looked, or lightly estimated the importance of the Tabernacle church to the interests of religion in this town and vicinity, or the importance of that influence which our brother is qualified to exert as a pastor, as a theologian, and as a man. We have sympathized with the church at the recital of her past trials, and have not been insensible to the affection which binds the pastor to his people, and them to him. We have felt the silent eloquence of tears around us, and have listened to the arguments which wisdom and affection dictated and pressed warm upon our hearts; and when, urged by their powerful public and private claims, in seeming opposition, we have approached a decision, we have recoiled from the responsibleness on either hand. Upon the result to which we have come, we have been brought by the coercion of circumstances, and as we trust by unequivocal indications of the providential will of God, uniting, as it seems to us, all the great interests of the church at large, and in a high and unexpected degree, the pastoral and public usefulness of Mr. Cornelius in the town and State. The result is as follows.

"Resolved, that in the judgment of this council, it is the duty of the Rev. Elias Cornelius to accept the appointment of secretary of the American Education Society, on condition that his pastoral relation to his church and people be continued. It is also recommended to the church and society to acquiesce in this arrangement.

"It is understood and recommended by the council in this result, that Mr. Cornelius be wholly released from any obligation to perform pastoral duties, and that the church and society be released from all obligation hereafter to provide any thing for his support-the whole ordinary support for the gospel, with all its ordinary perquisites, being reserved for the associate pastor.

"By this result, the family of Mr. Cornelius continues

in the town, and he himself will be here, it is believed, no inconsiderable portion of his time; so that the youth shall behold the eyes of their pastor, and the lambs experience his paternal care, and the sick hear his soothing voice, while the aged, who hoped that he should attend them in their last scenes, may hope still to enjoy even in death this consolation.

"In procuring another pastor, the church and congregation escape the dangers of a vacancy, and avail themselves of the wise and efficient influence of their beloved pastor, in obtaining another like-minded with himself, who shall care for them, and build them up, and to whom his experience and fraternal counsel may be invaluable. We cannot but believe that the pastoral influence which Mr. Cornelius can and will exert here still, added to that of another judicious and growing pastor, will constitute on the whole a greater amount of good influence and prospective usefulness in the Tabernacle church, than could reasonably be expected from the individual labors of Mr. Cornelius alone. And if to this influence be added that of connecting the interests of the American Education Society with this place, and collecting here every month the most important and we trust heart-cheering intelligence, and calling around the pastor some of the most devoted young servants of Christ, and brightest ornaments of the church in the land, we cannot but believe that we have been conducted to a result which satisfies the public demands of the church, and confers on the Tabernacle church an increase on the whole of religious privileges, and upon the town and its vicinity an increase of moral and religious influence.

"But if the prospect were less favorable, we trust that past deliverances in times of much greater difficulty will not be forgotten, and that the ample reward of their past disinterested love in giving to Christ and the church their

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former pastor, will not make them afraid or unwilling to trust their faithful Lord and Master again.

"But whatever, brethren, beloved in the Lord, the consequences of our fallible efforts may be, we trust that our readiness to come, at your request, to consider your affairs and give you advice, and our patient, protracted, and most laborious attention to obtain the mind of Christ, and do you good, will be duly appreciated by you; and that, however our advice may differ from your wishes, it will forfeit neither your affection for us as Christians, nor your confidence in us as honest and conscientious men, acting in the fear of God, and according to the sober dictates of our best judgment.

“And now, brethren, we commend you to Him, who is able to keep you from falling, and to do for you exceeding abundantly, beyond what you or we have been able to ask or to think.'”

Notwithstanding the advice of the council in respect to the nominal continuance of the relation, it was determined to dissolve it entirely. Mr. Cornelius accordingly received a dismission from the church and congregation, and in October, removed to Andover.

CHAPTER VII.

LABORS IN CONNECTION WITH THE

AMERICAN

TION SOCIETY, FROM 1826 TO 1832.

EDUCA

THE work to which Mr. Cornelius gave his first attention, was the preparation of a brief statement of the principles and objects of the American Education Society. One of these objects devised and carried into execution by himself, was the establishment of scholarships. It was maintained that if any enterprize requires a steady and permanent support, it is that in which this society is engaged. The work to be done is that of education, which, more than almost any thing else, is liable to suffer from instability and interruption. By means of permanent scholarships, it was thought that the society would be relieved in a considerable degree from pecuniary embarrassment, and be enabled to make the selection and religious supervision of the young men whom it should. patronize, a prominent object of attention. The dangers arising from a misapplication and perversion of the funds, it was supposed would be guarded against by the mode in which the society is organized. The supreme control is lodged in a general society, composed of members from every part of the country, and from various denominations of Christians, who have the power of electing additional members, as occasion may require. Branch societies are

also established in different territories of country, sustaining the general relation of auxiliaries, but retaining the right to select young men for patronage within their respective limits and to appropriate for their support the funds in their treasury, including the income of scholarships which have passed through their hands into the general treasury. This feature in the plan of the society was regarded with great approbation at that time, as was proved not only by the written testimonials of a great number of distinguished men, but by the subscription of forty or fifty thousand dollars. Since that period, however, the accumulation of permanent funds for any purpose, is a subject which has excited considerable inquiry, and extensive opposition. The validity of the arguments which have been alleged against the measure, it is not necessary in this place to discuss.

From the formation of the society, until 1820, the assistance which was rendered to young men, was entirely gratuitous. From 1820 to 1826, one half of the amount of appropriations was loaned, and the other half was afforded as a gratuity. At the time of the accession of Mr. Cornelius to the society, an entire loaning system was adopted, subject to exceptions in extraordinary instances, and no interest being required in any case until a considerable period after professional engagements should be assumed. A great majority of the young men, who were assisted at the time the change was made, were in favor of it. It has been adopted in substance by the education societies which have been formed subsequently. The operation of the system upon character is its most decided recommendation. It promotes habits of economy and careful expenditure. The money is not received as a gift, where gratitude and the right use of it are all the returns which are demanded. The system of exclusive charity has been found to exert an unfavorable influence upon