HENRY I. VENABLE, ord. miss. Pres. Danville, Kentucky, JOHN G. BLANCHARD, Epis. Annapolis, Maryland, Oct. 7, Oct. 9, 1834.

JOURNAL

OF

THE AMERICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY.

FEBRUARY, 1835.

ANNIVERSARIES OF SOCIETIES.

ordinarily pertaining to their respective offices. The Board of Directors shall have power to fill their own vacancies-to ap

such other officers as may be necessary, vigorous prosecution of the objects of this and take all appropriate measures for the society. They shall fix the times of their meeting, and form their own by-laws in conformity with this constitution. Treasurer may be required by the Board of Directors to give bonds in a reasonable sum for the faithful discharge of his duties.

WESTERN EDUCATION SOCIETY. AT a meeting of the Western Agency of the Presbyterian Education Society, at Cin-point examining committees, agents, and cinnati, Oct. 30, 1834, "after a brief statement of what had been done to educate young men for the ministry in the West, and some remarks relative to the magnitude of the work, and the importance of united effort," it was thought best that the society should be re-organized for the purpose of increasing it in extent of territory, and in powers and privileges. Accordingly it was done, and the following Constitution was adopted:

Constitution of the Western Education

Society.

ARTICLE 1. This society shall be known by the name of the Western Education Society.

ART. 2. The object of the society shall be to educate young men of piety and talents for the gospel ministry within the Valley of the Mississippi, upon the principles, and in conformity with the rules of the Presbyterian and American Education Societies as existing at the time of adopting this constitution, or, as they may hereafter be determined, with the concurrence of the executive authority of this society.

ART. 3. All contributors to the funds of this society residing in the Valley of the Mississippi, shall be members: thirty dollars paid at one time shall constitute the donor a member for life and one hundred dollars a director for life.

ART. 4. The officers of the society shall be a President, Vice Presidents, Secretaries, a Treasurer, and a Board of Directors, consisting of the Secretaries and Treasurer and nine other members, of whom five shall form a quorum for business at a regularly constituted meeting. These officers shall be chosen by ballot, and continue till others are elected; and shall perform the duties

VOL. VII.

The

ART. 5. There shall be an annual meeting of the society at such a time and place as the Board of Directors shall appoint; when the accounts of the Treasurer properly audited shall be presented, the proceedings of the Board of Directors reported, officers for the ensuing year elected, and such other business transacted as may properly come before the society. Special meetings of the society may be held at any time and place by appointment of the Board of Directors.

ART. 6. The votes of the Board of Directors of this society, upon applications for patronage or dismission within its limits, shall be final; and a report of the same fully and accurately made out, with the schedules, original or copied, upon which the votes were founded, shall be forwarded quarterly to the Presbyterian Education Society, at New York, and deposited in its archives. And it will be expected that the Secretary at New York, as he shall be able, will extend a pastoral supervision over the Beneficiaries of said society, similar to what he extends over those of the Presbyterian Society.

ART. 7. Branch societies or agencies within the Valley of the Mississippi, approving of this constitution, shall hold the same relation to this society which they have heretofore held to the Presbyterian, or the American Education Society.

ART. 8. Alterations in this constitution may be made by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at an annual meeting, provided such alteration shall have been sub

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"The American Bible and Tract Societies

mitted to the society, in writing, at a pre- the American Education Society. We are vious meeting. aware that probably one half of all the The Western Education Society now sus-young ministers in the valley of the West, who have received a liberal education, were tains the same relation to the Presbyterian trained in the same way. And we can see Education Society, that the latter does to no prospect of supplying a population inthe Parent or the American Education So-creasing at the rate of 1,000 a day—or six ciety. For the ensuing year the Hon. or seven congregations a week, without more vigorous efforts in educating the suitaPeter Hitchcock, Burton, Geauga Co. Ohio, ble men for the ministry. is President; the Rev. John Spaulding and the Rev. Ansel R. Clark, Secretaries; and Augustus Moore, Esq., Treasurer. In the evening the public meeting was held, and opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. Beecher. The report was read by the Secretary, Rev. Mr. Spaulding, and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. Ansel R. Clark, of Hudson, Ohio, Rev. Dr. Wisner, of Boston, Rev. Mr. Winslow, of Ceylon, and Rev. Mr. Patton, of New York.

