BakerOliver18320228_003

The next field in Theology is Metaphysics. To prove that the doctrines of all
the books of the bible nowhere clash with each other - that those doctrines are all
consistent with human reason as far as reason goes and above all to prove that
the same doctrines are consistent with and establish the perfect excellence of God
is a study of vast magnitude and importance. Dr Woods I understand gives
his pupils perfect liberty to take the side of the infidel against him. They say that
his reasoning is founded in principles so acknowledged by all that they cannot be
overthrown. The third study of this profession is Ecclesiastical history. The fourth
sacred eloquence. Then comes the actual preaching of the gospel, an employment as
delightful to him whom whole souls is given away to Christ, as it must be dull and
loathsome to the man who has no other object but to gain human applause and get
a livelihood. Will a kind providence permit me and enable me to be one of the
former characters or show me that I ought not to meddle with sacred things
There is one advantage of preaching over the profession of the law which consists
in continually dwelling on the causes of the happiness and unhappiness of the human
mind, and the physician who has as he thinks himself once experienced an alleviation
of his disease and is applying the same prescription continually
for others will be more likely than other men to avail himself of the remedy
again. There is I know occasion enough for the proverb Physician heal
thyself but after all there is enjoyment in contemplating those [?] subjects
which it is a preachers duty to exhibit to his people. Prof. Fitch [?]
been made twice happy to study & preach those incomparably fine sermons
which he threw his whole soul in the delivery of them. I have just [?]
the national Intelligencer the division as given by Marshal of the [?]
Worcester versus State of Georgia. It is so conclusive that I am altogether
nonplused in my attempts to decide what will be the result. Will the tiger
quit his prey when he has once tasted of the blood. I have never seen the
country in such perilous condition as at present. Clayton of Georgia
says his state will never submit untill she becomes a howling wilderness.
It appears to me as probable that you might go and stand in the
Merrimack and bid the waters reeturn to Newhampshire as to call the
people of Georgia to a quiet submission on this point. I have not heart another
word from home. Think I shall go home in May if I am well. Would that I could
meet you I never wanted to see you more than now. Hope we shall meet
sometime but it cannot be at present. I have written this letter at
almost as many sittings as there are sentences in it and it is too
bad to send but cannot write again. Shall expect you to write to me
as soon as you receive your salary if you conclude to send it by me
I dont know that I shall be here in the vacation. Yours Affectionately

Oliver Baker