with great expectations. In nothing were we disappointed. We were grateful to God for his goodness. We were grateful to our benefactor who gave us this beautiful home, whose venerable form we all reverently followed to its last restingplace. We, of the transitional period, rejoiced, and do rejoice greatly in the rapidly-increasing influence of this our beloved Seminary. We join you all in the congratulations of this happy anniversary, and we pray now as ever for the prosperity and peace of our Alma Mater.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS.

The following selection has been made from the many letters presented by Rev. W. S. Hawkes, of the Committee of Correspondence, who introduced the reading of extracts from them with this explanation :

Many answers have been received to the circular which was sent to the alumni for reminiscences of their seminary life. The following extracts from these letters give a fair picture of successive periods in the Seminary's history as it now abides in memory. It is proposed to deposit all these letters in the alumni alcove of the library for future reference. Through the kindness of Rev. Dr. A. C. Thompson, we have also been permitted to quote from letters received by him from our foreign missionary alumni.”

Rev. Professor Philip Schaff, D.D.

The following letter from Prof. Schaff pleasantly prefaces the reminiscences of the alumni, some of whom were his pupils when he was a lecturer in the Institute:

AMERICAN BIBLE REVISION COMMITTEE,
NEW YORK, May 2.

My Dear Dr. Thompson:

Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to participate in the semi-centenary festivities of Hartford Theological Seminary, which I had the honor and pleasure to serve as a lecturer on "Church History" for several years, and whose growing importance and prosperity I have followed with great satisfaction to this day. It is now one of the very best theological institutions of the country, and has a great future before it. I count it a great privilege that I was permitted to secure for

it one professor and to recommend two others, who have proved efficient and faithful teachers of sound theology.

Unfortunately I am unable to attend, as I expect to sail for Europe May 7th, and am just now overwhelmed with examinations, preparations, and all sorts of work. But my heart will be with you, and my best wishes and prayers for yourself, your colleagues, and your institution, to which you have devoted your life.

Allow me to send you my Christian congratulations on the semi-centennial which you have celebrated.

The history of the Seminary is a noble and instructive one. God does not forsake his servants who persevere unto the end. The Seminary has had its dark days, but now the heavens are clear and bright. Your own connection with it is unique. Prof. Packard of Bowdoin College is the only case 'I know of that can compare with it. To work half a century for and in one institution has been given to very few. You may well say: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name."

Very sincerely yours,

C. HAMLIN.

Josiah Wolcott Tuner, '36, Strongville, O.

Among all the letters received scarcely one is written in a firmer, clearer hand than that of the only student on the ground at the laying of the corner-stone of the first Seminary building at East Windsor Hill, now in his 73d year. And it is cause for congratulation that we should have his full and interesting reminiscences :

"It was my privilege to be present at the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of the first Seminary building; also

to hear the inaugural address of Dr. Tyler. I shall never forget how the venerable Dr. Perkins of West Hartford was led through the crowd to the consecrated spot, and there, with trembling hands and voice, but with a firm faith, laid the foundation.. Dr. Tyler was the only professor or teacher present, unless it were Dr. Nettleton, and I happened to be the only student then on the ground, and was probably the only spectator, from out of town, now living. Soon after this, however, other students came; first Brother Ellery Tyler and John Goddard; then Goodale, Perry, Payne, Haven, and Ives. For some time Dr. Tyler was our only instructor, but he was a host in himself, and one whose memory will ever be fondly cherished by his pupils. Not long after came our loved and now venerable Professor Thompson, then young and vigorous. How he put us to digging up the tough Hebrew roots, himself leading the way! . . . . In due order came Dr. Coggswell, leading us through the realm of ecclesiastical history, ever swayed by the profoundest enthusiasm for his own department. In a good sense he always magnified his office.' If last, by no means least, came Dr. Nettleton. His 'familiar talks,' as he modestly persisted in calling them, were among the best and most practical lectures we were privileged to hear. They have been of great service to me all through my ministry, now of more than forty-seven years.'

Lyman Whiting, '42, Cambridge, Mass.

"Sunset was just drawing its tinted web over the hushed elms, sandy roads, and the newish, lone, stately hall, the 'Seminary.' Four even brick stories-two front doors, orderly rows of cheerful windows, with a kindly, twilight smile on them. Inside are thirty students; and space plenteous for each. President Tyler, Professors Coggswell and Thompson, the teachers. An assistant' just home from Germanland, scholarlike, choice, and winning as a new Hebrew Chrestomathy, was Augustus C. Thompson, A.M. He taught all manner of wisdom between Aleph and the Hithpael. Some student voiced the morning prayer.' At even

ing the loved teachers, a patriarchal group, came in and led us.

"Dr. Tyler's lectures, made for his Portland pulpit, kept the grasp, throb, and almost pulpit wrestling in them as at first. In the chapel pulpit, his 'strength and beauty,' his flash and flanie, were seen and felt. A master in Israel,

truly, he was.

"Dr. Coggswell strode through church history somewhat as we fancy a Yantic Sachem roamed along the meadows of the big river beside which we dwelt. The 'old theology' got illumined in his free, fervid, gushing colloquies with us. "The Melancthon of that era sat with us in Greek Testament Exegesis and Biblical Literature. But his garland is not yet all woven. Daily Dr. Nettleton came to sit awhile with the President. He was clean in person, so tidy in attire; each foot-fall a nicety; the face so apostolic, the eye ceaseless in recognitions, and a little like the fabled ancient ring, which took a copy of the inside of each heart its facets were turned upon. Wondrous man; more a vision then, than one like us.' So silent, almost speechless! Once I heard him read, inimitably, in the Scriptures.'

Hiram Day, '42, Glencoe, Cook Co., Ill.

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When I was ready for my theological studies I wrote Dr. Tyler inquiring if the theology of Edwards and Dwight was taught in the Theological Institute of Connecticut. In reply Dr. Tyler inclosed to me the creed of the Institute; and it was all right.. . . . Dr. Tyler was to me the model instructor in theology. Dr. Coggswell was my teacher in church history; and he taught well, and only failed to convince any of my class that Adam could not talk until God had taught him to do so by talking to him. The course of instruction in the theological department of the Institute was plain, scriptural, and never unfair or belligerent in the treatment of contrary opinions. . . . . If this Seminary hereafter shall hold the same system of doctrinal faith, it shall be found for a long time to come that its mission is