The following resolution was also unanimously passed, viz:

their favorable influence on human happi- | successful institutions of learning in our ness, by extending the blessings of educa- country, owe their prosperity to the labors tion and religion, are entitled to the en- of an educated ministry. All experience larged benevolence and co-operation of every forbids the expectation that the means of Christian patriot. education will be furnished for every child in the land, in any country, new or old, until the religious teachers of the land are prepared to exert an educated influence on the whole mass of mind over which they act, and lend their untiring exertions to the cause. The directors, therefore, not less than every friend of his country, who reflects on the vital importance of general education, as connected with national prosperity, and the influence of our free institutions on the world, will labor and pray for the increase of an educated ministry, not in one denomination of Christians, but in all; and will labor for it with zeal commensurate with their love of country, and of mankind; believing fully, that general education, in connection with religion, is essential to the well-being of society, and to the universal triumph of Christianity.

Resolved, That the Society, feeling the vital importance of the divine influences on the interests of education, recommend to the friends of the Redeemer, and especially to all the young men under our care, to observe, in concert with others, throughout the United States, the last Thursday of February, as a day of prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit of God on our literary

institutions.

The officers of the Society, are Rev. John M. Dickey, President; Rev. John M. Ellis, Secretary; and Rev. Jas. Thompson, Treasurer for the northern part of the State, and the Rev. Tilly H. Brown, Treasurer for the southern part of the State.

The following extracts are taken from the Annual Report, which was prepared by

Rev. Mr. Ellis.

Regular Course of Education.

The work to be performed imperiously demands a thorough course of education and mental discipline for those who are to sustain the momentous responsibilities of the Christian ministry. Shall those who are to be standard-bearers in the armies of Israel,

be deficient in the history of the church? Shall not the "future defenders of the faith," be scribes well instructed in the kingdom of God? If knowledge is power, can the church be blameless, if by neglecting the education of her sons, she permit that power to pass exclusively into the hands of infidels and Jesuits? Will the rising intelligence of the age tolerate an incompetent ministry?

A thrilling motive for requiring a thorough education for those who are to sustain the duties of the ministry, arises from their influence on the cause of general education. If all our hopes as a free people, depend on the success or failure of our institutions for the promotion of intelligence and virtueif education and religion are essential props of free governments, and if general education no where succeeds but by the influence of a learned ministry-then, to neglect the thorough education of the ministry, would be to jeopardize the hopes of the church, and the hopes of the world. That such is the fact, all history up to the present moment demonstrates. In no country does the cause of general education succeed, but under the fostering care of an educated ministry. Almost without exception, the

Let him also, who thinks of foreign missions remember, that one great instrument in enlightening the darkness of the pagan world, is the press-that to be successful in barous nations, and in the work of translareducing to writing, the languages of bar

tion, he must be a scholar.

The importance of an accurate knowledge of the sciences, should not be forgotten by those who are to go to break down the systems of superstition and false philosophy, and to lay anew the foundations of society among the millions enslaved by the priestly tyranny of India.

"Already is the whole fabric of Hindoo superstition shaken by the correct knowledge of astronomy imparted by the missionaries." It is the eminent learning as well as piety of the American missionaries, that has secured for them so much respect from foreign travellers, and which is leaving an impress upon the institutions they are raising up in every quarter of the globe, to give a character to these transformed nations, and to generations yet unborn, so honorable to the American name, and so important to the future church, when the boundaries of Christendom shall be the limit of the world.

In view of these considerations, the rules of the society require, that none, except in very special cases, can enjoy its patronage without a fixed purpose of pursuing a thorough course of education.

Loans Refunded.

