THE Ninth Annual Report of the Wesleyan Theological Institution is presented to the subscribers and friends, by whose Christian zeal and liberality it has been established and supported, under circumstances which, whilst they call for a devout and grateful acknowledgment of what has already been accomplished, justify, at the same time, the most cheering expectations of the continued and progressive efficiency of those arrangements on which it may be now considered to be somewhat definitively settled.

The two Branches, into which it has been found expedient to divide it, are still, both as to their general object, and the plan of management pursued in each of them respectively, as well as in regard of other circumstances, one and indivisible. With reference to many points, therefore, they may be spoken of asforming but one Institution, and may be regarded as furnishing, in their distinct operation under one common system of support, and one common supervision and control, a farther illustration of the practical and advantageous application of that great connexional principle, to which Wesleyan Methodism is so deeply indebted for the stability and the efficiency of its numerous and diversified operations. But in making a Report of details it is necessary, on some points, to present each of the Branches distinctly to attention.

With reference to the Southern Branch, the Committee have the highest satisfaction in recording, that after various changes and inconveniences resulting from the temporary and unavoidablyimperfect character of the arrangements made in former years for its accommodation, it is now permanently established at Richmond. The buildings mentioned in the last Report, as being in the course of erection, have been completed in conformity with the plan on which they were commenced, and were prepared for the reception of the entire establishment designed to occupy them, almost imme

diately after the close of the last Conference.

[After referring to the opening of the building, of which we have already given an account, the Report thus proceeds: -]

Connecting with this auspicious event, the equally delightful and satisfactory conclusion of the arrangements some time before completed at Didsbury, for the Northern Branch of the Institution, the Committee would renew, with aug mented gratitude, the acknowledgments already made, in former Reports, of that providential guidance and aid which have from the beginning marked the history of this most interesting and important branch of our Connexional economy. Projected at the first, as it will now at least be generally admitted, upon the call of an imperious necessity, and at a time when that necessity was almost universally acknowledged, the plan for its establishment found a response in the judgment and good feeling of our body, by which the Conference was at once encouraged to proceed to its adoption, and thus begun to carry out, in ael, that which our venerable Founder had so long before avowed in principle, as to the importance of establishing a "Seminary for Labourers."

Of the Students who were in the Institution at the date of the last Conference, six have received appointments to sta tions in Great Britain and Ireland, and one to a foreign station; three out of the entire number having been three years, and the rest two years, under instruction.

As to the general character and beha viour of the Students, and their proficiency in those branches of knowledge in which they have been instructed during the past year, the following reports, from the Tutors, House-Governors, and Examiners, will be read with the highest satisfaction.

SOUTHERN BRANCH.

THE Rev. Thomas Jackson, the Theological Tutor, reports as follows:

"As the Committee and the Conference will justly expect to know what has been done, during the last twelve months, in my department of service, I beg to state, that, as soon as we were able to enter upon our duties at Abney-House, I began the delivery of a course of lectures

on the leading doctrines of divine revelation, endeavouring to exhibit those doctrines in their scriptural simplicity and evidence; at the same time, referring to the principal controversies which have been raised concerning them, at different periods of the church, and giving some account of the most distinguished writers, by whose Christian fidelity and sanctified scholarship error has been effectually resisted, and the truth of God maintained. This course we were unable to finish; and therefore intend to resume it, when the Students shall re-assemble after the ensuing Conference.

"In addition to the Theological course, strictly so called, I have also addressed to the Students a series of Lectures on Pastoral Theology, including the various parts of public worship, with suggestions for conducting it in the most edifying manner; the administration of baptism, and the Lord's supper; the attention which the Ministers of Christ ought to pay to children and young persons; the pastoral oversight of the flock of Christ; visiting from house to house, with reference to the spiritual benefit of the people; the visitation of the sick; together with the public preaching of God's own word. The object of these Lectures has been to show what are the true characteristics of evangelical and effective preaching, with the nature and importance of those duties which are comprehended in the pastoral oversight of the church, including the children of its members, whose gracious right to spiritual blessings, and therefore to religious training, has been recognised by their baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity.

