Portland gazette and Maine advertiser. (Portland, Me.) 1805-1818, 1817-09-23
MISCELLANY.
From The Christidn Messenger.
EXPLANATION

EAFlafAN AIION.
Most of our readers have heard that serious diff
hcuties have for than two years past existed
| in relation to Dartmouth College. Yet few have
understood the merits of the controversy, and as
few perhaps have felt much interest in it, At its
beginning number ofpublications were made and
circulated by the parties Immediately concerned,
with zeal and industry which il found far ex-
ceeded the aydity tof the public 20 read them.
Their title pages were sooner read than they
were generally thrown upon some upper she'll,
where the SPIDERS peaceable possession IT them has
but in few instances been disturbed by the Curl
osity ofthe owner. A large portion OF eomtn,l-
nifty for long time viewed this contention as they
would family disturbance, : unfortunate df-
fur" in which both sides were probably wrong ;
as foolish quarrel between individuals, which by
no means could effect the interests of the public.
This general sentiment, though erroneous, nc are
not 50 much disposed to censure, as We should be,
did we not believe it arose from ignorance Of the
facts of the case. The contest has become more
general and important, than many supposed il
would at the beginning. LII has assumed high de-
gree OF consequence on account of the principles
which are involved in its decision, the character of
the parties directly concerned, and the splritwth
which they have respectively been actuated
ia conducting il.
The question has of late become common /" What
j, the trouble at Dartmouth ?" To sati>fy such an
enquiry upon this.subject, consider it our duty
TO give the public d snort and plain exhibition OF
facts. We have possessed favorable opportunity
OF becoming acquainted with the particulars of the
controversy from its origin to the present state,
aud we feel assured that the relation are about
10 give cannot consistently with truth be contra
dicted.
The church which was originally organized at
Hanover and of which Dr.. Eieazer VI heeock, the
| founder ct the College was pastor was composed
OF inhabitants OF Hanover and OF Hartford in err
mont. The people OF Hartford, on account oil
their distance from the place Of worship, built q
meeting house in their town, where they employ ed
a preacher of their own, and Withdrew from the
customary worship at Hanover, excepting on day,
Of the sacrament. Without Withdrawing theiI
oonnexion with the College church, they gave 9
call to minister 10 settle with them LIN this aud
all other transactions of similar nature the mem
bers in Hanover took 40 part. The latter hired
Mr. Smith, professor of languages, from year 10
year to preach to them Mr.. Saith was never or.
! dained pastor fthe church, and frequently ex-
pressed wish 10 be freed from The abors OF preach
ing, asst interfered with bis collegiate duties. In
1904 Nj. shurtietfwas appointed Professor Of Id.
yinity IN the College. The members OF The church
in Hanover, considered this event as highly auspi-
cious TO the interests of religion and the prospect
ty Of the church and as one which would enable
| them TO crafty Mr. Smith il his desires which be
had frequently expressed, TO be excused from per-
forming ministerial services. They accordingly
addressed letter to Mr.. Smith, expressive Of THEN
gratitude for his abors with them, and their vii.
lingness 10 comply with his request. But bat
was their astonishment. at o church meeting sool
after bolde or the purpose of inviting Mr.. Shurt
left TO become their minister. to see the member,
from Hartford come forward, with DIR. John Whee
lock- the late President, at their head. and insist
that Mr.. Smith should be the pastor Of the church
| sud Mr.. ShurtleH only his colleague. Strange a,
il may SEEM here is the origin OF all contention
respecting Dartmouth College. DR. Wheelocb
and the Hartford members constituted a suall ma.
jority in the church. Mr.. Smith was man pos
sessing more honesty than talents to DC useful as
preacher Mr.. Shurtlsf had too much indepen.
dence of mind TO suit DIR. Wheelock. Mr.. Smith
would more readily suhserve the views of the Pres
iient, and therefore the point was not 10 he yield.
| cd. The Hanover members requested that inu.
tnai Council might be called 10 settle tie difficulty
This request being refused. an exparte Council
met and advised the members in Hanover TO or
| ganize themselves into Gew church, which wa
accordingly done. Mr.. shur,eif continued q
preach to them and the suiests Of the College j,
tic meeting house. Dr. Wheelock being thus ia