The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-06-09
For THE CENTRAL PeEsRYTERIAN.
Union Theological Seminary.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF EXAMINATION FOR
THE YEAR 1869.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF EXAMINATION FUN
THE YEAR 1869.
The Committee of Examination of the Students
of Union Theological Seminary generally, upon
the studies of the scholastic year, ending 18th
Nav. 1869, and of the Senior Glass, upon their
achole course report that the examination com
menced on Saturday, Sth May, at A. NJ,
and was continued unremittingly, except the ne
cessary recesses for refreshments and for the Sab
bath, until Tuesday, 2. NJ, the Committee hold
ing seventeen sessions. Tue examination, con-
Quoted by the professors was thorough, and suth'
GENTLY protracted, to accomplish the design OF
manifestng theskilland diligence Of the professors,
and the proficiency of the students.
The Committee feel constrained to express their
great qualification at the result The students
gave satisfactory evidence of their close attention
to the course of reading and study laid down IN
the programme of instruction, prescribed for the
Seminary, and with success, according to the pc
cuEarides of each student. And the professors, ID
the course of the examination, gave panoramic
view of the great principles, and interesting sub
ects of thought, and the important facts to which
they had been turning the attention OF the SUI
dents, in their recitations and lectures.
Since the time that some of the Committee were
last engaged in the examinations in the Seminary,
there has been an advance in the rate and style OF
instruction given, and we believe also in the eth
cheney of the course
From the first, the Seminary took high stand,
in the opinion of the Christian public, on Syste-
matte Theology and Polemics. And the successive
professors have maintained the position undisput-
ed, with gradual advance in the extent and min
uteness of instruction. In this department the
Seminary yields to none.
The departments of History and Interpretation,
taken in their wide sense, always holding good
comparative stand, have made progress that is
truly cheering The position, taken by the noble
Sampson, has been maintained, and the course Of
instruction in Oriental Literature has been enlarged,
and has now become, in a good measure, popular
ised aud the fulness of instruction now renders
failure, in the Oriental department, culpable
defect in any student.
The Historical department, under the present
incumbent and his predecessor has won grade
Of excellence in the range of investigation and
method of instruction unsurpassed by any Theolo-
gcal Institution in America; and we feel confident
in saying that Union Theological Seminary affords
means aud opportunities in this important depart
ment of History, unsurpassed in the particulars,
and unequalled as a whole.
The department of Pastoral Theology is managed
in manner worthy of the age and long experience
in the pastoral office and the professors chair, of
the venerable man, that now on the verge of life,
is giving to the students the fruits of his age in
most impressive form and manner, teaching them,
from his own trials and success in the ministry the
way to gather and cherish the flock our Lord,
purchased with his blood
In the opinion OF the Committee, the Synods Of
Virginia and North Carolina may, without hesta-
ton, invite students to come from all parts of the
land and partake of the advantages provided in
such abundance, after years of toll and expenditure
Of treasure; confident that young ministers sent
back will be letters of commentator, known and
read of all men.
Committee recommend the following six students
to the honorable attention of the Board; as having
completed the course of study and shown them
selves worthy of the certificate of success and APP
probation, to wit; MeSsrs. j. B. Converse, Alex
ander Cowau VIM. Z, Hill, H. R. Laird, w. D.
Morton and ]. Sias Young.
Respectfully submitted,
W. H. FooTE Chairman.
Published by order of the Trustees.
A Copy Teste.
G. Q. READ, Secretary.
F1rmr7le, Va, Dag 10Th, 1869.