BIOGRAPHY

OF

THACHER.

SAMUEL COOPER THACHER was born in Boston, on the 14th of December, 1785. He was the son of the Rev. Peter Thach

er,

D.D. who in the January of the same

year had been installed minister of the Brattle street church; to which situation he was called from Malden, a village in the neighborhood of Boston, where he had been settled for the first fifteen years of his ministry. For many generations, the ancestors of Mr Thacher had, from disposition and preference, been of that profession, which among the Israelites, was made the duty of a tribe.

From early life, the subject of this memoir exhibited those qualities of mind and heart, which are so very desirable in a teacher of religion; and in riper years he determined to enter a profession which his fathers before him had followed and adorned.

He received the elements of instruction at the free schools of his native town; and was fitted for college at the Latin Grammar school. In the year 1800, he was admitted as a student of the University in Cambridge; and was graduated with its highest honors at the annual Commencement in 1804.

While at the University, he had the happiness of gaining the attachment and respect of his classmates and fellow students, and at the same time the confidence and favor of the college government. He possessed good sense, good temper, and a true independence of spirit; and therefore could hardly fail to recommend himself, both to the companions, and to the guardians, of his studies. He knew that the improvement

of his mind was his business and his duty; and that the object of his instructers, in al their discipline, could be no other than his good. He was not disposed to consider every new thing they required as contrary to his rights, and every officer of instruction, his natural foe. He thought too, that he could show quite as much independence by firmly opposing the passionate measures of mistaken youth, as by resisting the fancied tyranny of his superiors and tutors. But still he had so much kindness of disposition, was so affectionately attached to his companions, and so free from a servile spirit, that he never lost their friendship, or fell under their suspicion.

Before leaving the University, Mr Thacher had decided on the choice of a profession. In a letter to his elder brother, dated December, 1803, he communicates his intention of preparing for the ministry. To this object, he says, all his hopes and wishes are directed;' and he prays God that he 'may not be permitted to

touch his ark with unholy hands.' Immediately after taking his first degree, he commenced his theological studies in Boston; and enjoyed the valuable privilege of hav ing them directed by the Rev. Dr Channing. The friendship formed between these two gentlemen was intimate and confidential; and was interrupted only by that event, which suspends all human connexions, till they are renewed in a better world.

In the early part of the year 1805, Mr Thacher took charge of the Latin Grammar School, during a vacancy in the office of head master. He afterwards, for a short time, kept a private school. The summer of 1806 introduced him to an entirely new scene of study and enjoyment, and gratified a desire, which he had long indulged, of seeing other countries than his own.

It had been thought necessary, that the lamented Mr Buckminster in travelling abroad for his health, should be accompanied by some friend, who might be at

hand to administer assistance, or procure relief for him, if needed; and Mr Thacher was requested to be that friend. This of fer he immediately accepted; considering himself as very fortunate in being able to accomplish a favorite object, at the same time that a fellow traveller was secured whom he so highly esteemed. Mr Buckminster sailed for England in May. Mr Thacher left Boston in June, and in July had the pleasure of joining his friend in London.

Early in August they embarked together at London for the Continent; and after a disagreeable passage of three days landed at Harlingen, in Holland. At Rotterdam, where they arrived before the middle of the month, the two friends were compelled to separate. Mr Buckminster set off on a tour through Switzerland, and Mr Thacher proceeded to Paris.

'And what shall I write you of Paris,' he says, in his letter to his brother, of Paris, the centre of gaiety and pleasure, of splen.