Rev. William Allen, D. D. Pres. Bowdoin College.
Rev. Nathanael Emmons, D. D. Franklin, Mass.
Rev. Edward D. Griffin, D. D. Pres. Williams Col.
Rev. James Richards, D. D. Prof. Auburn Theol. Sem.
Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D. Pres. Lane Seminary,
Rev. Heman Humphrey, D. D. Pres. Amherst Col.
Rev. Nathan Lord, D. D. Pres. Dartmouth College.
Rev. Francis Wayland, D. D. Pres. Brown Univ.
Rev. Leonard Woods, D. D. Prof. Andover Th. Sem.
Rev. James M. Matthews, D. D. Chan. N. Y. Univ.
Rev. Sereno E. Dwight, D. D. Pres. Hamilton Col.
Rev. John Wheeler, D. D. Pres. Univ. of Vermont.
Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, LL. D. Newark, N. J.
Rev. Robert H. Bishop, D. D. Pres. Miami Univ.
Rev. George E. Pierce, Pres. Western Reserve Col.
Directors.

Rev. Abiel Holmes, D. D. LL. D.
Rev. Brown Emerson.
Rev. Warren Fay, D. D.
John Tappan, Esq.
Arthur Tappan, Esq.

His Honor Samuel T. Armstrong, Esq.
Rev. John Codman, D. D.

Rev. William Cogswell, D. D.
Rev. Samuel Gile.

Rev. Ralph Emerson, D. D.
Rev. William Patton.

Rev. William Cogswell, D. D. Secretary.
Hardy Ropes, Esq. Treasurer.
Hon. Pliny Cutler, Auditor.

Abstract of the Nineteenth Annual
Report.

The American Education Society, is exerting a most happy influence on the religious, literary and civil interests of the country. It is beneficial to the Church by multiplying the number of ministers. It has, since its commencement, assisted in the education of about 700 individuals, who have already entered the ministry, most of whom would not have prepared for this sacred employment without this assistance. Besides, by its Agents and publications, it has probably been the means of inducing 300 more to preach the gospel, who possessed pecuniary ability to educate themselves. And it undoubtedly has excited to the formation of other Societies, whose object is to raise up heralds of salvation. While these are denominational, that is, confined in their operations to the particular communions with which they are severally connected, as Presbyterians, Baptists, Episcopalians, Methodists and others, they have together, probably, been instrumental in preparing for the ministry 500 or 600, who are now laboring faithfully for Jesus Christ. -The Society also beneficial by improving the character of ministers. It does this by elevating the standard of ministerial education, and of ministerial piety. As a condition of receiving assistance, it requires that its beneficiaries pursue a regular course of theological study for three years, as well as obtain a complete collegiate education, or one that is equivalent to it. This, it is believed, is a higher requisition than was previously made by any other Institution whatever in the land, as a prerequisite to a participation in this species of charity. And

there is no other Education Society now existing, that requires this.

The Society is strict in its requisitions of piety in those who receive its patronage; in its pastoral supervision; indeed in its whole course of discipline. Thus it not only promotes personal holiness, but also sets forth the vast importance of high attainments in religion, in those who enter the ministry.-It will, too, improve the character of ministers, by increasing their bodily and mental vigor. The temperate, economical and industrious habits, which it enjoins, will promote corporeal health, strength, and activity. And these are intimately connected with intellectual soundness, vivacity, and energy.

By

Thus by multiplying the number and improving the character of ministers, the Society will be a means of enlarging and sanctifying the Church. The ministry is the standing ordinance of Heaven for the conversion and salvation of this world. the foolishness of preaching, God is pleased to save them that believe. As ministers are multiplied, so this means of grace is increased, and so, according to the appointment of Heaven, conversions will be multiplied and the Church enlarged. And in proportion to the piety and faithfulness of the ministry, will, ordinarily, be the sanctification and purity of the Church.- In these ways the Society is beneficial to the interests of Zion.

This Society operates advantageously on the literary interests of the country. It favorably affects academies, colleges, and theological seminaries. It does this by requiring of its beneficiaries a regular and thorough education, and by continually holding up before the community the importance of education generally; and also by increasing the number of pious students. The beneficiaries, while pursuing their course of studies, will exert a most salutary influence on the Institutions, with which they are connected. They will be a means of promoting the sanctification of Christians and of restraining the immoral and vicious. It may be expected, too, that they will do much towards promoting revivals of religion among their literary associates, as has already in many instances been the fact. When they shall have completed their preparatory studies, and entered upon professional duties, they will become patrons to common schools, academies, colleges and theological seminaries. Many such Institutions will be established through their influence. There are now 84 colleges and 30 theological seminaries in the United States. Of these colleges, 46 have been erected since the formation of the American Education Society, and most of them with a view to the multiplication of ministers, and to some extent in the way of charitable education. And can it be doubted, that this Society has done much to increase the

AMERICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY.

number of colleges and to promote the is probably not far from 700. About 100 of cause of Manual Labor Institutions? All these have entered the field of labor the the theological seminaries in the country, last year. The most sanguine expectations with the exception of two, have come into of the founders of this Institution, could not existence since its establishment. The ef- have anticipated, that in twenty years from fect of these Institutions on the Society and its formation it would, annually, send forth of the Society on them, is most happy. a hundred spiritual reapers into the field And they should ever be accounted as mu- of harvest. tual helpers in the great and glorious work of raising up ministers of the gospel for the supply of a world.

