The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-11-17

ters ana sessions should see that full
contribution Is made.
The Rev. DR.. Pryor made some re-
marks In commentator of the cause
presented by the Secretary of Education.
He thought the present system emlnently
wise and, indeed, necessary.
The Rev. John A. Preston offered the
following resolutions, which were dis
cussed till the hour of adjournment-2:3O
P. NJ.
RESOLVED. l. That this Synod has heard with
pleasure and profit DIR. Richardson, Secretary of
Education, and recommends to all her Presby-
terles and churches cordial support of the
cause of Education
2. That the Synod urges her Presbyteres in
every case to exercise the utmost care to see
that the appropriation is actually needed, and
that the applicant gives fair promise of useful
ness before candidates are recommended for aid
LEND THEM THE MONEY.
The Rev. DR.. Murkland thought that
the system of beneficiary education need
ed thorough revision. We should see
that we build upon the right foundation.
He would encourage elt.help. He was
in favor of supplying literally the aid
needed, but as loan. He thought the
failure of the Church to respond fully to
the appeals for the amount needed for this
cause was because of an underlying senti-
ment against beneficiary education as now
conducted. He favored competitive ex-
aminations and the giving of aid to those
who proved themselves most competent
and worthy.
Rev. j. A. Preston thought it unwise
to take any steps that would unsettle
work as now conducted. He objected to
70 | H. IL
ground that very few churches are able
to give such salaries as to enable them to
repay the loan. He urged greater care
IN the selection of candidates for the min
istry. The source of the evil complained
of is here, and not in the giving of aid to
the needy.
GIVE 1T TO THEM.
The Rev. B. M. Smith, D. D., of the
Union Theological Seminary, advocated
the resolutions offered by Mr.. Preston.
Having had the fullest opportunity for
observation, he was prepared so say that,
as between those who educated them
selves and those who were educated by
the Church, he saw no difference in favor
of either class, whether as regards their
work In the seminary or their success in
the ministry. He thought, however, that
greater care should be exercised by the
Presbyteries in receiving candidates, and
that there be more vigilant oversight
after they are received under the care of
the Presby teries.
Major L. j. kirkpatrick favored doing
more instead of less in aiding candidates
for the ministry. If the churches would
afford the means, he would wish to be
able to say to any man commended by
his Session and by the Presbytery who is
willing to devote himself for life to this
work do not hold back for want of means.
The United States Government educated
candidates for positions in the army and
navy. Did this beneficiary education
take away the manliness of Robert E.
Lee, Stonewall Jackson, or of others in
the United States army and navy? Do
not be misled by the fact that there are
some failures. There will be some fail
ures in every vocation.
DIR. Murkland explained that he did
not wish to be understood as opposed to
aiding candidates. He only sought ga
more excellent way" He wished some
system by which the unsuitable could be
thrown out In their course of training.
He deprecated having a young man pass
through his course of education to find,
after entering the ministry, that he had
answered some other mans call.
The Rev. T. P. Ramsey thought it
would be proper to support fully all
candidates for the ministry, but weed out
by proper examinations the unfit.
DISCUSSED FIFTY YEARS AGO.
DR.. Pryor said the question as to
whether the aid supplied should be a
loan or a gift had been discussed fifty
years ago between Andover and Prince
ton. The settled policy of the Presby-
terian Church is that the aid be a gift
and not debt. For young man to en-
ter the ministry hampered with debt is
crushing to his energies. Moreover, if a
man Is willing to consecrate his talent
and energy to the work oil the Church, it
is little as the Church can do to give him
the support he needs whilst preparing
for that work
DR.. Pitzer would give caution against
danger growing out of offering aid to
candidates. We need at least 500 more
candidates. If we could make the offer
of the means for the education Of tnat
number and proclaim the offer through
the land, there would be no lack Of ap-
plicants, but would they be suited for the
work p
GENERAL BUSINESS.
The papers in case of appeal coming