Rotherham Independent Academy
An account of the Rotherham Independent Academy, which was opened on November 5, 1795.
The following is an extract from the book, using scanned images
To every sensible observer, the great importance of the gospel ministry must appear sufficiently evident, as it has a powerful and extensive influence on society; and, to every religious character still more evident, because a gospel ministry is of divine institution. and has been in all ages eminently owned as, the means of: begetting and nourishing the life of grace, directing men to the righteousness of faith, the unsearchable riches of Christ, and eternal glory.
But, if the ministry of the gospel be consesedly of great moment, we must also admit that the academical institutions which have, for their object a suitable preparation for the ministry , are proportionally momentous. Though a gracious heart- and good natural abilities, are the primary quaIifications for the ministerial work, and the influences of the divine spirit the principal cause of all usefullness, yet this is not an argument against literature and the study of improvement. since God produces effects in grace as well as nature, by the use of means. And, if some ministers have been useful without previous academic studies, it is sufficient to observe, that they might have been more so with those preparatory aids.
A consideration of the importance of the gospel ministry, and particularly of an academical institution founded on the best principles, and conducted in a proper manner, gave rise, about forty yeats ago, to a Society for educating young Men for the work of the Ministry, in the the West Riding of the Connty of York. At first a few ministers and gentlemen in London deliberated on some happy method of dispelling the “ cloud of ' Socinian darkness' then spreading over the 'northern counties of England,' to use their own words, by which many congregations might be blessed with godly preachers, found in the faith and exemplary in their lives.
Accordngly, on May 24 1756 a Society was formed of ministers and other gentlemen, for this purpose which they agreed to support an academy in the north of England, as a probable mean of raising the interest of religion in that part of the kingdom. At the same time it was unanimously agreed, That the REV.JAMES SCOTT of Heckmondwike, be employed in the education of young men in grammar learning and academical studies. That the great design of obtaining a converted ministry might be properly forwarded, it was agreed. That no young man, be proposed until he hath produced an account, in writing, of the reason of his hope, and of what he apprehends to be the principal doctrines of christianity. It was also agreed That no student should be taken under the care of the society 'till he hath been three months with the tutor, at the expence of the society, for the trial of his abilities and ap plication to study; and that the tutor be desired to acquaint the society with his opinion of each young man, upon the expiration of the time allotted for such a trial.
The success of that undertaking hath been eminently great; places have been supplied with faithful and valuable ministers in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Westmoreland etc. The streams of this fountain have been signally blessed for refreshing and making fruitful many congregations which were like a dry and barren wilderness.
Such was the origin and usefulness of that institution, under the patronage of the Society, and labours of REV.JAMES SCOTT whose praise is yet in the churches and who continued to tutor until his death which took place in January, 1783. Not long after the Reverend SAMUEL WALKER succeeded. As he was fixed at Northouram, the academy was moved thither. And though it soon appeared that the important post was not filled with equal satisfaction to the public, many useful ministers were brought up there in the course of twelve years.
Some years before the dissolution of the old Academy the public and particularly the churches in the most correct he could procure. The letter d. after a name denotes that the person is deceased.
By the Rev Mr. Scott of Heckmondwike
| Waldegrave | St Edmunds Bury | Suffolk |
| Priestley | Jewin Street | London |
| Plumbe | Nottingham, d | London |
| Allott | Forton | Lancashire d |
| Popplewell | Beverley | Yorkshire d |
| Tetley | Sowerby | Ditto d |
| Gurnall | Delph | Ditto d |
| Tunstall d | ||
| Pratman | Cotherstone | Ditto |
| Lambert | Hull | Ditto |
| Toothill | Hopton | Ditto |
| Armitage | Chester d | |
| Dawson | Cleckheaton | Yorkshire |
| Offwood | London | |
| Galland | Holmfirth | Ditto |
| Linnett | Okeland | Rutlandshire D |
| Brook | Stockport | Cheshire d |
| Clegg | Sunderland | Durham |
| Shufflebottom | Bungay | Suffolk |
| Carter | Matelshall | Norfolk |
| Bottomley | Scarbro | Yorkshire |
| Craw | North Waltham | Norfolk d |
| Scott | Hinckley | Leicestershire |
| Ashburn | Gloucester | |
| Whitehead | Charlesworth | Derbyshire |
The Rev. Mr. Grove, now of Walsal, having resigned the pastoral care of the independent church meeting at Masbrough, near Rotherham, about 18 months before, that church was looking out for a pastor; and, among others, Dr. Williams, in the spring of 1795, supplied and received a call to undertake the pastoral care of them. This it is proper to mention as a circumstance closely connected with the following resolutions, and of considerable importance as an inducement to accept the tutorship.
