection of Dr. Miller's resolution to restore Mr. Barnes, but censure certain expressions in his book. The New- school party, with the "moderates," having the majority, shielded the book as well as the man. As certain sentences in the book were very exception- able, this was more than I could stand; so in one moment I took my stand on the Old-school side. Parties were formed in my own church ; some of the members were fiercely in favour of the New-school, but it so happened that all the members of the Session agreed with me. All were firm; but it must be confessed, one was as fierce for the Old-school as certain private members alluded to were for the New-school. It required much prudence and much eftbrt, on my part, to keep them from separating, and splitting the church in two; but with God's blessing, peace and quietness were finally restored ; and when two General Assemblies were formed, the church of which I was pastor gave in its adliesion to the Old-school General Assembly. BEV. DANIEL BAKER, D. n. 217 Appoiiit(Ml a Coinniissionrr to attend tlic first meeting of our Assembly, after the separation, I wont on; and on rcaeliing Louisville, I understood that the Appellate Court in Pennsylvania had affirm- ed the deeision previously given by Judge Rogers against us. AVhilst under this impression, going on board of a steamboat bound for AV heeling, I fell in with some brethren on their way as Commissioners to the other Assembly. AVith a sad countenance, I told them what I had heard. They were wonder- fully elated, and were very merry. Whilst they were indulging in all the feelings of exidtiition and triumph, 1 remarked playfully, "Well, brethren, but don't you know what a certain old book says, 'The triumphing of the wicked is short;' " and, sure enough, in a few hours after, it was ascertained that the decision of the lower court had been reversed. I may mention one circumstance more: Whilst the impression was still with me and others that the New-school side had can-ied the day, Dr. E. B. said to me, " And what will you Old-school brethren now do]" "Well," said I, "if our goodly temple is taken from us, we will put up a shanty and get along as well as we can." This Dr. B. is now perhaps the most distinguished minister among the Congregational clergy. The compiler of this volume remembers him well wlum a guest in the family of Mr. Baker at Frankfort. Being then a boy, when tea was ready on Sabbath evening, the writer was sent into his father's study to call the distinguished guest down to the table. \\'itli astonishment he beheld the portly visitor lying at 218 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE full length on the rug before the fire, slowly rolling himself from side to side, as he prepared his mind for the services of the night. A novel way of studying. The narrative continues: When in Philadelphia, as a member of the Old- school Assembly, I met with several of my old acquaintances on the other side, who expressed their astonishment to find me where I was. One remarked, "Ah, brother Baker, you are fat, and have become lazy, and therefore you are on the Old-school side." Having some curiosity to step in a moment, and see who were in the New-school Assembly, I was hurry- ing on to the First Church, where the Assembly was convened. Near the entrance I met a brother with whom I had been on terms of great intimacy. E-eaching out my hand to him in a playful way, and smihng, I said, "Why, brother H., what are you doing here '?" To my astonishment he fiercely replied, " We have come here to resist high-handed oppression." Not perceiving any cause why church difficulties should break private friendship, I made another pleasant remark. To this he repHed in the same strain as before. "O," said I, "brother H., if you have such feehngs, we must take difierent sides of the street — so, good morning." Saying this, I turned away, and went not in. And here, my chil- dren may wish to know my opinion in relation to what has been called the "Exscinding Act." My opinion is this: It was a strong measure, like Gene- ral Jackson's removal of the deposites. I did not like it much, but I knew of no other that would meet the exigency. And now, after many years have passed away, I believe it was, so to speak, the very REV. DANIEL DAKER, D. D. 219 sulvatioii of our Church; for ccrtaiu forms of licresy tuul wild measures were comin^f in like a flood, ^vhit•h, if not checked in time, and effectually, would have led to most disa^strous results. CHAPTER IX. TUSKAL008A — LAKOURS AS AN EVANGELIST — MISSION TO TEXAS. The present pastor of the church in Tuskaloosa, Rev. R. B. AVhite, 1). D., in the course of a letter to tlie comi)iler of this volume, thus speaks of the period of Dr. Baker's sojourn there: "Your father was most highly esteemed here as a minister of Christ, as he has been every where that his character and labours have been known. I lis eloquent and powerfid sermons were duly appre- ciated; his pul[)it efforts were well sustained to the close of his ministry among this people. None of his sermons were indifferent; many of them were regarded, in view of the true end of preaching, as of the most superior kind. Dr. Baker's frank, affable, and guileless manners, endeared him to many here, as a man. The purity of his aims seems to have been acknowledged by all. His indifference to worldly things, his ignorance of them, as some regarded it, seemed to win him respect. Your father was remark- 220 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE able, while here, for his interest in children, and his power of interesting them; he won at once their attention, their affection, and their confidence. He formed and sustained Bible-classes, which embraced the whole congregation, and proved greatly interest- ing and instructive. The prayer-meetings which he held were especially profitable. "At one time, finding the prayer-meeting lan- guishing and neglected, he adopted an ingenious mode of drawing the people to the place of prayer. He told them on the Sabbath, that if they would all meet him on Thursday evening at the appointed place of prayer, he would show them a strange sight. On Thursday evening, accordingly, there was a large attendance. He arose, and said: ' My friends, I told you that if you would come here, I would show you a strange sight. See here, is this not a strange sight — so many people at the prayer-meeting in Tuskaloosa'?' The rebuke, so wisely and so wittily given, was salutary. He did much good in estab- lishing prayer-meetings in different parts of the town. His labours among the blacks were indefati- gable, and attended with great good to them. They still speak of him with a degree of admiration and love, such as they cherish for no other minister whom they have known. He has been distinguished chiefly as an Evangelist; but his laboiu's and his success here — eighty-one being added to the church during the period of his stay in Tuskaloosa, from March 6th, 1837, to July 10th, 1839 — give evidence that he pos- sessed high quahfications for the pastoral office. He lives in the affections of this people." REV. DANIEL DAKER, P. D. 221 Amoiifj: his many correspondents, there was one, the Uev. John S. Galloway, pastor of the church in Springfield, Ohio, to whom he Wiis greatly attached. Many letters passed between them at this period. The compiler of this volume is well aware that letters arc inteix^sting chiefly to those to whom they are originally addressed ; yet the letters of Dr. Baker are so descriptive of passing events, and so illustrative of the man, as to have an interest to more than those to whom they were wTitten. Above all, his letters, to whomsoever addressed, dwell mainly upon a theme which invariably interests the children of God — a theme for ever new, even though the paper which bears the writing be yellow with age, though the cir- cumstances of the writing have passed away in the rush of new events, and though the person writing and the person written to, have long since realized in heaven that which they together communed about on earth. As may be supposed, Dr. Baker conducted during all his life a very large correspondence with all manner of persons. In lingering over such of his letters as are before him, the compiler of this work has foimd difficulty, not in determining what letters to include in the volume, but what to exclude. Such as are published in this and other chapters, arc mere specimens of the many thousand letters which have gone from his hand to every quarter of the land — radiating every where the same spiritual light and heat from the fervent spirit dwelling -within him. The readers of these letters can best appreciate the degree of influence they exerted — meagre specimens as these are of tens of thousands of like pages scat- tered so widely abroad. 20 222 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE "Alabama, Haij 22i1, 18.38. " Dear Brother Galloway — Your very kind let- ter came to hand by due course of mail. The remarkably friendly manner in which you write, has endeared you more than ever to my heart; and I am free to say, that I rejoice that I ever became acquainted with you. May our mutual friendship continue till merged in the purer, sweeter, and more elevated friendship of the heavenly world. " I am happy to state that my situation here is a very pleasant one, and my prospects of usefulness still quite encouraging. Every pew in the church is rented, and, within little more than a year past, we have received, on examination and certificate, forty- four to the communion of our church. The last adult baptized was Professor Brumby, of the Univer- sity of Alabama. About the middle of March last, I attended a protracted meeting in New Orleans. It was exceedingly interesting; Christians were won- derfully revived, and perhaps twenty sinners con- verted unto God. Amongst the hopeful converts was a gentleman of great impiety, and some consider- able standing, who, it seems, some two or three years ago, had, in connection with others, published a paper called "T/te Anxious Seat.^^ He and three of his sons were brought in. This was considered a glorious triumph of grace, and, I assure you, occa- sioned much joy. Since my return from New Orleans, I have also had the pleasure of attending a meeting in Gainesville, a new and flourishing little town, about fifty miles from this. The meeting lasted eleven days, and was truly a blessed one. I preached twenty sermons, and, of course, gave IlEV. DANIEL BAKER, T). D. 223 iinmcvous rxliortiitions. WIkmi I left, tlir comcrts were tliiitv-sevcn, anioni'st wliom were two infidels, five yoiinpj ladies, who had been \ery gay, one emi- nent physician, one old hardened sinner, two "dod- gery" keepers, and fourteen heads of families. AVas not tliis a precious little harvest? A few days since, I received a letter from the pastor, brother Ley burn, a dear, charming man, who says that the work is still going on; that the last night before he closed his letter, eight new persons remained to be conversed with; and that the number of hopefid converts had increased to fifty. Bless the Lord! Anxious seats were not used, either in New Orleans or Gainesville. I greatly ])refer inquiry meetings. The General Assembly of our Church is now, I suppose, in session. I feel awfid. The Lord reigns! This is my comfort, and right glad am I to know that "Zion still enjoys licr iSIonarch's love." I do not meddle with matters too high for me. If any man has a call to fight, let him go ahead, I say; as for myself, I am called to work, and I am willing to be an humble day-labourer luitil my work is done. Yesterday I preached from these words, "Bv whom shall Jacob arise] for he is small." In pointing out the instrumentalities, I mentioned, I. The ministry of the word; II. The benevolent institutions of the day; III. Maternal influence; and IV. Prayer. The subject is a noble one; suppose you take it. "When I enlarged upon the third head, there was manifestly a very deep imi)ression. The subject admits of fine inferences. Do tell me some of your choice themes. Daniel Baker." 224 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE "October 2Zd, 1838. "Dear Brother Galloway — We have recently had a protracted meeting in my church, which has proved an exceedingly delightfid one. Our meetings have been crowded. There has been very deep feeling, and no disorder. Fifty-seven per- sons have professed a hope, and many more are asking what they must do to be saved. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Mr. Leybum, brother of the missionary in Greece, laboured with us, to great acceptance. He is a young man of fine talents, of a most excellent spirit, and, altogether, of great pro- mise. Would that we had a thousand more of his stamp. With brother Leybum was associated brother McMidlen, whom we all greatly esteem and love; but being, like myself, pretty much at home in this place, did not take so prominent a part as brother Leybum, who had never preached in this place before. Of the converts, so called, twenty- eight are young ladies, eleven married women, seventeen young men, and one coloured man. Christians, too, were much stirred up, and I am free to say, take it all in all, the meeting was a most blessed one. Our regular communion season takes place next Sabbath week. I hope we shall have a large addition to our church, although some of the converts are nominally of other communions. "In haste, yours very sincerely. Daniel Baker." "November 28th, 1838. "Dear Brother Galloway — Every letter I re- ceive from you strengthens my attachment to you. REV. DANIEL BAKER, P. P. 225 Y(ni arr ci>rtaiiily Non' kind in all that vou do, and in all that you say. Yon .seem at all tinu's to he ju.st exactly under tlie iniluence of the true (Chris- tian spirit, and there is notliin<^ more heautiful upon earth. O, if every one who names the name of C'hrist would only manifest, in all circumstances, and on all occasions, the same spirit, it does appear to me that the church woidd indeed look forth as the moniino^, heautiful as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, and terrihle as an army -with hanners. Give me the genuine, the consistent Christian as my companion for ever and ever. Our Zion is in trouble, but the l^ord reif^^ns! I am p^lad that the question is not "Approve or not a[)prove," but "Adhere or not adher(\" 1 have cast in my lot with the "Old- school party," and I suppose you and myself have pretty much the same views. '■ Tlie protracted meeting in my church has Ijcen productive of very importiuit results. The excite- ment has extended to other churches, and I think the number hopefully converted in our city may now be put down at nearly one hundred. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Two of the officers of the Uni- versity have joined my church, and ten of the students have also professed conversion, and have connected themselves with different churches, join- ing the communions to which their parents belon<^^ " We had a very pleasant synodical meetin hour of death 1 think I shall see you, 20* 226 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE sir, as your finger ran over the precious promises in the third chapter of John.' The portion of Scripture referred to is found in John's Gospel, third chapter, from 14th to 19th verse, which I consider to be the gospel in miniature. I rejoice that the Lord has continued to bless the people of your charge. May your stars be as the dew-drops of the morning. " Last week I left Columbus, Mississippi. A meeting was still going on which promised very im- portant results. I wished to stay longer, but duty called me home. During the recent religious ex- citement in Tuskaloosa, I think our Governor was not left untouched; unless I am much mistaken, both he and his lady are under very serious impres- sions. They have a pew in my church, and I have observed several things about them very encouraging. They seem to be very willing to be conversed with on the subject of religion. Yesterday his Excellency requested me to go with him to a certain place where he was to give an unfavourable answer to a woman who came to plead for the life of her husband, under sentence of death for murder. I scarcely ever felt so awful in all my life, as when the poor woman entered the room to hear from the lips of the Go- vernor that word which was to give life to her hus- band, or quench every ray of hope. When the Governor told her that he could not pardon her hus- band, she plead hard; but, touched as the Governor certainly was, a stern sense of duty made him firm. Poor woman! — she said her heart would break; but all availed nothing. To make matters worse, she was unconverted, and of course a stranger to the consolations of religion. After his Excellency had REV. DANIKL BAKER, n. D. 227 retired, T conversed with her and ])r;iyed; and tlien conld do nothing more than leave her to her sorrows and lier God. " You have, it seems, another olive-phmt added to those already round about your table. May the dew of heaven rest upon them all. My kindest regards to your companion, and all the members of your dear family. " Your brother in the bonds of the gospel, Daniel Bakek." "Febbuary 25//i, ISnO. " Dear Brother Galloway — I told you of the revival with wliich we were favoured last fall. A^'ell, one of the converts died a few days since, furnishing a new proof of the great importance of at once securing the salvation of the soul. Tliis young convert, a very interesting and talented young man, was accidentally sliot wliile hunting, and died in about six hours. On hearing the sad intelligence that he had received a mortal wound, I stepped into a carriage and went to the place, about two miles from the city, where I found him lying upon tlie ground, weltering in his gore. He was in great agony of body; he groaned and cried aloud so that his voice re-echoed through the grove. ' My dear brother,' said I, 'is Christ precious]' 'He is,' re- plied he. ' Are you willing to die V ' Yes.' ' Are you happy r 'Yes.' 'Well, I trust you will soon be in heaven, and there is no pain there.' As soon a.s I mentioned this, he seemed to be wonderfully calmed, and, as well as I can recollect, he cried aloud no more. Observing liis apparent composure, I 228 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE thouo-ht his pain was really gone, but on putting the question, he said, ' Great pain.' He was brought in a furniture-carriage to town. I thought he would have died on the road; but he was brought to the house of a friend, and, in about two hours after, he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus. O, what a blessed thing it is to be a Christian ! As our Master says, ' Blessed is that servant whom our Lord, when he Cometh, shall find watching.' Had he not been pre- pared, when shot, how could he have been when he died"? O, how do poor sinners place in peril the salvation of their souls ! My dear brother, your busi- ness and mine is to do what we can to awaken them. May the Lord make us more earnest and more faith- ful in our great work. " With Christian salutations, your brother in Christ, Daniel Baker." •'July 15th, 1839. "Dear Brother Galloway — The meeting in Wilkesbarre proved to be an exceedingly interest- ing one. Christians were wonderfully enlivened, and the number of hopeful converts amounted to about sixty; amongst whom was a lawyer of distin- guished talents, at the very head of his profession. As he is a fine speaker, and only about thirty years of age, hopes are entertained that he will become a herald of the cross. Bless the Lord! " At our last meeting for inquirers, there were something like one hundred and thirty present, and the interest seemed to be spreading and deepening every day. Brother Dorrance, the pastor, is truly an interesting brother. He is a beloved man of God, RFA'. DANIEL PAKEn, D. P. 229 and rojoif'od mucli to see his garden look so fresh and <;reen. I snpposc he will in due time })ul)lish an account of the ached perhaps eighty times since I 21* 238 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE set out for Florence. I am just as fresh as if I had not preached a sermon. Bless the Lord!" From the narrative. On reaching New Orleans, it was my intention to go on immediately to Galveston, Texas; but before an opportunity was afforded, a pressing invitation came from the Rev. Wm. T. Hamilton, to come to aid him in Mobile, where a precious work of grace was in progress. I thought I had already delayed too long my intended mission into Texas, but Dr. John Breckinridge, who was at that time pastor of the Presbyterian church in New Orleans, advised me by all means to go to Mobile. I accordingly went, and have reason to hope that my labours there were not in vain in the Lord. But now I am reminded of the fact, that some two years before this, by invitation, I assisted the Rev. Joel Parker in holding a pro- tracted meeting in the Presbyterian church in New Orleans, of which at that time he was pastor. This meeting was much blessed, and some of the substan- tial fruits remain even to the present time; one a converted infidel; one a merchant; one who has since became a minister of the gospel; and one a gentleman of some considerable note in the Episco- pal Church. Upon leaving New Orleans on that occasion, I was literally loaded with presents, amount- ing in all to about two hundred dollars in value. It was common to receive substantial proofs of kind- ness wherever I had held protracted meetings ; but if other churches in such matters did liberally, the church in New Orleans excelled them all. After preaching about one week for Dr. Hamilton in Mobile, with some considerable success, I hope, I REV. PANTEL BAKER, D. T). 230 rcturiKHl to Now Orleans, and tlicnru^ by the first steamer to Cialveston; the boat, I tliink, Mas named the New York. Cominjif in view of (ialveston Island, FebruaiT '2(>th, 1840, I was snrprised to see the island so low and fiat, like a chip fioatin*^ on the surface of the water ; and on landing, the first tliinj^ that ])ar- ticularly attracted my attention was a ji^ronp of tip- plin«( houses on the strand or wharf, near McKinney's pier. ^ly first business was to find out the " excel- lent of the earth." Christians here were very few ; emphatically like " angels' visits, few and far be- tween." IJy invitation, I went to the home of Dr. Koberts, who, in his beautiful house, for several days treated me with great kindness and hospitality. The first effort to do good was to distribute tracts, a goodly number of which I had brought with me; and, as soon as arrangements could be made, I ])reached daily during the week, and three times on the Sabbath, being carefid also to visit and address the Sabbath-school, which I was happy to find already established, and in a comparatively flourishing state. I believe I was instrumental in increasing the number of attendants on the Sabbath-school in this wav. AN'alking idong the streets of Galveston on a Sab- bath day, I came up to a large group of boys who were playing marbles — "Heigh! boys," said I, "play- ing marbles on Sunday!" "O, we are in Texas," sevenU of them replied. " AVell, but boys," replied I, "don't you know that God can see you in Texa.s, as well {IS in the States T' Putting: mv hand in mv pocket, I pulled out a good many little books, and, whilst giving, I talked very kindly to the boys; and winding up, I pleasantly remarked, " Boys, it is not 240 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE right to play marbles on Sunday; you had better go to Sunday-school — didn't you know it 1 — there is one yonder" — pointing to the place. I then left them, bidding them good-by; but I had gone only a few steps when several of them called to me aloud, and said, "We won't play marbles any more on Sunday — we will go to Sunday-school, sir." " Heaven bless the boys of Texas," thinks I to myself, " they only need to be taught what is right." One day I took a stroll out of town, and whilst walking on the beach on the south side of the island, I unexpectedly came up to a military station, where some thirty soldiers were on the look-out for Mexicans, who were expected to invade Texas about this time. On conversing with them I found that no one had ever preached to them, or given them a Bible, or tract, or anything of the Idnd. Each could, with but too much truth, say. No man cared for my soul. Having obtained permission from the com- mander, who was very polite, I distributed tracts amongst them, and preached to them near the strand, in the open air. As there were no seats for their accommodation, they stood before me in military order. In the midst of my discourse, a new thought occurred, and leaving my theme, I addressed them to this effect : " Soldiers, here you are, in this new and wild countiy, far away from the means of grace. I think it likely that you are all quite careless and unconcerned about your soul's salvation. And yet, after all, I wonder if some of you have not pious mothers in the old States, who love you, and pray for you, and weep over you." Passing my eyes rapidly over the faces of the soldiers, I noticed one REV. DANIF.L BAKER, P. P. 241 ])aitir\ilarly avIio was ])r()(lir, lie himself fell by the hands of the cruel savages. It was in the sprinfj^ of 1S4() tliat this meetin^^j took place, at Independence and tlie Chrisnian settlement; and tliis was the date of the organiza- tion of the Brazos Presbytery, A])ril ;}d, 1840, 'J'he bretliren met at ChrisuKurs school-liouse, and ors^an- ized the first Old-school Presbytery in the then Republic of Texas, viz. The Rev. Ilu^di AN'ilson, of the Presbytery of South Alabama. Rev. Jolui McC'uUouifli, of New- ton Presbvterv, New Jersey. Rev. AN'illiam Y. Allen, of the Presl)ytery of Westcmi District, Ten- nessee. Ridinre(l ; hope mueh good was done. At night brother Allen preaehed, and I closed with an ex- hortiition; reminding the sinner that there was only one person in the nniv(Tse to whom his salvation was necessary, that is, himself, and pressing upon him the langnage of the Apostle, " Do thyself no harm." Sabbath, 26th. Sacramentid Sabbath. Preached in the morning from Mark xv. 34. Had something of an unction. At the close of the sennon there was almost universid weeping. Brother Wm. I^. McCalla being present, administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Twelve persons were admitted by the Session, all new converts save one, who was re- ceived from the Campbellite church after examina- tion. Four of the young converts were baptized. During the recess, called in the blacks, (who had been lingering about the doors and windows,) and ])reachcd a sermon to them from these words, " (), taste and see that the Lord is good." Brother Allen, with much earnestness, preached in the afternoon, and I closed with an exhortation. At night I l)reachcd my last sermon. At the close there was much tender feeling; there seemed to be weeping all over the house. After returning to brother AVil- son's house, conversed with his daughters, who a]i])ear(Hl to be under very deep conviction. Brotlnu* \\ ilson attempted to lead in family prayer, but his feelings overcame him, and I had to close the prayer. 266 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE The Lord's name be praised for what was seen and heard and felt this day ! Monday, 21th. Took an affectionate leave of brother Wilson and family, and in company with brother Allen and Mr. Holcomb and wife, who yes- terday had come on horseback eighteen miles to preaching. On the road fell in company with a yomig man, Mr. Henderson, who resides in Colum- bia, but had just come from Austin. Mr. H. says he had to swim four creeks, and in one had well nigh been drowned. How providential I did not go to Austin, as I originally intended. Indeed, I find that ever since leaving home, I have had reason to mark the hand of a wise and gracious Providence. I made great efforts to get to Texas at an earlier period, but was held in check by a very remarkable train of providences; and yet it appears I reached Texas just at the right time. Had I come sooner, the season would have been unfavourable for mis- sionary operations; had I come later, I would not have had sufficient time before the setting in of warm weather. The Bible says, " The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." I do not say that I am a good man, but the promise I have claimed and acted upon. Brother Allen and myself reached San Felipe a little after sunset (forty miles.) We sent around notice, and preached to about twenty-five persons. Brother Allen led in the exercises, and I followed. I do not recollect that I ever spoke with more ease and fluency in all my life. Mr. Kingsbury, our landlord, remarked that the people would have been REV. DANIEL BAKER, I). D. 207 AN illiii«^ to ronmin until midnij^lit. I am promised ;i liir«,'i' (•()ngn'<^Mtiou here if 1 will only preach on the Sahhath. Tui'sdai/, V>sM. l^eached Mrs. ToweH's (thirty miles) early in the afternoon, and proi)oscd ])reaeh- in<^ in her house at ni^ht. Mrs. Powell cordially consented, and accordingly at night I preached to a congr(>gation of ahout sixteen, consisting of the family, some cai'])enters who were employed in build- ing her a splendid house, and a few travellers. After sermon had . 2S5 not charge her fatlicr with boasting; but the matter is so pleasing to me, it wakes up, as T trust, so much gratitude in my bosom, I thought 1 would record it. The fact will (Micourage me in time to come. On reaching from Davton, I also received a com- munication from the church and congregation, invi- ting me to this place ; and here I expect to remain until I start for Texas, which, I suppose, will be about the lOth of October next. May God's richest blessings rest upon you, my beloved child. Farewell. "Your affectionate father, Daniel Baker." "La Grange, January \Zth, 1841. " My beloved Dauguter — I have written a goodly number of letters to you and your mother within a short time past. If I have given you a surfeit, you can just fold up this letter, and lay it aside until your surfeit is over. "I am now in La Grange, in the midst of a pro- tracted meeting, which is becoming more and more interesting every day. The meeting will probably come to a close next Monday, (this is Wednesday.) I then expect to visit brother "Williamson's charge at Somerville, and then return to Holly Springs, at which place I hope to receive letters from you, which will liaAC an influence upon my subsequent movements. 1 came to this place from i£ernando, a new ^•illage, about fifty miles distant, where we had a precious work of grace; no great revival, to be sure ; but several persons were hopefidly converted, all men; amongst whom are numbered Colonel H., General T., and 13r. B., all men of the vcit first . 25* 286 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE respectability. The latter gentleman, in particular, is said to be a man of the first order of talent, and a ripe scholar. I had the pleasure of baptizing him last week; and as you may well suppose, it was a season of no common interest. The Doctor was poweiiully wrought upon himself, and there was much weeping throughout the house; I think some would have shouted aloud, if they had not been afraid of Presbyterians. "I hope, my daughter, your health is good. Take care of it, my child, for your old father's sake. You are now my only rose. Your sister, your precious little sister, has been snatched from my sight, and I must see her no more until I go to heaven. There I hope to see her crowned, and in her Saviour's bosom. O, my beloved x\gnes, your father still weeps at the remembrance of thee! But it is all right; still will I say, 'The Lord gave; the Lord hath taken away; and blessed be the name of the Lord.' — 'Melissa, didn't you laiow that I am going to die to-night r 'O, well, my dear, if you die to-night, the blessed Jesus will take you right straight to heaven.' 