The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1821-09-04
From IRE HnllogeH Ga-etls.


From IRE HalloueH Gazette.
WATERVlLLE COLLEGE EXHIBITION.
The first public exhibition Of this infsnt
seminary took place on Tuesday, l4lh inst. at
the meeting house in WaleryilIe, 10 presence
OF the Board Of Trustees the officers Of gov
eminent, and numerous and respectable au-
dence. Ten oil the young geBtenen, mem
ters Of the Seminary, addressed The assembly
on The following topics independence Of
mind Peace Slavery Influence Of Science
and Christianity; Human Greatness Indu
ence Of Habit and subjects connected with
The Gospel Ministry. These subjects were
discussed IN style wlicb rejected honor on
The in.trlcIers, aud incea tue talents and
the application Of the subjects. Encouraging
pressses were given, that from tins Institution
would arise good writers and good speakers,
who may eminently .ubserye the interests Of
learning and religion. Many Of the audience,
have, we trust, carried home an increasing
conviction OF the importance and usefulness Of
this rising establishment
10 the evening, the Maine Baptist Educa-
ton Society, convened in the same place,
and beard their anniversary discourse deliver
ed, by Dr. Chaplin, from p. 81, So Trust
in the Lord, and do good" The grand object
of the sermon, was TO show the vast impor
lance Of the union between faith and good
works. The arguments pursued, proved with
great clearness, that the presumption Of the
idle, and the proud zeal OF the SCI fsuficient,
were alike destitute of foundation. In the IL
lustrations, il was manifest that Abraham and
other early saints, were as pre- eminent for
their active obedience, as they were for their
humble and stead trust in God. The sub
jet was well timed, and the discussion Of il
was peculiarly clear, impressive and convin
cling.
The next day the Trustees of the College
held their annual meeting. After transacting
much business, they proceeded TO elect Rev.
David II. Barnes, of New York city, geR-
tleman distinguished for his talents and at
ianments, President Of the College. 1t is no.
ped this gentleman will accept bis appoint
ment, and will enter on the duties of his sta
ton as soon as the funds will permit.
The Institution at Walervilie has had to
struggle, from its outset, with various Difficult
ties. But considering the general pause in
trade, the depreciation in property, the scar
city OF the circulating medium, and The hume
rous claims OF other charitable objects, lis sue
cess has exceeded the anticipation Of its
friends. A house has been erected aad finish
ed for the President. And The last spring,
brick edihce was commenced. so feet by 40,
and four stories high, independent of the base
lnent story, The walls are already finished,
and the roof It is expected, will be completed
within ten or twelve days. The site Of this
building is peculiarly pleasant. Ii stands on
the western bank of the kennebec, at the
head OF boat navigation, about Is or 90 miles
above HalIowei and Aususta-about 80 mis-
below the junction of the Sandy River, and
about go or 20 mile. from the opening pros
poets on the Pscataquis country In a line
directly north. there are flourishing towns for
the space of 40 or so miles.
WaterviIle College is situated in the heart
Of a rich and extensive territory, settled by en-
terprlsihg and industrious yeomanry, who are
yearly making encroachmen;s upon the Tor,
es;s, and advancing in The arts Of busbandry
The fertility of The soil, and the heahiness OF
the climate, must eventually render il popu
lous and wealthy section OF The State. Here
the articles OF subsistence must ever, if Heaven
continue 10 bless, be abundant and cheap SO
that parents may here educate their sons at a
moderate expense. Board, which is prnci
pal article of expense at Colleges, may here
be obtained for shllings a week. The ap
proach TO this place is already easy, and the
roads are yearly improving. When we re-
fleet on The lberaliy Of many Of the affluent
citizens OF our country, and the ability and
obligation of our own State government TO
eDdow ibis College, we must indulge The
pleasing belief, that the time is not far distant,
when il will rise to respectable rank among
he numerous seminar;es which acorn and
bless our highly tavoured land.
AMERICUS.