1834.] PRESBYTERIAN EDUCATION SOCIETY. 5 The Rev. WILLIAM PATTON, pastor of York, having been appointed to the office have inade. And they should rejoice that { they have sons to be thus employed for the Central Presbyterian church in New Christ and his church. The ministers of Jesus should make increasing efforts to induce young men of respectable talents, ardent piety, and good promise, to commence at once preparation for this holy calling. Charitable assistance should be rendered to all pious young men of good promise who desire to prepare for the ministry, but have not the pecuniary means of doing it. The number of males in the United States, between 14 and 25 years of age, is about 1,200,000. One fifteenth part or 80,000 may be considered pious. One in ten or 8,000 ought to prepare for the ministry. One half of these are able in a pecuniary view to educate themselves; the other half or 4,000 need charitable assistance. And can it be imagined, that the churches purchased by the blood of Immanuel will withhold the silver and the gold, which are the Lord's? It cannot be. Conclusion. Have the friends of Zion thought on this momentous subject of educating pious young men for the ministry as they ought? Have they sufficiently exerted themselves to become acquainted with the spiritual woes and wants of millions in our own country; and of hundreds of millions in pagan and Mohammedan lands? Have they felt as they ought? Have they experienced one hour of distress, one sleepless night on account of the impending perdition of those who have no knowledge of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ? Have they prayed as they ought, presented the case before the throne of God with strong crying and tears-agonized in prayer? For the promotion of this object, have they contributed of their substance as duty required? On the day of their espousals to Christ, did they not make an entire consecration to him of all they are, and have, and can do for time and for eternity? Christians will do well to ponder these things in their hearts. PRESBYTERIAN EDUCATION SOCIETY. As the American Education Society held its annual meeting this year in the city of New York, the Presbyterian Education Society did not celebrate publicly its anniversary. The officers of this Society are Hon. Theo. Frelinghuysen, LL. D. Pres. Rev. William Patton, Cor. Secretary. Rev. John J. Owen, Assistant Secretary. Horace Holden, Esq. Recording Secretary. Oliver Willcox, Esq. Treasurer. to The committee are strongly encouraged by this demonstration, of the increased interest taken in this cause. The rapidity with which young men of piety and talents are coming forward, will require an enlarged benevolence; and we cordially, therefore, commend the Secretary and the indispensable and noble cause he advocates to the prayers, confidence, and benevolence of the Christian community. HENRY WHITE, Committee, ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOSTON AUXILI ARY EDUCATION SOCIETY. THE Boston Auxiliary Education Society held its annual meeting on Monday evening, May 26, at Park Street Church. The services were introduced with prayer by the Rev. President Humphrey, of Amherst College. The Report was read by the Rev. Nehemiah Adams, of Boston. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. Dr. Cogswell, Secretary of the Parent Society; the Rev. Hubbard Winslow, of Boston; the Rev. William Patton, Secretary of the Presbyterian Education Society; and the Rev. Miron Winslow, of Ceylon. The officers of the Society are William J. Hubbard, Esq. President. The Report follows: The Boston Auxiliary Education Society Some account of the proceedings of this was instituted at Boston, Dec. 1818, under the name of the Auxiliary Education SociSociety, is given in the abstract of the Pa-ety of the Young Men of Boston. By a rent Institution. new organization in the year 1831, its dis tinctive character as a Society of young men was changed, and it now embraces some of every age in the churches of this city. which involve the highest glory of God, and are most intimately connected with the work of redeeming the world, the Christian is set forth as the great instrument, and God waits for the exercise of his powers and of his spiritual affections, the use of his posses sions, and the consecration of himself a living sacrifice, before these objects can be accomplished. This is without doubt from the Son of God, who, knowing the honor and glory which will accrue to him who is instrumental in the accomplishment of such designs, is willing to add to the honor con of being a co-worker with God. This is applicable to the object with which this Society is connected. We have seen that the ministry of reconciliation was the gift chosen by the Saviour to be a lasting memorial of himself, and to effect the purposes contemplated by his humiliation, his cross and triumph. We have seen that it is allimportant; that Christ is dead in vain, unless his constituted means of spreading the knowledge of his name and salvation, are provided. But this responsibility is left with his friends. "How can they believe except they hear, how can they hear without a preacher, how can they preach except they