At a meeting of the committee, held at Huddersfield, June 17th, 1795, Joshua Walker, Esq. in the chair, it was resolved - "That Dr. Williams having received a call to the pastoral office of the church and congregation at Masbrough, near Rotherham, this, and other concurring circumstances, seeming to point out Rotherham as a proper situation for the academy: it is, therefore, resolved, that this academy be fixed there, providing that Dr. Williams accept the call to that church. That the president having corresponded with Mr. Berry, agreeable to the wishes of the last general meeting, a letter from him was read, wherein he declines the appointment to the office of second tutor, - therefore, the appointment of another person to fill up that station stands over to the next general meeting. That a sum, not exceeding £500., be expended in making suitable accommodations for the institution, and that a proper yearly rent, per centage, be allowed for such sun expended. That Joshua Walker, Esq., having offered to lay out the sum necessary to accommodate the institution, shall have an allowance of seven and a half per cent. per annum, on such sum expended. - That this institution be demonated the Rotherham Independent Academy. That application, by letter, be made to such congregations as are likely to give support to this institution, and have not yet come forward to signify their intention. That the Rev. Mr. Moorhouse be requested to have the minutes of this day's business printed, together with Dr. Williams's answer, so soon as obtained, and circulate the same as may appear necessary."
The answer, now alluded to, and which is inserted in this account for the sake of impressing the reader's mind with an important sentiment it contains, relative to candidates for the Christian ministry, now follows:-
"To the Rev. Mr. Moorhouse, Huddersfield.
"Birmingham, August, 20th, 1795.
"Dear Sir"
"To you, as the secretary of the committee appointed to manage the Yorkshire New Academical Institution, I send my final answer. Sensible of my own insufficiency without divine aid, and relying on the God of grace for supplies, I think the way of duty seems plain for me to accept, in the name of the Lord, the important office to which I am invited, at Rotherham. (A donation of £20 was then made to the institution, by Mr. Robert Spear, Manchester, for which he received the thanks of the meeting).
"Permit me to say, that one of the principal circumstances that encourages my compliance, is, the persuasion that the churches and ministers in Yorkshire, and especially the committee, are peculiarly intent on the religious qualifications of the young men whom they mean to recommend as students. This, I hope, they will never lose sight of; as I am fully assured that an unconverted ministry is the bane of the Christian cause, and the dead weight of the churches. The evil occasioned thereby is beyond calculation. This is a prolific cause of scepticism and infidelity; this grieves the godly, and corrupts the rising generation; this hardens formal professors, and keeps in countenance, to their own destruction, those who slumber and sleep in the church of Christ.
"It is, therefore, in this hope, that the utmost attention and assiduity will be exercised in recommending young men, without being unduly biased by carnal considerations, the obliging of parents or friends, etc. that I now engage; further hoping, that thereby God will be glorified, the kingdom of Christ advanced, and many of the fallen race of Adam now living, and thousands yet unborn, will be essentially and everlastingly benefited.
"I sincerely and earnestly solicit your prayers, and those of my brethren, for me, that I may obtain ability and strength, according to my day and difficulties, in so arduous an undertaking; and that the Lord will be pleased to support me under the present very weighty domestic trial by the loss of my dear partner. Her last illness and death, and some other important circumstances, have been the cause of your not receiving this final determination sooner. And I must further add, that, owing to the present state of my family and stock, it will not be in my power to be at Rotherham to receive the students before the 1st of October, In the meantime, I remain,
"Dear Sir, "Your very affectionate friend and brother,
"Edward Williams."