'AVell!' — This I have thought upon a great many times; it has given me great consolation. Has Melissa been rewarded for men- tioning the sweet name of Jesus to my dying child ^ At any rate, do get a silver dollar, and give her for me, with my thanks. Be sure to comfort your dear afflicted mother, and tell her to cast all her burdens upon the Lord. Kemember me very kindly, &c. " Your ever affectionate father, Daniel Baker." \ REV. DANIEL BAKEU, D. D. 287 No one who has read thus far, and certainly no one who knew Dr. Balcer personally, can have failed to see tliat he was a man of the warmest attachments. Toward no human being did he cherish unkind feelings ; and in regard to all men it was his habit, formed by principle and long practice into a second nature, to put the most charitable construc- tion on their conduct, and to say either the best that could be said of them, or nothing at all. Wherever he discerned — and he had a quick perception — any excellence of character, tliere his heart fastened itself. For each child of God he had that ardent love which the Apostle gives as a leading proof that the person loving has passed from death to hfe. His error was that he had too great faith in men, especially in professing Christians ; believed all they said to him, hoped all they promised him ; that disposition, in fact, which is commonly known as simplicity of character. Even when made aware of some gross imposition practised upon him, his feeling toward the incUvidual was all pity, with scarce an emotion of anger. With all this, he never hesitated to express himself deci- dedly, where principle was concerned, whoever was smitten thereby ; but this was generally in a manner so conciliatory and manifestly sincere, as rarely or never to give offence. Toward his own family he cherislied so strong an attachment as to lead him rather to over- rate them; and this made his estimate of all whom he loved, in or out of his own household, an unre- liable one for others. All coidd not look through his eyes; too hopeful, too charitable, too glowing. His ardent and happy temperament gave him the glow of perpetual youth, and, till his death, it was 288 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE frequently his pla^-ful remark, " I do believe now I am yomiger than any of my cliildren." So full was he of playful feeling, so heartily did he enter into the joys and sorrows of youth, that he was always their most welcome and beloved companion. In his own home, and elsewhere, he was careful not to weary them with too frequent religious conversation, or family worship at unseasonable hours, and unduly prolonged. In his study he permitted no interrup- tion, studying whatever related to his profession, and the Bible above all; writing with the utmost care, often re-writing again and again whatever was to come before the public; but out of his study, he would relax completely, and was never more happy than when working with his children in the garden; an occupation in which he took great dehght. Many of his missionary tours were made with a son riding in the gig beside him. The writer well remembers accompanying him on such a tour when a boy ; the more distinctly because of the little hymns his father then taught him as they jour- neyed along the solitudes of Florida and Georgia, through deep sand, and the waving of great forests. Nor does he forget how often his father, absorbed in some meditation, riding with the forgotten rein of his horse in his listless hand, was rudely wakened to the realities of life by the upsetting of his gig. As the writer, three times in succession, found himself lying on the ground with his father upon him, he very naturally inferred that the upsetting ob- stacle was upon the side of the road which came more under his father's watch than his. And here the question will arise. To what degree can a father, REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 289 wlio is a minister, permit himself to be occupied by public duties, to the comparative neglect of the close, and personal, and perpetual oversight and education of his own children'? It was a frequent saying with Ur. Baker, " Duties never clash." No head of a fomily ever loved those of his own house, more than the subject of this Memoir; yet, necessarily, a very large part of his time was spent from home ; consequently, the duties of a father were given up by him to the mother, or delegated to teachers ; and yet no parent could love, or make more careful pro\ision for his household than he did. It is impossible to say that he erred in neglecting the duty of husband and father for that of preacher of the gospel; his motive was too sacred and self-sacri- ficing, the blessing of God on his labours was too manifest. It is wrong to judge men by their appearance in the pulpit and the parlour, when away from their own pulpit and home. The highest testimonials to Dr. Baker's character lie in this, that God blessed him fuUy as much in the pastoral relation as in that of evangelist. Much as he was esteemed and loved in the churches in which liis transient labours were so wonderfully blessed, he was even more esteemed and loved among the people of his own charge; and most by those among whom he lived longest. He was the same man always and everywhere; and so, it is not how he appeared in the pulpit, but what he was in private life, that is the true test of the man. These pages will be read by many in the various places in which he was a pastor for years, and I appeal to you, in so many cities and towns this land 290 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE over, who knew him best, were his most intimate friends — you, by whose fireside he has so often sat in the unreserved intercourse of friendship, before whom he has come in and gone out in the perfect freedom of daily intercourse for years — you who have known him under all the vicissitudes through which men pass in life, I appeal to you, if all that he seemed to be under the most propitious circumstances, in pub- lic, was not confirmed, and more than confirmed, by all that he was in private? But a man may appear to his most intimate friends, and for years, other than he really is in the closer intimacy of his own family. From within this sacred circle we say to you, as before God, that he was, in our eyes, in every sense, all he seemed to those without. All! — far more! We knew his hourly spirit and converse, the outgush of his first feelings, his most unpremeditated words and deeds, his fastings and trials, his midnight wrest- lings with God, when he was alone, as he supposed, with the Almighty. Among all the names of men — why should we conceal it 1 — there is no one whom we have ever venerated, revered, and loved in compari- son with this man, whom we knew so well. We sinned in this — alas ! pardon us, O Lord — the temp- tation was so great. His defects of character — what were these 1 God forbid we should say too much of him, when even an Apostle must exclaim, " O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death!" The biographer has inquired as widely as possible, has tasked his own memory to the utmost, and then writes — what he does write. An imperfect human being as was the subject of this Memoir, all that he REV. DANIEL BAKER, 1). D. 291 seemed to be he was, alway and everywhere, because he acted under invariable and eternal principles, even those of the religion he preached to others; and because he loved and feared, above all things, One whom he habitually felt to be with him at all times. He walked with God. So far as he was cleansed from sin, it was by the blood of Christ ; so far as he was holy, it was by the power of the Holy Spirit, regenerating and sanctifying. He had nothing that he had not received. The glory of any excel- lence seen in him is to Him who wrought it, not to him in whom it was wrought. Let the reader pardon the digression; it was irre- pressible. The autobiography proceeds: When about leaving Texas, I was urged to return and make it my home; and to induce me so to do, several persons offered to make me a present of land amounting to about two thousand acres in all. But I was unwilling to leave "the States" at this time; and after fulfilling my engagement at Gainesville, I went to various places where I had been invited to hold protracted meetings. From the pages of a little memorandum book we copy the following rapid journal, kept by Dr. Baker at the time of the meetings spoken of above. Journal — 1844. Tuesday Morning, February \Zth. Left Holly Springs in the stage ; reached Lexington on Wed- nesday afternoon, and preached to a large congrega- tion at night. Reached Vicksburg on Friday, IGtli; attended prayer-meeting at night. Remained in 292 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE Vicksburg until Wednesday, 28th, during which period preached fifteen sermons; made various ad- dresses; congregations large; some cases of awaken- ing; nothing very special. On the evening of the 28th, preached to a small audience at Raymond; short notice ; some interest. 29th, addressed Mr. North's school; about fifty children and young ladies present. At the close, addressed adults ; a goodly number pre- sent. In the afternoon, called to see Mr. ^\Tiarton and lady, the daughter of Dr. Edgar; conversed on the subject of religion; neither is a professor; seemed interested. At night, preached to a large and very attentive audience. Friday^ March \st. Reached Jackson before sun- set. The bell was rung for preaching, but just as we were about starting, it began to rain very hard; the pastor thought it not worth while to go. Saturday^ 2d. Rainy day, streets muddy; yet preached at night in the old State-house; rather small congregation. Sabhath, ^d. Preached in the morning in same place; full house. In the afternoon preached in the Methodist church ; some feeling. At night preached in the old State-house ; very fiill house — hard rock. Monday^ 4ith. Prayer-meeting at ten o'clock. At night preached in the Methodist church; goodly number out — Governor Bro\vn and lady. Tuesday, 5th. In the morning, meeting for mo- thers; well attended; much tenderness. At night preached; congregation as usual. Wednesday, (Mh. In the morning preached on the subject of experimental religion; good meeting. Afternoon had inquiry meeting; some five or six REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 203 present besides ])rofessors. At niglit preached to yoiiiif]: men; good meeting. Tluirsdaif^ 1th. Preached in the morning and at night. Fridai/, Sth. No preaching until night; spent the day in visiting. Saturday, [)tlt. Preached morning, afternoon, and night. In the morning, much feeling. SablMit/i, lOt/i. Attended sunrise prayer-meeting, as for four preceding mornings, and preached five times this day; at nine o'clock in penitentiary, at eleven in church. In the afternoon, two sermons; one to whites ; immediately after to blacks, and again to whites at niglit; large congregations, particularly in the morning and at night; sacrament. Mondaj/, llth. Rainy day. Tuesday/, V2th. Went to Raymond, and preached at niglit. Wednesdaij^ \Wi. Attended the mothers' meeting in the morning, and preached at night; very rainy; about twenty persons present; spoke to Mr. North about his devoting liimself to the ministry, and found he was much inclined that way. Thursday., 14M. Preached in the afternoon; one lady in particular very much 'wi'ought upon. Preached at night; hope some good was done. Friday, loth. Reached Brandon, and preached at night to a pretty large congregation. Saturday, li\th. Preached in the morning. In the aftenioon addressed children, and at night preached again. Sabbath, llth. Preached to crowded house in the 26 294 - LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE morning ; long sermon ; good impression. Preached in the afternoon; then addressed coloured people. At night preached again ; much feeling. Monday^ ISth. Preached in the morning and at night; interest increasing. In the afternoon had a mothers' meeting, one of the best of the kind I had ever attended. Tuesday, 19 th. Preached three times, and invited the anxious to remain ; had a melting time ; four or five persons professed conversion. This afternoon at the close of service, took a vote whether the meeting should be continued another day; nearly all in the house arose, and very promptly. Wednesday, 20th. Spent the morning in visiting, and preached in the afternoon and at night; two or three cases of hopeful conversion this day. At night took a vote for continuing the meeting another day longer; same result. Thursday, 21st. Preached in the afternoon, and held an inquiry meeting. Preached at night, and invited the serious to remain; about thirty-five awakened, of whom some ten or twelve were hope- fully converted. Blessed be God ! Friday, 22d. Rode to Canton, and preached at night to a small congregation. Saturday, 23lders to be sure to have preaching as often as possible, and by all means to keep up the weekly prayer-meeting. I cannot tell yet when I shall return, but suppose it will be about the time origin- ally contemplated. " I must tell you a little incident of my travels. Tuesday last was a very rainy day, and as we were travelling heavily through the mud and mire, we saw an old woman trudging along the road, without shoes or stockings, with a large bundle under her arm. Astonished to see so old a person out in such weather, and travelling in such style, I got out of the carriage, and became a sort of fellow foot-traveller of hers. I asked her how old she was. ' Eighty-four years,' said she. 'And how many miles have you to go this bad weather]' 'Eighteen,' replied she. 'But,' said I, 'you are too old to be travelling in this way; you will get sick. Why don't you make your sons help you on]' 'AVhy,' said she, 'I never had but one son, and that was a gal!^ Giving her fifty cents, I advised her to stop at the first house, and wait for better weather. She seemed very thankfid, and stopped accordingly. "Your affectionate husband, Daniel Baker." "PrLASKi, May \2th, 1842. "IMy dear Son — I have preached fifteen sermons in this place already; I preach in the morning and at night. The people come out in crowds. I think I never saw people turn out better in any place where 302 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE I have been; and I am happy to say, we have the prospect of a very great and blessed work of grace here. There is a very general awakening, and some ten or twelve persons have already professed conver- sion. AVe hope this number will be considerably increased within a few days. How strange ! Your father is made the instrument of the conversion of many abroad, and there is a dear son at home yet unconverted. O, my dear son, how happy would I be to be made your spiritual father, even as I am your o'vvn father in a natural sense. My dear boy, do not neglect your precious soul. "God bless you, my son; and may you be happy in time, and through all eternity. "Your ever aifectionate father, Daniel Baker." "Holly Springs, August 15th, 1842. "Dear brother Galloway — When absent from home last spring, I attended several protracted meet- ings, in nearly all of which we had pleasing proofs of the divine presence. The converts, however, were not numerous, only about some fifty or sixty in all; but when we think of the value of the soul, even this is a great matter. Two or three of those hopefully converted will, I trust, devote themselves to the gospel ministry. One is a son of our lamented brother S., and the other a nephew. I have been invited to assist at a protracted meeting, to be held in a town called Denmark, some sixty or seventy miles from this place. I trust we shall have a blessing; and I am more encouraged from the fact that the Lord has recently poured out his Spirit in REV. DANIEL HAKER, I). D. 303 various places in tlio region round about. O, for more zeal in our Master's cause! O, for a holy enthusiasm! for such an enthusiasm as animated the Apostle Paul, when he exclaimed, 'The love of Christ constraineth us.' I do think, my dear brother, that many of us Presbyterian ministers might be vastly more useful than we are, if we could only be brought to go the whole amount, and lay out our full strength in the cause of God. Do, my brother, pray for me. I expect to attend several protracted meetings this fall; and I do hope that the Master will crown them every one with his blessing. I preached once to your people when at Springfield, and from what I could see and hear, I think you have much reason to thank God and take courage. " Yours sincerely, Daniel Baker." NaiTative continued. One of the meetings was in St. Charles, and another in St. Louis, Missouri, in both of which places strong encouragements were held out to me to make a settlement. In one case, the matter pro- ceeded so far, that I actually gave notice of my inten- tion to resign my charge, and requested the congre- gation forthwith to unite with me in a petition to the Presbytery to cUssolve the pastoral connection. A vote was taken, and a reluctant consent was given. Immediately I entered upon preparations for leaving, Avhen, lo! before the next Sabbath arrived, the people changed their mind, and utterly refused to let me go. So the idea of going to St. Charles was 304 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE given up, much to the dissatisfaction of the people there. Frequent and important were the moves which Dr. Baker made in Hfe ; and even the least was not made until after an earnest seeking of wisdom from God. To this, when looking back upon his long and varied life from near its close, he ascribed the fact that he had never made a move which he had afterwards cause to regret. When any impor- tant step was before him, he would always spend a day, solemnly set apart for the purpose, in fasting and prayer for divine guidance. And so, not a jour- ney was entered upon, however unimportant; no business was transacted, no important letter written, or visit paid, or conversation held, but was preceded by special prayer for wisdom from above. His habitual custom was to endeavour to fall asleep at night with prayerful thoughts in his mind ; to wake in the morning, his first breath prayer : " Divine Master, what wilt thou have me do this day"?" was the spirit, and often form of his first waking thoughts. Those who have followed this man of God as he led the way to the Throne of Grace, will remember that he trod as along a path familiar to his feet. He greatly disliked making public prayer a mode of exhortation, or statement of any kind, or of deco- rating it with flowers and figures of speech. He regarded prayer as addressed to God, and in no sense to the people; and he endeavoured to clothe his addresses at the mercy-seat in words left by the Spirit on the page of Scriy)ture. The fulness, scrip- tural richness, heartfelt simplicity, and sincerity of REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 305 his public ])rayors, no one who knew liim can ever forget. In tlie prayer-meeting, at the family altar, in the sick-room, at the meetings of church judicato- ries, his prayers were always adapted to the pecu- liar circumstances. AVhenever he led in worship, he stood as if with his foot upon the step of the Throne — as if with his hand grasping the priestly robe of the great High Triest — not familiar or irreve- rent in the least degree, yet coming boldly to the Throne of Grace — with him the alone source of all blessing — for this express and only purpose, that he might obtain mercy, and find grace to help in that special time of need. Family worshij) was the most invariable part of the household routine, with the exceptions already alluded to. As to private devotions, his uniform practice was to spend the first hour of the day in his study, in these. The hour of sunset was his favourite time for evening prayer; and he woidd endeavour to have the hour for family worship at night as soon as possible after supper, before even the youngest became sleepy. In all his tra- vels a well-worn Testament was his inseparable companion; and as he often had to pass the night, with many others, in the one room of some cabin by the roadside, the early dawn of morning and the starry shades of night would find him in some secluded spot of field or grove, holding that commu- nion with God more essential to his happiness than aught else. He disUked anything which prevented him from going direct from his closet into the pulpit ; never permitted anything to prevent this when he 27 o06 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE could help it. He had also made it, by use, a second nature to engage in ejaculatory prayer; frequent, but silent and brief prayer during the rapid business of the day. None but one as familiarly associated with him as the "svriter of these hues, would have known this, for there was nothing of the Pharisee in his devotions; no moment at which he did not seem to be in his usual genial and accessible mood, ready for any good word or work. But here was the secret of all that he was, and of all that he accomplished ; " When one that holds communion with the skies, Has filled his urn where those pure waters rise, And once more mingles with us meaner things, 'Tis e'en as if an angel shook his wings. Immortal fragrance fills the circuit wide, That tells us whence his treasures are supplied. So, when a ship, well-freighted with the stores The sun matures on India's spicy shores. Has dropped her anchor and her canvass furled In some safe haven of our western world, 'Twere vain inquiry to what port she went ; — The gale informs us, laden with the scent." All his springs were in God, and he abode near those springs as at the one oasis in a desert world. If this branch bore much fruit, it was solely and only be- cause it abode in the vine. If God the Holy Ghost wrought in and by him, it was because such was his unceasing petition at the Throne of Grace; and to what child of God is not this throne equally accessi- ble through Jesus Christ! If all ministers of the gospel were, by close communion with God, channels thus of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon others through them, how great, how overwhelming would be the presence of this divine agent upon the church and the world! REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 307 Wc resume the aiitobio|n^ra])liy : On one occasion a singular proposition was made to me, which, however, I accepted. The lie v. Angus Johnson, a co-presbyter, and a very zealous brother, wishing me to visit certain very destitute places in Mississippi, ottered to give me one hundred dollars for one month, if I would go along with him and do all the preaching he might require! His proposition was acceded to, and away we went, through cane- brakes and regions of country where scarcely the form of any preacher had been seen before. Brother Johnson was a pretty hard master, but as I had my- self some liking for the service exacted, I did not fly from my contract. I preached many sermons, and I hope many precious souls were converted. But my hire — did I get thaf? Yes; the full amount stipu- lated was promptly paid. During the period of my connection with the church in Holly Springs we were favoured with several seasons of refreshing ; one was under my own ministry, one when I was aided by the Rev. Mr. Van- court, of Denmark, and another under the ministe- rial labours of the Rev. Mr. Montgomery, of Canton. The one most remarkable took place during the visit of ^Ir. Vancourt. Many of the most prominent citi- zens of the town were brought in ; amongst the rest, Mr. AVm. F. M., who, at a subsequent period, became a leading man in the eldership. At this time Dr. Baker writes as follows: "IIoi.LY yi'iUNiis, '2lsl December, 1842. "Dear Bhotiier Galloway — I have some very pleasing intelligence to communicate. "We have had 308 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE a blessed and powerful work of grace in my church. We had a protracted meeting in September last, and about seventy precious souls were made, as I hope, to bow at the feet of our blessed Redeemer ! Pro- tracted meetings were held nearly about the same time in all the other churches; and the result of the whole is, the hopeful conversion of more than two hundred souls in our town ! To God be all the glory! Amongst the converts in my church, I am peculiarly happy to say is my youngest son, who has already turned his attention to the sacred office. Once he was deeply tinctured with the principles of infidehty, and was a great admirer of Byron; but, after his conversion, when asked whether he was wil- ling to be a preacher, he replied, with much emotion, ' Pa, I would be willing to be a ditcher, for Christ's sake.' I have sent him to Princeton to prepare, if it be the Divine will, to preach the glorious gospel of the blessed God. I have another son, who was last week taken under the care of our Presbytery as a candidate for the gospel ministry. How greatly have I been blessed ! Bless the Lord, O my soul ! "In pursuance of an arrangement made with my people, that I should have a certain portion of my time, I have lately returned from a missionary tour of five weeks. During that period I preached about seventy times, and it pleased God to bless my labours to the hopeful conversion of more than eighty souls. Many of them are persons of standing and influence, and a goodly number are young men of considerable promise ; three or four of whom have already announced their purpose to devote them- selves to the service of God in the gospel ministry. REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 309 I do tliink, my dear brotlior, that pastors may do much fj^ood by occasionally goings on missionary excursions. The very great pressure of the times has made it impossible for my people fully to support me, and this has led me out into other fields, and the result has been happy. What I shall do the next year I know not; but I beUeve the Lord will direct. I have lately received an invitation from the Presby- tery of Louisville to ride as a missionary in their boiuids, with a salar)- of one thousand dollars, and the promise of more if required. I may accept, and I may not. I have committed the matter to the Lord. Time will make known all things. "Wishing you and your dear family every bless- ing, temportd and spiritual, I subscribe myself, "As formerly, as ever, "Yours in a precious Saviour, Daniel Baker." It was at this time that one of my sons professed conversion. He had, when very young, witli his brother D., been brought under very strong religious exercises, at the Manual Labour Institute, near Marion; but those early impressions had, it seems, passed away; and now, about sixteen years of age and reading law, he seems to have become quite for- getful of his soul's eternal interests; nay, more, he seems to have become spiced with scepticism; and once told me plainly, that he coidd never believe in that religion which would send such a man as Bpon to hell. I reasoned with him, and iinally wound up with this remark: "Well, my son, I hope you will be converted yet; aye, and become a preacher, too." 27* 310 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE As I made this remark, the native enmity of the human heart began to work, and said he, with strong emotion, "Pa, I had rather be a ditcher than a preacher!" It was, I think, only some four weeks after this that he was numbered with the anxious. His convictions were apparently very deep, and he was brought near the borders of despair. On one occasion, I remember it well, he went from the inquiry meeting directly up to his chamber. After remaining there a time, engaged in prayer, he came into the dining-room, where his mother and myself were. Standing before me with a sad coun- tenance, he said, " Papa, I don't think I will go to the inquiry meeting any more." "Why, my son]" "Pa, I can't be converted." "O yes, my son, you can." "No, pa, my heart is so hard I can't be con- verted." "Why, my son, the blessed Jesus is able and willing to do everything for you." It seems to have been a new thought. The way of salvation was made plain, and he was enabled to receive Christ as offered in the gospel. In a few moments a sweet smile came over his countenance. I suspected what had taken place, and my arms were around the young convert, and his mother's too. And there, in that same dining-room, a scene was presented worth an angel's visit from the skies. After we were all more composed, said I to him, "My son, are you not willing to be a preacher nowV With much emo- tion, he replied, "Pa, I would be wiUing to be a ditcher for Christ's sake." That was music to my ears. Soon after this, he gave up the idea of the legal profession, and in a few weeks, even in the REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 311 depth of winter, he set out for Princeton, via New Orleans and New York. Here, for the sake of historical connection, I may mention a circumstance which occurred several years after. A\'illiam had finished his classical course. He had graduated in Nassau Hall College, with one of the honoiu's of the institution. He had returned to the home of his parents, and the time had nearly arrived when he wished to go on again to Princeton, to join his hrother, w^ho was already in the Theological Seminary. It was his wish to go; it was mine, also. But it was necessary to get one hundred dollars. I told him I had not the amount, but would get it, if I had to mortgage some little property which I had in the State of Oliio. I called upon a warm friend of mine, who was usually flush. I mentioned the case, and requested him to lend me the amount for a short time. He said that really he had not it. Disappointed when I was confident of success, and finding that my son was anxious to go on in a few days, I felt that I was in a close place; but my rule during almost my whole life has been, when in trouble, to lay all such matters before God in prayer; and now, an old disciple, I can put to my seal that the precious promises, yea, all the promises of God recorded in Scripture, are true, and may be relied upon. Now, w^hat a remarkable providence was connected with this matter. Being invited to administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in a small country church, some forty miles distant, I preached from these words, " Alleluia, for the Lord God omnipo- tent reigneth!" I had some liberty in speaking. 