An extract from the report follows:

"With gratitude to God for past success, in the strength of faith, we may anticipate still richer harvests. We cannot suppress the conviction that He who spent most of his ministerial life in preparing eighty-two ministers to preach the gospel after his ascension, attaches a high importance to the work in which we are engaged. We feel that the cause is identified with the prosperity of Zion; and that she will sit in sackcloth when her choicest sons are not consecrated to her service. We look at the other societies which are scattering their blessings around the globe; and when viewed in connection with the cause in which we are enlisted, we feel that while those should not receive less of the patronage, and prayers, and sympathies of the benevolent, this should receive more

"The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions presents before us a work sublimely great. We look at its sixtyfive missionary stations, scattered along the dark coast of paganism, like so many pillars of light; we behold 56,000 natives instructed in schools, and 2,300 converts collected in thirty-nine churches, under the labors and superintendence of ninety-six ordained missionaries: and in this connection we remember that two-thirds of all the ordained missionaries sent from this country to preach the gospel to the heathen, were introduced into the ministry by Education Societies!

"No less interesting and grand is the cause of Domestic Missions. In its civil, literary, and moral influence, it is to our country, what the streams are to our meadows and valleys-covering them with greenness, and filling them with gladness. And here again we remember that between 200 and 300 of those who have been employed as Domestic Missionaries, were the sons of

also greet us in their high and heavenward course; each resolving in a single year to expend $30,000 in foreign distribution. Noble resolutions, successfully sustained !

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Suppose then the ships freighted with Bibles and Tracts, and the store-houses of China, and Birmah, and the islands of the Pacific be filled;-still without the living teacher, the ordained instrumentality of heaven, these increasing means of usefulness would be greatly shorn of their power. A Morrison, a Gutzlaff, a Judson, and a Bingham are indispensable in the moral machinery requisite for the conversion of the world.

Three years ago the agents of the American Sunday School Union, in fulfilment of one of its most thrilling resolutions, were employed in establishing Sunday schools wherever practicable, in the valley of the Mississippi. More than 4,000 new schools was the result of the effort. It was a noble enterprise of Christian benevolence. Untold good was accomplished. But where are more than half of those schools now? They are not in existence. Why? Because it required the same hand that planted to nourish them. All observation and experience teach that not a single institution of benevolence can long exist, where the labors of an enlightened evangelical ministry are not enjoyed. Hence the importance of the work in which we are engaged.

"It is in view of these considerationsand of what has been accomplished, and is now doing towards educating ministers in the West-in view of the fact that all the other societies require an adequate number of men to carry on their benevolent designs, that we now make our appeal both to the patriot and the Christian.”

Leading Principles of Action.

"The first is, great care in the selection of beneficiaries. We wish to try no experiments on men of doubtful character or qualifications. And hence it is most earnestly enjoined upon the examining committees to exercise their responsible trust with deliberation and wisdom.

"A second principle is, to aid all of the suitable qualifications. Relying upon God, we solemnly and deliberately renew the pledge to aid every indigent youth of sound sentiments, and of good talents; who has a heart to feel, a tongue to speak, and hands to labor in the cause of Christ.

"A third principle is, to afford aid in such a way as is best calculated to promote self-respect, personal effort and such vigorous habits, both of body and mind, as to prepare them to endure hardness as good soldiers.

