ABERGAVENNY
Our friends are probably aware that though this Establishment exists at Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, in what is reckoned an English County, its design is only to instruct young men who are natives of the principality. Nearly a century ago, a similar Institution existed at Pont-y-pool; and though at that time our denomination in Wales was very small, more than thirty ministers received assistance in their studies from the successive labours of Messrs. John Griffiths, John Matthews, and Rees Evans. As at that period only fifteen Baptist Churches existed in the principality, we cannot wonder the Institution should fail for want of support.
About the commencement of the present century it began to be felt that the Welsh Churches suffered for want of a better educated ministry. Many of the young men who were sent by the Churches to be educated in England, never returned to their native country; and hence two of the Associations in 1806 determined on the establishment of a Seminary of their own, which opened in
January, 1807, at Abergavenny, under the judicious and zealous direction of the Rev. Micah Thomas, who continues ably to discharge the duties of a Tutor.
It was the original design of the Institution only to give an English and Welsh education and to continue the Students on their funds but for two years; for some time past, however, they have lengthened the term to three years, and given instructions in the elements of classical learning. Such however is the humble view our brethren take of their useful labours, that they are desirous their Seminary should not be considered as a College. However generally this term is now understood as meaning a superior Academy for persons advanced somewhat farther in life than mere youth, they wish it to be exploded.
The columns of the table which follows we imagine will be understood, being on the same plan as the other Institutions of the same nature.
(A table of figures follows which we have not included here)
We ought not to dismiss this article without observing that, of the number of Students educated at Ahergavenny, more than fifty are now occupied with diligence, and we hope with success, in the duties of the pastoral office in England and Wales; and more than a few have been called in an early part of their ministry to enter on their reward. While the vineyard of the Lord is so extensive, the labourers few, and the period of exertion is both short and uncertain, may all who sustain an office of such vast importance as that of the Christian Ministry be diligent, that they may be found of their Lord in peace.