Thorough course of education.-He who ministers at the altar, should be taught not only in the school of Christ, but also in the school of human science. He must be not the kingdom. The priest's lips should keep a novice, but a scribe well instructed into knowledge. The prophets were men of learning. Moses was taught in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Daniel excelled in sisted at 84 Institutions within the bounds knowledge. Schools of the prophets were of the Presbyterian and Western Education established in various parts of Canaan; as Societies. The number of new beneficia-at Dothan, Jericho, Gilgal, and Bethel. ries during the year is 300-a larger num. ber than was admitted in any preceding

Promotion of personal holiness.-It has | obtained an education for the ministry, but ever been a leading aim of the Directors, on account of ill health or some other good to seek the promotion of holiness in the individuals who receive their patronage. The plan of pastoral supervision was adopted as early as April, 1826, and has resulted in much good to the beneficiaries and the cause generally. The Secretary of the Parent Society has performed this service so far as his other duties of an imperative nature would allow. Other Secretaries and permanent Agents have taken a part in this vastly important work. Communion has also been held with them by pastoral correspondence and addresses.--During the year, books and pamphlets, applicable to them as Christians, preparing for the ministry, have been given them as usual, so far as opportunity and convenience would permit.

reason, have been prevented from preaching the gospel of Christ; financial men, too, and those in particular who contribute to the funds. Indeed, it is believed, that the Society could not exist and flourish on any other than the loaning system. Difficulties innumerable would arise without this plan of procedure. Fifty individuals have the last year refunded $2,957 14, thus helping to replenish the treasury of the Lord, and carrying forward this great cause of benevolent effort. The whole amount which has been refunded is as follows; During the eleven years preceding April 30, 1826, $339 60—1827, $90 00-1828, $864 22— 1829, $830 91-1830, $1,007 84-1831, $2,647 63—1832, $1,312 77—1833, $2,11327-1834, $1,947 78-1835, $2,957 14— making $14,111 16.

Receipts. From the Treasurer's Report, it appears that the receipts, during the year, Expenditures.-The expenditures for the have been $83,062 70, over $25,000 more year have been $68,443 32. This sum than in any preceding year. Of this sum, added to the debt of the Society the last $66,589 90 are for current use, and $16,472-year, $5,225 71, and the amount will be 80 for the scholarship fund. There have been raised within the bounds of the Presbyterian church $25,289, and the remainder $57,773 70 have been received from the New England States. To $66,589 90, add $6, 000 by vote of the Directors transferred from the original fund to the current fund for present use-amount of the sale of real estate, bequeathed, for the general purposes of the Society, and the amount will be $72, 589 90-total of receipts for present use.

sons.

$73,669 03. Subtract $72,589 90, the receipts for current use, and there remain $1,079 13, the present debt of the Society. Remittances to a large amount have been made during the year from the treasury of the Parent Institution to Branches and Societies connected with it. Some have sustained their own beneficiares, and transmitted a portion of their collections to the general treasury to meet the necessities of

others.

Bequests.-The amount received by legAmount of earnings.--The amount earnacies the last year, is $27, 010 38. Of this ed by labor, school teaching and other sersum $15,472 80 were from the Rev. Eben-vices is highly creditable to the beneficiaries ezer Porter, D. D., of Andover, $1,000 from and shows in part the happy effects of the Isaac Warren, Esq., of Charlestown, $9, loaning system. This in a great measure 877 58, from Joseph Abbott, Esq., of Elling-throws them upon their own resources, and ton, Connecticut, and $660 from other per- induces them to make personal efforts, and In no previous year has the Society to practice self-denial and economy. The received so large an addition to its funds sum of earnings reported from year to year, from the testamentary acts of its friends. for the last nine years follows, viz: 1827, The time has come when the disciples of $4,000-1828, $5,149-1829. $8,728-1830, Christ, possessing this world's goods, not $11,010-1831, $11.460-1832, $15,568— only while living, remember the cause of Zion by their charities, but when dying, 829. The whole amount is $132,623. 1833, $20,611--1834, $26,268—1835, $29,leave in its behalf their prayers and alms to ascend together as an acceptable memorial before God.

