Namur anti *bac*.
PITTSBURGH, JANUARY 28, 11858.
solvemee; L or iss, chops
41.11111 on delivered at rissidinees of
bars. 111. vs. Mee Prospectus, on Third Page.
R El IMW AI. al should be prompt; a Unto
Whit* befbre the year szpirss, that we limy
make fall arrangements for a steady supply.
TUN REM) WRAPPGA indleatea that we
distro a ronowou If however, ix the haste
of 'instilling, this signal should be omitted, we
hope oar frisnds will still not forget We
REMITTANGES.--Send payment by info
bandit whale eonvenient. Or, send by midi,
onelosing with ordinary sore, and trembling
Mobody 'MAW a kmowtoogi of what you are
doing. Par a largio amount, send a Draft jar
'large notes. forms ortwo papersoend Gold
or small notes. ,
WO PIA.KNICIIANOTA, Miami postage irtsioily
it Utter iiitUlt land for more PaPon; =7 01
or Seventy misoaborag or 0. for Whietrithroo
waaalara.
DIRECD all Lattari and Conualivalaatioot
to ADV. DAVID BiarptNirar. Plttabargb•
Pa.
INDUSTRIAZ SCHOOL.—Read the commix
.
nioation on this subjeot.
Rzv. H. G. Comma 0, is delivering a
come of lectures on Rome and, Italy, in the
Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D. C.,
to very large and delighted audiences.
' SUNDAY SOROOL CONVENTION.—See, in
another column, a call fora National assem
bling, in Philadelphia, on the 22d of Febru
ary.
CALL Accumun.—Mr. Wm. M. Coleman
Ins accepted a call to the United Presbyte
rian congregation of ,13irmingham ) near
Pittsburgh.
ED'uoithoN.--Particular attention f it§ re
quested to the Circular of the Secretaries
of the . Board. The subject is vastly im
portant Institutions of learning are a ne
cessity, in, the new States,and Territories as
well as the old; and help is greatly
needed.
METHODIST PitoGnEss.—The New Or
leans Christian Acliocate, says:
Foi the first time, we saw, at this Con
ference, the regular introduction of 'lay co
operation,' according to the provision of the
Discipline; made at the last General Con
ference. We were delighted. It worked
like a charm, A layman had been elected
by ,the Quarterly Conferences of most of
the charges, and quite a number were pre
sent."
The Digest.
Our Board of Publication has issued a
new and revised 'edition of. Baird's Digest.
Various important improvements will be
found in this edition, and we hope that a
copy of this great work may be procured by
all our minister& There are some of the
brethren whose means would not enable
them,to procure it. , In such cases, and in
all other cases, we hope a copy may be pro
vided for the use of the Session of the
church. This suggestion will, we hope, be
attended to by all ministers and', elders who
may see this notice.
Acknowledg meat.
- We have received, mostly from distant
subscribers, for our Western 'friends, who
are nobly striving, with much toil and per
sonal loss, the following sums, viz.: for the
the church at
PRAIRIE OriZ TlT,.—Front W. R.M.,,
$B.OO ,from A.D., $2.50; from Mo." F.,
$1.00; from "A Friend," $l.OO ;*from D.
P. T., $1.00; from Mrs. A. D. S., $10.00;
and from R. L., $l.OO ; and, from A. J.,
410.00. •
NEBRASKA CITY, N. T.—From A. b.,
s2.so;'from D. I% T., $l.OO ; from Mrs.
A. 'D. S., $10.00; and, from A. J.,
$lO.OO.
The donations were ammpanied with
very kind expressions of regard. We
should rejoice to receive many similar tokens
of sympathy. The oases are truly worthy.
'Young Men's Christian &notation of
Pittsburgh.
The Fifth Anniversary of this excellent
Institution, was held, in Lafayette Hall, on
the evening of Monday, the 24th inst. Wm.
Mair, Esq. presided. The annual report
was read by Rev. G. B. Russell: Addressed
were delivered by Rev. Drs. Kendall and
Reiley, of this city, and by J. 14. Hoyt,
Esq•, of Cleveland, and Messrs. Graham and
Walton, of yilladelphia. 'The devotional
exercises were led by Revs. Howard, Kranth,
and Douglas, of this city.
The Hall was filled, by a very, attentive
audience. The impressions made . were ex
',Client. The Association is highly prosper
ous, and deserves aid and encouragement
from all who love morality, good order, and
religion.
Allegheny' Endowment.
In the Presbytery, of Allegheny City; the
second Sabbath of February has been.desig.
noted as the day for presenting the En
dowment of the Fourth Professorship, and
setting on foot the collections Would ,
,not
all the churches of the four Synods, who
have not yet carried out the Synodical plan ;
do well to act on this same day? It ie im
portant,that 'the work be promptly accom
plished. ,Our New School brethren are, in
creasing the endowment of the New York
Seminary to $200,000 ; and all is now raised
but six thousand. ^Besides this, they
have, lately raised, in one ,or more of their
,Synods, over fifty scholarihips for, students.
