The General Assembly [pp. 521-553]

Board of Education.
however, a prejudice against the establishment of denominational schools. The number is greater this year than it wes
last-some have failed, others have had remarkable success.
Dr. Van Rensselaer mentioned one in Illinois, concerning
which an extract of a letter was read, containing sources of
great encouragement.- -Many of the largest churches are contemplating the establishment of schools on Christian principles.
The want of funds is an obstacle which retards the success of the
experiment. This obstacle can be removed. Two large legacies
have been received for educational purposes during the year.
Thirty-five academies are in successful operation. One calamity is to be recorded-the winding up of the Caldwell Institute in North Carolina. This was brought about, by suffering
the debts of the Institute to accumulate. Our Academies should
be self-sustaining. In some regions of country the'churches
have been on the decline, because of the lack of this agency in
the training of our youth. Other denominations are awake to
the importance of this subject and are progressing. Laudable
efforts are made in Arkansas, and in the neighbouring,Presbytery in Missouri, to establish Pr'esbyterial Academies.
Colleges.-The reformation was carried on by great scholars
as well as by good men. What would have been Geneva and
Scotland without their Universities? The Pilgrim Fathers
planted their college sixteen years after reaching these shores.
Dr. Van Rensselaer enumerated different colleges throughout
the.Union into whose internal arrangements the feature of
religious instruction ente s, all of which are flourishing. -.
The connection of the Board with Theological Seminaries has
now ceased.
The Board has issued a tract on Education, written by James
W. Alexander, D. D., which they wish to distribute extensively.
Home, the School, and the Church, each was commented on
at large as to its importance.,
The changes contemplated were explained in the Report.
They will not be pressed on the attention of the Assembly.
The Board simply wish them to be taken into consideratibn.
The Report was received and referred to a special committee,
on whose report the following resolutions were adopted viz:
1. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, the
VOL. XXIII.-NO. III. 58
1851.]
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