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INAUGURAL ADDRESS, ]>«UT«red by the Preiident, June 20, 1851 ; AND HIS INTRODUCTORY LECTURE TO THE THEOLOGICAL COURSE, Delivered Sept. 23, 1351. ^ ^ WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING A HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE, THE ACTS OF INCORPORATION, ETC. ETC. Published by order of the Baptist Convention of Nova-Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, at its Annual Meeting, held at Wolfvilie, N.S., September 20-23, 1851. HALIFAX, N. S. PRINTED BY JAMES BOWES AND SON. 1851. I ' V. L LE!..^^4•^ 1 347 1 ACADIA /JOLLE^X, BOABDOF Hon. J. W. JOHNSTON, M.P.P. JOHN W. BARSS, Esq. Rev. INGRAHAM E. BILL. CALEB R. BILL, Esq. Rev. WILLIAM BURTON. Professor CHIPMAN. JAMES R. FITCH, M. D. STEWART FREEMAN, Esq. Rev. ABRAHAM S. HUNT, A.M. O0VEBN0B8. I Hun. W. B. KINIIAR JAMES W. NUTTKG, Esq. .NATHAN S. DEMIl, Esq. SIMON FITCH, Mi). Rev. SAMUEL ROVfSON. ALEXANDER M'LJEELY, Ei Rev. CHARLES SPOIDEN, A WILLIAM ST0NE,T8q. Rev. EDWARU D. WHY. FACULTY. ' Rev. J. M. CRAMP, D. D., President, and Professor of the Hebrew ana Chaldee Languages, Theology, and. Moral Science. Professor of the Greelt and Latin Languages and Literature. [The President is acting Professor in this Department, till an appointment is made]. ISAAC CHIPMAN, Esq., A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and acting Professor of Intellectual Philosophy, Logic, and Rhetoric. , C0UB8E OF INSTBT7CTI0N. The Course of Instruction comprises the following branches, viz. '.— The Greek and Latin Classics. Mathematics, including Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry, w... ihsir applications to Mensuration ofSurfaces and Solids, and to Navigation, Sur- veying, &c.— Differential and Integral Calculus. Natural Philosophy, including Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, and Optics. > , Chemistry. ^ i -^ Astronomy. Intellectual Philosophy. Moral Philosophy, and the Evidences of Chrislinnity. Logic and Rhetoric. The French Language. A Monthly Lecture is deiivtred, on sutjects not included in the Com s«. Tins Lecture is open to the public, nt a small charge. ' *• '"%u-^-^ U (4) Arruii){etu«iW will be inuilc, as soon us pruili<'Hl>l«, lor iiistrilctioa in Hi^ lury, Modern Lan^iiageti, Cliemifttry in its relaliunH to Agriculture and th« Arts, and Na|nl History and Geology. The Theolcfkil Department embraces the lleltrewaud Chaldee Languagps, Biblical Criticiiu* ai>'i Interpretation, Scriptural Theology, Ecclesiastical History, andMiiisteriul and Pastoral Duties. Candidate^ Or matriculation must undergo a satisfactory examination iu Arithmetic, Eislish Grammar and Composition, Geography (Ancient and Modern), G^ral History, Algebra, as far as Quadratic Equations, Practical Geometry, l^/eying or Navigation, practically considered, and ths elements or Natural Itlosophy. They must bo well acquainted with tho Latin and Greek Graiiiars, and be able to translate the JFmM of Virgil, the Orations of Cicero, md any part of Jacobs* Greek Reader. No candidate can b« admitted vm has not completed his fifteenth year. Partial CmrsM.— Persons desirous of joining the Classes in any of the Courses oflfludy, may do so, on paying the usual fees for those Courses, and submitting, vhiie so engaged, to the laws of the Institution ; and candidates ft.» ih* chrisiiin ministry who may be advised to omit the study of the Latin and Greek Linguages, may enter the College for the purpose of obtaining an English Theological Education, and join any of the Classes, as aforesaid, and on similar conditions. A TESKS. The charge for tuition is £6 per unnum. For partial courses the charge will be orranged by special agreement. Board may be obtained of the Steward, at 88. 6d. per week. Room-rent is fifteen shillings each room, per term. The Reading Room is furnished with a useful selection of Periodicals and Newspapers. 8CH0LAB8HIP8. The sum of £100 currency will found a Scholarship, which the donor and his successors may present from time to time to any Student, duly qualified according to the Laws of the College. The tuition fees of such Student, in the ordmary Courses of instruction, will be remitted while he holds the Scholarship. Every such benefaction, if desired, may bear the donor's name. There are two Terms in eoch year. The Fall Term commences September I , and closes December 20. The Winter Term commences Jaauary 20. and closes June 20. Examinations are held Quarterly. A Public Exhibition is held at the close of the Fall Term. The Annual Commencement takes place in the month of June. ■ ■ I INAUGURAL ADDRESS [The following account of the pi-oceedings at tho istallation of Dr. Cramp, as President of Acadia College, on i > 20th of June, 1851, appeared in the Christian Messenger anc Christian Visitor : — A large assembly filled the College Hall on FridaJniorning, the 20th. The proceedings commenced at eleven o'cilick, when the Rev. Theodore Harding took the Chair, and icinlored the Divine blessing on the ennigements of the dav Vocal music followed. The Rev. A. S. Hunt then read the Basolution of the Governors, passed in September last, inviting D;. Cramp to the Presidency of the College, together with Dr. J.'s reply. The ceremony of installation proceeded in the following manner : — The President elect entered the HaU, aiired in College costume, and was introduced to the Chairman \j the Hon. J. W. Johnston, and the Rev. William Hall, of Windsor. Mr. Johnston then addressed the Chair in the following words : Mr. Chairman, — The honor of presenting to you, for installation, the Rev. J. M. Cramp, D. D., the President elect of Acadia Col- lege, having devolved on my Reverend friend Mr. Hall, and myself, we have great eatiafaction in now fulfilling this duty. I deem it unnecessary to comment upon the fitness of tlie Reverend and learned gentleman for the office which he ia called upon this day formally to assume. The acknowledged talents of Dr. Cramp, and his well known acquirements as a scholar and a theologian, attest the wisdom of the appointment made by the Governors of Acadia College, and offer the surest pledge that the interests of this Institution, whose welfare lies so near our hearts, will be promoted by the selection they have made. And, Sir, may we not accept it as a high augury of the future prosperity of Acadia College, that her foundations having been at the first laid by such wise master-builders as the Rev. Drs. Crawley and Pryor, and her earliest progress watched over, and led towards maturity through unnumbered difficulties, under the foster- ing care of men of their piety, talents, and attainments, the directing and completing the superstructure should be committed to one so 'Well entitliit ulrtct lu he Ihoir Hucceflbor, — now that her foundatioim have extended thcniHelvt'u into our HiHter Colonies, fnd the BuptiHt bodies of the three Provinces, like kindred columns, tipport the edifice. From his talents, energy, and lenrning, and the ible assistance of his Reverend and leanied Colleague, Professor Chipman, whose devoted and effective labours in the cause are so wep appreciated, the IriendH uf Acudia CoUc^u may encour- age the eipectation of seeing their fondest hopes realised. The vinerable Chuiruinii followed ; ho gave the right hand of Fellowshn) to the Presldont, cordially welcoming him to his new office, ani assured him, in his (the Chairman^) peculiarly fervent style, thi : the friends of the College would give him their sym- pathy an support, concluding by the expression of oamest desire ' that his labours would bo blostied to the advancement of the spiritual htorests of many who would bo placed under his cure. The Rev W. Chipnmn offered prayer, invoking tht? blchsing of Gotl on jbo union which has just boon recognized. The President then deli^red an Inaugural Address.] I T^oi^e that it is not necessary, on the present occasion, and before this assembly, to plead on behalf of learning. I stand in the midst of the friends of edu- cation. You require no convincing argument or per- suasive oratory on this subject. If there virere ever any doubts in your minds, those doubts have been long since removed. The inspired sage hcfls taught you that "for the soul to be without knowledge it is not good," and that divine saying has been illustrated and con- firmed by the experience of accumulated centuries. Instructed by the records of past ages, and contemplat- mg the human constitution in the light in which it is presented to view by the best and holiest authors, you regard the intellectual powers of man as capable of high cultivation ; you recognise also the duty of culti- vating them, and of employing mind with all its acquisitions, for worthy purposes. You deem it of great importance that man should become acquainted with the works of God, and investigate the laws which he has instituted in the kingdom of nature, both ani- mate and inanimate,— and that he should know the 4 (' ) niccedbor, — U) our NJHter like kindred nd loArningf, Colleague, in the caufle nay enuour- d. ;)it linnd of to his new irly fervent their syin- rnest desire lent of the )r his care. McHsinff of President B present on behalf s of edu- k or per- everany •een long you that 3t good," and con- senturies. itemplat- hich it is ors, you pable of of culti- i all its sm it of luainted s which oth ani- low the history of his race, ai d ha ablo lo dtTivo instruction and iinprovenient from the prodiiriions which have immortalized the wise men of antiquity, and exerted u powerful influence on successive generations. Nor is your conviction founded merely on a knowledge of the fact that exquisite pleasure, accompanied by refinement and elevation of character; is connected with the pur- suit of learning. You have compared the course of the educated and uneducated, occupying similar spheres of labour, and discharging similar duties, — and you have not failed to observe the superior ease and elfi- ciency with which the former fulfil their engagements, and their readiness in adapting themselves to varying circumstances, and in drawing fresh supplies from the stores of wisdom. In less enlightened periods, when knowledge was confined to the few, men of strong but uncultured and undisciplined minds, often worked their way to eminence, and obtained a high rank among the world's benefactors ; but in this age such phenomena will be of rarer occurrence ; and even those to whom I have "now adverted, mindful of their own difficulties and struggles, are prompt to admit the desirableness of liberal education, and zealous in pro- moting plans for its advancenient. Of this, we have noble examples in these Provinces. Spared, then, the necessity of advocating the claims of our Institution, as a seminary of learning, it is with great satisfaction that I offer you my hearty congratu- lations on the success which you have already achieved in this glorious enterprize. This establishment is a splendid manifestation of Baptist energy. You have set your fellow countrymen an example of enlightened liberality, and testified before the world the deep sense which you entertain of the advantages of mental im- provement. Posterity will doubtless award the dur ••.•* , ^ i' ■^^ -"^"^mmm niced of praise, and bless the memory of the fuuuderM of Acadia College. I encourage the hope that you will persevere in this great work with increasing vigour and zeal. Having avowed your determination to sustain the object by voluntary eflbrt, you cannot but be aware that many eyes are upon you, and that some are disposed to pro- phesy failure and defeat. It will be for you to falsify such predictions. Steadily upholding the Institution by the punctual dischf rge of obligations already incur- red, and responding to those calls for enlarged resources which will not fail to claim your attention, you will be prepared to show that when you entered on this under- taking you fully counted the cost, and that you esti- mate the benefits to be derived from it as far exceeding in value the expense at which they may be acquired. The "price of wisdom is above rubies," and its "revenue" is better than "choice silver" or "fine gold." A clear and comprehensive view of our present position and prospects will enable us to discern the path of duty. It is especially incumbent on us to bear in mind that the age is remarkably progressive, and that all institutions must keep pace with it, or sink in public estimation. The range of study is extending every year, as the boundaries of science expand, so that the instructor finds it necessary to incorporate additional branches in his course, and the student is compelled, if he would avoid the reproach of ignorance, to spend much time in making acquisitions for which there was no demand in the days of his predecessors ; while the ancient standards of learning still retain, and must continue to retain, their place and pre-eminence. The endeavours made by the managers of various Institu- tions to secure a better adaptation to existing circum- I (9) >c fouiiderM ere in this Having object by that many sed to pro- i to falsifv Institution ady incur- d resources rou will be this under- you esti- exceeding acquired. and its "fine » or ur present liscem the us to bear sssive, and or sink in extending ind, so that I additional mpeiled, if to spend there was while the and must nee. The us Institu- ig circum- stances, by moJitications of the course ot study, will create a powerful but wholesome rivalry, for which all parties must be prepared. To such considerations must be added the peculiar claims of these provinces, now beginning to emerge into activity and enterprise. