The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

quickly assumed that each Synod must have
it's own College-in some even more than
one. 1t was overlooked that in the present
advancement of knowledge it would require
a very large endowment to equip College
so as to meet the requirements of science,
and the practical demands of the age. An
insufficient endowment necessitated, In every
case, resort to expedients and shifts which
exposed these institutions to an amount of
public criticism exceedingly prejudicial to
their interests. Besides this, the small pa
tronage which each could draw from its own
limited circle, and the tremendous draft upon
the pulpit to officer so many Seminaries-
these, and other causes, effectually prevented
them all from achieving that measure OF
prosperity and usefulness anticipated by
their founders. I am, therefore, free tor
myself, to confess that do not regret the
loss sustained in the wreck of all these par
tial endowments, if it shall lead to the con-
viction of this sad mistake, and to such a
combination of influence and wealth as will
secure single central institution, worthy of
the Presbyterian name." Letter in the
South. Western Presbyterian.
And further on in the same article he ex-
presses himself as having "the clearest con-
viction," ''that if the error be perpetuated
of sustaining large number of feeble and
sickly colleges, nothing but disaster and dis
appointment will occur>at the end"
This short review of the situation of
Presbyterian education in the South, its past
and its future, from such sources, is well
deserving the thoughtful and prayerful re-
gard of those with whom is the decision Of
the question under consideration. With all
respect, we scarce think the showing pre-
sented much encourages Prof Martins idea
of securing a $500, ,000' endowment of
each of these Synodical schools, in addition
to the ''two Millions and more, which he
proposes for the University. Still, we agree
with him, that even all is not impossible, if
the Church would only believe it, and arouse
itself, in the light of its whole duty, to the
full measure of its strength, in behalf of the
immortal minds and souls of the youth of
this broad land.
The length of this article precludes more
than notice of Prof. Martin last position,
that with our University, the College still
claims an indispensable place"
This assumption demands, first, that a
University, from its nature and character is
resort only for College graduates. The
facts, we think, are to the contrary, both in
this country and in Europe. Whatever may
have been Mr.. Jefferson's original plan with
regard to the University of Virginia, to
which Prof. Martin refers, so far from it be-
ing true, that it is fed to any appreciable
extent by the graduates of other Colleges,
it is a fact that very many youth resort
thither whose requirements would not give
them place in the lowest class of one Of
our frst-rate Colleges, while the English
and German Universities are, respectively,
supplied with students almost altogether
from the Grammar school, and "Gymna-
sia." Now, Dr. McCaSh says: "That
American College graduates are, on the
whole, about equal in scholarship to those of
the European Universities Nevertheless,
to sustain Prof. Martins theory, we will
grant that the Grammar schools and
'Gymnasia' are the full equals in their re-
quirements of our Colleges. Still, to estab
lish the claim of the College to an ''indis
pensable place" in our system, it must be
taken for granted that our University is of
necessity to conform in its nature and con
duct, in all respects, to those of the old
world; which is gratuitous assumption
The Assembly, or the "Assembly's Direc-
tory" may conclude rather in favor of the
combination, n,-COllege University, or Uni
versity- College idea, as more in accord with
our American ideas and the wants of our
people. Something such, only on grander
scale, as Princeton bids fair to be in ten
years under President McCosh.
But sir, in conclusion, whatever lesser
opinions may divide us, with spirit of
Christian candor and kindness let US conSid-
er them, holding uncompromisingly fast to
one idea, and that the one grand one, that
the Southern Presbyterian Church shall,
forthwith, have at least the sure foundation
of the grand Institution, that to the glory
of God and the good of men, shall lead the
education Of the South, in it's mighty dosti,
ny, through the coming years. Let us Pres
byterians not despair or doubt of its accom-
plshment. We can if we wiU ! "Now, there
fore, perform the doing of it -
LAYMAN.
Christ Cares for the Body