354 American Education Society. one, which has yet come forward, as State Domestic Missionary Societies a state, to the labor of supplying its in all the south and west?-for we own destitute and perishing popula- || have a volume of testimony to shew tion. There are indeed Domestic the necessities of a vast and perishing Missionary Societies, in Philadelphia, population, and what is more melanNorfolk, Richmond, Charleston, Au- choly still, a population increasing gusta and some other cities; one in with unexampled rapidity, while there Delaware and one in Tennessee. is no correspondent increase of reliBut there is no Pennsylvania, Virgin-gious institutions? Why then are no ia, Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, or means adopted by the States, as Ohio Domestic Missionary Society. States, adequate to the exigences of Will it be said, that the General As- the case? The answer is this: if Sosembly of the Presbyterian Church cieties were formed and monies raishas a Board of Missions embracing ed, missionaries could not be obtainthe whole? In all this we rejoice;-ed. The Domestic Missionary Sobut let it be remembered, that the re-cieties already formed, cannot obtain ceipts of the General Assembly of the an adequate supply, and the increase Presbyterian Church for this object, of population alone, demands more in 1819 were less than the salary of than all, who enter the ministry. The one clergyman, in the city of New increase of population is three hunYork. We ask then, why there are dred thousand, annually, demanding no State Domestic Missionary Socie- three hundred ministers, annually;— ties, in the South and west? Is it be- or three millions in ten years, decause there is no need of them? If all manding three thousand ministers evthe Domestic Missionary Societies in ery ten years; while the rate of supNew England and New York should ply, even in the present improved do as much as they now do, and di-state of the colleges, will not exceed rect their whole attention to the single object of supplying Virginia alone with clergymen, as well as Connecticut is now supplied, they could not accomplish the object in nine years; for they do not employ more than hundred Missionaries annually, and in Virginia the number of clergymen But notwithstanding these discouris less by nine hundred and eighty-aging facts, the board have cause to six, according to the population, in-rejoice. cluding those of all denominations, * 150, annually, or 1500 in ten years. leaving a deficiency for the increase of population alone of 150 annually, or 1500 in ten years. In view of these facts we should sink in despair, if we could not look to God. sand than in Connecticut. The editor of "There are more than forty periothe Evangelical and Literary Maga-dical religious publications in the U. zine asserts without fear of contradic-States, and not less than fifty thoution, that there is not in the State one copies of them circulated, weekqualified minister for four thousand ly, which are read by at least one souls; and that not one in twenty of hundred thousand persons. These the organized christiau congregations papers receive and publish our reenjoys the full benefit of pastoral la-ports and communications, and thus bors. Again, then, we ask why is afford a medium, through which we there not a Virginia Domestic Mis- can address tens of thousands weeksionary Society? Why are there notly, in favor of our object. In looking over the files of some of those, most 2296 dollars was the whole amount of re- extensively circulated scarcely a ceipts for that year. American Education Society. paper is found, which does not contain something on the subject." 553 Worcester and Hampshire County Education Societies, unknown. Connecticut Education Society, more than forty. Presbyterian Education Society, New York, one hundred and two. Baptist Education Society, New York, thirty two. Philadelphia Education Society, thirty five. American Education Society, four hundred and fourteen. Forty eight having been received the last year. Whole number as stated above, seven hundred and twenty one. The board have been encouraged by the Reports and documents of auxiliary societies. More valuable papers of these kinds have been received the last year than the preceding one. But while this fact encourages them, they would suggest, "what they think important to every education society:That its reports be printed, containing the constitution of the society, & a very full report from the Treasury, exhibiting the towns and persons contributing, and the sum contributed by each; the names of the officers; the All the Societies above mentioned, names of the members; the time and with two exceptions, were formed place of the annual meeting; and the since the American Education Society person appointed to preach." They and all acknowledge the encouragurge the dissimination of this informa-ment, which they receive from our tion, because it will enable every per-example and documents." son who receives these documents, to acquaint themselves with the objects of the society. Those who are called on to contribute to its support, then, cannot say that he knows nothing of its benefits, its laws, its constitution or its officers. They are encouraged by the late liberal benefactions to American, and kindred Education Societies. (An enumeration of liberal donations are given. This we defer to another time.) The spirit of benevolence toward these societies are on the increase. They are encouraged by the formation during the past year, of the VirEducation Societies, but intimate a ginia, North Carolina, and Georgia conviction, that these and others who have not, ought to become auxiliary to them. "We are encouraged by the prospect of as many applicants for charitable assistance, as we can receive and educate. We look to Sabbath Schools, Bible clases and revivals of