Page 45 ... enlarged scale of the academy - Building was unavoidably necessary; nor does it now appear that convenient apartments will be fitted up with much less expence than the sum specified. *
* Convenient apartments - for the sum specified That the apartments are 'convenient', all who have seen them have admitted. But as this account may be perused by some who have no personal knowledge of the building or situation, the following sketch is subjoined: -
The building is situated on a gentle eminence, near half a mile from the town of Rotherham and left from the village of Masbrough, surrounded by garden and pasture grounds, with retired walks - separated only a few yards from the tutors house, and but a small distance from the place of public worship - with two fronts, one to the south-west and the other to the north=east. Its dimensions are forty-six feet by twenty-eight. The lower part consists of two rooms. The hall is twenty-five feet by eighteen, the library twenty-five square. The two floors above are divided alike, containing each four lodging rooms and seven studies. The passages run the whole length of the building, five feet wide, with windows at each end for a plentiful circulation of air. The importance of this article for such a building, made it adviseable to have each window so formed as to admit air both at the top and bottom. The whole is finished in a neat but plain manner.
He who knows anything of building will easily perceive, that the structure now described must have cost more than the sum specified, the fact is, that though the materials, labour etc., were procured on the best terms, it cost very near six hundred pounds. Mr. JOSHUA WALKER, therefore, laid out about £100 more than the specified limitation, of which, at the last committee meeting, he generously made a present to the institution.
The fund is, at present, unequal to such expenditure; and to collect the expenses from the country, we fear, would have been difficult: but, if that could have been accomplished, ground could not have been bought, the premises not being the individual property of any one person concerned in this institution, and we cannot suppose, that the public would not deem it judicious to sink £500 upon premises not secured to the society. Mr. Joshua Walker was, therefore, applied to, who generously agreed to advance the money, and left it wholly with the committee to fix what rental they pleased. Considering that buildings are declining property - that Mr. Walker has no indemnification, except the building, either for interest or principal, in case the institution should fail or be removed, and that to convert it to any other use will be attended with considerable expense - we are persuaded, that to allow seven and a half per cent. for monies advanced upon a footing so precarious, cannot justify be deemed unreasonable: and, upon the present plan, the society has neither ground to buy, ground rent to pay, nor any incumbrance with the building, in case of failure. (It may be observed here, that Mr. Adam Hope, of Bolton-le-Moors, was chosen at this meeting to the office of second tutor, but which he thought proper to decline)
According to the resolution above mentioned, the academy was opened on November 5th, 1795, when, and a short time after, ten young men entered as probationers. But as the time of admission was, in this instance, full two months later than the period now fixed, on which account the committee meeting was deferred till the first Wednesday in March, it was found necessary to hold a special committee meeting at the Academy on January 27th, 1796 - Jonathan Walker, Esq., in the chair. In this meeting it was resolved,
"That the steps taken by Dr. Williams, in his correspondence with Mr. Adam Hope, are approved of; and that, as Mr. Adam Hope declines accepting the office of second tutor on the terms proposed, another suitable person should be sought without delay. That the Rev. Maurice Phillips, of Brigstock, appears to this meeting, from favourable representations and personal knowledge, highly eligible as second tutor, and is unanimously chosen to fill that office; and that Dr. Williams be requested to take such steps as he shall find necessary to secure Mr. Phillips's acceptance of the appointment."
The following meeting was held, as before noticed, for the examination of the candidates.
"Masbrough, March 2nd, 1796. Joshua Walker, Esq., in the Chair.
Present : Rev. Dr. Williams Mr. Galland Mr. Alliott Mr. Cockin Mr. Moorhouse Mr. Toothill Mr. Naylor Mr. Spear Mr. Clapham Mr. Hodgson Mr. Burnley Mr. Jonathan Walker Mr. Brook Mr. Houghton Mr. Hirst Mr. Bates Mr. Thomas Walker
"The general meeting, held at Huddersfield, the 21st of October last, having appointed this day (the first Wednesday in March) to decide respecting the continuance of such young men as may have entered as probationers, resolved, that this committee do now take the cases of the several young men into their consideration. Abraham Hudswell, who had been under the care of the Rev. Mr. Walker, having expressed a wish to continue so long at this academy as to complete the term of four years - That Abraham Hudswell be admitted to all the benefits of this institution until the vacation in 1798. That Joshua Shaw, Godfrey Thurgarland, John Hamshaw, Samuel Bradley, Robert Jenkinson, Thornhill Kidd and Thomas Mitchell, lately entered as probationers, be admitted to all the benefits of this institution for the term of four years, ending at the vacation of 1799.
