American Education Society with deeper | vigorous public sentiment, or a wise and interest, than those which are made by devoted missionaries of the cross for their pious sons, who would emulate the zeal and self denial of their fathers. One such application was made a short time since by a faithful missionary, whose death, alas! we have been called unexpectedly, and with heartfelt grief, to record in the present number of our Journal. Such youth are preeminently, children of the Church; and while the friends of the Education Society have any thing to impart, they will always have a resource to which they can go for the means of qualifying themselves for the ministry. To our missionary brethren in Pagan lands, or in destitute portions of our own country we would say, pray without ceasing for the conversion of your sons-plead with importunity that they may have such a spirit as will fit them to be devoted ministers of Christ, and the Education Society will take them at your hands, and having educated them for the sacred office, send them back, if the Lord will, to stand up in your places, and to carry on the work which you have begun. 44 THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTIAN DEVOTEDNESS RIES. We have long been convinced, that the impulse which has been given to benevolent enterprise, must be accompanied with a corresponding increase of holy zeal in theological students, or half the good which is anticipated will never be realized. To them it belongs, in a great degree, to execute the designs which the benevolence of Christians has formed, or is forming, for the salvation of mankind. No institutions are more interesting to the friends of religion, in this view, than Theological Seminaries. If the standard of piety here is low, a dark cloud rests on our prospects, however bright and luminous our sky may be in spots. If a country is to be defended or conquered, an efficient army is no less necessary, than a patriotic cabinet. Every well wisher to the kingdom of Christ will feel new confidence and joy, when he learns that the young and rising soldiers of the cross are evidently growing in devotedness to their Master, and preparing for severe labours in his service. The following resolutions, unanimously adopted by the members of the Theological Seminary at Andover, at a late meeting, are offered as proof of this assertion. It expresses no more than facts justify us in believing is felt. We add it to similar evidence which has of late been furnished by the members of several Theological Seminaries. "Resolved, that the members of this Seminary view with lively emotion the increasing efforts which are made by the Church to advance the cause of Christ in the world; and that the loud and reiterated calls for ministers of the Gospel to supply the wants of the destitute at home ful claims upon the attention of all who and abroad, present affecting and powerare preparing for the ministry, and urge home the question, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" with new energy. bent on the members of this Seminary at Resolved, that it is peculiarly incumthe present time, to sustain and cherish that spirit of Missionary enterprise which has distinguished the Institution from its foundation; and for this end, to cultivate an increasing spirit of self-denial, holy zeal, and devotedness to God. Resolved, that while we hear of the sionaries who once were members of this death of many faithful and devoted MisSeminary, we still see no cause of discouragement, but rather increasing motives to if need be, to fall in the same noble effort follow after them, to fill their places, and, of invading the kingdom of darkness, and of spreading the triumphs of the cross. Resolved, that we do most conscientiously hold ourselves in readiness to go whereever God in his providence may call us, and that we will carefully endeavour by much prayer, and serious inquiry, to ascertain the path of our duty." 44 QUARTERLY VIEW OF THE STATE OF RE- Since our last record on this subject, the day so extensively consecrated to deep interest has been evinced, and the prayer for the Colleges, has passed. A question, whether God will hear and answer prayer, has been once more put at issue. It would not, indeed, follow that God will not answer prayer if no revivals should exist in the Colleges, for how often is it the case that Christians ask, and receive not, because they ask "amiss?" Should it appear to the eye of God, that the suppliants, mistaking the true ground of confidence, are relying upon their prayers, more than upon HIM, it would be a sufficient reason why they should be humbled by disappointment. A Catholic might as well hope to be heard and answered for counting his beads, as a Protestant for saying his prayers, if his dependance is placed on these. We must be prepared to feel as well as to believe that in God only, is our help, or we are not in a proper frame to receive an answer to our prayers. Is there no danger to be apprehended on this ground, in our intercessions for Colleges? May there not be, so much leaning upon an "arm of flesh," as to defeat our hopes? May not pious students and instructors take so much encouragement from the fact that Christians are extensively praying for them, as to lessen personal responsibility and to relax personal effort? And may not Christians place so much dependance upon the interest which they believe others take in the subject, as to engage but very imperfectly in the performance of duty themselves? Whatever destroys personal feeling and responsibility, in such a case, has a disastrous influence. For what one is, all may by the same process, easily become. So that the machinery may be perfect, while the moving power is wholly inadequate, or absolutely wanting. less concerned for their souls. - We have reason to believe, that the Lord has not forsaken us, that he is yet waiting to be gracious--and that if the Church does but "hold forth the word of life" by a holy example,--if Christians unite deep humility and a sense of dependance on God with vigorous and decided Christian effort, we shall witness great things. We have many things to encourage us. Many are willing to listen, to Christian conversation, and are ready to attend meetings of