be sent ?" These questions are solemn affirmations, and it is left with the Christian to supply that indispensable instrumentality, during whose delay the destinies of a world are at stake. This Society is the leading auxiliary to the Parent Society, its yearly contributions to the latter having exceeded those of every other similar association. Its funds are applied immediately to the use of the Parent Society, and thus it presents the light of a goodly stream feeding a river which in a peculiar sense makes glad the city of our God. The sum of $3,482,* raised by this Aux-ferred on man in redemption, the happiness iliary during the past year, is an indication of the importance attached by Christians in this city to the cause of education for the ministry. They do not, however, and cannot transcend its importance by any feelings however ardent, or by any efforts however great. When Christ at his ascension led captivity captive, He gave gifts to men, like a royal conqueror, in testimony of his triumphs, as an assurance of his love and protection of his friends. What were these tokens of the favor of Him who said, " All power is given me in heaven and on earth," and from his infinite resources what did He select, as, in his view, the greatest gift which he could bestow upon man? It was THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. This is the greatest blessing which the Saviour has given to the world; it is, in fact, in the place of the Saviour's personal presence amongst men; it is the instrument of a world's salvation in the hands of the Holy Ghost. To perpetuate the Christian ministry is to insure the Redeemer's greatest blessing to mankind, and the continued influences of that Spirit who worketh faith, which cometh by hearing; and who as the God of the natural as well as the moral creation, rejoices in the wise adaptation of means to the end, and has exhibited adorable wisdom in appointing such means as redeemed sinners to publish salvation. This continuance of the Christian ministry is essential, not only to the conversion of the world, but to the existence and prosperity of the various plans of benevolence. It is plain, that unless the good proposed by every other enterprise of Christian zeal be followed up in the hearts of men by the ministrations of the gospel from a preacher, it will be temporary in its influence and limited as to its extent. It is a singular feature in the government of God, that all the objects which lie nearest his heart, are in a peculiar manner made to depend for their accomplishment upon the will and efforts of his friends. Many things of secondary importance are performed without so distinguished and necessary an agency of man, but in those great concerns *This sum does not comprize the whole yearly contributions, many of the subscriptions or contributions not yet having been received. In the providential administration of God, enterprises destined to effect distinguished good, are in many instances compelled to struggle with great difficulties and opposition. From the reformation downwards, they who have been connected with noble plans of benevolence, have, in the majority of instances, been compelled to hard and hazardous labors, which have tried their souls. As through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of heaven, so the desirable object must be purchased at much expense; and this, in accordance with the sentence, In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread; for sin has separated us from the once easy acquisition of that which is desirable, and has made labor a necessary condition in every thing, and especially in that which concerns the restoration of souls to holiness, and the favor of God. An illustration of this is seen in the difficulties which attended the commencement of the scheme of benevolence now considered. A perfect illustration of it upon a smaller scale is seen in the trials and sufferings of multitudes of pious young men, in striving to obtain the necessary qualifications for the ministry. God seems for a long time to hedge up their path. The opposition of friends, or growing poverty, one or both of these are obstacles which hundreds of young men have been which they have endured, it may be said of obliged to encounter; and in the struggles them the heart knoweth its own bitterness. time, when all that is generous and kind is sparingly appreciated; or that will be more fully repaid them on earth and in eternity, in the gratitude of the immediate recipients of their sympathy, and of multitudes whom they will be the instruments of converting to God, to be in their time the means of salvation to thousands more. No stranger can tell what have been the efforts, and giving a play to the energies of sufferings of candidates for the sacred office the man which might have collapsed, and in their first efforts to obtain an education. made him a listless and useless creature, if To look through seven years, at least, of unwelcome obligations had been forced study, without the means of support, to be upon him. Here in the opinion of many subjected to the charge or suspicion of in- the present system of our Society fulfils a dolence from ignorant and