Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1859-09-09
From the Ohio State Journal.l
Excursion of the Ohio Conference to
Delaware.

At the appointed time-half past l P. NJ
the members of the Conference and the invited
guests were at the railroad and soon six cars
were filled and on their way to Delaware, The
journey was rapid and pleasant, and before
many were awure the whistle announced the
town of Delaware. Running down on the
track Of the Springfield road within a short
distance Of the University, in a moment all
the visitors were on the charming grounds Of
the University. Proceeding Immediately to
the Prescott Cabinet of Natural Science,
| Prof. Merrick, in a few remarks, announced
the location of the departments comprised in
the Cabinet remarking that the collection Of
shells surpassed, both in the number of speci-
mems and species, that of any other college in
the United States. Prof. Williams announced
the arrangements for the occasion, one of the
most noticeable items being that the bell would
toll for the members to repair to the dinner
prepared by the citizens of Delaware. eliciting
from Prof. NJ. that it would be for the death
only of those things that were prepared to be
destroyed. The visitors then enjoyed them
selves by a free circulation through the Cabi-
net, Library building, and over the grounds.
If this were the place to speak of it, we
would like to say many things of the Ohio
Wesleyan University. 1t has grown steadily
and rapidly into the first rank Of American,
colleges in a remarkably short space of time
and Justly claims the first place among West
ern institutions of earning. The talent of its
faculty, the facilities which it affords for in
| struction the beauty of its grounds and build
ings the number of its students, all give it
the first rank. Yet it has but entered upon
its course-and we can scarcely be too san
guine of it's future.
At the tolling, the crowd moved from al di-
r~ections toward that portion Of the grove,
where the tables were spread with a profusion
of substantials and delicacies, calculated to
satisfy the most fastidious or voracious appe-
tite.
Prof. Williams announced the order.
DR.. Harris, on the part of the citizens, said:
1t had long been a cherished project of Prof.
Merrick to meet the members of the Ohio
Conference on these grounds, and in this he
had the wishes and sympathy of the citizens of
Delaware. 1t was with feelings Of unfeigned
pleasure that they learned of your acceptance.
During years Prof. Mcrrick cherished the
desire to see ysu; aud he determined to meet
all the expense, but he has been defrauded of
his generosity. The railroad refused his money,
furnishing a train free of charge, an instance
of generosity not often shown by railroad COM
panies. The citizens of Delaware said TO
Prof. Merrick, you shall not have the pleasure
1 of entertaining the Conference at your own
expense. To build this University-your Uni
versity, he has devoted his time, talents, and
money. You, nay brethren of the Ohio Con
! forapoo hove nupi6ooDf1r oi1aJ in builJipr mn
this institution; and it is so baptised in your af-
f~ections it will never need till the keystone is
brought forward with shoutings. You have put
here your treasures, and your hearts are here.
Your sons are here, your jewels; and, on behalf
of the faculty, [ pledge you that we shall strive
to educate their minds, and lead them to the
cross of Christ. For a college is of no value
beyond its success in producing moral worth.
May this institution live and her sons rise and
call her blessed.
DR.. Trimble, in reply, said II must first
say, if l follow the order of DR.. Harris, Prof.
Merrick, then the Faculty, then the citizens of
Delaware, and in behalf of the Conference, 1
am permitted to say We return the sentiments
of affectionate greeting, with warm hearts. We
are glad to meet you here. There are hearts
here who feel deeply. Just opposite me, lean
ing on his staff, is a man who was present
when the foundations of this University were
laid. In the commencement the Ohio Wesley
an University was a small thing, amid great
discouragements. But the oak has grown
from the acorn. We desired to plant and wa
ter an institution that would send forth healthy,
pure streams. to cheer all hearts for usefulness
in time, and happiness in Heaven. We be-
lieved that Methodism was capable of eleva-
ting minds as well as purifying hearts. l am
glad, Father Young, that you nave seen the
success of this child of your efforts. I may be
selfish, for | am a Trustee, and was a witness
of its birth, and have witnessed its growth
We are glad to meet you here. We are CO.
laborers to make our Institution the praise and
glory of the land We return to our brethren
and the citizens Of Delaware our cordial thanks.
We thank the Railroad officers for their kind
ness.
DR.. Kingsley asked a blessing upon the re-
past spread before them, and the citizens wait
ed upon the visitors until all were satisfied, and
compelled to refuse the protfered beunties.
The dinner having been dispatched, the as
sembly was called to order by Professor Will
Hams.
Rev. Jas. NJ Jameson gave as a sentiment {:
The NJ E. c. We believe that Gods design in rails
ing up the preachers called Methodists in America, was
to reform the Continent, and to spread scripture holi-
ness over these lands" May our beloved Church ac-
c0mplsh her mission.
DR.. Kingsley responded I believe the doc
trine, and | felt this morning glad that l be-
longed to this Church, when 1 saw those old
heroes who had spent their lives and strength
in spreading holiness throughout the land
How little did they imagine the sublime results
to come from the utterarce of the truth of
Gods word. 1t was not after the manner of
mans wisdom, but Gods method of saving
men, which was to put the doctrines of the BIZ
BILE into the hearts of men. Then all benef-
cial progress follows. How little did these
men think that they would found colleges, and
reform such multitudes of men. We are to
judge by the fruits. All blessings flow by
seeking God. The first colleges built in our
Church in America were burnt because they
were not yet ready for colleges. They were
first to preach the Gospel. This was done, and
then we entered upon our educational schemes.
Now we have many colleges and the people
who once accused us of being opposed to edu-
cation, are offering us the care of their institu-
tons of learning. There are some who think
lightly of the work which these old heroes ac-
complished they were noble men, these pio-
neer preachers. But these handbook men who
sneer at them are not often to be seen. We
have entered upon the labors of these men
and we are nov to take these institutions and
WELD them for the cause of God.
Rev. John T. Mitchell offered
The Ohio Annual Conference.-The Oldest west Of tn
Allegheny Mountains, we arc proud to hail her as the
mother of US all!
Rev. John F. Wright responded. That lisa
beautiful sentiment. We had once a Western
Conference, but the name was too general. The
Ohio Conference was spread out into bounds.