One man has provided over twenty solid
arships, for 'several years past, by the
,payment of the sum required annually to
`this extent. Lane Seminary is moving to
*ea $50,000 for endowment, in which one
church contributed $9,000. . New Haven
has just now received a legacy said to be
equal to $200,000 ultimately ; which is to be
applied to scholarships for students whO
have need. If Old School churches value
their own Seminaries of the Genersd Assem
bly, why should they not freely give; as they
have freely received Shall Allegheny be
without this small endowment? And shall
not God's people, who have the means, pro.
vide for the education of needy students,
$l2O to $l5O per annum
Westminster Assembly.
In noticing some of the leading charac
ters of this notable convention, our atten
tion is naturally called, first, to the presid
ing officer, then styled the Prolocutor, Dr.
William Twisse. He was a venerable man,
nearly seventy years 'old, of pale counte
nance, and noble brow, whose life had. been
passed in severe studies. He had spent
sixteen years at Oxford, in the closest ap
plication to the study of logic, philosophy,
and divinity, and was now. Rector of NeW.
bury. His manners were quiet, and his
piety sincere. He was held in high esti-.
oration by all his contemporaries, and both
friends and Opponents spoke of him with
the greatest respect.. Rut, however worthy
the man, however high and varied his an
qnirements, End however great the confi
dence reposed in him, it was soon evident
that' he was not the proper person for the
place to, which he 'had been called. His
ability was' undoubted, his piety. was ad
mired, and lie was a keen controversialist;
but he had great difficulty in speaking ex
temporaneously, and, was wanting in, tact
for guiding •the proceedings of a delibera
tive Assembly. The same mistake is often
made now, in ecclesiastical assemblies; men
are Chosen to preside on account of their
venerable age, their widely-extended repu
tation, or, the position they occupy, rather
than from any peculiar fitness for the pOst,
and the result is . .very unsatisfactory to
themselves, and not unfrequehtly much
delay and confusion is caused in,the business
of the body. So it was with the excellent
Dr. Twine.
In the midst of the perplexing questions
he was called to decide, and the stirring
debates of the Assembly, he longed for : his
quiet home and 'study. Thither, at the
close of thd first year, he retired, after being
wearied with duties BO' uncongenial to his
'tastes and former habits. But the civil
war breaking out soon afterwards, he was
driven by the,Gavaliers, from the home he
loved so well; and. in July, 1646, the
friendly hand of de,ath took him away from
all the scenes of toil and strife. He was
buried in Westminster being followed to
the grave by the whole Assembly. But
another_honor still awaited him. After the
Restoration, his bones were dug up by the
Government of Charlisn., and east into a
hOle in a common church yard-4 diitino.
tion conferred on not a - few patriots and
pious men, and among others, upon
44 The bold seserter of Britannia's fame,
Unconquerable Blake."
The successor of Dr. Twisse was Mr. Chas.
Aerle, who was considered a moderate Pres
byterian. He was a fine scholar, a polished
gentleman, of modest demeanor, and pos
sessed of great tact in the conduct of bud
iness, and in controlling the tempers of dis
putants. So that he possessed, in , an emi
nent degree, the very qualities for legisla
tive proceedings that were wanting in hie
illustrious predecissor, and the difference
was, at once seen and felt by the whole body.
Since our -limits will permit us to men
tion only a few' of the persons •honored.with
a seat in that Assembly, or even of those
who took a prominent part in its delibera
tions, we must necessarily confine ourselves;
to those who may be considered the repro-
If entatives of the different leading opinions
that were `field.
While the greateii part, as we ,have be
fore stated, were Presbyterian iii sentiment,
there was a little cluster of Divines of very
warm'zeal and acknowledged ability, Openly
committed in favor of Presbyterianism.
These were Stephen Marshall, Edmund
Oalamy, Thomas Young, Matthew New
comen, and William Spiristow. As early as
1641 they had unitedly sent forth that'able
reply to Bishop Hall, styled Smectymmuus,
(a word made up of the initial letters of
their names,) and which had given a blow
to Prelacy, froze which it did not recover.
The first mentioned of this group Mr.
Stephen Marshall, had most popular talents
as a •speaker; indeed, Bailie spoke of him
as ci the best of preachers in England."
Moreover, he feared not the face of man,
and had those active business habits that
are so necessary ' to,, a leader in troublous
times. Where the battle raged most fiercely,
there he was to be = found.• In 1640 he
'delivered moat animating speeches and ser
mons to, the Parliament urging them to
takemp arms in defence of the Constitution,
and to set about the work of reforming the
Churoh. And in this Assembly he was a
favorite debater and an acknowledged
leader. ,
The next was Mr. :Edmund Calamy, the
grandfather of the yet more celebrated Dr.