inquiry. The work of God continues in the City also with increasing interest, which we trust will have a favorable influence on the members of the Institution." In Amherst College the prospect is animating. An officer of the College writes, under date of April 5th, "I hardly dare to mention it, but there is at this moment an unusual degree of feeling on the subject of religion in college. A few of the impenitent are serious. Pray for us, and engage all who love Zion to pray for us." More recent information represents the seriousness as extending, and as having already issued in the hopeful conversion of two members of College. In several other colleges, the pious students are much engaged. Communications from some of them state that the influence of the late concert has been obvious and salutary. QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF The Board of Directors held their quarterly meeting on the 9th inst in Boston. Much important business was transacted, and arrangements were made for extended operations. Thirty Four additional young men were taken upon the funds, and the usual appropriations made to about two hundred beneficiaries, although the Treasury has been overdrawn nearly a thousand dollars. The pledge which has so often been made, we rejoice to say, is about to be taken in earnest, and the friends of a pious and educated ministry We are not without some fears that causes like these exist in the present instance. There are indications for good in several of the Colleges, but nothing like a great and powerful revival has yet taken place, so far as we can learn, in any of them. The intelligence which is most cheering is from Yale and Amherst Colleges. In the former, there was more than usual solemnity soon after the late concert. In the quarterly letter of the beneficiaries, dated April 14th, they state, "Though we cannot say that this Divine Agent has been operating in all his power and glory; though we cannot look about ns and recognise multitudes of our once thoughtless companions, now as heirs of the heavenly inheritance; yet we rejoice in being able to say that the Lord has been in the midst of us, and brought here and there one to the knowledge of himself. Seven or eight of our number we believe give evidence of having passed from death unto life, and a few others are more orcated and devoted Missionaries and Pas are to decide whether it shall be redeemed. Suitable applicants will not be wanting, and if those whom the Lord of the Harvest has made his stewards do not withold their substance now that it is pressingly called for, the number of edu tors will be increased many fold in a short time. The question "Who will go for us," will be answered by a host, each exclaiming Here am I, send me. The Board have revised their system of Rules, and ordered the same to be widely circulated. From these it will be seen that the restriction in regard to members of Theological Seminaries now in the 2d or 3d year of their course is removed, and any such student who sustains the character required, and conforms to the rules, may apply for patronage. The duties of the Secretary having become very numerous and arduous, the Board authorized their Executive Committee to obtain an Assistant, with the view, especially, of enabling the Secretary to devote more time to the business of organizing Branch and other societies, collecting funds, and visiting the young men under the patronage of the Society. It was also voted, that Legacies and donations of 500 dollars and under, which may hereafter be made to the Society, instead of being passed to the permanent fund as formerly, shall be added to the contingent fund for immediate use, unless the donors shall give them a different direction. 44۰۰ TO THE COMMITTEES OF SUPERINTENDENCE OF SCHOLARSHIPS. Those who have been appointed by the subscribers to Scholarships, to make the annual collections until the Scholarships shall be completed, will please to bear in mind that very much is depending upon their prompt and faithful attention to the trust committed to them. No contributions which are made to the American Education Society can be more certainly or permanently useful, in proportion to their amount, than those which constitute Scholarships. With one such Scholarship the Society hope to educate, upon its present plan, not less than forty ministers of the Gospel in a century. Our friends and helpers who are engaged in establishing such foundations will readily believe that It will be recollected that at the last meeting of the Board of Directors of the Amer. Ed. Society, a vote was passed in which the Directors engage to carry forward in his studies one young man for the ministry, with the annual sum of seventy five dollars. In a few days after the meeting, the Young Men's Education Society of Boston resolved to furnish the means of educating thirty young men at this rate. The Congregational church, recently gathered in Lowell, and under the pastoral care of Rev. G. C. Beckwith, have adopted the following resolutions, in which the members engage to raise the means for carrying forward one beneficiary. They are inserted in the hope that other churches will follow their example. "If," says the Pastor, " we can support one young man, nearly every other church in the state can do the same, and many churches are better able to support thirty." Are there not five hundred pastors who could in a few months secure the adoption of the same or similar resolutions, and thus without the difficulty and expense of employing Agents to solicit their benevolence, furnish the American Education Society with the means of receiving five hundred additional young men under their patronage? Fathers and Brethren, we need your help. Only give to this cause the comparatively small degree of attention and labour which is necessary to carry these resolutions into effect, and in a few years you will each of you have given to the world a fellow labourer, whose success may equal, if not exceed, the good which you hope to accomplish by a life of personal exertion. The question whether you will make the attempt, is one on which the salvation of hundreds and even thousands of souls may now be suspended. Can you willingly decide it in the negative without an