ministry, and would prevent talents of any order from necessarily failing to accomplish what ought to be expected.

4. The eristing arrangements for educating pious young men called to the ministry are inadequate. All who ought to preach the gospel cannot go through such a course as the regular one at Newton. A theological department connected, as any may now be, with an academy, must be inadequate to the wants of those who ought to take a shorter course; for ihe Principal of a numerously attended academy cannot regularly give instruction in theology.

No academy can supply the want of a preparatory department. In academies the Christian public will not place so much confidence respecting the education of men for the ministry as in the Institution. Churches and individuals at a distance may never know, or may continually forget, that in respect to persons who cannot enjoy a collegiate course, provision is made at some academy for their becoming prepared to enter the Institution. They will naturally suppose that all necessary arrangements are found at Newton; and when upon inquiry they are disappointed, it would not be at all surprising, if such young men should find their way neither to the academy nor to the Institution.

Letters are sometimes received at Newton, making inquiries respecting the provisions for instruction. In replying to such letters, there is obviously a difficulty. If the person is prepared to enter upon the regular course, all is well; but if not prepared, it is exceedingly disheartening to tell him there is no place for him at Newton; he must go to some academy. If such young men would not wholly abandon their design, they probably would never again present themselves for admission into the Institution. Now the proposed department would mect such exigencies; would provide suitable instruction, and retain the individual within a good influence.

There is another view to be presented. What will probably be the result, in many instances, of sending young preachers to an academy in order to prepare for entering at Newton ? The impression made by some of them upon their fellow-students will not be the most happy. Nor will their pious fellow-students who propose entering college, fail to receive an unfavorable impression respecting the Theological Institution into which they see individuals passing, whose attainments are scarcely, if at all, superior to their own. But let this department be located at Newton; and then, not only will it not be subject to the observation of those who might make a wrong use of it, but the Professors could very easily give advice in respect to any young man's either further prosecuting his preparatory studies, or his entering upon the course of the Institution, or his passing merely through the shorter course.

But let us suppose this class of students at an academy, to command the respect of all around them, and to be foremost in point of age and of studies. They may also be expected to take an active part in religious exercises, and to be occasionally employed in preaching. Now there is great danger that, having few, if any superior to themselves with whom to be compared, they should come to believe themselves sufficiently qualified to preach the gospel without continuing their studies—should come even to think it sinful to spend three more years at Newton; particularly if, as no doubt would be the case, some injudicious Christians should administer to them the sweet poison of flattery. We have reason to fear that more young men than one have thus indiscreetly, though perhaps conscientiously, condemned themselves to a premature entrance upon the ministry, and have thus deprived the church of that moral power which they might otherwise have become prepared to exert, and in a great measure wasted the money which had been expended upon them.

We are well aware that objections have been made to establishing the proposed department at Newton. It has been said, that such a department would produce too complicated a state of things. To this we reply; an additional instructer would be procured; so that the regular course would proceed as it now does, the Professors having only a general superintendence over the new department, and giving instruction in a part of their studies to those who should not contemplate entering upon the regular course.

It has also been said, that students of so many different ranks would not be happy in being connected together. Especially would those who have passed through college feel themselves injured by being associated with others so far inferior to them.

We reply; this department would be kept separate from the appropriate course of the Institution. The present state of things, as to recitations and devotional exercises, would continue. At meals, the students would be arranged according to classes; so that there would be all desirable distinction, and yet opportunity for as much mutual intercourse as the students might wish.

It has been objected, that the members of such a department might regard themselves as members of the Institution, and might in some instances impose themselves, as such, upon destitute churches, and thus diminish the respectability of the Institution.

To this we reply; the members of such a department would know, if by no other way, yet by having a distinct instructer, that they are not members of the Institution. The churches would soon understand the distinction between the Institution and a particular department appended to the Institution; and the inquiry would be very natural in regard to any young man, whether he belongs to the Institution or to the preparatory department. But granting there would be some inconveniences; these would be small, compared with the present deficiency of benefit which may be affirmed of the Institution ; these inconveniences would be sinall compared with the amount of positive good which would result from the contemplated measure.

It may also be objected, that such a department would injure the academies which have recently come into operation.

We reply; this department is intended not for those who are expecting to enter college; so that no academy would be materially affected by it. But if by establishing such a department here, any academy should experience a slight diminution of students, still ought not the usefulness of the Theological Institution to be a paramount consideration ? The Institution at Newton depends upon the donations of its friends, as a charitable establishment; academies have the means of supporting themselves.

Let it be considered, however, that if any academy be regarded as preparatory to this Institution, a far smaller number of young men will seek preparatory instruction, and consequently will enter at Newton, than if a preparatory department were established here ; so that the question in reality is, whether we shall have at all an efficient preparatory department. Young men who apply to the Education Society, may indeed be sent to some academy in order to prepare for entering at Newton; but if there be such a department here, others will seek its advantages besides those who solicit aid from the Society. Experience authorizes the belief that a far greater number will enjoy the benefit of instruction, if it be imparted at this place.

And it may also be suggested that should such a department be established here, the Education Society would not be called upon to pay for the tuition of their beneficiaries who might enjoy its advantages.

Fears have been expressed, that such a department would tend to lower the course in the regular classes of this Institution.

In reply to such fears, we express a firm belief that it would operate in a most salutary manner in maintaining the present elevated ground on which the Institution stands. For it would furnish greater facilities for preparation than can elsewhere be enjoyed by the same class of students. We have deeply felt the need of such a department in the case of individuals whose attainments were not thoroughly adequate to admission into the Institution, but whom we have felt obliged to admit rather than risk the danger of utterly discouraging their progress. The proposed department would furnish a place into which we might put young men whether graduates or not, who are not quite prepared, as well as those who might be commencing their preparation for admittance into the Institution.

