MINISTERS' WIVES.

must of necessity affect that success. And what can exert a greater power upon his piety than the influence of his companion? That influence is molding in its tendencies. It must, from the very constitution of the human mind, exert its powers to elevate or depress the tone of spirituality wherever it is felt.

If this be true, the responsibilities of a minister's wife can only be measured by the responsibilities of the ministry itself. Who can estimate the responsibilities of the ministry-especially the ministry of the present day-or who can paint, in its true colors, the necessity of an increase in its holiness? The character of ministerial piety will not be elevated till those whom God has given as helps meet for its servants in their labors, shall feel the importance of ENTIRE CONSECRATION to the service of their Master. Yet this increase of personal holiness in the ministry must appear necessary to every reflecting mind.

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the idea seems general that a mighty effort must be made, or their hopes perish for ever. What does all this array-this marching and countermarching-this concentration of forces-this concert of action-what do all these mean? Do they not indicate, most plainly, the receipt of unwelcome intelligence in the enemy's camp? May we not learn the general tenor of the information from the danger evidently apprehended? Yes! "The devil has come down, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."

Against this organized opposition the Church has to proceed. Over such a combination she is yet, through Christ, to triumph. The song of victory is already penned; and the heavenly choirs are even now tuning their harps to echo the triumphal strain. What, under such circumstances, then, must of necessity be the character of the leaders of the sacramental hosts? What should we think of that general, who, on the eve of a decisive battle, should neglect any preparation to insure success?

In order to insure success in any great enterprise three things are always necessary-DEVOTEDNESS—

When Christianity was first established, there was need of an energetic and devoted ministry, who should go forth into all the world and preach the glad news of salvation to every creature. Obstacles, great and numerous, had to be overcome-prejudice and opposi-UNION-and PERSEVERANCE. All of these the rising tion encountered-perils and persecutions met and sacrifices of every kind endured. All these were sufficient to have overcome the faith of the first advocates of Christianity, had they not set their faces like flints. They were lion-hearted men. They had been taught in the school of Christ; and having been deeply imbued with his Spirit, they went forth in his service from conquest to victory. The result soon became apparent to all. The cross of the despised Galilean was soon mounted upon the battlements of imperial Rome, and that which was once the mark of ignominy and disgrace became the object of veneration and love.

ministry particularly will need in performing well their part in the coming struggle; for they are coming upon the great amphi-theatre of life in time to share in the toils, and perhaps even to participate in the victory. Devotedness to the cause of Christ will produce union of feeling and action, and perseverance, even to the end. But devotedness, entire, uncompromising devotedness to the great work, can only be obtained by an increase of personal holiness. This increase of holiness the ministry need, both on their own account and on account of those whom they are to lead forth to the battle. We hazard nothing in affirming that the amount of piety possessed by the ministry of the present day is not sufficient to sustain their own souls in the coming onset. They have scarcely yet learned the meaning of ENTIRE CONSECRATION to the work of Christ. Much less have they experienced it. I speak now of the ministry in general. They have imbibed too much of the spirit of the world-they are governed too much by its false maxims-they seek too much its countenance and approbation. Do obstacles and difficulties

From the days of the primitive Church to the pres ent time no exigency has arisen calling for a hightoned spirit of piety in the ministry with such imperiousness as that which the Church is now called upon to witness. The time has emphatically come when the Church must make an onward movement. The world is laid at her feet, and she is bid to arise and take possession. If we interpret prophecy and the signs of the times aright, but a short period remains for the full accomplishment of the great work of sub-lie across their path-way? They are discouraged. jugating the whole earth to Christ. And yet, if we Does unusual success crown their labors? They belook around and view the obstacles which stand in the come puffed up and vain. How, with such feelings, way, our hearts are almost discouraged. The great can they endure the severer trials which must be enenemy of the cross of Christ, aware of the shortness countered? Where is the faith that, in the midst of of the remaining time, is organizing every division of surrounding darkness, can pierce the clouds, and keen his army, and marshaling them for a contest such as the soul steady by the promises of God? Where is the world has never yet seen. In former contests errors the humility that can see whole cities and territories of different kinds conducted the conflict alone. Each converted to God by a single revival, and yet ascribe class were jealous of the others, and each class opposed ALL the glory to His name? Who is prepared to see the others almost as much as they did the truth itself. a nation born in a day, and from that fact derive But now the opposite is true. The various battalions strength and motive to redoubled activity? Surely the of the prince of darkness are uniting and concentra- ministry of the present day are not prepared for such ting their powers. Mutual concessions and explana- scenes. If they were, these things would be matter tions are constantly taking place. A sense of danger of history, and not merely seen in the dim visions of unites their energies against a common enemy. And prophecy.