effort? "Resolved, that this church cordially approve of the object of the American Education Society, and of the proposition recently made by its Board of Directors relative to the support of beneficiaries by churches. Resolved, that we will endeavour to raise the sum of seventy five dollars annually, for the support of one beneficiary, according to the proposal above agreed to. Resolved, that this sum be raised in such ways as may from year to year be found expedient, and paid over to the Treasurer of the American Education Society, [or Branch, or Auxiliary, as the case may be before its anniversary. Resolved, that the Pastor communicate a copy of the above resolutions to the Secretary of the American Education Society." Another Bright Example set by Christians in the Western District of New York. Much as the world is indebted already to the active and fearless spirit of benevolence which exists in this portion of our community, it is, we doubt not, to be far more indebted. The pious and well directed zeal which could devise a plan for filling the land with Bibles, in a few months; which could contrive to impart new energy to one of the oldest, best conducted, and most efficient missionary societies in the Union, and which is now successfully calling around the standard of the Sabbath, the friends of morality and religion from one end of the country to the other, it was not believed would rest till it had made a corresponding effort to multiply the instruments on which it must, under God, ultimately and mainly rely for the accomplishment of its leading object. We were prepared, therefore, to hear of a Convention held for the express purpose of devising "a plan by means of which every young man of piety, indigence, and suitable promise within the Western Districts of this State, might be assisted in the whole course of his education, academical, collegial, and theological, while preparing for the Gospel ministry." This is taking hold of the work in earnest. It is supplying the country with ministers, as Monroe County, of unfading memory, was supplied with Bibles. Let the same resolution be judiciously, but efficiently, and with prayer to God, followed up in every part of the country, and the work is done. The convention referred to, met at Auburn on the 15th of Feb. The Western Education Society is to be modified at its approaching Anniversary at Utica, on the last Wednesday of April in such manner as to consist with this extended system of operations. ed a short time since, which has inspired fresh hopes in the hearts of many friends of religion in Kentucky. Hon. Benjamin Mills, President. 7 vice Presidents. Rev. James K. Burch, Cor. Sec'ry, Danville Ky.-Michael G. Youce, Treasurer. 24 Directors, 12 Clergyınen and 12 Laymen, and an Executive Committee of 7. First annual meeting to be held at Danville, on the Monday after the 1st Wednesday in Oct. 1828. The Executive Committee we are glad to see are determined to rest their claim to patronage on facts. Their address, with quotation marks, is neither more nor less than the "Important question answered by facts," published in our last No. p. 42. Canada Education and Home Missionary A Society with this double title was formed at Montreal, Dec. 20, 1827. It will direct its efforts "to educate pious young men for the Gospel Ministry; to assist Congregations that are unable to support a stated minister; and as far as practicable to send the Gospel to the destitute in both Provinces." The X. article of the Constitution declares that " appropriations to beneficiaries and feeble congregations shall be made in the form of loans, without interest: which however may be converted into a permanent grant; and the obligation to refund, cancelled at the discretion of the Board of Directors." We have not been favoured with a list of officers, but understand from the Boston Recorder, that they are a President, two Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, who with seven others constitute a Board of Directors. The Rev. J. S. Christmas is one of the Directors. TWELFTH ANNIVERSARY. The 12th Anniversary of the American Education Society will be held in the City of New York, on the second Thursday of May at such hour as shall be notified in the public papers at the time. It is expected that the Society will meet for the election of officers at the Rooms of the American Tract Society in the afternoon, and that the public meeting will be held in the Brick Presbyterian Church in Beekman St. in the Evening. MemPresbyterian Education Society of Ken- bers of the Society residing in Connectitucky. cut, New York and New Jersey are very A Society, of the above name, was form-specially requested to attend. 84 Fem. Ed. Soc. 2d Par. by H. Sanger, Treas. Westminster, by a friend 10 06 100 Woburn, Female Praying Society ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS. Norfolk, Conn. Mrs. Sarah Battelle Mr. Stephen Goodhue, for 1827-8 LIFE SUBSCRIPTIONS. Boston, Rev. EDWARD BEECHER, 5 00-1753 61 500 1000-1500 by Ladies of Park-street Cong. 40 00 Danvers north parish, Rev. MILTON PALMER BRAMAN, by ladies of his society 40 00 Grafton, Rev. MOSES C. SEARLE, by Fem. Char. Society 40 00-120 00 INCOME FROM SCHOLARSHIPS. The Vose Scholarship, of Thomas Clothing received during the Quarter. Ipswich, from So. Branch Fem. Soc. 2 prs. Socks, cloth, and 4 prs. Socks. Providence, a bundle of Shirts. Rev. E. CORNELIUS, Sec'ry of the General Society, Andover, Mass. WILLIAM ROPES, Esq. Treas. of Do. Boston.-Do- Rev. BENJAMIN TAPPAN, Sec'ry of the Maine Rev. SAMUEL P. NEWMAN, Treasurer of Do. Rev. CHARLES B. HADDUCK, Sec'ry of the N.H. SAMUEL FLETCHER, Esq. Treasurer of Do. Con- Rev. CHARLES WALKER, Sec'ry of the North Rev. Dr. Codman, 6 mo's int. 60 00 The Cutler Scolarship, of P. Cutler 40 00 30 00-130 00 INCOME FROM OTHER FUNDS. Dividend on U. S. Bank Stock 105 00 Balance of an old Note 18 57 Interest on Money loaned 17 03-140 60 Received into the Treasury $2159 21 NEW HAMPSHIRE BRANCH. Donations from individuals and societies IRA STEWART, Esq. Treasurer of Do. Middle bury, Vt. Rev. LEONARD BACON, Sec'ry, of Conn. Branch, Rev. AUSTIN DICKENSON, Sec'ry of the Presby- Rev. JAMES EELLS, Westmoreland, Oneida co. $120 06 JOHN BRADISH, Esq. Treas. of Do. Utica, N.Y. ( |
