ORATIONS AND ADDRESSES.

CHAPTER IV.

MR. BALDWIN was not only a good pleader, but an eloquent speaker. He possessed fine oratorical powers; and had he continued at the bar, would, doubtless, soon have been called to a higher position-to fill offices of trust and honor in the councils of the nation. He delivered a number of addresses and orations which were received with the warmest demonstrations of applause, and very highly commended by the secular press. His last address before entering on the ministry, was on the subject of "African Colonization," and delivered in the Presbyterian Church at Charleston, Virginia, July 4th, 1832. This, an able oration, contains much information in regard to the early history of that philanthropic enterprise. A number of his prophetic decla

HIS FIRST ORATION.

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rations on that day, have been already fulfilled to the letter, and form a part of the history of our common country. The whole address is characterized by good sense and an enlightened judgment. Mr. Baldwin was a great friend of the Colonization scheme, and in proof of his sincerity, he manumitted the only servant which he ever owned.

His first oration of which I find any printed record, was delivered in the Presbyterian Church, on the "Anniversary of Washington's Birth Day," February 22d, 1824, in Winchester, Virginia, while he was connected with the "Winchester Patrick Henry Society." This seems to have been an occasion of much more than usual interest. The celebration was gotten up by the Patrick Henry Society, whose noble exertions were seconded by the volunteer companies of Winchester, and the citizens generally. This excellent oration was published by the request of the society. The topics in this production are various and well connected, and embellished with some fine touches of

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fancy. The prominent events in the history of the Father of our country, is sketched with judgment and with feeling. The sentiments on European policy, as directed by the Holy Alliance, are those of an American, and patriot, while his allusions to down-trodden Greece, not only evinces the scholar, but the foe to oppression and the ardent defender of freedom. I cannot forbear making one or two extracts: "Assembled this day, my fellow-citizens, to offer the humble tribute of our admiration and gratitude to the memory of the immortal savior and deliverer of his country, by the appointment of the Patrick Henry Society, it becomes my duty to direct your thoughts to those scenes which naturally present themselves to the reflecting mind upon the recurrence of this anniversary, and to point out some of the benefits that have resulted to mankind from this event which we are now commemorating. Associated as this day must be in your minds, with the glorious anniversary of our independence, to which you have been

NATIONAL FESTIVAL CONSECRATED. 37

accustomed to perform annual honors-I should despair of imparting anything of novelty or interest, or even of engaging your attention, did I not reflect that the praises of Washington are as exhaustless as the love which he bore for his country; and that the humblest effort to excite veneration for his character, love for his virtues, and gratitude for his services, can not but be regarded with an eye of indulgence by this enlightened audience. There is no event in the annals of America more worthy of being held in perpetual remembrance than the birth of Washington. Besides the eternal debt of gratitude we owe him as the deliverer of our country, and the founder of this mighty republic, these are the considerations that should induce us to do honor to this day.

NATIONAL FESTIVAL CONSECRATED.

"On this great national festival, consecrated to the purest and most expanded feelings of benevolence and patriotism, and to the liveliest

feelings of joy and gratitude, in which we are all partakers-we should sacrifice upon the altar of our country's good, all party animosities, all selfish interests and local prejudices; and unite in doing honor to those brave men, who, with their 'hearts, and blood, and dearest treasure,' purchased this fair inheritance of liberty, in which, as their children, we all have a common property. By dwelling upon the wisdom, the virtues, and constancy of our fathers, we shall not only more duly appreciate the value of the services which they rendered, and the blessings they secured to us, and feel the cord of sympathy bind us more closely together, but the contemplation of such exalted merit, will inspire us with the same magnanimous sentiments that animated their bosoms, and by placing such glorious models before our eyes, will excite an irresistible desire to follow, though at an humble distance, in their illustrious footsteps. We are told that Scipio and other noble Romans, never gazed upon the images of their ancestors, without having their