The first annual examination was in June following; a brief account of that meeting, taken from the minutes, is here subjoined.
"Masbrough, June 1st, 1796.
"At a general annual meeting of The Rotherham Independent Academy, held this day, Joshua Walker Esq., in the chair, the young men, having been arranged in classes by Dr. Williams, gave specimens of their proficiency much to the satisfaction of the meeting." When also it was resolved, "That the appointment of the Rev. Mr. Phillips to the office of second tutor, made at the committee meeting, held January 27th, be now confirmed. That the following gentlemen be appointed a committee for the management of the business of the academy for the ensuing year, viz. Rev. Dr. Williams Mr. Phillips Mr. Harmer Mr. Parsons Mr. Moorhouse Mr. Toothill Mr. Galland Mr. Alliott Mr. Gill Mr. Bennett Mr. Lambert Mr. Cockin Mr. Whittenbury Mr. Robert Spear Mr. Joshua Walker Mr. Thomas Walker Mr. Jonathan Walker Mr. Read Mr. Marshall Mr. John Green Mr. W. Butcher Mr. Hodgson Mr. Brook Mr. Burnley
"That Mr. Joshua Walker be appointed Treasurer for the ensuing year. That the thanks of the meeting be conveyed by the chairman to Mr. B. Mills, for his letter to Mr. Cockin, pointing out a plan for obtaining subscriptions in London."
The next meeting was for the examination and final admission of candidates, an abridged account of which follows:-
"Masbrough, January 4th, 1797.
"At the annual committee meeting of The Rotherham Independent Academy, held this day,
Joshua Walker, Esq., Chairman.
Present:
Rev. Dr. Williams Mr. Phillips Mr. Harmer Mr. Cocker Mr. Moorhouse Mr. Galland Mr. Thomas Walker Mr. Hodgson Mr. Burnley Mr. Brook Mr. Read Mr. Marshall Mr. Jonathan Walker
"Resolved, that the cases of the several young men, who are entered as probationers, be taken into consideration. That Thomas Burton, James Kay and John Pye Smith, be admitted to all the benefits of this institution for the term of four years, ending at the vacation of 1800. That --- --- and ---- ---- be not admitted to the benefits of this institution; as they do not appear to possess competent abilities to profit thereby."
The annual meeting in June being the last in the year, and held but a short time before the vacation, when the students respectively close their course of studies, and the concerns of the institution are most conveniently balanced, we shall finish our Narrative of the Academy with what it behoves the public to know of that meeting, and the state of our finances.
"Masbrough, June 7th, 1797.
"At the general annual meeting of The Rotherham Independent Academy, held this day, Joshua Walker Esq., in the chair, resolved, that the resolutions of the annual committee meeting, held the 4th of January last, be confirmed. The young men were then called in and examined in their respective classes, when they gave specimens of their proficiency, much to the satisfaction of the meeting. That the following gentlemen be appointed a committee for the management of the business of the academy for the ensuing year, viz.
Rev. Dr. Williams Mr. Phillips Mr. Harmar Mr. Moorhouse Mr. Toothill Mr. Ralph Mr. Boden Mr. Cockin Mr. Blackburn Mr. Whittenbury Mr. Spear Mr. Joshua Walker Mr. Thomas Walker Mr. Jonathan Walker Mr. Read Mr. Marshall Mr. Houghton Rev. Mr. Roby Mr. Bruce Mr. Laird Mr. S. Hodgson Mr. Thomas Mr. Burnley Mr. Brook
"That Mr. Joshua Walker be appointed Treasurer for the ensuing year. That the thanks of this meeting be given to Messrs. Joshua, Joseph and Thomas Walker for their liberal benefactions to this institution since the last general meeting."
As the public are solicited, in this account, to afford us pecuniary assistance, it is right that the state of our finances, receipts and disbursements should be produced; which are as follows: Dr. The Treasurer of the Rotherham Independent Academy.
1797. June 30th.
To Amount of Donations - £201. 10s.
To Amount of Subscriptions - £679. 7s.
To Interest allowed by Treasurer - £12. 10s.
Total - £893. 7s.
