will be expected and required that they come to the seminary, with an acquaintance with the usual preparatory course; yet many departments of literature cannot be attended to during the time usually allotted to such incipient studies. These are all highly beneficial both to the polite scholar and the accomplished theologian; and they can be pursued with ease and advantage at New-Haven, while the theological students are at the same time particularly engaged in the studies which are more immediately connected with their intended professional pursuits.

The use of the college library, which it is understood has been tendered to the seminary, will also afford important advantages. While it will be a leading object with the Trustees of the Theological Institution, to procure with all possible speed a collection of the most important works in divinity; (and indeed a very handsome beginning has already been made,) yet a considerable time must necessarily elapse before that desirable end can be completely accomplished. In the mean season, the use of the college library will, in a great measure, supply the defect. And indeed, were a good theological library immediately procured, the use of the collection at Yale College would be highly advantageous. Besides the works on general literature, which there are to be attained, and which it would not perhaps, for a course of years, be the object of the Trustees of the seminary to procure; there are in the college library at least one thousand volumes, presented by that accomplished scholar and excellent divine, Bishop Berkeley, which must be of immense value to the Episcopal theological student.

In addition to these favourable attending circumstances, another, no less beneficial, may reasonably be expected. The contiguity of the Theological Seminary to Yale College, may have a powerful effect in directing the after pursuits of many of the students at that establishment. Connexions and attachments formed with the students of divinity, may have a favourable tendency in forming the sentiments of many, and directing their views to the ministry. And thus a very important accession may be made to the labourers in the vineyard of our Lord.

The change in the plan of organization promises to be highly beneficial. The seminary, at its first establishment in 1817, was put under the superintendence of a Committee, consisting of members from both houses of the General Convention. However serviceable the labours of these may have been, for bringing the institution forward, and preparing it for a permanent establishment, yet something more was requisite to give it the consistency and force of a firm and regular body. This has been supplied at the last meeting of the representative body of the church in the United States, by appointing a Board of Trustees for the Theological Seminary. This Board is composed of all the bishops, together with twelve clergymen and twelve laymen, appointed by the house of clerical and lay deputies, and to be appointed at every meeting of the General Convention. Any seven of these form a quorum. And the appointment is so made, that more than the competent number reside within a convenient distance of the place of location. Yet sufficient notice of the times of meetings is to be given, to enable those at a distance to attend.

The Trustees have not been inattentive to the duties of their appointment. They have had several meetings, and at these, have completely arranged the internal structure of the institution. Five Professorships are established, to be filled with suitable characters, as soon as the funds will permit. In the mean time, a Professor is appointed, who is also to direct the studies in the other departments, until special appointments be made. And the Right Rev. Bishop of Connecticut, Dr. Brownell, has volunteered his services to the seminary, to superintend its concerns, and to discharge its duties, as far as his other engagements will permit; and he is now removing his residence to New-Haven, for the purpose of undertaking the charge. The course of lectures has commenced. Thirteen students have already entered; and many more have signified their intention to attend.-May it go on and prosper.

It is not within our limits to present the whole plan of the institution; but there are some features which we wish to exhibit to the Christian public. A main object of the establishment is to make provision for the training of pious young men, who may not be possessed of the adequate means. For this purpose, measures are taking to raise funds for the instituting of Scholarships. This is provided for, in the following extract from the plan for the organization of the seminary. "If any individual shall give or bequeath to the seminary the sum of 2,000 dollars, such donation or bequest shall constitute a Scholarship, to be called by the name of the Donor or Testator; and the interest of the said sum shall for ever be devoted to the support of some necessitous student in the institution."-The labours of many pious, excellent youth, may thus be secured to the gospel vineyard. And we know not in what way the surplus funds of benevolent Christians can be more beneficially applied,