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are shaking themselves from the dust, and rousing up the energies of their sons. They ask for railroads — and they will assuredly have them. Their agriculture is to be improved by science. Their mineral wealth is to be profitably explored. Their ships will sail in all waters. Their resources and capabilities, not yet half developed, will be ascertained, and brought into useful operation. Now, in order to the accom- plishment of these and other beneficial results, the talent of the provinces must be sought out in every directjion, and carefully cultivated. There will be abundant employment for men of ability and skill, both in origi- nating improvements and in directing the agencies by which they may become available to the public ; and if such men are trained in the provinces, patriotism will inspire them with ardour, and their eftbrts will be carried on with zeal which strangers would emulate in vain. It is obvious, therefore, that a solemn respon- sibility rests on our Institutions of learning, and that such arrangements as the exigencies of the times call for must be provided. The supporters of this College, it cannot be doubted, will duly consider these facts and expectations, and act with characteristic "largeness of heart." I may be permitted to suggest that those on whom God has bestowed wealth may confer immense bene- fi.ts on society by investing a portion of their property in the establishment of scholarships, or the creation of perpetual endowments of such professorial chairs as (lU) II 11 ihey may be inclined to I'avour. iVIoiujy so appropri- ated will hand down the donors' names to future gene- rations with deserved honour. There are two other points to which it will be proper to advert. One is, the importance of thoroughness. A superficial acquaintance with any subject may be easily and quickly acquired, and may excite the admiration of persons who are apt to mistake appearances for reali- ties and are therefore ill qualified to form a judgment ; but good scholarship is the result of patient assiduity. The students of Acadia College, it is confidently hoped, will carefully avoid the danger into which those are liable to fall, who, in their desire to learn every thing, learn nothing well. The combination of proficiency in classics and mathematics with general knowledge is manifestly desirable, though difficult to be attained ; but if, for want of time, or on any other account, it cannot be fully secured, it will obviously be the duty of the professors so to direct the studies of those who are placed under their care, that the reputation of the Institution may be sustained, and the value of the de- grees conferred in no respect deteriorated. The second point to which I ask attention is the importance of religious influence, pervading the whole course of study, and sanctifying, so to speak, all the arrangements. This College is open to all Denomina- tions, no religious tests being imposed either on students or professors ; nevertheless, we must claim the right of aiming to imbue literature with the spirit of religion, and of inculcating, from time to time, those principles of our common Christianity and those moral lessons which are admitted by all who wish to shun the re- proach of infidelity. Habitual recognition of God should distinguish every seat of learning, so that while th« din of controversy is nover heard, and party con- iii^ .ippropii- iiture gene- ill be proper ghness. A ay be easily admiration :es for real i- judgment ; It assiduity, intly hoped, those are very thing, proficiency knowledge le attained ; account, it )e the duty those who tion of the e of the de- ion is the the whole ik, all the Denomina- on students ;he right of >f religion, 1 principles ral lessons in the re- \ of God that while •arty con- (II) ten lions are unl wn, all may be taught that " the fear of the Lord is lae beginning of wisdom." It has been well observed, that " it is our educated young men who will give the tone to society, and control the destiny of the generation in which they live." How desirable, nay, even necessary, it is, that the education they re- ceive, while truly liberal in its plans and provisions, should be connected with that moral conservatism with- out which the advantages of knowledge itself may prove comparatively valueless ! This brings me to the consideration of the Theolo- gical JDepartment of this Institution. I trust it will not be undervalued. Cheerfully acknowledging the in- indebtedness of the Churches of these provinces to those venerable servants of God, who, dmid difficulties that would have appalled most men, introduced evangelical religion, in connection with the Baptist Denomination, and laid the foundations, broad and deep, of a magnifi- cent spiritual building, I am unquestionably warranted in affirming that the ministry of the present day, to be successful, must possess qualifications superadded to those by which their fathers were distinguished, and specially adapted to fit them for existing duties and conflicts. The advancement of society requires a cor- responding advancement in the standing of its religious teachers. The discussions and controversies of the present period cannot be successfully engaged in with- out previous training, by which the student may gain an acquaintance with the history of principles and events, and acquire the habit of just discrimination. A recent writer has said, that " Clerical ignorance is the sure precursor of public corruption.*' Without affirm- ing or denying the truth of the observation, in its full mcauing, I may remark, that as the influence of the christian ministry on society is necess^arily powerful, it f^ IS, V t (12) is of the utmost consequence that it should be salutary — it must be intelligent as well as pious. No** is it sufficient that the minister is a generally well-instructed man. He should be in advance of the people, and able to guide their inquiries, and guard them against mis- takes and errors. He should be prepared to expose the sophistry of subtle reasoners, to defend the cause against the attacks of the infidel, and to carry the war hito the enemy's territory. For all this, a sound theological education is necessary. The candidate for the sacred office should have leisure to " separate himself, that he may seek and intermeddle with all wisdom ;' that he may become well versed in the languages in which the scriptures were written — acquire a knowledge of the principles of biblical criticism, and of the laws of in- terpretation — apply that knowledge in extended exe- getioal courses — obtain just views of scriptural theo- logy — note accurately the development of religious opinions— trace the history of the true church, and of superstitions and heresies — form a correct judgment of the characters of those men of great mind whose influence, whether for good or evil, has been felt in successive ages — and, assigning their true causes to events, as well as following them to their results, show that he is accustomed to contemplate all things in the light of christian philosophy. If these acquirements are desirable for all christian ministers, much more are they for those of the Baptist Denomination. We prefer a special plea for spiritual religion. We protest against all usurpations of Christ's authority, and all intermeddling with his word. We aim to promote a revival of primitive Christianity, di- vested of the additions which have been made to it in later ages. Wo condemn as anti-christian, in spirit or form, many things which in other denominations are be salutary Nor is it I-instructed le, and able igainst mis- ) expose the Luse against irar into the theological • the sacred lelf, that he i;' that he 1 which the !dge of the aws of in- mded exe- tural theo- •f religious •ch, and of judgment ind whose en felt in causes to lults, show ngs in the christian he Baptist •r spiritual of Christ's rord. We anity, di- de to it in n spirit or lUons are Vi* (J3) approved or permitted. In explanation and defence of onr principles we appeal to the leslimony of scripture and the records of history. It is manliest, that in order to conduct that appeal successfully we must be skilled in the interpretation of the inspired volume, and tho- roughly acquainted with the affairs of the church in general, and of our own denomination in particular. This preparation should be obtained, to a considerable extent, during the collegiate course. I ask with confidence, on behalf of theological stu- dents, for the encouragement and support which they should naturally expect from the churches. During the extended term of study which in most instances will be allotted to them, they may need the practical sympathy of the brethren. Having devoted themselves to the work of the Lord, they should receive substantial tokens of approval, and be enabled by the practical solicitude of christian friendship, to prosecute their inquiries without being subjected to the perplexity and annoyance resulting from scanty resources. May I not indulge the persuasion, that consciousness of the ad- vantages to be derived from an educated ministry will induce the churches, and especially the wealthy mem- bers of them, to render liberal assistance in such cases? Having placed before yoU; in this brief manner, the principal suggestions which appeared to be called for on the present occasion, I might here conclude. But the vacant seat of one who from the beginning felt deep interest in your enterprise, and who, as President of your Education Society, ever manifested lively zeal for the welfare of this Institution, reminds me of the duty of paying tribute to his memory. In the death of the revered Edward Manning the Baptist Denomination in these Provinces has sustained a heavy loss. That primitive christian man was justly d^ar to the churches. € i ■ f . 