"Every day we hear a voice of lamentation in this valley. It is the cry of those who have no ministers. It is rolled over the mountains, and the echo comes back from the missionary societies-no ministers. Almost every breeze that sweeps the Atlantic, brings from some part of the pagan world, the cry-give us more ministers. And the painful response is, we have them

"This is done by loans, without interest, of the least possible amount compatible with personal effort in an unembarrassed course of study. These loans, in due time, are re-not. Every year bears multitudes unfunded to aid a succession of ministers in their studies preparatory to their great work. Provided however they should become missionaries to the heathen, or should be in circumstances of embarrassment, the society may cancel the debt.

"A fourth principle is, to insist on a thorough education. The reason is found in the exigencies of the times, and in the fearful responsibilities of the sacred office.

warned, unsanctified, unblessed, to the bar of God, and who might have been saved had they enjoyed the preaching of the gospel. Let then every Christian, as well as every Christian minister, weep between the porch and the altar, and cry, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach. And let each seriously inquire how much of his time, his influence, and his property, it is his duty and his privilege, to lend in urging forward this great and good work-for God has given the word, and great shall be the company of those

"A fifth principle is, the promotion of a high tone of piety in the hearts of our beneficiaries. We desire not to educate mere intellectual statues; but living, breath-that publish it." ing, acting men-men full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost. While we recommend the cultivation of the mind, we strenuously urge the keeping of the heart.

Such are the leading principles of the society."

Field of our Labors.

"It is the Valley of the Mississippi. A richer and more inviting field cannot be found.

EXTRACTS FROM ADDRESSES.

Upon introducing the following resolution,

"Resolved, That the signs of the times demand that no time be lost in diffusing through this nation and the world, a healthful moral influence, by means of a thoroughly educated, and eminently holy ministry;

"Dr. Wisner, one of the secretaries of when a man of indifferent qualifications, the A. B. C. F. M., said that the time was, who devoted the week to secular business,

"Look at its soil-stretching from the Allegheny to the Rocky mountains-from the Jakes to the gulf of Mexico, divided into 582 would satisfy some churches, but that time counties, and rich as Eden. Look at its is now past. Then there were whole deproductions-growing unchecked, and in nominations who advocated ignorance, and unmeasured abundance, in all the varieties denounced what they vulgarly called of climate which twenty degrees of latitude 'larned ministers.' Now these very churchcan afford. Look at its internal improve-es, with praiseworthy diligence and zeal, to educate all their ministers. are retracing their steps, and making efforts

ble streams.

ments and communications-its farms, manufactures, its rising villages and flourishing cities; its canals, its roads, and 100 naviga- "The fact is, religion and education must "Look at its unparalleled increase of pop-mation of character, not on transitory exgo together. We must rely for real reforulation; 4,500,000 in fifty years! Look at citements, but on the convictions of the its prospective numbers and influence; in understanding. Ministers must now be twenty-five years it will probably contain educated, and give their whole time to the 15,000,000 ; in fifty years at least 40,000,000 work, or they cannot sustain themselves or of human beings, and exerting an influence build up the cause. The cause of education either baleful or blessed, which will reach round the globe! This is the field on which clergymen must lead the van. generally, is advancing, and Protestant In every we are training western men to be messen- Protestant country the clergy have been gers of mercy to our own population, and the pioneers of public education, and they the heralds of salvation to those who sit in must be so still, for the cause cannot succeed the region, and shadow of death. And who, without their co-operation. How necessary with the feelings of a freeman and a Chris- that those who are to exert such influence tian, would exchange such a field for the should be wise and good men.

wealth of the monarch on whose dominions it is said the sun never sets!"

"It was a remark of Canning, the great statesman, that the next war in Europe would be a war of opinion. Canning was no prophet, but he saw the bearing of events, the heaving of mind; and observation shows that his predictions are verifying. The war has cominenced-it is a war of

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of character-that indescribable, but indispensable symmetry, which will render them permanently useful.

"To sustain missions, you must patronize this society. Few young men nurtured in the lap of luxury, will go on this hazardous enterprise. Our reliance is mainly on the poor, but noble-hearted and well-disciplined young men who are helped onward by this society."

