Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-03-03

BAPTIST EDUCATION OoNvEN1ION
Remarks of nr. Royce.


to briefly yesterday:
DR.. Boyce stated that the Baptists had al
ways been the friends of education and es-
pecially of theological education. That he
would like to show the fact from the his
tory Of the past were it not that matters of
more practical mement demanded atten-
ton tonight. That this had been shown
however, in connection with the origin of
all Baptist institutions of this country, par
ticularly at the South. Every effort
had been based upon pleas of ministerial
education and to secure this all the col
leges for general education had been proiec-
ted In the specialmatter of theological educa-
ton Southern efforts for the concentration OF
theological education were begun soon after
the separation of the Northernand Southern
Baptists. 1t began in Tennessee, in the
city of Nashville in the Tennessee Baptist,
then conducted by Rev. DR.. Howell
and Rev. Mr.. Graves. The occasion was
the dissolution of the Covington Seminary.
The suggestion was then made to concen-
trate all efforts on this behalf in one insti-
tuition for the Southwest. The Baptists of
the Southeast proposed to unite with them
and make one institution for the whole
South. This was discussed in meetings
held in convention with the Southern Bap-
fist Convention in 1910, 1851 and 1853, but
the movement failed, it being found impos-
sible to remove the rivalry Of different in
terests and unite all TIE funds in the South
for theological education in our institution.
The effort which gave rise to the present
institution was based upon the failure OF
that. A committee was appointed during a
session of the Virginia Baptist General As
ISOLATION by some brethren to reagitate the
question during the session of the Southern
Baptist Convention at Montgomery, in 1855.
They called meeting which was attended
by very few persons. But these called a
meeting at Augusta, Ga, in May, 1856,
which was numerously attended. By that
meeting offers were invited to be presented
at another meeting held at Louisville, in
1857, at which all parties were harmOnized
and il was unanimously agreed that while
the work heretofore done in the other institu-
ton would be continued all would unite in
establishing one theological institution of
the highest grade possible.
The endowment was easily secured.
South Carolina raised one hundred thous-
and dollars, and nearly the same amount
was obtained elsewhere. Thus the endoW-
ment then proposed was secured. But
this endowment was to be paid in 1S61-62-
SO, and as a matter of course was collected
in Confederate money, and was lost; of THAT
not thus paid but small amount has been
paid since.
Since the war the institution has gone
through severe struggles, but its success
under such circumstances shows the great
love Of the Baptists for it.
The origin Of the movement to remove
came from the West. We were told, "You
ought to come West, if 50, we will endow
the Seminary, and you will have all the
students you can teach" We are now
willing to come. Is the West ready to give
us the endowment? The advantages We
seek are an ample endowment and an eligi-
bic location.
propose then to show why the Baptists
of Tennessee should be willing to help en-
dow this Institution.
l. They are in common with all others
interested in whatever will conduce to the
common good.
1. That the advantages already gained in
this Institution should not be lost.
a. In their withdrawal from this work
ola faculty already fitted for the instruction
they are giving by ten years of special
study.
(2.) In the loss of the prestige already
gained for the work of theological educa-
ton by this institution.
81 The loss of the advantages secured
in the affections Of the Baptists and their
special confidence. These this Institution
has in the highest degree.
2. If this Institution goes down, how
many years must elapse before any persons
will take heart to begin another?
a. Especially if the trials and sacrifices
which have been endured should be known.
The present faculty could never have had
heart to encounter them had they known
them beforehand; but lead insensibly by
God through His grace and providence, the
Red Sea has been passed even upon dry
ground.
o. When again viii it be possible to
unite the whole South upon one institution?
We have been congratulated at the North
upon the fact of this concentration which
is impossible with them.
8. 1t is possible that if another should be
established that it will not be upon the same
plan with this. The plan of this is pecu-
liar. 1t unites in one seminary students of
all grades, from that of merely a good Eng
lish education to that Of graduates of our
best colleges. The best education is af-
forded to those who can take it. A COM
petent education in ordinary pastoral work
is afforded even to those of merely English
preparation, who in these studies are in the
same classe as those of better preparation.
This plan has met general approval-uni-
Versally almost among Southern Baptists-
and has been initiated in part in other
schools. Now if seminary is hereafter
established it may not be on this basis, but
on the plans of our Northern Baptist Semi
naries, so much objected to by DR.. Way
land and others.
4. What is to become of the ministry in
the interval between the downfall of the
one and the establishment of the other?
Those desiring theological education will
have no place at which to obtain it. Be-
side this, the presence of the Seminary leads
men to desire to obtain this education. 1t
is also means under God of increasing the
All of the above is true as to Tennessee |
Baptists, without referring to any question
of location here. All Baptists must feel the |
form of this. But
Ii. There are special reasons which af-
feet the State in which the seminary is To-
Gated, and which should lead Tennessee !
earnestly to desire it.
l. Her own ministry will secure in the |
greatest possible degree the advantages |
common to all.
2. That State becomes the held In which |
q large number of pious men are labOring /
every Sunday. What would be the value |
of 800 men thus laboring in NashviIle-at
least would they not be equal to thirty adj
ditional pastors.
3. The churches of the State viii also be
most rapidly built up.
4. The best of the young ministry will
either be kept here or will be brought back,
even after entering other fields.
The above are all religious advantages.
They appeal to all men desiring the best
moral influences in the country.
But - they especially appeal to
Baptists whose cause will more particularly !.
be- built up. But there are
III. Secular advantages:
l. In having men of learning in special
department for special consultation upon
subjects made matter Uf extensive study.
2. In their general literary culture and
the influence it will produce on the COM
munity.
8. In the advice and aid they can give in
matters of public interest, especially in
education. This would be specifically i'm