Oliver Baker 1822 (1826-1834)

Oliver Baker $174. Aug: 22. 1825

Andover June 1826.

Dear Sir

Some time since we received a letter from you which was of a gratifying nature inasmuch as it spoke of your own prosperity and your good will to us. I should have returned an answer before now, had a convenient opportunity of sending it presented. As it is, I have concluded to write not knowing exactly when or how I shall send it; it is hardly worth sending by mail. It was a pleasing circumstance that you lived with us, in such a manner that we can think of you now and hereafter with satisfaction. There are many things about this place the mere mention of which would doubtless be interesting to you, but as I know not where to begin, I shall say nothing of them. I saw Crocker in Boston a few days ago. He is about the same old sixpence. Dix

has been sent away from Dartmouth for ilness &c and is now in Boston. Our school is not so full as last year. In other respects about the same. Stacker you know, took your place and there is a gradual progress in our little territory from year to year, especially - the young [finit?] [treet?]. what we miss you most in, is the scolding of butchers and shoemakers for their tardiness. You remember, when you were here, I never spoke to you personally on the subject of religion. It was not because I think it unimportant, as because direct conversation is not useful. It was partly because I am too prone in this respect to neglect my duty, and partly because indirect instruction and occasional prints have often appeared to me, better adapted to produce a salutary and permanent impression, than continual counsel and meaning. To one of discreet years, it is perhaps as well to learn the worth of religion from the conduct of ot hers as from direct ap-

peal to the heart. They both alike show where the weight of one's influence is cast and example is more powerful than precept. Without the former the latter is vain and still I know that the latter should accompany the former. You know what is necessary to qualify you for the greatest amount of usefulness on earth and happiness in heaven. Allow me to say, that if you should get through college without fixing your religious character, it will be a serious matter to you and may have a greater [?] your future interests than you can possibly conceive. There seemed but little wanting to make you what you should be, but that little may be all to you, as respects your cause of life and perhaps your destiny. We shall always be glad to hear from you as to see you. Write when you have opportunity. Mrs. C. sends respects.

I am yours &c J. Clement.

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