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within his reach. But his innate inclination, if so it may be termed with propriety, would not suffer him to enjoy any peace of mind, until he decidedly declared that to do the work of an evangelist, and to minister in the temple of God, would ever be his desire and happiness. Arrangements were therefore made that he might be qualified under the blessing of the great Head of the church, to become useful as a minister of the gospel.

He now spent the greatest portion of his time at his father's house, where he studied the Hebrew language, Theology, and the other branches with which the scholar and the Preacher should be conversant. He considered himself very much favoured to enjoy the friendship of several eminent Divines; and his occasional intercourse with the late Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg of Lancaster, he justly deemed peculiarly valuable. This worthy divine and philosopher expressed the most flattering hopes of the rising talents of young Mr. Schaeffer, and considered him as promising extensive usefulness to society and to the church of Christ.

Some of the recreative hours of Mr. S. were devoted to Music and Poetry. It may not be improper here to remark that when a schoolboy, his teacher, aware of the poetical genius of his promising pupil, requested him to prepare an acrostic, to his name, as a New-year's address adapted to the season which then was approaching. The spirit of the young poet was fired. He applied himself with all diligence to please his tutor. His performance was produced; obtained the premium, and received the applauses both of teacher and scholars. It had, however, previously received the corrections of his mother, from whom he seemed, as it were inherently, to have imbibed a taste for poetry and the sublime. On the anniversaries of his parents' birth-days, he usually presented to them his good wishes and prayers, in a suitable poem, composed for the occasion.

In coincidence with his inclination, his father sent him to his brother in Frederickstown, where he was indefatigably engaged in acquiring knowledge. There also, rather than in his native place, on account of his modest and diffident disposition, he ascended the pulpit, and from time to time officiated in the congregations under the pastoral care of his brother.

After the completion of his studies, in which he was engaged with ardour and assiduity, he attended a meeting of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod at Hano

ver, York County, Pennsylvania, where he was examined, and licensed as a candidate. By the same synod he was afterwards fully clothed with authority and power as a regular member of that body, and as a minister of the Gospel of Christ. For a short time, under the careful superintendance of his father, he attended several congregations in Montgomery County, in the state of Pennsylvania. Hitherto he officiated chiefly in the German language; but on the seventh of January, 1810, he delivered a sermon in the English tongue, at the consecration of a church in Whitemarsh township, Montgomery county, Pa. The concourse of people was great, and collected from the surrounding parts, even from Philadelphia; and the sublime, solemn, and truly pious discourse which he preached, is deeply engraven upon the hearts of many hearers. He was destined, however, for another scene of laudable and beneficial labour. By invitation he visited the Lutheran congregation at Hagerstown, Md,, and preached in. the German and English languages. Soon after, being elected by an unanimous vote, he received a joint call from that and the neighbouring Lutheran congregations, which he accepted.

In the spring of 1810, in the twentieth year of his age, he left his paternal abode, accompanied by the fervent prayers and pious wishes of his parents and friends. He then took charge of the abovementioned congregations, which he faithfully served for the remainder of his days.

Faithfulness and zeal, however, could not secure a course of placid serenity. Trials are inseparable from the Christian life, and are concomitants of the apostolic creed. And Mr. S. was not exempt. But all things seemed to work together, to make him more and more zealous in the cause of his heavenly Master.

In 1812 the introduction of the English language into the church at Hagerstown, was proposed by a respectable number of members, who had heretofore been accommodated but very seldom with an English discourse. It was carefully and correctly ascertained, that a vast majority of the congregation were desirous, that on every third or fourth Sunday, an English sermon should be preached. On the intervening Sundays, the solemnities of public worship were to be conducted as usual, in the German language. Mr. Schaeffer was officially requested to comply, and he considered it his duty to declare the counsel of God at stated times, in the language wich was familiar to all

his hearers.

In this alone, he knew, the rising generation could receive religious instruction, and understand the administration of the precious Gospel. The very many reasons for this measure were so cogent, and the request of the body of the congregation so pressing, that he would have thought himself culpable, and an unfaithful steward, had he refused to accede.

But, who is not conscious of the power and often fatal influence of prejudice? It was not long, before a few individual members of the church, in an indecorous manner, objected to the preaching of the word of life and the gospel of peace in the English language: in that language, by which it might, under the blessing of the Lord, be conveyed to the hearts of all who attended, and who were desirous to attend divine worship in the Lutheran Church. The mystery of iniquity worked, -and the enemies of common sense and decorum, were unhappily encouraged in their absurd and malignant opposition, from a quarter least expected!