TO ONE IN HEAVEN.

EDITOR'S TABLE.

EDITOR'S TABLE.

THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.-This ecclesiastical association met in the city of Chillicothe, according to appointment, on the 27th day of September last. There was a full attendance. Nearly two hundred members and probationers were present, besides a large number of visiting brethren from other conferences, of local preachers, and of candidates for admission on trial. In connection with this session of the Ohio annual conference we notice the following particulars.

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the last look upon the exhausted features of our beloved President, we could but exclaim

"Servant of God, well done!"

The Fathers of the Conference.-Brothers Collins and Quinn, and the two Youngs, were present at this conference. They had not all been with us for some years. It was exceedingly agreeable to meet them all once more, perhaps for the last time on earth. Brother Collins is approaching eighty. He walks and converses somewhat faulteringly. We can say little of the living. He is still "father Collins." Whatever peculiarities of mind he ever had to interest his pious friends and acquaintances, he still retains. Some of his children reside in Chillicothe; and to that circumstance chiefly we owe it that he was present at this conference. David Young was detained from conference the previous two years, more by sickness than by age. He, with his name-sake, Jacob Young, bore the burden and heat of the day of trial. They nursed the infant. They have their reward, not in silver and gold, but in watch

The New Methodist Chapel.-The brethren of Chillicothe have, within two years, erected and finished a beautiful meeting-house, about fifty by seventy feet. It stands on one of the principal streets, near the canal, at a convenient distance from the old church, and in a neighborhood which is likely to furnish it with a good congregation. The house has an excellent basement entirely above ground, with a lecture-room that will accommodate three hundred hearers, and four excellent classrooms, three of which are finished in good style. The chapel proper embraces the whole area of the house, except a narrowing the movements of grown up Methodism. Father Quinn, vestibule of about nine feet. It has a good end gallery, its ceiling is lofty enough to render its proportions just, its pulpit is remarkably neat, its seats excellent, and its lights in the best style that has come under our observation. Such was the effect produced by the inspection of this house, on first entering it, that these words were immediately suggested to our mind-"Our holy and beautiful house." We trust we may never, in the providence of God, be called upon to apply to it the remainder of the text.

Its Dedication.-Religious services were attended in this house on Saturday morning, Sept. 23d, on Sabbath, the 24th, at ten o'clock, and on Sabbath evening. The dedication was on Sabbath morning. Rev. E. W. Sehon preached the sermon from those solemn words-"How dreadful is this place," &c. The large assembly listened with deep interest, and at the call of the preacher, after the close of the sermon, manifested their feelings on the occasion by subscribing nearly fourteen hundred dollars to pay the debt of the Church. This subscription will almost cancel every claim, and leave the Church entirely unembarrassed.

The Examination of Candidates.-The young preachers whose probation had expired, and who, by the rule of Discipline, were eligible to deacons' orders, were examined on Tuesday; and, in our opinion, viewed either in regard to acquirements or to general promise, no class of graduates in the Ohio conference has ever surpassed them. It was a delightful privilege to converse with them, notice their gifts and graces, and anticipate the good they will probably be the means of effecting under the guidance and with the aid of the great Head of the Church.

The President of the Conference.-Bishop Soule, who, since the death of Bishop Roberts, is the senior Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Church, presided amongst us in the place of his deceased, venerable colleague, whose lot it would have been, had he lived, to attend this conference. When we saw our beloved Bishop Soule, wearied with the burden of double cares and labors, take his seat in the altar, we involuntarily shrunk from the anticipation of the labor which was before him during the session. We considered that it would be a sufficient task for the strongest man on the floor, unworn by accumulated toils, and vigorous in his palmy prime, to preside in the sessions of the conference, and give direction to its business. Yet the Bishop, in his declining age and health, must do not only that," but, with the aid of his customary advisers, must station more than two hundred men in as many fields of labor. But our fears were unfounded. God had sent him on this errand, and held him up by his great power. We doubt if one of his servants ever ascomplished more, in such circumstances, in eight short days, without a miracle to aid. But the Bishop was always at his post, the preachers were all stationed, and the venerable servant of his Master summoned up strength to stand and read the appointments, and pronounce the apostolic benediction, as a note to the members of conference that their present work was done, and that their fields of labor waited for them. Surely this is a worthy example for Christ's ministers. As we cast

leaning on his staff, bearing in his features the strong marks of the vigorous and discerning powers of a mind which God bestowed, dwells in a frail tabernacle, which must soon be taken down. But who, as he looks upon him, and upon these other messengers of life, does not seem to hear the blessed Savior say, "Where I am there shall [these] my servants be also."