No receipts can, of course, be realized from this source during the first years of any branch, as no one is expected to refund until he has completed his education and been in the ministry at least one year, and then but one third, annually, until the whole is paid. It is important, however, that the loaning system be distinctly understood. It is essential to the successful

operation of the society; and to the formation of an efficient and elevated character in the young men assisted. Experiment has so fully tested this system, that it is believed, that the mode of exclusive charity has no advocate, either among the patrons or the beneficiaries of any society. It is fully proved that any young man possessing those elements of character which promise usefulness, can succeed without charity, if he can have the loan, without interest, until several years after he shall have been in the field of active service. Who that values his independence and self-respect, would consent to be an object of charity, when by the aid of a friendly loan, he is perfectly able to help himself? Forty individuals have this year enjoyed the luxury of doing good,' by returning into the treasury of the Lord, more than two thousand dollars; thus helping onward in their pursuit of an education, twenty-eight young men," as promising as themselves. The loaning system then, while it confirms the habit of economy and self-dependence, fortifies the character for the greater difficulties and conflicts of future life, cherishes also the spirit of enlarged benevolence, and furnishes the society with permanent and increasing means of extending its usefulness. The whole amount refunded in seven years, exceeds nine thousand dollars.

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Obligations Cancelled.

The paternal spirit which characterizes this society, is further seen in its provisions for cancelling the obligations of those who are unable to refund. Should the God of missions call a beneficiary to follow his brethren to a foreign land, where the means of payment will forever be beyond his power, the directors have the power of cancelling his obligation. The same is true of any in the domestic service, should his situation in a peculiarly destitute portion of the vineyard, disable him from procuring the means of refunding. During the last year, two foreign and five domestic missionaries, with three located ministers, have, on application, had their obligations cancelled, or so arranged as to relieve them from all embarrassment.

Amount of Earnings.

In this eventful day, when the armies of the living God are rushing on to the final conflict with the kingdom of darkness, an enduring energy of character, next to holiness, is essential to the gospel minister. The men now required for the service of the church, must be capable of arduous enterprise and noble self-devotion-men habituated to depend on their own exertion, and to draw from their own resources. Any system of education which loses sight of this, or which fails to secure it, is preeminently defective. A failure here, is just so great a failure in future usefulness.

When we see the hands of Paul administering to his own necessities, and to them that were with him; we not only admire that energy of character which was essential to the success of his mission, but we discover also the secret of the formation of that character, in his early laborious habits. Here, doubtless, was laid the foundation of that physical structure and mental strength, which would not break down under the labors and sufferings of the Chief Apostle to the gentiles.

The mode of aiding beneficiaries, in connection with the manual labor system, which is adopted by the society, is eminently fitted, as long experience has shown, to promote the formation of such a character; and its pecuniary advantages to the student are very considerable. The amount of earnings reported to the parent society for the last year, by 617 men, is $20,611 65. The whole amount for the last seven years, is $76,526.

Call for Increased Exertions.

The past year has been pre-eminently distinguished by remarkable providential encouragement to the great system of Christian enterprise. The progress of missions, like the path of the just, is shining more and more unto the perfect day. A highway for our God is preparing through the kingdoms of the earth, and walls, impregnable for ages, are falling before the heralds of the cross. Faith is becoming vision, and "the people are beginning to go up, every man straight before him," to complete the victories of the Lord of hosts. A new era seems to be forming in the history of the church. Doubts of final success are no longer uttered, even by intelligent men of the world, when the facts and results which the glorious cause has developed are spread out before them. The conflict is no longer between faith and the difficulties to be overcome, but between the voice of conscience and the love of ease and of gold. But the love of souls is beginning to preponderate; and as the glorious work advances, the general cry, "Send us missionaries, send us missionaries," is waxing louder and louder, until the call for help has become imperious and awful as the cry of a sinking world. All eyes are turned to the Education Society, as that branch of the great system of Christian enterprise which stands pledged to search out and prepare the sons of the church for the gospel ministry.