Calamy, the author of so many well, known
works: Both as amark and, a preacher, he
was greatly admired, and his controversial
learning, which he handled with exquisite
skill, was vast. He has the high distinction of
being the first man who openly proclaimed
and defendCd the Pree;byterian Form of
Government before a Committee of Parlia
ment. Afterwards, when- tempted with
• a
bishoprie, he rejected it, and adhered to his
cherished convictions to the last. lie could
speak the word of God to kings, without
trepidation. To Cromwell, the greatest of
England's rulers, he said upon a certain
occasion, that he attempted . to assume the
powers of
,a king, ( 4 he would have 'nine in
ten of the nation againbt him."
The other three of these united Divines,
though not so distinguished, were men of
great moral worth extensive learning and
devoted piety.
Dr. Arrowsmith and Dr. Tuckney,
alike celebrated for learning and purity of
character, and both of whom held Professor
ships of Divinity in the University of Cam
bridge, must .not be forgotten. The prin
cipal share in the composition of the Larger
and Shorter Catechism, devolvedon these
two gentlemen, a work for which they were
admirably qualified • by previous studies and ,
habits of profound research And careful
thought. Indeed, the Answers, in the
Larger Catechism, and particularly the un
equalled and masterly exposition of the Ten
• D 9 • 0. A idii
& ER AND ADVOCATE.
• 4,
Commandments, are generally attributed to
Dr. Tuekney.
The Erastians, or those whose leading
principle was, that all Church government
should be in the hands of the civil rulers,
were few; but each one was a host. Dr.
Coleman died, at the beginning of the
discussion of the cardinal principle on which
they had planted themselves. But Dr.
Lightfoot was a• man of large observation
and varied accoMplishments, and who could
bring all his attainments to his aid in public
debate. Yet the man on whom he relied,
and to whom the whole Erastian party in
Parliament looked as their advocate ; was a
layman who had a seat in the Assembly,
the celebrated John Selden. He was a
man of wonderful talent, and, of marvelous
erudition, who could read the original He
brew and Greek Scriptures with as much
ease as when translated into his own tongue,,
and who had made, the'Jewish Church polity
a subject of long and special study. Ac
°adorned as he had been to legal investiga
tions and discussions, and to Parliamentary
tactics, it is easily seen that although with
out many adherents in the Assembly, he
must have been a mighty opponent And
it must be confessed that he was not free
from the charge of treating many who
differed from him with great arrogance, and
of assuming an air of haughty superiority
over the Divines who replied to him. In
deed, it is said, this is not an unusual in
firmity in legal gentlemen now, probably in
many eases unconsciously, when occupying
seats in ecclesiastical bodies. Many times
they have but little patience with the -opin
ions of mere clergymen with respect to
points of ecclesiastical law and, order. It
must also be confessed, that there is some
thing that approaches very nearly the.-vain
glorious, where Belden says to those quoting
texts, to prove their assertions ; " Perhaps,
in your little pocket Bibles with gilt leaves,
(whichthey would pull out and read,) the
translation may -be thus, but the Greek or
Hebrew signifies thus and thus." But we,
are willing to forgive if we can not forget
all this, when we hear this great scholar on
his death bed, saying, "out of the number
less volumes he had read, nothing stuck so
close to his heart; or gave him such solid
satisfaction, as that single passage in Paul's
writings, beginning with f3he grace of God
that bringeth salvation, path' appeared unto
all men," .gro.—Tit. ii : 11-14.
The two most celebrated among the _lnde
pendents, were Dr. Thomas Goodwin and Mr.
Philip Nye. They were styled, and not
unjustly, " the Atlassea and Patriarchs of
Independency!' Both of these men were of
most exemplary piety and eminent ahility.
Dr.: Goodwin will be ion& remembered as
the favorite minister of Cromwell, through
Trhose influence he was made president of
Magdalen College, at Oxford. He was a
sound Divine, and is still well known by his
many works. Mr. Nye was remarkable for
great quickness of perception, and for won
derful pertinacity in maintaining his own
views. He kept the whole Assembly some
three weeks in debating the single point,
whether the communicants should be recom
mended to seat themselves around a table t ,
or have the elements handed to them in
their seats.
But it is time fo turn our attention•to the
Scotch Commissioners, four of whom were
the most distinguished clergymen . in tlae
Chureh of Scotland, at that day. Theme
were Robert Bailie, Samuel Rutherford,
Alexander Henderson, and George Gilles
pie, They watched the proceedings of the
Assembly with intensest interest, as well
they might.• They had just come out of a
fearful etruggle with Bishops, Popish cere
monies, kingly mandates, and fierce battles,
and they felt that the liberties of their
Church and country still hang, tremblingly
in the balance.
