Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-08-17

linton is intenGed--and we lohdiy hoPe,
it is bat TO present it to your notice to Sc
cure for it your decided patronage. AS
the poor are heirs together with the rich'
of the Grace of Life, and the Gospel Is IN
a peculiar sense their patrimony, we may
fairly look forth influence of that Divine
Grace which transforms and renews the
heart, as both more frequent and ettec-
tual among them than among those, who
are more exposed to the strong temptation
of worldly prosperity; and consequently
we may expect it as frequent and effectua'
also IN that higher degree ofits operation
which desisnates and prepares for the
labor of love, in winning souls to Chris.
But while this Divine Preparation alone,
gives to all other requirements, that tact
and quality which makes them fruitful
in the ministry; it confers no supernatu-
raj endowments of inspired knowledge.
1t does indeed most wonderfully enable
the weak things of the world to confound
the wise; but the true improvement by
us: of this abiding testimony to the Hea-
venly origin of our Holy Religion, is to
ask ourselves; if such things are done in
the Green Tree, what mighty effects may
be expected from it, when enlightened
with knowledge, SO as to be able "to
bring out of its Treasure. things new and
old" Indeed it is not novel opinion, or
without high authority for its support,
that the adventurous aids OF human
learning; a careful study Of Revealed
Truth, and an intimate acquaintance with
the History of our Religion, are to us in
ar established state of the Gospel, the
substitute, for those extraordinary quail
fcations conferred on the first Preachers
of Christianity, by the visible power OF
the Holy Ghost.
To enable such subjects Of the Redeem
ers's Grace, to apply to his service, their
natural powers improved by study, enrich
ed with learning and endowed with know
ledge--to extend the sphere of their use
fulness- to furnish the waste places Of our
Zion with Pastors, instructed rightly to
divide the word of Truth, and to perpet,
uate supply of able Ministers otthe new
Testament, is our object, in which we
look for your hearty CO. operation.
In locating this Institution at Williams
burg, advantages are held out to US which
we have not otherwise the means OF pro-
curing-Of these the Patronage of the
College already there established, the
use of its extensive Library-rich in ap-
proved Theological authors, with the gra-
tuitous attendance of our INDECENT students
81 DIX 7 Of ho
OFFS in that Seminary. are the most impor-
tant, all of which; to their lasting homer,
they have freely rendered to US. THUS
are we furnished at once, by the liberali-
ty of this learned Faculty, with all the
advantages of an existing organised col
legiate body-without the expense and
loss Of time Considerations of great i'm
portance) we should otherwise have to en-
counter. To these, in themselves of suf-
ficient magnitude, other weighty induce
ments are presented, in the comparative
privacy and retirement of the p!ace--the
moderate rate of Board and House Rent,
compared with our commercial cities
and the readiness of access whether by
land or water all which taken together
give to the city of Williamsburg. deci-
ded preference, as the seat Of our institu
tom
But there is a yet further consideration in
our view, in favor OF this place, which u IS
our duty to present 10 your notice. There
is some reason TO expect that the adjoining
Diocese OF Maryland. will Tor the present at
least, look TO this institution for the education
Of her pious youth similarly situated; and the
hope is entertained that the rising Church in
North Carolina. will avail herself likewise
Of the advantage il presents. By directing a
part of their funds 10 its support and exlen
sion--bo,h these Diocese would al once en-.
ter upon all the advantages which the cOun-
,enance OF an established aud highly respec
table seat of learning could give 10 a course
of liberal Theological study. In this eypee-
tation the central and accessible, position 81
the place. independent OF other facilities was
decisive of its location.
But should any difference Of opiaion exist
respecting he place, which We canno; all.
ticipate, we conf iently expect there can be
none on the necessity OF the institution itself.
To be dependant tor education OF any kind,
and still more for that which is essential 10
the credit and usefulness of the ministry, up
on foreign or lar distant Semnaries, is
great drawback, if not complete bar 10 its
extension. Thst the Church in this Diocese
has heretofore been much dependant for the
supply of Ministers on such as have been
educated at a distance from US, must be
known to all her members. Aod though
every care is taken by the Constitution, that
none should he admitted TO her orders, who
entertain sentiments hostile to her principles
still il is more than desirable that shs
should have under her immediate inspection,
not only the persons. but the whole course oil
education, by which they are to be prepared