The great work of missions, blessed with such unexpected and signal enlargement, is delayed for want of men. In seven years, the American Home Missionary Society has increased from 169 to 606—and yet many hundreds applying for aid, must continually hear the heart-sickening reply, "We have no man whom we can send to break to you the bread of life." In one theological seminary, a class of thirty had

200 applications for their labors. The Amer-long withhold their attention from the inican Foreign Mission Society entered doubt-creasing deficiency of ministers within our fully and tremblingly upon the enterprise of own State. We are in danger of being missustaining the three devoted young men, led, from the pleasing fact that the number who, twenty years ago, asked to be sent to of ministers have so greatly increased within preach the gospel to pagan nations. Now the last few years. This is an important they have sent out 247 laborers in all, and fact indeed, and one for which we ought to ask for fifty more for important locations, be devoutly thankful. But, sir, if we do not but can find only thirty. The churches are also remember that our churches are inready to furnish the funds to a far greater creasing in much greater ratio, we shall extent, if suitable men could be found. commit an error which many years cannot Nothing is wanting but men. repair. Mr. D. said he had made a careful examination of the subject, and he had found a much greater deficiency now than there was sixteen or seventeen years ago, when there were but three or four Presbyterian ministers in the State. At that time, there were not so many in our communion who were destitute of the regular administration of the word and ordinances as at this period, when the number of ministers is sixty-five. So much more rapidly do the churches increase than the pastors. How then, said Mr. D., are we to answer the numerous and pressing calls for more laborers from our destitute churches? How are we to answer the Macedonian cry that comes to us from so many places, where, as yet, we have no church organized? Sir, the way is plain. We must collect all the pious young men in our churches of suitable character, and educate them for the work. God has sent his spirit and sanctified the hearts of numbers of them, and now says to the churches by his providence, "Educate these young men for my service." And, sir, we must do it if we would be guiltless of the blood of souls.

Is it not true, that a crisis is at hand more momentous than that of '76-a crisis which is not to decide the fate of a nation, but the conflict between the kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of darkness-to decide the intellectual and moral condition of the world. The death slumber of ages is broken. A voice is heard from 330,000,000 of China. Burmah pleads in tears. Bleeding Africa stretches forth her hands in silent agony to God. But yesterday, wild men of the West, guided by some friendly star, left their heathen altars beyond the furthest mountains, and came to inquire for the Saviour-the Saviour, who, ascending, eighteen hundred years ago, commanded his gospel to be preached to every creature! and now shall Christians send them back to their idols and to the pit? The Missionary Society says no; we only want the men. We are ready to employ 1,000, but they are not to be found. The American Bible Society appropriated this year $30,000 for foreign distribution. The American Tract Society has appropriated $20,000 to aid the press in spreading the knowledge of the Saviour in foreign lands. Nothing hinders the work of evangelizing the world, but want of men to translate and distribute the words of life among the perishing.

Here, then, a momentous responsibility is rolled back upon the churches. He who said, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel, now writes as with a sunbeam in the signs of the times," Educate your pious young men to go and preach the gospel to every creature." It cannot be, that any portion of the family of Christ can deliberately incur the curse of Meroz. It cannot be, in a day like this, that our young men can deliberately bury their talent in the earth. Soon the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance, both on them that know not God, and them who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ-when he shall come to be glorified in his saints-and to give to every man according as his work shall be.

Addresses in support of the resolutions above.

Rev. Mr. Dickey's Address on presenting the first resolution.

I hope, sir, said Mr. Dickey in addressing the chair, that the Christian public will not VOL. VI.

Sketch of Rev. Mr. Cressy's Address. Mr. Cressy, before offering the third resolution, stated the results of the operations of the General Society, and then presented a delightful view of the influence of beneficiaries which had passed under his own observation in the colleges where they were located, and in the neighboring country where they were frequently employed in the instruction of youth.-Often he had seen the divine blessing bestowed in a signal manner on their faithful efforts to form the minds and the hearts of their pupils for usefulness and for eternal life; and thus holding out the fairest promise of their becoming efficient auxiliaries in the great work of ameliorating the condition of a fallen world. Numerous instances of revivals were then fresh in his recollection, in which these young men were important, and sometimes the principal instruments. Eternity alone would exhibit a just view of their happy influence on the church and community. He desired to see the number of these young men increased, and their influence extended through all our colleges and churches; and hoped every friend of God and man would lend his aid in the promotion of this good cause. 39

Sketch of the Address of Rev. Mr. Hovey, on the second resolution.