Bailie, though; one of the most learned
men of his times, was constitutionally timid,
and somewhat facile in disposition. He did
not attempt to take much part in the public
debates ; but the tiptoe he took of the pro
ceedings, and the letters he wrote home,
are invaluable, since they give us a better
idea of the men and the proceedings, than
any other thing that now remains, unless,
indeed, we except the Minutes of the As
sembly, which have bean lately discovered,
after two hundred'years of concealment
Samuel Rutherford was one of the purest
and loveliest of men ; his whole soul was
filled with love to God
, and man. His
" Letters " have had a very wide circula
tion, and are known and admired 'exten
sively in Great Britain and. the United
States. Contact with them has imparted a
brighter glow to many 'a Christian heart.
, And his controversial writings on the diffi
cult and abstruse questions of his own
period, show him to have been a man of
profound erudition and thought
Brit •Alexander.llendersort was .a tower of
strength, inan age. fertile of great men. He
was' remarkable for: sagacity, prudence, the
moat attractive amenity of 'manners, and an
overpoivering eloquence. His had .been a life
of devotion, toil, and ..danger, in behalf of
:the .freedom .. of Scotland and her Church. 1 1
He hid 'everywhere stood in the fore...front ,
of the -hottest battle, by common conlent. '
His :integriV none dOthited ; his ability all,
acknowledged. Through his influence, op -1
peeing parties had been .ieConciled, - +kapok •
had given place .to hope, and defeat had
been the primp of victory:. To him was.
tie "Solemn League and Covenant," - signed
under circumstances_ so momentous, in 1638,
more indebted than to any other man. In
the Assembly, .he spoke but `Seldom, :yet no.
man on that floor • wielded . a, wider or more
beneficent influence. For he always - took
part at that critical when a great char
acter is.neoessery to compose differences, and .
harmonize. conflicting sentiments, or carry a
position - by an assault before which all. re
sistance is Vain: Great ae•' were Knox and
Melville, in their day, .I:tendered* deserves -
to stand beside them, and to be . recognized
as one of "the first three of the Church''
Scotland's worthies."
George Gillespie will never be forgotten
He was one of the most remarkable men of
that, or any age. His natural endowments
were of the highest order, and his . learned I
aequirements were extensive, and at the
same time peculiarly minute. With an in
tellect clear and'acute, a nervous elocution,
and a voice of commanding power, his
preaching, and also his speeches in debate,
were characterized by that electric energy
that unmistakably indicates true genius, and
'carries 'conviction to the hearts and minds
of hearers. Though one of the youngest
members, if not the very youngest, of the
Assembly, his power was felt and acknowl
edged by all. One memorable incident,
among others, is recorded. Upon one oc
casion, the great Erotism leader, Selden,
had made a speech characterized by so much
acuteness, learning, and logical force, that
no one liked to undertake the task of
answering it just at that time. But at
length Gillespie, owing to the urgent solici
tations of his brethren, though blushing
with diffidence, arose without previous prep
aration or notes, for he had had no thought
of replying to such a man, repeated sub
stantially the substance of Selden's speech,
and answered it with an overwhelming refu
tation. At the close, even Belden himself,
with a candor that did him credit, and
atoned for much of the arrogance exhibited
at other times, said, ( 4 That young man, by
his single speech, has swept away the labors
of ten years of my life." If any one desires
to learn the very essence of the most
portant discussions of the Westminster
Assembly, on the subject of Church gov
ernment, and, the arguments in answer to
the most 400r/de speeches and writings of
both -Erastians and Independents, he must
study the incomparable work of Gillespie,
entitled, " Aaron's Rod Blossoming."
Such were some of the most distin
guished and active members of that notable
Assembly. The list might be easily ex
tended and much more might be said of
those we have mentioned, but we have
already far exceeded the limits we had as
signed, ourselves. The Assembly sat until
the dissolution of the Long Parliament, on
the 22d of February, 1649, when it was
dissolved, after having continued together
five years, six months, and twenty-two days,
and having held one thousand one hundred
and sixty-three session& " They.rest from
their labors, and their works do follow
them."
Revivals.
SIXTH. STREET UNION ORURO); PITTS
BURGH.— Twenty-eight persons were: re
ceived into the communion of this church,
on examination, on Sabbath last
EBENEZER, PA.—We had the privilege of
participating with the pastor• of this church,.
Rev. George Morton, in a Sacramental ser
vice, on the 16th inst. Nineteen persons
were received to communion, on examination,
of whom four, were baptized. These four
were young lien, whorwith, a, number• of
their companions, gave themselves to the
Lord, as a living sacrifice. Such an occasion
is truly delightful to a pastor, and, coming as
the fruit of toilsome 'labors, and labors oft
sustained by hoping almost against hope, it
must encourage many others who have sowed
much seed, but to whom the reapinglime
has not -yet' arrived.
MILLSTONE, N. J.—This church, under
the care of. Rev. C. F. Worrell, still enjoys
tokens of the Divine presence, in grace and
power.' For a whole year there has been a
revival. The ingathering was large in ' the
early part of the movement And while
those converts were being edified, new ones
have been made. On, the 16th inst., thirteen
persons, for the first time, approached the
Lord's table, 'testifying, with their numerous
brethren their love to Jesus.