Business of the Conference.-Twenty-five were received on trial. Ten traveling and several local deacons were ordained elders, and about thirty, including traveling and local preachers, were ordained deacons. The increase last year was 7,000. The missionary collections amounted to not far from $4,000. At the Missionary Anniversary, on Monday night, about $300 were raised. Vigorous measures were adopted to endow the Wesleyan University at Delaware. Rev. Messrs. Merrick and Heath were appointed agents to raise funds. The conference voted its hearty patronage of the American Bible Society, and E. W. Sehon was re-appointed to his agency. The literary institutions of the Church were reported generally as prosperous. Eight delegates were chosen to the General conference; and, from the commencement of the session to its close, we scarcely heard this election referred to. All that was said in our hearing, until the election was over, might, we are sure, have been said in half a minute, and in half a dozen sentences. Marietta was selected for our next conference; and if a division is made, Troy is the place of meeting for the western division.

Spirit of the Conference.-There was much harmony, but
not enough of devotion. It was not so religious a meeting as
last year. Yet many of the brethren were filled with the
Spirit, and all seemed to have seasons of refreshing. The two
Methodist chapels were occupied each night for preaching.
The congregations were large and solemn. Occasionally a
healing power was in the word. The pious pastors of other
Churches invited our laborers into their pulpits. On the whole,
we believe that the spiritual prosperity of the preachers and
people was not hindered. Some of both classes grew in grace.
For ourselves, we dwelt in the land Beulah. We saw "the
steeples of the New Jerusalem." We felt continually that the
place where we were was holy ground. Never shall we forget
the gracious comforts of that blessed week which we spent in
the society of God's dear people and ministers. We could say,
in the language of inspiration, "Truly, our fellowship is with
the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ." We felt that "our
We left Chillicothe on our jour
conversation was in heaven."
ney to Zanesville, whither duty called us, musing by the way
on all that Divine mercy had wrought; and, as we passed along
over the hills and valleys which God hath blessed, "the fire
burned," and our heart, if not our lips, thus sang away the un-
tedious hours of our journey-

"Roll on, sweet moments, sweet moments roll on,
And let the redeemed go home-go home!"

FEMALE SEMINARIES OF THE WEST.-A large number of female seminaries, lately commenced in the west, under the patronage of the Methodist Episcopal Church, have met with unexpected and almost unexampled success. Providence has

most unequivocally blessed these recent efforts of the Church

Collegiate High School of Lexington.-This young semiand its friends. We should humbly thank God, and be encour-nary has been recently established by Rev. T. N. Ralston, A. aged to persevere. We will place before our readers the follow-M., of the Kentucky conference. Its second session coming notices of the flourishing institutions in this region.

menced on the first Monday of October, ult. The principles of its government, and the course of instruction are such as com mend it to the amplest and most confiding patronage of Metho dists and Protestants. The young ladies are not allowed to re

Norwalk Seminary, for both sexes, under the supervision of Rev. Edward Thomson as Principal, is now probably the most respectable school, of its grade, west of the Alleghany Mountains. It has generally not far from three hundred pupils inceive the attention of young gentlemen-a rule which is of viattendance. The present faculty of that institution will secure its continued prosperity.

tal moment, and will, we trust, be of universal application in all our female seminaries. The most careful and unremitted attention is paid to their health, manners, and morals. The course of study is divided into "Primary, Preparatory, and Collegate," under which the best text-books are adopted, and will be thoroughly studied and carefully reviewed. Pupils may enter at any time, and be classed according to their attainments; but they must remain for a whole session, or at least be charged for a session, except in cases of protracted sickness. The terms in the Lexington High School are as follows:

Worthington Female Seminary, at Worthington, Ohio, is the oldest institution of its grade under the patronage of the Ohio conference. It has a spacious seminary building, large | enough to accommodate all who may resort to it, an able faculty, and good patronage. Worthington is one of the most pleasant villages in Ohio. The foundation is here laid for a female school, in which, through succeeding generations, the daughters of our land shall receive the best qualifications which mental, moral, and religious training can impart for extensive usefulness. Primary Department, per session of five months, $10,00; PreOakland Female Seminary.-This flourishing institution is paratory Department, do., do., $15,00; Collegiate Department, located in the town of Hillsborough, Highland county. It is do., do., $20,00; Board and Washing, do, do., $50,00; Music, about thirty miles west of Chillicothe, on the turnpike leading with the use of Piano, extra, $25,00; French, or any other Lanthence to Cincinnati. It has been in existence about six years.guage, extra, $12,00; Drawing and Painting, extra, $12,00. Its Principal is Rev. J. M'Dowell Matthews, a gentleman of References.-President and Professors of Transylvania Unihigh moral, religious, and scientific qualifications for the re-versity, and ministers of the Kentucky conference. sponsible station he occupies. He has been happy in his selection of assistants, and his seminary is in a very prosper. cus state. The enterprise of Mr. Matthews, and the countenance given to his efforts by the enlightened citizens of Hillsborough, amongst whom he is deservedly held in high estimation, has enabled him to prepare a beautiful edifice, and a philosophical apparatus, for the accommodation of his school.