Religion for this supply of Beneficiaries. In Sabbath Schools, are seen those, who shall be the future Missionaries and Ministers of the cross. In Great Britain, a great majority of the orthordox ministers under 40 years of age; a still greater proportion of the mission"Maine Branch of the Americanaries from that to other countries; and Education Society, thirteen. They are encouraged by learning the number of students in the different Colleges assisted by Education Societies. We shall enumerate these. Dr. Morrison, among them, who has Union Education Society, N. H. lately translated the Bible into the and Vermont, fourteen. language of the millions of China, beNorth West Branch of the Ameri-came pious in Sabbath Schools. May can Education Society, forty two. Massachusetts Benevolent Education Society, fourteen. Massachusetts Baptist Education Society, fifteen. we not hope, that very many will become pious in the Sabbath Schools of America, and be educated for the Ministry by this and kindred Societies? 356 American Education Society. "We mention Bible clases because || and the average of all their expense above their earnings, twenty nine dollars per quarter. Thirdly, concerning their personal exertions. The amount received, last year, by one hundred beneficiaries for teaching school, was two thousand five hundred and twenty dollars; and the amount received for labor eight hundred and eight dollars. "We are encouraged, also, by the we desire their increase, and we delight to contemplate the reciprocal action upon each other of the simultaneous efforts of the present day for improvement of the rising generation. "But our highest encouragment, arises from revivals of religion. It has been recently ascertained, that out of eighty six young men, who are now preparing for the ministry, fortyseven if they are christians, were sub-state of the institutions, where they are jects of revivals. For more than one pursuing their studies. Nearly all half therefore of future beneficiaries the Colleges in New England and N. and ministers of Christ, we may look York, within a few years have been to Revivals of Religion. What en- unusually blessed with the refreshing couragement then do we receive from influences of the Holy Spirit. Since the recent and powerful revivals of 1820 one hundred and seventy Stureligion, with which it has pleased dents, in these Colleges, have given God to bless the American Churches." satisfactory evidence of conversion. The good conduct of the Beneficiaries, afford encouragment. But 3 out of one hundred have been suspended during the past year for imprudent conduct. "More than 90 out of 100 have given their instructors the satisfaction of bearing favorable testimony, at the end of each quarter, concerning the excellence of their character." "We notice with pleasure also the various benevolent and religious associations, in the Colleges, favorable to the formation of valuable character in the students, in almost every College is a Theological Society; a Society of Inquiry respecting Missions; and on Sabbath morning a concert of prayer for the Literary Institutions of our country. Besides this many of the students are engaged as teachers in Sabbath Schools. Åll these things are calculated to form young men for usefulness, in this age of action. "The friends of the Society will be gratified to learn some general results from the quarterly returns, in confirmation of the testimony of their instructors concerning the diligence, economy and personal exertions of "We are encouraged by the facilithe beneficiaries. First, concerning ties afforded, at these Colleges, to intheir diligence. The number of weeks, digent young men, to obtain an eduannually for study at the different col-cation. Ten classical Libraries, at leges, is thirty-nine; the average least, have been formed, in the Colnumber of weeks, in which one hun- leges, for the benefit of indigent studred beneficiaries attended to their dents. The price of board is reduced studies, during the last year, was at some of the New England Collethirty-six and a half, only loosing two ges, to one dollar and one dollar and and a half weeks each, and this too, twenty five cents per week. Tuition without deducting the time, in which is paid from the College funds for inthey were absent to teach school. Se-digent students, at Bowdoin, Amcondly, concerning their economy.herst, William and Union Colleges. The average price paid for board by Great assistance in clothing and fureach of the same number was one dol-niture for rooms is rendered by felar and thirty nine cents per week,male benevolent associations, in Americnn Education Society. tions. 357 Williamstown, Amherst and New Churches for our Literary InstituHaven; and the Students generally are permitted to teach school, some weeks, in the winter. to procure the means of assisting themselves. "We are encouraged by the reflection, that through the influence of Revivals and Education Societies, at least three hundred and fifty pious young men in our Theological Seminaries: seven hundred and eight in our "We are encouraged by the number of hopefully pious students, in the Colleges, at the present time; and the number of the same character graduColleges; and more than two hunated this dred in our Academies; amounting year and last. In all the Colleges, in the United States, seven to twelve hundred and fifty eight, are hundred and eight students sustain pursuing their studies, who will prothe christian character. One hun-bably become ministers of the Gosdred and forty three of this charac-pel;-which is a greater number than ter were graduated the last year, and were educated for the ministry in this year one hundred and fifty six. thirty years previous to 1810. We are "To revivals of religion we look for the best young men to be educated, and for that spirit which disposes the Churches to educate