The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-06-02
SIXTH DAY

Authority of the Deliverances of Church
Courts-A Speech by Dr. Girardeau-
The Assembly Declines to Take any
Further Action on the Subject of
worldly Amusements-Fhe Theolog-
ical Seminaries.
DR.. kirkpatrick, of the committee on theolog-
ical seminaries, reported that they found nothing
IN the condition OF the Union Theological Semi
nsries calling for special action. The committee
recommend the adoption of the following min
ute:
The General Assembly acknowledges the
courtesy OF the trustees in laying theirrepo be-
fore the body and heartily unites in the tribute of
thanksgiving to the Ggeat Head of the Church for
HIS continued favor to the beloved institution
over which they preside
The report was adopted.
The committee on theological seminaries made
the following report:
The Presbytery of Tuscaloosa respectfully
overtures the General Assembly of the Presbyte.
ran Church to convene in Charleston, s.. c., on
the 2Oth day of May, 1880, asking the Assembly
to consider the propriety and practicability of
so arranging the course of study of our eandi-
dates for the university that our theological
students may be required to spend six months of
each year or period approximating that, in
active service in the vacant churches or in desti
tute neighborhoods. We are aware that the
subject has already been before the Assembly
but IN view of the facts lst, that it has never
been very fully discus sed, and ID that there is
an extensive desire in the Church for some such
variation from our present method of training
our min ,ste:s--we ask orarenewel consideration
oil H. The complaint is frequently urged that
our young men on being licensed to preach are.
from their long confinement to strictly scholastic
pursuits and their comparative privation of con
tact with the people, often if not generally de-
hclent in that practical knowledge and tact which
are necessary to give them free access to the
people and facility in the active work of the
ministry. 1t is believed that ifthev could spend
half or nearly half Of the last two wears of the
preparatory course in supplying vacant churches
and other destitute fields with such instructions
and other religious exercises as they could con-
duct they would acquire much practical knowl-
edge of the work before them and that their
studies at the seminary would be rendered more
profitable to them
Another benefit, not wholly incidental to such
plan, would be the supply with gospel privi-
eges OF large numbers of people whom we are at
present unable to furnish with a regularly H.
censed ministry. 1t is believed also, that this
work could be so guided and controlled as to
avoid the evils which pertain to an unordained
ministry. The experiment has often been made
on small scale, and we believe with acceptance
and profit and without giving rise to complaint
or alleged abuse But the Presbytery do not
assume to argue the question: we simply state a
view quite prevalent, and we think growing in
our Church and we trust the subject will not be
summarily dismissed
With respect to the subjects in the foregoing
overture, the committee recommend that the
General Assembly decline to express any opin
lon. The first, namely, the terms of study in
our theological seminaries, it would seem most
judicious to leave to the experience and sound
discretion Of the directors Of these institutions
The second, namely, the employment Of students
of theology during their vacations, in supply
ing vacant churches, properly belongs to the
Presbyteries
The committee on theological seminaries sub
mitted their report on the third annual report
OF the Tuscaloosa Institute for training colored
ministers. This Institute is in an encouraging
condition. The sessions have been lengthened
TO ten months. large and Aourishing Sabbath
School is connected with the Institute During
the past year the Institute received 81 .378 O9
and expended $l,149.85. leaving a balance in
the treasury Of $2,114.17, which amount will
be necessary for the running expenses of the
present year. The most economical measures
have been used in the conduct of the school
which s gaining upon the confidence of the min
isters and people. The committee report very
gratifying evidence Of efficiency and prudence
IN the conduct Of the institute during the past
year on the part Of the executive committee and