To the great detriment of the Lutheran Church in this country, a number of persons, both of the clergy and laity, have always strenuously opposed the use of the language of our country. In consequence of their inveterate prejudices, contracted views, and unquenchable obstinacy, Lutheran congregations, in some parts of the United States, have almost become extinct. The dispute concerning the use of the universally intelligible language in the churches, has frequently given rise to tumultuous acts. That cordial harmony and fellowship, which should be the cement of every Christian community, has often been proscribed. Alas! the cause of the Redeemer has suffered. To many it might be said: Your glorying is not good. Nevertheless, others, and not a few, having the prosperity of the Lutheran Church, and the welfare of Zion at heart, always deplored such a state of things, and have laudably exerted themselves to promote good will and fraternal love among their young brethren. In many instances their labours have been crowned with success. Already the eyes of many members of the Lutheran Church in America, have been opened to see the folly of their former ways, and the injury which they have done; when, perhaps, they thought they did God service; so, at least, Christian charity prompts us to hope.

This digression, or rather explanation, could not well be avoided; as it serves to throw light upon the circumstances before VOL. I. NO. V.

alluded to, relative to the difficulties that arose in the congregation at Hagerstown. Even these, however, did not disgrace themselves by such scenes as have rendered some congregations, "a bye-word" among other religious denominations.

When the Synod of Pennsylvania and adjoining states was convened at Carlisle, in June 1812, the identical persons who were the disturbers of harmony, appeared before the Reverend Body, and entered a protest against "English preaching." Matters were, however, properly explained by a delegation from the congregation; and every unbiassed and pious person, whilst applauding the conduct of Mr. S. deeply deplored, that in a free and enlightened country, there should exist so much prejudice and infatuation. In the whole course of this business, no one could charge folly on Mr. S. or, in the words of the great Apostle, convince him of any sin. This was highly gratifying to his feelings; for his whole deportment seemed to declare with the same great preacher of righteousness: "Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man." But it was a source of grief to him, that some of his clerical brethren, and fathers of the church, should evince a most unfriendly spirit that they should step forward in hostile array, not only against him, but against all those whose conscience and reason dictated the propriety, the necessity, the duty of using the English language, in addition to the German, in Lutheran Churches.

Not out of disrespect to the respectable, enlightened and venerable body of Evangelical Lutheran Clergy, but as an historical fact, and an instance of human weakness and impropriety, it may not be amiss to state several proposals that were made on this occasion-and offered, as it were, merely to be rejected, and to disappoint those from whom they emanated.

It was proposed by one, that the Synod should absolutely prohibit the use of the English language in Lutheran Churches:-Another was very serious in moving that every clergyman who should presume to preach in the English language, should be forthwith expelled from the Synod.

The discussion naturally, and very properly, resulted in an affectionate exhortation to peace and harmony. It was moreover wisely recommended to all congre gations that might be similarly situated, to ascertain, in a regular mode, the sense

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of the majority; and when the use of the English language appeared requisite for the welfare and existence of the churches, to make proper arrangements accordingly, in Christian love and mutual forbearance. After Mr. Schaeffer's return

from the Synod, this decision was laid before the congregation; and those who had been violent in their opposition now remained more tranquil.

(To be continued.)

ART. 8. TRANSACTIONS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

COLUMBIA COLLEGE.

AT the Annual Commencement of this

Institution, the usual academic exercises took place in St. Paul's Church in this city. The degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on William Lowerre, Richard Ray, Seymour P. Funck, Manton Eastburn, Isaac M. Fisher, Samuel D. Rogers, Wm. Minturn, Samuel L. Gouverneur, James P. F. Clarke, Meredith Ogden, Daniel P. Ingraham, John Neilson, Benjamin F. Isherwood, John M. Cannon, Edward N. Rogers, Edmund Ludlow, John Grigg, and Matthias O. Dayton. The degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon Robert Ray, of New

York.

UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF
NEW-YORK.

At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in the city of New-York, held on the 25th of July, 1817, the following preamble and resolution were adopted:

Whereas, the College of Physicians and Surgeons has received the affecting intelligence of the death of JAMES S. STRINGHAM, M.D. Professor of medical jurisprudence in this University; and lamenting the loss the profession and this institution have sustained thereby, on motion, it is unanimously resolved, That, as a mark of their consideration of his virtues, talents, and professional services, the trustees and professors of this school of medicine wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.

At the same meeting of the trustees of the college, on motion, it was unanimously resolved, that the vacancy created in this University by the death of Professor Stringham be filled by the professor of the Institutes, Dr. FRANCIS, as lecturer on forensic medicine.

Resolved, that the following notification be made of the several courses of lectures to be delivered in this University during the ensuing session, to commence on Monday the 5th of November next: Dr. Hosack, on Theory and Practice of Physic, and Obstetrics and the Diseases

of women and children. Dr. M. Neven, on Chemistry and Materia Medica. Dr. Post, on Anatomy, Physiology, and Surgery. Dr. Mitchill, on Natural History. Dr. Hamersley, on the clinical practice of Medicine. Dr. Mott, on the Principles and Practice of Surgery. Dr. Francis, on the Institutes of Medicine and Medical Jurisprudence.