SHARPSBURG, FL—The church at this
place has been, .for some time, without a.
pastor, but had been supplied by Professor
Wilson, of the Seminary. It is enjoying 'a
reviving from the Lord. Sixteen persons
have united as new communicants. .14-
wards of thirty have since expressed .a
hope, and others still are anxious inquirers.
Sminrct Hrr.r, PA.—See letter of J.H.P.,
on first page. •
T Kr - ThisJuANCIASTER,is
sup
plied by the Rev. James Matthews, of Cen
tre College. Eighteen persons were received
at a late communion. s
WESTMINSTER, COLLECIE,—Thie institu
tion, located at Fulton, Mo., is enjoying
favorable manifestations of Divine grace.
Quite'. a number of the students are said to
have professed conversion.
BURLINGTON, lOWA. This church is
without , a pastor, and we lately noted the
desire of the people to obtain one. We are
now pleased to be informed that their desire
is likely to be soon granted. They have
made unanimous call to3tev. A. C. Mc-
Clelland, of Peru, Ind., with a prospect that
he will accept. Mr. McClelland has been
laboring for some weeks at Burlington, and
at a communion, on the 16th, twelve persons
were received on examination.
SPRING CRIER" PA.-A private letter
says "There is quite an interesting season
in the Spring Creek congregation, (Mr. Ham
mill's.) Between sixty- and seventy, came
forward last evening, as inquirers."
Itxv. Da. STRATTON, of Natchez, Miss.,
is laid aside from labor owing to an affection of
the head. " When he speaks, a sound al
most like that of a pistol," says the Presby
terian, Herald, "is made at every word he
utters."
THE Lamas HOME MAGAZINE, for February, is
a good
,number of a well conducted work. The
Ladies Home Department of our own dwelling, al
- delight to see its arrival. T. S. Arthur is
much of a favorite; and Miss Townsend is uni
formily vivacious and instructive.
TECO ECLECTIC MAGAznie, for February, is al
ready on our table: It is a capital number.
The . ladies will, of course, read " Crinoline and
Whales," and the curiosity of the gentlemen
Will hardly permit them to turn over the pages,
Without something beyond a mere peep at the
contents.
Circular Letter.--Board of Education of
the Presbyterian Church.
COLLEGIATE AND ACADEMICAL DEPART•
NT
The Board of Education of the Presbyte
rian Church was organized, in 1819, for the
purpose of aiding pious and indigent young,
men in preparing for the Gospel Ministry.
In 1847 and 1848, the General Assembly
added to the operations of- the Board, the
department of Schools, Academies, and Cod
kges, 'whose object is 'to assist institutions
under the care of the Church, when they
may require aid. These two departments of
the Board of Education are so harmonious as
to be properly committed to the same general
supervision, and yet they are so distinct as
to require separate funds for their adminis
tration. By a rule of the General Assembly,
the funds collected for the education of can
didates for the ministry are to be kept entirely
distinct from the oilier funds; so that what
ever money is spent in sustaining institutions
of learning, must be specifically given for
that purpose.
In fidelity to the trust committed by the
General Atisembly to their care, the Board
of Education are aiming to place this im
portant department of the work of the
Church upon a permanent and safe basis.
L GREATNESS OF - THE ` WORE
We ask our brethren to refresh their
minds with a brief glance at the importance
and benefits of religious institutions in the
training of youth.
1.
.The Presbyterian Church has made
education a prominent aim, on the general
principle, that it promotes man's chief end,
which is to "glorify, God and enjoy him for
ever." God himself possesses infinite know
ledge, as well as infinite holiness ; and
conformity, to his perfections encourages the
highest cultivation of the intellect, in con
nexion with the best training of religion.
2. Institutions of learning have been
found, in the experience of the Church, to be
efficient in imbuing the puthful mind with
correct principles of religion, and in leading,
by God's blessing, multitudes, to the know
ledge of Jesus Christ.
3. Our institutions, especially our Col
leges, furnish the supply of ministers to the
Church.
Total Graduates. Total Niniet era
In Congregational Colleges, 17,868 4,815"
In
In Presbyterian ,Colleges, 14,217 3,663
If one-fourth of all College, graduates be
come ministers of the Gospel, the necessity
and, advantages of Colleges must be apparent
to, all intellectual Christiana.
4. Our educational institutions, -and es
pecially the higher class, provide learned
men for all the professions, and spheres of
usefulness in public life. The great propor
tion of eminent statesmen, judges, lawyers,
physicians, scientific men, &c., owe much to
a thorough course of education ) and they are
chiefly graduates of Colleges.