"That the Students might be thoroughly grounded in the Doctrines of Christianity, as held by the Methodist church, and expounded in the writings of its Founder, we have carefully examined together nearly the whole of Mr. Wesley's first four volumes of Sermons in order; observing the arrangement of each sermon, the subjects which it contains, and the manner in which they are treated; at the same time pointing out the circumstances under which the principal sermons were written; thus endeavouring to obtain an accurate and comprehensive view of all that Mr. Wesley taught concerning the Christian salvation, the way to obtain it, with the various branches of Christian experience and practice. As those volumes are mentioned in the Deeds of Methodist chapels, as constituting, with Mr. Wesley's Notes on the New Testament, the

doctrines of the Connexion, it was deemed of the first importance, that the Students should have a complete knowledge of their contents.

"For the purpose of more fully exercising the mental faculties of the Students, and of giving them a facility in composition, as well as to ascertain their progress in sound knowledge, each of them has been required, about once a month, to furnish a written essay on some question of divinity which was given to them. These essays I have read immediately after they were delivered, and have regularly made them the subjects of remark, for the benefit of the writers; and I am bound to say, that in these compositions the steady improvement of most of the Students has been equally manifest and gratifying.

"In conclusion, I feel it right that I should bear testimony to the diligence and docility of the Students. Their capacities and attainments are various ; but, as far as I am able to judge, their spirit is devout, and their application to study assiduous and praiseworthy."

The Rev. John Farrar, the Classical Tutor, reports :

"The Students admitted after the last Conference, have been principally employed in the preparatory course, embracing English Grammar, Geography, History, Composition, Elocution, Arithmetic, and some branches of Physical Science.

"We have had, in most cases, to devote the greater part of the year to these subjects, in consequence of the lamentable absence of previous information. During a few of the last months of the year, they have combined with their English studies, attention to the Latin and Greek languages. In addition to the Grammars, they have proceeded, in Greek, to the Testament, and, in Latin, to Virgil's Eneid in both they have made commendable proficiency. In Natural Philosophy, they have gone through a course embracing the general outline of Mechanics, Hydraulics and Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, and Acoustics. Considering that the occupations of the young men prevented close mental application prior to their admission to the Institution, they have evinced great patience and perseverance; and, on the whole, have given satisfaction.

"The other Students have been employed in the following branches :

"1. Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. "In Latin, they have read considerable portions of Horace and Cicero. In Greek, several of St. Paul's Epistles,

and some parts of the Iliad. In Hebrew, they have proceeded with care through Lee's Grammar, and have read several chapters in the latter part of the Book of Genesis. In addition to other important results, their attention to these languages has proved an excellent mental discipline.

2. The Philosophy of the Human Mind.

"A copious outline of the History of Philosophy has been furnished to the Students; and they have attended about twenty lectures in addition, embracing the Intellectual States.

"3. In Logic, they have gone through the greater part of Whately, and have furnished, for examination, weekly syllogistic exercises, which have been executed with a degree of accuracy scarcely to be expected, considering the small portion of time which can be devoted to this subject, consistently with the claims of other branches of learning.

"4. In the Mathematics, they have read Euclid, and are able to solve, in Algebra, Simple Equations. Some other departments have not been overlooked.

In the review of the year, I see cause for gratitude and encouragement. The application and teachableness of the Students have been generally satisfactory, and their proficiency has been apparent. The toils and anxieties incident to the office of Tutor have been considerably alleviated, by the dutiful and affectionate conduct of the young men, and by the patient temper they have evinced in the prosecution of their literary labours."

Mr. Farrar then adds, with respect to the general character and behaviour of the Students :

"With regard to the spiritual deportment, and to the general conduct, of the Students, I can report favourably. In the family, and in their intercourse with each other, their behaviour has been characterized by kindness and courtesy. I hope they have been materially aided in the cultivation of habitual personal piety. The meetings for religious conversation and prayer have been regularly held, and have been times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Making due allowance for varieties of temper, and considering the danger arising from daily familiar intercourse with each other, I believe they have been making proficiency both in experimental and practical godliness. We have been greatly indebted, during the year, to the Ministers of the City-Road Circuit, who have regularly heard the Students preach, and have kindly admonished and encouraged

them in this great work. The general testimony respecting their labours is very satisfactory many instances have been reported to us of persons awakened and brought to the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins through their instrumentality. I believe there is, among them, a growing love to Methodism, and a very strong and decided preference for its economy and ecclesiastical order.