In vindicating the establishment of a preparatory department, we are only urging a measure which the experience of other denominations has led them to adopt. Our Episcopal brethren, our Lutheran and our Congregational brethren, have seen the expediency of establishing such appendages. We earnestly pray, that the Trustees of this Institution may not withbold from our numerous and destitute denomination, the widely spreading benefits which would be conferred upon it by the adoption of such a measure.

In concluding, permit us to make one suggestion in respect to ourselves. Can it be expected that the Professors of this Institution can patiently and cheerfully, year after year, go through their constantly pressing and wearying labors, if they see so disproportionate results flowing from their labors? We have no intention of damping the ardor of the Trustees, or throwing any obstacles in their path, by expressing discontent or desire to quit our present stations. On the contrary, we feel that we are occupying stations more dear Nov. 1830.

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to us than any which the whole world can present. To this Institution we would cheerfully consecrate all our time on earth, and all the talents which the Head of the church has bestowed upon us. But we do, earnestly and respectfully, entreat the Trustees to make such arrangements as shall bring our labors into the most efficient connection with the churches, and shall satisfy us and all our brethren that we are toiling in the most advantageous manner possible. All which is respectfully submitted,

IRAH CHASE. Sept. 9, 1830.

H. J. RIPLEY.

GENERAL VIEW OF THE INSTITUTION.

The Newton Theological Institution, at Newton, in the county of Middlesex, about seven miles west of Boston, is under the direction of persons of the Baptist denomination. It stands on an eminence, commanding a delightful view, not only of the surrounding country, but also of the city and the harbor. It has two principal buildings; the one a large mansion house fitted up for various purposes of the establishment, including the apartments of the steward; and the other a commodious brick edifice recently erected. This is eighty-five feet long, and forty-nine wide; three stories high, exclusive of the basement story; and has for students thirty-one rooms, to each of which is attached a bed room. It also contains a reading room, a chapel for morning and evening prayers, and an apartment for the Library.

This Institution was begun in Dec. 1825, with three students; and it was incorporated in Feb. 1826. It is 'adapted to the instruction of graduates and others whose attainments enable them, along with graduates, to proceed profitably in theological studies.' It is open for the admission of those persons only who give evidence of their possessing genuine piety, with suitable gifts and attainments, and of their being influenced by proper motives in wishing to pursue theological studies, and who, moreover, present certificates from the churches of which they are members, approve ing of their devoting themselves to the work of the ministry.'

The regular course occupies three years, and embraces Biblical Literature, Ecclesiastical History, Biblical Theology, Pastoral Duties, and, in short, the various studies and exercises appropriate to a Theological Institution designed to assist those who would understand the Bible clearly, and, as faithful ministers of Christ, inculcate its divine lessons the most usefully.'

The Rev. Irah Chase is Professor of Biblical Theology, and gives instruction also in Ecclesiastical History. The Rev. HENRY J. Ripley is Professor of Biblical Literature and Pastoral Duties.

The following is from the rules established by the Trustees.

• Under the head of Biblical Literature, shall be required instruction on the Hebrew language, with the requisite view of its kindred

dialects, especially of the Chaldee that occurs in the Old Testament; on the Hebrew poetry; on the geography and the natural history of the Bible; on the ancient arts and customs of the Jews and oriental nations; on the Greek of the New Testament, with special reference to its peculiarities, and the probable origin of them; on the history, character, influence, and uses of the ancient versions and manuscripts of the Old Testament and of the New; on modern translations, especially our common English version; and on the principal editions of the original Scriptures.

* To the department of Ecclesiastical History, shall be referred instruction on the evidences of the christian religion ; on the formation, preservation, transmission, and canonical authority of the sacred volume; on the ancient and the subsequent history of the Hebrews, and, so far as may be requisite, of the nations with whose history that of the Hebrews is connected; on the history of CHRISTIANITY, and the various opinions and practices which, under its name, have been supported, with the causes and the consequences; on the attempts at reformation; and on the present state as well as the origin of the different denominations of professed christians, and of unbelievers, and the unevangelized throughout the world.

* To the sphere of Biblical Theology it shall belong to aid the students in acquiring a knowledge of the sacred Scriptures in the original languages as well as in the English; to guide them to correct principles of interpretation, and habituate them to employ, in seeking to understand the various parts of the Bible, all those helps which may be derived from the different branches of Biblical Literature; to analyze, and lead the students to analyze, in the original, the most important portions of the Old Testament, and the whole, if possible, of the New, exhibiting the scope of the respective parts, and whatever of doctrinal or of practical import they may contain, and showing how they are applicable at the present day, and “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ;”—and after thus surveying the rich field of Scripture, and viewing the products as scattered profusely on every side by the bounteous hand of God, it shall be required, for the sake of convenient reference, to classify and arrange the particulars, and, for this purpose, to bring the students to the examination of a series of theological subjects, in such a manner as most to awaken the efforts of the genuine disciple of Christ, and lead him to “ search the Scriptures.”

• Under the head of Pastoral Duties it shall be required to give instruction on the nature, objects, difficulties, responsibilities, and supports of the pastoral office; on the great work of PREACHING the gospel; on the various ways and occasions of promoting the welfare of a church, and commending the gospel to the consciences of men by private labors as well as by public preaching, exhortation and prayer; on the dangers of the preacher, and the appropriate guards; on his visits to persons in health, and in sickness, and in other affliction ; and on administering consolation, or reproof, or instruction, or entreaty, as different individuals may need, and as