5. Education perpetuates its advantages
with accumulating power, by raising up in
telligent and well•qualified Teachers and
Professors, for the Schools, Academies, Col
leges, and Theological Seminaries of the
country. The whole educational system is
bound' together by intimate, ties of common
relationship; eh class of institutions mu
tually affecting another, and the whole
growing in prosperity in proportion to the
effectual nurture of every part:
6. The cause of Christ, throughout the
earth, is promoted by the agencies of educa
tion, which elevate the social, political, and
religious condition of communities ,and na
tions, and prepare the way for ihat 'f increase
of knowledge"which is a characteristic of
the Millennium.
In short, the educational institutions of
the Church have ever constituted a part of
her true glory and power, from primitive
times, through the Reformation down to the
present period.
11. MOTivtIS FOR PROSECUTING THE
WHOLE WORK. WITH ENERGY, AND FOR
110:1401:3$1 1:$ k Rid 3AIII I kilk 4ox
1. All the reasons that render educational
institutions important,' anywhere, 'apply
with at least equal force to, new States and
Territories. The, cause of learning and the
cause of religion, depend upon religious in
stitutions West of the Allegheny mountains
as much as at the East or the South, where
they have been deemed necessary from the
earliest period.
2. No country in the whole world is more
important in its political, social, and religious
relations, than the West and South-West.
No part of our territory is more rapidly in
creasing in population, possesses greater
physical resources, is more certain of con
trolling our future = history, and has greater
prospects of influencing the destiny, of the
world.
3. Institutions of education, perform an
important office, no, where more needed than
in our new States and Territories, in train
ing the mind and heart with sound learning
and discipline, in repressing undue worldly
excitement, in supplying, high motives of
action, and in opening the, way for, the ail
vancementlif the kingdom of our Lord Jesus
Christ. .
4. Students who desire collegiate educa
tion) cannot come to the East in pursuit of
it; nor is it desirable that they should. The
youth of the country should be educated on
their own soil. But comparatively few will
be educated at all, unless institutions of
learning are established at home for their
benefit. .
5. Self•proteotion from the wiles of Popery
requires the establishment, in sufficient
numbers, of educational institutions in the
West. It is well known that particular ef
forts are made in that vast region, to secure
a control in the training of the young.
Presbyterians must not be backward in such
a contest, at 'such a day, for such , a crown of
reward as the West holds out to Protestant
education among its growing millions.
6. Our own Church .requires Colleges at
the West. We are more backward in this
department of evangelical resources than in
any other. Sister Churches, who have no
claim to precedence, except in our own vol
untary, but inexcusable backwardness, have
a larger number of institutions than we have.
Our wants and our position, as a denomina
tion of Christians, especially in reference to
the increase of our ministry, plead for imme
dints and thorough activity. We cannot do
our duty to the Church or the State, to 'pres
ent or future generations, unless we apply
our strength, without delay, to this great
work.
111. PROPOSED METHOD OP AIDING COL
LEES AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS.
The Board of Education have been acting
on a plan of assisting our /lOW institutions,
which, it is hoped, will meet the Mews of
the intelligent business ethos of our church
members,
and of our Church in general.
It has been objected that the West is able
to endow its own Institutions. This is our
own opinion. Give the West. time, and it
will provide a sufficient endowment, from
its own resources, for all its institutions.
The Board of Education, therefore, do not
propose to make it a part of their system of
aid, to collect any endowment funds.. It is
a fundamental prinoiple of the Board (which,
as a'general thing, will be, acquissced in,)
to raise ,no permanent funds in the East for
institutions at the West and South-West: If
any funds are given for permanent endow
•
ment, they must be the spontaneous gifts of
individuals who prefer putting their dona
tions in that form, and who have wealth
enough for that purpose.
The plan of the Board of Education is to
grant annually, for a limited period, such aid
to the Professors or teachers in these institu
tions as will, with other funds, supply their
immediate wants, until the students become
numerous enough to sustain the institutions
by tuition fees, or until an endowment is
obtained at the West itself.
This plan is wise, efficient, consistent and
safe.
It is wiz, bemuse it throws these institu
tutions principally upon their own resources,
stimulates them to immediate exertion, and
gives them encouragement during the inter
val of an incomplete endowment. Moreover,
if the new States are made to understand
that they must-endow their own institutions,
there is a security against their too great mul
tiplication,
The plan is efficient, because it answers
all the demands of pressing and immediate
wants, and makes a provision for the future,
which dispenses with foreign aid. The
great point is to help these itstitutions at
the beginning, and to insist upon the putting
forth of prompt efforts to place themselves
upon an independent basis.
This plan is consistent with our other
schemes. It presents to those who are able,
the opportunity to help those who are less
able, and all to help one another. It also
delivers particular sections of the Church
from the incessant importunities of indis
criminate applications. The plan of the
Board of Education is precisely analogous to
that of the Church Extension Committee. A
collection from our churches in 'behalf of
colleges and academies will enable the
Church to systematize this branch of benev
olent action on the same principles that have
given success in other departments.
This plan is a safe one. It , gnaratees
that all the money collected shall go directly
to supply the immediate wants of those
engaged in instruction, when 'this work is
performed; and no part of the funds is sub
ject to the risk of investment.