CR.
1795.October
By Rev. Mr. Vint, paid in full - £90. 10s.
By Rev. Mr. Kennedy's Expenses in London - £23. 2s.
By Sundry Printing Expenses - £7. 9s.
December
By Rev. Mr. Walker for the Library at Northowram - £25. 5s.
By Carriage of Do. - £2. 2s.
By a Minute and Record Book - 13s.
1796.
December 31st
By Repair of Books, etc. per order of the Committee - £20.
By Certain Articles of Furniture for the Academy Library and Lecture Rooms - £40. 9s.
By Mr. A. Hope's Expenses from Bolton - £1. 15s.
By Rev. Mr. Phillips' Expenses from Brigstock - £4. 13s.
1797. June 30th.
By Dr. Williams' Salary, the Second Tutor's Salary, and Board of Students, to this day - £598. 10s.
By Balance in the hands of Treasurer - £78. 17s.
Total - £893. 7s.
It is the wish of the Committee, confirmed by the last general meeting, that not only a list of the subscribers, but also the sum subscribed, of half a guinea and upwards, be printed in subsequent reports of the academy. At present it is found impracticable to do more than insert those names that have been sent; it is, therefore, earnestly requested that those who transmit the subscriptions to the Treasurer will, at the same time, give in the names of the subscribers of the above description, with the respective sums.
A List of Subscribers
ARev. Richard Alliott - Nottingham
Mr. William Alsop - Sheffield
Mr. John Alsop - Sheffield
Joseph Armitage - Longroyd Bridge
Mr. Barber - Rotherham
Mrs. Barrett - Sheffield
Mr. Beatson - Masbrough
John Batley - Crosland Edge
Mr. Beeley - Cottingham
Abraham Beaumont - Huddersfield
Mr. Henry Birch - Sheffield
Mr. Ebenezer Birks - Sheffield
Rev. James Boden
Mr. Booth - Masbrough
Mr. Bowden - Hull
Mr. Bowman - Sheffield
Bradford Congregation - Rev. Mr. Heldgate
Mr. Briggs - Hull
Mr. Briggs - Melton
Mr. John Brook - Flash House
Mr. Brown - Hull
Mr. Busgard - Manchester
Mr. Carlyle - Cottingham
Mr. Carnelley - Melton
Mr. Carr - Rotherham
Mr. George Carr - Sheffield
Mr. Chambers - Nottingham
Chinley Congregation - Rev. William Sutcliffe
Mr. Clapham - Leeds
Mr. Clark - Nottingham
Mr. Clark - Masbrough
Cleckheaton Congregation - Rev. John Ralph
Mr. Clegg - Manchester
Mrs. Cockayne - Sheffield
Mr. Cook - Sheffield
Mr. Thomas Cooper - Greasbrough
Mr. Crawshaw - Masbrough
Mr. Thomas Dawson
Mr. William Dawson
Mr. Day - Cottingham
Delph Congregation - Rev. N. Blackburn
Mr. Dunn - Nottingham
Mrs Egginton - Hull
Mr. S. Ellis - Sheffield
Mr. Luke Ellis - Sheffield
Mr. John Frith - Sheffield
Friend, Anonymous, By the Rev. J. T.