1 s ■t ! ! I- (M) His vigoruus intellect, clcur conceptions, sound judg- ment, comprehensive giasp of truth, readiness of speech, and forcible eloquence, combined with intelligent and fervid piety, eminently qualified him for usefulness. He was another Barnabas, '' a good man, fnll of the Holy Ghost and of faith," and his labours, unusually protracted, were blessed to multitudes, who will be his "joy and crown of rejoicing" in the day of the Lord. While we render thanks to God for the grace bestowed upon him, and for the advantages which this Institution derived from his patronage and co-operation, we cannot but deeply mourn the breach which has been made by his removal. Nor can it be concealed from us that there are others, in different parts of the Province, whose continuance with us is fast hastening to a close. Even now it may be said of some that they are " dres- sed for the flight, and ready to be gone." May the mantle of love and zeal fall in every instance on a worthy successor ! And may the younger members of our churches ever follow the examples of their patri- archal predecessors, in their cordial advocacy and support of our Educational Institutions ! Invited by the Governors of this College to assume the Presidency, I have responded to the invitation, after much reflection and prayer, and stand this day before you in the oflicial character which has been conferred upon me. I undertake the ofiice with a deep conviction of the responsibihties which it involves. I should shrink from those responsibilities, and from the trial and anxiety which must unavoidably be encountered, were it not for the assurance which I entertain that in answering this call 1 have obeyed the voice of God, on whose promises of aid liis servants may confidently rely when they walk in the path of duty. The cor- di;ilifv witli u'hirh tlir invitation was oxtetirlcd. nnd the K ( \^) sound judg- ess of speech, telligent aud r usefulness, full of the unusually will be his of the Lord. ice bestowed is Institution 11, we cannot en made by rom us that e Province, g to a close. ' are " dres- ' May the stance on a members of their patri- rocacy and to assume tation, after day before 1 conferred > conviction I should n the trial icountered, ;rtain that ce of God, :onfidently The cor- ifl. nnd the malifying laol ol ilic imioii oi ilio |{ui)tiht!s in tluvsu Provinces for this object; together with the noble sub- scription raised for the purpose of liquidating the heavy debt on the Institution, tend still further to encourage and cheer me, showing that the interests of Acadia College have a high place in the esteem of the Deno- mination with which it is especially identified, and that they will not be suffered to fall into decay. When I call to mind the persevering devotedness and self-denial with which my predecessors pursued their course, and the respect in which they are on that ac- count deservedly held by the churches, I feel that I enter upon the office under far different circumstances, and that I cannot hope to reach the position to which they have attained. Yet I trust that by the manifesta- tion of sincere and ardent desire for the prosperity of the cause, and by diligent attention to the duties of the station in which I am placed, I shall succeed in gaining your confidence. . .. - • • " v , I have come, therefore, believing that my brethren here will evince a generous sympathy, and heartily co-operate with me in the good work. I have come, expecting to find a chivalrous zeal for education, and determined endeavour, on your parts, by judicious and liberal arrangements, to establish and maintain a course of instruction so appropriate and comprehensive that the youth of the Provinces will feel the force of the attraction, and seek to satisfy, within these walls, their desire for knowledge. I shall not be disappointed. You have ventured on a bold experiment, and you will succeed. Resources will not be wanting. United as one man in the prosecution of this undertaking, and constantly invoking the blessing of Almighty God, Acadia College is safe in your hands. Esto perpetua — * is the fervent prayer of her sons ! f ii i r.| 111 *. N ^t 'f t V *.. ^ It t } i 1 i -• ' i\ i »i:'.- •» it. > \' / ^ . • " .*,':'' INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. ETC. ETC. When any servant of God seeks to enter the christian ministry, he surrenders to the Saviour his mind, his heart, his whole self, to he employed in the advance- ment of the great cause, in whatever manner the Lord may direct ; and he is prepared to follow such direction, whether gathered from the leadings of Providence, or from the teachings and precepts of Holy Writ. Both Providence and Scripture set forth the great importance of being well prepared for the discharge of the duties which those who " desire the office of a bishop" propose to undertake. The first teachers of Christianity were endowed with supernatural qualifica- tions, and needed not any human training; but that special bestowment has long since ceased, and , the church of Christ is therefore bound to adopt measures, harmonising with the spirit of the gospel, whereby a supply of " able ministers of the New Testament" may be continually provided. Personal piety and aptness to teach being first secured, (and for the want of these no intellectual superiority can compensate,) it is obvi- ously desirable in the highest degree that the candidate for the sacred office should enjoy all the advantages that education can confer. On this point, happily, there is no controversy among us. We are agreed in ] I I ( 18 ) regarding it as one of the elementary truths, or first principles, which are admitted by common consent, and universally held to be indisputable. . " The Theological Department, as established in this College, in harmony with these views, is designed to embrace the following courses of instruction, which, it will be observed, are especially, though not exclusively adapted for those who have received collegiate training, viz ; — the Hebrew and Chaldee languages — the history, principles and laws of Biblical Criticism and Interpre- tation — Scriptural Theology — Ministerial and Pastoral Duties — and Ecclesiastical History. It would be easy to show how important it is that the minister of the gospel should be sufficiently instructed in all these re- spects ; but as it is necessary on the present occasion to confine myself to one topic, I shall devote this Lecture to Ecclesiastical History, — a branch of study which is too often much neglected, but which is preeminently entitled to regard, in the existing state of religious affairs, in both hemispheres. The history of religion is the record of what God has revealed respecting himself, and his intentions and arrangements in reference to his service, on the one hand ; and on the other, of the manner in which man has received the revelation, and conducted himself towards the divine government. The Old Testament contains that history, for the period antecedent to the coming of our Saviour. In the New Testament we have the commencement of subsequent records. The Gospels supply brief sketches of the life and actions of the incarnate Son of God, closing with an account of his death, resurrection, and ascension to glory. The establishment of the christian church, and some few facts, selected from its early history, as spe- cimens of what wus done, but not hv unv means fur- >t utils, or first i consent, and ished in this s designed to on, which, it t exclusively iate training, -the history, nd Interpre- and Pastoral ould be easy tiister of the all these re- t occasion to this Lecture dy which is (reeminently gious affairs, hat God has 3ntions and on the one which man ted himself Testament 3clent to the stament we rds. lie life and ig with an scension to hurch, and )ry, as spe- mcants fur- M nisliing a complete narrative, which cannot now be obtained, arc sported in the tract called " The Acts of the Apostles." In the Ipistles we are more fully in- structed in the design of the great events by which the new manifestation of God was distinguished ; the effects of faith in the revelation are graphically described ; and the duties arising out of the relationship into which a believer is brought, both with God and with his fellow- believers, are enforced, with affection and apostolic authority. In the New Testament, therefore, we have Chris- tianity presented to us in its native simplicity and glory. It is the first chapter of the ecclesiastical history. The period which it comprises, together with nearly a cen- tury beyond it, may be designated the age of faith. Christians received the divine testimony with grateful joy, and yielded themselves unreservedly to its in- fluence. It was the time when, as Milner the church historian remarks, " to believe, to suffer, and to love, was the primitive taste." Then followed an age of declension. There was a craving after power — a general loss of spiritual fervour, manifested by the importance attached to ritual trifles — and consequently, a melancholy state of un prepared- ness for the storm of persecution which burst upon the churches during the reign of Diocletian, and for the deceitful and dangerous sunshine of imperial patronage which succeeded, when Constantine the Great avowed himself the protector and friend of the church, and became its virtual governor. An age of tprangling csime next. Professing chris- tians quarrelled about phrases, and even syllables. The homoousian anathematised the homoiousian, and wai5 himself anathematised in his turn. Insignifi- cant (lirtercncos divided chief friends, A man was {20) " inude ail otlendui lor a word. Ittsieud ot bearing with one another, in regard to diversities of expression which did not atlect the fundamental trutlis of the com- mon salvation, a rigid verbal uniformity was required. Separation was the only alternative, and thousands of good men were made sectarians against their wills. Persecution was the fruit, the followers of the lowly Jesus exhibiting the unseemly spectacle of contention unto death — " hateful, and hating one another." We need not be surprised at learning that this pro- duced an age of dulneits, and that " because iniquity abounded, the love of many waxed cold." A barren formality overspread the community which assumed to be tho church — mental activity withered — unreal apprehensions prevailed — and priestly power advanced with giant strides. Tho darkness thickened fast, and during a long night, the age of ignorance, stiperstUion, and bondage, protracted through several centuries, and reaching, with some exceptions, from the eighth to the fifteenth, true Christianity was for the most part under an eclipse. The word of God was unknown to the majority. Spiritual religion was supplanted by childish forms and dead works. Men were taught, not to think, but to obey : — if they resisted, as many did, the terrors of the Inquisition awaited them, or godless crusaders, at the command of " Holy Church," ravaged whole countries, carrying desolation by fire and sword, and gazing on the tortures of their hapless victims, as a monkish historian afiirms, "with the utmost joy."* Yet during the latter part of this period there were gleams and twinklings of light, and in some districts the flame burned steadily all the while, and could not * Sec Sismoadi's " History of tho Cruuuleb againii th« Albigentu in the lhirl«euth Century." i'-ii) li ul bearing of expression IS of the corn- was required, thousands of their wills. 3f the lowly of contentioii ther." ^at this pro- use iniquity " A barren ich assumed cred — unreal 'er advanced led fast, and superstition^ Jnturies, and Bighth to the t part under lown to the 1 by childish not to think, I, the terrors J crusaders, aged whole sword, and ctiins, as a !t joy." * there were ne districts J could not Ibigenn* in the an (I [iiciichecl Willi llif icvi'/iil ol Uaniiiii^ caiim of frraduitt awakcninir, chaij'UtTiscd by ciKiigy, perseverance, and succossCul cITori. IVJrn of powerful niinds appeared, who grappled vvilli ihe dilliculties of their position, and exerted a commaiuling inHueiice on society. The invention of the printing-press and the revival of literattire were the harbingers of a brighter day, and ushered in the age of the Reformation, with its countless blessings and results — results to be yet more fully developed. Of the conflicts, suiFerings, and characteristic glories of that age, it is needless now to speak ; — they are known to you all ; — for which of you is not familiar with the lives aud actions of Luther, Melancthon, Zuingle, Tyndale, Ridley, Latimer, Cranmer, Calvin, and other worthies, by whose valour the monster evil of the day received a deadly wound, which, though it has been slightly healed, will ulti- mately end in death 1 It would be a grievous disaster to truth and holiness, should the efforts of those who took the lead in that glorious revolution ever come to be generally disparaged. After the Reformation came an age of re-action and agitation — the re-action, chiefly on the Continent of Europe, where Romanism won back some lost ground, and commenced a series of direct attacks on the Pro- testant faith, carried on with all the cunning, tact, and persevering zeal of Jesuitism, atid aided, whenever practicable, by the secular arm. At the same time, it must be confessed, while the energies of Romanism revived, those of Protestantism declined; the gianti^ of the sixteenth century were succeeded by a dwarfish and feeble race, or, if th^t be considered too strong an expression, by those who had " left their first love." There was, however, a brilliant exception. Differing greatly from the re-action in Europe was the agitation jli i ( I ■. {22) in (J real Britain. There, the Rcl'orinatiou was regarded by a numerous body, and rightly regarded, not as an issue, but an instrument — not as the end, but only as the means to a higher end. The settlement of the Anglican Church was viewed as a compromise to which the lover of truth could not give his adhesion. It was an attempt to stereotype human thought and feeling, and the Puritans refused to submit to it. Their oppo- sition lighted up a flame which burned for more than a century, penetrated every part of the social system, and proved a painful purifier. Despotism was con- sumed by it, and constitutional government arose out of the ashes. The foundations of religious freedom were laid, and independent churches, owning no head but Christ, sprung up in every direction. Nor