Let it be borne in mind that, in proportion
as our country 'advances, and new Territories
and States are added to the confederacy, new
institutions of learning are required. Texas,
California, Oregon, Minnesota, Nebraska,
and Kansas, are already organizing their
institutions and churches. Schools, acade-
Mies, and colleges, are necessary to prosper
ous, political, and social life, in new States
as In old ones. This new department 'of
the Board of Education is likely to be a per
manent one.
IV.. THE BEST WAY TO RAISE THE RE-
QIIIIVED FUNDS
Many difficulties have been encountered
by the Board
. in obtaining funds ) arising in
part from the number of other objects of
benevolence, in part from a want of thorough
appreciation of the work, and in part from
the, apparently unreasonable claim of one
Board for two collections from the churches.
Other hinderances of various kinds have alm
existed. The Board have, for some years,
struggled on as 'they were able, and have
accomplished, with God's blessing, no in
considerable good with the resources placed
within their reach. The largest eclair/1:u
-dons to the income of this department have
come from two of the Ruling Elders (now
not acting) the Presbyterian Church. It
is obvious that some general plan, adapted
to the co-operation of the whole Church,
ought to be devised and carried into practice;
otherwise all these weighty educational in
terests will be put in jeopardy in the course
of time. After surveying the whole subject
with, great care, and in view of the existing
emergency in a number of our academies
and colleges, the Board of. Education, in
consultation with friends in different sections.
of the Church, have unanimously" come to
the conclusion to ask a collection in aid of
institu.tio — of learning on the day recom
mended b. ' General Assembly for special
prayer----cdC only called the Annual Con
cert of Pr or for Colleges--ou the last
nit
Thursday of. February. The Board make
this proposition to the churches • without
assuming anynther authority than that of a
respectful and fraternal suggestion, leaving
it to the ministers and elders to take up a
collection or not, as may-seem best; : and if
one, is taken up, to direct to what institution
it shall be appropriated. If, no institution
be designated, the Board will distribute the
funds to the best advantage within their
power. • The coarse proposed is the only, one
left to the Board in its present emergency;
and it is hoped that the General Assembly
will approve of this plan as a permanent
arrangement, and hereafteirecommend.offer
ings as well as prayers on the ,reurrence of
the Annual Concert. . A
We respectfully ask the attention of min
isters, elders, and communicants, to, the fol
lowing reasons, in favor of collections at the
Annual Concert of Prayer, as the best mode
of obtaining the requisite support for, the
Schools, Academies, and Colleges ,of the
Presbyterian Church, that needtemporary
assistance : -
I. The plan of uniting alms with prayer,
has , Scriptural authority. "Thus saith
the Lord ' is better than all, the wisdom of
men.
2. Our Church is already trained to make
collections, with its prayers, at the Monthly
',Concert, for foreign missions; and why
not for institutions at the Annual Concert for
Colleges
' 3. This plan is an economical one. It
dispenses with all agencies, and is in exact
'accordance with the scheme of Systematic
Benevolence, adopted by our Church.
4. This arrangement for a collection, on
Thursday, will relieve a large number Of
' , brethren, who think than our institutions
ought to receive aid from the churches, but
' who, nevertheless, dot not feel warranted
either in taking up a second Sabbath collec
tion for the - Board of Education, or in com
bining the two departments of its work in
one presentation.
5. This plan, brings the matter within the
reach of all churches, which meet for prayer;
and it can be the most readily adopted-by
the greatest number.
6. To ask the people to aid colleges and
other institutions, in the act of praying for
them, will more perfectly bind.these institu
tions to the heart and piety of the Church.
7. This plan interferes with no other•
ocheme, or object of benevolence. The cause
of colleges takes its natural place, on its nat.
oral day, and without hinderance to any
other good work.
8. This plan has a capacity for enlarge
rnent, which gives it the prospect of yielding
a sufficient : income, ultimately, for all, the
purposes of the Board. It may be worked
into more efficiency, like other b4nevolent
plans, by imparting information* to the
- churches, by an occasional sermon, or word
of exhortation, from the pastor, or by con
versation with individuals. In short, the
' Board are willing to take the responsibility
of the efficiency of the plan, if the churches
will adopt it. Small sums from many church
es will make up, eventually, it is believed, a
sufficiently large . aggregate to enable the
Church to sustain: her institutions in their
time of need.
in view of these various considerations,
the Board submit to the ministers and elders
of the churches the propriety of taking up
collections, at the meetings for prayer, on
the last Thursday of February. Brethren,
we repeat it, that it is our only hope of
doing the work entrusted to us by the
Church, so far as we have any light upon
the subject. In soliciting this collection, we
ask our brethren to consider that we are not
demanding aid to promote an untried exper
iment. After being engaged in the work
for ten years, the Board can testify that the
aid, rendered in this department, has ac
complished the most important and useful
results to the cause of religions education,
both direetly and indirectly, in our own,
and in other churches ; and it is their strong
conviction that the efforts, made in behalf
of educational institutions, ought to be en
larged and perpetuated from generation to
generation.