Dr. Wisner here called upon all Christians, and especially Christian parents, to seek out and bring forward young men fit to be patronized by the society. He con

opinion and moral influence between liberty and despotism. The question is also to be settled in this contest, whether men can live as they list here, and be happy hereafter. This question will divide the world. All the diversities of fatal, soothing, licentious error, from the dreamings of the papist to the cold sneers of atheism, will make common cause against holiness and God. We need wise men to manage this controversy; we need good men, also, having the temper of Christ, that they may manage controversy with a Christian spirit. "Moreover, we believe the time is at hand when the great harvest is to be gath-jured parents to pray and labor for the conered." Said the doctor, "I am no theorist, version of their children, that they might but all interpreters of prophecy of present be dedicated to this work. He also urged and past ages agree that the time now draws upon all, the necessity of contributing of nigh when the millennium shall brighten their substance. upon us. The aspect of the world betokens He related one anecdote of thrilling change. False religions are all growing interest. Some years since, he was called old. Even that infallible' faith, so lively to visit a poor sick family in Boston. He here, is fading in Europe. Spain and found them in the most deep poverty. He Portugal, lately two of its strongest pillars, and his friends ministered to their necessiare broken, and the chief pontiff is not safeties, and under his counsel and prayers, the in his own capital, without a shield of armed man and his wife were brought to the foot of the cross. Soon after, Dr. Wisner left his people, and forgot the poor man. Two years ago, when he was absent, an agent of Home Missions visited Boston, and was surprised to receive $100 from a man whom few of the church knew. When the doctor returned, he found that this liberal contributor was that poor man!' On a Sabbath, two months before, the church had contributed to the cause of foreign missions. After the doctor's return, the man called on him and said, 'I am come with my contribution, which I did not give in when the contribution for foreign missions was made.' He reached out a $100 bill. The doctor hesitated, begged him to consider; but nothing would do. Said the poor man, You remember what I was two years ago. Religion has made me what I am. My wife earns enough to support the family, and I mean to give all I earn to benevolent objects, and trust the future with God.'

men.

"The sultan, in adopting European customs, has broken the strength of Mohammedan power. The heathen and Mohammedan nations have a tradition that their religions are soon to pass away. Despotisms are giving place to the progress of free principles. China, unwieldy in bulk, has little real strength. A single frigate will terrify and scatter the whole fleet of the celestial empire. Two nations, the most enlightened and pious, have the commerce of the world. The same in language, which bids fair to become a universal languagethe same in the spirit of missions, they are scattering light over the globe.

"Egypt is now open. A few months since, the board received an application for the establishment of a female school on Mount Zion. India, in its length and breadth is open. Look at Africa! There is not a more promising missionary field on the globe. At Cape Palmas the king begged and intreated that a missionary might be sent to teach his people. He would have the promise of one written down, that he might not be disappointed.

"We could this year employ 1,000 missionaries! We could set to work 100 printing-presses! All China can read.

But we want men of thorough education for missionaries. For regular churches at home, ordinary men may suffice; but to bring the learned Brahmin and the polite Persian to bow to the cross- to create society among savages-to educate the consciences and hearts of the degraded islanders, we want men of solid education.

"This education must be a thorough one. Young men need the discipline of colleges and seminaries, not so much for the acquisition of knowledge, as to secure a balance

The above resolution was seconded by Rev. Mr. Winslow, missionary at Ceylon.

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Nothing," said Mr. Winslow, "struck my mind more forcibly, when I stepped on these shores after an absence of fourteen years, than the fact that this is an age of excitement. The former was an age of contemplation; but now every thing seems to go by steam on the high pressure principle. A grand auxiliary, when well directed; but most disastrous in the hands of ignorance and inexperience. Hence the importance of well-disciplined mind—of an educated ministry, both in this country and in pagan lands." After illustrating by pertinent and impressive facts, the indispensable necessity of educated ministers in British India, he continued-" and we must have holy men too. There is perhaps not