must it be forgotten that to the struggles of that age wc owe the peopling of New England with a deeply religious race, and, as a happy consequence, the settlement of a large pori.on of the North American Continent by men of Anglo-Saxon, or Anglo-Norman blood, and the growing up of a great nation, destined, in conjunction with the parent State, to exercise a powerful influence over the world, in all time to come. An age of slumber supervened — brief indeed, yet long enough to produce mischievous eflccts. It was a time of spiritual lethargy. The peculiar doctrines of the gospel were not denied, but they were thrust into the back-ground, or held in name only. Wide-spread apathy prevailed — a general carelessness about religion, threatening to engulph society in unbelief and profane- ness. That catastrophe would have taken place, had not God blessed the church with an age of revival. Wesley and Whitetield, in the old world, and Braincrd, President Edwards, and other excellent men in the new, introduced a better order of things. Tlio churches 1 was regarded led, not as an I, but only as lement of the )niise to which 'sion. It was t and feeling, Their oppo- for more than social system, sm was con- nt arose out of freedom were no head but for must it be wc owe the •eligious race, ent of .a large t by men of 1 the growing tion with the nee over the eed, yet long t was a time irines of the rust into the Wide-spread )out religion, and profane- 1 place, liad ? of revival. id Brainerd, men in the 'hf chnrrhcs (23) were roused iVoni sleep, and awoke to action. Aggres- sion once more characterised Christianity. The souls of men at home were first cared for, and then it was again confessed that "the field is the world." Foreign missions were the fruits of this quickening impulse ; — by them the church lias been blessed, apd made a blessing. " . V ; ■ , ^ ' . ^ ' 1 come now to our own times — in many respects the most extraordinary since the connnencemcnt of modern civilization. This is pre-eminently the age of progress — progress in knowledge, science, art, social improve- ment, commercial enterprise— would that I could affirm, with equal truth and fulness of meaning, progress in religion. As far as regards benevolent activity, and well- directed zeal for human advancement, the description holds good ; but in reference to the interior life, the spiritual apprehension of the truth, the all-pervading power of godliness, I fear that so favourable a verdict cannot be given. Adverse influences are at work, which will j)rove ruinous to thousands. In many places an insatiable worldliness is the worm at the root of piety. The revival of old rites (which, in a christian sense, are novelties) is conducting great numbers, in one Protestant community, to superstition and idolatry, while transcendentalism is hurrying others, of all per- suasions, into hopeless unbelief. Nevertheless, we may confidently look for better things, seeing that we live under the " ministration of the Spirit." This rough and hasty sketch will suffice to show that the history ot the christian church involves transactions of surpassingly glorious interest, and to convince every impartial inquirer ihat the study of that history not only presents the advantages connected with the study of history in general, but is also replete with instruction "f peculiar vahie= Its special uses arc now to be noticed. ( 21 ) Ijeloic I proceed, however, it may be proper to ob- serve, that by ecclesiastical history 1 do not so much mean the liistory of the church, so called, or of any church, in its outward form, but of Christianity itself, apart from all organizations ; — the history of what God has done by his gospel, in moulding and exalting indi- vidual character, and improving the world — and of the trials, arising from the perversity and opposition of man, througli which his work has been carried on- This history, I am now to show, is pregnant with uses to the diligent and thoughtful student. [. It confirms Scripture. This it does in vavious ways. What is the divine method of conversion 7 Our Lord answers the question; — "I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me " (John 12. 23. 24.) And the Apostle Paul says (1 Cor. 1, 23.). " We preach Christ crucified, imto the Jews a stumbiing-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness, but unto them which arc called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and tlie wisdom of God." Now, all ecclesiastical history testifies to this truth. In every age success has sprung from the same source, and from no other. Pretended conversions, without it, were no conversions at all, as the results abundantly proved, but only transfers from one to another kind of superstition. At the era of the Reformation, for instance, how efficacious was the doctrine of the cross ? How did it speak to the very hearts of men ! With what power did the Reformers declare the great truth, that man is justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, without respect to his works, good works being rightly described as the efl'ects, not the causes, of justification ! Missionary experience also may be adduced. It is tmiforni and decisive. Talent, skill, and learning are proper to ob- not so much ed, or of any stianity itself, y of what God exalting indi- d — and of the opposition of n carried on- lant with uses )n ? Our Lord up, will draw nd the Apostle lirist crucified, nto the Greeks lied, both Jews id the wisdom ' testifies to this from the same d conversions, as the results s from one to instance, how I How did it li what power h, that man is IJhrist, without ^htly described ;ion ! [Id need. It is d iearnuig are (25) essential, in order that false systems may be exposed, and subtle objections answered; but if the springs of llie heart are lo be touched — if the fetters of sin are to be broken, it must be by the doctrine of the cross. Again : — the persons who constituted the first cl.i^s- tian churches are described as possessing " faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints." The aggregate of these is the church which Jesus loved, and of which he said, '"On this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." His word has been fulfilled. We are perplexed and dis- tressed, as we peruse the records of ecclesiastical his- tory, by the continual mention of errors, follies, and lamentable failings ; yet there is never lack of proof that the " holy seed" was still in existence, enjoying the presence and blessing of the Saviour. Nay more; — let it be granted that heresies and corruptions abounded, so that in some ages there was little else to tell of — these very facts afibrd striking confirmation of the truth of holy writ. For if religion has been made to consist in bodily service, harsh austerities, and useless forms — if men have been forbidden, on assumed holy pretexts, to enter into tender relations, established by God him- self — if the church has been placed above the bible — if tradition has superseded scripture — if the Lord's free- men have become slaves to human masters — if " lying wonders," inflicting indelible disgrace on the systems that invented them, have excited the astonishment of dupes, and nurtured the infidelity of philosophers — all this, instead of being inconsistent with the promises of the heavenly book, has taken place in exact con- formity with its predictions. All was foretold by the Apostles Paul and Peter, and their prophecies have beeti accomplished, (See 2 Thess. ii. 3 — 12; 1 Tim. iv. 1—3. ; 2 Tim. iii. 1—7. : 2 Pet. ii. iii.) 4 (20) 1] But the same word of the Lord gave the usaurance that there should continue to be a succession of wit- nesses for the truth, testifying against these abomina- tions. That also has been fulfilled. Novatian in the third century — Vigilantius, bespattered with the filth of Jerome's slander, in the fourth — Jovinian, his worthy contemporary — Claude of Turin — the Panlicians — the Waldenses and Albigenses, under various names, in Italy, France, and Germany — Wiclif in the fourteenth century — John Huss and Jerome of Prague in the fifteenth — and the noble army of Reformers, numbers of whom sealed the truth with their blood, in the six- teenth — pleaded for Christ and godliness, and protested against Rome, and all Romanising expedients. The protest continues to be borne, and will so continue, till Christianity shall resume her primitive garb and spirit, and come forth, "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." It might further be satisfactorily proved that in the experience of the servants of God while delivering their testimony, especially when under persecution, the Saviour has in every age verified his gracious promise — "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." •' II. — Ecclesiastical History Illustrates the Divine Government. The New Testament represents the Redeemer as ever actively engaged for liis church, guiding, govern- ing, and controlling, and making all events subservient to the highest interests. The truth of the representa- tion has been continually illustrated. Voices have not been heard, nor visions seon — yet from age to age there have been furnished umuistakc- able j)roofs of divine care, in preparing instruments for the good work; and directing all theii movements. the assurance [Session of Avit- hese abomina- ovatiaii in iho ivitli liie filth ol' in, his wortiiy 'aiilicians — the 3ns names, in the fourteenth *rague in the ners, numbers 3d, in the six- and protested edients. The ' continue, till irb and spirit, r as the sun, d that in the ivering their secution, the ious promise he end of the s THE Divine ledoemer as ing, govern- subservient representa- s seen — yet niimistakc- rtinients for iiovonicnts. The studious inquirer finds that his faith and hope are daily confirmed, as lie traces the steps of the Lord, and notes tlie manifestations of his wise guidance. Elisha succeeded to Elijah — Paul committed the cause to Timothy — and the true apostolic succession, of " faith- ful men, able to teach others," lias been maintained till the present time. It will never fail. Equally clear have been the interpositions for deliver- ance and aid. The angel has not visibly appeared, as in the case of Peter, but the mercy has been as really vouchsafed. Of the truth of this assertion it would be easy to adduce proof, from the history of the Reforma- tion, and of the Puritans and Nonconformists of Great Britain. So also, disastrous events, and transactions of ques- tionable or even evil character, have been overruled for good. The scattering of the disciples has tended to the spread of the gospel. The Nestorians, expelled from the Roman empire, carried the faith to the remotest East. Learning was invohmtarilj'' imported into Eu- rope by the crusaders. Luther, held in durance at Wartburg, translated the New Testament into his native tongue, thus bestowing on his countrymen a priceless boon. Henry the Eighth's freaks of tyranny indirectly advanced the Reformation. The buying up of Tyndale's New Testament, by the agents of Tonstall, bishop of London, to burn and suppress it, furnished the Reformer with money, wherewith to bring out a new and improved edition, and enabled him to throw the good seed broad-cast over England. The Non- conformists, prevented from preaching, in the time of (Jharles II., instructed the people by the press, and their works are now the joy and consolation of the Church. Speaking of one of them, our own Bunyan, Lord Campbell (now Lord Chief Justice of the Court of dueen's Bench), says : — i '::! (•.