Evening star., 1900-04-18

otl dilSe DIS IL Iilay SceIt " ILLS
who think of Mr.. Jefferson as Indifferent to
religion have the pleasure Of telling you
that If you will favor us with a visit to the
University of Virginia we will show you
Thomas Jefferson's earnest plea in his own
handwriting for the teaching of the Bible
to the students of the University of Vir-
ginia. am aware that skepticism, and even
agnosticism, Is very prevalent in many of
our state universities. This l regret ex-
ceedingy, but while such men as Noah K.
Davis, in the department of philosophy;
Frances Smith. in the department of phys
les; Col Peters. in the department of attn,
and DR.. Charles w. Kent, in the depart
ment of literature. have voice in the
councils of the University of Virginia It
will stand for the highest religious culture
OF her students as well as their intellectual
training and physical development. This.
of course, with the understanding that the
Bible teaching shall be unsectarian and
supported by the gifts of Individual Chris
tlans and not by the state"
The Bible In Colleges.
Rev. DR.. VIM. M. Foster, jr. president of
the Rust University at Holly Springs,
Miss, presented a paper along the same
line, his subject being THE College as an
Agency for Biblical Instruction. In the
course of his remarks, DR.. Foster said:
college life and the college curriculum
have greatly changed in the past twenty
years. 1t has been the transition from the
unutiiitarian and introspective to the utili-
tartan and observant methods. The simple
and concrete is now the beginning point,
and the process as toward abstraction and
generalities, instead of the reverse order.
The successful college of today accepts as
ITS duty the training of students to see
things as they are and to live a real life
in a real world.
Amy other college man Is at a discount
among practical men. Keen-sighted busi-
ness men have rejected the young man edu-
Gated under the old system. because he
comes forth with bis tntrospective habit
and stands with. his Back to the real world
They have not been satisfied to simply re-
fuse him place iH their employ, but have
been very particular TO give their reasons
for this. One ofthem has stated this obiec-
uon thus: No, the college man Is not will
ing to begin at the bsttom. He looks down
on all business as duh and unattractive.'
Training for Practical Ends.
THE new education calls to our colleges
men who know the world. They have spe-
cialized In sociology, in commerce and In
national questions. They have studied rail-
roads, applied sciences, manufacturing.
mining, the science OF government and
diplomatic relations among the nations of
the world. Nature has changed the ques-
ton OF education from the training of
mind for its own pleasure, to training for
Therefore We have a new estimate put on
education and life. The influence of this
new education ts felt most potently In the
improved conditions Of our schools Of all
grades, public and denominational. There
Is q corresponding necessity for especial
Bible Is the most efficient because of the
vital force Of Its methods, for 1t shows us
the great plan and teaching OF Jesus. the
greatest teacher. Not only His manner o1