312 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE There was an elder present who had had some pecu- liar domestic trials. At the close of the services, he invited me to go home with him; and when we were alone in one of his rooms, he said to me: "Mr. Baker, your sermon this morning has done me more good than any sermon I have heard for ten years. Mr. Baker," added he, "what do you intend to do with your son W. V " He has the ministry in view," said I, "and I intend to send him to Princeton." " Will you have any difficulty in getting the means ]" This was a hard question, just at that time. I replied, "I don't know, sir; but I intend to send him to Princeton, if I have to mortgage some pro- perty I have, to get the means." "Well, Mr. Baker," said he, in a very kind way, "I will give W. one hundred dollars this year, and one hundred dollars the next; and I am willing to do something for your son D., too." Suffice it to say, before I left his house, he placed a one hundred dollar note in my hand. This providence, so remarkable, touched my heart. I was eager to get home, to tell my son how good the Lord had been to us. I reached home at night. The next morning I placed the note under W's plate ; and when he saw it, to make a good and lasting impression upon him, I said to him: "My son, remember this saying of your father, which I have borrowed : ' They that notice kind providences shall have kind providences to notice.' " During almost the whole of Dr. Baker's residence in Holly Springs, two of his sons were at Princeton, pro- secuting their studies for the ministry. He had never made an effort, or even cherished a desire to accumu- REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 313 late money, so that it seemed absolutely impossible for him to fifive his sons a collegiate education. But "vvhen they had professed religion, and expressed a desire to enter the ministry, the thing assumed alto- gether a new light in his eyes. "You are already educated enough for the service of the world," said he to one of his sons, when that son had united with the church; "but now that you have become the child of God, I will educate you thoroughly for his service, if 1 have to live on a crust of bread." The sacredness of domestic life must not be violated ; but if the veil were lifted, it would reveal sacrifices and struggles, to accomplish the preparation of his sons for the service of the Master he loved so well, con- tinued through many long years. The following letters, adch'essed chiefly to his sons at College and Seminary, need no introduction. "Knoxville, Tenn., May 3J, 1848. "My dear Son — I reached this place a few days since, and am to labour as a missionary in this region for some two or three months. May the Lord grant his blessing. Remember, my dear son, you must take exercise, and do it regularly; and it must be of the right kind. When I was at College, I was very studious; and not bearing the idea of losing any time, my plan was to unite study and exercise. My custom or practice was, for some time, to walk three miles every day; that is, a mile morning, noon, and evening. My walks were solitary, and I employed the time generally in committing to memory some lesson or speech, or something of the kind. The result was, I would frequently return to my room in 314 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE a state of great exhaustion, such exercise being to me rather an injury than a benefit. For exercise to be profitable, the mind must be recreated as well as the body. Ball-playing and gymnastic exercises are the very thing. I hope, my dear son, that you will not neglect your health. See to it, that soul and body both enjoy daily and vigorous health. I think it would be well for your reading and writing, as a general thing, to have some bearing upon the grand object of pursuit which you have in view. You recollect the language of Paul to Timothy: ' Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.' You may think this counsel not quite so appropriate just now; but the suggestion, even at this period, I think can do no harm. You must not expect either frequent or long letters from me for some months to come ; you know your father's manner of doing things when out on a preaching tour — preaching incessantly. I find little time to write to any one ; and, besides, I have rarely any conveniences for writing. Another thing, my hand becomes unsteady by reason of much speaking. Yesterday I preached three times, and this morning — only see my scrawl! Last night I had a crowded house, galleries and all. I hope the Lord has some- thing for me to do in this place, and the region round about. "Be sure to write to me soon, at this place, and communicate every thing which you may deem inte- resting. Tell me all your wants, and be free in writing on any and every subject. You know, my son, that your father loves you very tenderly ; and nothing interesting to you can be uninteresting to REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 315 him. ^A'hilc I tliink of it, I must tell you, that on Friday last I heard of another young man, a Mr. M., who had been converted some years ago under my ministry, becoming a herald of the cross. He was once very far from religion, but grace proved tri- umphant. To God be all the glory ! Such intelli- gence is very pleasing to me, and, thank the Lord, I have it every now and then. I have reason to believe that some thirty or thirty-five of my spiritual children have already entered the ministry. Bless the Lord, O my soul! " Your ever affectionate father, Daniel Baker." (to uis wife.) "Knoxville, May ISlh, 1843. "My dear Eliza — Upon my return from Baker's Creek, twenty-six miles distant, I received your inte- resting and very welcome letter of the 8th inst., and am happy to learn that you are all coming on so pleasantly, and the garden too. I confess I feel very much as if I were in a state of exile, and shall be not a little pleased at the time appointed to return to my family and my charge. It certainly was a great undertaking to come so far, and be absent so long; and I am free to say, that I am strongly inclined to think it will be the last time I shall enter upon a tour of such a kind. I know not which makes me feel worse, to be absent from my family or my charge. Every now and then I feel rather unpleasantly upon the subject; but I quiet myself by considering that my present enterprise was entered upon after prayer 316 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE and reflection; and, moreover, that certain circum- stances seemed to render it almost necessary. I think, however, it is the last tour of the kind I will ever take. Things in this region of country are in a sad state; I mean in relation to church matters. " I have reason to believe my visit to East Ten- nessee will be useful, not only, as I trust, in bring- ing sinners to Christ, but in calming down feelings, and in giving encouragement to Old-school Presby- terians, who are here in the minority. Old-school ministers are very scarce, and the coming of one into their midst is like a pleasant breeze in a hot day, or a little shower of rain in a time of drought. In this respect, I think my tour will prove an important one; but I hope it will prove a blessing in all other respects also. * * * The meeting was interesting. Some were brought under deep conviction, and one or two perhaps converted; but the chief good in all probability consisted in the church being brought into a better state. " The meeting at Baker's Creek, from which I have just returned, was a blessed one. Great feeling was manifested, and I believe, much good done. On the last day of the meeting, (Tuesday,) when the anxious were called for, there was quite a rush, and all the adult non-professors of religion in the house, except some two or three, came forward to be prayed for. Six professed conversion, but I think the number must be greater than that. Amongst those who professed was a Mr. M., whose wife is a sister of General Houston, of Texas. Yesterday I passed through Maryville, the nest of Hopkinsianism. I REV. DANIEL UAKEU, D. 1). 317 saw l)i". A.; \\v invited mc to come and sec him, and spend a nil. 3(/, 1847. " My veuy dear Son — Your last letter to me came to hand this morning, and 1 am free to say, it has given me more pleasure than any you ever wrote. The statement made in relation to your religious experience and increasing desire for the gospel ministry was particularly gratifying to me, for I wish above all things that you may ever have spiritual health, and that your standard of personal piety may be much higher than, I fear, is too common. Your usefulness and happiness in life will both depend, in a great measure, upon the warmth of your zeal and the devotion of your heart to the cause of your Redeemer; and I pray God that the sweet love of Christ may always be richly shed abroad in your soul. God grant, my dear son, that you may (avoid- ing what in me is evil) go very, very far beyond me in whatever is good and right. This, I will say, my ardour of soul and determination of purpose have, I do believe, increased my usefulness greatly; and these tilings also have added much to my personal happiness. It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing. My son, do remember this, and remember one of your father's old sayings: 'We shoidd be willing to do good on a large scale, on a 332 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE small scale, on any scale.' And be sure every morning to have that disposition which might prompt you to say, 'Divine Master, hast thou any work for me to do to-day'?' I hope, my son, that you will cause your influence to be happily felt in the Seminary, and wherever you may be; and I hope you will begin early to 'cast about' how you may most usefully employ your next vacation. Do not consult your personal ease or private inclinations, but the glory of God and the good of souls. God grant that you may have a bright crown when you enter heaven, and there bathe in a full tide of glory, as in the full, broad sunlight of heaven. "Last Friday evening I returned from a mis- sionary tour in the 'Western District,' which lasted five weeks. It was laborious, but delightful. Be- sides numerous exhortations and many 'some more last remarks,' I preached fifty-nine long sermons. The result was, that in addition to the reviving of many of God's people, about sixty persons were hopefully converted; and perhaps twice sixty were brought under awakening influences. Bless the Lord! I received very pressing invitations to preach in several places where I could not, and smiles and kindness were showered down upon me wherever I went. To crown the matter, on a certain day, one gentleman, a convert, brought forward a child to be baptized, and named him Daniel Baker! When the name was uttered by the pastor, it took me entirely by surprise. So I have now two little namesakes in that region of country. May they put tenfold more honour upon the name than I have done. And then the satisfaction of thinking that I have, in the hands REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 333 of God, been made instrumental, as I hope, in the sound conversion of some sixty precious souls, or more! I tell you, my son, if the minister of Christ has to pass through a wilderness, tliere are some green spots in that wilderness; if his pathway is sometimes rough and thorny, it is also sometimes smooth and strewed with flowers. Lights and shadows, joy and sorrow, hope and fear, these things fill up his days on earth; and then, all light and no shadows, all joy and no sorrow, and the full fruition of hope, in a world where fear finds no entrance: yea, glory; a croAvii of glory; a throne of glory; an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. O, who would not be a Christian, and especially a Christian minister! My son, you have made a good choice. The Lord make you a chosen vessel. The Lord make you valiant for the trutli; a good soldier of Jesus Christ; a workman which needeth not to be ashamed. Daniel Baker." (to the same.) "Holly Springs, December 8lh, 1847. "My dear Son — Two letters enclosed in one envelope, one from yourself, and the other from your brother, came to hand a few days ago, and gave us a great treat. My son, I am rejoiced to learn that 'the ordinances have been richly blessed' to you; and I will tell you that what you have said in relation to 'scholasticism' and intellectual piety, &c,, has given me more pleasure than I can express. I feared at one time that you had a spice of ' transcendentalism' in you, and that your piety would be more refined 29* 334 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE than deep; but God has now given you, I trust, better views, and better feelings, and better aspira- tions. Yes, my son, let the blessed Saviour be upon the throne of your heart, and for the love of him be willing to 'give your reputation to the winds.' Have the cross and great eternity continually before you, and think more of the honour which cometh from God than of that which cometh from man only. Whilst reading some two or three of your last letters, and noticing certain things which you said, in rela- tion to your change of views and feelings, I could not refrain from weeping for joy, and exclaiming frequently, as I read on — Bless the Lord! O, my dear son, I wish you, and your dear brother, too, to have a warm, heartfelt piety. I wish the love of Christ to be the ruling passion of you both; and God grant that each of you may have the spirit of an apostle, and the spirit of a martyr. " A few weeks since, I attended a protracted meet- ing in Somerville which lasted eight days, during which time I preached something like twenty ser- mons. We had much unfavourable weather, and yet we had a precious season. When we were about to close the meeting, on Tuesday evening, I received a note signed by forty-one young men, mostly non- professors, urging me to continue the meeting a few days longer. I comphed, and preached on until Thursday night. On Thursday morning, the yomig men held a sunrise prayer-meeting; and although the morning was very cold and cloudy, eighteen were present. Among the converts were several interest- ing young men, and one lady of much gaiety and fashion. On returning from Somerville, my horse REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 335 started, and threw me upon the frozen ground with great violence; but thanks to a kind Providence, I was not much hurt. Two of my doctrinal sermons are about to be published in Memphis. The gentle- man who started the idea insisted upon my taking ten dollars for the manuscripts. When published, I will send you or your brother a copy. Much love to D. "Your ever affectionate father, Daniel Baker." " Holly Si'Rings, March 29lh, 1848. " Dear Brother Galloway — Your welcome, most welcome letter, dated the 17th inst., has been duly received. I thank you, sincerely thank you, for your kind and aft'ectionate remembrance of me. Most cordially can I reciprocate your expressions of Christian love and fraternal regard, and the thought of meeting you, and others like you in heaven, is very pleasant to my soul. From the period of my first becoming acquainted with you, and sharing in your kind hospitality, I have not ceased to think frequently and affectionately of you as a friend and brother peculiarly beloved in the Lord. How I would like to have you as a neighbouring minister! and how pleasant it would be sometimes to labour together, and occasionally to exchange pulpits with each other. "As good news from a far country is Hke cold water to a thirsty soul, so has your letter been to me. I rejoice, my dear brother, I rejoice exceedingly to learn that the Lord is with you, blessing so abund- antly your labours of love. Thank God, the promise 336 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE is true, that they that sow in tears shall reap in joy; and that he that goeth forth weeping, bearing pre- cious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. O for a stronger and more simple faith in God's blessed word! for want of this, we oftentimes lose much. ' One of your dear boys,' you tell me, 'has shared in the blessings recently vouchsafed to the people of your charge, and another much exercised.' How good has the Lord been to you ! ' I have no greater joy,' says the beloved disciple, ' than to hear that my children walk in the truth.' This joy, I hope, will be fulfilled in you. Tell the first ever to lean upon the Saviour, and ever to be firm as a rock ; and tell the other he must never rest until he has found the ' one pearl of great price.' God grant that in due time all of your children may be given to you in the Lord, and that your whole family may not only be united on earth, but unbroken in heaven. " I returned from a missionary tour in Arkansas only a few days ago. This tour lasted eight weeks, and proved a very laborious, and I hope I may add, useful one. I preached about one hmidred times, chiefly in the towns of Little Ilock, Van Buren, Fort Smith, Clarksville, Norristown, and Bates\dlle. The meetings in each place were crowned with a bless- ing ; Christians were refreshed ; feeble churches were strengthened ; many sinners were awakened ; and about sixty persons were hopefully converted, in all. Some were hard cases ; some peculiarly interesting ; but no case more pleasing than that of Dr. L., a physician, and son of my old friend. Dr. L., of Washington City. He was awakened under my REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 337 prcachinc: at T.ittle Rock, but did not profess conver- sion until a few days after I left. Both he and his bride brought in ! — and perhaps not more than one week after their marriage ! In Batesville, our meet- ing was a particularly delightful one. Several of the gayest of the gay were then brought in. Ar- kansas is a rough State, behind all others in almost every thing. It has been strangely neglected, par- ticidarly by our denomination ; for in the whole State, it seems, there are not more than some four or five efficient Presbyterian preachers. " My health is uniformly good ; O, what a mercy ! All the members of my family are in the enjoyment of their wonted health also. Please present our kindest regards to Mrs. Galloway, and all the mem- bers of your dear family. "Yours, in a precious Saviour, Daniel Baker." CHAPTER XI. SECOND MISSION TO TEXAS. The autobiography continues: It was in Jmie, 18-i8, perceiving, as I supposed, that my preacliing in Holly Springs was not doing much good, I became restless and unhappy, and wished another field, where I might be more useful. I had not been in this state of mind many months, when one day going to the post-office, I found a letter 338 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE there for me, a crowded sheet, from the Rev. Stephen F. Cocke, of Lavaca, giving a glowing account of Texas, as presenting a great and most promising field for missionary enterprise. This excellent brother and myself had some acquaintance many years ago, but we had lost the history of each other; and in his letter he stated, that although he did not exactly know my residence, yet at a venture he would address me at Holly Springs. This seemed to me very re- markable, and after much reflection and prayer, I thought I must at least visit Texas once more. Ac- cordingly I resigned my pastoral charge, and left my family in Holly Springs. At this time Dr. Baker began a journal, from the pages of which we quote. Journal. — Texas Mission, 1848. On steamboat. June 12th. Having preached my farewell sermon yesterday morning to a very crowded house, I left Holly Springs in the stage this morning for Memphis, which place I reached about four o'clock, P. M. After transacting some business, took up my lodging on board of Shaw's wharf-boat, waiting for a steamer for New Orleans. June ISth. Spent the day chiefly in reading "Every Man's Book," a poor concern. About eleven o'clock at night, got on board the Savanna, secured a good berth, and " turned in." June I4:th. Distributed religious tracts, and had some conversation with a profane swearer. Saw on board a man who had been dreadfully scalded last Saturday night, on board the Grey Eagle, which had been run into by the Sultana; conversed with him REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 339 about the goodness of God in sparing his life, wlien, by his own confession, he was not prepared to die. Circulated for him a subscription paper, and raised twelve dollars and thirty cents; cautioned him against buying whiskey. Continued reading " Every Man's Book;" wanted to know what Universalists have to say. Thursihty, loth. The tracts put upon the tables having been all taken up, this morning brought forth a ncAv supply. Read the life of Boos, a very interest- ing memoir of a Roman Catholic with Protestant principles. A gentleman, Mr. A., one of the passen- gers, took me aside, and said he wished to take coun- sel with me. He said there was a man on board, who, it was beUeved, had kidnapped a coloured woman and her three children, passing them off as his, when they were free. It was affirmed that he, B., had given a man two himdred dollars to get them on board at Memphis. The woman, upon being quc^stioned, stated that her former master, Mr. T., had emancipated her about eight years ago ; that he was now dead, but had two brothers living at Baton Rouge, who knew all about the matter. Under these circumstances, it was thought most advisable that a letter should be handed to these brothers immedi- ately on the boat reaching Baton Rouge, wliicli would be to-morrow afternoon. Got acquainted with a Roman Catholic priest on board; had an argument with him, but find that I can make no great impres- sion on him, no more than he can on me. He read the life of Boos, and I a Defence of CathoUcism ; we have become quite intimate, and talk very freely. Fridl, when, journeying to Padan-Aram, he laid liiniself down to sleep, and dreamed about the ladder set upon the earth, and whose top reached unto lieaven. Jacob slept, and dreamed a pleasant dream ; but there was no sleep, nor pleasant dream for me — for just as I was endeavouring to compose myself to sleep, suddenly the wolves and panthers began a serenade, which grated horribly upon my ear. Seiz- ing a firebrand, and now wide awake, I rushed towards the place whence these unwelcome sounds proceeded, and making all manner of outrageous noises, I did what I could to drive my uninvited screnaders far away. In this I partially succeeded ; but did not think it prudent to sleep, as the howling of the wolf and the cry of the panther were heard at intervals during the whole livelong night; and there was danger, particularly of the panthers spring- ing upon me when defenceless and unprotected upon the ground. Truly that was a long and dismal night to me; especially as towards morning it began to cloud up and threaten to rain. A few drops fell, but happily for me, ^vith the shades of the night passed away also the clouds from the face of the sky; and the next morning, early enough, your supperless missionary, taking down his pavilion, and rising from his couch, resumed his cheerless and lonely way; and now came a dark, dark time indeed. True, the sun was shining brightly, and many deer, as yet unacquainted with man, were bounding merrily and gracefully on every hand; but bewildered in the wild and trackless prairie, I was lost, lost^ lost! After wandering about in every direction, myself 372 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE and horse without water for some thirty hours, I began seriously to think that I should at last have to lie down and die in this untravelled wilderness, far away from my family and the habitation of man, without a friend to close my eyes, or dig my grave ! The idea of dying in this lonely place, and then being devoured by wolves and panthers, I confess was very dismal to me. But, God be thanked, whilst I was thus bewildered and lost, and knew not what to do — whilst despair was every moment deepening its gloom around me — having turned in another direc- tion, and nearly the opposite of that in which I was going, I saw in the distance a white flag waving upon a pole, to mark the entrance of a foot-path into the timbered bottoms of the Colorado. O, that flag! — that beautiful white flag ! I thought it was the pret- tiest thing I had ever seen in all my life. My heart leaped for joy, and I was ready to exclaim aloud. Blessings upon the man who put it there ! It made me think very sweetly about the Star of Bethlehem ; that blessed and only star of hope to a dying world. Certainly I shall not forget this matter, when, in the sacred desk, I shall speak of the cross of Christ, which marks out to sinners, bewildered and lost, their only pathway to heaven. Having at last found the much desired way to the place of my destination, and having gone four miles through the heavily-timbered and vine-clad bottoms of the Colorado, I came to the river, but there was no ferry there. After calling and waiting a long time, a man finally appeared on the other side, and pointed to a certain place where the river, though deep, might be forded. ]?lungiiig into the stream I REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 373 passed safely over, but not without becoming very wet. On reaching AVharton I changed my clothes, and got some refreshment. I would then gladly \id\e preached, but the only place in which an audience could be assembled was already engaged for a dancing party. In the course of his labours among all classes of persons, in all sections of the land, incidents would often occur not at all common in the even life of the city pastor. On one occasion, while describing, in the course of a sermon, the exceeding sinfidness of the impenitent, a backwoods hearer arose and with- drew, with a long, shrill wliistle of utter incredidity. In the midst of a sermon, on another occasion, the fixed and solemn attention of the congregation was broken by a yawn so long and loud as to make the rafters ring. Promptly and severely was the yawner rebuked by the speaker. He proved to be a preacher of another denomination settled in the place, who took this method of showing his opinion of the preacher. Coming down from the pulpit, after an earnest address to professors of religion, in another place, a white haired man pressed forward and shook him long and cordially by the hand — " You trust that you are a Christian ]" said Ur. Baker — but, as he spoke, an unmistakeable odour from the lips of the man himself answered the question in the nega- tive. " Tnist that I am a Christian'?" replied the man — " trust, sir "? — I knoay that I am." It illustrates, too, the diversified experience of the Oi-t LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE subject of this volume, that once on a Sabbath mommg, standing in his pulpit as pastor of a church, he felt compelled by conscience to enter his solemn protest as a minister of the gospel against a certain measure to which the dominant political party of the State stood pledged, many of whom were members of the church seated before him at the moment. The protest was made on purely moral grounds, and so satisfied were all with the sincere conviction of the speaker, that, so far as is known, no one was alien- ated from the pastor, nor scarce a murmur uttered. Very rarely indeed did he ever come in collision with any one — upon not more than one or two occa- sions in his whole life. He had perhaps almost too great a care, and even anxiety, to be on terms of peace, and more than peace, with those whose wrong- headed stubbornness and malignant disposition were well calculated to provoke the most patient beyond endurance. Only after every possible manner of con- ciliation was exhausted, would he desist from the efibrt to be "at peace with all men," even such as these. On one such occasion, when, in hatred to his doctrinal belief as a minister of the Presbyterian Church, a grievous wrong was done him, in vain were retaliatory measures urged upon him. After employing every mode of settling the matter, un- ruffled from first to last, he was forced to yield a manifest right, saying as he did so to his exasperated friends, " Never mind ; only let us carefully do what is right, and leave residts to God. Mark my word, he will sooner or later vindicate us in the matter." Not many months had passed before his words were most remarkably made good. REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 375 It is not known that any one ever accnsed liini, in tliouvns so bright, and your robes so white. I do believe that there are a great many children there already, and many others are on their way to that liappy world now. A little girl named Eliza Clinga, only thirteen years of age, joined my church last Sabbath ; she was permitted by the Session to sit down at the table of the Lord, and take the sacra- ment. She seemed very happy, and I do believe she is a real Christian. Would you not like to be real Christians too, and go to heaven when you die^ Then you must pray to God to give you a new heart, and make you good children. I used to live in Frankfort; I used to preach in your church, and talk to your school ; but I don't know that I shall ever be in Frankfort again. Many of you, I suppose, never saw me. No matter ; if we get to heaven, we Avill see and love each other there ; and there we will see our blessed Saviour, and the holy angels, and all our pious friends, and be so happy for ever and ever! God bless you all, my dear children, and bless your dear parents, and your beloved Sabbath-school teachers too. Amen ! and Amen ! " Your very sincere friend, Daniel Baker." 35 402 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE Autobiography continued. I accepted of the appointment before mentioned, and entered upon the laboui's of a general mis- sionary, with the view also of carrying out the wishes of the Presbytery touching the selection of a proper location for our contemplated College. During this tour I visited numerous places, preach- ing as I had opportunity, and holding protracted meetings where such were desired. Amongst the meetings held was one at Palestine, East Texas, in company with brother Becton. This meeting proved a dehghtful one. Some twenty persons were hope- fully converted. Upon the close of the meeting, we organized a church consisting of about eighteen members. Three elders were chosen and set apart to their office; one of whom was Judge T., one of the recent converts. Two days after his profes- sed conversion, he was made a ruling elder. This may seem to have been rather hasty, but in his piety and fitness for the office, there was but one opinion; and his subsequent course has proved that the choice was a good one. I had as yet never been in Huntsville, Walker county, Middle Texas ; but having heard a favour- able account of the place, I went there, and held a protracted meeting, which lasted a few days. This meeting was blessed to the hopeful conversion of a few souls, of whom one, Major W. H., was subse- quently made an elder. As the meeting drew to a close, I mentioned to some of the prominent citizens of the place that the Presbytery of Brazos had resolved to take measures for the establishment of a Presbyterian College somewhere in Middle Texas. REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 403 I told them I was pleased witli lluntsville, and wislied to know if the citizens desired the C'oller, Daniel Baker." 'With a heart pained at the destitution he had ^^'itnessed in his journeying through Texas, he ad- dressed a letter to the students of Princeton Semi- nary, dated Galveston, March 2d, 1849, which was published in the New Orleans Presbyterian. After detailing the necessities of the State, he adds : " Let it not be forgotten, that he who comes to this State must be no drone, nor speculator in lands. He must be a man of God, indeed ; a man of intelligence and zeal; a man, like Barnabas, full of faith and the Holy Ghost; and, like Paul, 'in labours more abun- dant.' Come then, dear young brethren," exclaims this venerable pioneer for Christ, who invited them into no path in which he had not trodden before himself — "come on the ^vings of love; come in the exercise of faith and prayer; come prepared to do the work of an Evangelist, and make full proof of your ministry. Come in this spirit, and you need fear nothing. I tell you plainly, we have no beds of roses here; but we have wide fields of usefulness. We have no California gold here; but we have many precious souls, which, as jewels, may be safely cas- keted for eternity." At the meeting of the Presbytery of Brazos, then the only Presbytery in the State, in July of the same year, he obtained the appointment of a committee to address a call for aid, to the ministers and members of the Church in the old States, in behalf of Texas; 412 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE and, as chairman of that committee, addressed to them, through the papers, a thrilling appeal. These appeals did not have the effect in full which he greatly desired; for, writing to the Secretary of the Board of Domestic Missions, December 12th, 1851, he says: "The tide of immigration is flowing upon us surprisingly, but scarcely any ministers of our communion coming in upon this tide. What are we to do? We call, but they will not come. Brother Jones, I have lately had a new idea. Despairing of efficient aid from the old States, I think we must raise up preachers amongst ourselves. The other day this idea flashed upon me with great force ; and now, when I see a promising young man in the Lord, I make it a practice to tap him upon the shoulder and say, ' Young man, are you sure it is not your duty to preach the gospeU' I am happy to say there are now some four or five in the circle of my acquaintance in Texas who have the ministry in view. The Lord increase the number of such an hundred-fold. Our College enterprise is still in a prosperous state; I trust it will be a great blessing to Texas and our Church." Yes, let it be for ever remembered by the Church in Texas — let it be distinctly impressed upon the minds of the Trustees and members of the Faculty of Austin College in all succeeding generations — the one idea of its founders, that for which they wept, and prayed, and toiled, and gave of their means, was that it might be an institution wherein there might be raised up for Texas, generation after generation, a native ministry. For all generations to come, then, palsied be the hand which shall ever cast REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 413 n ballot to aliruiite the institution in any way from this, the main purpose of its existence — tliat sacred purpose which prompted its aged servant to travel and to beg as he did; and which was one motive, at least, wliich prompted the free contributions of many tliousand Christian givers over the land — givers whose eyes will ever rest upon the institution, watching for the fruits therein of their giving. So long as Austin College shall number one learner within its walls, withered be the tongue of any teacher therein who shall utter a syllable which has a tendency to prevent, in the case of a single stu- dent, the accomplishment of this, the chief and holy object for which, above all others, the College was conceived, bom, and reared. At the time Dr. Baker prepared these last pages of his narrative, his mind was so much occupied with unfolchng the earliest history of the College — the history of an institution for which his brethren and himself hoped so much — that he entirely forgot to make any allusion to an excursion of a more purely missionary character than any he had ever made before. From the hour he was a student in College, he had laboured here and there over almost every county, not to say State, in the Domestic Missionary field. He is now permitted the, to him, rare privi- lege and pleasure of walking and working along its outmost boundary line; even of crossing that line into the darkness beyond. In this way. About December, 1849, he returned to Galveston from his missionary travels in the interior of the State. Arriving in Galveston at the close of the day, he takes his seat at the supper-table of liis son, 36 414 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE then in temporary charge of the church there, wearied with his journeyings. At the table, the conversation is turned upon the destitute region along the Rio Grande, unvisited then, so far as was known, by ministers of any denomination. The weariness of the travel-stained missionary is forgot- ten as he converses ; the ruling passion of his soul is aroused. How delightful to preach Christ in these "regions beyond!" When he is rested, he really must seek some means, if possible, of visiting that dividing line of Protestantism and Popery. The opportunities of visiting that region are few, and the mode of travel exceedingly inconvenient and unplea- sant. "What matters it," says the man of God; "shall any one be able to find his way there for any purpose, and not the preacher of the gospel]" The son then casually mentions, that in passing along the wharves that day he had seen a small ves- sel which was to sail for the mouth of the Rio Grande. "Whenl" asks the father. To-morrow, is the answer. " I will go in her," is the immediate and characteristic reply. Early next morning the writer accompanied his father to the wharves. There lies the little saiUng vessel ; so very small, so heaped with rigging, and barrels, and boxes, there seemed to be no room even to sit. The passenger makes a place for himself, valise in hand, upon the narrow deck ; the lines are loosed ; the little barque drifts off ; then its sails are raised, and, leaning perilously to one side, it glides rapidly away ; the white hair of the aged missionary can be seen no more ; and even the gleam of the white canvass is soon lost in the blue horizon. As REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 415 tho writer watchod the outward fli<^ht of the tiny hanjue bcarinii; its ])refious freiglit, lie almost blamed himself for lettini;- his father know of the vessel, even thoiii:;h his own heart could not but glow, if it were only from sympathy, in the object to be accomplished. The following lines, in pencil, a few days afterward, relieved him of any apprehension of the safety of the missionary so far. "MocTH OF Rio Grande, December 23rf, 1849. "My dear Sox — This morning, Sabbath, I ])reached to almost the whole population of this place, about fifty; the first sermon ever preached here. Not a single professor of religion present, 1 believe, save the pious sailor who hands you this. Only think, about fifty accountable creatures, and only one wlio makes, I believe, any pretension to religion ! Is not a missionary needed % \ " After the service was over, a person at the door held out his hat, and, to my perfect surprise, the amount thrown in, four dollars and forty cents, was placed in my hands. I expressed my surprise, and mentioned that I desired notliing. But, no — I must take what was so freely offered. I am sure it was a free-will offering, for some gentlemen who had retired before the hat was held out, came in and insisted upon giving something, sapng that they were much pleased with the sermon, &c. I am to preach again in the afternoon, and at night. May the Master bless my labours here. Excuse this scrawl ; no ink at hand. " Your affectionate father, Daniel Baker." 