>S) " Little do we know what is for our pcrmntiont good. Had IJiiuyan bueii discliarged, and allowed to enjoy liberty, lie no doubt would have rcjturned to his trade, filling up his intervals of leisure with field preticliing; his name would not have survived his own generation, and he could have done little for the religious improvement of mankind. The prison-doors were shut upon him for twelve years. Being cut off from the external world, he communed with his own soul: inspired by him who touched Isaiah's hallowed lips with fire, he composed the noblest of allegories, the merit of whicli was first discovered by the lowly, but which is now lauded by the most refined critics; and has done more to awaken piety, and to enforce the precepts of Christian morality, thaji all the sermons that have been published by all the prelates of the Anglican church." * And as, in former times, God was accustomed to hide himself, and by mysterious dispensations to try the faith and patience of his people, that they might learn to submit to his righteous sovereignty, so it has been under the new dispensation. Ciiristianity has been all but suppressed in Northern Africa, wliich was once thickly studded with churches. The great apostacy has covered the world with ignorance and senseless superstitions. In Spain, and other European countries, where the true light once shone, it has been extinguished. Great numbers of the best men of the church have been snatched from usefulness by what we call premature death. These, and many other events, will be explained when the history is com- pleted. iii. — ecclfsiastical history exhibits the power of Religion. " If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away ; behold, all things are become I* Lives of the Lord Chief Justices. if ( 29 ) mir pcrmanont and allowed to returned to Ins lire Avith field rvived his own little for the le prison-doors Being cut off with his own iah's hallowed '. of allegories, by the lowly, refined critics; I to enforce the II the sermons >relates of the iccnstomed to jsations to try at they might gnly, so it has iristianity has ca, which was The great gnorance and ther European le, it has been !St men of the ness by what many other 5tory is com- THE POWER OF creature; old ^s are become new." The best illustration of these words is to bo found in the pages of the ecclesiaSiJcal historian, record- ing well authenticated facts, as they have occurred in different countries and in all ages, from the conversion of the Apostle Paul to that of Africaner the Hottentot, or the still more savage New Zealanders. The words of Lactautius are entirely to the point; — "Give me a man passionate, foul-mouthed, without self-control ; with a few words of (jlod 1 will return him gentle as a lamb. Give me a man grasping, avaricious, griping ; anon I will give him back to you liberal, and distributing his wealth with ready hands. Give me a man fearful of pain and death ; anon he will contemn the cross and the flames. Give me a man of lust, an adulterer, a debauchee ; anon you shall see him sober, chaste, continent. Give me a man cruel, blood-thirsty ; anon that madness shall be changed into true clemency. A few precepts of God thus change the whole man ; and the old being put off, they restore him a new creature, so that you would not know him to be the same." " We ought to obey God rather than men." So spake the Apostles. Confessors and martyrs have adopted their words, and carried out the noble principle which they express, with calm and joyful decision. In the early days of the gospel they did it in the presence of the Pagan persecutors, heedless of the scourge, the axe, or the cross. They have done it in modern times. Sustained by the truths and promises of the Bible, they have patiently endured imprison- ment and starvation — have borne without flinch- ing the horrors of the rack — and walked to the stake in triumph, rather than forswear their con- sciences, or deny the Lord. Nor are all the annals of martyrdom yet written. Within our own recollection dark deeds of vengeance have been perpetrated by the ( 30 •) rnoinies of religion, and inliumaii tortures liuve beeu inflicted, and even life taken, in Jamaica and Mada- gascar, (in which latter island a female tyrant still carries on the persecniion,) because the sufferers would not desist from prayer nor forsake Christ. They "endured, as seeing Him who is invisible;" and his grace was "sufficient" in the hour of need. And where shall we find such examples of self- denying activity as the records of the church supply? Who but christian men have ever been content to brave all peril, to forego all comfort, and to pass through all kinds of toil and hardship, solely for the advantage of their fellow-creatures, that they might save their souls .' Who but the servants of Jesus Christ could meekly bear the taunts of the mocker, or labour on, year after year, in the midst of a "crooked and perverse nation," without the encouragement derived from success, and cheered only by the hope of reward and blessing? The history of missions, both ancient and modern, abounds with exemplifications of the power and efficacy of true religion. IV. — Ecclesiastical History furnishes instructive VIEWS OF HUMAN CHARACTER. All history serves that purpose to a groat extent : but what I contend for is, that human character is pre- sented to view, in religious records, in a much greater variety of aspects, favourable and unCavonrable, than in those of a merely secular kind, and that conse- quently there can be no complete study of man if ecclesiastical history be neglected. Would you contemplate man in his greatness 7 You need not go to the halls of legislation, the schools of philosophy, the courts of justice, t)r the battle-field of the warrior ; — the Inmible believer who walks with God, penetrated with his love, realizing the presence (31) 3S liave been 1 and Mada- ^ tyrant still tl'erers would irist. They le;" and his d. pies of self- irch supply? 1 content to and to pass lolely for the they might Jesus Christ ;r, or labour crooked and nent derived [)e of reward )oth ancient ons of the INSTRUCTIVE extent ; but icter is prc- nch greater rable, than that conse- of rnan if less ? You schools of tlle-field of I'alks with ic presence of the Saviour and union with him. and Uvini,' for eternity, has a more sublime spirit than animates those scenes, and choiishcs noblor diisigns. Thinic, too, of the consecration of exalted talent to the study and vindication of the divine government, or the devising; of plans of enlarged benevolence for the advantage of the race; and see the spiritual hero contending, tliough single-handed, for God's truth, in defiance of this world's power and authority, as Luther did at the Diet of Worms. There — there, is true greatness. Would you, on the other hand, contemplate man in his littleness 7 Would you have samples of the mean, the despicable, the weak-minded and foolish ? Instances, in lamentable abundance, are ready at hand. See christian bishops cringing before royalty for pelf, and "having men's persons in admiration because of advan- tage'' — councils squabbling about words and sentences — contentions among churches for the possession of dry bones and dirty rags — Pope Gregory the Great befool- ing kings and queens by sending them filings from the pretended chains of the Apostles Paul and Peter, and lauding their wondrous efficacy — bold Avarriors tremb- ling at the sound of empty words, because they were uttered by a priest ; and, to come to modern times, see James 1. babbling nonsense before grave divines, and prelates falling on their knees and protesting that he spake by the Holy Spirit — while there, in enlightened Britain, and hen?, on this Continent, the wisest and best of men then living were deluded into a belief in witchcraft, and took part in many a scene which might liave been characterised as genuine comedy, but for the mournful and tragical close. Much more might be said under this head, but time forbids. Ecclesiastical history places man before us in all possil>Je )>nint?' of view : on the one hand, in the I'ull t !:' 1 .1 U (32) exttMit of his intellectual capabilitiiis, and the glory of I'Xiiltod goodnnss, glowing wiili love to God, and his broUiron — and on tho other, as the victim of envy, jealousy, hatred and spite, inventing new annoyances and modes of torment, obtaining his ends by all kinds of circumvention and fraud, and prostituting noble powers to purposes worthy of the devil and his angels. V. ECCLKSIASTICAL HlSTORY UNMASKS AnTICHRISTIAN Assumptions. Extravagant claims are put forth by several religious communities, which arc completely exploded by the revelations of ecclesiastical history. Some, holding that their organization is entirely primitive and apostolic, nevertheless adr it that for certain minor arrangements which they have made in worship and church government, no warrant or direc- tion can be found in the sacred code : but they plead, that the New Testament contains outlines and general principles only, and that christian churches have power to supplement the seeming deficieiicy. They must be told, however, that evon if the correctness of their allegation be granted, it necessarily follows, that in so far as their doctrine and order agree with the New Testament, and so far only, they are primitive and apostolic; but that the additions they have made, however proper and desirable they may be deemed, arc not entitled to such designations, and cannot lawfully be imposed on others, as binding on the conscience, or used as tests. They must also be reminded that if by unrighteous impositions they compel others to leave them, they, and not the separatists, are guilty of schism. Others maintain that the proceedings of the church during the first three centuries, and up to the Niccne Council, A. 1). o25, are to be regarded as the natural and authorised developments of apostolical teaehinff, if li;' tlie glory of God, and his ctim of envy, \v annoyances s by all kinds tituting noble ind his angels. Antichristian svcral religious bloded by the 3n IS entirely dr it that for have made in irant or direc- ut they plead, 3S and general es have power They must be tness of their ws, that in so rhh the New primitive and have made, deemed, are inot lawfully conscience, or dcd that if by hers to leave ilty of schism. )f the church to the Niccne 5 the natural cal teachinff. and that we are bound to copy them, ^ow, besides that this argument involves a surrender of the great Protestant principle, that the Scripture, and the Scrip- ture only, is the rule of faith and practice, it is manifest to all who are acquainted with the facts of the case, that it proves too much ; for it would compel us to accept, as apostolic, opinions, ceremonies, and church legislation, diti'ering from and even repugnant to the New Testament, and clearly tending towards Rome. This is the theory of the linglish Tractarians, and history unveils its delbrmity. Again; the divine origin of episcopacy is firmly held by various bodies of professing christians, Protestant and Roman Catholic, and so held that they will not acknowledge the right of those who have not been episcopally ordained to act as ministers of the gospel. Ecclesiastical history razes to the ground these high pretensions, since it is perfectly demonstrable that the primitive bishops, for some time after the days of the Apostles, were simply pastors of churches, not lords over other ministers, and had no power or right beyond their own congregations. Such a thing as a diocese was then unknown. The pastors of our churches in these provinces are bishops, in the New Testament sense; but the claims of modern prelates would not have been recognised by the Apostles or their imme- diate successors. The Greek and Eastern Churches, and that of Rome, have embodied in their ecclesiastical systems various doctrines and rites which we search for in vain in the inspired records. Nevertheless, they assume apostol- icity in these respects, on the ground that the peculi- arities in question were adopted in the primitive ages of the church. We can prove the contrary. We may not be able, indeed, to assign the exact date of every ( 3J ) r., II (ipimitiuo Iroiu llm diviin; pjittorn, litransw corrupliou advanced by imperceptible degrees : but weeaii lake our stand at the (Joiuicil of Nice, and .show that then the supremacy of the bishop of Home was not assumed — that saint-worship did not exist — lliat there were no images in the churches — tliat the force cehbacy of the priesthood was not enjoined — that purgatory had not been discovered — that auricular confession wax not instituted — that transubstantialion had not been thouglit of — and that a liost of minor opinions and observances were as yet in the dim and distant future, a though the germs of many subsequent corruptions liat begun to appear, in perverse imitations of Pagan and Jewish ceremonials. VI. Ecclesiastical History exposes sundry evils WHICH IT behoves US CAREFULLY T-0 AVOID. I can only mention some of the most prominent. 