mistaken friends delicate and noble end; saving all that is for choosing an employment whose hard- valuable in the refinement of a delicate ships and pains they could not appreciate, to mind, and at the same time yielding it all sit by a miserable fire through long winter the aid which an abundant charity would nights, to see a scanty wardrobe perishing, afford. Those who contribute to this Soand no prospect of fresher supply, to feel the || ciety, may be assured, in view of some of pressure of accumulating debt, and to have the circumstances just stated, that there is the mind agitated and racked almost every no plan through which they can exert such night by the question whether the indica- an influence upon one of the most interesttions of Providence are not opposed to furthering classes of their fellow-beings; and at a progress, and to be oppressed in spirit all day long with the consciousness of being poor and friendless, are sufferings which not a few have endured, who, as has been seen with effects of their subsequent labors, were chosen and called of God to the ministry of reconciliation. The Great Apostle and High Priest of our profession went through a course of suffering even unto One principle upon which this Society blood; and though his young followers proceeds, and which commends itself to would not shrink from being partakers with every well-informed mind, is, that a thorHim in his sufferings, nor despise the early ough classical and theological education is chastening of the Lord, nor withdraw desirable as a qualification for extended and themselves from bearing the yoke in their permanent influence in the Christian minisyouth, they are compelled to say to the try. There is one view of this subject brethren and sisters in Christ, that they which deserves attention and serious conmust share with them the suffering and sideration. Many of us can remember the sacrifice which God has made indispensable time when it was thought that the employto their being co-workers with him in sav- ment of the missionary was one that needed ing the world. It is one of the most de- merely common and even ordinary talents lightful results of modern Christian benev- and acquisitions, and when those who could olence, that a plan has been devised and not obtain a settlement in a Christian sobrought to the help of those who are the ciety by reason of their want of acceptable hope of the church and the future heralds talents and attainments, could be as usefully of mercy, at the same time, that all tempta- employed amongst the heathen, as men of tion to indolence and pride is prevented by greater powers and learning. Even at the a happy contrivance of keeping a sense of present day the heathen are by many inresponsibility upon the mind, while it is discriminately considered as stupid, sottish, relieved from the oppression of want and senseless creatures, without discernment, uncertainty. The plan of loaning funds to talent, taste or aptitude for any thing but candidates for the sacred profession, payable animal pleasure, or sensibility to any thing without interest at a time when it is sup- but brute force. This is doubtless true in reposed the ability will make it easy, and to gard to the majority of the heathen, and even be cancelled in the case of those who the remainder "have their understandings enter the missionary service, is a wise and darkened, being alienated from the life of admirable feature in the present system of God through the ignorance that is in them, this benevolent enterprise. The receipt of because of the blindness of their hearts." absolute charity is often so revolting to But under that awful darkness which broods many invaluable but sensitive minds, that over paganism, there is a world of mind, they have preferred to suffer, and, in some and here and there a shrewd, intelligent, instances, forego, the advantages and useful-keen-sighted intellect, which by cultivation ness which they could not otherwise enjoy. The natural delicacy which is found in many young minds, is almost always a token of merit, and proceeds from qualities which may be suppressed or greatly injured, if treated in their first opening with harsh or unrefined usage. The independence of mind which leads some to refuse charitable aid, has, with a little indulgence and proper management, often been like a compressed coil, propelling to harder study and severer As would honor and bless the world. knowledge and the principles of Christianity spread through that mass of mind, creating a desire for instruction and a disgust at the foul practices of their superstitions, there will be questions asked, and investigations made, and a spirit of general inquiry roused up, which will shake all paganism to its centre. Who are the men that we shall need to be stationed there to direct that wonderful reformation, to guide the awak of those changes which in the world of mind are more sudden than that of the seasons, and during which it can never be said, "There are four months and then cometh harvest," but which call for the reaper oftentimes before it is suspected that the seed is in the ground. As the Education Society rather than any other is engaged in