preachers of the Ohio conference the blessing of sanctification which I have so long enjoyed and preached to others, sustains me now." He then took a most solemn and affectionate leave of his beloved wife-took her in his arms and assured her that God would take care of her. He then fondly embraced his three children and committed them all, and also many friends present into the hands of God. He suffered much during the night, but was very happy, patient, and resigned. On Saturday morning, his last day on earth, he had their youngest child, Thomas Tavenor, brought into his room and consecrated to God in holy baptism. He then felt his work was all done, and he waited for the coming of his Lord with great joy; after giving up once more all his family into the hands of God, and asking a blessing upon them. He then talked to all present and longed to depart and be at He was 66 more than conqueror."

rest.

"His hope was full,

O glorious hope of immortality."

THE DYING SCENE.

295

In this joyful state of mind he continued all day. The evening shades were coming quickly, while the sands of life were ebbing fast. At length the hour of his departure came, and he called his weeping wife to his bed, and gave her his dying blessing, and besought her not to grieve over his departure. He then blessed each of his children and comImitted them all once more to the care of his heavenly Father, and prayed for all who were present. Rev. Mr. Austin remarks: "The scene was deeply solemn and affecting. I had never witnessed anything like it before. His death was truly TRIUMPHANT." When the last moment arrived, brother Austin approached him and said, "Mr. Baldwin, we think you are just on the verge of eternity-How is it with you now? IS ALL WELL NOW?" He instantly raised his dying hand and said in a distinct voice, "Victory! victory!! Glory! glory!!" Thus died in great peace, CHARLES R. BALDWIN, on Saturday night, at nine o'clock P. M., November 9th, 1839.

A BRIEF RETROSPECT.

CHAPTER XXIV.

I FIRST made the acquaintance of Mr. Baldwin at the conference in Xenia, Ohio, in 1837. He boarded near to my "lodging," where I had a good opportunity of seeing him frequently. I was favorably impressed with his appearance, christian conversation, and exemplary ministerial deportment. His manner of conducting the services of the pulpit was solemn and impressive. His outward contour was attractive. He was about five feet nine inches in hight, with a strong muscular frame, and well proportioned. He had fair hair, with clear blue eyes, light complexion, and expansive forehead, and a mouth expressive of great firmness and of sufficient capacity to enable him to speak without an effort. His face was marked with strong lineaments of energy.

and

THE PATH MADE PLAIN.

297

perseverance, which were striking characteristics of the man. From his manner of preparation for the pulpit, the reader has already learned that

"His noble mind could not stoop

To the affected eloquence of words."

He always had a clear conception of his subject, and at times his discourses were highly argumentative. His language was plain and easy, and he presented his ideas with such clearness, that an attentive hearer, on returning from church, could repeat a large portion of the sermon. The path of life was made so plain, and divine truth so cogently enforced and rivited upon the understanding and conscience, that it was difficult to shake it off. He did not preach what some called "great oratorical sermons," but strong, forcible, highly scriptural and evangelical. They were always in good taste and in keeping with the subject and the occasion, the compass of his voice, and the peculiarities of the man. He was

an original thinker, and his elocution was faultless and of a pure solid cast, which never fails to leave a good impression on the mind. Although he spoke with such great force and energy, he was never boisterous or dogmatical.

Mr. Baldwin was truly called of God to preach the gospel. In referring to this subject in a letter to his brother, Rev. A. G. Baldwin, an Episcopal minister, he says:

"One of the early impressions upon my mind which deepened into a settled conviction, was, that it was the will of God that I should go and labor in his vineyard. Before I obtained religion, the question was brought home to me: Are you willing to give up all for Christ? Have you made a full and entire surrender? Should God require your little child, could you cheerfully give her up? Are you willing to be anything or nothing for Christ's sake? I felt that through Christ I could make any sacrifice which the gospel requires. Indeed, so plain and direct seemed to be the instructions and guidance of the