The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1878-02-20
OIL ON Tue TROUBLED WATERS
The University and the Denomlna-
tional College Placed in their Rcla.
tive Position.
Extract from Il Speech delivered by
Gen. MCGOWAN, at Due West
Twenty Years Ago.

We present to Il readers the following
extract from Il printed speech delivered
at Due West by General S. MCGOWAN in
lSl1. 1t contains the gist of the argument
in favor Of the University, and at the
sam time it acoOrds due praise to the
Dcnolninational colleges.
The differences which exist amongst
christians in respect to doctrine and
church government, even when they
agree in the essentials Of christianity,
have separated them into distinct Socic-
ties, known aS denominations. Some of
these societies, integral portions Of our
people and mostly good citizens, apprc-
ciating the advantages of education, de-
string that their children should be cdu-
Gated under wholesome, moral and rcll-
gious influences, and prcierring that
these influences should partake of the
tiugc and character Of their own peculiar
tcnrts, have established amongst us
schools and colleges. These institutions,
though purely literary in thoir organizl-
ton, from the circumstances of their ORR
gin, are called unconditional. Each of
these, the ~iavoritc of Il particular por-
ton Of our people, sustained like he re-
ligiouS worship with which it is connect
cd, by voluntary contributions, and diff
fuSing mingled rays of light and heat,
knowledge and morality owe this our
blessed and happy land, is a fit and prop
CT object for appreciation, encouragement,
esteem and praise. AS "thc hills of Par
nassus arc provcrblllly barrcn,' 1t is
right that a hearty 'wctl-donc' should be
accorded to those who incur cost and re-
,,n,,,l;t;f,, fn, In n,nntol mud ,1rf.,l r1l
tire OF youth, 1t is all-important that
we should have institutions of learning
accessible to al whilst it is Of less con-
sequence what particular denominations
of evangelical christians Shall establish
and govern them. It is bcttcrto have ed
ucation tingcd with denominational, or,
if YOU please. Scctarian Influences, than
not to have it at all. The principle OF
church association, which is SO strong,
should be encouraged to include cduca-
ton within the scope Of It's operations.
OF this sentiment we should make the
strongest of allies for the noblcst Of pur-
poses.
This connection between religious de-
nominations and general education must
not, however, be pressed to the GNtrclIie
opinion, that denominational schools and
colleges should alone be encouraged, and
that the whole duty of educating the pco-
pie should he committed to those who dl-
rect and control them. The paramount
importance to the State, of popular cdllca-
ton, makes it proper to employ all wor-
thy and available means for the attain
ment of All end so desirable. But the
State knows no organized societies, fur
tllrr than to protect them in their rights.
The members of all, as well as those who
are members of none, are equally her
citizens, and in the education Of all her
citizens she has an interest so great that
il is necessary for her to preserve Il con-
troll over the whole subject. This she
must do to secure the symmetry of Il
general system; TO put within the reach
of all, at least the elements OF acknowledge !;
to place upon Il sure foundation the high
est, yet least popular branches OF learn
ing-thOSr which are essential to progress
but are not directly remuncrativc; and
to afford certainly, beyond the chance of
accident, within llcr'own borders, an OPP
p%ortunity for I'LL her youth of competent
means to obtain Il liberal education ut Il
Central Seminary, which may stimulate
and elevate all others, and in which, with
out distinction Of sect or section, all may
feel the patriotic and illuminating inilu-
cncc of acounnlon brotherhood.
The public is indebted to the State of
South Carolina, the common mother of
us all, for the encouraging sanctions
given by law IL this institution in every
phase of its progress, from a common
school to it's present high rank, under the
liberal charter of 1850, which was the first
ever granted by the State to a dcnomina-
tional college.
The public is largely indebted to those
liberal citizens, of whatever society Or
denomination they may be, who have
voluntarily contributed their own means
70 rear this college and place it III our
midst, where, like aSreat irrigating iounS
tain, it pours forth over the country min
elcd streams cfintclligcnce, morality and
religion.