Thomas, David (1)

a minister of the Baptist denomination, was born at Loudon Tract, Pa., Aug. 16, 1732. In early life he enjoyed more than ordinary advantages for obtaining a good education. He studied for some time at the Academy in Hopewell, under the tuition of Rev. Isaac Eaton, and in 1769 received the honorary degree of A.M. from Brown University. When quite young he began to preach. He removed to Virginia in 1760, and spent about a year and a half in Berkeley County. He then visited Fauquier County, and under his ministry the Broad River Church was formed, of which, for a time, he was the pastor. Subsequently, from this church, five or six other churches were constituted. He traveled as an evangelist in different sections of the state, and his preaching was greatly blessed in the conversion of souls. He is said "to have been a minister of great distinction in the prime of his days. Besides the natural endowments of a vigorous mind, and the advantages of a classical and refined education, he had a melodious and piercing voice, a pathetic address, expressive action, and, above all, a heart filled with love to God and his fellow-men." Many persons in Virginia had been accustomed to hear but little evangelical preaching. 'They were attracted by the eloquence of so accomplished a minister as was Mr. Thomas, and not a few who occupied high social positions were led to the Savior. Near the close of his life he removed to Kentucky. He lived to a great age, and for some time before his death was nearly blind. The influence of this faithful servant of Christ was good and permanent. See Lives of Virginia Baptist Ministers, p. 51-53. (J. C. S.)