Oliver Baker 1822 (1826-1834)

itating the question whether you had better go to Andover, N. Haven or Princeton. I am glad you are going into the ministry as I regard that the most important and itneresting of all the professions of men. But it is a great thing to perform its duties so as to have a conscious void of offense towards God and towards man. Andover and Princton both stand very deservedly high, and I should not be very solicitous in the selection between them for a friend of mine. Of the N. Haven Theological school I find it more difficult to speak definitely. We spent about a week there last winter and met with every mark of attention not only from our old friends and pupils but also from the resident gentlemen and from Dr Taylor. This, together with what we had read before gave us a pretty fair opportunity to judge of all that was peculiar in N.H. Theology. I deem it proper to say that I formed a very exalted opinion of Dr T - as a gentleman, a scholar & a Christian. I do not regard his writings or his preaching as containing any thing heretical, and on some points, I thought he had succeeded in ridding Divinity of some objections which had been founded on mispprehensions of the moral government of God. But after all religion has intrinsick difficulties in regard to some of its more obstruse doctrines, which no human exertions can remove, and the most labored attempts at removing them, will only change

their position. This is my opinion, and here I think Dr Taylor has failed. He has attempted too much. I cannot now go into details, but should I chance to see you I will tell you more about the subject. At the same time I wholly disapprove the conduct of some, who have misrepresented his views and injured his character.

In respect to myself, I have only to say that I am no preaching in this place, where I expect to remain a few weeks longer but where I shall then go, is uncertain. I have devoted myself to the work and do not intend to turn aside from it, but to what destination it may lead me, I cannot tell. I think you for the interest you have ever manifested in our family, hope you will write to us, often and visit us when you can. It would afford me great pleasure to see you. There is nothing especially new in this part of the world.

I am yours, sincerely

J. Clermont.

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Andover School Semy. July 20, 1851

Brother Baker

I have delayed writing you longer than I had intended, but have been prevented by unavoidable circumstances. I wrote you from Utica, enclosing $2,00 which I hope you received.

What I have to say of this Seminary may be comprised in a few words. I think the first year may be spent very profitably here, in the study of Hebrew, & in the exegesis of the Bible, a proper attention to Hebrew will secure sufficient knowledge to enable one to go on afterwards with ease. I find my own knowledge sufficient to enable me to read the Psalms, with the aid of a lexicon & commentary, with very little difficulty & with great pleasure. I expect to finish them this term, by reading an hour or two daily. - The other sources of improvement besides the regular studies are numerous; such as the Sabbath School, in which most of the students have classes; evening meetings among the people in the town & vicinity, Societies in the Seminary - at the Soc. of Enquiry, which meets once a month, & a public dissertation is read. In this society there are various committees, with some of which most of the students are connected. This society is a means of much valuable information respecting the State of the world, especially of heathen nations. The Rhetorical Soc. meets weekly for debate, declamation &c. like the Societies in College - & once a month has a public meeting in the Chapel. The Sabbath School & Bible Class association is an interesting thing - & the "Society for Enquiry respecting revivals" which has been recently formed, promises much good.

As for the second year, I do not think it is employed here in all respects in the

most profitable means. Still there is much opportunity to become acquainted with the doctrines of religion. The Library is valuable, & open twice a week for books, & every day for reading. Dr Woods' Lectures on some subjects are valuable - on others I do not think they are so important for those who expect to labour out of N. England. I consider it however a priviledge to attend them, & do not at all regret having stayed here this year. If you come here, perhaps you will be so well pleased as to remain here the second year. The third year I have little to say about. It seems by all accounts to be of less value than it might & ought to be. I expect to leave for New Haven in the fall. Not because I think Dr Taylor is correct in all his sentiments. I am very far from thinking so, & believe that if he goes on as he has begun, he will land no where but in [Arminionism?]. Still I wish to hear his course of Lectures. He has some things very valuable, & perhaps where he comes to explain his views fully, they will be less objectionable than in some respects they now appear. Griggs is going next year to Princeton, & I expect to be there part of next year my self.

On the whole I think that one year at least at this seminary is very desirable for any person who expects to preach the Gospel. He gains more in enlargement of mind & general information than he would at any other seminary that I know of.

I hope you will write me soon, & let me know about your school how long you expect to continue in it &c. & any thing interesting respecting the western part of the country. We have various opportunities of hearing about the western States from persons who are travelling from those quarters so that we can obtain a pretty accurate idea of the state of things there before we go out, if such is our expectation. We have a "Western Association"