It is deemed proper to state that although this liberal and extensive system of medical and philosophical instruction has been provided by the Hon. the Regents, the patrons of this Institution, yet the expense of education to the candidates for medical honours is not increased beyond that of any other college in the Union; as the courses are not made indispensably necessary for graduation, and the student is at liberty to attend any one or more of the professors, as he may think expedient: the professors insist upon the attainments of the candidate and not upon the number of courses, nor the number of years he may have attended at the University. The medical graduation is held annually on the first Wednesday in April.*

NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Sitting of August 12.

John G. Bogert, Esq. chairman of the Committee on coins and medals made a report,-which being voluminous, is filed among the archives of the Institute, and will appear in extenso whenever the next volume of the transactions of the Society shall be published, which we understand is now in contemplation.

Mr. Bogert remarked, that the knowledge of coins and medals, was not merely a matter of curiosity, but of use, as

*For the information of the friends of this University who reside in distant parts of the Union, it may not be uninteresting to state that, by the aid of the enlightened and public spirited legislature of NewYork, and the honourable the Regents, the college edifice since the last session has been augmented to double its former

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it had a manifest relation to science; such as Chronology, Antiquities, and History, and tended to ascertain and illustrate them.

Mr. B. gave an epitome of the history of coins and medals from their earliest use to the present day, and made some remarks on the study, and on the various treatises that have been published on the subject.

He at the same time laid on the table of the Society some of the coins and medals contemplated to form a part of the cabinet of the Institution, belonging to his private cabinet,-consisting of those of Ægina, Corinth, Athens, Argos, Agrigentum, Syracuse, Sicyon, Megara, Macedon, Palestine, Carthage, &c. Also Roman coins and medals, of forty-two Emperors, and Roman ladies of distinction, Julia Mæsea, Augusta, Julia Sæmia, Julia Paulina, Faustina the elder and younger, Orbianna, Agrippina, Etrucilla, &c. The Kings of Rome,-Romulus, Numa, Tullus Hostilius, Martius Ancus. Consuls,-L. Brutus, Cassius, Sylla, M. Brutus, Scipio, Cicero, Marius, &c. Antique gems, consisting of most of Greek and Latin philosophers, poets, and historians, too numerous to be here inserted, about 120,-Swedish medals in silver, Charles 9, 10, 11, 12th, Gustavus Adolphus, and many others. French,-Voltaire, Louis 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18th; also John Calvin. German,-Maria Theresa, Henry the 4th, in the year 1007. English,-Charles 1st, in commemoration of the establishment of the Episcopal religion, George 1, 2, 3, Richard 1, 2, 3, Henry 2, 4, 5, and 8th, William 3d, and Queen Ann. The above mentioned medals commencing with Sweden, belonged to the collection of the late Dr. Priestley, which Mr. Bogert obtained from his heirs in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. Sir Sidney Smith, Cornwallis, Earl of Chatham, Admiral Kepple, William Pitt, with English coins as far back as Edward the Confessor. American, General Washington, evacuation of Boston, Gen. Green, Battle of Eutau, Gen. Morgan, Col. Howard, Gen. Wayne, Gen. Gates, Gen. Henry Lee, Col. Defleury and Steward, Com. Preble and Truxton. Those struck since the war of 1776, are Capts. Decatur, and Lawrence, His Excellency De Witt Clinton, in commemoration of the building the City Hall in the City of NewYork, while he was Mayor of that city, Capts. Hull, Jones, Bainbridge, Perry, Warrington, Biddle, Blakely, McDonough, Lieuts. Burrows, McCall, Elliot,

Brooks, Henly, Casin, Gamble, and Stansbury, &c. It was ordered that a cabinet should be prepared for their reception.

Mr. B. observed, at the conclusion of his report, that the principal part of the Grecian coins which he had been so fortunate as to obtain, he had received from a friend directly from Athens, who had been a fellow traveller with lord Elgin, in exploring and examining the ancient sepulchres of the Greeks, and who had peculiar advantages from his situation in pro curing some very rare specimens.

His Excellency De Witt Clinton, President of the Society, communicated a letter which he had received from E. Shultz, Esq. of Marietta, Ohio, enclosing one from Nathan Guilford, Esq. of Cincinatti, expressing an opinion that a complete skeleton of the mammoth might be procured at the Big Bone Licks, or at the United States' Saline near Shawneetown, and intimating his intention to make an attempt to obtain

one.