"The health of the Students has been generally good. We have not had more cases of sickness than might be expected in so large a family, and have seldom been compelled to call in medical aid.

"Several of our Students are designed for Missionary service; and it has been our endeavour, as much as possible, to keep alive, and also to quicken, the flame of love to the souls of the Heathen. Two of our number, in April last, at the call of the Missionary Secretaries, cheerfully embarked for Western Africa."

[The Report then states, that the regular annual examinations had been conducted, in the Theological department, by the Rev. Messrs Scott and Beecham, and in that of "the various branches of general Literature which have engaged the attention of the Students during the past year," by the Rev. John S. Stamp. The reports of the Examiners, which are given at full length, are very pleasing, and honourable alike to the instructers and to the instructed. The Report then proceeds to the-]

NORTHERN BRANCH.

THE Rev. Dr. Hannah, the Theological Tutor, reports as follows:— "The course of our studies this year has comprised,

"I. Lectures on the Evidences and Doctrines of Christianity, extending to between seventy and eighty, and addressed to the Students of the first year, twenty-seven in number.

"II. Readings in the Greek New Testament, with a design to promote a knowledge of the principles and rules of biblical interpretation. These readings have been carried regularly through the Epistle to the Hebrews, and the First Epistle to Timothy; and they have been attended by all the Students who were able to read the Greek Testament with a sufficient degree of facility.

"III. Twenty or thirty Lectures on the general study of Ecclesiastical History, and Lectures on different texts of holy Scripture. These have been addressed to the Students of the second and third years.

"IV. Expository Lectures on the

first six chapters of the Epistle to the Hebrews, delivered on Monday evenings to all the Students.

"Of the deportment of the Students in their attendance on his instructions, the Theological Tutor can speak with unfeigned satisfaction. They have been punctual, attentive, and affectionately docile. Some of them yet labour under considerable disadvantages, arising from the defects of their early training; but it is confidently hoped, that, by the blessing of Almighty God, most of them will, in due course of time, become able and faithful Ministers of the New Testament. Their circumspect and consistent behaviour has produced a favourable impression on the village and neighbourhood; and their public labours have been attended with a very encouraging measure of success."

The Rev. W. L. Thornton, the Classical Tutor, reports:—

"Our studies, during the last year, have been pursued, in the main, on the plans adopted at Hoxton, and rather minutely reported to this Committee in July, 1842. In a few respects, those plans have been modified; and a little longer experience has aided us in their more successful application; but from the outline of our former engagements there has been no important deviation.

"Twenty-seven of our thirty-six Students having been admitted after the last Conference, much of our duty has been of a preparatory character. But I am happy to state, that the conscientious industry, the docility, and the visible advancement of the numerous classes, have recompensed even the least inviting of the labours bestowed. Of these classes, three have been engaged in Greek, and three in Latin; two in English Grammar and Composition; one in Logic; and one in Moral Philosophy. Mr. Woolmer's assiduous and wellrequited care has been directed to History, Geography, the Mathematics, and Physical Science.

In some of our departments, we have felt the want of an adequate library. This subject is respectfully urged on the Committee's attention.

"The most gratifying feature of the year's improvement, and one to which reference is made with devout thankfulness, is, a marked anxiety, on the part of many Students, for an accurate and critical knowledge of the Scriptures in their sacred originals. To this great attainment we have striven to render our miscellaneous readings tributary. For the Committee's satisfaction, I feel bound to

say, that, in my humble judgment, considerable progress has been made in this most happy study; and our expectation is, that, during the next year, we shall have a large class successfully pursuing a higher walk of biblical learning."

The House-Governor reports :

"It is my privilege gratefully to report, that the past year has presented, in no ordinary degree, very gratifying indications of the blessing of Almighty God. Entire holiness, as taught in holy Scripture, and embodied in Wesleyan theology, has been, amongst the Students, the object of earnest desire and prayer; and, while holding communion one with another, in our blessed weekly classmeetings, some of them have been enabled to enter into the holiest through the blood of Jesus,' and all have felt in greater measure the efficacy of the blood of sprinkling.' The effect of these seasons of refreshing has been the more abundant manifestation of the fruits of the Spirit, in the most delightful harmony of feeling amongst themselves, and conscientious satisfactory observance of all family regulations; in self-denying efforts for the glory of God, and the salvation of souls; in increasingly earnest, simple, and evangelical preaching; in visiting, at their own houses, the sick, and the neglecters of public worship, for which purpose they have originated a plan for the division of the surrounding neighbourhood into districts, to be visited by them during the hours of recreation. I trust I do not exceed the bounds of propriety in saying, that their labours have been blessed in the adjoining Circuits: the review of the Sabbath has seldom failed to furnish motives for gratitude to God, in the awakening or conversion of sinners."