Another object is to establish Fellowships. This is of immense importance for the training of a learned and efficient ministry. The great deficiency has hitherto been the want of sufficient time for candidates to make the necessary preparation. The wants of the church have been so great, that almost immediately upon their completing their studies, they have been obliged to enter upon the duties of their office. And all who have had experience, know how little addition can be made to the stock of knowledge by those who are engaged in laborious parochial duties. But by the establishment of Fellowships, time will be allowed them for laying in a sufficient store of theological acquirements; so that when they enter upon their labours they may have nothing to do but to apply, with the best effect, the stores already attained. By enjoying the advantage of three years' uninterrupted study, after completing the course which the lectures prescribe, they may be reasonably expected to be armed at all points, as "good soldiers of Jesus Christ." This object is provided for by the following article extracted from the plan: "If any individual shall give or bequeath to the seminary the sum of 5000 dollars, the said donation or bequest shall constitute a Fellowship, to be called by the name of the Donor or Testator; and the interest of the said sum shall be devoted to the support of such distinguished scholar, as shall have completed a full course of theological studies in the institution, and shall have been elected to the said Fellowship by the Trustees :-provided, the said Fellow shall continue in the institution, unmarried, for the space of three years, and shall apply himself exclusively to theological studies, performing no services of instruction or otherwise, but such as shall be allowed by the Board of Trustees.-Any number of individuals may institute a Fellowship or Scholarship, and designate the same by such appellation as they shall choose."*

The only other extracts, which we will at this time take the liberty to present, shall be the following articles respecting the students.

“Section 2. The Seminary shall be equally accessible to students of all religious denominations, exhibiting suitable testimonials of character and qualifications. But no one, while a member of the institution, shall be permitted to disturb its harmony, by maintaining any thing contrary to the system of faith, discipline, and worship, which is taught in it.

"Sect. 5. Every student who shall be assisted in the pursuit of his theological education, to the amount of 100 dollars per year, shall, on his receiving Holy Orders, officiate, if required, as a missionary under the direction of the Board of Directors of The Foreign and Domestic Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States,' for the term of from one to three years, according to the discretion of the said Board:-Provided, a suitable provision be made for his support."

The former of these, exhibits that catholic spirit which we wish to see cherished, and which the sister institutions of Missionary and Bible Societies are calculated so eminently to promote. It is only what Episcopalians have a right to expect and do receive from others, and what they ought therefore to be willing to tender in return. The restriction annexed, is only what every society must adopt, as a principle of self-preservation. To retain in its bosom those who would endeavour to subvert its principles or to interrupt its order, would be striving to erect a house divided against itself. None but the judicially blinded, or the incorrigibly perverse, can find it in their hearts to cavil at so prudent a measure of caution and self-defence.

The other provision is calculated eminently to aid a cause, which more than any other is adapted to promote the interest of religion, and especially the enlargement of the Episcopal Church. Many sections of the country can be provided for in no other way, than by the aid of Missionary Societies; and we have long wondered that the Episcopal Church has not sooner employed this powerful handmaid. We rejoice that she has at length, in this particular, aroused to her true interest; and we hope that all who honour her views, and especially all who belong to her bosom, will aid her in carrying on the glorious work.

It became the Trustees of the Theological Seminary to throw in the powerful assistance, which the provision adopted, is calculated to produce. It will cherish the missionary spirit, and it opens at the same time the best field for labour, for those who are just entering the precincts of the sacred office. If the plan of" The Foreign and Domestic Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church,"‡ as established at the last convention, be imperfect in its arrangement, or incomplete in its parts, as is generally the case in new institutions, it can be corrected and improved at the next General Convention, before any of those who will be bound by this provision, can be prepared for entering on the work.

* Plan, &c.

p. 15.

↑ See Ch. Herald, Vol. VII. p. 144.

+ lb. p. 14.

From the view which we have exhibited, in much sincerity, of the Theological Seminary at New-Haven, we assure ourselves, that it will meet with the best wishes, at least, of all who desire the promotion of sound, sober, gospel piety.

Yet a writer, who styles himself " An Episcopalian," but who is evidently of the class of those who have the honor of ranking with the Pope, in issuing Bulls against the Bible cause, has raised the standard of opposition. His principal objections are the contiguity to Yale College, and the provision which is made for aiding the Missionary Society. As we have given our views on these heads, we shall not stop to answer his sophistical reasoning, if reasoning it can be called; but shall only present his conclusion:

"Episcopalians, Clergy and Laity, will you not pause, before you give such insti tutions, and such measures, your patronage? If you value the peace and the honour of the church, let me beseech you to pause; pause, at least, till a subsequent General Convention can correct some of the extraordinary errors of the last.””

