The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-10-27

JecI AS De10re lntlm". <not. o nf6, 1el
thopagA
observation-disclosures
that evangelical influence should be D0dgs'U
to bear, in the process of education, upon
the mind and heart of the candidate for the
sacred desk. Let it be remembered that
call to preach the Gospel reaches the con-
science, most frequently, whilst the student
is undergoing his educational training
Without undertaking in the least the infu-
ences of home and family, the student must
be trained at college in the nurture and ad-
monition of the Lord. Trained, as we
Presbyterians would say, in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord, according to the
Truth, as we understand it. Now how is
such training to be secured What mode
of education is best adapted to this end
Can it be- best secured by abolishing denom-
national colleges and merging them in one
magnificent University? We cannot think
So IF it were possible to endow such an
institution, we might claim to be patrons of
learning-the dispensers of light to an ad
miring world,-b we apprehend we would
fail to provide an evangelical ministry. The
influence of the moral element, in order to
control the merely intellectual, must be di'
rect uniform, and persistent. 1t should be
found in the recitation room, in the cam
pus, in the private intercourse of instructor
and pupils, and in text books; as we'll as in
the formal services of the chapel. This in
huence can be effectively exerted in the more
unpretending, yet thorough institutions, DE-
rectly under the control of our Presbyteries
and Synods; such as are in name and in
fact denominational; such as are open to
all, but patronised mainly by religious par
entS and guardians, and therefore not ex-
posed to the corruptions of wealth, or pride,
or station. The advantages of these colleges
are within the means of all, yet would be
sustained mainly by the poor and pious.-
The ministry Of the Gospel but rarely come
out from the families of the rich and power
full. These seek for their sons the distinc-
tion Of a diploma from renowned Universi-
ties, and amongst other reasons, because in
them religion is either ignored, or recog-
nised as decent, genteel formality. Divine
truth should be the guardian Angel OF char
acter, and walk hand in hand with the young
pilgrim, in all the paths of learning-ever
present, always vigilant, soothing, persua-
sive, and protecting. We hold that it is
practicable to secure religious influence
through education, in colleges-such as Ogle-
thorpe was, ard Davidson is, directly and
continuously under the control of the
Church. But how would it be with. one
grand broad University, governed by the
General Assembly? Such an institution
would be too far from the peOple-a 'cold
and distant glory-to be gazed at with ad-
miration but not felt Its costly administra-
ton would involve the necessity of secular
patronage, and secular patronage would in
volve necessarily, unevangelcal influences.
1t is true, historically, that no institutions
like that proposed by DR.. Lyon, has contin-
ued to be for any length of time, the nursery
of evangelical pietyHN ssrtainly not the par
ent of ministerial Sff1 IssSrss1jbs limita
proper to tins article Hslot permit US to en-
large upon these propositions"
In point of fact, are there not several in
stitutions of learning of the highest order
now in successful operation in the Southern
States, where our young men who have the
means can be thoroughly equipped for any
of the professions of life? One of the finest
scholars of the age has said that student
can be as we'll educated at the University of
Virginia, the University of Georgia, or even
at Davidson College, N. c., as anywhere in
the world We seriously doubt whether the
Presbyterian Church South could, in quar-
ter of century, endow literary institution
that would afford to the public higher
standard of scholarship than is enjoyed at
those famous seats of learning which have
just been mentioned. Is it wise then to ex-
pend immense sums of money in procuring
those educational advantages which can be
easily and freely shared without this prodi-
gous drain upon the resources of the
Church? From the foregoing considerations,
and others that might be mentioned, we find
it difficult to resist the impression that this
whole scheme of great Presbyterian Uni
versity is magnificent vision so far in the
future that the men of this generation will
all have fallen asleep before it becomes an
emil odied existence. But we do frankly de-
clare that, if our Presbyterian people still
resolve to undertake this great work, we will
cheerfully give it all the pecuniary and NOR
al support in our power.