1. Departure from the word of God. No lesson is more impressively taught by ecclesi- astical history than this, that the bible, and the bible only, must be regarded as the fountain of religious truth. Admit any collateral authority, or clothe with power any church regulations or decisions, though they may appear to be in themselves harmless, and you have introduced the elements of a system which will prove destructive to the plain Christianity of the New Testament. It has been uniformly found that when human authority in religion has been acknowledged it has gradually supplanted the divine law. " Ye have made the commandment of God of none efiect by your tradition." The inference is, that we must take heed lest we commit this great sin, and resolutely determine, whatever may be the result, to receive nothing as authoritative in religion for which a divine sanction cannot be shown. I it: iiisH oorriipiioii we can lake our ' tliut then the Hot {issumetl— there Were no celibucy ol the ?a»ory had not ssioii was not at bi'tMi thought U(l observances o, a though the hat begun to n and Jewish SUNDRY EVILS D. prominent. ;ht by ecclesi- and the bible n of religious )r clothe with s, though they less, and you m which will ty of the New :id that when knowledged it . " Ye have efiect by your lUst take heed 3ly determine, nothing as vine sanction I ( :^^ ) "l. Impel I'acl and part id I fni'ly. Ecclesiasiical liist(»iy {toinls out the tendency to ex- tremes and oiK'-siiieduoss. At one time, all the rage is for coutemplatioti and solitariness ; at another, for action, or painlul performances. Verbal orthodoxy is every thing with some; morality, with others; and each is apt to neglect the opposite. One party rejects all forms; anotluu' depends upon them. Now, it is man- ifest that true religion is the submission of the heart to God in Christ, evinced by love, obedience, and active engagement in the divine service, in the positions we are called to occupy. Whatever lowers Scrip'uro in our esteem, diverts the mind from the Saviour, or induces reliance on self or man, and contentment with form, is wrong, and fraught with peril. In the history of the church we are perpetually warned against these evils. 3. Unwarrnfited power. We cannot but observe that very many of the cor- ruptions which have overspread Christianity have pro- ceeded from this source. The polluted stream began to flow at an earhr period. Christian pastors met to consult and give advice they soon learned to demand submission. Opinions became^ decrees, and advices were changed into laws. Then, the opinions were imposed — creeds wore framed, and subscription to them required — rel'usal to subscribe was deemed a crime, naturally and severely to be piuiished — and so, as one says, " the last article of the creed was the establish- rnent of an Inquisition." When will the lessons con- tained in Romans xiv. be learned and practised — "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? We shall all stand at the judgment seat of Christ." — "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." We liave studied ^!^i r ii-l ' !^ (36) the New Testament and church history to little purpose, if we have not thereby been confirmed in tlie great truth, that man is responsible to God only for his reli- gion. My neighbour may hold grievous errors, and be immersed in antichristian superstitions. The offence is not against me, but against God. My duty is to instruct and persuade. I have no power to restrain, prevent, or punish. "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." Every christian should cherish unmi- tigated abhorrence of persecution in all its forms, from the imposition of a shilling for an English church-rate, or the denial of religious equality to a brother who has a darker skin than our own, to the atrocities of a Spanish Auto da Fe. 4. Unholy alliances. So we call the alliance of the Church with the State. Unchristian in its origin, it is ever corrupting in its effects. All history forces us to this conclusion. En- riched ecclesiastics become at once proud and mean, pampered and servile. Religious freedom, too, always suffers. The least evil is the taxation of other sects for the support of the favoured one ; persecution, direct or indirect, is the ordinary consequence. But I need not dwell on this theme, as we are here happily free from the curse. 5 . Uncharitable judgements. The sectarian spirit which is the fruit of the divisions that have taken place in the church produces frequently a narrowmindedness, against which we should sedu- lously watch. It persuades iis that piety is confined within certain limits which cannot be overpassed. The Roman Catholic stoutly maintains that out of his church there is no salvation. The Protestant is slow to believe in the piety of the Papist. The various 5ects can scarcely think it possible that those who differ from them <"in be saved. little purpose, d in the great nly for his reli- s errors, and be . The offence My duty is to rer to restrain, I, I will repay, i cherish unmi- its forms, from 5h church-rate, •other who has atrocities of a ^vith the State. )rriipting in its iclusion. En- id and mean, , too, always other sects for lion, direct or iut I need not lily free from f the divisions ces frequently should sedu- \^ is confined overpassed, lai out of his tant is slow The various )se who differ (37) With reference fo these views and feelings, it may be observed, that there are, unquestionably, funda- mentai truths which cannot be denied with safety; but it does not become us to decide that those truths are not held by those who are also entangled in error or seduced by superstition. An acquaintance with ecclesiastical history will do much to rectify our opinions and teach charitableness. Jerome, it is well known, was a great relic-monger; — Augustine held that it was right to employ the sword in defence of the faith ; — Gregory the Great was a firm believer in purgatory; — Bernard adored the Virgin Mary; — Luther clave to the absur- dity of consubstautiation ; — Calvin consented to the burning of Servetus ; — while many of the Puritans, and some of the first Quakers, indulged in monstrous extra- vagances, and multitudes of others spent their lives in practices denounced by the spirit of Christianity, though otherwise they gave evidence that they realised its sanctifying effects. We may deplore the mistakes of such men; we may feel assured that their piety would have been far more pure and comprehensive had their faith been more scriptural; but we must take heed how we refuse them a place among God's children, and we must exercise in regard to all such cases the charity and forbearance which we expect for ourselves. VII. Ecclesiastical History encourages the indulg- ence OF JOYFUL hope. When we think of the divisions of Christians, and the comparatively limited progress of Christianity, we are prone to yield to despondency. A review of the past will check that feeling, and revive our hopes. We see Christianity at first, feeble and unprotected in a worldly point of view, yet overcoming every difli- culty and procuring for itself a place in the earth, in spite of all resistance. We behold its jiteadv advance (:n) — lidw il survives ilie wreck ol' tlie Roman Empire — how it subverts idolatry, (Jrecian, Roman, German, ami all other Eiiro])ean kinds — how it lives through the dismal night of mental darkness and moral corruption, and comes forth again, in its primitive purity and splendour, to bless the nations — how it gathers strength by converting to its own use and advancement the wondrous discoveries and inventions of these times — how manifestly its improving effects are discerned in all Christian lands, in its influence on civilization, social life, and government. Then, we look abroad to heathen countries. Con- verts, it is admitted, are but lew in proportion to the surrounding masses. But a lodgment has been eftecied in the head quarters of nearly all the idolatries of the world. In the translations of the Scriptures, the in- struction of the young, and the general dillusion of knowledge, a broad foundation has been laid for the future building. Christian institutions have been ex- tensively planted, and produce everywhere salutary effects. The votaries of heathenism are compelled to confess that their superstitions are tottering and ready to fall. These are highly encouraging tokens. We see Christians coming together, overleaping their partition-walls, and resolving to combine for the ad- vancement of the kingdom of the .Saviour as far as they conscientiously can without compromising prin- ciples which they respectively hold dear. And we rejoice to observe that the truths which bind them together are those which have been held by godly men of all names, in all ages, and in all lands. Those truths will doubtless be everywhere spread abroad. The time is coming when tli" bible will be the book of all mankind. The gods of the rarlh will be famished. The tumults of war will cease, and the wail oC its widows ami orphans will be heard no moiv. Universal brotherhood will prevail. 7Mie church will be co-extensive with the world. Our blessed Lord and Saviour will be loved, honoured, and obeyed in every land, and the piety, devoledness, and vuiion of his peo- ple will present an illustrious commentary on his last prayer, and furnish rich materials for the closing chap- ters of the history of the church. I have thus endeavoured to show you the uses of ecclesiastical history. It confirms Scripture — illustrates the divine government — exhibits the power of religion — furnishes instructive views of human character — unmasks antichristian assumptions — exposes sundry evils which ought to be carefully avoided — and en- courages the indulgence of joyful hope. I trust that it is nov/ evident to you all that a familiar acquaintance with this branch of history is essential to the public teacher of Christianity. I may add, that all Christians, as they have opportunity, should seek to acquire this knowledge. It is as interesting as it is instructive and useful. I have not thought it necessary on the present oc- casion to advert to our denominational views. But I cannot close without observing that in the course of instruction with which this lecture is connected the principles by which we are distinguished fr n other Denominations will be clearly and fully set forth, and our history traced from the beginning, through the dark ages, and down to our own times, as well in its leading events as in the lives and actions of Baptist heroes. Of these there is a goodly list. They have always formed a powerful band in the great Christian army, and taken a full share of service and sulTcving. Kver blessed will bo their memory ! (40) In coiir.lusion, allow me to oflVr an observation or two oil the present aspects of the cause of (Jod. — The conflicts of this age are of a very serious kind. True Christianity is sorely beset. Within her pale there is much listlessness ; — the number of those who are thoroughly awake to the necessities of the times is but small. The retrogi;ade tendency to ceremonial religion is producing, particularly in Great Britain, very mis- cliievous eflfects. Romanism also is exerting itself in every direction to make inroads on Protestant Churches, and has entered into close alliance with the worst despotisms of Europe, for the purpose of putting down free inquiry. Infidel philosophy laboiirs to undermine the authority of the word of God. Undisguised Athe- ism is extensively avowed on the European Continent. Truth is assailed on every hand. In order to repel these assaults successfully, there must be a concentration of Christian energy. Talent and learning of all kinds must be devoted to the eluci- dation and exposition of truth, and talent so consecrated must be fostered by the liberal encouragement of edu- cational institutions. There must be also stern adher- ence to the bible, strong faith, and fervent prayer. Life in Christ must be better understood and realized, and the power and grace of the Holy Spirit more practically regarded. The human must give place to the divine. Man must be honoured less, and God more. Let this holy policy be adopted, and success is sure. Our difficulties are confessedly many and great, but they are by no means insurmountable. Is this an age of freedom and light'/ Christianity is the religion of freedom and light. Is it the age of science 7 Christi- anity harmonises with science. Is it an age of bold inquiry? Chrisrianity invites and will repay such inquiry. The gospel of the Havioiir embodies all the elements of liappiiiess and purity. By the blessing of the Great God it will imiversally triumph. " Every val- ley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low : and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain : and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flerh shall see it together : for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Then will come the end, when the visions of prophesy shall be fulfilled, and on the last page of the book of the Church i .ori will see inscribed, in letters of light and glory,—" The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth !" " Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things; and blessed be his gloripus name forever; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen." 