416 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE It need hardly be remarked, that in all cases of donation as above,- the sums given were accounted for to the Board of Missions as deducting that much from the salary due him from it. Beginning at the mouth of the Rio Grande, he visited and preached at ever)^ inhabited hamlet up this river. In Browns\ille, the largest place on the American side, he made some stay, preaching with considerable success. From this place he thus writes to his daughter. "Brownsville, December 2&th, 18-19. " My dear Daughter — Well, here I am in Browns- ville ! Yes, in the far-famed town of Browns'^ille, on the Rio Grande! But I must tell you all about mat- ters and things. Last Sabbath I preached at the ' Mouth' three sermons. Every person in the place came out to hear me, I was informed, except two or three ; and a right solemn meeting we had, particu- larly at night. On Monday morning I was anxious to push on for Bro^vnsville, about thirty miles dis- tant. A steamer was expected in a day or two, but as there was some uncertainty about the thing, and I was impatient to go on, in connection with two or three other gentlemen, as anxious to get on as my- self, I chartered a — horse and cart ! and came rattling on over a fine road in great style ! You never saw such a country in all your life ! Not a single forest tree between this and the "Mouth," nor for hun- dreds of miles around, except what is called the mesquit, the ebony, and the marmosa, which in general are about the size of ordinary peach-trees — and no houses — not even log-cabins ! Here and there. REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. P. 417 at great distances, you find a ranche, a kind of shanty or hovel, made of cane, and thatdied with a kind of ^ass, or rusli ; a miserable shelter. These wretched liovels are filled with lazy Mexicans, who lounge about from one year's end to another, doing almost literally nothing at all, except gambling. On Mon- day last, our chariot, (alias cart,) about one o'clock stopped at one of these ranches, where we fed our horse, and feasted on some cheese and pilot-bread which we had along with us. To make our dinner more sumptuous, I bought a poUonci; and I must say I never enjoyed a snack more in all my life. "While tarrying at this ranche, several Mexicans were placing cards — gambling. The quarter of a dollar paid for horse-feed was gambled off before we resumed our journey. Our driver, or charioteer, not being a Son of Temperance, but one of John Barlevcom's children, found it a little difficult to plump the road, but, drunkard fashion, went, as it were, reehng along ; and he was particularly unskil- ful on this occasion, as he was ver}' ^vrathful with one of his cronies at the ' Mouth,' with whom he had intended to fight a duel that morning! O, what foolish talk, and what an amount of it ; and by rea- son of his wrath and liquor he took a WTong road, and for some considerable time was going right away from Brownsville ! I regretted this very much, as it prevented my reaching there in time to preach that night. About sun-set, however, I reached the wharf- boat, used as a tavern or hotel here, where I pui-- posed to tarry that night ; but as I had no oppor- tunity of preaching, and there, in full view on the 36* 418 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE opposite side of the river, was Matamoras, I thought I would pass over and spend the night in that town, especially as Captain P. had kindly invited me to make his house my home. "Leaving my trunk on the wharf-boat, that the Mexican custom-house officers might not be fingering my clothing, I went over in a ferry-boat to the other side of the river, for which I paid only six and a quarter cents. I took a hack that was at hand, and had a pleasant ride into the heart of the city, about one mile distant, for which I paid only twelve and a half cents. As the coachman and myself, in the matter of language, were barbarians to each other, I, felt myself in a curious predicament. All I could say was 'Captain P., Captain P.,' but he knew not where he lived, and I was 'in a fix.' Set down on one corner of the plaza, I wandered along, and finally lighted upon a Frenchman, who, in broken English, gave me to understand where Captain P. lived. There I was cordially welcomed; and much pleased was I to find that Captain P's bride (he had lately married) and her sister were Sabbath-school teachers, and members of the Presbyterian church. After supper the Captain took me to see the American Consul, whose lady is also a member of the Presbyterian church, the Consul being nominally a Presbyterian also. They gave me a most cordial welcome to Matamoras, and invited me to dine with them the next day; and also very kindly invited 'Doctor Baker' to make their house his home. "That night, you will observe, was Christmas eve; and leaving the house of Mr. S., the American Consul, T went out with C/jiptain P. by moonlight, to REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 419 see the town, and the 'carryings on' in this part of the dominions of the 'Man of Sin.' Wc went down one street, and np another, seeing nothing worthy of observation, nntil we came to the market-house, and here was a crowd. Tables were spread, and stands were seen, upon which were phiced cakes and fruits of various kinds ; and anotlier set of tables, around which were gathered a great many persons of the lower class, gambling; all standing, save the owner of the table, who was seated, handling the cards, and uttering words wliich, of course, I understood not. AVhilst I was in company with Captain P., saunter- ing about, there came up a man, a priest! This man was also a gambler, and profane — but not a regular one — who was introduced to me, and very graciously invited the Captain and myself to go into a drinking establishment hard by, and take a drink. Declining the invitation, I agreed to wait until the Captain returned. Whilst waiting, three Mexicans came up to me, and seemed to be examining my person rather more curiously than I desired ; but fortunately at that moment the Captain returned, and we went back to his house, and talked until it was time to go and see the 'caiTyings on' in the cathedral, at twelve o'clock at night. I did not like much to mingle with sucli a crowd of ^lexicans at that time of night, but went in. Soon the music struck up, and the ceremonies commenced. All at once they began to kneel; and thinking that I might get into a scrape, I made haste and hurried out. You mil recollect that there are no seats in the cathedral, no roof, no floor! It is little better than an open enclosiu'e, walled around; 420 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE the altar being at one end, under a kind of tent. I suppose about one thousand or fifteen hundred per- sons were seen kncehng, literally upon the ground, within the walls of this great cathedral, the moon and stars ha\ing full permission to shine upon them. "It was about half-past twelve when I returned with my kind friend, and upon a cot I sought repose ; but there was no repose for me, there was such an outrageous noise! Besides the ringing of bells, and beating of drums, and shall I say ' the sound of the cornet, flutes, harp, psaltery, sackbut, dulcimer, and all kinds of music' — besides all such sort of things, there was one thing, of all others the most abomina- ble, the voice of some three or four sentinels, placed on the top of some houses, singing out, every ten minutes, ' On the alert,' in Spanish, in a voice, and with tones the most dismal and hideous that ever I heard in all my life. It was something like the caterwauling of cats, but vastly more unpleasant to the ear. And only think, I had to lie in my cot, and listen to this every ten minutes ! I suppose, during the live-long night I did not sleep one half an hour. But I ought to have told you, that before the midnight ceremonies spoken of, the soldiers in the garrison had a grand supper. Seated at a long table, they were served by their officers, and every now and then there were '•vivas!'' given, which made the welkin ring again. As the establishment was adjoining Captain P's premises, we looked through a hole in the wall, and saw their capers ; but not hav- ing as clear and extensive a view as we desired, we got a ladder, and getting upon the roof of Capt. P's REV. DANIEL BAKER, P. D. 421 house, we had a full view. O, that nis to a Methodist cliurch in the country. He was very glad to see me. 'Wliy, Mr. Baker,' says he, 'I know you, I have heard you preach!' 'Yes,' said his wife, ' I know ]Mr. Baker, too, I have never seen him before, but my brother was converted under his preaching, and he used to talk a great deal about Mr. Baker.' But, says Mr. M., 'there is another Presbvterian familv living here!' 'Indeed! Well I woidd like to call upon that family.' "The old lady, who had heard me preach in Vir- ginia, and, who, it was said, would be very glad to see me, was out of to^vn, but it was soon arranged that she should be sent for. And she was sent for, and she came, and very glad she was to see me, for, ' a dear sister' of hers, who had been somewhat of an inhdel, 'had been converted under my preaching,' Indeed! Is that so] Well, God be praised! Bless the Lord! O, thinks I, I am rewarded for turning aside here to rest on the Sabbath, according to the commandment. Not only have I cheered the hearts of some of our o^vn stray sheep in a destitute place, but I have been told things wliich have made my own heart to rejoice and be glad. Bless the Lord! again, I say. Well, to make a long story short, I preached in the morning and at night to nearly the whole population — Methodists, Presbyterians, Ko- man Catholics and all! Yes, Roman Catholics too. They have a church edifice in the place, luid once 448 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE they had a priest, who, as it was, supposed, was set- tled there for life — but he had left his people. 'They are not Roman Catholics,' said he, and away he went from those who had lived in the midst of Protestants long enough to learn that it was their privilege and right to do their own thinking! Well, I had a very pleasant Sabbath day; and next morn- ing about three o'clock, comes along the Crescent, one of the pleasantest boats I ever was in, in all my life, and scarcely a profane swearer on board amongst either the passengers or crew! But, New Orleans is near at hand, so fare you well, " Yesterday afternoon a man fell overboard from this boat, and was drowned. This moment he is sleeping in his watery bed, and they know nothing of it — ^his family; for, poor man, he had left at home, I am told, a wife and six children ! Surely, in the midst of life we are in death ; and very precarious is the tenure by which we hold all our comforts here below. You see my page is full. God bless you, my son. Daniel Baker." It may be remarked, that the conditions of the donation of one thousand dollars, spoken of above, liaving been fulfilled, the Company have been drawn upon for the amount. Resuming the autobiography, we find the results of this tour thus summed up: I entered upon my second tour early in the year 1851, and, gleaning a little more in Houston, Gal- veston, New Orleans, Mobile, and some other places where I had been before, I visited in Mississippi — REV. IIANIKL BAKER, D. D. 449 Vicksburf^:, Jackson, Yazoo City, Canton, Colum- bus ; in Tennessee — Memphis, Someiville, llaleigh, Belmont, Betliany Church, Denmark, Zion Church, NashWlle, Clarkesville ; in Kentucky — Louisville, Frankfort, Lexington ; in Missouri — St. Louis ; in Maryland — Baltimore; in Texas — Centreville, Leona, St. Marks, San Antonio, Danville. The amount of subscriptions obtained this year, paid and not paid, exclusive of books, amomited to nearly four thousand dollars. Upon my return, and during the winter, 1 went twice to San Antonio, attending to the claims of Mrs. , by which the College gained only about five hundred dollars, whilst if the agency for her had not been too soon given up, the results to the College might have proved something very hand- some. In this I was overruled by the Executive Committee, who thought they could not dispense with my serWces abroad. CHAPTER XIII. THIRD AND- FOURTH TOURS AS AGENT OF AUSTIN COLLEGE. About February 1st, 1852, Dr. Baker left Texas on behalf of the College, upon his third tour. The historical interest attaching to the various meetings alluded to in the letters which follow, must be our excuse for quoting from them so freely. "Mississippi Riveu, on boat Atlautic, February 21 Ih, 1852. "My beloved Wife — I wish I could see you, just now. I do not know how much 1 love you until 1 39 450 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE am absent. Then a thousand things start up, and exert a soft, sweet, melting power upon my heart. This morning, having occasion to play the tailor, I took out the implements which you had kindly pre- pared; and when I saw how nicely you had fixed matters, thinks I to myself, this is the work of my wife; she still loves me. "Henceforth I will, I trust, be a better Christian. My locks are whitening, and eternity is coming on. 0 to be more gentle, and mild, and even-tempered, and heavenly-minded! In other words, O to feel more of the power, and taste more of the sweetness of the religion of our precious Saviour. Last Sab- bath I preached from my old pulpit in Galveston, from these words: 'Gray hairs are here and there upon him, and he knoweth it not.' The drift of the sermon was to show the cause, proofs, and evil eftects of spiritual declension. I had some liberty in speak- ing. I hope it did good to others. I trust it has done good to myself Gray hairs ! how much more easily seen upon the heads of others than upon our own! O, to see ourselves as God sees us! I think it would make us more humble, and less disposed to find fault with those around. I wish every sermon 1 preach might do me as much good as the sermon I preached last Sabbath morning. " Farewell, my dear wife. God bless you. Amen ! "Your old husband, Daniel Baker." After \T.siting Canton, Columbus, Gainesville, a meeting of the Tuskaloosa Presbytery, and Eutaw, receiving donations for the College in each of these REV. DANIEL BAKER, II. D. 451 places, ho reached Charleston, from which city he thus writes: "Charleston, Maij Wth, 1852. "My own dear Wife — I reached this city on the 7th, and you may judge of the quickness with which I went to tlie post-office. I have been kindly invited by Dr. Smyth to make his house my home; but you may rest assured he gives me full employment in the way of preaching. Last Sabbath I preached for him twice — rather, in the morning, for Dr. Post; and I have been kept busy also preaching every night. I am happy to say that at this moment there is every prospect of a blessed work of grace. I shall remain and preach, and preach on till the meeting of the Assembly, if God spare my life. " You know not, my dear wife, how cordially I am greeted in this place by some who were brought in under my preaching twenty years ago. It seems to me that God is already beginning to reward me for my poor services many, many years ago. The other evening, in the pidpit. Dr. Smyth was pleased to speak of me in a manner which proved his high regard for my person and past services; but which I thought was entirely too complimentary; and I confess I felt humbled, and was not a little discon- certed. Already my cup is full, and shall I, such a poor creature, have the smiles of God, and have such honoiu* from man also"? Not unto us, but unto God be all the j^lorv! " Last evening I was invited to take tea at the house of a lady who was brought in under my preaching many years ago, and her husband told 452 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE me that their son, a promising youth, was awakened and converted, and also a young lady residing in their family, by the reading of my volume of Revival Sermons. The gentleman was in the habit of read- ing the sermons out in his family circle ; and, in this way, God was pleased to bless them with the sweet hope of an endless life. When I see and hear cer- tain things which touch my heart, it seems to me I have already almost reached heaven, my home, my sweet, sweet home. O what a good Master I have served, and how rich are his rewards, even in this world. " Yours, with increasing affection, Daniel Baker." "Edisto Island, June bth, 1852. " My dear Eliza — I assure you it was no small gratification to me to see my son W. a member of the venerable General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. It seemed to mark a new era in the history of my life ; and reminded me that I belonged to another generation, a generation which has now nearly passed away; and this feeling was deepened by seeing in the Assembly M. D. Iloge, whose father was an unmarried young man, well known to me in Hampden Sydney College. Indeed, I am continually meeting with persons and things which remind me that I am in the midst of posterity; that the shades of evening are gathering around me, and that my sun must soon go down. Well, be it so, if God will only grant that " My sun rnny in smiles decline, And bring a peaceful night." HKV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 453 But it is time for me to stop — T don't wisli to alarm you, but I must say, that although I am in good health, the sudden murmuring in my head has re- turned, and has become somewhat fre(iuent of late. Notlung serious, however, I suppose. At any rate, God reigns, and both my life and soul are in the hands of Him who is infinitely wise and good, I am willing, I trust, to leave this present evil world just when it may please God to call me hence. ' Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift !' " I have just received a letter from the Hon. J. T., who was awakened under my preaching twenty years ago, containing two hundred dollars for Austin Col- lege, and fifty dollars to be given to Sabbath-schools in Texas. This is the very person who said he would go to hear me preach, and take an onion with him to rub his eyes, that he ' might cry at the right time ;' and who, thank God, on that occasion, with- out any use of the onion, was brought to tears and to his knees also. Blessed be God! " Farewell, my dear -wife, Daniel Baker." (to a son.) " SCMTERVILLE, Jujie 30/A, 1852. " My dear Son — I am happy to infonn you, that since we parted in Charleston, I have had much plea- sant sunshine ; I mean I have been much prospered in my agency, and personally have had many kind- nesses sho^^^l me. First, I went to Edisto Island, where I had preached successfidly many years ago, and was received almost as an angel of God. AMth- out making any appHcation, except from the pulpit, 39* 454 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE free-will oiFerings were in less than four days sent in to the amount of more than three hundred dollars. Going next to Columbia, I received subscriptions to the amount of four hundred and eighty-seven dollars and ninety-five cents. The President of the Col- lege, Dr. Thornwell, subscribed one hundred dollars, and the students two hundred and fifty-eight. Was not this noble ! Passing on to Camden, there also, without making personal application to a single indi- vidual, I received in a few days one hundred and fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents. Thank God, almost wherever I go, I meet with those who were brought in under my ministry many years ago, seve- ral of whom are even ministers of the gospel, of whom I had never heard before. Even in the pulpit I am spoken of in a manner which almost over- whelms me. Only think. Dr. Thornwell made an announcement to the students of South Carolina Col- lege after this manner : ' In consequence of the tender relations which exist between many of your parents and the Rev. Dr. Baker, who has just addressed you, you are no doubt desirous to know his appointments; I will therefore state, &c. &c.' Heaven bless you and yours, " Your ever affectionate father, Daniel Baker." " Personal friendship," he remarks, in a letter dated July 3d, 1852, "oils the~ wheels, and hence, without almost any effort on my part, they roll on delightfully. I scarcely hear a single excuse now. This is the more astonishing, as the churches in this region have contributed largely to Oglethorpe Col- REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 455 lepe, and at this time money is really very scarce. AN'lierevcr I go I am received witli open arms. My spiritual children, especially, seem so glad to see me. Sometimes 1 feel almost overwhelmed ' * * * 'i'he individuid who gave this was, it seems, converted under my preaching; and 1 have found out that the person who sent the one hundred dollars was his brother-in-law, who was a rich man, and who rejoiced greatly at the conversion of one who was very dear to him. Bless the Lord, O how gracious has he been to me, blessing my labours, and surrounding me with friends wherever I go." (to his daughter.) "BisuoPviLLE, July lOth, 1852. "My dear model Daughter — * * * * Well, since that I have received cheering smiles, both from God and man. During the last two weeks I have been preaching almost every day within the bounds of two churches in the neighbourhood of each other. It pleased God to bless my labours. Besides the reviving delightfully of old disciples, some twenty persons, chiefly men, have been hopefully converted, and quite as many more brought under awakening influences. This meeting was closed yesterday about noon, and a scene was witnessed which I am certain will not soon be forgotten. It was a melting time; the Master was with us, and of a truth we had ' a young heaven begun below, and glory in the bud.' I was presented, before leaving, with four hundred and fifteen dollars for the College. Was not this noble ^ And, remember, there had been no begging 456 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE from a single individual; it was all a perfectly free- will offering. " Did I not tell you, that if I had any friends in the world, they were in South Carolina'? You cannot conceive, my child, how kind the people are to me, wherever I go. Their kindness is sometimes almost oppressive; I can scarcely stand it. To think that such an unworthy creature as I should receive such attentions, and that from all classes. The reason is, that not only some two or three thousand persons, perhaps, were brought in under my preaching, in days gone by, but it so happened that a goodly num- ber of these were people of note, some of the favourite sons and brightest ornaments of the State. Surely, if any poor mortal man on earth has reason to thank God for his mercies, I have. And now, and ever- more, I would say, to God be all the praise ! O, for a more grateful heart; and, O, for grace to serve the Lord with more zeal and fidelity than I have ever yet done! "July 12. Since writing the above, I have preached a few sermons in this village, and am happy to say, there is every prospect of a pleasing work of grace in this place also. Nearly the whole congregation where I preached last, some ten miles distant, came here yesterday, with their pastor at their head; and, would you believe it, I am told that several persons came from Sumterville, twenty miles distant. I am told that I must preach, and others here would beg for the College. In this way I find I succeed best in my agency. If I were not to preach, or only preach a few sermons, and go about 'drawing teeth,' I would not get half as much for the College as I now do. REV. BANTEL BAKER, D. D. 457 And when tooth are drawn, aro not the gnnis made sore"? I expect in tliree days from this time to be in Cohimbia, whore I hope to find letters from your dear mother and otlior loved ones. " In haste, your old father, Daniel Baker. " P. S. I have heard of five or six more cases of hopeful conversion ; say now about twenty-six in all, and perhaps as many as two-thirds of them young men. I mentioned at the outset, that we must have more ministers, and I think God has heard my prayer." (to another daughter.) "SnMTERViLi.E, Juhj 24/A, 1852. " My beloved Daughter — * * * 'X'he immediate occasion of the wonderful liberality referred to above, was the outpouring of the Spirit vouchsafed under my ministry. During the last three weeks, I have been preaching almost incessantly in the bounds of three neiglibouring Presbyterian churches. Nearly the whole mass of the people in that region come out day after day. A\^e hold what are called ' basket- meetings.' The people brought provisions along with them, and we would remain on the ground and have religious services, with proper intermissions, from ton o'clock in the morning to about four in the afternoon, having no service at night. Such meetings are well suited to country places, and I prefer them decidedly to camp-meetings. There was a general waking up, and the converts amounted to about thirty, and what is remarkable, about two-thirds of them may be called young men, the class to which my heart is particu- 458 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE larly drawn. Some of these are of considerable promise, and I have reason to beheve that four or five of them will devote themselves to the service of God in the gospel ministry. Blessed be God! "I may here also just mention, that a little boy was baptized last Sabbath and named — what do you think'? Why, Daniel Baker! and I have lately heard of another little Carohnian who has to be known by the same homely name! and, woidd you believe it, the day before yesterday, I had to sit for four daguerreotype likenesses! Surely, my dear daughter, your old father has much cause for grati- tude and praise; for, of a truth, 'the lines are fallen to me in pleasant places, I have a goodly heritage." O for grace to serve my Master more faithfully and zealously than ever! My time is very precious, and therefore, I must put you off with a short letter now; but, at some future time, I may send you a longer letter, a crowded sheet. * * * Heaven bless the little boy! I am quite willing that he should throw both pa and grandpa into the shade. But I must close. So, fare you well. "Your affectionate father, Daniel Baker." It was an invariable custom with Dr. Baker, whenever a friend was afflicted, to write to that friend a letter of condolence. The following is the only one of the kind in this volume. It will be observed too, that the letter contains an account of the work of grace in Sumterville. It is addressed to a daughter recently afflicted. REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 459 "Sdmtervillb, August 2J, 1852 "My loved Guild — As it seems to cheer your dear heart so much, to receive even a line from your long absent father, I thought I would this morning send you a little brief note, to assure you of my continued health and continued love. The account which you give of your loneliness has touched my heart. At an early period your husband was taken from you, and then your infant, which you lioped would be your joy and consolation, was also snatched away, even before it could reward its mother with one sweet smile. This was truly a heav}' blow! It was affliction indeed! But sup- pose, my daughter, that your parents had also been taken! Suppose that they also were this moment sleeping in the same city of silence, side by side with your husband and dear little boy, would not this have been a yet deeper affliction'? and would you not have been made to feel more lonely still] My daughter, you should think of your mercies, as well as your afflictions. So did Job — so should you. You recollect his language, how beautiful and how appropriate! 'Have we received good at the hand of the Lord, and shall we not receive eviH The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.' Here we have the language and the very spirit of true piety. Let it be your own. Cheer up, my daughter, jour heavenly Father is upon the tin-one, and he does all things well. He has seen your tears. He has heard your sighs. He knows, full well, all the sorrows of your heart, and God, even your own God and heavenly Father 460 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE cares for you! Your sighs are recorded, your tears are in 'his bottle,' and, rest assured, all things have been ordered in wisdom and in love. Yes, my child, He who notices the falling sparrow, certainly could not have permitted your loved husband, and your dear little boy to sink into the grave without his notice and kind regard. Hark ! He speaks to thee ! 