[The reports of the annual examinations of the Students at Didsbury-signed respectively, "Joseph Taylor, James Dixon," and "John Lomas, William Grear"- -are not less satisfactory in themselves, nor less honourable to the parties concerned, than those at Richmond.

[The following are the concluding paragraphs of the Report:-]

There are at present in the Institution seventy-six Students, of whom eleven have entered on their third year, and thirty-seven on their second: the rest have been admitted since the last Conference. Twenty-one of the entire number are already engaged as candidates for service on Foreign stations.

The state of the finances, though cheering for the present, as compared

with the accounts of former years, is yet far from being such as to warrant the conclusion, that we have actually reached the annual amount of regular contributions already necessary to maintain the Institution on its present scale, the small surplus income of the last year having arisen from the payment of £1,492. 19s. 11d., under the head of "interest from the Treasurer of the Centenary Fund." The Wesleyan body being now decisively committed to the support, in perpetuity, of a Theological Institution, and the prospective need of the Connexion being such as will very probably require an increase in the number of Students, provision must of necessity be made to render the amount of annual contributions such as will not only meet the present annual demand upon the Treasurer, but also constitute a practical and intelligible pledge, that, in future years, the

increase of expenditure will be fully and regularly met by the required increase of income. The case is therefore earnestly commended to the attention, not only of the present subscribers, but of all the members of our societies and congregations who are interested in the object, and have the ability of contributing to its support.

In conclusion, the Committee earnestly commend the Theological Institution to the prayers, as well as to the liberality, of the Connexion in general, that those who are concerned in its direction and management may be divinely assisted and prospered in their work, and that the individuals under instruction may go forth in due season, so as to approve themselves "workmen that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Having arrived at the close of the first quarter of a century since the establishment of this important Fund, this will not be deemed an unsuitable time for reviewing its history; especially as it is in contemplation to make some changes in the designation and object of the Fund at the ensuing Conference.

Within fifteen years from the commencement of the Methodist itinerancy, the debts upon chapels were found to be a great burden and hinderance to the cause of God. It was therefore proposed, in 1749, to raise a General Fund, the first object of which was to afford relief to distressed chapels. It was the anxious wish of Mr. Wesley that all the chapels should be free from debt, and that the proceeds, after deducting the necessary expenses, should be given to the support of the ministry; but he could not prevent the increase of chapel debts, either by precautions or discipline. And the evil increased from the period of Mr. Wesley's death until the regulations of 1818, and the establishment of the Chapel-Fund.

This invaluable improvement upon the

former methods of relieving distressed chapels, was the result of the deliberations of a large Committee of Ministers, Trustees, and other friends to Methodism, from different parts of the kingdom, who assembled in Leeds to consider various plans and suggestions for securing more certain and effectual help to Trustees, and that without the serious evils of the former system. The present scheme of equalizing the burden, and determining by the deliberations of a Committee the amount to be apportioned to each case from a common Fund, was hailed with grateful joy. It received the warm approbation, and the hearty and enlightened support, of the most eminent Ministers and laymen in the Connexion.

At first the sole advantage of the Fund consisted in grants to distressed chapels towards their annual deficiencies; but it was soon found that this was not effectual relief. In 1823, it was therefore determined that a portion of the income of the Chapel-Fund should be devoted to assisting the efforts of Trustees for the liquidation of principal in a few of the worst cases, and the remainder, as usual, towards meeting annual deficiencies. In 1827, the first Loan Fund was established; £5,000 being thus taken up, to be repaid from the General Chapel-Fund in five years. This new effort met with so much approval in the Connexion generally, that the subscriptions, &c., were increased £2,200 in one year. A second Loan of £5,000 was taken up in 1829.

For a few years after the establishment