15 II c ii i o \ f. o 1: e 1 I s g d i I a c c r 1 ( \ api»i:m)1x. IIISTOrtY OF THE COLLEC.K. The College was founded in the year 1838. The following passages are extracted from a statement pub- lished by the Directors of the Nova Scotia Baptist Education Society, in the year 1844. " Some years since, a number of individuals residing in the colony of Nova Scotia, viewing with deep con- cern the great want of sound and practical education in that and the neighbouring Provinces, formed a Society for the extension of education throughout the Province, with special adaptation to the circumstances of the people, and to the future pursuits of their youth. With this object in view they established an Institution for affording instruction in the more advanced branches of learning at Horton, in the midst of the rural popu- lation, and with charges so low that any class might enjoy its benefits. This Seminary, aided by the con- tributions of its friends, and a moderate grant from the Public Treasury, having succeeded beyond their most sanguine hopes, and liaving excited a general and growing interest on the subject of Education, it was deemed necessary to establish a College or University ill addition to the Academy. An application was iherefore made to the Provincial Legislature to obtain a charter. In 1840 an Act was passed, granting a charter under the name of 'Queen's College,' which, excepting a formal objection arising from the name ' Queen's,' met the full approval of the Home Govern- ment. Accordingly, during the next session of the Legislature, the name having been changed to -Acadia College,' the Royal assent was given, and the charter went into operation." ( I'l ) " These Institutions, although iinniediately under the charge of the Nova Scotia IJaptist Education Society, are founded upon the most open and hberal footing as regards all other denominations of Christians, and both the College and the Academy have been supplied with teacliers, students, and pupils, from all the more nu- merous Protestant persuasions." " These infant Seminaries, among the numerous advantages of a moral and intellectual nature which they are calculated to impart to the present and future generations, are now looked to by the Baptists in these Lower Colonies, as the great means of raising up a well educated ministry to meet the spiritual wants of our people, which shall place them on an equal footing with our brethren of every other denomination, and shall also foster the exalted desire already kindled, of sending forth Missionaries to convert the heathen to God, in which noble enterprise we are just now em- barking. We trust that they will also operate as a means the most elfcctual in these provinces, of stem- ming the floods of superstition and error that appear at present to be gaining ground in different parts of^ Chris- tendom, and threatening to choke and subvert the principles of eternal truth contained in the revealed word of God." " Since the commencement of these Institutions, the most vigorous efforts have been made to sustain them, not less than £800U having been raised at various times> by voluntary contributions, towards erecting buildings and defraying the current expenses of the establishment. During the past eighteen months, at a period when the severest pecuniary pressure ever known in these Pro- vinces has existed, an additional College building,^ calculated to cost about £2000, has been erected^ and is now in the course of completion, almost wholly by the exertions of the rural population, upon the principle of providing the whole cost of the work in free contri- butions of materials and labour, and the produce of the country, w'ltkout moncy.^' For the information of the friends of the College, copies of the Acts of the Provincial Legislature, referred to in the above stalcnicnt. are here inserted. (45) AN ACT FUR L\C()ltPORATlN(J TllK TRUSTEFIS OF THE 'QUEEN'S COLLEGE' AT llORTON. (Passed the 27lh day of March, 1610.) Whorcns, ii immbcr of Persons associated themselves in thin Province, in the Your One Tliousand Eight Hundred and Twenty- eight, under the name of the Nova Scotia llaptist Education Society, and raised from time to tiino, by private contribution, largo sums of money, exceeding Four Tliousand Pounds, which they iiave expend- ed in the j)urchaso of u Farm and Tract of land, at Horton, and the erection of valuable and expensive Buildings thereon, and the establishment and sujjport of an Academy there, and have been aided in their said undertaking by Legislative Grants of Money: And whereas they have found it necessary and projjcr for carrying into full effect their aforesaid useful object, to establisii in addition to tho said Academy, a Collegiate Institution, on the said ground and Premises, under the name of the Queen's College, to be supported out of the funds, contributions, and collections of tlio said Society, which College, being wow in operation, with a large number of Students, they liavc petitioned the Legislature for an Act to incor- porate its Trustees, and extend to it Collegiate privileges and pecuniary aid : And whereas the siid Society is supported by a large portion of the inhabitants of tliis Province, and has, by great exertion* and perseverance and by very large pecuniary contributions, at* aforesaid, and the establisiiment of the said Institutions, greatly advanced the interest of I'Jducation in this Province, ajid is therefore deserving of encouragement ; and the said Collegiate Institution ia likely to be of public benetit by affording tho means of Education in the higher branches of Classical and Scientific Jiiterature to the Youth of the Country, on sound mora!, and religious principles, in a manner suited to their means and habits, and tliereby avoiding tho danger of their leaving the Province, to complete their Education abroad, and so being induced to settle in Foreign Countries : 1. Be it therefore enacted by tiie Lieutenant Governor, Council and Assendily, That .lames William Joiinston, James Walter Nutting, William Cliipman, Simon Fitch, William Johnston, Edmund Abberw Crawley, John I'ryor, Richard McLeavn, Ingram E. Rill, and Charles Tupper, now being the Executive Committee of the said Education Society, together with six other persons, that is to say, two |)ersons to bo uanied by His Excolloiicy the Lieutenant-Governor of tho Province of Nova Scotia, and two other j)ersons to be named by Her Majesty's Legislative Council for the said i'rovince, and two other persons to bo named by tlie House of Assembly, shall bo Trustees and Governors of the said Queen's College. y. And be it furtlier enacltul, Tint on vacancies occurring in the case of the Persons named by His Excellency tiic Lieutenant- Governor, such vacancies ma\', from time to time, be supplied by the (lovernor, Lieuttmant-tiovernor, or Commander-in-Chief for the time being; and on vacancies oi'cnrring in the case of the j)ersons appointed by Her Majesty's Legislative Council, such vacancies may, from time to time, bo su[.plicd by the ■.luil Cnunvil, fur the time being ; { '*» ) aii'l till v.u- iiifirs ivrinrmj; in tlii- ciirtc ol' iho [ifrsoiid iippoiiiteil by tin* lloiisn i»t' AsHciiililv. Hiii'li viicnticios may. from tiiiu' to time, 111' supplied by tlif Hdiisc of Assembly, for tlio time hoiiiij. ■V And bo It riiitliiT cniicted, 'J'lint tlio membora of tlir Kxprntivo Coinir.itti'o of tho said Nova Scotia Baptist Education Sooii'ty, from timo to time, and at all timo.s herearter, provided tlio sHiiio do not I'xcccd twelve persons in number, and if at imy time tliey tfliould exceed that number, then such persons of the said Kxeciitive Committee, not to exceed twelve, as may be selected by the Directors of the said Society for such purpose, or in the absence of such selection, and until such selection, the first twelve of such Executive ("onmiitteo for the time being, together with six persons, to be appointed as aforesaid, or so many of them as may be appointed from time to time, provided such appointments, or any of them shall be made, but if such appointments shall not be made, then the members of the said Executive Committee, or in tho case aforesaid such twelve thereof, ns aforesaid, shall be, from time to time, and at all times, herenfier, forever, the Trustees and (Jovernora of tho said College, any thing herein to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding. 4. And be it further enacted, That for the better manage- ment and regulati' n of the said College, and tlie more full and complete executing tho purposes of this Act, tho said Trustees and Governors hereby appointed by virtue hereof, together with the Fellows of the said College from time to time to be appointed by virtue hereof, shall bo a Body Politic and Corporate, in Deed and Name, and have succession forever, by the name of" the Trustees, Governors and Fellows, of the Queen's College." And by that name, shall sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, in all Courts and Places within the Province of Nova Scotia ; and they, or the major part of them, shall have power to have and use a Common Seal, to be appointed by themselves, and to make Bye Laws and Ordinances for the regulation and general management of the said College, and to assemble together, when and whore and as often and upon such notice, as to thein shall seem me .'t for tlio execution of the trust hereby reposed in them ; and shall also liave full power and capacity to purchase, receive, take, hold and enjoy, for the use and benefit of the said College, and the purposes of this Act, as well Goods and Chatties, as Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments, so as such Ijands, Tenements juid Hereditament.-', shall not exceed in value Ten Thousand Pounds, any Law or Stiitiito to tho contrary, notwithstanding. 5. And be it further enacted, That the said College sliull consist of two or more Professors and Fellows, and twelve or more Scholars, at such Salaries, and subject to siicli Provisions, Regu- lations, Limitations, Rules, Qualitications and Restrictions, as shall hereafter be appointed by the Statutes, Rules and Ordinances of the said .Jollege, or by tliis Act, and wiio shall be eligible and removable in manner as hereinafter mentioned ; and that the said College shall bo deemed and taken to be, an University, witii ail and '•very tlie usual privileges of such Institution, and that the Student^ ^r, ) ) 111 llio said Oollejjc shall hive liberty niul fnciilty of ttikiiip llir Decrees of Biicliclor, Muster iind Doctor, in the si^vonil aits and faculties r.t the appointed times, and sliall liave liberty within them- selvea, of perforniin<» all Seholastic oxerciseH, for th(; confcrriiifi of such Defjrees, in such maimer as shall ho directed i)y the Statutes. Rules and Ordinances of the said Collejje : Provided always, that the temporary vacancy of any of the said Office or Otlices of Pro- fessor, Fellow, or Scholar shall not involve forfeiture of all or any of tJie Rights and Privileges granted by this Act. (i. And be it further enacted, That the Trustees and Governors of the said College so appointed and Incorporated by this Act, at any general meeting assembled, or the major part of" them so assembled shall, from time to time, and as they shall think fit, make and establish such Statutes, Rules and Ordinances, for the Instruc- tion, care and government of the Students, and for the care, and preservation of the Books, Furniture and other Property belonging to the said College as shall seem meet, and shall and may in like manner nominate and appoint the Professors and Scholars of the said College, and shall or may also appoint such Tutors, Otiicers and Servants from time to time as the said Trustees and Governors or the major part of them assembled as aforesaid, may think necessary, and assign to them respectively out of the monies contributed or to be contributed to the support of the said College, or other the Funds thereof, such Salaries and allowances as they shall think fit ; and that it shall or may be lawful fc • the said Trustees and Governors, or the major part of them, in like m mner to nominate a President of the said College, whenever they shall think fit so to do, who, when so nominated shall together with the Professors, Fellows, and Scholars, as aforesaid constitute the body of the said College, with the privile- ges aforesaid ; and that the said Trustees and Governors or the major {)art of them shall and may in like manner suspend and remove the 'resident, Professors, Tutors, Scholars, Officers and Servants, or any or either of them, for misbeliaviour or neglect of duty. 7. And be it further enacted. That so long as any sum of Money shall be paid out of the Provincial Treasury towards the support and maintenance of the said College and Academy, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Commander-in-Chief, of the said Province of Nova Scotia for the time being may from time to time and at his pleasure enquire into the proceedings of the said Trustees and Governors and of the Committee of the said Education Society, and shall have power, if he see occasion, to call the said Trustees and Governors, and the said Committee, before himself and Her Majesty's Council oftlie said Province : and if, after just inquiry and due proof had, they shall find that any of the said Trustees and Governors, or of the said Committee, have conducted the proceedings of the said College or the said Education Society, in a manner inconsistent with this Act, or tlie professed objects of the said College or Society, tlien, in that case, that the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor or Com- mander-in-Chief, witli the advice of Her Majesty's Council, may remove the Officers or Members so found offending, and may, on that occasion, appoint in their place an equal number of new members. (4S) K And l)p it tiirtlirr f?nDcted, That no lloliirioiH 'IVsis or siibsf rip- liuns hIihII be rct'uircd ot'tliu I'rot'oMNorN, Fellows, ScIioIiii'h, (irndiiuteti, Ntudeiits orOriicers ot' tlio Haid College; hut timt all llio privdepcc and advantages thorfof, shall bo open and free to all and I'vory I'ereon and Porsons whonwoever, withont regard to KeligtouH perauaaion ; and that it shall and may bo lawful tor tlio TruHtuod and . And be it further enacted, That this Act sliall continue and be in force for twelve years, and from thence to the end of the then next session of tlie General Assembly. 