This resolution recognizes the obligation of the church to study the signs of the times. The word of God exhibits the principles of action, but from his providence we learn the circumstances that should modify the application of those principles. The Christian who is ignorant of the leading movements of Divine Providence, has not before his mind, those great and stirring motives that call for vigorous action. He knows not what means to use, or what efforts to make.

that the "Celestial Empire" is not much longer to be barred against the introduction of Christianity. The Chinese Bible has already effected important changes, and is destined to spread its holy light over the 300,000,000 of that benighted land.

cited in behalf of the whole of ill-fated A new and peculiar interest has been exAfrica. The views and aims of Christians are no longer confined to her coasts. The noble resolution has been made, and its execution commenced to penetrate her deep interior. True the church has been called to mourn the premature death of the devoted and beloved Barr. Yet even this has Much more is it the duty of Zion's watch-been and will be overruled to the furthermen to study the signs of the times-and to ance of the gospel among the degraded sons arouse and direct the energies of the church. of Ham. Mr. H. said, that providential movements These are the signs of times, which in both in foreign lands and our own, were the providence of God, should be regarded undoubtedly of a peculiarly interesting cast. as loud calls, for more vigorous efforts. But Still we must not forget that God works by to answer these, men, more men, are indismeans, and often accomplishes important pensably necessary, to enter the fields designs by the agency of wicked men; as already opened and explored; to explore in his judgments on Pharaoh, and the re- new fields, and translate and print the Scripbuilding of Jerusalem by the Persian Prince. tures in all the languages of the earth. In Mr. Hovey adverted to the late commo- our own beloved land, we see an increased tions of Europe as having had an influence interest on the subject of religion. The on the public mind, favorable to the cause most enlightened are more earnest for a of civil and religious liberty. France has perfect supply of the word of life. At one awakened to a spirit of inquiry, which of our theological seminaries, a class of threatens the foundation of popery, and thirty had not less than two hundred solicistrikes an effectual blow at the infidelity tations for their labor. As the true spirit of and licentiousness of that powerful kingdom. religion prevails, these calls will be more In Great Britain, is seen a spirit of restless- loud and earnest. The great Valley of the ness under the oppressive load of the estab- West, 1,200 miles wide, and 3,000 long, inlished religion. On the great subject of creasing in population beyond a parallel in equal rights, a powerful interest is awaken- the history of the world, calls for a host of ing, which will probably result in the final the heralds of salvation. Soon these rising abolition of slavery throughout her domin- millions will sway the destinies of this great ions. In other nations of Europe, the spirit and free nation, of revolution has caused the thrones of peal of thundering admonition to the Here, then, there is a tyrants to tremble, and questioned the di-churches. The gospel and its institutions vine right of kings. by no means keep pace with the tide of population. In these fertile fields the seeds of every error are already planted. The eyes of all Christendom are turned with intense interest to this portion of the world. The cry from Christian Europe to American Christians is, "Sanctify the West;" missionaries among the heathen, whose abominations they witness, cry West, or the hope of the world is lost." Sanctify the

Asia exhibits movements favorable to the spread of the gospel. The English government, at first hostile, now favors the grand design. The abolition of the Suttee and pilgrim tax, indieate an advance in public feeling. The confidence of the heathen in their own system is shaken. The distinction of caste is giving way; and tracts, in the native language, are preparing the way for the living preacher. The mission schools and college, by diffusing correct scientific information, are opening to the view of the common people, the real ignorance of the Bramins, and the falsity of their Shasters. All these movements appear to be preparatory to a more enlarged and rapid work in time to come; and to throw open a wide and effectual door, for the extensive introduction of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The long continued but successful labors of Dr. Morrison in China; and the more recent discoveries of Mr. Gutzlaff along her coasts, and among the Asiatic islands, show

These signs of the times, then, in every part of the world, call upon Christians to awake, especially to the object of furnishing men for the widening field. Let them in faith and prayer gird up their loins for the work. Let them inspire their sons with the spirit of missions, which is the spirit of Jesus Christ; and esteem it a high privilege and distinguished honor, to bring forward a son for this glorious work—to go, it may be, far hence to the Gentiles.

Sketch of Rev. Mr. Ellis's Address.
In offering the fourth resolution, Mr.
Ellis said, It is conceded, Mr. Chairman,