furnishing men for the various departments of ministerial labor, it seems to be incumbent upon them especially, to make these statements and to recommend these principles to the churches, and they call upon ministers and intelligent laymen to assist them in giving this subject the prominence before the community which its ened mind of a new world, to satisfy the eager desire and the restless curiosity of men with faculties roused and sharpened by partial discoveries of the wonders of natural and revealed religion? Are they superficial thinkers, who shunned the discipline of a thorough education? Are they half-taught scholars, who, because the work to be performed was so great, could not wait to prepare themselves to do it? Are they men of decent attainments and powers merely that will soon be required by the exigencies of the heathen world? This Society has answered the question by the decided stand which it has taken in enjoining upon all within its influence, the duty to themselves and their Master, of striving after the high-importance deserves. The effect of the est cultivation and attainments in reference to the work of the ministry. men of the most powerful minds, should be selected for the foreign service; and that a common man would do better to remain at home, than be intrusted with the amazing responsibility of forming the minds and characters of nations, and of laying a foundation which must be removed at great hazard when the superstructure has gone up, or stand for ages to give character to all that shall be built upon it. general reception of these views, confirmed by the apparent revolutions in the heathen It is possible that it has appeared to some world, would soon lead Christendom to exthat the learning, and talents, and sensibil-pect that our most accomplished scholars, and ities of Henry Martyn were sacrificed in sending him to live and die amidst idolaters; and that such a useless expense of mind and such liability to excruciating suffering which every one constituted like him must endure, ought to be spared, and men of common endowments, and iron nerves, and "working men," be selected for this purpose. But the memoir of Henry Martyn would not have blessed Christendom, and through us, paganism, had he not been a man of just the sensibility and refinement and learning that he possessed. The invaluable translations which he made would have been performed with less ability, if with any, if this ornament of an English university had not gone to Persia. Shall the important work of TRANSLATION, that requires a fine perception of shades of thought, and language, and which, in a small mistake of a particle, or single word, may convey erroneous impressions to a nation of readers, be intrusted to men of inferior classical abilities; and they be the Wickliffes, the Tindalls, the Coverdales, and "the James's men" of a new Christendom, who have no disposition or patience for the study of languages at home under every possible advantage? Were the labor required of the missionary only that of a camp-meeting, or a conference-room, he were the best qualified, whose ready utterance and physical strength were the greatest; but when we consider that the literature of the vast nations of heathenism, soon we hope to be converted to God, is yet to be formed, and that every thing depends upon the first and elementary parts of it, the office of a foreign missionary seems to be one of inexpressible responsibility, and to call for men as well qualified by the highest and most extensive literary attainments as any that remain in the churches and institutions of Christendom. It is evident, moreover, that now is the time when such men are needed to take their stations at the opening fields of usefulness in foreign lands, to watch for the indication But if the exigencies of the heathen world demand the best men that leave our seminaries, what will the churches do for a supply of able ministers? There must be a famine amongst them, unless means are used to increase the number of such ministers; for increasing knowledge and reformation in all classes of the community have raised the standard of ministerial qualifications, so that if the previous description of such a minister as a church represent themselves to need, and seem not to be satisfied unless they can obtain, is to be answered, nothing short of thorough literary and theological attainments in those who are assisted by this Society will give the churches confidence in receiving any who have been under its patronage. Those who cannot wait to finish their studies because souls are perishing, will then be made to feel that it is more painful to see them perish while they who were in such haste to save them are to their mortification laid aside for incompetency, than it would have been to have repressed their irregular zeal, and to have followed the counsel of wiser and more judicious men. But while the demands of the heathen world are increasing, and the churches of our land need a constant supply of able and efficient men, where shall we look for the reinforcement of the Christian ministry, and for the host that is needed to Christianize pagan lands. It is believed that the Society to which