A consistent Episcopalian truly! who can thus lift up his voice against the highest authority of the church to which he is bound to pay obedience. With great difficulty could we bring ourselves to believe, that Bishop Hobart would countenance such opposition in any of his friends; especially after his warm recommendation of the general seminary. In his "Pastoral Letter," issued since the last General Convention, he thus declares his sentiments: "It is proper that I should state most explicitly, that, as a member of the Committee, I interested myself sincerely, and to the best of my judgment, in the establishment of the General Seminary."i

And that this support was not confined to his efforts in the Committee, is evidenced by the following extract from his "Address to the Convention of the state of NewYork, Oct. 22, 1817."

"In the month of May, a meeting of the General Convention of our church was held in this city, which, from the respectability of its members, and the objects of its councils, excited great interest. Among the measures there adopted, provision was inade for the establishment of a theological school under the auspices of the General Convention."

"I should fail in my duty, if I neglected to impress on you, my brethren, and through you the Episcopalians of the diocess, the immense importance of the proposed theological establishment. There cannot be an object presented to them, which has equal claims on their beneficence. Without a ministry the church cannot exist; and destitute of a learned as well as pious ministry, she cannot flourish. These are axioms which it would be an insult to the understanding of any person to suppose that he denies or doubts. As a general proposition, it is also true, that the ministry will not be distinguished for learning, unless there are public institutions, which in the professorships attached to them, in the libraries with which they are furnished, and in the association of young men of similar pursuits and views, supply both the most advantageous means of theological improvement, and the most powerful motives diligently and faithfully to employ these means. A candidate for Orders thus situated, directed by able, affectionate, and pious Professors, having access to richly furnished. libraries, associated in the exercises of piety, as well as in his studies, with those who are preparing for the exalted office of ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God, would make much greater and more substantial progress in all the preparatory qualifications for the ministry, than if left to solitary instruction and solitary study.

"But a still further, and most eminent benefit of the contemplated theological school, will consist in the pecuniary aids which it will furnish to youths of piety and talents, who are destitute of the funds to procure the necessary education for the ministry. Young men of this description have often furnished the brightest examples of ministerial fidelity, talents, and zeal. Many such, however, are now lost to the church, for the want of funds with which to aid them in procuring the necessary education. There can be no species of benevolence more grateful to the friends of religion, and of the temporal and eternal happiness of mankind, than that which takes a youth of piety and talents from a state of depression and obscurity, and furnishing him with the means of education and of theological study, prepares him for becoming the respectable and successful Herald of the Cross, and the dispenser, under God, of spiritual blessings to his fellow-men."

Would our limits permit, we would present more to the same purpose, in the same

forcible terms. And it would afford us much pleasure to do it; especially as it presents in glowing characters all the commendatory features of the General Seminary, at New-Haven. Nothing can be a more forcible, decisive, and impressive recommendation of that institution; and it ought to be borne in mind, that this earnest recommendation was particularly applied to the "theological school, under the auspices of the General Convention." It is true, this school was then to be located at New-York. But this was not a necessary feature of the plan. It is the same general school, whether it be placed at Boston or Baltimore, at Philadelphia or Charleston; and it is equally under the auspices of the General Convention, when it is established at either of those places by that venerable body. To us it would seem a strange kind of logic to advance, that the members of the Episcopal Church are not equally bound in obcdience to their highest judicial authority, because the location of any institution may not happen to answer their views.

The sentiments of Bishop Hobart seem to have undergone a very material revolution, since the removal of the Theological Seminary to New-Haven. In his "Pastoral Letter" on the subject," he thus advances :

"The propriety of the General Convention legislating on the establishment and regulation of a general seminary, has been doubted by many of the best friends of the church, and those long conversant in her concerns. The moment that body governs too much, or extends its enactments to subjects on which there are clashing views and interests, the peace and union of the church are endangered. That the General Convention should confine its legislation to those matters that are absolutely necessary to preserve the different parts of the church as one body, is the principle which the venerable presiding Bishop of our church states as the principle that should be strictly observed. And doubtless in conformity with this principle, and from an apprehension of the collisions which might arise from attempts by parties of different views, to obtain the control of the general institution, he has always expressed his opinion in favour of provision being made, by the different diocesses, for the education of candidates for Orders. The very attempt to preserve unity of theological opinions by a general institution, under the authority of the convention, would lead to collisions and separations."

