The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1906-06-15

whims Of the people. We sometimes
wonder, why there is seemingly less
feeling in religion; there is not less
true feeling, but there is larger ap,
peal to reason.
The dearth Of ministers in the Lu-
theran church is a subject of vital
Importance. The church needs many
things, but her greatest need is more
young men preparing to preach the
gospel. Our theological seminary
has been increasing year by year in
efficiency but all the while there has
been q steady decline Of the number
Of young men in attendance. Forty
thousand communicates in the South
ern church, only eight young men in
the seminary, not enough to supply
the places Of those who die. Vacan-
cies must be filled by creating vacan-
cies. Strong churches are calling but
there are no men. No longer is the
question, who will we get, but can
we get any one. In 1884 there were
484 students in the theological SEM
inrics Of the Presbyterian church.
In 1901, only 288, n decline Of 40
per cent. The church gave earnest
heed to the reasons for this condi-
ton and there has been a slight in
crease. In 1903 in the theological
seminaries Of the Lutheran church
there were 1885 students. In 1906,
only 910, within three years a de-
crease Of 375. Twelve years ago there
was one applicant out Of every $50
communicate. Now, only one out
Of every II. What is the remedy9
OF course every one will say: "Pray
yc the Lord Of the harvest, that he
may send forth laborers into the har-
vest" Prayer is not substitute
for efficiency. Pra yer must be ac-
companied by search. The church
prays too much with it's eyes closed;
she prays "Send men," Christ an
swers, "Open your eyes and look for
them" Seek men, wheref Where
has she the right to seek save. in
that institution which has the same
aim as itself. Where does the Luth-
eran church look7 To that institu-
tiOn on the Hill.
"The Lutheran church, born in
Il university, always standing for an
educated ministry and laity, has yet
been outstripped in the race for
Christian education by religious bod
les that once esteemed them not so
highly, yet have come, through ex-
pcrience, to realize their absolute
necessity. The Christian teacher and
Christian preacher should stand hand
i'll hand and side by side, and when
the church realizes that God calls
men, not Independently of, but
through the church, when she seeks,
calls, sends forth, supports men,
there will be no dearth of ministers.
Let the alumni and friends Of New
berry college, the Christian preach
ers and teachers bow themselves to
the earth, like Gustavus Adolphus
on the field Of Lutzen, say "We
flight together, 0 God"
DR.. J. w. Daniels Address.
Rev. J. w. Daniel, d. D., Of Colum-
bia, an alumnus Of the college, was
the next speaker. He said in part
"I was asked, in speaking to you
today, to represent those who went
forth from you among strangers. I
am glad to be present; glad to bring
the greetings from the strangers
scattered abroad who received here
their instruction and then went out |
to give instruction to barbarians.
These have received us and treated |
lis well. We have never had occa-
sion to feel otherwise than proud Of |
the institution that sent us out. I |
note the improvements made since
we were boys-a long time since we
were boys gathered about our moth
er's knee. We note that she has not
only brought forth sons, but daugh.
ers and that many sisters have grown