10. Provided always, and be it further enacted, That this Act shall not come into operation or be of any force or effect, until Her Majesty's assent shall be signitied thereto. AN ACT TO AMKiND AN ACT FOR INCORPORATING THE TRUSTEES OF THE 'QUEEN'S COLLEGE' AT HORTON. (Passed the 29lh day of March, A,D, 1841.) Whereas, by an Act, passed at the last Session of the Assembly, in the third year of Her Majesty's Reign, entitled. An Act for incor- porating the Trustees of the Queen's College, at Horton — tlie Trustees and Governors of a Collegiate Institution, established at Horton, by the Baptist Nova Scotia Education Society, under the name of the Queen's College, were Incorporated under the name of the Trustees, Governors, and Fellows of the Queen's College ; And whereas, the Right Honourable Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies has been pleased, on behalfof Her Majesty, to acquaint His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, by a despatch, of which a copy has been laid before the Ijegislative Council and Assembly that objections exist to the Title of the Queen's College, by which the said Collegiate Institution is desig- nated in the said Act; but that as the details of the said Act were unexceptionable, it was retained to receive Her Majesty's confirma- tion, upon being amended in that respect; And whereas, the Executive Committee of the said Society, being the Trustees of the said Collegiate Institution, have petitioned the Legislature that an Act might accordingly be passed for amending the said Act, by changing the name of the said Institution, and that the said Institu- tion might be called therein, Acadia Gollegc : 1. Be it therefore ennrted, by the Lieutenant-Governor, Council and Asseiubly, That the said Collegiate Institution shall be called and known by the name of Acadia C'oilege, and not by the name of the Queen's College ; and that tlio Trustees, Governors and Fellows thereof, shall be called and known by the name of the Trustees. Governors and Fellows of Acadia (.'ollegc, and not hv the name of is ( >'.♦ ) the 'I'ruHtoeH, (iovernors niid FrIlowH oftlie Cli^'fii'* Collojjo; ami tlio Haiti ("ollngiufo ItiHtitution hIuiII bf< rnllnd nnd duNipftiatcd Acadiu ColU'fjo, ill nil roHpt'ctH nnd ns fully aH ifit hnd boon ko rnllod in the said Act, nnd tlio TnistooH, Govnrnorfl and FoIIowh thereof, had been tlir'rein Incorponitod under tlin namo of tho TruateoH, Govornori and FVliows, of Aciidiii CollofTP, nnythinjj in tho said Act contained, to tho contrary in anywi.so notwithstunding. {< } The Rnv. John Pryov, A. M., (now Dr. Pryor) was appointed Professor of tlio (.ireck and Latin (classics, nnd the Rev. M. A. CrawUiy, A. M., (now Dr. Crawley) Professor of Moral Philosophy, Logic, and Khotoric. Those gentlemen entered on their respective offices in the year ISIiU. '^I'liey were joined in 1810 by [saac Chipnian, Ls(i., A. JVl., as Professor of ]\Iathctnatics and iNatnral Philosophy, which ollice he has continued to hold till the present time. The success of the (Jollogc has fully justified the exi>octations of its founders, \early one hundred per- sons who have enjoyed its advantages are now occupy- ing various stations in society, in these provinces and elsewhere, with credit to thcMuselvos and usefulness to others. Among them arc twenty-two ministers of the gospel, several gentlemen of the medical and legal professions, and a considerable number of merchants. In January, 1840, Dr. Crawley resigned his Profes- sorship, having received an appointment as Professor of Theology under the auspices, partly of the English Baptist Missionary Society, and partly of the Nova Scotia Baptist Education Society. Early in the next year he removed to Halifax. Dr. Pryor then became President of the Institution. He left in June, 1850, and became Pastor of the Baptist Church at Cam- bridge, near Boston, U. S. Dr. Cramp was invited to succeed him, which invitation he accepted in the spring of I85L For some years after its establishment the College received aid from the Legislature, to the amount, first of £444 per annum, and afterwards of £250. It was at length judged proper to abstain from any further application for such aid, and to rely on the energies of the people. The Baptist Convention of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island having 7 (5U) ort'cred to take the College under itschavge, that change was effected in 1850. The College was then trans- ferred from the Nova Scotia Baptist Education Society to the Baptist Convention; eighteen governors were appointed; and it was resolved, "That at the expiration of every three years six of the governors shall go out of office, subject, however, to re-election, and that an appointment of six be then made to complete the Board; — But that nothing in this resolution shall be held to controul or abridge the power of this Convention at its pleasure to remove any one or more of the governors and appoint others in their stead as occasion may make necessary." The transfer of the College has been since legalised by an Act of the Provincial Legislature, a copy of which is subjoined. AN ACT TO ALTER THE GOVERNMENT OF ACADIA COLLEGE. (Passed the 7t!i day of April, A, D., 1851.) Be it enacted, by the Lieutenant Governor, Council, and Assembly, as follows : 1. Henceforth the Trustees and Governors of Acadia College at Horton, in this Province, shall be appointed by the Baptist Con- vention of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, agreeably to the Bye-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Conven- tion, the government of the College having been transferred to such Convention by agreement between the Baptist Education Society, and those interested in tlie support and management of the Col- lege and the Convention. y. The following persons, with the President of the College as an px-oflflcio Member of the Board, who in virtue of such transfer of fnithority were jjrovisionally appointed (Jovernors of Acadia College by the Convention, at its annual meeting on the twenty-fourth day of September last, at Portland, in New Brunswick, shall be tlie Trustees and Governors of the College for the period of their appointment, in the place of the Trustees and Governors under the existing law, that is to say : Tiie Reverend Ingraham E. Bill, the Honorable James W. .Tohnston, the Reverend William Burton, the Honorable W. B. Kinnear, the Reverend Samuel Robinson, Simon Pitch, M. I)., the Reverend Charles Spurden, Jolm W. Barss, tlie Reverend Edward J). Very, Stewart Freeman, the Reverend Abraham S. Hunt, the Reverend Isaac L. Chipman, Ciilob R. Bill, William Stone, James W. Nultiiig, James R. Kitch, M. D., Niithan S. Dcmill, and Alex- ander Mc L. Seoly. (51) . 3. The Trustees and Governors last, mentioned, and all other Trustees and Governors to be hereafter appointed by the Convention, shall have the same title and designation, and have all tiie same powers as they would have borne and had, if this Act had not been passed and their appointment had been made under and in con- formity with the Act passed in the third year of Her Majesty's Reign, entitled "An Act for incorporating the Trustees of the Queen's College at Horton," and the Act by which the Title of the College was changed to "Acadia College." 4. Nothing herein shall give to the Trustees and Governors appointed or to be appointed by the Convention, any title to the Real Estate or Buildings whereon the College is situated and conducted ; but the Baptist Education Society shall continue to retain their title to such Real Estate and Buildings, until the debts and securities for which the Executive Committee, or any former Member thereof, may be liable, shall be discharged, or the parties relieved therefrom, on which event arrangements shall be made for settling the title in a manner suited to promote the interest of both the Academy established there under the Baptist Education Society, and the College, on just principles. 5. The clause of the Act of Incorporation, limiting the duration of the Act to twelvo years, is repealed. At the time of the transfer of the College, the Nova Scotia Baptist Education Soceity was burdened with a debt, amounting to upwards of £3000. It was deter- mined to make a vigorous effort for its reduction, which was so successful that the sum ol £2000 was subscribed within three months, the largest portion of which has been already paid. This was undoubtedly a noble manifestation of enlightened benevolence. There is a debt of £1000 now remaining, which is secured by a mortgage on the premises. The College is now dependent on the contributions of its friends and the fees received for tuition. The governors entertain a cheerful hope that they will be liberally supported in their endeavours to sustain and improve the Institution. They are particularly anxious, in the first place, to appoint a Classical Professor, in order that the President may be able to devote more time and attention to the Theological Department. They are also desirous of establishing, as soon as prac- licahle, Professorships of History, Modern Languages, Chemistry as applied to Agriculture and the Arts, and Natural History and Geology. / (52) It will be observed that Acadia College is open to students of all religious persuasions, and that there are no tests or other requirements restricting the enjoy- ment of its benefits to any particular class. In the the Theological Department, intended f^ candidates for the Christian ministry, the sentiments held by the Baptist Denomination are necessarily taught and ex- pounded; but the Collegiate course, being exclusively literary and scientific, is designed and adapted for all who are desirous of obtaining a liberal education, ou comprehensive principles. THE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. The Library contains about 1300 volumes. One half of the annual interest of a legacy of £1000, bequeathed by the late William Dewolf, Esq., of Liv- erpool, N. S., is appropriated to the purchase of books, agreeably to the will of the testator. The other half is applied, in accordance with the testator's directions, to the assistance of theological students, while receiving instruction in Acadia College. Standard works of reference, on all subjects, are much needed. Donations, both of books and money, are earnestly solicited. The Museum contains a valuable collection of mine- rals and geological specimens, about 2000 in number, together with many articles of antiquarian and general interest. Contributions of every kind, especially of objects illustrative of Natural history, will be highly acceptable. The philosophical apparatus is also deposited in the Museum. It is select and valuable. Important addi- tions, however, are required, which will necessarily involve considerable expense. The friends of science are invited to render aid. ■* • k