and by the grace of God, I intend to pursue the true interests of the church of Jesus Christ, so far as I know them, in their purity and unity, for this world and that which is

to come.

From this outline, my brethren, you may anticipate something of my future course in this Seminary. I entreat your sympathy, your fraternal affection, your candor, your support in all right things, and your cordial prayers. I have hazarded much, and acted with more decision than many suppose or know, in accepting your call. It seems however to have been the sure work of God, and he has cleared the path of duty to my feet. My peace is in HIM, and I bless his name! The position of an officer in this sacred school, is that of conspicuity to the malice of the foe and even to the missiles of the good: for, alas! there are other qualities, beside goodness, in the composition of the best. Trials we may all anticipate in this world; triumphs are reserved for a better. You will not expect

perfection any where on earth. Perfection is on the throne eternal. Jehovah reigns. In spite of his enemies, in spite of his friends, he will save his own elect; he will prosper the dominion of his Son; and he will be saluted with the interminable praises of a multitude that no man can number, ransomed by the blood of the Lamb! To HIM let us all commit ourselves, with all that we love and value; that at last we may be found among his chosen, and exult in his glorious presence forever.

MEMORANDA.

The Theological Seminary in Auburn enjoys local advantages of a high and commanding character; and as such is probably unsurpassed. For purity of air and salubrity of climate; for rich and splendid scenery, and an abundance of the fruits of the earth; for consequent cheapness and facility of living; for a position central, accessible, and related to a tract of country proverbially flourishing and mighty, as well as opulent and populous; for general intelligence, the means of education, and a comparatively virtuous population; for the privileges of the gospel, an evangelical public sentiment, and a generous enlargement of character; and especially, for prospective influence and grandeur of destiny: for these in combination and degree, no district of our land is probably comparable to WESTERN NEW-YORK; and no village, town, or city, in the district, superior to Au

burn. We might accommodate the personification and apostrophe of Goldsmith, to the namesake in this hemisphere of his favorite village before it was deserted, in a sentence equally just :

Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the West.

It was certainly a wise and happy thought, to found in this section of our country, and in this incomparable spot, a nursery of evangelical ministers, which should permanently bless the heritage of God. The enterprize originated here, in the bosoms of piety. A very few matured it; when, to the many, it seemed impracticable or useless, if not utopian. Difficulties, appaling and innumerable, surrounded its nativity and menaced often its existence. But the spirit of faith and prayer, of reflection and principle, of hope in God and consistent action, prevailed.

The project of establishing a Theological Seminary in Western New-York, was conceived as early as the year 1813 or 14; when

the subject was laid before the Presbytery of Cayuga, by Dr. Lansing, then of the Presbytery of Onondaga, the Rev. Caleb Alexander, and the Hon. Joshua Forman. The plan was favorably received; and the Presbytery gave to the above gentlemen, an attested copy of their Resolution, in which their views were embodied. Dr. Lansing however removed soon after to the eastern part of the State; and the design was prosecuted no farther till the year 1817, when he returned and became the pastor of the Presbyterian church of Auburn. He then resumed it. His people largely cooperated with their pastor; entered heartily into the design, and generously pledged their influence, with their prayers and their donations, for its prosecution and success. The enterprize now began to attract consideration and enquiry, and always with increasing promise of success.

On the twentieth of February, 1818, at Rochester, the Synod of Geneva Resolved on its establishment, "for the purpose of training a