Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1821-07-20

4
look for your hearty corporation.
/ In locating this institution at Williamsburg,
advantages are held out to us, which we have
| not otherwise the means of procuring.-Of|
these, the patronage of the College already
there established, the use liz extensive Ii
brary-rich in approved theological authors,
win the Sfatuiious attendance of our INDECENT
students upon The Public Lectures Ofthe Pro
lessons III that Seminary. are the most impor-
| tant, all of which, To their lasting honor, they
have freely rendered 10 us Thus are we fur
nshed at once, by the lilcrality Of this learn
ed Faculty, with al the advantages of AN ex-
'stlng organized collegiate body-without the
expense and loss of time Considerations of
great Importance we should otherwise have
to encounter. To these, i'm themselves of sui.
| iicient magnitude, other weighty Inducements
are presented, in the comparative privacy and
retirement of the p!ace---the moderate rate of
BOARD and house rent, compared with our
comtlcrcial cities-and the readiness Of ac-
CESS, whether by land or waterfall w ich
taken together, give to the city of Williams
burg decided preference as the seat of our
Institution.
But there IS yet farther consideration in
our view, in favor of this place, which it is our
duty TO present to your notice. There is
some reason to expect that the adjoining Do
cess OF Maryland will, for the present at least,
lcok to this institution for the education of
her pious youth similarly situated; and the
hope Is entertained that the Using Church
IN North Carolina, viii avail herself likewise of
the advantage it presents. BY directing a part
OF their funds TO lis support and extension
both these Doccsses would at once enter upon
all the advantages which the coun,enance of
AN established and highly respectable seat of
learning could give TO course of liberal theo-
logical study. I'm this expectation, the central
and accessible position OF the place, independ-
lent of other facilities was decisive of its loca-
| ton.
But she'ld any difference Of opinion exist
respecting the place, which We cannot antici-
pate, we confidently expect there can be none
on the necessity of the institution itself To
| he dependent for education of any kind, and
still more for that which is essential to the
credit and usefulness of the ministry upon TO-
reign or far distant scminaries, is great draw
Dack,'H not complete bar 10 lis extension
That the Church in this Dioccss has hereto
lore been much dependant for the supply of
| Ministers on such as have been educated at Il
distance from us, must be known TO all her
members. And though every care is taken
by the Constitution, that none should be adj
mitted to her orders, who entertain senti-
ments hostile to her principes-sti It is more
than desirable, that she should have under
nv HisptCtiOil. ilOl OILY Tie per
sons, but the whcie course of edncation by
which they are to be prepared for the high
, trust OF training immortal souls 10 glory and
virtue. But this can only be secured by "A
: Domestic Institution, in which the Church by
her proper officers, shall select the Teachers,
and direct the studies of those who look f,r-
ward to bearing her high commission in the
ministry OF reconciliation. BY Domestic
institution also, we iurthef guard against the
adoption OF habits, manners aud sentiments
unconSenlal with tho Sc of the people among
wh"m they are to oiliciatc /; consideration
OF great weight, when we reflect how much
depends on the private intercourse ofthe Pas
tor with his flock; while we retain al home.
rot only the youths Of highest promise,
put very large sums of money, annually remit
tel for distant education And may we not
, reasonably hope, that through this institution
, the attention of our enlightened youth; who
. resort to William & Mary to finish their edu-
1 cation, will be drawn TO Theology, as Il neces-
sary branch of liberal science, and thus give
effect indirectly. TO the nlinistration of those
? whose professional duty it is, TO enforce the
supreme importance To man. Of the knowledge.
of the oa'y true God, and Of Jesus Christ
| whom he hath sent:
The view which our meeting in Convention
enables us TO take OF the state of tie church
JustIiies the eafnesness with which we press
z TINS measure upon you. That there are within
{ TINS extensive DiUcess numerous Parishes and
2 in those Parishes thousands of immortal soul,
1 destitute oftliOse lnnstEations, 10 which from
experience, from habit, from the fond associa-
tons oGyouthful recollection, and on the high.
/, er principles of mature reflection and conyic-
tion, they attach Importance ard efficacy as
religious ordinances is truth of such a nielaIi.
: choly character, as lit once to demonstrate
the ImnprInnS claim thoxr 81,
ability and identity in faith and feeling of tliei,
brethren, who are more favorably circumstan-
, ced. They could 0nce 90 up together to the
house of God, and unite in those deyout pray.
ers and praises, in that edlfying form of sound
: words, In which their fathers worshipped God
= rendered more dear, more solemn and affect
} ing, ny the surrounding memorials Of their
= sleeping dust. But ofthis holy and hcart-st
e rlng sentiment they are now deprived The
{ temples indeed, in some instances rernaiu-but
Tor want of ministers consigned TO silence, di-
lapIdation and decay-whilc the sacred reccp-
, tacles of the dead, and not unfrequently the
5 temples themselves, arc gradually becoming
the prey OF that irreverent spolialion, which
! marks the decline and destitution Of genuine
religious feeling and impression.
: Thus circumstanced, do they not deserve
our sympathy-our most Strenuous efforts to
, relieve their destitute condition ?-and is il
not to be feared, that ifIonger delayed, tbs
: hold we as Yet have on lieiriudgment and af
e iections, Will prove too weak to counterfeit the
S slckening influence Of hope long deferred, OF
I. the more to be dreaded consequence, of ndif
, terence to any and every form ofreligiOus pro-
tcsslon they yet stretch out their hands tc
t us as the council of the chlwcll--But we car
only appeal in their behalf, in this way, to youi
{ regard for them as brethren--ycur reverend,