Mr. Galland - Hull
Mr. Gilder - Hull
Mr. Gordon - Manchester
Mr. Greaves - Sheffield
Mr. Green - Nottingham
Greenacres Congregation - Rev. Mr. Cole
Mr. Mark Hague - Almondbury
Halifax Congregation - Rev. Joseph Cocking
Mr. William Hall - Quarmby
Mr. Hall - Hull
Mr. John Hancock - Sheffield
Mr. Hanson - Manchester
Mr. Samuel Harmar - Sheffield
Mr. John Harrison - Greasbrough
Mr. Joshua Harrison - Greasbrough
Heckmondwike Congregation - Rev. Thomas Hale
Mrs. Hieron - Cottingham
Mr. Hirst - Rotherham
Mr. Joseph Hirst - Yewgreen
Mr. Richard Hirst -
Mr. Joseph Hodgson
Mr. Edward Hodgson
Mr. Holbert - Sheffield
Holmfirth Congregation - Rev. Robert Galland
Mr. Thomas Holy - Sheffield
Mr. John Hope - Manchester
Mr. Samuel Hope - Manchester
Hopton Congregation - Rev. Jonathan Toothill
Huddersfield Congregation - Rev. William Moorhouse
Mr. John Houghton - Huddersfield
Mr. Rowland Houghton - Huddersfield
Rev. Mr. Hudson - Tintwisle
Hull Congregation - Rev. George Lambert
Mr. Hunt - Rotherham
Idle Congregation - Rev. William Vint
Mr. Joshua Ingham
Mr. Jones - Hull
Messrs. John Joule and Son - Manchester
Mr. King - Masbrough
Mr. Kitchen - Hull
Rev. George Lambert - Hull
Mr. Philip Law - Sheffield
Miss Lea - Sheffield
Mr. John Leaf - Sheffield
Mr. Leathley - London
Leeds Congregation - Rev. Mr. Wilson
Mr. William Levitt - Hull
Mr. N. Levitt - Hull
Messrs. Jonathan Loy and Son - Sheffield
Mr. Macknaught - Manchester
Rev Mr. McQuhae - Blackburn
Malton Congregation - Rev. John Bartlet
Manchester Congregation, in Mosley Street
Mr. Samuel Marshall - Sheffield
Masbrough Congregation - Rev. Dr. Williams
Mr. Mills - Islington
Rev. William Moorhouse - Huddersfield
Mr. John Moor - Paddock
Mr. Newham - Nottingham
Messrs. Nicholls - Nottingham
Northouram Congregation
Nottingham Congregation - Rev. Richard Alliott
Mrs. Nutt - Masbrough
Mrs. Parker - Masbrough
Mr. Ebenezer Parker - Sheffield
Mr. Andrew Patten - Manchester
Mr. Andrew Patten jnr. - Manchester
Mr. Patterson - Manchester
Mrs. Popplewell - Hull
Pudsey Congregation - Rev. Thomas Laird
Mr. Radford - Nottingham
Mr. Read - Norton
Mr. Edward Riddel - Hull
Mr. Thomas Riddel - Hull
Mr. Rider - Malton
Mr. E. Ridgard - Sheffield
Mr. Ringrose - Cottingham
Mr. Roberts - Huddersfield
Mr. Robinson - Manchester
Mr. Thomas Room - Sheffield
Mr. Scatcherd - Hull
Rev. Jonathan Scott - Matlock
Sheffield Congregation - Rev. John Harmar
Sheffield Congregation - Rev. James Boden
Mr. Simpson - Nottingham
Mr. William Skidmore - Sheffield
Mr. John Smith - Sheffield
Mr. Alexander Spear - Sheffield
Mr. John Spear - Manchester
Mr. Robert Spear - Manchester
Mr. Spyvie - Hull
Mrs. Stancliff
Mr. Swift - Sheffield
Mr. Stevenson - Nottingham
Mr. Stewart - Manchester
Mr. Stuart - Manchester
Mr. Abraham Sutcliffe - Sheffield
Swanland Congregation - Rev. Mr. Williams
Mr. Swann - Manchester
Mr. James Sykes - Almondbury
Mr. John Tate - Lockwood
Mr. Lewis Thomas - Sheffield
Mrs. Towers - Norton
Mrs Towers - Hull
Rev. Jonathan Toothill - Hopton
Wakefield Congregation - Rev. Mr. Bruce
Mrs. Walker - Masbrough
Mrs. Samuel Walker and Family - Masbrough
Mr. Joshua Walker - Clifton
Mr. Thomas Walker - Winkerbank
Mr. Samuel Walker - Masbrough
Mr. Jonathan Walker - Ferham
Mrs. Joseph Walker - Eastwood
Mr. Thomas Walker - Hopton
Mr. Wells - Malton
Mrs. Whitelock - Masbrough
Mr. John Whitaker - Lane
Mrs. Wilson - Sheffield
Mr. Whittenbury - Manchester
Mr. Wildsmith - Rotherham
Mr. Williams - Nottingham
Mr. Wilson - Nottingham
Mrs. Wilson - Nottingham
Mr. John Wilson - Sheffield Mr. Wood - Manchester
Mr. Charles Wooler?
