The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1904-11-04

faithful and successful work up to
the present time. 1t is appropriate
that this hall should bear the name Of
Holland. for the foundation Of this
structure was undoubtedly laid by
the wise. unrenitting, undiscourag-
able labors OF President George W.
Holland. I was in a position to be a
direct witness Of much Of his most sue
cessful work. AS the years pass by.
the personality OF DR.. Holland is
assuming ever larger proportions in
my memory and estimation. I re-
joice to see his worthy name give dis
tinction to this edihce. And if ever
the opportunity comes. will count
it a happiness to be present at the
dedication OF another building along
side of this. that shall be honored
with the designation Cromcr Hail.
1t is hard for me. when speaking on
any occasion, to get out Of the habit
OF the preacher. always like to
have some kind Of text as fulcrur1
for MY thoughts But if now I cali
to your minds a Bible text, it is not
mere convenience There is an
appropriateness in it, which I will
explain before I close these remarks.
David, we are told, after he had
served his generation by the will of
God, fell on sleep. Different peo-
pie seek different things in life. But
the truest, noblest idea Of life is like
David to serve ones generation by
the will of God And is not this the
whole purpose OF education, to pre-
pare the young to serve their genera
ton? This implies that the school
shall not only educate for an ideal
Of life, but that in its work it shall
keep close to the life Of the age. On
this theme I wish to present few
thoughts, for which I claim no origin
ality, but wich are likely to be all
the more useful on that account.
The school in close touch with life,
preparing men and women to serve
their generation-Thi believe is the
supreme thought of the foremost ed
ucators of the present day. And it
is so prominent in the minds Of edu-
Gators because it is pressed upon
them by the spirit of the age. Insti-
tutions OF learning, however idealistic
in their aspirations they may be, can
not separate themselves from the di-
rectly felt wants of the people. And
should they. In an age Of democracy,
especially in a democratic country
like this, the popular demand will
reach the ear OF those who are think
ing of what kind of men and women
the next generation is to be, and will
compel recognition in the whole
series of schools from the primary
grades to the university.
This is illustrated in the purely ex-
ternal matter of the location Of COL
leges. universities, and even a theo-
logical seminary. Time was when
such institutions were by preference
located in the country The students
were for time consigned to a life
of almost monastic seclusion. A.
nice quiet place for study was con-
sidered a particular advantage, if
not a prime essential. Now we are
changing all that A nice quiet place
is no longer considered the best place
for study, but a busy place, where
life is most varied, complex, and in
tense. Observation is valued high
er for real study than quiet reflection;
actual contact with things than nedi-
tation Therefore the tendency is
to plant the great schools in or near
the great cities.
The student of this day is not
rec1use, nor is he to be trained to
be merely a scholar, not even preemi-
nently scholar, but worker. What
is successfully educated college
graduate? Not one who has accumu-
lated good stock Of knowledge, who
can read languages, ancient Or mod
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