Several points in this paragraph, would challenge rejoinder; were we disposed to enter the field of controversy. We shall, however, barely remark, that it appears to be a strange expedient for preserving "the peace and union of the Church," to set one branch of it in opposition against the authority of the whole. And to our comprehension it would appear equally paradoxical, that to establish an uniform system of education by a general institution, "would lead to collisions and separations.” Now we had been so simple as to suppose, that one General Seminary, which should receive the support of the whole church throughout the United States, which should have able Professors appointed, and should have its course of studies prescribed by the General Council of the church, and which should moreover send forth its students, well armed with sound principles, to every part of the union, would be the most likely expedient to secure a harmony of sentiment, and similarity of views.

Bishop Hobart thinks he can promote the same object better by founding a diocesan school, which shall be under his own immediate control; and where there will not, in consequence, be any opposition of views. Concerning the right, we will not stop to contend; though that would admit of much dispute, notwithstanding the opinion of the House of Bishops, which was not acted upon by the other House, and was not therefore the act of the Convention. But of the expediency, and especially of the expediency just at this time, we have very strong doubts indeed. The establishing of the General Seminary, is the first effort of the kind which has been attempted by the Episcopal Church. Great exertions are made by many in its behalf; and a considerable impulse is beginning to be given to it from different parts of the union; and the Convention of the Eastern diocess, at its late meeting, passed a resolution unanimously, in favour of the General Seminary. If it meet with no considerable check, there appears to be little doubt of its soon getting into successful operation. It appears therefore utterly unadvisable to raise opposition to it just in its infancy. Let it get fairly under way. Let it get firmly established; and then, if there be need, other seminaries might be founded in dif-ferent parts. But certainly, it is better to have one good institution, properly endowed, than several with only a scanty provision.

But if diocesan schools must be erected, surely no means should be used to prevent the benevolent from contributing to the general fund. The author of the following eircular thinks otherwise :

* p. 29.

Sir, "New-York, Oct. 10, 1820. "I was informed, during a recent visitation of the diocess, that an agent of the General Theological Seminary at New-Haven, had visited several congregations in the state, as well to collect funds for that institution, as to organize societies for the support of candidates for orders to be educated in it ; and I also understand that agents are now employed in this city for the same purpose. It has not been deemed proper to take any measures for organizing a plan of theological instruction in this diocess until the meeting of the Convention, which is to be held in this city on Tuesday the 17th inst. ; when it is expected that this subject will engage their attention. May I be permitted respectfully to suggest the propriety of your not countenancing the applications of the agents of the seminary at New-Haven, until you are acquainted with the result of the proceedings of the Convention, when you will be better enabled to form a correct determination. "I am, sir, sincerely and respectfully yours,

"J. H. HOBART." On the above letter, we will only remark, that Bishop Hobart is one of the Trustees of the General Theological Seminary.

On a review of the whole ground, as guardians of the public interest of religion, we earnestly recommend the Theological Seminary at New-Haven, to the countenance and support of all who wish to promote the cause of our common Christianity; and especially of all who belong to the Episcopal Church. To contribute large amounts is the privilege of but few; yet all may aid, according to their measure, in their several spheres. To be a member of the society for the support of Scholarships, requires but moderate funds; and he who contributes, however small, according to the ability which God hath given him, will be equally with the most munificent, a fellowworker for extending the kingdom of the Saviour of men.

Intelligence,

POLYNESIA.-SOCIETY ISLANDS.
(Concluded from p. 346.)

HUAHEINE.

In concluding our sketch of the "Annual Circular" of the brethren, commenced in our last number, p. 343, we must confine ourselves to a very few extracts, (which relate to this part of the mission,) but they are abundantly sufficient to show, that the Lord has owned and prospered His work in the isles of the sea; has enabled the missionaries to raise the standard of the Cross on the ruins of heathen idolatry, and has made the wilderness and the solitary place glad for them; and the desert to rejoice and blossom as the rose.

The General Meeting of the Society

Was held on the 18th of May, 1819. After the conclusion of appropriate religious exercises, "Tana, the general secretary, gave an account of the contributions of the different districts towards promoting a knowledge of the word of God.

"When the contributions of each division of the islands were summed up, the total amount appeared to be 3985 Ohemori, or Bamboos* of oil; 98 Buaa, or Pigs; 95 Taamu-pia, or balls of Arrow-root."

"By a letter, dated August 18, 1820, the Directors are informed that the four gospels are now translated, together with the Acts of the Apostles, and the book of Psalms. The first impres

* One joint of a large bamboo cane will hold two or three quarts of the oil. This oil is very pleasant for lamps, having neither smell nor taste.