1753
- 6 Aug 1834
Andrew Monroe wrote the obituary of Rev. Robert Baker
who
was a Methodist minister from Montgomery/Calloway County,
Another of the
fathers has fallen asleep. The Rev.
Robert Baker
-
a native of
Brother Baker was not
satisfied with just sharing the honors of having gained his country's
liberties,, and of having braved the dangers of the frontiers, but before he had
reached the meridian of life, he sought and obtained that liberty which the Son
of God alone can give, whilst the fire of Divine love was burning in his heart,
he went a minister and inquired in to this matter.
The minister informed him that he had experienced a similar change when
at college, but had never considered it his duty to make it known to his
congregations. At this, Brother
Baker was much surprised: for such were his views and feelings, that he
considered it his duty to publish what God had done for his soul, to all around
him. He gave himself to prayer, and went on his lonely way, rejoicing in the
love of Christ.
When God pardoned his
sins, he shouted. Glory to God! And
so strange was this sound, that the people thought him insane.
He be came acquainted with the then persecuted Methodists and united with
them. This was in the wilds of
In 1826, I saw this venerable servant of God: and I always esteemed it a privilege to be in his company. He was always cheerful and happy: and although he live to see more than fourscore years, yet there was nothing childish in his conversation or manners. He was, indeed, a ripe shock of corn. Having his "loins girt about, and his light burning," he waited patiently the coming of the Lord: and when he could no longer preach, he would sometimes exhort and pray with uncommon fervency and power: and his address to the Divine throne indicated how near he lived to God. Truly it was as one speaking to his friend. He was beloved by all of his community, and will live long in the memory of the people of Montgomery and Calloway counties. Some months previous to his death, he was seized with the disease which terminated his sufferings. He had every kindness shown by his children, among whom he suffered and died. As he had furnished a pattern of practical piety for more than half a century, so in his last illness, he furnished an illustrious example of patience and fortitude: and as he shouted glory, when he first entered the spiritual kingdom.
We have seen reason
to believe, he shouted glory in heaven. When
he left this world. For not
withstanding, he had lost his speech for fifteen days previous to his death.
He gave satisfactory evidence that God was with him to bear his
triumphant spirit home. He calmly
fell asleep in Jesus, on the 6 day of Aug., 1834.
God grant that his children, grand children, and aquaintances, may follow
him as he followed Christ: saing, let me live the life of the righteous that I
may die his death. [lxxxv]