Mr. Wride - Cottingham
Mr. Wright - Hull
Mr. Wright - Nottingham
This list, we are conscious, does not contain the names of all the subscribers who are entitled to a place in it, because many sums have been transmitted as only from a congregation, without particular names. May we be permitted to suggest to our acting friends, henceforth to request of those in their congregations who ought to appear in our future list, to enter their names in a book provided for that purpose, and the sum they purpose to advance (not what they have done) that there may be neither delay nor difficulty in making our next report.
Subscriptions or donations, in money, books, apparatus, etc.. for the use of the students, will be thankfully received by the treasurer, tutors, or any one of the committee in the country; and, in London, by:
William Fuller, Esq., Banker, Lombard Street.
Ebenezer Maitland, Esq., King's Arms Yard, Coleman Street.
Benjamin Mills, Esq., Moorfields.
Neale, Esq., St. Paul's Church Yard.
Should any be disposed to befriend this institution, and the rising generations, by legacies, they may be bequeathed in some such form as this:-
"I give and bequeath to, and (here mention the sum of money etc.) upon trust, to the intent that they, or one of them, pay the same to the treasurer, for the time being, of the Rotherham Independent Academy, founded in the year 1795, at Masbrough, near Rotherham, in the county of York, and desire and direct that the said (here mention sum, etc.) be paid out of my personal estate, and applied towards carrying on the laudable intentions of the said academy."
Before we finally close this account, we must rely on the indulgence of that class of the community whom we address, while we urge upon them the importance of countenancing the design of such an institution. Many topics offer themselves; especially the consideration of whose cause it is they are called to espouse, the cause of Christ, the cause of God - what interest to promote, not that of a party, even religious, much less political, but that of immortal souls, their never ending happiness - by what means, not by the agents of terror and compulsion, or mean intrigues, but by godly men, armed with pure truth, justice, meekness and righteousness - men of grace, consecrated to God, our saviour, and the service of His Church, and the arms of whose warfare are not carnal but spiritual. We might also expostulate, if the true friends of Christ do not espouse His cause, and do not promote the spiritual and everlasting interests of men, by such means, who, in this world, can be reasonably expected to do it?
But instead of pursuing these, and other weighty considerations that might be advanced in our own words, we prefer expressing ourselves in the awakening language of an author already referred to, who, by piety, talents and experience, was eminently qualified to dictate on the subject. The first part of what is here inserted is addressed to the managers and supporters of such religious seminaries.
"Your thoughts and your cares are employed in the most noble, most honourable, and truly Christian design; without a provision of this nature, numbers of our congregation must have dispersed for want of instructors; your generous and unwearied concern for the public good entitle you, therefore, to the most grateful esteem throughout all the churches. Indulge me with the freedom of addressing you as principals in this affair: to you is entrusted the right application, both of the annual liberties of the living, and the generous bequests of the dead. How great, how sacred a necessity then, is laid upon you, gentlemen, to see thoroughly to the furniture, divine and human, which they are possessed of, who are invited into the pulpits of our destitute assemblies.
"The gentlemen and the scholar are inviting characters; but they are the mere shell of a gospel minister without the Christian. Is conversion a reality? Is there, in fact, such a divine effect of the gospel on the hearts of individuals? And is it one great end of a gospel preached, thus to convert sinners from error of their ways, into paths of undissembled faith and purity? Surely it must be a momentous point of conscience, with all that fear the most high God, strictly to adhere to this one principle in all proceedings and conduct of this nature! It must be a most dangerous oversight and neglect, for any to suffer themselves, knowingly, to depart from it. What does it favour of less than presumption to attempt the qualifying of them to bear office in the church, whom the King of Zion has not qualified for a private station therein? The heart is, indeed, a secret thing locked up from human eyes, and it is the prerogative of heaven alone to search it: nor is it required of you, gentlemen, either by God or man, that you should be infallible, yet it is required of every steward, that he be found faithful; and a man of integrity, whatever trust he takes upon him, engages to act to the best of his knowledge and judgment. This, but nothing more than this, is required in the present case. I would be far from urging to any censorious, uncharitable, and unchristian temper and proceedings: but where there is not an affectation of ignorance, we may be kind, and yet conscientious, charitable, and yet faithful."
Source: Based on information from English Short Title Catalogue. Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Gale Group