It is proper to add, that nothing can be
'further from the intention of the Board than
to - magnify the pecuniary aspect of the case,
so as to interfere, in any manner, with the
devotional exercises of the day of special
prayer. On the contrary, the General As
sembly has declared, that " arvrtia is an act
of worship," obligatory upon those that serve
God in spirit and, in truth ; and this de
livellance of the Assembly is in conformity
with the declarations of the sacred Scrip
tures. •
In the midst, therefore, of sincere and
earnest prayer to the Lord of the harvest,
for the outpouring of his Spirit upon the
rising generation, especially upon the stu
dents in Schools, Academies, and Colleges,
let Imitable gifts for the support of our
educational institutions declare the gratitude
of the" Church for mercies past, and her sense
of obligation to glorify God . by all means in
her power, spiritual and temporal.
In behalf of the Board of Education,
C. VAN RENSsELAMt;
Corresponding Secretary.
WM. CHESTER,
Associate Sec'y and Gen'i Agt
JAMES WOOD,
Associate Corresponding Sec' y.
Jan,. 10th,, 1859. •
EASTERN SUMMARY.
BOSTON AND NEW ENGLAND.
Ong the 11th of August, 1736, after
having labored` six months in Georgia, Afr.
Charles Wesley, the Evangelical poet, and
brother to. John Wesley, the founder of
Methodism, sailed from Charleston, S. C.,
for England. But the first. part of the voy
age was_most unpropitious. The vessel in
which he had embarked was altogether un
seaworthy, and its commander was a wicked
and drunken man. The weather was
stormy, and the captain was at last com
pelled to endeavor to make Boston harbor.
But it was not until the 24th of September
that that port was reached, and Mr. Wesley
was able to bid farewell to the wretched
vessel, and its still more miserable captain.
Thus, Mr. Charles Wesley was the fast
Methodist known to have passed through
the streets of this city. He remained,
awaiting a passage home under a more
worthy officer, nearly a month. During his
stay, he was treated with much kindness by
some of the leading citizens, and received
many kind attentions from some of the
ministers. The invitations to preach were
quite numerous, but on account of the deli
cate state of his health, he was compelled to
decline most of them. Among other places,
he preached in Christ's church, (Episcopal,)
which had been constituted in the reign of
George . 1., and whose house of wore had
been erected the same year ; nate-alb - in
Trinity church, belonging ,to the nine de
nomination, which had been organized in
1734. The first mentioned edifice had, for
a`Jong time, the only chime of bells in New
England, and is still occupied as a house of
worship, though Wesley Preached in it more
than one hundred and twenty years ago.
Even the very sermons that he preached in
these two churches, are still in G existence,
having been published in London in 1816.
He re.e6barked the 25th of October, to
encounter another stormy and perilous
journey, but under a steady, careful, and
obliging captain, although in the same ves
sel, and did not reach England until the
3d of December.
The purchase of the Old _Hancock
Property, for the uses of the State, is now
agitate/ Some are in favor of securing it
as a residence for the. Governor, while
others advocate the making it a State
museum of antiquities. The Hancock
family is nearly extinct, and the old prop
erty must soon pass into other hands.
The present Speaker of the Massachu
setts Legisliture, is Mr. Charles Hale, of
Boston and is only twenty-eight years of
age. He, is the- youngest man that ever
held that office. Mr. Winthrop was speaker
at the age of twenty-nine.
After a full and careful examination, by
.the most eminent physicians, the disease
under which .llfr. Theodore Parker has
been laboring for some time, has. 'been pro
nounced pulmonary consumption. He has
left for the West Indies, and his-congrega
tion, or Society, ,has taken a smaller hall.
What may be its future, no one can tell.
The Puritan, Review Scheme has now
assumed a definite shape, and promises to
include a much wider scope of vision, and
to exert a much more extensive influence,
than was at first anticipated.'he alleged
necessity for such a publication, was the
tendencies of the leading and favorite Theo
logical-Seminary in New England, and the
increasing; laxness of doctrine in the
yonnger portion of the ministry. And now
the Recorder tells us that " the same occa
sion, exists in New York as in New Eng
land, for a work of the kind." Therefore
it has been determined to raise the same
amount in New - York, ,as in Boston, and
that the work shall haVe a Boston and a
New. York editor of 'equal control, and be
published simultaneously in both cities.
The Rev. Joseph Tracy has been elected
the Boston editor, and the Rev. H. B.
.
Smith, D.D., of 'the New School Presby
terian Church and Professor in Union
_
Theological. Seminary, the New• York editor.
Any difference of opinion arising between
the editors is to be referred to the Board
of Directors. The questions in dispute be
tween- Independents or Congregationalists ,
and Presbyterians, are not to come under