The History of Dartmouth CollegeSmith, Baxter Perry
History
The History of Dartmouth College
Smith, Baxter Perry
Dartmouth College -- History
"'The virtues of Dr. Smith were not compressed within the circle of
human relations, which vanish with time. Contemplating the first
cause, the connections and dependencies in the moral state, his mind
was filled with a sense of interminable duties. He was a disciple of
Jesus. The former president admired and loved him, and taught him
Theology. An amiable spirit actuated his whole life, and added
peculiar splendor to the closing scene.
"'His intense pursuit of science affected his constitution, and
produced debility, which, more than two years before, began to be
observed by his friends. It gradually increased, but not greatly to
interrupt his applications till six weeks before his death. While I
revive the affliction at his departure, its accompanying circumstances
will assuage our sorrow. The thoughts of his resignation to Divine
Providence, through all the stages of a disease, that rapidly preyed
upon his vitals, his composure, serenity, and Christian confidence,
remain for the consolation of his friends, and instruction of all.
"'The fame of Dr. Smith does not arise from wealth, nor descent from
titled ancestors. It has no borrowed lustre. He was indebted wholly to
his genius, his labors, and his virtues. His monument will exist in
the hearts of his acquaintance; and in the future respect of those,
who shall derive advantage from his exertions.
"'In the immense loss, which his dear family sustain, they have saved
a precious legacy; his example, and lessons of social and religious
duties. The church, with mournful regret, will retain the tenderest
affection for their venerable pastor. What shall I say of this seat of
science, now covered with cypress? Those who have trod its hallowed
walks, will never forget his instructions, nor the benevolent
effusions of his heart. Where, in the ranges of cultivated society, is
one to be found, qualified with those rare endowments, which can
supply the chasm made by his death?'"
We insert in its appropriate place the contract made with Professor
Smith by President Wheelock.[40]
[40] See Appendix.
His first wife was Mary, daughter of Rev. Ebenezer Cleaveland, of
Gloucester, Mass., his second wife was Susan, daughter of David Mason,
of Boston, Mass.
* * * * *
Prof. Sylvanus Ripley, who filled the chair of Divinity from 1782 to
1787, was the son of Jonathan Ripley, and was born at Halifax, Mass.,
September 29, 1749.
In introducing him to the favorable notice of Mr. Wheelock, previous
to the commencement of his religious life, Rev. William Patten says:
"Gracious exercises alone excepted, I know not a more promising young
man."
Some extracts from President Wheelock's "Narratives," relating to
Prof. Ripley's missionary labors, are worthy of attention.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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