Mrs. Baker's Female Seminary, at Lebanon, is an infant institution. But it is already well patronized. It is in a region where an extensive school is much needed. Providence seems to have placed this lady, eminently qualified as she is for the office of instruction, and possessing just views of government, in a station where she may do much for the rising generation of females. We trust she may find it convenient to enlarge her institution so as to meet the wants of the public around her. Her present plan, and one which will be attractive to those who patronize her, is to limit the number of her pupils so as to have the personal supervision of all under her care.

Female Collegiate Institute.-This flourishing seminary is located in the pleasantest part of the city of Cincinnati. It was commenced a little more than one year ago, under the presidency of Mr. Wilber, aided by his accomplished lady, and an excellent selection of assistants. It has flourished beyond all precedent. It has now nearly 140 pupils, among whom are several from distant states, and a large number from the city. This school is patronized by different denominations of Protes tants. It is Anti-Catholic. Its design is to afford Protestant young ladies a Christian education. Its boarding-house, under the care and keeping of the President and his lady, is one of the finest residences in Cincinnati, and its seminary hall such as no other female school has or ever had in Cincinnati. This school is on a permanent basis, namely, the warm and unquenchable zeal of its patrons, of Protestantism, and of its excellent teachers. We wish that all who have ample means, and wish to place their daughters in a city school, could examine the site of the Methodist Collegiate Institute, and become familiar with its faculty, its government, and the whole process of instruction. Though it has probably twice the number of pupils of any other Protestant female school in the city, yet it is intended gradually to increase the number to two hundred, and perhaps ultimately to three hundred.

We add nothing, by way of commendation, as we are sure that the excellent character, and the high qualifications of its Principal, together with the attractions of Lexingtion, one of the most refined cities of the west, and in a region of unsurpassed richness and beauty, will secure, from the many affluent families of central Kentucky, a full and overflowing patronage. We believe that no man in Kentucky is better suited than Mr. Ralston for the enterprise in which he is engaged, and no people are better qualified than his brethren and fellow citizens to appreciate his worth and efforts.

A Methodist Institution for Females has been established in Bardstown, Ky. This is an important point to be occupied by the friends of Protestantism for educational purposes.

The Richmond Female Academy is also under the patronage of the Kentucky annual conference. We are not acquainted with the state of this or the preceding institution.

Morris Female High School of Louisville.-The first session of this institution commenced the 4th of September. It opened with fifty-eight pupils, and now has eighty-seven. It is expected that one hundred will be in attendance in a few weeks. The young ladies reside in the city, with the excep tion of one from Missouri, and two from Nazareth, a Roman Catholic school near Bardstown, Ky.

The success of the institution so far has been great and enCouraging. Many persons have, on former occasions, commenced female institutions in Louisville, but none of them ever had the same amount of patronage as this.

The school is composed of the children of parents of the several Protestant denominations, at least the three leading ones in the city. Nearly half of the school consists of children whose parents make no profession of religion.

The following notice, which we derive from the Principal, S. Dickinson, Esq., is of importance:

their daughters from home, to place them with me, must apply "In the early part of the next year, persons intending to send session opens, on the 10th or 12th of February next, the number in the month of January: otherwise, by the time the second will be full. Board, per session, is $50, including every thing but washing. The session is twenty-two weeks. If the young ladies remain during vacation, they will be charged $2 per week during that time."

TO CORRESPONDENTS.-Several brief communications arrived KENTUCKY FEMALE SCHOOLS.-The Shelbyville Seminary, too late for insertion in this number. The truly poetical lines under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Tevis, has a reputation so well on Autumn should have appeared in November; but the numestablished that it is never likely to want patronage. We beber was all set up before that article arrived. It will appear in lieve a pupil is always offered as soon as it is known that there December. We solicit other contributions from the same and is a vacancy in this school. Probably it has done more toward cognate pens. We invite communications from the friends of educating the young Protestant ladies of Kentucky than any the Repository. We will do what we can, sparing no pains or other seminary in that state. But Ohio and other states have labor; but it is hard to make "the full tale of brick without shared richly, also, in its benefits. straw." Verbum sat.