this is an auxiliary is to be, in the hands of God, the means of a large supply to these demands. And it is not merely by 1834.] REV. MR. MATHER'S REPORT. sending out those whom it has been instrumental in calling from obscurity and poverty, and raising up to be ministers, that this Society will be a blessing to the churches and to the world. It has been the means of raising up many to preach the gospel whom it never assisted by its funds, but to whom it directed the prayers and interests of the churches and of its ben eficiaries, and who, in the revivals in colleges which were in consequence of these prayers and this interest, were the subjects of renewing grace. The American Education Society by having the objects of its fostering care in colleges and academies, is necessarily drawn towards those seminaries with an intense interest; thus it has been the means of awakening and sustaining a spirit of prayer throughout the churches for the literary institutions of our land; and to these institutions we are to look for the future ministry. No one may say how much the direct or indirect influence of this Society has been connected with revivals in colleges and academies;-those events of thrilling interest, those periods in which men are called to be apostles, and set apart by the Holy Ghost to the gospel of God. In this view of the subject the American Education Society stands first amongst equals in its influence upon the destinies of the world. It is interesting to see that this great enterprise holds so high a place in the hearts and charities of Christians in this city, and it is hoped that they will continue to sustain the example which they have given to other auxiliaries, and far surpass their own former efforts. To be the instruments of raising up heralds of the cross, requires an exercise of faith in the promises of God; inasmuch as this benevolence contemplates future, as well as immediate, good; and therefore they who thus cast their bread upon the waters in obedience to the command of God and with trust in his word shall have the praise not only of devoted servants, but of those who honor God by their "confidence, which hath a great recompense of reward.” INTELLIGENCE. AMERICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY. 9 The Directors were obliged by their Rules to strike from the list of Beneficiaries the names of two young men for improprieties and immoralities of conduct. Such instances of misdemeanor have rarely occurred of late, and are deeply to be deplored. May the Directors be never again called to the performance of the like painful duty. REPORT OF REV. WM. L. MATHER. To the Secretary of the American Education Society. My last quarterly report I think was made out from Berkshire county, April 1. I continued my labors in that county till I had visited the remaining towns of Williamstown, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Windsor, Lanesborough, Tyringham, New Marlborough, Sandisfield and Sheffield. These towns, except one, all contributed at the time to the funds of the Society, as will appear from the list of donations published in the Journal. This list, however, it should be observed in justice to some of these towns, does not exhibit the whole amount contributed for the season. Providential circumstances with regard to some of them prevented much effort being made at the time. With regard to the town which contributed nothing at the time the subject was presented, something has perhaps been contributed since. It was understood that there would be. It was thought not expedient to call upon the people to act on the subject immediately, lest they should do too much and would afterwards repent of their liberality-that they had better take time to think of the matter and act understandingly. Now, Sir, without any particular reference to the place here alluded to, (for I hope in that instance your Journal will show a very liberal contribution as the result of waiting and thinking,) allow me to make a remark on the feature in the system of benevolent contribution. This thinking and deliberating, is an excellent thing. I love to have men think well before they act on any subject; and especially in regard to the Education Society. If I can only get men to think of this cause, scrutinize it, and understand it throughout, I have no fears about their giving. I have never THE quarterly meeting of the Board of known a man who became thoroughly acDirectors was held on Wednesday, July 9, quainted with this Society, and understood 1834. Appropriations were made to ben- properly its bearings upon the church and the world, who was disposed to withhold eficiaries, in various institutions as follows: his aid from it. This waiting, however, Former Ben. New Ben. Total. Am't Ap. and putting off the matter to some future 4 Theol. Sem's, 54 1 55 $1,010 time before acting, when there is no other 11 Colleges, 231 1 232 4,296 reason for doing so but to think about it, is 27 104 1,380 quite another affair. If the subject is so unfortunately presented by an agent, that 391 $6,686 the people cannot understand it from his Quarterly Meeting of the Directors. 40 Academies, 55 Institutions, 77 362 29 VOL. VII. B |