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MEMOIR OF REV. THOMAS BALDWIN, D. D.

Late Pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Boston.

OUR Number for October con- || know how extensive was the circle tained a brief obituary notice of the Rev. THOMAS BALDWIN, D. D. late senior Editor of the American Baptist Magazine, and Pastor of the Second Baptist Church in this city. In compliance with the intimation there given, it has now become our pleasing yet melancholy duty to present to the public, a more extended account of his life, character, and writings.

of friends to whom the subject of our Memoir was known, how deep and how affectionate was the interest which he never failed to awaken in those who approached him, and that every one will expect us to give to the picture, the living, breathing loveliness of the original; and we well know that to do this will be impossible. There was in Dr. Baldwin's countenance a pecuRarely has it been our duty to liar charm of expression, which no record the personal history of a painter ever succeeded in transferman so extensively known, so uni- ring to the canvas. And there was versally respected, or so tenderly in his mind a striking combination beloved. Rarely does it fall to the of varied excellence, which every lot of an individual to fill so many one has felt, but which we despair and so important stations in the of being able to recal to definite religious world, and to fill them all or even to vivid recollection. We so meekly and yet so ably. A shall only therefore humbly atname so unsullied has not often tempt to lay before our readers been written on the tomb, nor has what we have been able to collect a patriarch often been gathered to of his history and what we have his fathers amid so wide spread a observed of his character, sincereburst of filial lamentation. Underly regretting that the task had not such, circumstances we are well fallen into abler hands. aware how difficult is the task which The Rev. THOMAS BALDWIN was our situation at present imposes born in Bozrah, Connecticut, Dec. upon us. Well might we shrink 23, 1753, and was the only son of from it, were it not our duty. We | Thomas and Mary Baldwin, both JAN. 1826.

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natives of the same place. Of the early history of his family, but little is known. It may, however, be observed, that his father was attached to the military service, and rose to distinction in the then Colonial army. He died whilst his son was an infant.

The family of his mother was remarkable for talent. She was one of eleven sisters, all of whom were distinguished for unusual acquirements, and for powerful intellect. She was also a woman of eminent piety; and it is to her early instructions that the church of Christ is indebted for much of the usefulness of that son, whom from a child she brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

one of his hands was disengaged, it was occupied with a book. By these habits of incessant application, he very early acquired a stock of valuable though miscellaneous information, which, combined with strong powers of original thinking, seemed in youth to mark him out for unusual eminence.

At this time, the advantages of education were much less extensively enjoyed in New-England than at present. Schools were more rare, and the mode of instruction palpably defective. As a proof of this, it need only be remarked, that when Dr. Baldwin removed to Canaan, N. H. where he afterwards resided, he was generally selected on the Sabbath to read a sermon to the people who assembled for public worship, because he was the only young man in the town who was sufficiently educated to perform this service acceptably. The mention of this fact is sufficient to show how strong must have been his early bias towards intellectual improve

It cannot be expected that much should be recollected of the early history of a man, who has outlived so many of the companions of his childhood. So far as any thing, however, can be known, the traits of character for which he was in manhood remarkable were very early developed. From very infan-ment. cy, his temper was noticed for its unruffled serenity. His mother used to observe, that never did she but in one single instance know him to betray any signs of impatience; and when on this occasion she expressed her surprise, he instantly replied, "Mother, I am not angry."

Another trait for which his childhood was distinguished, was love of justice. Even in his boyish sports, he was always the enemy of oppression, controlling the strong and supporting the weak. And yet this sway was exercised so mildly, that among the playmates of his infancy he obtained the blessing of a peacemaker.

He very early discovered a taste for reading. Not only did he devote every leisure moment to the improvement of his mind, but also consecrated to this object the hours of labour. Whenever his employments were of such a nature that

It will tend to show how soon the most striking traits of his character were exhibited, if we add, that those who knew Dr. Baldwin in youth have remarked, that he was then peculiarly noticed for the sprightliness of his wit. Though always innocent and always unoffending, it was frequently pungent, and always in point. Those who were in the habits of familiar intercourse with him, will well remember that rich vein of most playful good humour, which was at times discoverable until his latest day.

When Dr. Baldwin was about 16 years of age, his mother, who was now the second time married to a very worthy and pious man by the name of Eames, removed to Canaan, New-Hampshire. He removed with the family; and this became for several years the place of his residence. The town was yet unsettled, and the waggons which transported their necessary baggage