The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1856-08-28
Inaugural Address.

inFurman University, delivered his iuaugu
raj nt the late Comm, ncement The fol.
lowing report of it we find in the Southern
Baptise
After gancing at the fact of there be.
ing twenty four Baptist Colleges and ten
Theological Seminaries of the denomipa.
ton, IN this country, the speaker gave forth
his views on the subject of Theological Edu
cation, by proposing three leading changes
IN our Seminary system:
FIRST, A modified and eclectic course Of
study must be adopted TO supply the failure
now and hitherto existing to meet the de.
mand for ministers. This University, like
most other denominationa colleges, was
the offspring Of the prayers Of The church.
'es, and practical Theological Education
was alwaysthe handspring which animated
our educational efforts in securing endow-
ments. Some of the existing barriers
should be removed of which is a uni.
form classical prerequisite for the lheoogi.
cal course. All other professions have
modified and eclecric courses, aiming at an
education to adapt men to their times.
Thus we should have an educated ministrv.
Tas distinguished from ministry of educa-
ted men. After all, a truly educated man
is self educated; and our system should be
capable of selfadaptation for the mass and
variety Of our ministers. 1t was shcwn
that course of English studies can be pur
sued IN theology, IN connection with class
es "f higher grade, in the same studies.
at the same time, and under the same pro
tesSor.
The proper theory for Theological In
structi"n implies tlla, any young man who
can enierthe Freshman or Sophomore Glass
TN College, has basis for carrying on his
Theological studies. any preference should
6e given to either the collegiate or the uieo
logical curse, let the academic course he
shortened, and substantial theological
ministry may yethe trained OH a plan which
will give the same course IN systematic
theoiog, 10 The higher and the lower class,
,es IN common.
Second, An essential and additional ele
'vat'onhn the course of study should also be
given aor those desiring to meet the higher
wants VI the ministry for our time. We
should have an extended course suited tn
make scholars and professors. Just as in
some OF our Colleges the regular course has
been carried forward 10 a much higher de
gree. Thus there could I've three years
course. lea addition 10 which The same pro.
dessors could extend their scheme of insiruc
ton for those wishing 10 go further. No
additional corps OF professors would be
needed up to an advanced stage of prog
resS.
An able plea was here enforced for the
hugh scholarship which is Justly due to the
history and the principles of the Baptists
Their literature has been too much ignoted.
The treasures of their martyrology demand
high grado'of learning.
A Theological Library of a high grade
was also urged as a great necessity, eSpeci-
ally for this institution. These views, thus
car led out, would probably give us every
year an accession of a few thoroughly fin
ished men. who would be Of great value to
the denomination. They would suggest q
better preparation for the Foreign Mis-
sIonary work than has yet been secured,
especially for those looking to the interior
of Africa. a field specially laid open to
Southern Baptists. The Arabic, and other
languages cognate to the Hebrew, form the
basis OF all the languages in Central Africa;
:apd such preparatory discipline in semi.
mary at home would be of great economy
in learning native languages abroad.
ih,rd. The last change proposed was
ahe necessity of adopting a declaration of
doctrine or systematic creed for those
who assume the responsibility of professors
III our Seminaries. A standard was plead
ed for, to distinguish against the current
Tendencies TO Campbellism and Arminan-
xuaa tai IL Al ~
,of Faith IN the Charleston Baptist Associa-
tion. could be made general. The speaker
urged that a creed or formulary of doctrine
In some way is necessity. 1t was plead.
ed for indeed as necessary for church;
and the pleas were supported by scriptural
precept, BY the example Of the early Chris.
itians, and by the best periods in the first
three centuries. 1t was also said that
.creeds have been generally recognised by
Baptists.
ihis address was two hours in delivery,
and certainly made a marked impression.
Ii VIII be received, we have no doubt, with
wide diversity Of opinion as to its posi-.
"ohs' put as 10 Its merits, considered simply
as an effort OF mind, it will he regarded we
tn,nk by all as very high production.
We are glad 10 state that the Board of
trustees have secured the consent Of Prof.
Poyce for its publication, which we hope
will not be long delayed. We must ab.
sta'p from enlarging on several points
WI which we noted down for our readers.
there is one interest which claims notice
especially. The Baptis. Church in Green.
ville have felt the necessity Of providing
house OF worship ample enough 10 accom-
MEDIATE the great numbers Of students