them. greatly encouraged therefore, by the special influence of the Spirit, with which it has pleased a merciful God, during the last year to bless the large cities, the different States, and differ "We are encouraged by the favorable change, which the Colleges have already undergone, partly through the influence of Education Societies. In fifty years previous to 1810, less than one fifth of the whole number of students graduated in the United States became ministers. During the last two years more than one third of the whole number graduated, are hope-ent denominations of Christians, in fully pious. this country. Maný heirs of glory, and many future ministers and missionaries, have been born again. The places left vacant by those who were not suffered to continue by reason of death, shall be supplied, and the friends of Christ be filled with joy and praise, at the increasing prosperity of his Church. One long enga ged in preaching the Gospel and guiding the studies of youth, who was present the last year, and took part in the exercises of the evening, is no more. If he could now speak, how would he encourages us? Having been admitted to the presence of God and the Lamb; and having felt the happiness of a redeemed and glorified spirit; and having seen the glory of those, who have turned many to righteousness; and having felt more ation and prayer in the college church-than we can feel for those remaining May it not be found expedient, on earth, without the knowledge of a that day of fasting and prayer be an "We are encouraged by the increasing interest and spirit of prayer among christians, in behalf of our Literary Institutions. The 27th day of February last, was extensively observed, with deep interest, as a day of fasting and prayer for this object; and many recollect it, as one of the happiest days in their lives; having received into their bosoms, at the time, those spiritual blessings, which they implored for others. The Colleges with few exceptions, observed the day, and it was a day to some of them, long to be remembered. Generally, where it was not followed by the gracious influences of the Spirit, which might have been desired; it was followed by unusual seriousness and self-examin es. nually observed by the American Rev. Zephaniah Swift Moore. death and resurrection of my Lord, and burst into tears. I entered and kneeled by the marble which is supposed to cover the spot where the body lay. My tears flowed freely, and my soul seemed to be moved in a way I cannot describe. I dedicated myself anew to my Lord, and then offer Saviour Oh! could he speak to us; would there remain any indifference to the glory of God; any, who would not highly esteem the ministry of reconciliation; any want of sympathy and prayer and effort of those who are dying in their sins, and those who desire to preach the gospel to them; any despondency after all that weed up my prayers for my father, brohave seen of the progress of the Redeemer's kingdom; any thing but thanksgiving, and honor and glory to Him who redeemed us with His blood,--unless it be repentance and humiliation for our sloth, and continual prayer that the "Lord would comfort Zion; that he would make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord." PALESTINE MISSION. ther, sisters, and particular friends. I implored a blessing on Andover, and on all missionaries and ministers, and on all the world. It seemed then, as if Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had really suffered, died, and risen from the dead. The period of time that has elapsed since his death, dwindled to a moment. The whole seemed present and real. O, what sufferings! O, what love! Dear brethren, it was for us he bled and died. Shall we not Extract of a letter from the Rev. Mr. Fisk, live to him! He died to save us from American Missionary at Jerusalem, to Dr. sin. Shall we not then avoid sin in Porter of Andover, dated April 28, 1823. all its forms: He died to save us.My first letter from the Holy City Can we then be unwilling to make shall be to my reverend instructors efforts, and endure privations to save and beloved brethren at Andover. I others? If you think I have made any have now spent four days in the city sacrifices or undergone any hardships, where David lived and reigned and I assure you I forget them all when where David's Lord and King re- in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. deemed the world. The house I in- But alas! how little do I see around habit stands on Mount Calvary;-my me of the efficacy of that blood which little room has but one small window, was shed on the cross! The christian and this opens toward Mount Olivet. pilgrim cannot enter the building that I have walked around Zion; I have covers the tomb of his Redeemer withwalked over Calvary; I have passed out buying permission from the enethrough the valley of Himnon; drank mies of his faith. I suppose at least of the waters of Siloam; crossed the three-fourths of the inhabitants of Jebrook Kedron; and have been in the rusalem deny the divinity of our Garden of Gethsemane. The next Lord, and the atoning efficacy of his day after my arrival I made my first death; and I fear all, or nearly all visit to the tomb of my Lord. I did the rest, adore his mother and his disnot stop to enquire whether the place ciples with almost as much devotion. pointed out as his sepulchre is really as himself. When I was at Gethsuch or not. If in it there is any de-semane there were so many armed lusion I was willing to be deceived for Turks about, that I did not think it the moment. The Church was full prudent to stop, but only walked aof people, but though surrounded by across the field. them, I could not suppress my feel-Where once thy churches prayed and sang ings. I looked at the dome which co- Thy foes profanely roam.' vers the tomb, and thought of the I weep when I think of Zion, and |