THE LADIES' REPOSITORY.

CINCINNATI, DECEMBER, 1843.

Original.

EARLY IMPRESSIONS.

BY D. W. CLARK, M. A.

"IN the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand." This divinely inspired exhortation of the preacher, so full of meaning, has not a more interesting application than to those to whom has been committed the moral and religious education of the young. How few are fully aware of the fearful responsibilities that are, in this respect, placed upon them the deep and solemn interests whose issue is dependent upon their action. To their guardianship have been committed not merely the temporal, but also the eternal interests of an immortal being. They cannot, it is true, place such a soul irrecoverably without the tender mercies of God; but the influence they exert in forming its character, and the bias they give to its habits and life, will go very far toward determining its final destiny. Like the plastic wax, soft and pliant, but "without form or comeliness," is the young mind committed to their charge. By the most prudent and unceasing care is it to be molded into form, and stamped with the insignia it shall ever after bear. How many of the great and of the good, who have done honor to their race, and shed resplendent glory upon their memories, have owed all their greatness and success to the habits and principles formed in youth by the fostering care and godly example of a devout parent!

corner of the mountain ranges, give evidence of what may be accomplished, even under the most unfavorable circumstances, by the hand of cultivation. The hand of industry cannot be more effective in smoothing down the asperities of nature, and in fertilizing its barren soil, than the devoted and persevering guardian of youth, in pruning its excrescences, checking its excesses, and in forming the mind and heart for usefulness. "Should it please God," once said a pious father, desponding over an incorrigible son, who had become noted for his contentious and quarrelsome spirit-for his aversion to his books, and his love of idle and dissolute company, "should it please God to take away any of my children, I pray him that it may be my son Isaac." But that which a father's severity could not accomplish, was finally achieved by the persevering admonitions of a godly mother. Her ardent prayers, sanctified by a holy life, at length triumphed over the hard and unfruitful soil-the ferocity of the lion was succeeded by the gentleness of the lamb; and that incorrigible and almost hopeless son afterward became not only the most profound scholar of his age, but also one of the ablest advocates of the Christian religion. Such was Isaac Barrow, the learned scholar, the able professor, and the distinguished defender of the Christian faith.

The seed is to be sown liberally; "for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether both shall be alike good." The seed sown under the most inauspicious circumstances may, in the end, be productive of the richest fruit. The little germ deMorning and evening are they to sow their seed, posited in the mind, even in early childhood, though leaving it to Providence to ripen and bring to maturity prevented by evil passions and unholy influences from the fruit. The apparent sterility and unfruitfulness of sprouting amidst the follies of youth, yet it does notthe soil suggest no reason why it should not be subject- cannot die. In the deep recesses of memory, from ed to cultivation. The hand of industry and applica- whose tablet no thought is ever permanently erased, is tion can smooth down the rugged asperities and tame it laid up; and though it may slumber for years unnothe wildest scenes of nature, rendering it beautiful and ticed, and seem to have perished and been utterly forfertile as the garden of God. But neglect of cultiva- gotten, yet the providence of God may call it forth. tion only is sufficient to spread barrenness and desola- | At some future day, may it spring up and bear "fruit tion over the fairest portions of earth. Why is it that Sicily, once denominated the "granary of the Roman empire," has ceased to produce enough to supply even its sparse and wretched population? Even the celebrated Romana Campagna has become a scene of barren desolation; while, amidst the deep gorges of the Rhotian Alps, and even at the very base of those elevated summits, capped with eternal snow and ice, the extensive orchards,† the fruitful vines, and the abun-dulge in that luxury which old school-mates and comdance of nature's choicest productions, for the comfort and support of man, springing up in every nook and

* Dr. Fisk's Travels.

+ Of mulberry trees, for the cultivation of the silk-worm. VOL. III.-15

an hundred fold."

I had known C in early childhood, and he had been my intimate companion and friend till we went forth from the walls of our beloved Alma Mater, to enter upon the duties of life. After the lapse of seven years, Providence again brought us together. Our meeting served to awaken in the minds of both the most pleasing recollections; and for hours did we in

panions only can understand and enjoy. Scene after scene, in our college life, with their various actors, passed in review. We mingled our mutual laments over the fate of one who possessed brilliant talents and high hopes-who had enjoyed every advantage that