'Be still, and know that I am God:' and again, methinks, He speaks to you, my daughter, in the softened, sweet tones of compassion and love, and says, ' Silence, my child, what I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter.' Therefore, cheer up, my beloved T., kiss the rod that smites you, and say, even in the language of the blessed Saviour himself, 'the cup which my Father giveth me, shall I not drink of iti' Do this, say this from your heart, and all will be well! for, is it not writ- ten, ' all things work together for good to them that love God'? And what says the same apostle again] 'I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.' Yes, after sorrow, comes joy! After gloom comes glory! After the conflict of battle, the repose of victory ! In short, after earth comes heaven, sweet heaven! Even the visions of God, and the joys of a life which shall never end! " Wednesday morning, August 4th. Last night, amid circumstances of very special interest and so- lemnity, our meeting in this place came to an end ; and, tridy, a most delightful, blessed meeting it has proved ; a sweet, refreshing season indeed ! Thirty cases of hopeful conversion, about two-tlurds of whom may be called young men. 1 think I never saw a IIEV. DANIEL BAKER, D. P. 401 more interesting^ set of converts in all my life; as one has expressed it, ' They are the very pick of our town' — and another remarked, ' If it had been left to lis to select, we could not have made a better selec- tion.' To God be all the praise ! " The meetinjjj embraced parts of three weeks. I will tell you how it was. I came here some six weeks ago, and, after preaching for a few nights, and begging as hard as I could for the College during the day, I obtained one hundred and twenty- five dollars. Perceiving that there was some reli- gious excitement, I was urged to protract my visit, but I declined, and set out to visit what brother INIcQueen termed the ' model churches' on Black River. First I went to Zion Church, of wliich brother Reid is pastor. I had been preaching there only about two days when an elder from Sumterville came to me -with a letter from the elders of that church, stating that there was more religious interest in Sumter\'ille than was supposed, and urged me to return for a few days longer. I told the brother I did not see how I coidd return to Sumter^•ille, for my time was not my own, and, however pleasing it would be to me to preach in Sumterville, yet, as I had already reaped domi that field, I did not think I could do any thing more there for Austin College. ' Well,' said Mr. Knox, ' If you will only return and preach for us a few sermons more, I will myself be responsible for fifty dollars.' ' Then I will go,' said I ; and I did go, as soon as the revival which had already commenced in brother Reid's church allowed me to go — thirty being hopefully converted; about twenty of wliom were young men. Resuming my ' 40 462 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE labours, I preached to a people who very generally began to take up the inquiry, ' O, sirs, what must I do to be saved V By Friday noon about twenty-two persons had professed conversion, and I had preached what was supposed to be my last sermon in the place. I had an appointment for Williamsburg, some forty miles off, for the next Sabbath; I was nearly ready to start, when in stepped a committee of gentlemen, appointed by a unanimous vote of the church, beg- ging me to remain over the Sabbath, and, as an inducement to stay, I was told that I should have for the College fifty dollars more, and moreover that an express should be sent to Williamsburg church to tell them what had prevented my fidfilling my ap- pointment. So I remained until Monday, at which time the converts numbered about thirty, embracing the very flower of the town; several young men, one or more of whom have the ministry in view. " Now, in regard to my agency. Without saying another word, either in public or privately, they came forward nobly, and added, in subscriptions, two hun- dred and sixty-six dollars to what had already been given, making, in all, three hundred and eighty dol- lars ! Thus was this field reaped down three times. Surely the Lord has been good to me, and I have at least been reminded of the language of the Apostle, uttering the outpourings of an admiring and gratefid heart, ' Thanks be to God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge in every place!' " I have received invitations to several other places, where, I trust, God will continue to prosper me, both as a minister and agent. How pleasant it is to REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 4G3 follow the bent of my inclinations, and in this way not only do mnch good in winning sonls to Christ, but in tliis way also more effcctnally promote the object of my agency. Had I been recreant to my ministerial vows, and lost the minister in the agent — had I just gone from place to place, and house to house with a pair of forceps, so to speak, ' pulling teeth,' I am satisfied I should not have succeeded one-fourth part as well. I tliank God I have been taught a new and better way of begging for the Col- lege. Do good, and then try the power of a grateful heart ! I have, besides paying travelling expenses, sent home in checks to the amount of nearly three thousand dollars; indeed, nearly four thousand dol- lars. God be tlianked ! — this will do very well. And how pleasant to have so many new spiritual children gathered around me! and to have so many touching and substantial proofs of being beloved by them ! " Your absent father, Daniel Baker." (to a son.) "I.NUiAN Town Cuurch, August 18M, 1852. "Well, my son, tliank God I have some more good news to communicate. Invited to "Williams- burg church — a country church — and taken there in a carriage some forty miles, I preached my first sermon there last Sabbath a week, and my last on the Sabbath afternoon following, closing with ' some more last words,' or familiar addresses on Monday moniing. Fifty-two young converts were added to the church! and as, after making a public i 464 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE profession of their faith in Christ, they were requested to occupy the first table by themselves, the scene presented was beautiful. A long table, filled up with young disciples, and these the flower of the whole community; truly the scene was beautiful to parents and other pious friends who were looking on ; it was indeed a scene of thrilling interest; it was worth an angel's visit from the skies. You may well suppose many cheeks were wet with tears, trickling tears of joy! And, no doubt, there were some Simeons present, who were ready to say, ' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation !' But this was not all. Our spiritual rose-bush, which had at that time many buds, appeared the next morning in fresh bloom ; twelve more were found rejoicing in Christ. The whole number actually added to the church on profession, fifty-eight; the whole number hopefidly converted, sixty-four; thirty-four males, chiefly of middle age, but some choice young men, who, it is thought, will certainly devote themselves to the gospel ministry. What hath God wrought ! — to Him be aU the praise! I preached not more than twenty sermons, and sixty-four precious souls converted! Again I say, to God be all, all the praise ! Has not your father been greatly blessed and prospered? I think I can enter into the feelings of David, when, in the outpouring of a grateful heart, he exclaimed, ' Surely, this is not the manner of man, O Lord God!' " My health is as usual, and so is my voice ; but as I write so many letters, you may well be content if I am brief How I should like to step in just now, REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 4G5 and see how you arc coniinp^ on ; and I would like to sec my little grandson — Heaven bless the dear boy, and his mother too. " Affectionately yours in many bonds, Daniel Baker. " P. S. Three more hopefully converted since writ- ing; all young men — whole number sixty-seven, yea, sixty-nine." Others may be better able than the compiler of this volume, to estimate to what degree young men entering the church, and, afterward, the ministry, under such auspices as these, would form their idea and fix their standard of preaching thereby ; to what degree the preacher would reproduce himself in ministers whom he was made the means of leading to Christ. If there be lines of likeness between father and child, will there be none between this father and those whom he so delighted to call his spiritual children'? In estimating the usefulness of 13r. Baker, too, shall we count only those who actu- ally made a profession of religion by the close of a meeting held by him"? Must there be no coimt of those truly converted, but slower in making profes- sion thereof? None of those whom God the Spirit then began to compel to come in, even though the actual entrance was not till, perhaps, years after! And let it ever be borne in mind, that fjiithful pas- tors, wherever he went, were the sowers — even where he was pcnnitted to be the reaper. Nothing was more fully understood at each meeting, than this fact; and, at each meeting, without a particle of 40* 466 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE other feeling, he that sowed and he that reaped rejoiced together at the harvest of souls. In a letter to his wife, referring to the meeting above mentioned, and especially the communion scene, he says: "Indiantown Church, August 23c?, 1852. — Rainy day. "You may well suppose many tears of delicious joy were shed. We had a little jubilee, a pentecostal season in miniature. To God be all, all the praise ! But, to proceed. The very next day, last Tues- day morning, by invitation of the elders of the church, they have no pastor, I preached my first sermon in this place; and closed the meeting this day; and lo, the Head of the Church has been pleased to honour the labours of your husband here also, and yesterday morning twenty young converts came forward and made a good confession before many witnesses. Of these, twelve were men, nearly all young men, the remaining eight were chiefly young ladies. Is not this wonderful! Observe, the congregation here is not as large as at Williams- burg church, and in some respects the church here was not in a favourable state. Besides, the meet- ing embraced only one Sabbath. This has been to this people a time of sweet refreshing; the results far beyond what any individual, I suppose, had ever dreamed of. On closing the services this afternoon, there was much tender feeling; and almost every individual in the house came up to me to shake hands. I had been told that several ladies wished to shake hands with me, so I came down from the pulpit, and stood at the foot of the steps, and I REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 467 believe that not only every lady, but every gentle- man in the house, say two liundred, came up to bid me an attectionate farewell, and this they did with many tears. Their husbands, and fathers, and brothers, and sons have undertaken to do something handsome for the College. 1 do not yet know the amount, but from what has been whispered in my ear, I suspect, considering the time I preached, it will be even more than has been given in any other place. Did I not tell you that the South Caro- linians are some of the noblest people in the world! By their attentions, and overwhelming kindness they have touched, they have melted down my whole heart. God bless them, and reward them richly, both on earth and in heaven! But I must look upon my heavenly Father as the great spring and source of all — for he has blessed my preaching to the conA'ersion of so many; only think! on an average something more perhaps than two converts for every sermon! and these chiefly men, young men of pro- mise, and middle aged men, prominent men, as prominent and influential as any in the whole coni- mimity. "And, my beloved wife, is it not remarkable, not- withstanding my incessant preacliing for some eight or ten weeks past, my health is firm, and my voice as strong and clear as ever. It is said that the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than the begin- ning. It really seems that this is true with regard to myself Blessed be God, and for ever blessed be his lioly name ! By the favour of Heaven, I am now in the enjoyment of 'a green old age.' May I have 468 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE the honour and happiness of bringing forth fruit as long as I hve. One thing I know, I still love to preach Christ. The work is delightful; yea, I love it more and more. Thanks to Him who has im- planted this feeling in my heart. " You say that I must be ' a happy man.' Well, so I am. God has been pleased to honour me, and the people are continually giving me proofs of rare affection; and besides all, I have, as I trust, 'a good hope through grace.' So I can almost say with the Psalmist, 'Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over;' and I hope it is no presumption to add, ' Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.' " If the Trustees desire it, I am wilhng to return to this State again in due season; for, you must observe, I have as yet been to very few places which I origi- nally intended to visit. Unexpected and pressing invitations have turned me off from my intended course. The incidents which occurred some twenty years ago seem not to have been forgotten; and as some of the favourite sons of Carolina were brought in under my preaching at that time, and have worn well, this has given me a notoriety which otherwise I would not have had; and this has inspired a confi- dence in me, which, on this tour, has helped me much. I could write a great deal more, but you see my sheet is full. " Your absent, but not estranged husband, Daniel Baker." EEV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 4G9 (TO A DAUGHTER.) "Maiis Bluff, September St/i, 1852. "My dear Susan — You do not know how greatly the Lord has blessed my preaching, and how he has given Austin College and its Agent favour in the eyes of the people. Having invitations showered upon me, I have for several weeks past been going from one place to another, preaching Christ inces- santly, say, on an average, two sermons every day; and, without a single exception, the Lord has re- markably blessed my labours wherever I have gone. The whole number who have professed conversion under my preaching within some eight or nine weeks past, is about one hundred and eighty, besides some twenty-five or thirty blacks. This, I confess, is marvellous in my eyes, and whilst I rejoice, I am led to exclaim, 'Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.' To God be all the praise! So many cases of conversion, and the conversion of per- sons so prominent and respectable, must, of course, gladden many hearts; and as there is a very intimate connection between the heart and the purse, the converts and their friends, in their joy and gratitude, have poured out their 'free-will offerings' in a most surprising manner. "Of course I am in good spirits. Li the recep- tion of so many kindnesses from God and man, it is right that I should be both grateful and happy. Sometimes, however, the attentions paid me seem to be almost going beyond the mark. Besides smiling faces, salutations, and compliments suited to a better man than I am, I am sometimes amused when my 470 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE friends in their kindness seem so desirous that I shonld have the best room, the best chair, the best coffee, the best bed. Who am I, and what is my father's house, that I should have so many roses strewed along my pathway through life ! " This day I preached my last sermon here, in a meeting which lasted some five or six days; a blessed meeting, as usual. About a dozen professed conversion, and some thirty more were this morning at the inquiry meeting as anxious. The prospects for another powerful work of grace highly encour- aging. Indeed, the pastor was entirely unwilling to close the meeting; and as I could not stay any longer, he sent off for some other ministers some forty miles or more distant. O how good has the Lord been to me, thus signally and in every place to honour my ministry! 'Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.' Tell W. to give himself up wholly to the blessed work of the ministry, and God will bless him. "I am writing on a trunk in the baggage-office on the road; moreover, time is precious. So, fare you well. Your affectionate father, Daniel Baker." (to his wife.) "Daiu.incton C. II., S<^pt. 27lh, 18r)2. " My dear Eliza — Well, I can now say, at last, next week, God willing, I set out for home, sweet home. The Lord continues to bless my labours. The last meeting was a delightful one, some thirty- five, at least, brought in witliin six days ; and at the meeting immediately preceding, the hopeful converts BEV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 471 were put down at forty. Every mcctinji^ blessed, without one solitary exception. The whole number who have professed to find peace in believing, may, I think, safely be put down at two hundred and eighty; and the majority men — nearly one hundred young men. What hath God wrought ? To God be all the praise! Tidings of these things have spread abroad, and has produced a great excitement in all this region of country, and crowds come out to hear me, wherever I go. In some respects this is all very pleasant, and I hope my heart ovei-flows with grati- tude to God for making me instrumental in doing so much good. 13ut when I see such unusual crowds come out to hear me preach, and know that they have high expectations, too high for me to meet, I confess I feel as if I would like to go and preach where nobody had ever heard of me before. My bow has been bent for a long time; two sermons a day for twelve weeks. I am not broken down. ; my health and voice are still good ; but I feel as if I wanted to 'turn aside, and rest awhile.' My time is precious, as you may well suppose. So, with affectionate salutations, Your husband, Daniel Baker." (to nrs DAUGHTER.) "Marion C. H., Oct. 2d, 1852. "My beloved Daughter — The joint letter, ^vritten by your mother and yourself, came to hand yesterday. You may well suppose I was pleased to receive it, when I tell you that, on breaking the seal, I read it over three times without stopping; and that, too, when my time was as precious as gold. Yesterday 472 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE afternoon I closed a six days' meeting at Darlington Court-House. It was truly a delightful gathering. Crowds attended three times every day; and some came from a great distance. God was evidently in our midst. Christians were greatly revived, and about twenty-five or thirty persons hopefully con- verted; and, as usual, chiefly men, young men. All our meetings have been deeply interesting, and every one blessed; yes, thank God, every one. We have had nine protracted meetings, and each has presented all the heart-stirring scenes of a genuine work of grace. The converts average four for each day. This is wonderful indeed, particularly when it is remembered that a large majority are men, having a very considerable sprinkling of doctors, la^vyers, and college students. No meeting was more delightful than the last. To God be all the praise! But the sweet notes of ' the church-going bell' are now falling upon my ear, so I must lay do^vn my pen, "Five o'clock. I have just returned from preaching my second sermon in this place. The prospects are encouraging. I expect to preach again to-night, and three times to-morow. Some have already come fr-om a distance, and more are expected. " When I preached a few weeks since at Midway, it having rained much, the swamp was full. Some came to church literally through deep waters, and others, unwilling to venture, came round the swamp, some thirty miles. You say, these things must be pleasing ; yes, but there are drawbacks. I know I cannot meet the expectation of all, for things have been coloured, and I have heard of many extravagant remarks. Indeed, there is with some persons such REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 473 enthusiasm and wild talk in regard to my preaching and success, that I feel sometimes as if I cannot stand it, I nuist run away! I am smothered with roses ; and although roses are very sweet things, the sensation of smothering is not the most agreeable in the world, and I rejoice that I am soon to spread my wings. This is Saturday, and I expect next Wed- nesday to set out for home, sweet home ! And is it possible that I shall so soon be in the bosom of my o^vn dear family ? But stop — not so fast ; I suppose I shall have to give Oglethorpe College a call, and must also tarry a few days in New Orleans. " Monday morning. I preached three times yes- terday. At night there was so much seiiousness the anxious were requested to remain, and, much to our surprise and gratification, nine men came forward to the front seats. Blessed be God! " Your affectionate father, Daniel Baker." "Darlington Court Hocse, October Wth, 1852. " My very dear Son — You recollect what I told you about myself when I was preparing for the ministry — that at one time I was very desponding. I thought that I would never be fit to preach to any white congregation, but was finally cheered by this thought suddenly flashing on my mind, that there were a great many negroes in our land, and perhaps I might be able to preach to them. It is said of the Saviour, ' Ha^•ing loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.' Even so, having seen fit to bless my labours at the 41 474 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE very first, he has continued to bless them to the very- last. I am to preach my last sermon here this evening. " In haste, your ever afiectionate father, Daniel Baker." The pastor of the Darlington church writes to a friend, October 14th, 1852: " Our most sanguine ex- pectations as to visible results have been realized. The meeting commenced September 25th, and closed on the following Friday, after seven days contin- uance. Our spacious church was crowded day and night to its utmost capacity, to the close. People of all denominations flocked to hear the stranger from Texas; even some of the Jews came to hear him explain the Old Testament prophecies. On the third day, any who were seriously impressed were invited to meet in the session-room, when six persons were found earnestly seeking the way of Ufe. Before the close of this meeting the pastor had the unspeak- able pleasure of embracing his own son as a hopeful convert. From this time the meeting increased in interest and influence to the end. The largest num- ber of inquirers, at one time, was about sixty. Twenty-seven are now cherishing the hope of having passed into the marvellous light of the gospel. There are others earnestly seeking the pearl of great price. The professed converts are chiefly, if not entirely, the children of pious parents, children of the covenant. A majority of them are young men, and promise much usefulness in the Church. The good Spirit seems to have paved the way for the REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 475 earnest preaching of the stranger from Texas ; they were a people prepared of the Lord. Dr. Baker's preaching is eminently Calvinistic. The doctrines of our Church — the divine sovereignty, election, total depravity, vicarious atonement, and efficacious grace, were prominently exliibited. The most melting, effective discourse, probably, was from the words, (John \i. 44), ' No man can come to me, except the Father, wliicli hath sent me, draw him.' Great still- ness and solemnity characterized the large assemblies. It was truly an interesting spectacle to behold a sea of uplifted faces, with many streaming eyes, directed towards the speaker, as the words of eternal life fell from his lips. A community that will listen atten- tively to the truths so solemnly, simply, and earnestly deli\ered, must be greatly benefitted, though there be no immediate effect produced. The graces of old disciples ha^•e been rekindled, ^^\^re the same amount of pious zeal and individual faithfulness kept up to its full tension, as it might be, revivals of reli- gion would be of frequent occurrence. Entire con- secration to God, on the part of the membership of the church, doubtless, was the secret of the rapid spread of the gospel in primitive times. Dr. Baker's labours liaAC been very abundant, averaging five or six hours of continuous speaking each day for a week together." It may be mentioned here as a singular fact, that such Arminians as heard his doctrinal discourses heartily concurred in them as the gospel truth. " But he is a good Methodist, he does not preach the doc- trines of his Church," they woidd triumphantly 476 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE declare, until at last made aware that two of the sermons, to which they most cordially subscribed, were published by the Board of Publication as among their standards. The truth is, Dr. Baker presented these doctrines so clearly, both as to their foundation and inferences; proved them so from reason, revela- tion, and Christian experience, as to make it evident that they are indeed the gospel itself, in all its free- ness and fulness, in all its sweetness and power. His whole aim was to do as Scripture does — exalt God, and humble man — place the almighty Sovereign and the offending subject in their actual relations to each other ; and this, in order to show how infinite the love of God in stooping to save, and how abso- lutely essential the need, and certain the salvation of such a Saviour. Another eye-witness of the meetings at this period — and these are but specimens of the meetings in which he engaged over a large part of the land, and during his whole life — thus speaks: " The churches in Harmony Presbytery have been recently blessed with very unusual revivals of reli- gion. In ten congregations where these revivals have occurred, more than three hundred and twenty persons have been added to the church; and it is remarkable that the most of these are men, of whom a considerable number are seriously pondering their duty in regard to the sacred ministry. This precious harvest consists, for the most part, of intelligent and educated men. Besides the addition of so large a number, and of such an important class, whose influ- ence must materially affect the cause of religion, a IIEV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 477 trracious and profound awakeninj:^ has pervaded this part of our State, reaching the most obdurate of the impenitent — cither melting them to tears, or trans- fixing them witli solemn thought. Very few, indeed, have escaped tlie powerful appeals and intricate searchings of the word of God. "Dr. Baker, of Texas, the well known veteran — venerable, both for his silvered locks, and for the many signal instances, in years past, in which God has blessed his labours — has been among us, and has again witnessed the very marked seal of the Spirit upon his preaching. Vigorous, lively, indefatigable, with a soul fully charged with the divine message, his impassioned eloquence has been irresistible. He had commenced a tour through this part of our State on an agency for Austin College, but was completely borne away from his premeditated course by a sweep- ing tide. One importunate call after another drew him along from place to place, where his efforts have been signally o\\iicd in developing the fruit of good seed, that has been sowing for months and years in a good soil. All things, indeed, seem to have been in readiness for the development of these revivals. The ready and cordial response of the hearts of our people to the word of God, denotes that the soil was in readiness, the seed cast already genninating, and but awaited the shower from heaven to spring into life; and, like the shooting of the new plant into day, silent and imperceptible: when soids were awakened, the great Spirit composed the congrega- tion into profomid stillness, that he might speak to the conscience. Such was the characteristic order and stillness of our congregations, and so general the 41* 478 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE feeling, that the awakened and inquiring were not always easily distinguished from the multitude. To effect this, each pastor and session adopted the method most approved in his own congregation. No 'new measures' were resorted to in order to arouse the feelings. These were rendered unnecessary by the Spirit of God. "It is especially gratifying to state that the dis- tinctive points of our Old-school theology were clearly, fully, and faithfully preached. It has been imagined that these are calculated to check the pro- gress of a revival, and have, therefore, been avoided on such occasions. But so far as my observation has extended, I am free to say that I tliink the religi- gious movement among us is due mainly to the plain, frank, undisguised presentation of these great doctrines in their own solemn Scripture attire. The sovereign purpose of God in election, the vicarious atonement of Christ, the total inability of the sinner, the instantaneous work of regeneration, the perse- verance of the saints; these, in all their glorious beauty and sweetness, to the believer, in all their starthng terror to the sinner, were set forth, without reserve, as the counsel of God. The singularly happy arguments and illustrations of the venerable Texan who was with us, and his peculiar skill in detecting where these great doctrines underlie the Christian's peace and joy, disarmed all gain-sayings, and united the hearts of different denominations in perfect harmony. A beautiful and cordial union prevails; Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists commingled their tears under the droppings of a sublime Calvinistic theology. The scene was novel REV. DANIEL BAKER, I). D. 479 and intensely engaginjj:. Truly our great doetrines are all involved in the plan of redemption, and all true Christians feed upon them. May all our breth- ren be encouraged to lay aside a trembling delicacy, and, grasping the sharp tools of the word of God with a firm faith, as wise builders, build up the walls of our spiritual temple." Resuming the autobiography, we find that the results of this, his third tour for the College, are thus summed up. Speaking of the meeting in Sumter- ville, already alluded to, he says: This was the commencement of a series of revi- vals, chiefiy in the Black lliver churches, in which, during the space of three months, about three hun- dred and fifty precious souls were brought in, the majority of whom were young men. This number, however, includes those brought in at Williamsburg, DarUngton, Marion, Midway, and some other places not now recollected. Free-will offerings to the Col- lege poured in in a wonderful manner. Hea\7' remittances were sent home. It was one check after another! The whole amounting, I think, to nearly six thousand dollars. Besides these, "small tokens of affection," were pressed upon my acceptance. The complimentary notes accompanying these pre- sents I laid aside very carefully to be laid before the Trustees or Executive Committee of the College that they might make such a disposition of the money as they might think proper. Crowned with most extraordinary success, both as agent of the College and herdd of salvation, I was returning home in October in liigh spirits and with a gratefid 480 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE heart, when I found the poet had but too much rea- son to say: "We should suspect some danger nigh, AVhere we possess delight." On my way home I was robbed! The circumstances of this robbery are detailed in the following letter to his wife: "Montgomery, Alabama, Nov. lOlh, 1852. "My precious Wife — Here I am, fast anchored stiU; but I have not been lying upon my oars. I have visited West Point and Lafayette, at each of which places I have preached with some success, and have done something also for the College. * * * You would Uke a little history of the affair. Well, I will give it. The first time I saw the man, (Rean, Rane, or Ring,) was on the car the other side of Hamburg. A little incident marked our first acquaintance. It was a warm afternoon, and I was upon the sunny side. The car was pretty much crowded; but on the shady side, where was also a pleasant breeze, I saw this man and his wife occupy- ing a double seat, having another double seat so turned over as to furnish a resting place for his lady's foot. Upon this double seat no person was sitting; and thinking that I needed the cool shade and the pleasant breeze more than the lady's foot or the carpet-bag which I saw there, I went and pro- posed to turn the double seat over, that it might be occupied by myself. In attempting to make this reasonable arrangement, he repelled me rudely. 