Page:An appeal in behalf of the Washington Education Society, which is auxiliary to the National Theological Institute.djvu/2

 The National Institute, in the instruction of those who have been gathered into its schools, "is doing," as Gen. Howard has so truthfully and appropriately remarked, "a most important and valuable work." It is a work which has the warmest and most unqualified sympathy of those who are the most directly and largely reached by its benefits. While the facilities for instruction afforded by the Institute are freely extended to the members of other denominations, they are enjoyed chiefly by those belonging to the Baptist Churches. And, in addition to other friends, the regular Baptist Churches of colored brethren in this city and vicinity, are, without exception, in organic and active co-operation with it. We believe that in the Institute, with its provisions for instruction, and the adaptation of its arrangements to the wants of those for whom it is designed, they are unanimous in recognizing the provision which God in his providence has supplied for the prosecution and accomplishment of the work which it has in charge. Will our brethren to whom this appeal may come, unite with them to supply the means to make it in the highest degree effective?

It may be proper to add, that those who are being instructed in the schools of the Institute, are, in their turn, very many of them, as they are able, instructing others. A very considerable number of week-day schools, for the instruction chiefly of adults, have been put into operation, in which they are thus being usefully employed as instructors. The number in this immediate vicinity who are receiving regular and valuable instruction in the schools thus organized, is already not less than five hundred; while the whole number who are being taught by these brethren, either during the week or in various Sabbath day exercises, is more than two thousand. Shall this work be encouraged?