In South Carolina. 551 



books which are written therein, but to defend them against all op- 

 ponents? Am I not at the mercy of every one who does under- 

 stand, or even pretends to understand, the original? for which way 

 can I confute his pretense? Do I understand the language of the 

 < )ld Testament? critically? at all? If not, ought not shame to cover 

 my face? 



By every means and on all occasions Mr. Wesley 

 testified the deep conviction which he cherished as to 

 the necessity of a diligent and scriptural training for 

 the most momentous of all services. The same spirit 

 animated all the most distinguished of his contempo- 

 raries and successors. Mr. Fletcher, the holy vicar 

 of Madeley, filled the office of President of the Theo- 

 logical Institution at Trevecca with the greatest ad- 

 vantage for many years, and only resigned when sub- 

 scription to the tenets of Calvinism was required as 

 the condition of his continuance. 



In 1806 Mr. Clarke, afterward Dr. Adam Clarke, 

 the eminent scholar, published a letter in which he 

 said: 



We want some kind of seminary for educating such workmen as 

 need not be ashamed. I introduced a conversation on this subject 

 this morning, and the preachers were unanimously of opinion that 

 some strong efforts should be made without delay to get such a place 

 established, either at Bristol or London, where young men who may 

 be deemed fit for the work may have, were it but twelve months', or 

 even half a year's, previous instruction in theology, in vital godli- 

 ness, in practical religion, in English grammar, and the rudiments 

 of general knowledge. Every circuit cries out, "Send us accepta- 

 ble preachers ! " How can we do this? We are obliged to take what 

 offers. The time is coming, and now is, when illiterate piety can do 

 no more for the interest and permanency of the work of God than 

 lettered irreligion did formerly. Speak, O speak speedily, to all our 

 friends! Let us get a plan organized without delay. Let us have 

 something that we can lay matured before the Conference. 



That similar views were expressed and similar ef- 

 forts made by Richard Watson is known to all. In 