'Sir,' said I, 'you have more than your share.' Say- .REV DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 481 mvr tliis, 1 returned to my old scat on the warm and sunny side ; but after a Avhile, thinking that I might have appeared wanting in poUteness to tlic lady, who was also concerned, I w'cnt back and made some slight apology. I ought to have done no such thing; but I could not think of being guilty of any rudeness, even in appearance, to a lady. " "When we reached the terminus, and were about to exchange the car for stages, the trunks of the passengers were put down upon the ground in an open space. I opened my trunk and took out some gold to pay my fare, llean, it seems, was present when I opened my trunk, and noticed where my money was kept; and I believe, from that moment marked me for his Wctini. Arriving at Lagrange, he left his companion there, evidently that he might be more free to act. "On getting into the cars at West Point, he took the seat immediately behind me, and became very gracious. He ascertained that I was going to Texas, and he gave me to understand that he was going to Mobile. So it was agreed that when we got on board the steamboat at Montgomery, we should occupy the same state-room. He must have first made the proposition, for I think 1 never could have done such a thing. On reaching INIontgomery, as there was a boat about to start, I went immediately on board. He came immediately after, and had his name registered for the same state-room, taking the upper berth. Coming into the room about eleven o'clock on Tuesday night, October 12tli, I observed: 'We have a very pleasant room.' 'I don't like it,' said he, 'for it is just over the boilers.' 'You can 482 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE get another room, I presume, sir,' was my reply. But no ; the fear of the boilers could not induce him to change his quarters. That very night, as it seems, he came in about midnight from the gaming- table, and perceiving that I was fast asleep, he took the keys out of my pocket, and quietly opening my trunk, his nimble fingers soon made their way to my money-box; and rifling it of its contents, gold and bank bills to the amount of about one thousand dollars, he then put every thing in good order, locked the trunk, and putting the keys where he had found them, got into his berth, and there remained until after I had arisen in the morning. He was then very impatient to get off; at eleven o'clock he did get off at Prairie Bluff. When the boat reached that place, my virtuous friend came to me in a state of much excitement, and said, 'Mr. Baker, I am going to take a ride with a friend;' and without bidding me good-by, he went away, being careful to have his trunk taken out by the back door. " Some three or four hours after he had thus taken 'French leave' of me, I opened my trunk, when lo! to my astonishment and horror, I found that my money-box was light and empty. Calling a friend, I made known to him the astounding fact. He called the captain, and soon the affair was made known to all on board. There was a consultation. A general search was proposed; but it was plain that no one could have taken the money but he who had occupied the same room with myself " The next thing was to get some efficient man to go in pursuit of him. One B. consented to enter upon the chase. He and myself, therefore, got on REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 483 board of the first steamboat we met going np the river. We did not reach l^rairie Bhift' until after breakfast the next morning. So the thief liad about twenty liours the start of us. Here, sending Mr. B. one way, it was thought advisable that I should take another. A\^hilst I was endeavouring to hire a horse for myself, which detained me one full hour, up drove Major H. in a buggy, having one spare seat. ' There,' said a friend, ' tliere goes the very man that will suit you. He is the ex-sheriff of this county, and understands such matters.' Although he was driving very rapidly, I ran after him and hailed him. Telling him my story, he became much interested, and, although it was very inconvenient for him to luidertake the pursuit, he consented. Jumping into his buggy, we rode about ten miles to the house of a friend, there got a fresh horse, and then, I assure you. Major H. was off, as the saying is, like a streak of lightning. As the well-trained hound chases the deer, nor easily misses the track, so it was with the ex-sheriff. " We rode nearly all night, and, devious as were the windings of the thief, my friend did not, for one moment, lose the scent. Perceiving that the chase would be a long one. Major H. concluded to go to a town where tliere was a telegraph office. From this he sent a dispatch to the Marshal at Montgomery, whither he knew the thief was hastening. There the man was arrested — lightning struck! and there, to his utter astonishment, foimd lodgings provided for him, not in the hotel, but in the jail. Being searched, about six hundred and fifty dollars were found upon him in gold and South Carolina bills, 484 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE agreeing most marvellously with what I had seen a few days before in mv own stronsr box ! " I hurried to Montgomery, and paid my old room- mate a visit. As I entered the apartment where he was confined, he reached out his hand to me, saying, ' Mr. Baker, I know you !' Taking his hand, I re- plied, ' And I know you, sir !' — and added, ' Mr. Rean, you have put me to great inconvenience ; I did not think you woidd have served me so !' ' Mr. Baker,' said he, ' I know your person^ but I know nothing about your affairs'.^ If he should be con- victed and sent to the penitentiary, some good ■will have been done ; not so much, indeed, as if he had been convicted and converted by my instrumentality. " The doctrine of a divine Providence, as manifest in this whole affair, is a blessed doctrine; and, although this is not exactly the state of rewards and punishments, yet ' those who notice providences, shall have providences to notice.' I believe that, in some way or other, the hand of God is in it. He has, at any rate, permitted it. It must be so, for, if any event takes place with the divine permission, it must be either because God is not aware of it, or cannot prevent it. If he is not aware of it, he cannot be omniscient ; if he cannot prevent it, he cannot be omnipotent ! " The morning after reaching Montgomery to attend this trial, 1 was reading Psalm 11th, and was struck with these words, ' The Lord loveth the righteous.' Poor sinner that I am, the Lord Jesus is made unto me ' righteousness,' and, therefore, in him I am righteous ; and so I applied the passage to myself I do believe that all will be overruled for REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 485 good. Friends here are very kind. One of the proprietors of the most splendid liotels in the place, iinding me there, althonp^li an utter stranger to me, kindly remarked, 'Mr. Baker, are you staying here? If, sir, you think proper to stay at this hotel, it shall cost you nothing.' " Your affectionate husband, Daniel Baker." (to a son.) "Montgomery, Alabama, November 12th, 1852. " It is a fact, simple, Bible exhibitions of di"vdne truth, are, of all others, the most effective, and no illustmtions are so beautiful and touching as those drawn from God's blessed word. There is a sweet- ness and a charm about them truly wonderful ; they fall pleasantly upon the ear; they come down with sweet and hallowed influence upon the heart; they please the rude and illiterate rustic, and also the man of literary taste and the finished scholar. For what was Apollos commended ] Because he was ' mighty in the Scriptures.' And was not this the thing which gave a charm and a power seldom known to the preaching of Summei'field'! My son, whilst others make a parade of learning, and boast of their knowledge of German literature, be it your praise that, in scriptural language, and with simplicity and power, you preach Christ and him crucified, as the world's last and only hope. This single sentence, ' It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sin- ners,' is worth a thousand of such sermons as are, in some places, most admired. I greatly desire that 42 486 LIFE 'AND LABOURS OF TUE you should have your whole heart engaged in your Master's service. In this way you will find more pleasure in your ministerial work, and your labours will be more abundantly blessed. Remember what is written, 'Him that honoureth me I will honour, and he that despiseth me shall be lightly esteemed.' Never take your eye from the cross crimsoned with a Saviour's blood! Think much on the subject of eternity ; think of its nearness, its reality, its gran- deur ; and, with quenchless and untiring zeal, work, my son, whilst the day lasts, remembering that soon the night cometh when no man can work. In your preaching, aim at being clear, convincing, powerful, and tender too ; feel what you say." (to his daughter.) "Montgomery, ,' ov ember '22cI, 1852. "* * * Still here. If my patience is not made perfect, certainly it will not be for want of being sufficiently tried. Rean's case is postponed. My dear nephew here was mortally wounded the day before yesterday, by the discharge of a cannon, whilst the company to which he belonged was firing minute guns on the occasion of the death of Daniel Webster. While he was ramming down the cartridge, the gun went ofi", and, sad to relate, your cousin had both arms completely shattered, and one eye seriously injured, besides receiving other wounds of a danger- ous character. Poor fellow! he was taken to his house on a mattrass, in great agony, and presented a frightful sight; both of his hands blown off", and the bones of his arms not only shattered, but mashed as if they had been pounded by some heavy weight. IIF.V. DANIEL BAKKR, D. I>. 487 The inorniiig after, sc\cnil of his fingors were i)ic'keil up in the street, quite a liandful of them. They were shown to nie, wrapped up in a paper. Poor, dear Joseph! I had for several days been a most welcome guest of his. I was standing in the portico of the court-liouse, just opposite wliere the cannon was situated. I saw the fiash, but little did I know what awful damage had been done. I was sent for, and was soon in the chamber of my poor, dear, suffering nephew. Seizing with eagerness every opportunity, I talked and prayed with him. It seemed to him, and his wife also, a remarkable and kind Providence, that had so ordered it that I should be with him at tliis hour of deep and overwhelming affliction ; and I have reason to believe that I was made the humble and honoured instrument of leading him to Christ in his last hour. If so, is it not well that I was in Montgomery just at this time'? Who knows but one reason why I was brought here, and detained here, was, that I might be instrumental in doing my nephew much good] This idea has cheered me not a little, and has almost reconciled me to my long and grievous detention. "The trouble brought upon me by Rean has truly been of a serious nature; but what is this to that which has come upon my nephew and his afflicted wife ] Only the other day I was telling liim of what had befallen me. Little did I then know that a ten- fold heavier calamity was hanging over him. Of a truth this is a vale of tears, a world of sorrow; and well has it has been said, ' We know not what a day may bring forth.' Surely, 'tliere is nothing true. 488 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE there is nothing firm, there is nothing sweet, but heaven.' Happy he who can say, 'God is mine all-sufficient good, My portion and my choice ; In him my vast desires are filled, And all my powers rejoice.' "I need not send love; you all know my heart. Adieu. Daniel Baker." We resume the autobiography. The amount stolen was about one thousand dol- lars, of which about six hundred and sixty-six was recovered. As I had been in the habit of making remittances with great promptness, as money was collected for the College, the amount stolen was nearly all my own; and, in making out my account with the Treasurer, as may be seen by reference to the books, I charged myself with the whole amount, and the College lost nothing. This I could afford to do, inasmuch as by a formal and recorded vote of the Executive Committee I was permitted to retain what, as stated in the complimentary notes, was intended for myself personally. This affair of the robbery was a serious drawback to the many pleasant things con- nected with this tour. But, upon the whole, it was a prosperous one; and, returning home, and finding no breach there, but every thing pleasant, and the College doing well, I thought that, after all, I had much reason for thankfidness and joy. During February, 1853, Dr. Baker leaves Hun ts- ville upon his fourth tour on behalf of the College. REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 489 The followiii"^ extracts are made from the many let- ters written liome by liiui (hiring this absence. (to his dauoiiter.) "Savannah, May 7!h, 1853. " I have visited once more the scenes of my nati- vity. Of a trnth, there is a power in association; and when I was lately amidst the scenes of my early cliildliood, tliis power of association waked up in my bosom feelings both pleasant and mournful to my soul; for, 'Is there a heart so cold, so dead, That never to itself hath said, This is my own, my native land?' Having not been there for some twenty-two years, I really felt that I was ' a stranger in a strange land,' so many changes had taken place. I tried to find out the very spot where I first breathed the breath of life; but the house was gone, and the plough had passed over the place. All the shade-trees had dis- appeared, and not e^■en a stump was left to mark my early romping-ground. The ditch, too, where with pin-hook and thread I was wont, in my childhood, to catch the perch and the bream, was filled up. Every thing was changed, and so changed, that I could scarcely recognize the place of my birth, sixty- two years ago. And although I had repeatedly visited Midway settlement since enterin": the minis- try, and was there in the year 1831, still I was, as already said, 'a stranger in a strange land,' there were so many new faces. " On Sabbath I cast my eyes over the congrega- tion— every thing was new — so many strange faces; 42* 490 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE and even the few known before, had undergone sur- prising changes. Cheeks were furrowed which were smooth, and locks had become almost as white as snow which had been black as a raven. It really seemed that I belonged to the men of another gene- ration, and had come back from the spirit-land! Truly, I felt as if I was ' in the midst of posterity.' I need not tell you that many faces smiled upon me, and that I was cordially welcomed everywhere. Moreover, it pleased God to bless my preaching to the conversion of some, I hope, and to the reviving of many more. Without making personal applica- tion to a single individual, the contributions to Aus- tin College amounted to two hundred and forty-two dollars. O, how good has the Lord been to me in giving me so many friends, and in so remarkably blessing my labours almost in every place. To his great name be all the praise ! " Tell your mother that my pipe has been thrown away long time ago ; I have not touched it since I left Huntsville, except to cast it from me, as an ugly thing wliich I wished to see no more. Was not this a good example ? "Your ever affectionate father, Daniel Baker." (to his wife ) "Charleston, May 20th, 1853. " I have received a good many letters, but only one from you, and that a short one. With regard to myself, I am getting along much in the old way ; and that, I am happy to say, is very well, both as a preacher and agent. My labours have recently been REV. DANIEL BAKER, D D. 491 blessed to the hopeful conversion of a goodly number, two of wliom, I hope, Avill devote themselves to the gospel ministry. Last Sabbath night a young lady was struck under pungent conviction, at Beaufort. She was so much wrought upon that she threw her arms around her mother, in church, and wept aloud. On the day following, she was rejoicing in Christ. My agency has been prospered. On the 17tli inst., only three days ago, I sent home a check for three hundred and fifty dollars; to-day I enclose another for one hundred and twenty-six dollars. This will be, in all, poured into the treasury, in cash, since I left Huntsville, sixteen hundred dollars. This is doing better than I expected. My visits both to Savannah and Midway were very pleasant. Many friends greeted me welcome. Surely goodness and mercy attend my steps wherever I go ! O, for a more thankful heart ! This morning one of the merchant princes of this place sent to offer me the use of his carriage and servant for the day. What a genteel beggar I am ! — riding about like a gentleman in a fine carriage! But I must close abruptly. Love to all. " In haste, your affectionate husband, Daniel Baker." (TO HIS WIFE ) •* Salisbubt, North Carolina, July Sth, 1853. " At last your letter has come to hand ; it was dated the 14th of June — 'better late than never.' And right glad I am to be able to inform you that all my labours of late have been remarkably blessed. One re\dval after another in quick succession! I believe I told you about my meetings in Wynns- 492 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE boro' and Horeb church, South Carolina, in which twenty-four persons were permitted to cherish, as we trust, a good hope in Christ ; six of whom were the sons of pastors and ruUng elders ! The meeting held at Charlotte was one of the most delightfid I ever attended in all my life; forty-seven professed con- version, amongst whom were four lawyers, two phy- sicians, six merchants, and a pretty large number of gay and fashionable young ladies — one an heiress ! " From Charlotte I went to Davidson College, some twenty miles distant. The meeting commenced on Thursday night, and closed on Wednesday morn- ing following. We had overflowing congregations; for the most part three times a day. Nineteen of the students professed conversion ; and besides these, some ten or twelve persons more, not connected with the College. " At Winnsboro', where it was doubtfid whether I could get one hundred dollars, I received more than two hundred! At Horeb, a small church in the country, where the amount anticipated was no more than some thirty or forty, it proved to be one round hundred. At Charlotte, where not much was ex- pected, I received in subscriptions, paid and not paid, nearly five hundred dollars ! And at Davidson Col- lege, where the President said he thought I could not get more than thirty or forty dollars, I received nearly three hundred ! In two places, I had to tell them to — hold ! I had enough ; and I wished them to give no more. " I stated the number of converts in Charlotte at forty-seven, but by a letter recently received from the pastor, the present number is fifty. How good has REV. DANIEL BAKER, P. T>. 493 the I^ord been to me, blessing my preach in<^ to the conversion of so many souls ! This reminds me of raid's paradox, ' As poor, yet making many rich.' To God be all, all the praise ! " AMth affectionate salutations, your old husband, Daniel Baker." (to THE SAME.) "Rocky River Chukch, Penicks, July 28lh, 1853. " Help me to bless the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to me, and to the people round about here ! I thought the meeting in Char- lotte was a glorious one, which lasted some ten or twelve days, and was blessed to the hopeful conver- sion of some fifty precious souls. I thought that tlie meeting at Davidson College, which was of scarcely seven days continuance, and turned out more than thirty converts, of whom twenty-two were College students, was also a glorious meeting; but I must say, that the meeting at Rocky River church, which closed yesterday, seems to bear off the palm. Com- mencing on Thursday, it wound up on the following Wednesday; and, to our joy and astonishment, some seventy or eighty persons occupied the seats assigned to young converts ! Of these, some forty-five or fifty were promising sons of pious parents. What a har- vest reaped down in one week ! To God be all the praise! How thankful should I be that my voice fails not, although I am made to do all the preacliing. " Now in relation to another matter — for the ser- vices of the last week I have received for the College nearly three hundred dollars ! Surely the lines have fallen to me in pleasant places, and I have a goodly 404 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE heritage. Blessed be God ! Yesterday evening I received a letter from a pastor not far distant, who promises me three hundred dollars for the College if I will visit his church ! " Your affectionate husband, Daniel Baker." (to one of his sons ) "Poplar Tent Church, August Gth, 1853. "Two of the very best meetings I ever attended in all my life, were held within the last two weeks, at two churches in the country; one called Rocky River church, and the other Philadelphia. Some eighty or more were brought in at the former, and nearly the same number at the latter; say about one hundred and fifty precious souls brought to Christ within two weeks! To God be all, all the praise! But indeed I have laboured very hard — every day speaking some four or five hours ; and the churches being so near each other, has, I assure you, put me up to all I know touching the matter of giving new sermons; for you must observe, that although in almost every place we have a ' raft' of ministers pre- sent, yet in no single place can I get one of them to preach! no, not a solitary sermon. I have requested, I have urged them to preach, but they all with one consent make excuse! The crowds attending upon my preaching are immense. Tidings have gone forth that the Lord is blessing my labours in a remarkable manner, and the people pour in from all quarters. Really, I am oppressed. This warm weather, I can scarcely stand it! Last Sabbath I suppose that more than two thousand persons were REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 495 present! I was obliijjcd to preach in the open air; and being ahnost entirely overcome, I had actually to take my seat, and preach for a time sitting! Althontjh it is cheerin*? to know that of late the con- verts have averaged some fonr or five to each sermon, yet it seems sometimes that the labour under the peculiar circumstances of the case, is more than I can stand ; and I confess I look forward with plea- sure to the time when, in obedience to the Trustees, I shall go on to New York to purchase the appara- tus for the College. With regard to my success as agent, it has been for beyond my most sanguine expectations. Hearts opened — purses have been opened also, and in some cases (one in particular) the silvery stream flowing in, has been swollen to such an extent that I had to check it! I do not, at this time, know precisely how matters stand; but I think I have, since leaving Huntsville, (7th March last) added to the finances of the College some four thousand dollars in cash! How thankful should I be that the Lord has so abundantly blessed my labours of love ; for if I had not been blessed in my preaching, I should never have been so successfid in my agency. ' Bless the Lord, O, my soul, and forget not all his benefits!' "In haste, your ever aftectionate father, Daniel Baker." (to his dauoiiter.) '*Provii)kxck CuuKcii, August VMh, 18'i3. "My Beloved Daughter — I wrote to your mother not long since, and I have now nothing new to say, save that I still continue to preach incessantly — that 496 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE I am still greatly prospered, and, wonderful to tell, my voice as clear as a bell! The meeting at Poplar Tent Church closed last Wednesday week, holding on not quite six days. About sixty converts, and two hundred and seventeen dollars given to the Col- lege. It was more than that, it was two hundred and sixty-five dollars and twenty eight cents. Last night, a week ago, our services commenced at Con- cord, and closed yesterday at noon. At the inquiry- meeting yesterday morning, there were nearly two hundred present; of whom, perhaps, as many as eighty were occupying the seats assigned to young converts! and remember, in all these cases, chiefly men! Indeed, nearly all the prominent men in Concord are now professedly on the Lord's side. As formerly in South Carolina, so now, in the old North State, I am almost 'smothered with roses;' and how thankful should I be that my health con- tinues strong and my voice clear! Succeeding so well in this region of country, and having invitations upon invitations, I have concluded to remain awhile longer. For some five or six weeks past, I have had immense congregations; every Sabbath, in particu- lar, from two to three thousand. "It is really trying to my domestic feelings to be so long absent from my family; but I am, by the grace of God, doing so good a work — this reconciles me. Besides, home will be so much the sweeter when I get there. "Love to all. Your aff"ectionate father, Daniel Baker." REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 497 (to niS WIFE.) '■Stkei. Ckek.k Cmuucii, Aui/ust 31.v/, IRn:!. "My beloved Wife — Really, I am tired of talkins: so much of myself, my preaching, and my success; but you will excuse me this once more, especially as, the other day, there was some probability that my pen was laid aside for ever. AMiilst I was speaking in the inquiry meeting, I was suddenly taken with a violent chill. A carriage was immediately brought to the door, and I was taken to the house of a kind friend, Colonel Greer, wliere I now am. On reach- ing his hospitable dwelling, I went to bed, and did not leave it for three days. The first day the fever which followed the chill was very hisfh. The next morning I had another chill, followed by fever, but not so great as the day before; yet the doctor has since told me that there were some indications of congestion. For a time I was exceedingly weak — coidd scarcely walk across the room; and, without alann, thought it likely that some kind friend here would write you a letter beginning thus; 'Dear Madam — Your husband has fallen asleep in Jesus;' and I pictured to my mind the scene which would then take place; and in the visions of my mind 1 beheld my daughter amongst the chief mourners. "But enough of this fancy affair. God be thanked, on the third morning I missed my chill, and leaving my bed, I went to church on somewhat tottering limbs, and with somewhat salivated mouth, and with four red prints of mustard plasters upon my wrists and ancles. I preached what was equivalent to some two sermons or more. This morning I am getting 43 498 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE pretty strong and fresh again, and hope to be able to do full service this day. But the doctors say I must not preach any more for some week or ten days. Accordingly, I have already countermanded the other appointments made, and expect to leave for the North in a few days. My last meeting was held at Providence church. It closed on last Thursday. It was greatly blessed. The pastor tells me that the number of converts is one hundred and three, and these, as usual, chiefly men. The contributions to the College amounted to about three hundred dollars. "As the doctors have laid their commands upon me to stop preaching, and the providence of God also seems indeed to speak to me as Christ once did to his disciples. Turn aside and rest awhile, I may return home before the meeting of Synod. I shall, however, be better able to judge after reaching New York, from which place I purpose to write again. But I hear the sound of carriage wheels moving onward to the church, so I must abruptly close, or my letter will not be in time for the mail. "Immense congregations attend upon my preach- ing— every Sabbath perhaps three thousand. People come from a great distance, and I am told there has not been such a glorious revival in North Carolina for the last fifty years. To God be all the glory! Daniel Baker." (to niS DAUGHTER.) "Stkel Creek Church, Sept. 1st, 1853. " My beloved Daughter — Yesterday, with some intermissions, I was preaching, as usual, from ten to REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 499 four o'clock. At the close we Imd quite a scene. I liad pronounced my farewell benediction, when a gentleman of the tirst standing in this community came up to the stand, and lifting up his voice, wept aloud. Under the most pungent conviction, he called upon God to have mercy on his soul; and then said to me: 'Mr. Baker, you have made me feel as nobody ever made me feel before. Cannot you preach here one day moref I consented, and accordingly made the appointment. But this day I leave, not for New York, as I gave your mother to miderstand, but for Statesville. There are some very remarkable pro- vidences about this matter, which I cannot now explain. Suifice it to say, a gentleman had come for me fifty miles, bringing a letter of invitation so pressing, and of such a peculiar nature, that I could not resist. I believe this thing proceedeth from the Lord; and I now expect to continue preaching in this State about three weeks longer, and then for the North. Let your next letter be addressed to me at New York ; but be sure to write by return mail. "It is nearly time to start for church, so, affection- ately yours, Daniel Baker. " P. S. The fame of our meetings has gone abroad, and hence, wherever I go, I have immense congrega- tions; and many persons are curious to sec the man that can preach so much." (to niS WIFE.) "MoROANTON, Sept. 20th, 1853. " My dear Eliza — I am not in a writing trim ; but as I am just on the wing for New York, I must 500 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE drop you a line. Our last meeting was at Statesville, and like the rest, it was croAvned with a rich blessing, and proved to be a glorious meeting. Sixty-six con- verts, and, as usual, more men than women. In regard to the place where I now am — it is small, not much material, but in many respects important ; and the little church here greatly needed to be strength- ened. The meeting has been interesting thus far, and some prominent persons brought in. * * * I am not sick, but weak; and when not preaching, I am almost all the time lying down. I am pressed to go to many places, but can undertake no other pro- tracted meeting, at least this fall. Daniel Baker." (to his son.) "Wilmington, N. C, Sept. 21th, 1853. " My dear Son — Thus far I am on my way to the North. The boat from Charleston was too late for the car, so I am to tarry here until to-morrow morn- ing; but I do not much regret it, for I need one day's rest very much; and to secure it, I have done what I could to keep my friends in Wilmington from knowing that I am here. Yes, I do need rest, for I have been preaching a great deal of late; moreover, I have been sick — three days confined to my bed — but I am doing pretty well at this time, though stiU somewhat weak. I was taken with the chills about three weeks since, and the doctor kept me in my chamber three days; but on the fourth morning, understanding that there was a great congregation assembled, and many having come from a distance, I REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 501 ventured out, and being unable to stand, I preached sittini!