Loans refunded. The loaning system to a greater or less extent has been in operation fifteen years. During this time it has been fully tested, and proved to be the best course that has been devised for the accoinplishment of the following objects ;-the industry, economy, independence, health, morals and religion of the beneficiaries; the increase of funds; the prevention of impositions and abuses in various ways; the satisfaction of clergymen generally, especially those who by great efforts and sacrifices educated themselves; also those who, by assistance received from the Society,

Obligations cancelled.-Nineteen beneficiaries have asked for a release from their of the Society, and their request has been pecuniary obligations according to the Rules granted. Of these, 5 were Foreign Missionaries, 10 Home Missionaries, and 4 Pastors of feeble churches in peculiarly depressed condition.

Presbyterian Education Society.-This Society embraces the Middle, Southern and some of the Western States, and is highly important on account of its location and character, and the extension of its operations is much to be desired. The Rev. William Patton of New York, who had been its Corresponding Secretary, for the two

1835.1

AMERICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY.

5

previous years, and who had rendered it | bounds 71 beneficiaries have been assisted assistance as his other avocations would the last twelve months. allow, in July last relinquished his pastoral charge and devoted himself exclusively to Central Agency.-This Society has its the duties of his office. The Rev. John J. Centre of operations at Philadelphia. It Owen who had been Assistant Secretary has been in existence only one year. The and Agent, for three years, and who had Rev. Eliphalet W. Gilbert has accepted the performed his official services with great and consequently resigned his office as Secpresidency of Newark College, Delaware, fidelity and propriety, and with good success, in January last resigned his office retary. The Rev. Edwin F. Hatfield, late with a view of settling ultimately in the of St. Louis, Missouri, has been appointed ministry. Within the bounds of this Soci- to succeed him, and expects to enter immeety, embracing the Western Education So-diately upon his official duties.

ciety, 478 young men have been assisted Western Reserve Branch.-This Branch and $25,289 have been raised, during the has steadily and perseveringly prosecuted year. In order to meet the appropriations its benevolent object. The Rev. Ansel R. made to these beneficiaries and the expen- Clark, its Secretary, has labored with abilses which were incurred, the Parent Soci-ity, wisdom, and success. The beneficiaries ety has paid from its Treasury $6,000.

sustained by that Society the past year, are

Within its bounds during this time, $2,815 have been raised.

East and West Tennessee Agencies.These Societies have together aided sixtytwo beneficiaries. The Rev. John W. Beecher has resigned his agency, and Rev. John W. Irwin has recently been appointed Agent in his place, and is expected soon to enter upon his work. The Northern part of Alabama will be embraced within this field.

Western Education Society.--After 40. extensive correspondence and much deliberation, it was thought desirable that the Western Agency should be dissolved and a General Society for the Valley of the Mississippi should be formed. Accordingly such a Society has been instituted and organized, by the name of the "Western Education Society." The Constitution was adopted and the officers chosen, the 30th October last, at the time of the Anniversaries of the different benevolent Societies, held at Cincinnati. That place is to be the centre of its operations. The Rev. Dr. Wisner and the Rev. Mr. Patton were delegates from the Parent Society, and aided in the new arrangement and organization. It has already, Branches and Auxiliaries, and will, it is expected, ultimately embrace the whole Great Valley. The Rev. John Spaulding and the Rev. Ansel R. Clark, were chosen Secretaries. Mr. Spaulding had been an able and efficient Secretary for the Western Agency for about two

years.

New York City Young Men's Education Society. This Society was formed the last autumn, and has already paid into the Treasury one thousand dollars, and given a pledge that it will raise twenty-five temporary scholarships of seventy-five dollars each. This is an earnest of what may be expected from the vigor and ardor of youth Were all the young men of our land to imitate this noble example, what an amount of good would result!

Western Education Society, N. Y.This Society occupies as its field of operations, the Western District of the State of New York. It has prosecuted its object with success. During the year, there have been aided within its bounds 100 beneficiaries. The present Secretary is the Rev. Alanson Scofield.

Utica Agency-This Society has been well sustained the past year, by its Secretary the Rev. Otto S. Hoyt. Within its

Illinois Branch.-This State Society during the year preceding the one just closed, raised funds sufficient to meet its appropriations. It has paid but little, the present year, to beneficiaries who have been sustained within its bounds, owing to the fact, that no Agent has been employed within its limits. Illinois is fast rising in a literary and religious point of view.

Maine Branch.-Within the limits of this

Branch, 55 young men have been assisted the past year. Of these, 25 were new applicants. The number of beneficiaries has doubled in the space of two years. The amount of funds raised in the State is $2,075. Maine seems destined to be one of the most populous and best States in the Union, and to send forth a most salutary religious and literary influence.

New Hampshire Branch.-During the year, this Branch has raised $5,005, the largest sum ever contributed in the State for this object, within the same period of time. This is the result of the labors of an efficient Agent. In 1830, without the services of an Agent, the State raised $265, and in 1831, with an agency of a few weeks, it contributed to this object, $2,263. Within its bounds 40 young men have been assisted the year past, 10 of whom were new beneficiaries.

North Western Education Society.This Auxiliary Society embraces the State of Vermont, and has been very successful in furnishing young men who have the min