A written communication was received from Professor Mitchill, unavoidably absent, containing several enclosures; among them a map of the southern shore of Lake Superior, from the river Onatanagan, where the great mass of native copper exists to the bottom of the lake; the original sketch done by an Indigene, a Chippeway youth, who had no regular or scholastic education, a present from Francis Le Baron, Esq. Apothecary General of the United States.

A number of manuscripts connected with the early history and commerce of this city and State were received from John Moore, Esq. of Hempstead, L. I. who was an officer of the customs for the port of New-York, when this State was a British Colony.

A communication was likewise received from Mr. Jacob Shiefless, of this city, enclosing some papers of local interest.

A letter from Dr. Samuel Akerly was presented and read, enclosing the different denominations of Corporation money issued during the late war, and which had been cancelled.

Dr. D. Hosack presented a letter addressed to him, dated Paris 17th April, 1817, from Mons. Thouin, belonging to the administration of the Museum of Natural History in the King's Garden, forwarding therewith 250 seeds of various plants, and also a catalogue of plants wanted by the Royal Museum,

The Recording Secretary, John Pintard, Esq. presented an account of two well authenticated cases of the fascinating

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spar soonest decomposes, and where it is abundant, its decay causes speedy disintegration. Of primitive lime-stone, according to Mr. B. a curious and interesting property is said to have been known to the ancients, which is, that hewn blocks laid together with even faces unite by a stalactitical formation, without the interposition of any cement.-Sand-stone ap

LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SO. pears to be various in its duration in the CIETY OF NEW-YORK.

Sitting of August 14.

Dr. Hosack reported, that designs for the improvement and embellishment of the New-York Institution, executed by Mr. C. A. Busby, architect, had been submitted to the examination of committées appointed by the New-York Historical Society, the American Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Literary and Philosophical Society, and that they had unanimously agreed to recommend to the several societies they represented, the said plans; and further, that at meetings of the Historical Society and of the Academy of Fine Arts, the said designs were adopted.

Whereupon on motion it was resolved, that the committee of the Literary and Philosophical Society be authorized to carry into effect, as far as in them lies, the means calculated to ensure the accomplishment of the proposed plans o improvement.

The Secretary laid before the Society a letter addressed to Dr. Francis, from Abraham Rees, D.D. F.R.S. the venerable and learned editor of the Cyclopædia, acknowledging the honour conferred upon him in being elected an honorary Fellow of the Society, and assuring the Society of his cordial concurrence with them in every effort for the promotion of literature and science.

A communication, being an extract of a letter from John Bradbury, Esq. dated Liverpool, Jan. 2d, 1817, and addressed to the Hon. De Witt Clinton, L.L.D. was read. It appears that Mr. Bradbury is collecting specimens of the materials which compose the ancient buildings of England, and some remarks on their relative durability. He indulges the hope that he shall be able to procure some specimens from still more ancient fabrics on

the continent of Europe, and in Asia or in Africa. From what he has already observed, he is induced to believe that some species of granite and primitive lime-stone are the most durable. Of the former, that is most durable in which quartz is the most predominant. Feldt

ratio of its degree of hardness.

A letter from his Excellency De Witt Clinton, President of the Society, addressed to David Hosack, M.D. F.R.S. was read. This communication furnished some novel and interesting information relative to certain of the cerealia of the United States.

J. G. Bogert, Esq. favoured the Society with a letter enclosing a singular paper originally drawn up by Dr. Molineaux of Dublin, giving an account of certain huge and unknown bones, seemingly of the mammoth kind, found in Ireland, more than a century ago.

The Society acknowledged the receipt of several donations of great value to their library.

LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.

Sitting of July 21.

Dr. Mitchill, President of the Society, presented a letter which he had received from William L. Stone, Esq. editor of the Albany Daily Advertiser, containing an interesting description of the Falls on Salmon River, in the State of New-York.

Dr. Mitchill displayed to the Society the skin and fleece of the White wild Sheep, of the Rocky mountains. He acknowledged himself indebted to John Jacob Astor, Esq. for this fine specimen of a North American quadruped, which is noticed by Lewis and Ord, but which has not hitherto been described by systematic naturalists.

The President also presented a prepared specimen of the Manis Tetradactylus, or scaly Lizard of Guinea, from Capt. Cahoone of the Revenue Cutter. He also laid on the table a piece of native copper, taken from the great mass, 14 feet in circumference, lying in the channel of the river Onantanagan, which falls into the south side of lake Superior, a donation from Francis Le Baron, Esq. Apothecary General of the U. S.

Dr. Mitchill also offered to the Lyceum, a model in Gypsum, of an elephant's tooth, found by digging on the east side of Chesapeake Bay, in Maryland. The cast was executed by Henry Hayden, Esq. of Baltimore, from the ori

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