^, to some cie^ht hundred persons, in the <:^rove. This meeting, as well as others, was crowned witli a rich blessing. In the eleven protracted meetings which I have attended in North Carolina recently, something more than six hundred persons have been hopefully converted; of whom nearly three-fourths arc males, from fourteen to seventy years of age. In some of these meetings, an unusually large number are heads of families ; and I am happy to leani that the blessed work is going on, converts continuing to drop in after the special services were closed. It has been remarked, that there has not been such a rcvi val of religion in North Carolina for fifty years. ' Not unto us, not unto us, but unto thy name, O, Lord, be all the praise!' "I could mention some very interesting incidents about the conversion of a lovely bride, and a young lady, whose mother did not wish her to go to a Pres- byterian church ; and about a man, of whose conver- sion no one ever dreamed; and of another, who had killed a man ; and of another, who had been brought in emphatically at the eleventh hour ; and of another, who was worth a quarter of a million of dollars; and of six youths, who were the sons of preachers and ruling elders. And I could tell you about the early and triumphant death of one of the converts, which served to make a powerful impression upon many. But these things cannot be very well spread upon paper; it would take up too much time. I can better talk the matter over when I see you face to face, if Providence permit, at Galveston, in Novem- ber next. 43* 502 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE " With regard to the Presidency of the College, I have not accepted, and do not intend to accept, until I can know what duties will be required of me. But from letters received, I learn that matters are so arranged that I shall be almost obliged to yield. AVell, if the labours are light, and I shall be enabled to be more with my family, I am rather inclined to think I may accept. "My success as agent has continued to be far beyond my most sanguine expectations. I have sent home, or caused to be sent, more than four thousand four hundred dollars since leaving Huntsville the last time ; and I have on hand more than fifteen hundred dollars ! Surely the Lord has been very good to me ! " Must I not soon go the way of all the earth] I have had delightful views of Christ. During this W'hole tour I have preached him incessantly, and with positive love kindling and glowing in my heart ; frequently with tears streaming down my cheeks ! I think this has been one secret of the success. ' Him that honoureth me will I honour; but he that de- spiseth me shall be lightly esteemed.' Remember, my son, this saying of your father, that the sermon that does not distinctly present Christ in the beauty and glory of his mediatorial character, is no better than a cloud without water, a casket without a jewel, a shadow without the substance, or the body without the soul. Think of what Paul says, ' God forbid that I shoidd glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ' — and again, ' Christ is all and in all.' Think of it in your pulpit and in your study; when you lie down and when you rise up ; when you go out and when you come in. Rest assured that there REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 503 is no theme tliat has more power to melt tlie heart and subdue the soul. VaJe et live. " Affectionately, your father, Daniel Baker." (to his daughter.) "New York, October Gth, 1853. " My dear Child — Last night I visited the Crystal Palace. Brilliantly illuminated with perhaps some twenty thousand lights, it presented a truly magnifi- cent scene. After walking over a large portion of this immense and beautifid building, gazing with admiration upon the rare, rich, and endlessly diversi- fied creations of art, almost ready to drop with fatigue, I sat down upon a seat in the gallery, or upper promenading place, from which point I had a commanding and beautiful view of the interior of the Palace, and the vast multitudes of ladies and gentlemen who were moving below and around me in every direction. These human forms winding their way amid statues and paintings, and silver and porcelain vessels, and rich tapestry, and ten thousand splendid things which I cannot name, presented a scene worthy of the pencil of the best artist. Not only was the eye feasted, but the ear also, for there was a band of music, which at intervals entertained the company with Uvely airs, the effect of which was peculiarly fine in this vast illuminated palace. But, my daughter, splendid and grand as this whole affair certainly is, in heaven we shall have what will throw all completely and for ever in the shade ! The Crys- tal Palace, with all its gorgeous things, is the work of man — poor, dying man — but of the heavenly 504 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE palace, God himself is the great and glorious Archi- tect! " Your ever affectionate father, Daniel Baker." He writes to a student in the Seminary at Colum- hia, now the Rev. James McDowell, of Sumter, South Carolina: "HuNTSViLLE, February \ith, 1854. "My dear young Brother — I rejoice greatly that you have seen your way clear to devote yourself to the service of God in the gospel ministr}\ May God bless you, grant you the joys of his salvation, and make you a burning and a shining light in your day and generation. As for myself, I may say, with one of old, ' It is toward evening, and the day is far spent.' But as my sun is setting, it is cheering to see other suns rising. How pleasant to think, that when the present generation of ministers shall have passed away, another generation will be raised up to take their place ; and then, how happy, how glorious will the final meeting be! The scenes presented in South Carolina some eighteen months ago were pleasant, but scenes still more wonderful, thank God, were beheld during the last summer in the ' Old North State.' God was pleased then and there to visit his churches in a remarkable manner. Hopeful converts were multiplied, may I not say, literally, as the morning dew. More than six hundred precious souls were, in a short time, made obedient to the faith, among whom were numbered, I suppose, at least three hundred young men! What a precious harvest! Who can tell how many may imitate REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 505 your oxiiniplo — may join the army of the liviiiji^ God as soldiers of the cross and heralds of salvation!- — and the final and blessed results who can tell! I should not be surprised if, before long, you shall have the pleasure of seeing some entering your semi- nary, for, before I left North Carolina, I heard of several young men of great promise who were seriouslv turninld in lluntsvillc the next year after. It is to this that aUusion is made in the letter. These Conventions did much to increase and enhghten public sentiment in regard to education. In this connection, while its object was a general one, it need hardly be said that Dr. Baker, to use a phrase of his own, "left no stone unturned" to advance the interest of the College of which he was agent. Never did he let any opportimity of advan- cing its interests remain an instant neglected. On one occasion, being in the lobby of the Legislature with the writer, the latter pointed out to him, near at hand, the President of a grand railway enterprise. Dr. Baker immediately sought and obtained an intro- duction to him, and began to call his attention to the cause of the College. "Say no more, sir, say no more," said the financier; "the company have already determined to donate one hundred thousand dollars in our stock to your institution." Somewhat aston- ished at the promptness as well as magnitude of the donation, the Dr. asked if he would reduce his pro- mise to ^vriting. " Most certainly, sir," replied the railway king; and in a few moments Dr. Baker was in possession of a written document to that effect. " I do not think it will ever amount to anything," he said to the writer, as they descended the steps of the capitol; "but it may; at least, it cost nothing to get it." It need not be added that the document is now valuable only as bearing the autograph of a very remarkable man. There were one or two other similar cases. From the beginning of the College enterprise up 508 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE to the hour of his death, Dr. Baker cherished the hope of obtaining aid for the College from the State, by some plan just and equitable toward all other bona fde institutions in Texas. He became ashamed, as he often remarked, of seeking aid for the institution abroad, while so little was done for it in Texas itself; a State so rich, too, in every sense of the word. Hence, session after session of the Legislatiu*e, he would visit Austin, armed with me- morials. All that mortal man could honourably do, he did, in some form or other, to obtain this object. He was treated with great courtesy by the members in private, was invited to the floor of the Senate, was allowed the satisfaction ©f hearing his memo- rial read aloud out of its order on one or two occa- sions— even had the unexpected pleasure of seeing himself and his cause recommended to the Legisla- ture in a message of the Governor — but all in vain. Each legislative session for years saw this great hope of his heart wax and wane. The grounds of opposition to granting aid to a denominational institution were manifold. A few opposed the granting of State aid to such an institu- tion out of sheer hatred to religion in every form; but these were few, very few. No State has fewer such legislators than Texas. Others were honestly opposed to granting aid to one College, lest the same should be demanded for a hundred other institu- tions in the State. Others acted from a vague hor- ror of anything like a union in the matter betAveen Church and State. Others opposed from terror of "sectarianism," forgetful that a College, to be suc- cessfully managed, has to be in the hands of some REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 509 body of men, and that, as an almost invariable rnlo, a denomination of Christians is the only body snfficiently nnited, interested, and energetic on principle to condnct an institution with vigour and success; forgetful, too, that the lield is open to all denominations alike — whose very competition is a guaranty of the dangerous pre-eminence of none, and the high order of all the Colleges under their care. But the mass conceived the duty of the State to education as performed, in the amount — over a million in lands and money — set apart by the State for common schools and a State University. Though cherishing hope of aid for the College from the vast coffers of the commonwealth, and doing all that could be done to obtain this, yet never for a moment did he relax his exertions in other directions. About the beginning of 1854, it was determined to attempt obtaining twenty thousand dollars as an endoNvment for a "Baker Professorship of Mathe- matics." Henceforth Dr. Baker aimed steadily at this; and before his death it was accomplished, as w ill hereafter appear. In April, 1854, he left Iluntsville upon his fifth tour in behalf of the College. "Rome, Georgia, June l(h, 1854. "My dear good Wife — I am preaching here every day, twice, and blessed be God, my labours are still being crowned with a blessing. Our meetings are crowded. I was told that Rome was a hard place, and there never was a revival here ; but, blessed be God, the showers of heavenly grace are now descend- ing. At Talladega there were about twenty precious 44 510 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE soids hopefully converted. I trust we shall have more than that in Rome; and to God shall be all the praise. I have just returned from the church. We had, as I am told, a better attendance than usual, even on the Sabbath. The interest is evidently increasing. Besides my usual message, I had one firom a young lady, who, within some two hundred yards, was very near her end. She said to me, ' Tell them I am dying, or I may be dead; but tell them to get religion, to come to Christ, and not to delay.' And then she exclaimed, 'O, sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus! Come, Jesus, come!' I assure you, that our meeting this morning was one of no common inte- rest. Several will date this day as their starting- point in the race for glory, the commencement of a hfe which shall never end. "Yours, as ever, Daniel Baker." (to the same.) "Dalton, Georgia, June 22d, 1854. "My dear Eliza — I have nothing special to say, but thought I would drop you a line, to let you know I am still alive, and preaching every day with some success, as usual. God be thanked, the meeting here has proved one of great interest; house crowded, and about eighteen persons cherishing, as I trust, ' a good hope through grace.' I have received so many and pressing invitations from churches in this region of country, that I find it difficult to reach Carolina. May the Lord lead me, as a father leads a child. " The people give cheerfully, but not in large sums. Well, every little helps. But I think a lawyer, for REV. DANTEL BAKER, D. Pt. 511 the same amount of speaking, would get ten times as much as I do. But money collected is not the only fruit of my speaking. Some sixty persons, as I hope, have, by my humble instrumentality, been lately put in possession of the one pearl of great price. I am happy in my work; but, I confess, I get now and then a little homesick, and think that this must be my last tour, "Last Sunday night I had, while preaching, one of my ' turns,' and came near falling in the pulpit ; but it was owing, I suspect, to the warmth of the evening, and the excessive crowd. Do not be uneasy ; I am told that there are no symptoms of apoplexy, nothing but a common vertigo. Heaven bless you, one and all! " From the man of silvery locks. Your husband, D^\-NiEL Baker." (to a son.) "Cartersville, Georgia, July Zd, 1854. "I never did like stiff, starched, essaic letters. There is a power in association ; and the mention, in your letters, of all little home matters, gives scope and liveliness to this exercise of the power of associa- tion ; serves to place me in my o^vn domicil, and sur- round me with all the nameless charms of domestic life. AVhy, the mention of the quantity of butter made, the quality of the peaches, and the number and size of the watermelons, would not be wanting in interest. ' Chit-chat, chit-chat,' that is what I like in home letters. This is a kind of substitute for a home visit, and gives an innocent and agreeable 512 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE diversion to my thoughts, amid the graver scenes by which I am surrounded. "While I think of it, I will mention something new, which I saw the other day — a cripple in a kind of chair, running, I think, on three wheels. Behind was a corpulent goat, 'fat as a butter-ball,' with his head pushing at the back of the chair. The goat seemed to be well trained, and performed his part to perfect admiration, pushing, and refraining to push, as his master gave command. I mean, when his master was sober; but sometimes he was not sober, and the goat, prompted by feelings of disgust, would upset the whole concern, and shell his master out. AVell done goat! Daniel Baker." "Rome, Georgia, Atigust2d, 18-54. "My only Wife — For two weeks I have had fever and ague; nevertheless, within the last three weeks we have had three blessed protracted meetings, a week each. Precious meetings indeed they were. Yesterday more than forty attended our inquiry meeting. At Sardis I came pretty near being killed ; thrown from a buggy with great violence. God be • thanked for all his mercies! "In great haste, yours, as ever, Daniel Baker." (to a daughter.) "Andeeson Court House, Auc/ust 19r/(, 1854. " Our meeting at Good Hope lasted some five or six days. As usual, I did all the preaching. Very deliglitful the meeting proved. On inviting the young converts and anxious to go to another place, REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 513 there was quite a rush — some forty or more; and, strano^e to tell, nearly all men. Our meeting here is now in progress, and our prospects for the time as encouraging as in any other place. O how wonderful that God should bless my labours so! You cannot imagine how letters of invitation arc showered upon me. One person told me he had come one hundred and sixty miles to hear me; and so many ministers too from churches all around. On my arrival, the other day, there were no less than some five ministers who came to the car to bid me welcome, and to invite me to visit their churches. I have heard of some four or five ministers who had been brouifht in under my preaching, of whom I knew notliing until within a few weeks past. '" I preach a great deal ; my speaking, I suppose, will average from six to seven hours every day. "When T am not in the pulpit I am upon the floor; and when I am not in the church with the great con- gregation, I am in the lecture-room with inquirers. Sometimes I feel a little jaded, but God seems to renew my strength day by day. I am so much occu- pied, and so frequently interrupted, that I have to write by snatches — so please tear up my letters, or throw them in the fire, when read. Again the church bell is ringing, and I must abruptly close. " Your affectionate father, Daniel Baker." " Greenville Church, South Carolina, September Alh, 1854. " My dear Son — Since coming into this State, I have attended three protracted meetings, of about a week each. God be thanked, all have been blessed; 514 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE Christians greatly revived, and some eighty or ninety souls hopefully converted. A large number are young men. Yesterday I preached to an immense congregation; prospects highly encouraging. Kiss Hartman for me — my only hope for posterity. The carriage is at the door to convey me to the church. " Your affectionate father, Daniel Baker. " P. S. Just returned ; had a delightful time ; great congregation; much solemnity ; very general feeling ; some twelve or more hopefully converted. My speak- ing amounts to some three or four sermons a day ; and this for some three or four months past. Many persons express their astonishment. ' Why, Mr. Baker, how can you stand if? — you can break down six preachers!' I confess it does seem a little strange, but so it is. "When I finish one meeting, I begin another the very next morning ; sometimes the very same evening ! My Master sustains me ; and, is it not written, ' They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength"?' I feel just as strong and lively now as when I entered upon these meetings. Blessed be God ! The people are beginning to give to the College. At two meetings, two hundred dol- lars each ; one, one hundred and eighty dollars ; another, one hundred and thirty dollars. 1 long to return to the bosom of my family. Pressing invita- tions are pouring upon me from all quarters ; more than I can possibly comply with. If I had had such scenes before me when I was a young man ! But I may say as the disciples said, ' It is toward evening, and the day is far spent.' " rev. daniel baker, d. d. 515 (to his wife.) "Liberty Shkinq Chdrch, September <5l)//*, 18oi. "My dear Eliza — I wish to keep square witli the wliole worhl, and thus obey the Apostle's injunction, ' Owe no man any tliiiiij:, but to love one another.' In relation to my ministry and my agency : I have of late been as successful as in my palmiest days in North Carolina last year. For some time past the converts will average thirty-five a week ; and then, the converts are of so interesting a class, chiefly young men and young ladies. Our meetings for a few weeks past have been particularly interesting — one peculiarly so, at a church called Upper Long Cane. This was decidedly the very best we have yet had. There were jarrings before, but during the meeting the jarrings ceased, and there was most delightful harmonious feeling, to the great joy of the elders. O how it gladdened their hearts to see liarmony restored, and some fifty converts rejoicing around them. "The contributions in this church to the CollejTC for one week's labour amounted to upwards of three hundred dollars. The last meeting was at New- berry, where my labours had been greatly blessed some twenty-two years ago. I had so many invita- tions, I thought I could not hold a meeting there this time; but passing through, I preached two or three sermons; upon leaving, I received a written invitation, signed by forty-three young men, urging me not to pass them by. I concluded to accept their invitation. The meeting lasted one week, and closed last Thursday night. It was indeed a most delightful 516 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE meeting — so many of the petitioners were brought in. The last day, when I proposed that all the yomig converts and inquirers should meet me in the lecture-room, some fifty or more hurried to the place. As Chancellor I. was an elder, he was invited to go in also. When he beheld the scene, his heart was melted. He attempted once to speak, and did say some touching things; but his feelings overcame him, and he wept aloud. One of his own sons was present, in the character of a young convert. He gave me one hundred dollars for Austin College. Was not this generous] but it was only after the example of Judge W., of Anderson, who had three sons brought in, and so, as a thank-offering, gave one hundred dollars. My dear E., is it not wonder- ful that the Lord should so greatly bless your old husband, whose scanty locks are becoming more and more silvered with age? " To tell the truth, if encomiums give me pleasure, they give me pain also; for when I go to a new place, how can I meet expectations'? One thing that comforts me is, I make no parade. I speak in a simple, conversational way, and my aim is, not to excite admiration, but to win souls to Christ. " May the Lord bless the College, and protect it from all evil. "Yours, with affection, Daniel Baker." From the same place, three days later, he writes to a son: "If you ask why my preaching is so much blessed, I say again, 'Even so. Father, for so it REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 517 soomcd good in thy si^ht.' But if it will throw any liglit upon the subject, I will tell you that my ])lan is incessantly to preach Christ and him crucitied; and this I do in an earnest, colloquial manner, and, not unfrequently, streaminfij tears attest the sincere and tender feelings of my own heart, aiming at the conversion of sinners. Being earnest and colloquial, I have the more fixed attention ; and to understand the importance of this, take a burning glass, and let the object, at the proper focal distance, remain in a fixed position, and it soon begins to smoke. So the mind, kept in contact with divine truth pouring upon it, soon begins to warm and kindle up. And with regard to the matter of feeling, you know, ' Si vis me flere^ dolendum est primum ipse tibi.^ Now, preaching Christ so much, I keep upon my own mind a more distinct and lively impression of his wonderful love and compassion for our ruined race; and hence I present the matter with more feeling; and hence the effect upon the audience. God is a Sovereign, but he generally works by appropriate means." (to his wife ) "Greenville, October 28th, 1854. "Our meetings are still crowned with a blessing — every meeting— every one! I have attended about twenty protmcted meetings since I left home, and liave preached every sermon save two — three ser- mons a day, on an average, for nearly four months past. The number of converts in all may be about five hundred and fifty, and so many men, and some cases so interesting! But the time would fail to tell 518 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE one-half. Sometimes when I get out of the pulpit, I feel jaded, and coidd almost wish that a brother would take my place; but when I get into the pul- pit again, I feel perfectly fresh. But is not the remarkable success God is pleased to give, enough to impart new life and vigour to any man] I have now only some three or four more engagements, 9.nd then home, sweet home ! It is remarkable that my printed '■Hevival Sermons' should be in such demand." On the margin of the sheet he writes: "My hands are quite hard and rough. I will slap them together in the pulpit, notwithstanding the frequent remon- strances of my daughter." (to his daughter.) "Fairview Church, Nov. (j(h, 1854. "You wish me to write you a long letter once a week. What an unreasonable thing you are ! Per- haps you do not preach as many sermons as I do. Matters are going on pretty much in the old way; only in almost every place more persons have been added to the church than were expected — proving that the work is genuine, and going on. To God be all the praise!" In a note to a son from the same place, two days later, he says: "In one case a father and mother, and twelve children and grandchildren, were brought in. In this place, on Monday, fifteen attended the inquiry meeting ; on Tuesday, thirty-two ; and this morning, sixty-five." REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 519 In tlic course of all his labours it is not known that any one ever cliargcd Ur. 13aker, even in thought, witli arrogating any thing to himself on account of the success God was pleased to giAC him. Nothing could be more clear to his mind at all times, than the simple fact, that he was the merest in- strument in the hand of a Sovereign, who often uses the humblest " earthen vessels" to accom- plish his noblest purposes ; and for this express reason, that " the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us," though it is an Apostle who says it. That all his success was of God alone, was to him nfuct, and a fact in which he rested all his joy and all his confidence during his labours. Even so far as human means are concerned, no one knew better than he how large a part of his suc- cess was owing to the labours of others before him. This has been already alluded to ; and in a letter to the editor of a religious journal, dated Willington, South Carolina, November 22d, 1854, speaking of the brethren in whose churches his labours were so blessed, he says: " I wish no credit to be given to me at the expense of pastors whom I so much respect and love. They are not only men of talents and piety, but efficient men, working men — pastors, in my opinion, of the right stamp, and whom, without an exception, their people love and delight to honour. If the voice of a stranger has wakened a new interest in their cluirches, this is no uncommon thing ; for well do I recollect when I was a pastor myself, how the visit and preaching of another brother would, by 520 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE the grace of God, exert a quickening influence upon myself and the people of my charge, when we our- selves were in a cold and slumbering state. There is something m a new voice, especially, when, for several days in succession, the great truths of Chris- tianity are brought to bear upon the minds of men as the rays of the sun upon an object by the concen- trating power of a burning-glass. If the meetings held recently in several of the Presbyterian churches in this region were ' remarkably blessed,' I ascribe it, under God, in a great measure to the fact, that much good seed had been sown in ground pre- viously well prepared; and also to the cordial and efficient co-operation of pastor and people with the stranger from abroad. And, after all, the whole must be resolved into this — ' Even so. Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.' But if my preaching was crowned with a remarkable blessing, I- believe one reason was this : Bearing in mind that the ' word of God,' and not the word of man, is quick and powerful, I was as a man of one book, and that book the Bible; and taking the hint from an inspired Apostle, I made Jesus Christ, and him crucified, my constant theme. This was certainly Paul's great doctrine ; this was his sharpest sword, his chief battle-axe; and influenced by his example, I seized upon this heavenly-tempered weapon, and wielded it as well as I could. " And here, my brother, permit me, as an old soldier of the cross, to say that after long experience, and close observation, I have come to the settled conclusion, that no doctrine has more power to soften REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 521 the heart and subdue the soul, than this. It is better than all the flowery and fine-spun theories in the world. Indeed, in my opinion, the sermon which does not present the blessed Saviour, is no better than a cloud without water, a shadow without the substance, a casket without the jewel, a body with- out the soul. Yes, it is Christ, and Christ crucified, Avhich gives beauty and efficiency to every thing; and I think it would be well for every minister to remember these words, ' Him that honoureth me, will I honour ; and he that despiseth me shall be lightly esteemed.' According to the Scriptures, in the economy of redemption, Christ is all in all. He is the hiding-place from the wind; and without him there is no covert from the tempest. He is the Saviour of the lost, and without him there is no salvation. "I have been preaching Christ for nearly forty years, and in the contemplation of him I am more and more filled ^vith wonder, admiration, and joy. Perhaps this may have given some new freshness, and power, and unction, and success to my preach- ing. ' O, that all but knew him !' In Christ there is a beauty that is unspeakable; there are wonders which human language cannot describe. If I may say so, in Christ there is an ocean of wonders. For, how wonderful, that he who was so rich, for our sakes became poor — so poor as to have no place to lay his head. How wonderfid, that he who, in heaven, is the Saviour of all, should for our sakes, on earth, become a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief! How wonderful, that lie who is the final Judge, 45 522 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE should himself, for our sakes, in the form of a man, stand condemned at Pilate's bar! How wonderful, that he who is the Lord of glory, should for our sakes be crucified ! How wonderful, that he who is the Prince of Life, should for our sakes be brought under the power of death ! And how wonderful, that he who fills immensity with his presence, should for our sakes, in the form of a man, be laid in Joseph's tomb! This has been the principal theme of all my sermons, and hence what some are pleased to call the 'remarkable success' which has crowned my preaching. And to God be all the praise!" About this time a meeting was held in the place from which this last letter is dated — Willington, South Carolina. A member of the church, writing to a friend soon after, says: " Twenty-two years ago. Dr. Baker held a meeting here. Many were made to rejoice in their Saviour during that meeting, and to this day testify to the goodness and mercy of God; but many are fallen asleep. When it was announced that the same Daniel Baker would again be with us, the news was hailed with rejoicing. Our prayers, that God would direct him to visit us, were answered; and, thanks to our Heavenly Father, the meeting was one of most thrilling interest. The last day, there were over seventy in the inquiry meeting, and about fifty of them professed a hope in Christ; and many enemies were made friends by his instrumentality. 'Blessed are the peace-makers.' It really seems as if the millennium has dawned upon us." REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 523 After his return liome from tliis tour, he thus writes to a son in Austin: "HuNTSViLLK, JanuartjM, 1855. "My dear Son — After more than eight months' absence, I found myself, at last, in the bosom of my family on the 26th ult., in fine health and spirits. Some three hundred young men, during this last tour, professed conversion under your father's preach- ing. I hope that many will be found seeking the sacred office. The revivals in Carolina were so ex- tensive and glorious, that I see in the papers a proposition made that the Tresbytery within whose bounds they occurred, should appoint a special day of thanksgiving. Since I came home, I received a letter, stating that forty-three liad been received into the church, when the whole number supposed to be converted had been put down at thirty-five. I think, then, I do not exaggerate, when I estimate the num- ber, during this last tour, 'made obedient to the faith,' at seven liundred. What a precious harvest this! It is certainly wonderful; but it is, 'Even so. Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.' To God be all, all the praise! "My sheet is crowded. God bless you all! Daniel Baker." It will interest the reader to know the senti- ments entertained, in regard to the man and his labours, by those among whom he mingled during the meetings last«spoken of. One writes at this time: "The llev. Dr. Baker has just left us, after a series of meetings in our churches, whose great and 524 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE unexpected results must for ever remain a memorial of the unfathomable goodness of God. The number of those who are serious and inquiring is upwards of seventy, while some forty of them are now rejoicing in hope of favour and reconciliation. Never has it been our privilege before to witness such a scene in the house of God — ^never, at least, one that gave so many unequivocal evidences of a genuine work. The congregations were most orderly and solemn; no shouting, not an outcry was heard that could pos- sibly beget an artificial or mere sympathetic excite- ment ; and no effort chiefly for such a purpose was once made. Nay, in proportion to the depth of feel- ing pervading the assembly, was the solemnity of its silence. It sometimes appeared as if the Spirit of God was actually brooding visibly upon the people, chastening and subduing their emotions, till almost a breath was audible. The visit and labours of Dr. Baker in our midst have also been greatly blessed in confirming and reanimating the people of God; for surely there is much that is eminently contagious in his warmth of love to the Saviour, gentleness of spirit, and comprehensive charity. All have been encouraged and strengthened, and many long at variance have met once more as brothers." Another thus speaks : " This devoted, indefatigable, and truly eloquent divine, is now conducting in our midst one of those deeply interesting meetings for which he is so justly famous. We had heard much of the Doctor even in boyhood, but not till recently were we favoured with the rare pleasure of witnessing ourselves his peculiar powers as a minister of the gospel. The half was RF.V. DANIEL BAK.EK, D. U. 525 not told us; he is truly an 'old man' more than 'elo- quent ;' and liis strcnn;th consists in much that is infinitely better than the noblest command of lan- Sfuaire : vet even there, when fully "vvarmed with his great Master's work, few living can surpass him. He is eloquent in a faith and an unction that seem to know no ebb; clo(iucnt in a zeal and earnestness that beams in a face whose benignity once looked upon can never be forgotten ; eloquent in a long life of energy and ripe experience that stands without a parallel in the present age, that is only comparable to that of AWsley or AVhiteficld, or the Apostles. AVliat a relief it is — or to use one of his own favourite expressions, ' how delightful' it is to listen to such a man after sitting for years under the less animated and genial, the less practical and more purely argumentative sermonizing generally preva- lent, and in many places sadly distorted from the simplicity of the Saviour, to the stiff, lofty intellect- uality of the modern heroic school. " Dr. Baker's powers are therefore evidently founded in a profound and discriminating knowledge of human nature, which leads him to adapt himself easily in every important j^articular to his audience. Do men love simplicity, especially in matters of great and lasting moment, such as the salvation of the soul \ — he orders his style, his manner, and practical overwhelming logic, with a plainness and simplicity that is trutlifully eloquent, while all is dressed in language whose purity and taste make it classic. Do they love zeal and earnestness of soul in one who woidd ' allure to brighter worlds and lead the way V his sincerity and devotion speak straight to the heart. 