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has the most remote sectarian bearing." And again; "As long as the Directors remain such as we believe they now are, intelligent, active, and devoted to the cause of evangelical doctrine and piety, every thing which the interests of the church and of the world demand, will be done," p. 361, 364.

I do not know to which of the Directors objections against the American Education Society may have been made, as the Editors declare; nor whether the Secretary may not have heard the doubts of some men expressed, in regard to the measures of the Society. But this I know, that neither Directors nor Secretary have felt, that they had a right to expect a sudden and public attack; least of all, have they anticipated this, from any objections before made on the points exhibited with most prominence, by the articles published in the Repertory.

I may ask, moreover, have not the Editors themselves suggested an important reason, why the mode of attack resorted to by them and by the Reviewer, is not the most auspicious to the peace or to the prosperity of the church? On p. 632 they say, and very justly; "There is no subject on which JEALOUSIES are so likely to arise, as respecting the education of young men for the ministry." Could any thing now be better suited to produce such a result, than the manner which has been adopted in the Repertory of attacking the American Education Society? The present organization and measures of the Society have not been adopted without long deliberation, and faithful exertion to learn, as widely as possible, the views of the Christian community. The objects of the Society are, by the Reviewer and the Editors, acknowledged to be excellent; the management of it able, and, as far as Christian intentions are concerned, correct. I may add, too, that it has expended fourteen years of great labour, and ceaseless effort, in order to accomplish its objects; and that the acting members of it have made sacrifices, which few if any of our churches know how to estimate; which indeed, I believe, none but the great Head of the Church will fully estimate. In this state of things, to be publicly impeached, and held up as an object of terror and suspicion, was not what was expected. Is it wise, in such a day as this, to adopt a course which is calculated to divide and distract the churches, and to set those who really love the Saviour at variance with each other; and all this, while the common enemy is pressing on all evangelical churches, and endeavouring to overthrow them? All this, too, while the world is perishing for lack of vision, and millions have none to break to them the bread of life?

How easy, now, for any man, without claim to any thing more than a mediocrity of talent, to make an appeal that should excite the jealousies of the east and the west, of the north and the south, in regard to the "power" which is necessarily confided to each and all of our great benevolent Societies! But could this be done with Christian wisdom, and kindness, and propriety? If brethren honestly differ in their views of conducting these Societies, is it not on all accounts preferable, that the strife be, to "show a more excellent way," by each endeavouring to hold up the light of a holier, and brighter, and more

energetic example of benevolent action? When this is done, those who are wandering may see the error of their ways; and until it be done, those who through self denial, and high and strenuous and long continued effort, are striving to save the perishing souls of men, are entitled to something different from being made the objects of suspicion and jealousy.

But I hasten to bring these observations to a close, by briefly stating my reasons for declining to enter into a more extended examination of the Remarks of the Editors.

A

The fear that the present discussion may come to be a real controversy, is one reason why I decline a continuance of it. In addition to this, my own official duties are of such a nature, as to leave me no time for a controversy on a subject foreign to them, however important. At least, I cannot go any further than I have already gone, without neglecting previous and paramount obligations. third reason is, that should further discussion be judged necessary or expedient, the subjects in question (not the controversy) will be discussed by another writer, who is more thoroughly acquainted than myself with all the principles, and rules, and business of the American Education Society, and in whose candour, sound judgement, and ability to discuss, the public may reasonably put great confidence. A fourth reason for not pursuing the subject is, that having, for a long time, been in the habit of the most brotherly and confidential intercourse with some gentlemen, whom I suppose to be among the Editors of the Biblical Repertory, and cherishing towards them most unfeigned respect, confidence, and fraternal affection, it would be a sacrifice to which nothing but the most imperious duty would force me, to trespass on their affection and confidence by dispute; for dispute, unhappily, seems now to be the next step, if indeed be not already begun.

I may also add, that I have given my name to the public, and thus stand directly and avowedly responsible for all that I say; but the Reviewer, and the writer who comes forward in the name of the "Editors," have declined doing this, and, consequently, have shunned to meet the discussion on equal terms of responsibility.

My last reason for declining to protract the discussion beyond its present limits, is one of which I must leave my readers to judge. In various parts of the Remarks, there occur expressions of the following nature; "We might as well have placed our objections in the fire as presented them to the Board," p. 603; which has already been noticed. So again; "This appears very much like throwing dust in the reader's eyes," p. 609. "But unless we are greatly deceived, we cannot be schooled ex cathedra into the admission of facts not fully substantiated," p. 624. "We are not the only persons who write about important concerns without correct information," p. 631. "We were obliged to show how far his arguments were from reaching the point, and how little we were disposed to take dicta for proof," p. 638. Of these and the like expressions, by no means sparsely scattered over the Remarks of the Editors, the public are competent judges. They will probably see in them some reasons for my fears that controversy is near at hand, if the subject be farther pursued in its present attitude; and also a good reason why I should decline to pursue it, when it is assuming a form like this. Ever since I entered on public life, and engaged in polemics of any kind, it has been my fixed resolution, when any thing of this nature begins to develope itself, to decline further discussion; because I have a full apprehension, that no good can be expected from it. I see no reason, in the present case, for departing from this resolution.

I take my leave, therefore, of the discussion in question, sincerely hoping that I have not given occasion for the public to censure the manner, if they do not approve the matter, of what I have published. But should they disapprove of either, or of both, I only stand responsible; the American Education Society are guiltless. As my name appears before the world, they will know whom to censure. If it be not an evidence of a man's caution, to be thus open in the cause which he pleads, it is at least some evidence of the sincerity of his opinion, and of his full persuasion that it can be honestly supported. A cause that will fully bear examination, needs no concealment.

Andover, Dec. 18, 1829,

M. STUART.

your

To Mr. A. Caswice

ORATION

ON THE

Aids of Genius ;

DELIVERED

AT PROVIDENCE, SEPTEMBER 3, 1822,

BEFORE THE

UNITED BROTHERS' SOCIETY, ́

OF BROWN UNIVERSITY.

By SHEARJASHUB B. TOWNSEND,

Pastor of the Church in Sherburne (Mass.)

ゆめゆめゆめの

PROVIDENCE:

BROWN & DANFORTH, PRINTERS.

IT seems a humiliating reflection, that truth should, in any respect, be dependent upon error, either for its discovery or its advancement. We regret that so many ingenious minds must be perplexed by enquiries which must never be resolved, in order that true science may rise upon such mental ruins. But alchymy must give rise to chemistry. Matter and mind must be first investigated by theory, and produce much wild speculation, before natural and intellectual philosophy are taught to begin with facts, and be contented with such principles as may be established by experiment and observation. It would appear that those minds which are capable of extending the boundaries of human knowledge, must, in the first place, attempt depths which they cannot fathom, and heights they cannot ascend; and will thus exhaust their energies, unless some sad examples are before them, teaching them, that they are endeavouring what others have found unattainable.

These remarks may justify the course I shall pursue on a subject, which I have perhaps too tamely, perhaps too presumptuously, selected. What school-boy has not written something upon Genius? Yet what philosopher has ever given an adequate definition, or what poet, an adequate description of it?

To attempt a solution of several intricate questions that have been agitated respecting Genius, we deem among those fruitless endeavours to which we have. already alluded. Who will demonstrate that all man

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