45* 526 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE Do they love gentleness and heart-felt sympathy in him who is commissioned to feed his Master's sheep, especially the lambs of the flock 1 the kindly emo- tions of a heart running over with love to his fellow men are manifest in every feature of his face, in every word he utters. In the mysterious providence of God, it is only in long and rare intervals that such men are given to the world, and they always seem to come just in time to re-illustrate the forgotten sim- plicity of truth, and its dignity as well; so came Socrates in the twilight of antiquity, to refute and expose the jargon of false philosophers ; so came Butler in a later day, to vindicate the nature and truthfulness of a nobler philosophy. This is not ful- some praise, it is too true to be such; and it gives us unfeigned pleasure thus to honour a man whom God now honours eminently with his spiritual presence in the conversion of souls, and whose crown hereafter will sparkle with choice jewels." Another thus speaks, looking back upon those meetings from an after period: " No minister of our Church was more beloved by the brethren than this venerable servant of God. No one was more deserving of veneration. A few years since, he spent a few months labouring with the pastors of many of our churches — labouring as suc- cessfully in edifying ministers as in converting souls unto God. And who is there that can look back to the time of his sojourn among us without a feeling of regret that his face will no more be seen among US'? His words, how much like the language of heaven! One might almost have imagined that he was enter- taining an angel unawares, during the intervals of RF.V. DANIEL BAKER, P. D. 527 public worsliip in the house of God. The most thou«i;litk^ss could never avoid the conviction that he was listeninp^ to an ambassador for Christ, while seated in the public sanctuary; and the rude hand of time will never efface the many and salutary im- pressions which his visit has left behind. That was a favoured family who had the privilege of entertain- ing this man of God dining these protracted meet- ings. How many little incidents which then occurred have been again and again related by one and an- other of the same household ; and all tending to show the singleness of aim in this devoted servant of Christ." Still another, relating an incident which occurred in the course of these meetings, remarks: " Dr. Baker was often attacked in his travels by infidels and scoffers at religion. And no man was more successful than he in subduing sucli opponents, con\incing them of the error of their ways, and leading them to Christ. Many who, when they first met with this great and good man, regarded the Bible as a false thing, invented by wicked men, and all who believe in its glorious and sublime doctrines as weak-minded, now give praise to God that he ever sent such a man to them, and blessed his earnest preaching and heart-touching conversation to their conversion. " There is one instance in which he was the means of the instantaneous conviction, and we trust, the true conversion, of one who habitually and openly ridiculed the religion of Jesus and liis people. Dr. Baker had been preaching at the place referred to for several days, and a revival of religion followed. 528 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE Tliis mocker of all that is holy went to the meeting on purpose to seek for something for which he might deride him, and those who were then led to see their danger, and to fly to the 'Rock of ages' for safety, under his powerful preaching. The services of the day had commenced when he entered the church. He took his seat in front of the pulpit. All was silence save the voice of the preacher proclaiming the conditions of eternal life to that dying assembly, and the groans that would now and then escape from some agonizing penitent. It seemed that that was indeed the house of God, and that the Holy Spirit was there working in the hearts of the people. The engaging manner of Dr. Baker soon attracted and riveted his attention. The awful truths preached that day soon aroused his sleeping conscience, and convinced him of sin. His hard heart was softened, and the stem, the notorious scoffer, was subdued to tears. The man of God descended from the sacred desk, bringing the word of life with him, entered into conversation with the weeping man, and showed him that if he only would repent and come to Christ, he would forgive all his sins and save him. He who had always before left the house of worship with a sneer of derision on his proud lips, on that day left an humble penitent, weeping aloud as he rode away. He found peace in the wounds of a sacrificed Saviour — became a minister of the gospel in the Baptist denomination — led a consistent and useful Christian life — and from that day forward found his greatest delight in the fellowship of those whom before he had despised." "I have heard more finished orators" — remarks REV. DANIEL BAKER, D D. 529 one, concorniiiii: liis preacliing at this time — "men wliom it was more pleasant to hear; but I have sel- dom heard an orator who made his hearers inider- stand him better, or who gave them less room, or less occasion, in fact, to dodge the conclusions to which he came. lie is composed, and thoroughly in earnest. He seems himself to follow the track along which he leads you, to be practising his own precepts, and few are inclined to oppose a rebellious spirit to his teachings. It is the distinctive feature of his preaching, that he speaks not to a conception of his hearers, but to his hearers. Men have no time or opportunity to hand his admonitions over to their neighbours. Each is made to feel that he himself is the object, and that then and there, in view of the hopes of heaven and powers of hell alone, and upon his own responsibility, he must accept them or reject them." The following letter to a son cannot fail to interest. "HuNTSViLLE, September Glh, 1855. My dear son W. — Although as yet I have re- ceived no answer to my last, yet will I write, espe- cially as I have some pleasing intelligence to com- municate. I have been on a mission to the Austin family, and my mission has been successful. They have agreed to endow a Professorship in Austin Col- lege, by deeding lands to the amount of twenty thousand — it may be, twenty-five thousand dollars. The Professorship is to be named after an only and beloved sister, Eliza Perry. I told the brothers that I left the amount to them, but the more princely the 530 LIFE AND LABOURS OP THE endowment, the greater would be the honour con- ferred on their sister. Moreover, the 'heirs' have turned over the claims of their uncle, Stephen F. Austin, on the late Republic of Texas, to our noble institution. I have conversed with a number of old Texans and others, and I find that the subject wakes up positive enthusiasm. So 1 think we shall cer- tainly gain something by it. "Another thing I must tell you is this: Mr. Guy Bryan has made the College a donation of a splen- did painting, a fine likeness of Stephen F. Austin, large as life. It cost three hundred dollars. He had two painted by an English artist; one was designed for the Senate chamber, the other for the House of Representatives, at Austin: but one has been given to our College. A fine present this. It will be a fine and very appropriate adornment to our College chapel. Daniel Baker." After each absence from home, on his return he enjoyed greatly the quiet pleasures it afibrded. For months he would enter with zest into its enjoyments. When not engaged in his study, he would be out in the field, the garden, the yard, with hoe and spade, hammer and saw, working with an energy which was his nature. No one could enjoy the familiar inter- course of the household more than he. Nevertheless, he had too long led an active life to rest contented at home. Like a mariner on shore, whose heart still heaves to the motion of the recent sea, whose blood still courses to the swift sailing, with favouring gales and over smooth seas, of the ship from which he has REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 531 landed — so with the subject of this Memoir. Sooner or later he became restless in the narrower and lesser routine of life at home. In a few months after eacli return, the hand of his Master would lead him out again, a willing servant, to engage with fresh zeal in labours abroad. The remark was often made in regard to Dr. Baker — how higli he would have risen, had he gone from the outset into political life, instead of the pidpit. What a millionaire he would have become as a merchant. Let the truth be spoken. No, it is not so. It was the religion of Jesus Christ which, in almost every sense of the word, made him the man he was. We have seen that his childhood was moidded in a community peculiarly religious. We \ have seen, too, that while yet a boy, the Saviour ^passing by, had laid his hand upon his head, and bade him follow. In rising to follow this Master, he attained a larger manhood than he would ever other- wise have kno^vn. The knowledge of Christ elevated, expanded, and strengthened his intellect as nothing else could have done. It was the love for Christ, and the consequent love for his fellow-men, which enlarged, invigorated, and lent a swifter heat to his heart. Intellect, heart, even bodily frame, received from God the Holy Ghost a supernatural develop- ment and quickening. It was "the knowledge of the Son" which caused him to grow, so far as he did grow, " unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Had he remained unregenerate, he would never, in any pursuit in life, have risen, as a man, to the rank of manhood he did attain as a servant of Christ. No other object what- 532 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE ever could have aroused him to the energy he dis- played in striving for the salvation of souls. No conceivable motive could have "constrained" him as did "the love of Christ." What duty was to Wellington, glory to Napoleon, love of country to Washington, the love of Christ was to him, as it was to Paul, and as it is to all servants of Christ, according to their measure of faith. This was the effectual antidote to him, against being in the least "puffed up" by the success of his preaching. He was not such a novice as to forget for an instant, that in whatever degree he excelled, it was solely and only the Spirit of God working in and by him ; and this effectually cures any tendency on the part of those who loved and esteemed him most, to exalt him above measure. Place beside him the least successful minister in the Church — in whatever degree he excelled that minister, who can be so blind as not to know, that it was simply because a sovereign God had given to the one a larger measure of the Holy Spirit than to the other 1 Our wonder is not at the man, but at the wonderful working of the Holy Ghost in him and by him. Wherever settled as a pastor, his studies were pursued with characteristic ardour. He spared no pains in writing and re-writing his discourses. His familiar letters are the only papers from his hand upon which he did not bestow the most elaborate labour; and even these are singularly neat — never a blot, scarcely ever an interlineation even — for it had become a second nature to do his very best, at what- ever he put his hand. It need not be said, that in his study, the Bible was his chief book. While BEV. DANIEL BAKER, D.D. 533 attacliing the hif]^licst value to theological training, so far as that training made the word of Glod and hnnian nature a subordinate study, he regarded it as an evil. Next to the 15ible, he 'prized "Baxter's Saint's Rest," for devotional reading; but he was a rapid reader of whatever bore in any way upon his profession. For all forms of metaphysics he had a positive aversion. As to studying the elaborate works of infi- dels against Christianity, he occasionidly attempted it; but his patience would always fail. With him it was worse than as if he shoidd stand at high noon, and, with the meridian splendour of the sun blazing full upon tlie page, read an argument proving that there is no sun. He was not philosophic enough for the task. Of religious poetry he was very fond. In regard to fiction, he was never known to read a novel in his life. Once a friend met him in the street, his arms filled with the novels of Sir Walter Scott, which he had borrowed, and was bearing home. In answer to some exclamation of surprise — "You know I preach against novel reading," he replied, "and really I ought to see for myself what they contain." He never began the second chapter, however, of the first volume. During the visit of Dickens to this country, his curiosity being excited by the enthusiasm aroused, he attempted to read " Oliver Twist;" it was a task, and an uncompleted one. By temperament fond of wonder and excitement, yet the wonders of romance were small with him in comparison to the awful and eternal realities upon which his mind so habitually dwelt ; the " thrilling scenes" of the novelist, even 46 534 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE had they been tme, were tame to the scenes -with which he was so conversant. The sister, weeping on the shoulder of the converted brother; the pious elder rejoicing in' the conversion of a son, perhaps dissipated ; the hoary-headed mother, clasping to her aged bosom her child who had long wandered from the household of faith ; the pious husband exulting in the conversion of his wife, or she receiving the long-hoped fruit of many tears and prayers in the conversion of her husband; the inexpressible joy of the young convert in the first clear dawning upon the soul of the Sun of Righteousness; or the joy of a whole church, perhaps long distracted by feuds and barren of fruit, in the outpouring upon it of the Holy Ghost. As to the moral reformation of the world, written after so much of late by novelist, politician, and poet, his belief was a very plain and simple one, summed up in few words — ^first, " The heart is deceitfid above all things, and desperately wicked," and, as such, doomed to eternal ruin ; second — the one remedy for this is the blood of Christ, and the regenerating and sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. There is no use of disguising the fact, he was a man of one book, the Bible ; of one idea, the salvation of men by a cru- cified Saviour ; of one occupation and object in life, the making known, as he was enabled of God, this salvation to men. And here was the secret of his enthusiasm in regard to the College, an enthusiasm which aroused more than the ardour and energy of youth in the man of three-score years. His leading object, thought, and hope, in regard to the College was, that thereby young men might be better quali- REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 535 fied to serve God out of the ministry if not called, but especially in the ministry, if called of God. Young men of piety and promise had no peace, when in his reach, until they had prayerfully considered whether or not it was their duty to serve God as ministers of the gospel. To a father who sought his advice in regard to such a son, he replied, " I would give him the necessary education if I had to live upon corn bread and cold water three times a day!" Toward young ministers he had a warm feel- ing ; and he was of opinion that such could greatly benefit themselves, as well as advance the cause of Christ, by spending, when practicable, the first years of their ministry upon the frontier ; the domestic missionary work he regarded as an admirable school for the pastorate. But we have been drawn insensibly into this di- gression. About the 1st of February, 1856, he left Huntsville upon his sixth tour on behalf of the Col- lege, and to attend the General Assembly. During this trip his labours were greatly blessed at various to\vns in Louisiana and Alabama. He writes during this tour as follows : "TusKEGEE, Alabama, May 6(h, 185C. " My dear Wife — No letter from home yet ! But I hope to receive a large number a few days hence, for I shall probably reach Augusta to-morrow night or next morning, when I calculate on a feast, made more deliglitful by long abstinence. "Well, I have been sick again; so sick, indeed, that I had to recall some of my appointments, and was in bed all day last Sabbath. Truly I have been 536 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE labouring in the vineyard a long time ; and as the hireling longs for the shadows of the evening that he may have repose, so it is with me. I think I can truly say, I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Last Sabbath, I think if the physician had said to me, as one did to Mr. Walton, ' It will soon be over,' I think I would have ex- claimed with him, ' Good news ! — good news ! But I confess, that if God please, I would rather breathe my last breath in the bosom of my dear family. I know I am a poor, imperfect creature, but I do not know that I shall ever be better prepared for my long home than I now am. But in relation both to the time and the manner of my death, I hope I shall always be able to say, The will of the Lord be done. Daniel Baker." "New York, May Vo'.h, 1856. " My Dear Wife — This is the day for the meet- ing of the Assembly; the members are pouring in rapidly. I think, after this, the College must get another agent; I find that the object is by no means a popular one. More must be done at home. After the meeting of the Assembly I purpose to do what I can in New York and Philadelphia, and then try what I can do in Virginia. God bless you, my dear Eliza, and the rest. Affectionately, Daniel Baker." «'New York, May 16th, 1856. "My own Daughter — The Assembly convened yesterday. Two hundred and thirty-two members were enrolled the first day — the second, two hundred REV. DANTKL BAKF.R, P. D. 537 and fifty. A large Assembly, truly, llev. Dr. Rice preached the opening sermon, from 2 Tim. iv. 1, 2. A very fine sermon it was. Dr. McFarland was elected Moderator. My name was nominated, but at my special request it was withdrawn. "I am to preach for Dr. P. next Sabbath, and for Dr. A. the Sabbath after. I have received more invitations than I can attend to. Some of the saluta- tions whicli I receive from ministers from various quarters are touching. I believe that many do love me. Well, my daughter, the Board have caught at the idea of publishing my Address to Children — title, ' Daniel Baker's Talk to Little Children.' It is going to be a pretty little book, with appropriate cuts. The new edition of my 'Revival Sermons' is now in press. The edition now called for is three thousand — making in all nine thousand copies. I never dreamed of such a demand. May God make the work a blessing to many, even when the hand which wrote the sermons shall be mouldering in the grave. " Your own dear father, Daniel Baker!" "New York, May 31a/, 185G. " My dear Sox — We have had a most delightful meeting of the Assembly; every thing perfectly har- monious. On Saturday last, both Assemblies were treated to an excursion to Randal's and Blackwcll's Islands, to see the benevolent Institutions located there. A veiy pleasant excursion it was; and on Monday afternoon we had another excursion (I mean 46* 538 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE those of our o"\^tl Assembly) to Greenwood Cemetery. Some thirty carriages were kindly provided for our accommodation. Both excursions were made more interesting by speeches, singing, &c. I was called upon, but having a bad cold, declined. Dr. Lord has invited me to go to Buffalo, and I think I will go. With regard to my success as an agent, there has been nothing to boast of The Legislature of Texas must render aid, or * * * " From the old man of silvery locks, Your father, Daniel Baker." After the adjournment of the Assembly, Dr. Baker held meetings in various places in New Jersey, Vir- ginia, and North Carolina, with the usual blessing of God upon his labours. In his letters at this period, he speaks with peculiar feeling, of meetings at which he had been present, in Hampden Sydney College, and in the University of North Carolina, at each of which institutions about twelve students made pro- fession of religion. This gave him special pleasure; for, covetous for the increase of the cause of his be- loved Master, with the eye of faith, he would reckon up the souls to be converted hereafter, by the labours of each educated youth — counting upon and rejoicing in the success of those labours in advance. It was a pleasure to witness his joy in the conversion of a youth of piety and promise — it was a joy, not only as over one sinner, but of multitudes of sinners saved. It is thus that he expresses himself, in a letter to REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 539 Dr. C. C. Jones, during the meetings in South Carolina. " You recollect, brother Jones, that in my sermon before the General Assembly last spring, I stated, in enipliatic terms, that ' we must have more ministers,' and that my heart was towards the young men of our land, as Deborah said that her heart was towards the governors of Israel, who offered themselves willingly. Well, at the commencement of every protracted meet- ing which I lield, I mentioned distinctly that the ' harvest was great and the labourers few,' and ' we must have more preachers.' And as we did not wish any one to enter the ministry unconverted, we must set our hearts upon the conversion of young men. And as for myself I was determined to make a dead- set upon this class in particular ; and lo ! already, God has granted the desire of our hearts. A little army of young men are already gatliered around the standard of the cross ; some of whom, I do hope, will soon be numbered amongst the heralds of salvation. Indeed, some, I am told, have already had their attention strongly turned that way. I trust we shall have at least one tithe. " Nearly all who have professed conversion have, by their respective pastors, been added to the com- munion of our church. Last Sabbath I beheld a beautiful sight — twenty young converts seated toge- ther at the table of the Lord ; and the Sabbath before, a sight still more beautiful — one whole table filled up with young disciples, fifty in number! and amongst tliem so many prominent men, and lovely and pro- mising }'oung men ! O, it was a scene of thrilling interest, well worth a journey of a hundred miles. 540 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE Nay, more; well worth an angel's visit from the skies. To God be all, all the praise ! Do, brother Jones, get many of our venerated and beloved pastors, evangelists, and missionaries, to say 'we must have more ministers.' Remember what I told you in Charleston, and what, of course, you knew before, that of seventy churches in the Synod of Alabama, thirty are not supplied; and that, in Texas, we have not more than about one minister of our communion to five counties. Our standard bearers are falling, and the number of candidates are decreasing. Only think of that ! Something must be done. Do sound the tocsin of alarm, and let all who love our Zion come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. In other words, adopt some method of sending this saying, 'we must have more ministers,' through the churches, Hke thunder echoing among the mountains. I think that pastors and missionaries should take more interest in this matter. Pious and promising youth should be sought out and encouraged to enter the ministry. ' Full many a gem of purest ray serene The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear, Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its fragrance on the desert air.' " Do not misunderstand me. I am not for urging any young man, however talented, to enter upon the sacred office ; but there is a certain kind of encoiu-- agement that might very properly be given, and ought to be given, to youths who bid fair to be useful in the ministry. And here I would simply make this remark — if I had not met with some encourage- ment (so far as I can see) I would never have entered upon the sacred office." REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 541 He was at all times ca^or, years after any success- ful nieetiuf]:, to leani in regard to the firmness of the converts; and those wlio are familiar with the results of meetings at which he assisted, well know liow very rarely he had cause for soitow herein. But for the reason spoken of, in regard to young men brought in of God by his means, especially, he could say with the Apostle, "Now we live if ye stand fast in the Lord," Hence, and it is natural, his gratitude, too, is most excited on hearing of ministers converted by his instrumentality. In this sense, with the utmost feeling of his mere instru- mentality, he would rejoice to know of his "spiritual children," and even more still of his "spiritual grandchildren;" loving these, as is common in the earthly relation, with a love even purer and more tender than the others. Bear in mind the miUti- tudes of men and women made by his labours, under God, so many separate centres — as citizens, friends, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers — of saving influences in their day, and down all after days. Then add to this the host of those brouo:ht in under his preaching, and afterward — as Professors in College and Seminary, as authors, as editors, as ministers in all branches of the Church — so blessed of God in their day, and do^^Tl all generations after — who can calculate the power thus put forth by the Almiglity, through the medium of even one indivi- dual, nothing in himself? There is in this the infi- nity as well as the glory and the bliss of eternity. Do not even Gabriel and Michael look up to such an office as this with holy envy? And what joy to wear in heaven a crown so sparkling with souls — a joy, not 542 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE in the wearing the crown, but in the having such a crown to lift from the brow, and cast at the foot of the throne, exclaiming to him who fills it, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power!" During this whole tour the health of Dr. Baker was not so strong as usual. Yet, if he did not now at all times mount up on wings as eagles, he never- theless ran, and was not weary, walked and was not faint. For the last time he crossed the Gulf for Texas. In the "Old States" his well-known face will be seen, his familiar voice will be heard no more. It was a broad field, and for thirty-eight years had he toiled in it an ordained minister of Jesus Christ. East, west, north, south — over almost all parts of it — sowing the good seed along most of its furrows, on stony soil and good, summer and winter, seed time and harvest too, he had laboured in his Master's cause and in his Master's strength. His work therein is done. Although he thinks not so, he leaves this field as the day-labourer withdraws toward his home at the close of the day. Some little work for Him he loves remains for his hands to do at home — but little more, and then — heaven. Taken quite sick on his arrival at Houston, in Texas, he stepped from the stage at his own door in Huntsville, during the first week of December, 1856, more wearied from his labours than ever before. " I remained in office as President of the College," he says in his autobiography, "until January 7th, 1857, when I resigned the office of President, in order that I might give myself up wholly to the work REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 543 of the ajjcncv, and" — such is the hist line of his autohiograpliy. Turning to his letters home, it is found that from this period he toils for the College, with the same energy which had not faltered since his first concep- tion of the institution for an instant; but now the field of his toil is narrowed down to Texas. The following letter is not only characteristic of the man, but shows how the Institution of his heart is appre- ciated in Texas, as well as in the older States. "IIuNTSViLLE, May 30th, 1857. "My dear Son — Last Saturday I returned from an agency tour of about five weeks in East Texas. I preached nearly sixty sermons. We had some pre- cious meetings; about sixty persons awakened, of whom perhaps twenty or twenty-five were hopefuUy converted. I received about one hundred dollars in cash, and subscriptions to the endowment, something more than fifteen hundred dollars. Is not this doing pretty well for an old man operating in Texas ; and that, too, just after Jack Frost had been committing such aNvful ravages in the field, the garden, and the forest"? But I have still something better to men- tion, and something which I think will surprise you. The Trustees of the College, at their meeting in January last, sold the remainder of the 'Wilberger tract,' (about two thousand acres,) to Messrs. J. C. and S. R. Smith, of this place, for five thousand dollars. After the deed was made out and eveiy thing done in legal order, Mr. Sorley made me a proposition, in writing, to this effect, that if J. C. and S. R. Smith woidd cancel the engagement, he would 544 LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE give fifteen thousand dollars for the land. This astonished me. I immediately went to the Smiths, and without letting them know anything about the proposition made, I asked them if they were not willing to let us off. 'No.' 'Well, but,' said I, 'I will give you one thousand dollars to let us off.' 'No.' They were satisfied, and did not wish to give up the land. I then showed them Mr. Sorley's written proposition. They opened their eyes. They marvelled, and knew not what to say. I then made as powerful an appeal as I possibly could to their magnanimity. 'Now,' said I, 'gentleman, by a kind Providence you have been placed in a situation in which you can virtually give ten thousand dollars to Austin College, without taking one dime from your capital. And what a reputation it will give you — a reputation most enviable, and founded upon a rock of granite. It would be better than if you had given us outright a check upon New York for ten thousand dollars. And only think how it would aid me in pleading with other men in behalf of Austin College! Moreover, gentlemen,' continued I, 'if I were not principled against dancing, it would make me dance for joy.' 'Well,' they replied, they would 'take the matter into consideration, and let me know their decision before long. Day before yesterday I received a written communication from them, con- taining the following words : ' We agree to re-convey said land, provided the same can be sold for seven dollars and fifty cents per acre, as stated. In re-con- veying said land, we are well apprized that we sur- render that which would result very profitably to us. At the same time, we cannot resist our great desire REV. DANIEL BAKER, D. D. 545 to sec Austin rollo